Underground, New Home:
They had to descend the grand staircase with its dizzying number of steps at the entrance to the palace, before finally entering the capital of the kingdom of monsters. But this wasn't the town Frisk remembered; before, he had only seen a silent and sad city, as if it were the end of the world. This had changed completely: the old sad white of the houses had disappeared for an explosion of colors, which dotted each tile and facade of the homes. Beneath his narrowed eyelids, the eyes shone with wonder.
"Wow... It's so beautiful." At the foot of the castle which overlooked the capital, Frisk was amazed by the beauty of this city he was observing. His face was bright, and the urge to venture into this new environment instinctively tensed his body forward - fortunately, Toriel held him back so that the human child could no longer escape.
Together, the three of them ventured into bustling streets, where merchants sold and passers-by strolled. So, this is the New Home that Asriel spoke to me about so much. He's right: it's so beautiful like that, Frisk said to himself, amazed by what he saw. The capital was more alive than in the past: the joyful bustle of the neighborhood made this place shine like no other in the Underground; humans and monsters visited the many open stores, where salesmen lured potential buyers with loud cries and promising prices.
"Taste our Rainbow Fruits: you will be as colorful as a real rainbow!" said a shopkeeper with the strange appearance of a little chubby red dragon with purple polka dots, showing his treats in front of a gaggle of young little monsters .
"Buy eternal flowers, which never wither or lose their beauty. Perfect for the bride or groom of your dreams!" A bouquet of white flowers held by a refined orchid diffused its perfume to a few curious onlookers.
"Exclusive offer on MTT brand products: for fifty loyalty points obtained on purchase, a free life-size Mettaton soft toy!" announced an agent working for the famous robot-star disguised as old version Mettaton - Wouldn't that be Burgerpant? Frisk asked, recognizing the exhausted voice of the monster cat -: a group of female monsters and humans were screaming to snatch away every vacuum cleaner, television, makeup box, shoes, sports suit... the costume as well, which the hysterical fans tore off piece by piece from the poor monster inside who was screaming in terror.
There were so many others, from the jeweler with his finely cut enchanted stones, to the second-hand dealer and his trinkets from the Waterfalls on the other side of the kingdom, or a street musician-spider who showed off his many arms manipulating several instruments at once, like an orchestra.
It was a whole new world, far from what Frisk remembered. Oh, how he longed to mingle with the crowds of people. There was so much entertainment, so much to discover, to eat, to see, to smell and to touch, or better, new people to talk to and become friends with new faces. While Frisk let out little excited and satisfied cries, he wanted to see how the young prince of monsters reacted back in his kingdom. This one, Frisk saw, held Toriel's other hand and remained very close to her, visibly uncomfortable among so many people; he hadn't said anything yet, strangely silent, but Asriel's astonished eyes and his half-open mouth told enough.
When he could speak again, emotion could be heard in his voice: "Everything is back to the way it was before... no, it's even a thousand times better than in the past."
"It's true," Toriel admitted, gently rubbing the palms of her amazed child who was finally returning home after all his years, and one who had never known its original beauty. "Never has New Home been more alive and joyful than today. I was looking forward to the time you both could see it reborn."
Frisk couldn't wait any longer; he jumped up and down and uttered little excited cries, unable to take any more. He impatiently tugged on Toriel's arm to get her attention, and begged when she looked at him. "Please, mom, can I go for a walk? I've never really been able to see New Home before. I promise, I won't go very far."
Toriel found his exploring side adorable, and she reluctantly shook her head gently at his puppy face, saddening him a little as his joy faded. He seemed so dejected that Toriel stood at his level to look him in the eyes, stroking his soft hair to try to console Frisk for this disappointment. "Sweetheart, I would have happily let you have as much fun as you wanted, and I admit that you and Asriel haven't had as much freedom lately. But first, we need to buy clothes for both of you, and especially for your brother. He is in great need of it, now that his growth has taken place."
Her words made Frisk turn his gaze towards the latter, falling on Asriel briefly distracted by the noisy arrival of a performance of street monster artists. As he did so, he saw him unconsciously lower his old striped green t-shirt, which only reached above his navel, and at the bottom, the end of his pants only reached his knees.
Ashamed by his oversight, Frisk admitted that Asriel really needed more clothes that fit him, and with his head bowed, he complied: "Okay, Mom. I understand."
But his face was still closed. Faced with this, Toriel took on a softer expression. Frisk loved visiting new places, and she felt bad for depriving the child of that. So, she had an idea to comfort him: "I have a proposition, Frisk. We can first go to a clothing store to buy new ones. Then, before taking you to Alphys, we could possibly linger a little... our friend won't mind too much if it's only an hour," Toriel added mischievously, with a little wink. partner in crime.
It didn't take much for Frisk to get the child excited at the prospect: it was so awesome! He exclaimed: "Oh, thank you mom!" Frisk clapped their hands and jumped up and down.
Enthusiastic, he grabbed Asriel's wrists, who let out a little surprised cry, and twirled happily with him in the middle of the crowd. Restrained by his grip, the goat monster did not understand what happened and could only follow Frisk's dizzying pace. But very quickly, as the world passed around them, Frisk's laughter was accompanied by his own, Asriel joining in with his friend who asked him:
"What would you like to do, Asriel? Can we try to eat lots of good things? Or see the show right in front? Looks like fun! Oh ! Unless you prefer to revisit all your old favorite places before doing anything, and you will be my guide!"
"It doesn't matter, as long as we have fun!" Asriel replied with just as much good energy, his old apprehension replaced by joy while a huge light smile. "But since it's your first time in this city, I absolutely have to show you the best place I know to see it. There is also this stall with super cute stuffed animals and really cool toys. And there's a great patisserie – mom often went there for snacks..."
As her children discussed their plan for fun, Toriel guided them further into the wondrous city. Their walk took a long time, taking stairs and turning regularly at certain junctions. It had been years since she had freely roamed the city, but the centuries of steps Toriel had taken while roaming New Home guided her easily, until the former queen stopped in front of a small shop.
"Here we are !" she declared to Asriel and Frisk, who looked curiously at the lit interior.
As I opened it, a bell rang on the door and, from behind a shelf, a monster mouse with a round and friendly appearance - visibly female - wearing pigtails, appeared in front of the entrance. She hissed in delight at the sight of her customers, wrinkled her brown fur on her head before welcoming them.
"Welcome to the Belles Fleurs boutique, dear customers. My name is Hortensia, I'm the one in charge of this shop," she introduced herself, a big smile facing the three people in her shop. But he faded slightly at the sight of the only human in front of her, his gaze becoming curious, and even more so when the child held out a sympathetic hand to him, his expression warm.
"Nice to meet you, Hortensia. My name is Frisk: nice to meet you too." He waited for the monster to take his hand, as she did so slowly and hesitantly, seeming a little distraught and intimidated by his presence.
She was undoubtedly young and didn't know what to do with the human in front of her; as the seconds ticked by and the atmosphere became uncomfortable, Toriel decided to intervene and spoke to the little shopkeeper.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hortensia. My name is Toriel, and this is my children: Asriel and Frisk." In doing so, the Boss Monster brought his sons closer to her to point to them, before continuing: "In the past, I used to come and buy clothes from this charming store. I believe the person in charge at the time was your grandmother. I didn't know she had retired from business."
As Toriel often said, conversation could help relax the atmosphere and, if necessary, avoid confrontation through dialogue. In this case, Hortensia the mouse seemed to become aware of the presence of the other adult monster, her vision previously obscured by the human child. Forgetting it, she looked attentively at the one in front of her. Then the smaller goat monster, who kindly introduced himself to her: "Howdy, I'm Asriel."
Finally, the rodent's little black eyes widened with understanding and respect: "Oh by the Angel, you are-"
"Just customers looking for new clothes," Toriel continued nimbly, deciding not to linger, and moved Asriel and Frisk towards the shopkeeper who was coming to her senses – even if she still seemed very agitated by the revelation. "Finally, my children need it. Would it be possible to acquire some?"
"O-Of course!" squealed the mouse monster, before pointing to several areas at the back of the store covered by curtains. "There are fitting rooms inside, where you can choose what suits you. When you take clothes that you like, you will put them in the bags below. Or, if you want to wear them now, that's no problem."
From her back, Hortensia took out two bags and handed them to the two children. They looked at each other with great anticipation, each wondering what they were going to get as the saleswoman led them towards the shelves of the children's section. There were many varieties of clothing, with varying numbers of sleeves, colors and shapes. As Frisk continued to wander around, Asriel had already found and filled part of his own bag.
"Great, we have so many choices" he exclaimed, seeming genuinely happy with this race.
The young goat monster wasted no time in heading towards the cabins; he hesitated between one outfit and another, judging himself several times in front of a mirror inside the small space, before setting his sights on the one he preferred. Quickly, Asriel got rid of his old clothes and quickly put on a sweater and pants. It covered him completely, and in it he felt very comfortable.
Perfect, he decided, as the prince prepared to show himself to his mother who was waiting for them with Hortensia.
"Asriel, will you show me what you chose?"
"I'm coming !"
The kid came out of his cabin, showing himself to the curious eyes of the small audience. Asriel's choice was a green sweater with black sleeves, where a heart was in the center, and dark pants. Toriel, the first, reacts when she sees him in his new outfit:
"It looks great on you, my darling. You are adorable."
To this, Hortensia adds: "I completely agree. You don't need any touch-ups, Your Highness? Are you comfortable enough in these clothes?"
To which Asriel replied with a charming smile to the shopkeeper: "It's perfect, Hortensia. Thank you. If possible, I would like to stay inside: my old ones were getting really uncomfortable."
While his mother collected the other clothes in his bag to buy them - not forgetting the others already on him - Asriel asked himself about not seeing the young human. I wonder what Frisk is doing? He doesnt' seem to be in fitting room. Strange... The prince of monsters looked around, before being surprised to see him still wandering among the shopping aisles. Hortensia came to meet him, noticing his unusual inertia, and took a look at his bag of clothes.
She raised a surprised eyebrow. "You only took pants, socks and underwear, but no sweaters or pull-over ?"
Her remark caught the attention of Toriel, who approached Frisk who seemed embarrassed. "My child, why don't you choose anything else?"
At these words, the child's hand gripped his own blue sweater with purple stripes. He tucked his head into shoulders, as if wanting to protect himself and go inside. "I...I would rather keep it, please. I don't want any other." His voice was firm and unwavering, showing his willingness to maintain his current outfit.
This whim surprised the three people around him, not expecting this decision from the human child.
"This thing ? But it's a…" Hortensia was surprised, looking doubtfully at the wool which was coming off in places and fraying.
To her, it looked like a rag fit to be thrown away and, without understanding his refusal, the shopkeeper prepared to contradict him. A stern look from Toriel silenced her before the big mouse could say anything hurtful to Frisk, who remained stubbornly clinging to her beloved sweater, and the saleswoman wisely backed away, keeping her remarks to herself.
Asriel saw it held there, like a precious treasure. And it reminded him of something old, as he watched Frisk refuse to part with his possession which, he realized, had never left him. Asriel was surprised not to have noticed it sooner. Would this sweater be a dear memory to Frisk, like...
Toriel seemed to have the same thought, having experienced this situation several times: each child she had to take care of had kept in their possession an object or item of clothing that they valued very much. And although Frisk was particularly mature for his age, he was still only a child, the former queen remembered. Oh Frisk, that should have occurred to me. What an idiot I am, she scolded herself, as Frisk seemed to realize the embarrassment he had gotten himself into as three pairs of eyes stared at him.
"It... It's not that I don't like anything: on the contrary." With a tight throat, he awkwardly tried to explain. "B-But, this sweater is really special to me, so... I'm sorry, it's just-"
"It's nothing, Frisk," Toriel immediately reassured him, while the child was at a loss for words. He looked into Toriel's eyes and her expression, detecting no sign of reproach at all. "You don't have to justify yourself. If this item of clothing is so important to you, I'll make sure to mend it as best I can at home, okay?"
Relieved, Frisk relaxed – a little – and nodded. Hortensia the mouse, who had refrained from adding anything else after Toriel's warning, could no longer contain herself:
"If... If you want to fix your garment, an old friend of my family is an excellent weaver. P- Possibly, he could repair, or even improve your sweater, if you ask him."
Her suggestion attracted general attention, and especially that of the mother goat who, wanting to please her child, immediately wanted to know more: "Where could we find him, dear?"
"Go towards the center of New Home, and look for old Seam's Shop. You should find it easily."
Toriel took note of the instructions and thanked the saleswoman; They went to the counter, where she paid the amount of the purchases from Hortensia: around 100 gils. Faced with the golden coins in the hollow of the Monster Boss's paw, the poor mouse seemed to fear that if she touched them, her paw would catch fire. Toriel had to insist, enormously, for Hortensia to dare to collect the change from the former queen of monsters' own pocket.
She, along with Frisk and Asriel - the latter was very happy with the comfortable clothes he was currently wearing - greeted the mouse monster and left the shop, returning to the noisy streets. But, when taking the indicated route, Frisk heard Hortensia asking them to wait for her, while catching up with them on the path.
"I...I forgot to tell you. This monster, Seam, is a bit... weird and strange." Her tone, Frisk noted, became a little tense when Hortensia made this clarification about this individual, before composing himself. "But although he is quite particular, he is not a bad person. Just an enigmatic old monster."
Frisk's interest in this "Seam", upon hearing Hortensia's descriptions, rose suddenly: here was an interesting person he wanted to meet as soon as possible! However, Toriel and Asriel seemed much less seduced by this character.
As they left, Asriel was the first to express his doubts to their mother: "Do we really have to go see him?"
"Well... Frisk seems to want him now," Toriel pointed out, not being any happier to visit this stranger at the moment.
When the young monster looked at his brother, he had to reluctantly admit Toriel was right: Frisk now seemed very eager to find this famous Seam. And it couldn't be closer to the truth.
Frisk was, indeed, eager to see this amazing new monster. The story about his sweater temporarily forgotten, he was above all animated by his Soul which had reacted strongly to Hortensia's words. He hadn't felt this in a long time, in the Underground; often this involved an important encounter in the life of a young human. This Seam must be important, he told himself with a joy that he could not repress.
I can't wait to see him ! Definitively, This day promises to be exceptional! Maybe he could make a new friend? And if this monster could solve his problem, that would be even better!