Chapter 4

The Underground

Asriel

Walking through the bustling streets of Home, one could easily forget the tumultuous history that brought us to the underground. Most of our kind do. As for me, born into this subterranean realm, I belong to the first generation of monsters untouched by the horrors of war. Yet, my status as a royal has exposed me to the tales and remnants of that dark era for years on end.

Despite our past, life in the underground is thriving. Families create unique homes, and the streets are filled with vibrancy. Sometimes I wonder if we have an advantage over the humans in this way.

Above us, the cave ceiling stretches, adorned with twinkling globugs that mimic a starry night sky. It's a breathtaking sight. But we remain trapped in this eternal night. I want the sun's warm embrace. My father tells stories of it, and I've seen its glow in a hidden cavern of the royal castle. A patch of flowers basks in its heavenly light. When my mind grows heavy, I seek solace there, tending to the flowers. Growing my own little garden.

Approaching the far wall of Home, my eyes lift to the Royal Stage—a balcony carved into the rock. My parents occasionally address the underground from there, offering encouragement and updates. It feels odd to be a royal; I don't want to feel special or distant from our people. They are my kin, and I stand with them, not above them. My parents share this sentiment, but the weight of the "royal" status hangs in the air...

I step into the vibrant pavilion, the pulsating heart of Home that thrives with bustling commerce and vibrant community in the depths of the underground. The air is filled with the harmonious symphony of voices and the melodic tunes of street musicians, weaving a tapestry of sound that envelops me. Stalls and shops line the purple Ebotstone pathways, displaying an array of colorful wares, from handcrafted trinkets to mouthwatering treats that tease the senses. The people I pass, their faces painted with warmth and familiarity, greet me with smiles and nods, intertwining their lives with mine in this communal space. Engaging in snippets of conversation and friendly banter, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of our underground existence.

Despite the weariness that tugs at my limbs after the journey from Hotland, the infectious energy of the pavilion propels me forward. Navigating through the crowd, I set my sights uphill toward Castle Street—the Royal Scientist entrusted me with important documents to give Mom.

Reaching the top of Castle Street, I knock on the massive castle doors. Calling it a castle feels like an overstatement; there are no towering spires or looming towers that dominate the streets of Home. Instead, it's a labyrinth of halls and rooms meticulously carved into the central cavern wall. The doors, fashioned from the purple stone, proudly bear our royal crest—the Delta Rune. This symbol, a winged circle with alternating triangles beneath, was created by a monster historian long ago to represent our kind and our struggles. Since our banishment to the underground, monsters have imbued it with prophetic meaning: the winged orb symbolizing an angel from above, the triangles signifying monsters and the diverse underground biomes. The angel's purpose is to liberate monsters, tearing down the barrier and emptying the underground.

I think that it was just made in a way to be aesthetically pleasing. But, what do I know?

At eye level, a viewport slides open, revealing the piercing gaze of a Knight Knight, one of our loyal guardians.

"Ah, Prince Asriel, please come in!" a voice beckons.

A smaller door creaks open, granting me passage. Stepping through, I find myself in a courtyard adorned with underground foliage that beautifully mimics the texture and hue of grass. Vines gracefully cascade down the walls, intertwining in a natural tapestry that adds a touch of ethereal charm to the surroundings.

Ahead lies the grand main hall, its entrance branching off into three distinct paths. The center one leads straight towards the heart of my Home, beckoning me forward.

Reaching the imposing front doors, I push them open and step inside, immediately enveloped in a tantalizing symphony of aromas. The air carries the heavenly scent of freshly baked butterscotch pie and succulent roast Feeb, a delicacy we have ingeniously reverse-engineered from the knowledge of human cuisine.

The fragrant notes of sweet and savory mingle, tantalizing my senses and evoking a deep sense of contentment. The scent alone transports me to a place of warmth and familiarity, a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience that has allowed us to adapt and thrive in the underground.

"Mom!" I yell out, holding up the papers. "I've got something for you!"

Her voice echoes happily from the left. "Come meet me in the kitchen, dear!"

Passing through the cozy living room, I enter our small kitchen. It defies the typical grandeur expected of royalty, but my parents preferred a warm and intimate home. Honestly, I prefer it this way too, over a vast empty space.

"The science team wanted me to deliver these to you," I say, handing her the papers and envelope. "They mentioned something about meat synthesis updates and other 'classified information'."

"Ah, yes! I'm thrilled to hear about their progress. Thank you, dear." She steps away from the stove, eagerly taking the papers. "This just needs a moment to simmer. I'm making roast Feeb again! I recall how much you and Gory enjoyed it the last time."

My mother's cooking has always set the bar for me, considering I've never tasted human food. While Dad often waxes poetic about the wonders of human cuisine, nothing compares to the simple joy of telling Mom that her food reigns supreme. It's the ultimate compliment. Regardless, I'm grateful that we have such delicious meals down here in the underground.

"Of course, Mom. Your cooking is always incredible," I sincerely compliment her.

She chuckles. "Oh, thank you, honey. By the way, the food still needs some time. Why don't you go spend a moment with the flowers? I know how much you love it out there."

A smile spreads across my face at the mention of the flowers. The vibrant blossoms and the gentle touch of sunlight create an extraordinary sensation that sets them apart from the rest of the underground. Observing the small garden thrive, all thanks to my care and effort, evokes a captivating feeling I can't quite put into words—a feeling that I absolutely adore.

"It'll be ready in about an hour. Go ahead. Don't forget your tools!" she cheerfully informs me.

I make my way to the storage area, where Dad and I set up my gardening cart. Rolling it through the back halls of the castle, I enter a cavern that stretches taller than it does wide. Sunlight streams down, casting an ethereal glow upon the vibrant flowers that fill the space. My gaze instinctively rises to the ceiling, where a radiant light pours through a hole, enveloping the entire chamber. Sometimes, if you listen closely, you can catch faint echoes of distant human life. Today, those echoes seem louder than usual. As my eyes lower, they lock onto a sight that takes my breath away.

There, lying motionless, a lifeless figure that bears no visible harm. I lean in, attempting to comprehend what I'm witnessing...

It's... a human?! How did a human find their way down here?

I pause, considering the situation. I must help, but will anyone be willing? Not many monsters have a fondness for humans. And would the human even want our assistance? Do they desire rescue?

My thoughts race back to Dad, who always recounted fond stories of humans. If there's anyone who would extend a helping hand, it would be him. I sprint back through the castle halls, returning to our Home where Mom awaits in the living room.

"Mom, where's Dad?" I inquire, striving to conceal my growing urgency.

"Well, I believe he's occupied with the Knights. Why do you ask?" She responds casually.

I quickly compose myself, searching for an excuse. "Oh, I completely forgot I had something for him too! Yeah!" I say, attempting to maintain an appearance of calm as I swiftly exit the door.

"Well, I'm not sure if he wants to be disturbed—" her words trail off as I hasten away.

I make my way back through the castle halls, taking a right turn into the bustling Barracks. The door is shut, muffled conversations emanating from within. They must be enjoying their weekend feast. I knock on the door, urgency in my actions.

No answer. I knock again. Come on, Dad...

Finally, the door cracks open, revealing a curious Madjick poking its head out.

"Oh, Prince Asriel! How delightful to see you today! We're in the midst of our feast. Do you need something?" It greets me eloquently.

"Yes! Is, uh, Asgore in there?" I inquire hurriedly.

"Why, yes, indeed!" it responds, a touch of flair in its voice. "OH MY KIIIING!"

A resounding grunt resonates from within as heavy footsteps approach the door. Dad swings it open and leans down, his voice booming and reverberating against the stone walls.

"What do you need, my son? I was just in discussion with the Royal Knights," he addresses me.

"I really need you to come to the back cavern," I implore, the urgency palpable in my words.

"Ah, just some gardening assistance? Consult the book I gave you!" he chuckles. "I had more matters to discuss with the Knights."

"No, Dad, it's not about gardening. I truly need you in the back cavern," I emphasize, my plea apparent.

He catches the sincerity in my voice and steps through the door. Standing tall and imposing, he nearly touches the lofty ceiling of the castle halls. His regal robe, as majestic as his fur, exudes a rarefied aura. His eyes sparkle as they meet mine.

"Lead the way, my son," he says, a touch of pride and concern blending in his tone.

Guiding him through the silent halls, we move at a measured pace. The anticipation hangs in the air as we approach the bed of flowers. His gaze locks onto it, his eyes widening in disbelief. I sense his breath catching in his throat.

"Is that..." He begins, but I cut him off, my worry pouring out.

"Yes, a human. It must have fallen down. I just... Is it okay?" My voice trembles with concern.

He kneels down, his eyes filled with a mix of worry and tenderness. Slowly, he leans closer to examine the motionless figure. His brow furrows in confusion, yet there's an undeniable curiosity in his expression.

"Well, to have ended up all the way here... It can't be entirely okay. But physically, it seems there is no visible harm. How?" He murmurs to himself, captivated by the mystery before him. "Go and fetch your mother."

I swiftly comply with his request, retracing my steps back to the house. As I enter the living room, I find my mother waiting, her demeanor instantly shifting as she senses the urgency in my voice.

"Hey, Mom... Dad and I... We need your help," I stammer, my nervousness betraying me.

She rises from her seat, her eyes searching mine. "What's wrong?" Her tone carries a seriousness that matches the weight of the situation.

I gesture for her to follow me, and we make our way back to where Dad waits, still kneeling beside the motionless human. Mom's gasp escapes her lips as she rushes to Dad's side. They exchange hurried whispers, their voices filled with a mix of concern and curiosity. As they huddle together, I step back, taking a moment to absorb the enormity of the situation. A human lies before me, an extraordinary sight I never thought I would witness. All those years of fascination with their culture now pale in comparison to the reality unfolding in front of me. A surge of hope swells within me, wishing against all odds that this human will be alright, and that I might have the chance to bridge the divide and communicate with them. Yet, my anxiety resurfaces, a reminder of the uncertainty that hangs in the air. The human remains unresponsive, their condition an enigma despite their apparent lack of physical harm.

In a sudden movement, Dad rises to his feet, his arms cradling the fragile form of the human like a precious treasure—a newborn baby carrying with it the weight of opportunity and hope.

"We're going to Hotland."