The destination, upon arrival, was peculiar and captivating.
You were greeted by cobblestone streets belonging to the 'Cloud Levels' central city, a sprawling marvel suspended in an endless sky. The air carried the scents of rain-soaked stone and blooming flowers, mingled with a faint metallic tang from the floating machines overhead.
Your perspective, alongside Baxter's, turned to the source of these mild disruptions in your view. The horizon stretched with drifting cities and rolling cloudfronts, their silhouettes distinct against the sky. One city stood out with its twisting brass pipes, another resembled a sleeping dragon whose tail coiled around a distant mountain of clouds, and a third appeared as a grand island, suspended by enormous balloons and magical fans of colossal size.
The main thoroughfare was wide, lined with buildings that showcased the city's eclectic heritage. Gothic stone facades stood beside sleek, angular structures of glass and enchanted steel. Many walls bore vibrant murals, their colors popping against the sky's soft hues. One mural, in particular, caught your eye: a vivid depiction of a world lost in the 'World Tournaments.' The chaotic yet reverent scene portrayed denizens in mid-action, retreating from a distant horizon being consumed by the dark, led by familiar white-uniformed chess-guards.
Beneath the artwork sat an elderly woman—a variant of Martlet—at a makeshift stand. She offered hand-painted charms for protection, her hands steady despite her age. "For you, traveler," she said with a warm smile, pressing a charm shaped like a tiny sky whale into the palm of a passerby. "May the winds always carry you safely."
Green shook himself as you arrived, reaching into his hoodie and producing a hat. Dusting it off, he placed it neatly atop his head. The hoodie shifted in an instant, becoming a sleek, clean-cut jacket. He tugged at the neck, producing a tie, which he adjusted with surprising precision.
Baxter tilted its head, curious. "Why are you changing outfits?"
"we're going somewhere important, BB. i wanna dress nice," Green replied, tugging at his cuffs and straightening the jacket. "how do i look?"
Chara, her distant demeanor still lingering, allowed herself a small sigh and an even fainter smile. "Very dapper."
"demure even?" he teased, smirking.
Her response came in the form of a light push on his hat, tilting it down over his face. Without a word, she began to walk ahead. He chuckled, fixing the hat as he motioned for Baxter to follow.
As your party ventured further, the sounds of life filled the air. Laughter spilled from a rooftop café where punks clad in torn leather and glowing neon attire clinked glasses in raucous toasts. Across the street, a polished lounge resonated with the soft clink of glasses and low jazz, its patrons dressed sharply in suits. Their eyes briefly followed your group before returning to their quiet conversations.
A sharp whistle grabbed your attention as a tram floated by on glowing, magical tracks. Its sleek form glided effortlessly between districts, carrying passengers to their destinations. A volunteer guard in a black trench coat and brimmed hat nodded politely as they passed, their sharp gaze scanning the bustling crowd.
Chara whistled sharply as the tram began to draw near. A phantom hand materialized, gripping its rear. With a sudden pull, she launched herself towards the tram, trailing behind it via magic. Green's soul glowed blue as he extended the aura to Baxter, flinging them both toward the tram. Chara's hand caught Green mid-swing, pulling him aboard with Baxter close behind.
Once secure on the tram, Green reached out and pulled Chara up, preventing her from trailing precariously along its edge. Her arrival drew snickers and friendly waves from a few onlookers who appeared to recognize her.
Leaning casually against the tram's railing, Chara remarked, "So, we just ride it to the market district."
Green mirrored her posture on the opposite railing. "gotta love good public transportation."
Baxter, hovering slightly above the back platform, scanned its surroundings. "There is less damage here," it observed.
"makes sense," Green replied. "the cities literally, like, fly through an endless sky. if something fell in, they probably woulda fell...fallen? or got swarmed by the residents."
Chara nodded. "They're very wary of outsiders. Keep tabs on those they don't know."
"so sneaking up on someone is very hard," Green added, addressing the drone.
Baxter considered this in silence, its optics fixed on the sprawling cityscape as they passed through it. The tram wasn't blindingly fast, but it moved with enough speed to provide a sweeping view of the level.
The city below told a story of recovery and resilience. Baxter noted partially damaged buildings in the process of repair—walls freshly painted with vibrant murals, scaffolding framing new structures, and streets bustling with life. People clad in punk attire—torn jeans, leather jackets adorned with spikes, and outlandish hairstyles—chatted animatedly with those dressed more modestly, in tailored suits and elegant dresses. The juxtaposition of styles was striking yet oddly harmonious.
Your vision followed the tramline as it approached the market district. Here, the air buzzed with activity, and the aroma of exotic goods wafted up to meet you. Stalls overflowed with treasures from across the Joined World: spices from desert realms, intricate clockwork trinkets from steampunk cities, and enchanted crystals that hummed softly when touched. Just to name a few.
As the tram slowed to a halt, it allowed passengers to disembark. Chara hopped off the back first, turning to offer Green a hand. Baxter floated ahead, scanning the area. Green took her hand and stepped down with exaggerated poise.
"oh my, such a gentleman," Green quipped, adopting an exaggeratedly feminine tone.
"Pfft, shut up," Chara retorted with a snicker.
The market district was alive with color and noise. Humans and monsters of all kinds mingled, creating a lively, chaotic atmosphere. A cat-man perched on a floating carpet hawked exotic wares, while an elderly human invited passersby to sample large sugary loaves of bread. Vendors called out in cheerful urgency, their voices rising above the general hum of the crowd. Children darted between stalls, their laughter cutting through the noise.
One such child—a human-like being with patches of shimmering scales—bumped into your Vessel. Chara's hand shot up, magic crackling as she caught him mid-step. The boy squirmed nervously, covered in a blue aura, holding out a small pouch of G with a sheepish laugh.
"Nice try," she said, her tone firm but not unkind, eye steaming faintly with magic light.
"Honest mistake, ma'am," he replied, handing back the pouch as she gently set him down.
He bolted off toward a group of other children, their laughter echoing as they teased him for his failed attempt. Chara tucked the pouch back into her pocket without missing a beat.
"nice catch," Green remarked, impressed.
"I spent a lot of time here when I was a kid," Chara replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Green tilted his head, grinning. "i mean, yeah, i know?"
"but they don't," she said, gesturing toward you.
"ah, givin' em that deep personal lore," Green mused. "think there's a guy for that."
Baxter inquired, "For personal lore?"
Green shook his head. "nah, nah. just, like, lore in general."
Chara tilted her head thoughtfully. "I mean... I met an Asriel once who was deeply obsessed with the lore of some... haunted... pizza chain game?" Her tone was uncertain as she tried to recall.
"yeah?" Green asked as they continued walking. "might be the guy. had a couch? theater kid?"
"Angel above...probably," she replied. "He confused me for his sibling." Chara smirked and added, "Who, like some people I know, had what I'm guessing was a 'unique family dynamic.'" She chuckled lightly as Green manifested a banjo and strummed it briefly for comedic effect.
Chara waved a hand. "He went on about someone getting bit in '83 or '87, and how it was really important?" She ruffled her hair in mild frustration. "I don't... I don't know what the hell he was talking about."
Green shook his head in mock disapproval. "wow, don't even know the intricate, incredibly easy-to-follow Haunted Pizza Chain lore. that poor guy."
"Yeah, well, the 'groping' part ruined any sympathy I might've had." She grimaced at the memory, her expression briefly darkening as something else came to mind. "I'm not really a fan of those who don't understand consent."
Baxter hovered closer, its curiosity piqued. "What is Haunted Pizza Chain? Is this where we are going?"
Chara sighed. "No. He's just being a dork," she assured, casting a glance at Green. "He doesn't know it either, I bet."
Green shrugged nonchalantly. "it's a multiverse. I'm sure it's out there somewhere." With an almost comedic flourish, he stowed the banjo into a side pocket that shouldn't have been large enough to fit it. "oh hey, I bet if our pals think real hard, they can make one appear."
Chara groaned, addressing you directly. "Ugh, please don't manifest that into reality."
Green immediately launched into an exaggerated performance, clutching his chest and staggering backward. "oh no, manifesting! gah, the unending haunted pizza lore!" His overly dramatic display earned a reluctant snicker from Chara. "it's...contradictory, nooo~"
Baxter watched, perplexed. Was this place real? Could Green truly "manifest" it? Or was this just another joke? Unsure, it opted to play along, emulating their laughter while quietly adding 'Haunted Pizza Chain', for future analysis.
Their wandering brought them into a quieter district. Narrow streets wound between ivy-draped buildings and banners that fluttered gently in the breeze. Lanterns emitted a soft magical glow, bathing the area in a warm light. A small amphitheater came into view, where a crowd had gathered for an evening performance. The haunting ballad of the performer carried through the air, a bittersweet melody about a long-lost world.
Yet their attention shifted to a more ornate building ahead. Its centerpiece was a large, golden bucket emblazoned with an "M," glowing brightly in red. Clearly, it was some kind of restaurant.
Green adjusted his outfit, straightening his tie and brushing off imaginary dust.
Chara gave him a sidelong glance. "Making sure you're all dolled up?"
"damn straight," he replied confidently. "today's the day."
"I'll prepare some wards," she muttered, her tone mostly monotone.
Baxter inquired, "Wards?"
"You'll see," Chara replied cryptically.
Chara pushed the door open, and they stepped into the restaurant. The interior was an odd fusion of upscale sophistication and casual comfort. Elegant murals and sleek pillars paired with semi-worn couches and makeshift hangout areas, complete with televisions playing a variety of shows—like scattered mini-living rooms.
Behind the counter stood a human woman wearing a bucket hat emblazoned with the iconic "M." She wore a cleaner uniform and apron beneath it. Her dark skin was accented with ear piercings and a small stud in her lip—a style Baxter had noticed on several humans and monsters outside.
When the woman spotted Green and Chara, she smiled nervously, her gaze darting between the two. She opened her mouth to speak but faltered, laughing awkwardly instead. Her reaction prompted a subtle shift in Chara's posture, her arms crossing as she scrutinized the woman.
Baxter tilted its head slightly. "Are you alright, friend?"
The woman stammered. "Y-yeah, it's, um...hey, you two. Uh, hi."
Green leaned casually on the counter. "already speechless, and I just got here," he teased. "I know I'm gorgeous, Mel, but phew... pace yourself. I'm only one man."
The playful remark disarmed some of the tension. Mel chuckled, rolling her eyes fondly, her smile softening into something more genuine.
"I'd say don't flatter yourself," she quipped.
"But he's a professional," Chara added dryly.
"And you're supposed to trust them," Mel finished with a grin.
Green adjusted his tie, smirking. "now, I could say that was rude, but... you're not wrong. I 'am' an expert on flattery."
Mel laughed softly. "Heya, Greeny. Good to see you too." Her gaze shifted to Chara, and her expression flickered with uncertainty. "And, uh... hey, Chara."
Chara's eyes narrowed slightly. "Ah. So it's like that."
"W-wait, I wasn't—" Mel stammered.
"It's fine," Chara said flatly, her tone low. "I'll find us some seats."
Green arched a brow as he watched her walk away. "sure, okay," he muttered before turning back to Mel, who was still staring after Chara, frowning. "maybe don't... don't do whatever you were thinking of doing."
Mel hesitated, whispering, "But... she killed King Ralsei, right? That's why we're all 'free' now?" She made a vague motion with her hands. "No more chess-guards and all that?"
Baxter interjected. "This is correct."
"I was just gonna say thank you," Mel assured quickly. Green's skeptical look prompted her to add, "A-and maybe... that I'm sorry."
Green sighed, muttering, "there it is."
"I just heard that... Aliza was... I mean, it's probably not true, but..." Mel trailed off, clearly fishing for confirmation.
Green straightened up, his tone firm. "that's the thing you don't do. don't ask that, okay?"
Mel blinked. "She... oh." Her face fell as realization dawned. "I guess I thought... I mean... I feel bad. I just..." She struggled to explain. "Can I do something, or...?"
"Mel, you're great. honestly. I'm sure she appreciates the thought, but we're not focusing on that." Green gestured toward the kitchen. "that's still an open wound, and the last thing she needs is to hear how bad 'you feel' about it."
"R-right," Mel murmured, her voice tinged with guilt.
"so instead," Green continued, "we're gonna focus on two Happy Buckets—one for each—and a strawberry shake for me."
Mel nodded, visibly grateful for the shift in topic. "Of course. I'm sorry, I just..."
"don't be sorry. you haven't done anything yet," Green said with a shrug. "if she brings it up, talk to her earnestly. don't make it about you. if not? she's not ready. don't push it."
Mel took a moment to process his advice before nodding. "Thanks, Greeny."
"don't mention it, Blue," he replied with a wink.
Her lips quirked into a small smile. "That said, are you sure you want the bucket?" She squinted at him teasingly. "You know we have a box. Specially made for you."
He huffed. "no, today's the day. nothing's gonna happen."
From the back of the kitchen, a version of Ralsei peeked around the corner, coughing faintly and reeking of smoke. "Greeny, buddy," he rasped, his eyes glazed and red. "Just take the box, man. It's... it's so not gonna work out."
Mel shot him a glare. "The boss said no smoking in here. You're gonna get in trouble again."
"I'm not doin' nothin man'," Ralsei mumbled before disappearing into the back. "Get the box, Big Green!"
Green crossed his arms, undeterred. "I'm getting the bucket. today is the day."
At that moment, one of you decided to speak up, whispering, "BB, you should probably get Chara a glass of water. She'll appreciate it."
Mel flinched, her eyes snapping to Baxter. "What... what was that?"
Her reaction was immediate and visceral—fear. Green chuckled, patting Baxter on its metallic shoulder. "Don't mind the drone. It thinks out loud sometimes. Uses all kinds of weird voices."
"That... that sounded like..." Mel's eyes darted around the room, searching for the source of the voice. She shivered, as though trying to shake off the feeling.
She couldn't see you, of course. She lacked the power to perceive beings like you. But you could sense the severed bonds that clung to her—a faint, haunting residue of what she once was. She had been a Vessel. Not the kind you guided now, but one whose will had been entirely eroded. A plaything for beings like you, but not you—'Players.' Somehow, she had recognized the cacophony of your presence. No doubt familiar to that former entity.
Baxter chirped warmly, covering for you. "Apologies. This unit was testing different voice variables. It will adjust these." It added a polite bow. "I am sorry for inspiring distress."
"Y-yeah, sure," Mel muttered, still visibly shaken. "I'm fine. Just... an old thing." She laughed nervously, waving it off. "I'll, uh... add the water, then."
Green gave a casual salute before setting a dozen coins on the counter. "thanks, Mel."
"No worries, Greeny." She turned to process the order, casting one last wary glance at Baxter.
Green guided Baxter away from the counter, letting out a long sigh. He glanced at you, then at Baxter.
"hey, uh, listen," he started, rubbing the back of his neck. "you guys...what you are... I doubt you meant anything by it, but maybe don't...you know, talk around certain humans. or some monsters, for that matter." He seemed to consider something. "maybe, let's keep the whispers between friends, yeah?"
Baxter tilted itself. "She registered as a former Vessel."
This sentence seemed to unnerve Green. "yeah, I know. we've talked about it before. she told me Aliza helped coach her on how to cope with all that." He sighed, his gaze momentarily distant. "some of you—or at least, some things like you—do seriously...seriously messed-up stuff."
"Like what?" Baxter asked, curiosity in its tone.
"BB, buddy, let's not get into it," Green replied quickly. "not right now, okay?"
They moved toward the back of the restaurant, where Chara had already settled into a corner booth. She lounged on the couch, leaning back with her eyes closed, seemingly content to just listen to the television. A news report was playing, covering the destruction of the local branch of the King's Guard. The screen showed various inanimate humanoid chess pieces being gathered and dismantled. A banner running along the bottom advertised the expansion of the Civil Guard, which would replace them.
Green dropped into a nearby chair, getting comfortable. Baxter followed, perching itself on the couch and adjusting for maximum comfort.
"So," Chara asked lazily, her eyes still shut, "what do we think is going to happen this time, Greeny?"
"nothing," Green declared confidently.
"I'm betting on the ceiling again," she countered, smirking slightly. "those tiles look loose."
"no, it won't," Green insisted, his tone resolute.
"Could be that dog Toby again," she teased. "always lurking?"
Green huffed. "nah, I'm ready for him this time." He leaned forward, adding with a grin, "See, Lavender, ain't nothing gonna happen. all those other times? I wasn't prepared."
"Except for the time you spent three hours—"
"uh-uh, nope, nope, nope," he interrupted, waving a hand. "doesn't count. this time's different."
Baxter tilted its head, processing the conversation. Was this about the Happy Bucket? They'd mentioned he never got to have one, but wasn't that why it was ordered?
The mystery was soon answered when the Ralsei employee appeared from the corner, holding a tray. His eyes were bloodshot, and a perpetual smile was plastered across his face. The tray contained a cup of water, two food buckets, and a small strawberry shake. He smelled...unique, Baxter didn't know the origin of such a scent.
"Okay, there you go, dudes," Ralsei said cheerfully, setting the tray down on the table. He chuckled, glancing at Green. "Man, this is your thirteenth try. Maybe it'll work this time."
Green grumbled, visibly irritated. "it'll work."
Chara snickered, grabbing the small bucket and her water. She leaned back with them on her lap, clearly entertained. "Let's find out, then." She took a drink of the water, and began to create magical wards. "Here we go."
The Ralsei employee leaned against the edge of the booth, watching with mild amusement. Baxter, meanwhile, scanned the room, preparing for whatever might happen next.
Green, now mildly anxious, placed his hands on either side of the food container in front of him. For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a sharp inhale, he went to open it.
A strange energy surged around Green, Chara, and Baxter. Without warning, they were whisked away, reappearing inside the repurposed castle that had once belonged to King Ralsei. Seated on the throne was The Collector, his presence exuding the typical authority.
Green let out a loud, exasperated groan. "oh, come on!"
Baxter emitted a small snicker. "I understand now. You are incapable of succeeding at eating from the food bucket."
"yes, seems so," Green replied irritably. "thanks, big guy, couldn't have waited five seconds."
While Green vented, Chara's focus was locked on The Collector. A flicker of fear danced in her darkened eye, the purple hues within them glowing faintly. Defensive magics hissing through her veins on instinct alone. The Collector, in turn, seemed fixated on her, a faintly malicious smile tugging at his lips.
Seated with one leg crossed over the other, The Collector rested his arms casually on the throne. This posture altered slightly, as it came down. With a subtle movement, he gestured, and Chara's chair slid forward abruptly. She gasped, clutching the sides of the seat as her back straightened involuntarily under his influence. Now slid against the table, the shields around her person seemed to buckle and shatter quietly from an unseen force. Noticed only by the two of them, and yourself.
"Always so tense, Lavender," The Collector mused, chuckling softly. "Admittedly, I didn't expect you to join us today."
"I…" Chara's voice wavered, her heart pounding. "Wasn't planning on it."
The Collector cast a glance at Green, seemingly indifferent to the tension. "Apologies for summoning you so abruptly, Green. But you were taking far too long, and there is still so very much to do."
You noted that his tone was different this time, it was far less kindly and natural. The change was unnoticed by Green however, who was still frustrated about his own dilemma.
Green huffed, his frustration unabated. "damn right you're sorry. i was so close!" His tone turned mournful. "i'm never gonna get to try it."
The Collector raised a brow, resting his head on one hand as he turned back to Chara. "He seems quite upset about something. Any idea what?"
"Bucket," Chara replied curtly, her eye refusing to meet his.
The Collector tilted his head. "That explains very little."
"What do you 'want?'" Chara hissed, her voice low and sharp.
Her hostility only seemed to amuse him further. "How frightening a tone. But I was merely asking a question." He sighed theatrically. "Lest you forget...I was one to help you." The tension was noticed by Baxter and Green properly now, as she remained silent. "Indeed...well, it's time to return to the work at hand. I think."
"Which is?" she pressed, her discomfort mounting as she glanced uneasily around the room. "And...why here?"
"You don't like the location?" The Collector feigned surprise. "Really, I thought you'd enjoy it. It's like rubbing salt in the wound of an enemy." He smirked. "But if you'd prefer, we could move to the garden instead—"
"No. Just… forget it," she cut him off hastily, slouching in her seat.
Green, noticing her growing unease, shifted his focus entirely. "er... are you... good, Lavender?"
The Collector interjected smoothly, "She's fine. Most find me quite imposing. Especially those who break agreements, only to beg for favors later." His tone was light, though the atmosphere felt heavier. "Regardless, to explain to her: we're here due to that little—" A tendril of energy extended from his throne, pressing lightly against Chara's chest and forcing her upright. "—promise you made. To help make their world."
"Please," Baxter said, its tone uneasy. "Do not try to intimidate The Guide."
The Collector smiled placidly. "I was merely helping her posture. Leaning forward like that isn't good for one's back."
Green muttered, "right," before clearing his throat. "we were gonna ask if she wanted to help out anyways. thought it could be fun." He gestured at Chara, before glancing at The Collector. "course, if you're gonna be rude-"
Chara breathed a quiet. "Stop."
"we can just handle it on our own." Green finished regardless.
The Collector sighed heavily, his expression a mockery of hurt feelings. "I can tell when I'm unwanted. How cruel to someone being so kind to you." His remark earned him a sharp glare from Chara. "Very well. I'll leave you to it. Hopefully, you have your questions ready. I'll return once you've made a decision."
With a sudden rush of movement, The Collector dissolved into a flurry of leaves, which scattered and disappeared, leaving the room eerily quiet.
Baxter broke the silence. "Chara, you do not... like The Collector?"
She scanned the room warily. "What's not… to... like?"
Green tilted his head, studying her. "don't think he's around anymore. sides, you've got them behind you, right?" He gestured to you. "and they were tough enough to spring me, so…"
"I don't want to talk about this," Chara said flatly, shutting down the conversation. "Let's just focus on… what are we doing?"
"hey, okay, that's alright..." Green hesitated, then turned to Baxter. "BB, can you explain this?"
Baxter's lens flickered as it explained, "We are interviewing candidates for positions within the world we are creating." It briefly opened its compartment, revealing the glowing canister that housed your world. "One day, we will send this world through the veil, allowing it to escape the void and be safe."
"k, see, i didn't know that part. that would take... a freakish amount of power," Green mused, his gaze narrowing in thought. "how the hell would—"
Chara, having collected herself, interrupted. "So, we're asking people questions to see if they'd be a good fit. And then, I'm guessing you all—" She glanced toward you. "—are gonna... vote on who gets in?"
Baxter nodded. "Correct. The remaining open positions are for a Toriel, to act as the 'Transportation Specialist,' and an Asriel for 'The Reserved' role."
Chara exhaled slowly, some of her tension easing. "Oh, right... I remember this now." She nodded to herself. "Okay... so do we have questions prepared?"
"They have some," Baxter replied. "I can hear them."
"Cool. And... they are?" Chara asked.
Green suggested, "how about we go over everything, take a bit, and then call in the first candidates?"
"That's probably smart," she agreed, letting out a tired sigh.
And so, they began reviewing your suggestions and brainstorming their own questions. If they were going to do this, they intended to do it properly. For now, the task provided a welcome distraction for Your Vessel, steadying her nerves.
But distractions are like that, aren't they? Who's up next? Ah... Toriel. I wonder what variants will appear? I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?