As soon as Undyne arrived home, she found Alphys surfing the internet to quell her own anxiety. The recent events had weighed down heavy on the lizard scientist.
It’s of no surprise since she inherited Doctor Gaster’s controversial research about human SOULS. Then, there were her own scientific mishaps piled on top of that.
Nonetheless, Alphys was determined to do the right thing for her girlfriend. She tidied up all of Undyne’s medical records before retiring for the night.
If only hugs can solve everything. Alas, they can’t.
It’s now Wednesday afternoon.
With the King’s approval, Captain Undyne issued an official summoning for prisoner Doctor W.D. Gaster.
It’s quite clear that he’s just a prisoner by name. The skeleton had to transport his ward Endogeny to the Surface, not the other way round.
More so, it’s part of his chores to care for the mass of dogs. Real prisoners don’t feed and groom their wards. Or play fetch with them.
Endogeny started wobbling out of joy at the sight of Alphys. They recognized an old friend.
Alphys smiled and gave them some well-loved pats. “Hey there, how are you doing?”
Their bark echoed in the air.
“Y-you wanna get some sun?”
More happy barks.
“Sure, let’s go.”
Alphys nodded to Undyne. It’s a silent acknowledgement that she will keep the dogs busy while they discuss some serious matters.
They settled down at the dinner table. Asgore then served up his last remaining sachet of Goldenflower Tea. He yet had the time and heart to make a new batch ever since the fiasco began.
Hot streams of fragrant water filled three cups: one for the King, another for the prisoner, and lastly for the Captain.
“Thanks,” Undyne took a sip. The flowers still taste great despite their dark and brooding history.
“My deepest gratitude, Your Majesty.” Gaster accepted the drink with a head lowered in guilt.
Asgore frowned. “Gaster, please look at me.”
“I dare not,” he replied. “Once again I’ve failed you. No, more than that. I cannot face dear Roman either. Helvetica, she outright withdrew from my presence. Young Papyrus suffers greatly for my oversight and I have no excuse.”
Undyne could feel the sincerity behind his words. Gone was any prideful conviction that defined him otherwise. This man stood at the edge of devastation.
Asgore said, “What’s past is past. I summoned you here because I need your vast knowledge.”
Presenting his hand to Undyne, he said, “The Captain believes that you’re the best person to do a thorough examination on her SOUL. Have you read her medical records?”
Gaster replied, “No, sir. But I have heard tales about her strength. It is quite unique.”
“That is correct,” so said the King. He placed down a medical file before the doctor. “Undyne is one of the rare non-Seer monsters who generate true Determination. Her training regiment and Alphys’ notes are included in the document.”
The doctor almost reached out for the file. Almost. It piqued his interest, but his heart stayed his hand. “I am honoured, yet I question the discernment. I had turned an angel into a demon, with the possibility of extinguishing the brightest soul to grace our time.”
“My Lord and King, why entrust your finest to this deplorable soul?”
The level of poetic language reached a point where Undyne wanted to flip the table. She’s not used to this level of old, elaborate, and formal language. Though she knew it’s the goopy scientist’s method of showing sincerity to Asgore, she can’t help but to feel awkward.
Gaster sighed. “Perhaps it’s better if you seek out a Lich in Ebott. Have Doctor Alphys study their physiology for new insights. Though a different species, their abilities rely greatly on Determination.”
Blink blink. Undyne considered that to be absolute crazy talk. First, what in the world are ‘Liches’. Second, they’re in Ebott? When? Where?
She turned to Asgore. The monster king looked just as confused.
“Did he lose his marbles for real???” asked Undyne.
“No. I think there’s a misunderstanding. Doctor Gaster believes I had reinstated the Reanimation Project.”
“Wha?”
“You see, Undyne. The skeleton people are monsters converted from the human dead. In anime terms… think of it as implanting sentience into a robot body. Except the robots are organic. Liches are the strongest of their kind.”
With widened eyes, she exclaimed, “You mean skeletons are not natural?! Like. Androids? Cyborgs? BONEBORGS?!?! Then how do they make children???”
“T-that is a topic for a different time.” Asgore coughed.
Turning his attention to Gaster, he explained, “That project is too controversial for any era to consider. In our current state of affairs… I wouldn’t even dare to propose the idea, let alone get the permission to do so.”
The goopy skeleton started to flow and melt. He’s mortified, as if Asgore mentioned the impossible.
Gaster tried to push his skull back toward its proper place. “I-I swear on my existence that I had seen members of my kin! Roaming around town! T-they’re behind veils, hoods and masks: the proper attire to protect themselves from ignorants.”
“I’ve heard our tongue spoken in ripples. Multitudes. It’s hard to pick out their exact words, but they’re there. I had also told the Child of Mercy that a community of skeletons exists. Somewhere in the more reclusive zones in town. That’s how certain I am.”
Undyne expected that scientist to be a little bit unhinged from all that solitude scattered across spacetime, but this? Had his madness progressed far enough to create ghosts and illusions out of pure desire?
“Okay, doc.” She crossed her arms. “Explain why you think we have a secret skelly society right under our noses?”
So Gaster began: “It was the time when the air grew cold and the leaves fell. Autumn, if I remember the term right. There seems to be a festival where the people on the Surface masquerade in costumes.”
He huffed in indignation. “Many of the designs are a mockery of monsters. Such poor, hideous taste.”
The other two recognized the description right away.
“That’s Halloween!” Undyne remarked. The thought alone brought her some cheer. “I dressed up as a pirate last year. Yar har! Man it’s so fun to walk door to door asking for candy. Even if you’re an adult.”
Asgore nodded with a touch of glee in his heart. “Our human neighbours taught us how to set up our first Autumn Fair too. It’s the liveliest event I’ve seen in ages, brimming with visitors everywhere you turn.”
“Well, it’s nice to finally have a proper name for those despicable events.” Focusing back on the matter at hand, Gaster continued: “It’s one of the rare exceptions when identity-hiding costumes are allowed in public, right? That’s when I saw ‘them’, mingling amongst the other non-bone residents of Ebott.”
There were lots of people in costumes during the festivities. Monsters participated too, and the humans had a hard time telling which were which.
Now that Gaster mentioned it… Undyne remembered a peculiar sight.
“Hey, I think I know what you’re talking about.” She said, “I saw a row of busses dropping off a whole lotta guys wearing the stuff you described. Like, they’re trying to cosplay an army or something.”
“It’s pretty spooky. Had to make sure they’re not gang members or something. So, I talked to them. Turns out they’re university folks who agreed on a common theme. Supposed to be wizards, I think?”
“Nice people. Caused no trouble and enjoyed themselves like any other visitor.”
Stunned. Shocked. Speechless. Gaster’s having issues trying to keep himself on the chair.
“Wizards from a university…” he muttered. “Lichborn and Seers. By the busloads. Other human-like monsters could wear the same garbs too. Egads…! It never crossed my mind that the survivors on the Surface could visit us!”
The King and Captain grew concerned. They might lose him for real if they don’t stabilize him soon, literally or otherwise.
“Uh, doc?” asked Undyne. “What’s wrong? Why are you turning into a puddle?”
“Your Majesty,” Gaster continued, “The world. Humans. Monsters. They’ve been watching the Dreemurr Nation’s every move. Our decisions today will change the face of global politics… for better or worse.”
Asgore himself had grown pale underneath his white fur. He understood the ramifications more so than anyone else. If his thoughtless declaration of revenge did come to fruition, the hidden nations would suffer more by the ever spreading seeds of hatred.
By now Gaster had completely drained off the chair. His black being and hollow skull stretched out underneath the shadow cast by Asgore’s furniture.
The puddle thus said, “…Captain, please contact the Magi. The teacher you seek will be amongst them. I’m certain that there will be far more qualified Seers within their ranks.”
The puddle started to slink away. Undyne jumped on her feet and tried to scoop the liquid man off the ground. Gaster felt like soft, silken putty in her hands.
“Wait!” she yelled, “Wait wait wait wait HOLD ON A MOMENT! Get yourself together, and I mean it literally!”
He replied, “Leave me to my own misery. I had encouraged an act that would lead to worldwide ruin. I cannot be trusted with another life.”
Undyne wanted to seek help from the King, yet he too had wilted.
She felt the world had gone upside down. Usually, someone else will try to quell her fiery personality with reason. Now she’s the rational soul trying to keep others from falling apart.
Frustration levels reached a critical point. She wants to get that important evaluation done right now before anyone else gets hurt.
Fear? Fear can kick the curb! The strongest fish refused to let the complicated social perceptions of the world get in the way.
There was a huge ‘NGAAAAH’. Against all norms of liquid physics, she managed to rip the puddle of Gaster off the floor and suplex his entire goopy being.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
He splatted. In a literal sense. Bits and pieces of his being splashed all over: the wall, the ceiling, the guests in the room. It’s like the unfortunate tomatoes from her cooking attempts.
At least he’s still alive. The disconnected bits crawled back to their main body.
Undyne scooped up a handful. Imagined she’s going to drill him with words.
“Doctor. W. D. Gaster. I DON’T like you! You’re the most fucking controversial man EVER! And it disgusts me to think you had so much influence back in the Underground!”
“Yet, I’m asking for your help because Papyrus told me you’re a great teacher. I believe him. Why? Because I am a teacher too!”
“In case you missed the memo, I’m in charge of gym classes at Toriel’s school. Plus, I used to train the members of the Royal Guard. I know the ups and downs. Sometimes you look at a person and you KNOW they have talent, but they can’t seem to get the lessons right.”
“And you,” Undyne pressed her face closer to the goop. “Despite the fact you have no EQ what so ever, you managed to turn the most innocent goof from zero to hero in one damn night!”
Before Gaster could object, she corrected herself. “Okay. It’s not literally one night. The point being: Paps learned a ton more from the short moment with you than a lifetime with me! Hell, his cooking skills speak volumes!”
“Now Paps is down and out. Sans is on the verge of snapping in half. Mettaton is confined to his own studio. Alphys isn’t sleeping. Then Cenna almost killed someone because some Gungnir moron can’t shut up!”
“The King is in quasi-house arrest on the Queen’s orders and she’s working overtime! Frisk? I wonder how they could even BREATHE!”
“The ENTIRE town is in trouble! I really, really, REALLY cannot just sit around and do nothing!”
Undyne returned the piece of Gaster to the rest of his being. Then, she got on her knees. Placed both hands on the ground and bowed before him.
From what she understood of anime, this is the humblest stance in existence.
“Please, teach me,” she said, “I need to get stronger. I need to know how to use my gifts better. I cannot lose myself like that freaking Genocider scum. And above all, I can’t do it alone.”
Doctor Gaster remained silent for a long, long while. It felt like an eternity.
His voice quivered, touched and humbled by the speech. “I… I was so wrong. You deserve the title of Captain of the Royal Guard more than anyone else. Once again I have proven myself to be a poor judge of character. Lacking in ‘EQ’ as you say.”
“I vow that I will bring out the best potential within you with the best of my abilities. Pride will not hinder me this time.”
He rose from the puddle, solidifying back to his proper form. His rematerialized hands urged the Captain to stand.
“That position ill-fits you, Captain,” said Gaster. “The chair is a more suitable place. I shall now read your medical records and see what we can do to refine your strength.”
Undyne had a feeling that she’ll need to get used to the ultra-polite side of this man. For better or for worse, she’s at the same level of reverence as King Asgore.
A part of her missed the critical bite already. It seemed more ‘natural’ for a radical doctor of great notoriety to look down on her, not up.
Within the hour, Doctor Gaster finished his reading. He closed the file and set it aside.
“It is fortunate that you still live today, Captain Undyne,” he said. “Perhaps there were some timelines where you did not. The recorded highs of your Determination levels are just one step away from internal destabilization.”
Maybe her wish for a frank criticism arrived too soon. “Whoa. That close? Does Alphys know this?”
“Certainly.” He said, “Considering Doctor Alphys’ romantic interest in you, it would be difficult for her to disclose anything beyond a general warning.”
“I-I had no idea…” Guilt twisted her stomach. She felt responsible for adding more background stress on her poor lizard lover.
“On the plus side, there’s a clear source for your unbridled strength. Determination in low quantities serves as a magnifier. I had experienced this first-hand before.”
Asgore blinked. “Come again?”
The former Royal Scientist placed his holed-hands in a steeple, filled with seriousness. “Your Majesty, remember the time where I tried to break the Barrier with substitutes for human SOULS?”
“Yes, I do,” the king replied. “You never did disclose your theories… Despite our deepest concerns.”
Gaster nodded twice. “Well, I was young and beset by tragedy. But, it’s about time I explain. This is very relevant to Captain Undyne’s request.”
He summoned multitudes of small bones and drew a simple pentagram on the table. A small bone floated in the center of the star, awaiting the next step of this demonstration.
“Your Majesty, please set the bone alight with your sacred flame.”
With a wave of his huge hands, Asgore lit the tip like a wick on a candle. The white flames burned hot, yet they did not disintegrate their target.
Gaster explained, “The Gram is programmed to process my magic as fuel for the fire, while containing any unwanted flares. Now, watch what happens if I add raw Determination from my Amalgamated self.”
The moment he did so, the tiny fire exploded into a roaring inferno. It surprised even Asgore enough to make him jolt in his seat.
“OH MY GOD!!!” Undyne screamed. Appropriate reaction in her opinion. It reminded her of that one time when she splashed oil on the stove by accident.
Ear to ear, the doctor’s grin grew. “Wondrous, is it not? The Seer’s magic is more intensive than it looks. Meddling with space and time doesn’t come cheap, yet we do not feel as much strain as we should.”
He dispelled the Gram. Along with it, the fire went out as quick as it ignited.
“This realization inspired me to maximize the efficiency of Aspects with Determination. In simple words… I tried to ascend to the level of a Seven Soul GOD with nothing but proxies and a magnifier.”
The hopeful smile faded in the face of reality. “Alas, the use of such power overloaded my being. Unable to contain it, my Eyes tried to burn away the excess. The force then split apart my skull.”
“Wait a moment,” Asgore raised his hand. “Gaster, you’re telling us that it’s not the Fake Aspects that backfired on you?”
“Not directly.” Gaster answered. “Though much lesser compared to their true counterparts, they functioned fine. It’s how I utilized them.”
“Whatever data I salvaged from my failed attempts inspired The Core. It took decades of testing to find the right balance of Aspects to convert geothermal energy into magical electricity, allowing the creation of a nationwide power grid.”
“Okay…?” Undyne asked: “So what does it got to do with me?”
“Do not make the same mistake as I did, dear Captain. If you want to exploit your Determination to the fullest, you must externalize it. Channel the mixture outside of your body. Never inside. Be ‘The Core’ and not a ‘GOD’.”
More cryptic statements? “Doc, please stop talking in hands translated to English. I really can’t get you.”
“Please stretch out your arm.”
Undyne did so. The doctor planted a similar pentagram on the surface of her palm.
“You’ve been internalizing Determination to raise your stats. That’s limiting and dangerous. You should instead channel your will outward together with your magic.”
“Feel the difference.”
When the Gram activated, Undyne felt a surge of foreign power coursing through her body. It’s similar to a small electrical current, flowing towards the enchantment.
“Conjure your spear,” he instructed.
When she did so, she could conjure no more than an orb of water that twisted and roiled with the thundering force of an ocean storm. The wild Determination within threatened to tear the magic apart, refusing to be tamed.
“Wow. This is like. Epic cool.” That’s all Undyne could say. She stared at the chaos, mesmerized.
Gaster cleared his throat. “Excuse me, but that little storm won’t be able to do much on its own. Refine it.”
“Right, right.” The fish attempted to focus. Her muscles trembled. This woman had trained in her art for a lifetime. Yet, she’s struggling against this tiny spell.
Ever-churning. Ever-twirling.
Undyne slammed a fist on the table with her sharp teeth chomping down. “Aaaargh!! You don’t wanna listen to me? TOO BAD!!! I’m the boss around here and I’m gonna make you UNDERSTAND!”
The roaring grew more violent in response.
Velocity kicked up. The Gram’s confines stretched like a high-pressurized balloon. Should it burst, well, she’d rather not think of the outcome.
Asgore gulped. “Gaster, are you sure it’s safe to do this indoors?”
“The Gram will contain it,” said the scientist. After a brief pause, he added: “I hope.”
“This is the result of magic magnified beyond its threshold. In other words, her spear is ‘melting’ from excessive DT into this chaotic sea. Your Majesty, I think you can see the issue here. Perhaps some advice from you would be better for our Captain?”
Asgore nodded in understanding. “Yes. I believe so.”
“Huh?” Undyne blinked.
“When you were a little girl, you were very much like the magic in your hand now: restless, full of energy, with no idea how to channel your strength. Suppressing that wildness only make things worse. That’s why I nurtured you instead, so you could bloom and bless the people around you.”
“Remember, determination doesn’t need to be violent. It can be peaceful too. Frisk is a wonderful example.”
For reasons she couldn’t explain, listening to Asgore opened her mind to a new yet familiar angle. Maybe in one of the timelines she understood her true power. Alas, she had yet to rediscover it.
Undyne breathed in deep. “In other words, I gotta treat it like a real person. Respecting my magic -- no matter what -- is the same as respecting myself.”
She tried to be a dictator. Little wonder why her magic refused to submit.
Hey, anime is real right? I just gotta calm myself and…
Contrary to her expectations, the spear did not stabilize upon the ascent to a peaceful plateau. It instead vanished as though she turned the faucet off.
“…Eh?” Undyne blurted.
“Ah, the balance was lost,” said Gaster.
Disappointment soaked in. “Aww maaaaaan! I thought I had it.”
“It’s certainly not an overnight matter, Captain Undyne. Beginnings are always the hardest. Not even Sans, in all his prodigy, grasped his skills right off the bat. Remember…”
Asgore’s phone rang.
He mouthed the word ‘Toriel’ to everyone and requested for their silence.
“Hello, dear? Hm? … Everything is fine here. Oh… Sorry to hear that you’re stuck in the Town Hall. Perhaps I could prepare some warm water to soak your feet? Huh, butterscotch or cinnamon? Oh!”
“…You want to talk to Frisk? What do you mean they’re not picking up? They’re…”
Wait.
What time is it?
All three members at the table glanced at the wall clock. It’s thirty minutes past five and they had not heard a beep of Frisk since lunch. They were so focused on the moment, no one realised the sun outside had begun to set over the horizon…
With genuine terror of the marital kind in the King’s eyes, he muttered: ‘Where?’
Panic mode, on. Undyne whipped out her phone posthaste.
StrongFish91
OKAY LISTEN UP EVERYONE THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!!!
Has ANYONE seen Frisk?!?!
Toriel wants to talk to the kid and we have no damn idea why they’re aren’t home yet!
HotAndSpicy
Chill there, Captain.
Frisky’s with me.
ALPHYS
i met them on the way back too!
She shoved the conversation to Asgore’s face for his life’s worth. One could see the wave of relief washed over his fluffy being.
“Frisk is with their sister, Cenna,” he answered. “It appears that they’ve met Alphys on the way as well. N-no! I didn’t forget about them. Of course not.”
Asgore’s troubled expression betrayed otherwise. He’s still adjusting to the life of a father. For a long time, he didn’t need to worry about a child’s safety. The Underground was always a relatively safe place and young Undyne showed great independence for her age.
Frisk, though a child wise beyond their years, lived in a world where terrible things can happen in the blink of an eye. More so with their celebrity status.
While Asgore continued talking to Toriel, Undyne typed back, scowling:
StrongFish91
Jeez kid, what took you so long?!
It’s dangerous out there!
Shining Star
Sorry for being quiet. I was looking for someone.
Had to keep my eyes peeled at all times.
And I’m kinda squinty by default.
StrongFish91
That’s NO excuse!
Notify us, squirt!
Your dad almost got into some hot grilling from mom thanks to your silence!
Besides those dumb Gungnir could be right around at any corner.
Aren’t you afraid of them?
Shining Star
I keep a lookout for them too.
So far the Royal Guard and Magi are doing an awesome job :D
The town is 100% safe.
sans
or vacant
but hey
i like my town deserted when it comes to a crisis
with a cheer-ry on top
Undyne couldn’t believe it. That name didn’t pop up in the group chat for ages. Didn’t he lose his phone in some underwater shenanigans? Maybe he bought a new one sometime in the week?
Not important. She needs to know what he’s up to since Papyrus’ accident.
StrongFish91
Oh god Sans
WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!?!?!
sans
making something for mom and dad
why not pass the message for me?
tell the doc i have something that might help in his curry-making quest.
Curry? Come to think of it, Gaster requested lots of culinary books about tropical island cuisine. Said that Judge Mezil Thyme loved this ‘Jungle Curry’ so much, he’s willing to sacrifice his health for that spicy kick.
When Undyne passed the message, the goopy scientist stared back at her in silence.
“Uh, what’s wrong?” she asked.
He shook his head. “…Nothing. Just, I didn’t expect him to be so gracious after what happened to his brother. Sans is not known to be kind. Please pass my thanks to him.”
For once, she’s on the same page. “Yeah. I get what you mean.”
Sans had a fuzzy record with the Royal Guard. He’s powerful, but always ditched his job for other jobs. Everyone knew he turned sentry posts into hot dog stands. Sells them at borderline criminal prices too.
But that’s the least of her worries. Once in awhile, Undyne would hear news of small-time swindling from that man. It often involved possibly rigged gambling games.
Most people don’t bother reporting because they believed they had lost fair and square.
And maybe they did. Who knows? He’s smart.
It’s what came after the games that bothered her the most.
When she asked around, they’d explain that Sans would treat the loser to their favourite snack, using but a fraction of his earnings. Act all buddy buddy so that they’d play with him again some day.
It’s as though he’s taking advantage of their gullibility.
When Papyrus discovered the schemes, he cried foul. It’s one of the rare pre-Seer times that he’s right.
The news stopped since.
StrongFish91
They said thanks.
I bet your parents wanna know if you’re okay too.
sans
nice
i’m fine, really
“Excuse me, dear? Dinner? At my place?”
Asgore got up off the chair and rushed over to his fridge. It’s delightfully understocked.
“Um, Toriel, I don’t have enough to cook for everyone. Are there any shops open in this hour? Oh… I guess we can buy bulk from the fast food store. No burgers?”
He chuckled a bit. “I guess you’re tired of them. What about some deep fried chicken then? The humans say one can never go wrong with those. Except… we don’t have an outlet in Ebott yet.”
His ears perked up. “Sans? Are you sure?… I-if you think he could. He didn’t use his teleport at all yesterday. I’m not sure why either… Alright. Please let me know.”
Undyne’s phone chimed.
sans
welp. looks like i’m on take-out duty.
gonna go meet up with tori.
catch you guys later. see ya.
“…Huh?” Undyne muttered to herself. “I thought he…?”
‘Sans had somehow lost his ability to teleport.’ Or that’s how it’s supposed to be.
And yet, he’s using it right now to fetch a mundane dinner.
Nothing made sense anymore. The only sure grasp she had on this puzzle was the fact that Sans never does anything without a reason.
And how she hated puzzles.
She’s so frustrated… it almost made her blood boil with determination.