If you like this chapter, be sure to leave a heart or comment so I know you want to see more! Previous chapter: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/707036189/ ♡ “Hey, E-E-Eliza, where are you going? You just passed the m-m-movie theater…” “Oh, um, we’re making a quick detour. Is that okay?” I ask, peering at Alphys from my peripheral vision. “I need to get out and let the prosthetic recalibrate real quick. Maybe a brief walk would help.” “Um, o-okay. If you think that w-would help.” She shrugs as I continue driving. I wasn’t necessarily lying- I do need to step out and let my leg move a little. This is one of my first times driving again since getting the prosthetic, and although only the right foot is needed to press the pedals, the left leg is still necessary for balance. I never really drove much to begin with, since it makes me really nervous, but the way to the mountain is pretty clear and relaxing. The trail leading up the mountain is marked by a fancy wrought iron gate, with a few figures standing underneath it. Alphys whips around to look at me suspiciously when I park just outside the gate. “What a s-specific place to go for a walk. What’s really going on here, Eliza?” I smile sheepishly. “Uh… a surprise.” The two of us open our doors and step out, making our way to the gate. Underneath it stands Toriel and Frisk, waving happily at us. “Greetings, Alphys,” Toriel says politely as we approach, winking slyly at me. “We have something we would like to show you. Follow us, if you please.” Alphys shoots me a confused glance as Toriel and Frisk lead us up the mountain trail to the opening over the Ruins. Since monsters left the underground, a grand staircase was constructed here to allow safe re-entry, for the sake of reminiscing and education for youngsters. To my knowledge, though, very few people use it, since most monsters are reluctant to go underground again and most humans just don’t care enough. The four of us embark down the staircase, where Frisk holds my arm and helps me to make sure I don’t trip.
READ INSTRUCTIONS SECTION FIRST ^^^^^ When we reach the entrance to the Ruins, I find myself staring in awe. It looks ancient down here. How long were monsters living in this segment of the underground? Frisk tugs on Alphys’s sleeve and says something to her. She nods, and the two of them march towards the catacombs. I make to follow them, but I’m stopped in my tracks by the grasp of a warm, soft paw around my hand. I turn around to find Toriel lingering right behind me. She hesitates, visibly choking on her words, then looks at me with apprehension in her eyes. “I’m sorry, dear, I- it’s hard to walk through here. But- I-I’ll let go of you-” “No, no, it’s all right,” I quickly reassure her, squeezing her hand. “I can hold onto you for as long as you need, okay?” I’ve never seen Toriel this off-put, but she calms down a little and smiles warily at me. “All right, if you say so. I’m depending on you, dear.” I nod dutifully, and the two of us set off towards the stairs leading into the Ruins. Truthfully, I’m grateful Toriel took my hand. Obviously the burden of reentering this place takes a much greater toll on her than on me, but I would be lying if I said my nerves were calm. Throughout the past few weeks I’ve drastically improved, picking the pieces of my life back up. I started work at the daycare again (and was swamped with kids crying about my absence), eased my way back into driving, and began browsing for new apartments to rent while staying with my family. Losing Mettaton may have left a lasting impact on my heart, and I won’t really be okay for a long time, but I’m resolute to put myself back together in the meantime. But, truth be told, the thought of seeing him again for the first time in over a month still sets my stomach aflutter. I wish I could push the feeling away- I can’t let it interfere with my loyalty to my friends, and I certainly won’t let it scare me out of my commitment to helping. Maybe back in January, before I lost my leg and became a viral sensation, I would have fled the scene without a second thought. I’ve learned since then, though, and I’m trying to be a stronger and braver person. The sad part is, I owe that growth to Mettaton. How do you treat someone who changed your life, but who refuses to have anything to do with you anymore? Mettaton is a lot of things, but he certainly isn’t shy, and I know I can’t avoid talking to him again- that is, unless he avoids me, which would signify a massive stroke of luck. I really don’t know how I’ll be able to face him again. Should I be angry? Aloof? Friendly? Should I pretend nothing happened? Feigning a reaction would be unhealthy and superficial, but I don’t know how I’ll be able to talk to him otherwise. God, I really am hopeless sometimes. “You’ve been awfully quiet, my child. Are you okay?” Toriel snaps me out of my thoughts with her gentle inquisition. I shrug, trying to hide my anxiety. “I’ve g-got some things on my mind, but I’m fine.” She smiles warmly, then looks around. We’re approaching a withered black tree, and the light sound of rushing water from the pools behind us drifts forward. “The Ruins may be claustrophobic, but they provide a good atmosphere for reflection, do they not? I must confess that I, too, have often found myself lost in thought while navigating the catacombs.” I nod absently, taking in her words, before she softly squeezes my hand. “Let us quicken our pace. Frisk and Alphys are already a bit ahead of us.” I nod again, more affirmatively. “Yeah. L-let’s go.” Toriel grins cheerfully. “Everyone is waiting for us!” ♡ Music: "Ruins" by Toby Fox, piano cover by Zach Heyde on YouTube Art and writing by me! All Undertale content and characters belong to Toby Fox. ♡
