Chapter 5

The Visitor

Asriel

Dad carefully conceals the human within the folds of his robe, veiling them from prying eyes. With a determined stride, he leads us through the labyrinthine halls of the castle. As we venture into the back halls, a neglected branch of passageways winds its way downwards, carving a path into the depths beneath. This hidden network, akin to the arteries of the city, allows key individuals to move discreetly between important locations, avoiding the gaze of the bustling public. United by a shared purpose, we follow Dad's lead, navigating the somber grey confines of the tunnel.

The distant echoes of footsteps and lively music seep through the cracks above, a stark contrast to the muted ambiance of the underground passageway. Progressing steadfastly, we continue onward, guided by the beckoning glow ahead. The tunnel gradually opens up, revealing a breathtaking sight.

Before us lies the subterranean Ebott River, a lifeline coursing through the heart of the underground. Its meandering waters traverse the diverse biomes that make up our subterranean world, ultimately leading to the barrier and, presumably, onward to the realm of humans. Perched on a small rocky beach outside the tunnel, a bell hangs, its presence beckoning the River Person.

Without hesitation, Dad reaches out and rings the bell, its chime resonating through the air. In response, a surge of water rushes forth, swiftly materializing a boat that glides to a gentle halt before us. A hooded figure, known among all monsters as the River Person, stands at the helm, their identity concealed beneath the depths of the hood. Their presence exudes an aura of otherworldly purpose, a lost soul given new meaning. With a contented hum, the River Person speaks, their voice carrying an air of ancient wisdom and enigmatic serenity.

"An unexpected visit from the royals indeed... How may I be of assistance?" The River Person's voice resonates, a comforting blend of familiarity and enigma.

"Hotland, with utmost haste. And we request privacy during the journey," Dad's words are direct and to the point, leaving no room for ambiguity.

"Understood, King Asgore. All aboard!" the River Person responds cheerfully, a melodic hum accompanying their words.

With urgency, we embark on the boat, maneuvering ourselves to find space within the small wooden boat. I can't help but marvel at the River Person's ability to transport such a multitude of monsters at once.

As the boat ascends gradually, anticipation fills the air. Then, in an instant, we surge forward along the river's current, the sensation of water droplets and rushing wind intermingling with the fur on our bodies. Dad steals a glance beneath his robe, assessing the condition of the human. A shake of his head confirms their continued unresponsiveness. Gently covering them once more, his focus shifts ahead as we navigate the tunnel housing the river.

Abruptly, the boat comes to a halt, settling into a steady position. The path ahead emanates the searing heat characteristic of Hotland. I release a weary sigh, still feeling the remnants of fatigue from my previous journey. Yet, knowing the importance of pressing onward, I rise from my seat and follow Dad's lead. Mom trails behind, her appearance etched with concern.

The ascent to Hotland proves arduous, the path steep and distant. This fiery region is seldom frequented, its oceans of magma and bursts of scorching rock deterring most visitors. However, for monsters accustomed to higher temperatures, it offers a natural haven. Moreover, its geothermal potential is an enticing prospect. Intentionally, Dad chose to establish his royal science outpost in this inhospitable realm, ensuring minimal disturbances from outsiders.

Ahead lies the primary intersection of Hotland, where pathways branch off in different directions. To the west lies Waterfall, east leads to the science outpost, and north extends into the unexplored territories, eventually reaching the Barrier. Eager to escape the sweltering heat, we hasten our way towards the science outpost.

Upon entering the imposing metal structure, a collective sigh of relief escapes our lips as the cool air washes over us. The building's interior appears much more spacious than its external facade suggests, but it is primarily designed as a waiting area. The expansive room stretched out before us, filled with the soft hum of machinery and the faint scent of ozone. Abstract paintings adorned the walls, their vibrant colors contrasting against the sterile metal surroundings. Comfortable chairs and couches beckoned weary travelers, inviting them to rest and reflect on the mysteries contained within these walls. On the far side, a door beckons, shrouded in mystery. Next to it, an intercom system crackled softly, its presence a mysterious link between the waiting room and the inner sanctum. A small delivery bucket hung nearby, swaying gently as if whispering secrets to those who passed by. I'm often sent here to fetch documents and items of importance for Mom and Dad when they're busy, but this place has always been shrouded in mystery for me regardless.

Dad presses the intercom button, his voice resonating through the room. "Doctor, are you currently busy?"

A moment passes before a response crackles through the intercom, infused with a chuckle. "I'm always busy. Who's asking?"

"Asgore. We have a matter of utmost importance," Dad replies, his tone laced with seriousness.

"We?" The intercom inquires, clearly intrigued.

"Toriel, Asriel, myself, and... a visitor," Dad's words trail off, deliberately cultivating an air of mystery to capture the doctor's undivided attention.

Silence hangs in the air, full of anticipation. Finally, the door creaks open, and a pale face cautiously peeks out, scrutinizing our presence. Dad, understanding the significance of this moment, unveils the human nestled within his robe.

"Oh... my god..." a voice exclaims, a mixture of astonishment and wonder. The door creaks open slowly, exposing the full face of the person, their eyes scanning over the human before them. Their expression contorts through a range of emotions, from excitement to curiosity, shock, and even a subtle tinge of grief. The door opens further, revealing the complete form—a lanky body draped in a lab coat adorned with colorful stains. The figure before us is none other than the doctor. Urgency and excitement radiate from him, his unusual aura capturing my attention. In that moment, a realization strikes me, and I instinctively take a step back, my senses overwhelmed by shock.

The doctor... is a human?!

Confusion fills my mind as I grapple with the implications. In this world, I thought that only us monsters were imprisoned, with humans existing in their separate realm. But how could a human be here? Is this why he needed privacy and isolation? How has their existence gone unnoticed by the other monsters? The presence of this human doctor raises more questions than answers. My thoughts spin into a whirlwind of uncertainty and curiosity. My fascination with humans, and here, right within this mountain, one has been hidden from my knowledge all along…

"Please, come in!" The doctor urges us, his gestures brimming with urgency as he ushers us inside.

Setting aside my initial shock, we all entered the room. He promptly closes the door behind us. The sight that unfolds before our eyes is breathtaking—a vast, multi-level atrium stretching out before us. A labyrinth of technology and wires snakes along the walls, converging into an array of screens and control panels. With hurried steps, the doctor guides us into a room resembling a doctor's office, reminiscent of the Monster Doctor's clinic back in Home. As we entered the room, the air seemed to grow heavy with anticipation. The silence was palpable, broken only by the soft hum of the machinery and the occasional beep from the control panels. Cabinets stocked with medical supplies line the walls, and in the center of the room rests a bed, upon which Dad gently places the human.

"How in the world did... They?" The doctor pauses, looking at a piece of paper in the human's pocket. They shake their head for a second and continue, "How did they manage to find their way down here?" The doctor finishes, his curiosity brimming. It is evident that he is deeply intrigued by this unexpected turn of events.

"I found them," I nervously respond, my voice betraying a hint of anxiety. "They were lying beneath the hole that leads to the surface, in the deepest part of the cavern behind the castle."

"Ahaha, yes!" The doctor chuckles excitedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "This is extraordinary! I never fathomed that a human could breach the barrier."

"But... are they alright?" Mom interjects, her voice quivering with concern.

"Physically, they appear to be perfectly fine," the doctor reassures, still engrossed in examining the motionless body before him. "It is truly astonishing. I cannot begin to fathom the length of their fall."

As his words hang in the air, I find myself lost in contemplation. The cavern they were found in—the sole chamber that houses the sun—exudes an otherworldly aura, one that eludes my comprehension. There is something undeniably significant about their presence in that cavern, as if destiny itself had woven its intricate threads across their path.

Time seemed to slow as we stood in the room, enveloped in a heavy silence. Dad's voice trembled with hope and concern as he posed the question, "How can we awaken them? There must be a reason they ended up here." My mind raced with questions, my curiosity mingling with an unexplainable sense of attachment to the stranger lying before us.

The doctor paused his examination, taking a seat while wearing a look of awe and excitement. "For now, they need rest," he explained. "They're currently in a comatose state, and we must avoid any additional stress. But I must say, this is truly remarkable. I never imagined I'd witness another human in my lifetime."

Silence lingered, as if time itself had halted, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in. Within me, a blend of anticipation and uncertainty stirred—an unfamiliar emotion, akin to the feeling I experience while tending to my garden. Purpose intertwined with a touch of unease.

Breaking the silence, I spoke up, my impatience seeping into my voice. "How long will they need to rest?"

"It's difficult to say... perhaps a few hours, maybe even days," the doctor replied, "Honestly, they may hold the key to our liberation."

Dad's eyes brightened with newfound hope. "You mean..."

"The rest of humanity has kept us imprisoned, and it's conceivable that only a human can unlock our freedom," the doctor mused, "I wonder if they were sent by… But that can't be…"

Lost in his thoughts and taking a seat, he rested his hand on his chin, engrossed in contemplation. I could only imagine what he is going through. One of his kind lying before him in a land of otherworldly and mystical power. A minute passed as we all sat, taking in the situation.

Mom's voice broke through the silence, revealing her curiosity and anxiety. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

The doctor snapped back to the present, his gaze meeting Mom's. "At this point, all we can do is wait. If you have other matters to attend to, feel free to return home. I will keep you informed of any significant developments."

A silent exchange passed between Mom and Dad, conveying their concerns and uncertainties. In that moment, an inexplicable sensation washed over me—an unidentifiable attachment to the motionless human lying before us. Something beyond my control tugged at me, compelling me to remain. I paused, then straightened up with intention.

"I'm staying. I want to ensure they're okay." I declared, my voice resonating with resolve.

Surprise and confusion flickered across Mom and Dad's faces. "Are you sure?" Mom inquired, her voice tinged with worry. "You have your garden... And the rest of the kingdom will surely question your sudden withdrawal!"

"We do not know how long they will remain asleep," Dad cautioned. "But, if that's your decision..."

"Yes, I understand," I affirmed, acknowledging their concerns. "I can't explain it, but something is pulling me to stay by their side."

Mom and Dad nodded, understanding my position in the matter. The doctor, still appearing lost in thought, offered his perspective.

"It might be wise for one of you to stay, anyways." he suggested, "The three of you are the only monsters who should truly have a say in this matter."

Mom nodded, then shot up straight.

"Oh gods! Dinner! Gory we must get home!" She exclaimed before exiting the room.

Dad arose slowly, coming over to me and looking down upon me. Dad placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, understanding the tumultuous emotions surging within me.

"I understand what you're feeling, my son. Embrace it."

With those words, he departed. The doctor, lost in thought, also rose and silently left the room. The door shut, enclosing me in this sterile environment with the enigmatic visitor.