underfell-misery

[underfell-misery]

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While journeying, a flower in pocket and eventually picking up a large stick to have on hand, Frisk avoided encountering any monsters like the plague. They weren’t necessarily afraid, (which despite their protests, they absolutely were.) but they refused to hurt anyone. Even as Flowey begged them to fight back against the monsters they did encounter, Frisk would always lay down the stick as a sign of mercy, only to be harmed and have to run for their life. They were beaten and battered, yet they hadn't lost hope. They believed that there was still good to be had here, they had to just show them. The power of mercy and kindness was stronger than these monsters realized, and Frisk just had to show them that fighting wasn’t always the answer, that no one had to die here.

“Frisk- wait-!” Flowey whispered with a dark hiss, making Frisk stop in their tracks. They returned from their thoughts and looked up, seeing a patch of dead, crunchy leaves, with a snoring red ghost laying on top of them. The ghost, even when sleeping, had a scary, grouchy expression plastered on his face. The snoring was loud and groggy, like a middle aged dad after a long day at work. “Thats Napstablook.” Flowey whispered. “He’s constantly angry, and usually sleeping, but kills anyone that wakes him up.” Napstablook was an awfully funny name for such a brooding creature, but it didn’t take too much away from the still worrying appearance of the ghost.

“But… He’s blocking the path, what should we do??” Frisk whispered back, wincing.

“Oh? He’s blocking the path? Really? No SHIT Frisk, I can see him just like you can!! Figure somethin’ out, and do it silently!” He hissed with annoyance. Frisk huffed at his tone, but looked at the large stick, wondering if they could lunge themselves over the patch of leaves and the sleeping monster. But before they could even finish their thought, when they took a step forward… They’d stepped on a dead leaf, crunching loudly. Both Frisk and Flowey froze in their places, holding their breath. Despite the pause, the ghost groaned loudly, his voice raspy and deep.

“Can’t… catch a fuuuuuckin’ break…..” He groaned, opening an angry eye and looking at the pair. “I come HERE for some PEACE and QUIET but you people dont seem to care about that do you?!” He roared, levitating high above Frisk and Flowey.

“S-sir we really didn’t mean to- I think if we just talk-“

“Talk?” The ghost laughed. “Talk…. God you must be a stupid little girl.” Napstablook spat out with a scowl. Frisk paused, taking a moment to acknowledge that he’d just called them a girl. “You think I give a shit about what you have to say? You’re dead here. Your words and choices don’t matter.” Flowey had to stifle an ‘I told you so’ as he trembled. “But you can listen to me, little shit. You stomp around here, thinking you can make as much noise as you want-“ He paused, seeing Frisk hold something out to him, their hands trembling. In Frisk’s hands was a small piece of candy, wrapped in a colorful, striped piece of plastic. Napstablook was taken aback, giving the human a puzzled expression. “… what… the hell is that.” He muttered bluntly.

”A-A piece of candy, sir…. For your troubles.” Frisk said, voice a little shaky.

”Frisk!!! What are you doing?! You’re gonna get yourself killed!!” Flowey hissed, retreating further into their pocket. Napstablook stared for a bit before lowering.

”… Is it poisoned?” He said quietly, squinting his eyes at Frisk. Frisk perked up and couldn’t help but smile.

“P-Poisoned…? Oh god, no!” They chuckled, their body relaxing a bit. Napstablook growled at Frisk’s laughter, but before he could say something, Frisk interrupted. “Do… people do that here?? Give each other poisoned candy or food…?” They said, their smile fading a bit. After another few moments of silence,

”Well… monsters don’t… really give each other anything in general, ‘less it’s poisoned or a trick.” He quietly admitted, seemingly calmed down a considerable amount.

“W-well… I have no intention of hurting you. I woke you up, so… I owe you right? And it’s just the nice thing to do, sir. Napstablook, was it?” The ghost looked more and more puzzled as Frisk spoke, and with such manners and that kind tone.

”y…yeah. Napstablook…” He said, finally fully lowered to their level, looking at the candy. Truth was, he couldn’t even eat it, it’d phase right through him. But it wasn’t the candy itself he was enamored with, but the kindness of the gesture.

”Do you… sleep here? It must be awfully uncomfortable, on those crunchy leaves.” Frisk said, still holding out the candy in case he took it.

”O-oh no, no I live in Waterfall down by the fish….” He mumbled. Why was he telling them this? Literally moments before he planned on burning them alive with his acidic tears and spit- but now? Now he was in a conversation with the ‘stupid little girl’. Flowey was just as confused, he’d never seen someone talk to Napstablook this long without having a hole burnt through their intestines. Though, the longer he thought about it… had anyone ever tried…?

”The fish??” Frisk giggled as Napstablook finally ‘took’ the candy, only staying in his body for a moment before falling out. The ghost grumbled at it, but nodded anyhow.

“Yeah, royal guard shit, all that jazz… she’s a horrible fuckin’ neighbor, always thrashing around her area, destroying shit…” He complained, rolling his eyes.

”Have you talked to her about it?” Frisk suggested, carefully picking the candy back up, placing it in their pocket.

”What’d I say about talkin’ here, it does no goo-“

”Well, we’re talking now.” Frisk smiled warmly, tilting their head. Napstablook stammered, as if caught off guard. He grouched under his breath but eventually nodded.

”This is a one time thing, you lil’ shit, a one time favor, the whole ‘not killing you’ thing, alright!?” He growled, his face redder than before, seemingly from a blush. There’s was a long pause. “But… if you’re ever in Waterfall…. Maybe stop by.” He muttered, closing his eyes and puffing out his chest. “Now get the hell outta here before I change my mind, freak!” He growled, and Frisk didn’t have to be asked twice. They nodded and thanked him as he rolled his eyes, moving to the side so they could continue. Frisk walked to the next room with a smile, Napstablook finally dissipating, likely going someplace else to continue his nap. It was quiet for a bit before Flowey finally spoke.

“Get that dumb grin off your face, Frisk… you got LUCKY…” He huffed, hanging his head out of their pocket. Frisk just chuckled, entering a room with an empty bake sale with blood red cider and goopy donuts. They checked their G to pay for some ‘Spider Cider’, despite there being no one to take the gold.

”Looks like we made an ‘ally’, huh?~” Frisk teased, taking a small container of the red juice after placing the coins into a jar covered in sticky webs. Flowey just rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath.

“… Don’t get used to it.”

Finally, they’d seemed to make it to the area Flowey described would be Toriel’s home. But… It wasn’t exactly ‘homey’. In the front yard, if you could even call it that, there was a shriveled stump of a dead tree, blackened flowers circling the base. It was unkempt, and whatever ax work had been done on it was shoddy, because there were marks all over it and the ground below where the perpetrator had missed. Or, maybe they hadn’t. Maybe that was the whole point, to destroy. Frisk took a mental note and walked to the front door, seeing Toriel’s shadow in the tinted, dusty window to the side as she walked around, seemingly pacing in a circle. When they listened close enough, they could hear her muttering to herself, but was unable to decern what was being said, only that it was the same phrase over and over again. Frisk frowned, immediately forgetting her earlier violence against dangerous and innocent monsters alike, instead growing worried for her.

”Hey. Don’t let it get to you, Frisk. Remember, she can and will hurt you. We gotta get out of here. You can’t talk your way out of this one.” He said, though his voice was much more sympathetic than earlier warnings. He seemed to understand where they were coming from, even if he didn’t feel the same empathy. Maybe once upon a time, he did. Frisk just nodded and sighed, knocking on the door as Flowey retreated back into their pocket. After several awkward moments without a sound, Frisk suddenly heard the doorknob jiggle and unlock, Toriel opening the door just slightly to see who it was that knocked. Upon seeing it was Frisk, her face lit up and she opened the door fully, gasping with delight.

”Oh my child you’re alright!” She paused, her face hardening. “….. I thought I told you to stay back.” She suddenly said, her voice much more stern than before. Frisk was quickly nervous, chuckling softly.

“I-I know,… mom… I just… got scared and wanted to see you, to be safe…” They felt horrible lying, but knew they couldn’t set off the beast. Her face softened again and she cooed,

”Oh, well, dear you could’ve called and I would’ve come straight to you!” She said, rubbing their shoulders. Frisk gave an awkward nod,

“I’ll remember next time.” They promised- though internally hoping there’d be no ‘next time’. Still, they couldn’t help but feel pity for Toriel. It was clear she’d been alone for far too long, and Frisk genuinely wanted to help her. If it wasn’t for the danger of Toriel’s mental state snapping at any wrong move- Frisk almost wanted to stay. There was good in the monster, they could see it plain as day. But whatever world and events she’d survived made that a lot harder to see to most.

“Come, come, I’ve got a surprise for you~” She said, beckoning the human in with her large paws. Frisk stepped inside and looked around, but was shocked to see the inside. It was dull- the color scheme, the lighting, and even the smell. All of the walls were a deep burgundy with faint splashes of a light red. Frisk didn’t want to ask where those embellishments came from- knowing monsters don’t bleed. The lighting was dim, lit up by only candles, which flickered from the draft coming through the cracks in the walls and broken windows. There were spider webs everywhere, but instead of being inhabited by arachnids, there were curled up dead ones underneath their respective webs, as if Toriel killed them and kept their craftsmanship as a trophy.

“I’m sure you’ll be excited to hear I’ve baked a Snail Pie as a celebration of your arrival!” Toriel cooed, clasping her hands together in excitement, rocking back and forth on the heels of her feet. So that explained the odd, drab smell. Frisk gave a nervous smile, clearly not as excited as the goat in front of them. Toriel’s smile faded, “ah, well… you’ll grow to love it, I’m sure…” she mumbled to herself, finally standing still. “But! I have something else I think you’ll quite enjoy- come, come!” She said, taking Frisk’s hands and jolting them closer, dragging them down the hall. “Here it is!” She said, looking at a door.

“I… don’t think I understand…” Frisk said quietly, tilting their head in confusion.

“Your own room, silly pie!” She said, rubbing their hair, though a bit harsh for Frisk’s taste. “So when you stay you’ll be comfortable. As long as it takes.” She said with a smile, pushing Frisk through the door.

“…. M-ma’am this is nice and all, but I have to keep going, I have to go h-“

“It’s ‘Mother’. No need for ‘ma’am’ in this household.” Toriel sternly said, gritting her teeth. “And besides, you are home, young one. But…. I prepared for the event where you proved yourself as gullible as the rest…. My child, you cannot fall for the niceties of these monsters, they all will kill you in a moments notice- you’ll never survive!” She said with a sigh, gently holding Frisk’s wrists. “But, if you truly wish to leave…” she mumbled. Frisk suddenly gasped, feeling a cold metal clasp on their wrists. “Then you’re just as fucking stupid as the rest of them.” She growled, standing up and shoving Frisk away, making them fall to the cold ground with a thud. “You think you know, child? You think you know how they work, that you can talk your way out of it all? No. No, you will die just as the rest of the children did. And who will have to bury you? You wish that upon your mother? No- no I will no longer be a fool. You shall stay here, with me, where it is safe. Where Asgore will never reach you, or even learn of you. My child, never speak of leaving again.” She growled out. “I’ve seen it time and time again. They come. They leave. They die. You foolish child-“ she teared up. “I know your games. I will not be tricked into letting you leave, just for you to die by a heartless monster’s hand. So I am sorry- but you must stay here.” She muttered, backing up to the doorway. “…. You’ll get used to it.” She hissed before slamming the door.

Frisk was shaking uncontrollably, tears streaming down their face. They’d never been so scared in their life- Toriel had gotten so angry that while speaking, she’d spit in their face several times. Their hands, chained to the bedpost next to them, struggled to be free, but to no avail. After a few more fruitless moments of struggle and calling out for Toriel to please come back, Frisk broke down crying.

“I-I don’t- I don’t understand- I-“ they cried, hanging their head low. “I didn’t even-!” Their cries were to no avail, eventually laying their head on the side of the mattress beside them, which had no sheets. There was no comfort in this room, no warmth. It was cold and dusty, and whoever had lived in it before had been long dead. Voice raspy from crying so long, Frisk finally fell silent, tears rolling down their cheeks as they started to doze from exhaustion. This somber silence lasted hours. Even if they called for Flowey, Flowey was silent and unmoving in their pocket. When Frisk was finally starting to fall asleep, there was a voice.

“I told you…” Frisk heard from their pocket, the voice low and somber. “…. She can’t be trusted. I told you.” He sighed, looking away. He wasn’t mad at Frisk for letting their guard down for a moment. Who wouldn’t at a time like that? But this place, the state of Toriel’s mind and appearance, it got to him.

“F-Flowey, please, you’ve gotta pick the loc-“

“She wasn’t always this way.” Flowey suddenly interrupted. Frisk paused, breath wavering as they listened. “…. She still has glimmers of kindness but…. It’s nothing like it once was. Before the declaration of war by Asgore and….” He paused for a long time. “…. And the death of her children… her… son… she was a kind and just ruler of the entire underground. The civilizations matriarch. To kill was only a last resort, and she hadn’t even harmed a being since the war between humans and monsters…” he smiled faintly to himself. “But… after the Prince and the human child passed…. The underground lost hope. People got desperate, and the only way to appease them was a deceleration of war. It didn’t take long for things to go to shit after that. Toriel’s locked herself away in here since. She’s seen every human that fell just like you, pass through. She’s also buried every single one of them. She was one of the last hopeful monsters down here but-….” Flowey hung his head down. “…. I guess even the brightest flames go out eventually.” Frisk, their cheeks still wet with tears, sniffled.

“…. You know her better than you let on…” they smiled somberly.

“… I used to.” He sighed, looking to the chains. “Now… well, I can’t give too much of a shit. Having no soul does that to a monster.” He mumbled, extending a vine into the lock and beginning to fidget inside it.

“Wait- what…???” Frisk said, perking up. “You… you don’t have a soul????” They said, utterly confused.

“Nope. That’s… another story for another day but… yeah. I wasn’t exactly born, I was made. So, boom. No emotions, no connections, nada. I just try to survive.” Frisk frowned- that couldn’t be true. They’d seen Flowey scared, empathetic, sad- how could he not possess a soul…? Before they could press further though, the first lock clicked. “Aha!” Flowey said proudly. “One more and we’ll be scott free.” He smiled, working on the next one. When they heard a similar click, Frisk gently rubbed their wrists, thanking Flowey.

“How are we gonna get out of here though? What if shes right outside the door?” Frisk said, still rubbing their arms, as if it would soothe the internal pain as well as it would the external.

”Frisk, it’s been hours, I highly doubt she’s still standing outside the door. It’s gotta be at least midnight now, shes probably passed out in her bed.” He grumbled, rolling his eyes.

”Well… what do we do if she catches us trying to leave…?” Frisk said, wincing as they tried to stand up.

”Then we fight.” Frisk lit up upon hearing that,

”No! Absolutely not!!! I won’t stoop to that level!” They declared sternly, their expression more serious than it had been this entire journey.

”You can’t talk to her, she’s not above killing you to prove a point that you wouldn’t survive out there.” Flowey retorted, huffing. “But you might just be strong enough to survive her, and prove your own point that you can. But you have to try and fight, Frisk.” He said, his voice wavering with a much more pleading tone. “Please, Frisk… I…” He didn’t want to admit he’d grown a bit attached to them, literally to their arm when speaking and their pocket, but emotionally too. He didn’t understand why, with no soul he shouldn’t. But he tried not to dwell on it too long. Instead, he cleared his throat and puffed his cheeks, “C-Cause I need you to get out of here, brat.” He huffed out, making Frisk smile a bit at how unconvincing the display was. It would take him much longer to show the more vulnerable side of himself to the human, and Frisk was willing to wait for that. They carefully got up and put their palm on the rusted doorknob. They couldn’t help but wonder how many children had been in this exact position before, been here with the same fear and empathy, all just wanting to go home. They slowly turned the knob, taking a deep breath as they carefully opened the door, just enough to see a sliver of the hallway outside. No Toriel, they were safe for now. Frisk let out a deep sigh of relief, and could hear Flowey do the same.

“Thank god…” He muttered, leaning against Frisk’s hip as if to catch himself from falling from relief. Frisk chuckled softly and opened the door a little wider to get through. They had to be slow and careful, the door creaked loudly with every inch moved forward. When they finally had enough room to squeeze through, they made their way to the kitchen, seeing a slice of pie left out on the table, coupled with a back-sack with an intricate embroidery of the same symbol over the archways in the ruins, and on Toriel’s gown. Next to it was a tangled old bandage, seemingly for the large cut on their leg. “Did… she know we’d get out???” Flowey whispered, clearly concerned on how Toriel had thought ahead. But Frisk, instead of being worried like Flowey was, just smiled.

“… She was kind…” Frisk whispered, a hand over their heart. “She feels remorse for keeping us here, Flowey, I just know it…” They said, looking down at their companion. Flowey frowned, clearly unconvinced, but just sighed and let it go.

“If thinking that gets you to sleep at night, sure. This gift has nooooooo malicious intent I’m sure.” He muttered under his breath. Frisk just smiled in response, ignoring the backhanded comment. They took the pie and carefully out it in the bag, followed by a even more careful application of the withered bandage. After finishing, the pair heard creaking and… sobs…. Coming from downstairs, which led to a hallway that was to dark to discern what was inside.

“Is… that Toriel…?” Frisk whispered to Flowey, who gave the plant-equivalent to a shrug. Frisk looked ahead at the staircase and took a deep breath. “Thats… where we need to go to get out of here, isn’t it?” They mumbled, taking Flowey’s silence as a yes. “Alright. I’ll figure something out.” They said, heading for the stairs.

“Woah woah Frisk what are you doing??? You said it yourself, you wont fight- she’ll kill you!” He said, extending a vine to a nearby table leg, as if to pull Frisk back.

“Then I’ll find a way to convince her without hurting each other.” Frisk said, determined and ready, tugging on the vine hard enough to make it break loose. Even with Flowey’s protests in the background, Frisk marched forward, all the way down the long hallway. They continued until they ran into a dead end. There was a large, cracked doorway with the same symbol on the bag they’d acquired. Even though it was what they were looking for though, the door wasn’t the main thing grabbing their attention. Instead, it was the large, weeping monster in front of it.

“You… ignorant.. little brat….” Wept Toriel, back facing them. “You think you’ll survive… no. No, you’re staying right here in this place with me.” She roared, finally facing the pair, eyes widening when she saw Flowey.

“T-Toriel, please! Please, we can leave this place together, no one has to get hurt. I wont fight you, you’re hurting I can see it! So please, let us-“

“YOU BROUGHT THIS WEED WITH YOU!?” Toriel screeched, her fists lighting on the same red fire Frisk had seen kill so many monsters. “CHILD YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HES DONE, HOW COULD YOU EVER CONCEIVE-“ She stopped herself, choking on her words, snarling. Flowey teared up, closing his eyes, looking away.

”M-Mama please, let us go-“ Flowey suddenly begged, making Frisk freeze.

“YOU ARE NOT MY SON, YOU FUCKING PEST!” And with that, the scorching fire leapt at Frisk and Flowey, over and over, even as Frisk shielded themself, begging for it to stop, crying when it burnt their skin in various areas. Toriel, tears in her eyes and panting as she through bullet after bullet, continuously attacking Frisk. Frisk managed to pick themselves up and hide behind a pillar, panting vigorously and holding their arm, where they’d been burned bad enough they couldn’t feel their skin anymore. They didn’t want to look at how bad the damage was, however.

”T-Toriel PLEASE just LISTEN!” Begged Frisk, slowly sliding down the pillar to the ground. But Toriel ignored them, still seething while searching for which pillar they’d hidden behind.

”This is for the best, child…” She muttered, her voice even raspier than before. “The world in store behind this door is even crueler than the one in here… so this is best… i-it is best you die by my hand instead.” Frisk whimpered, grabbing onto the stones underneath them. After a few moments though, Frisk realized Flowey was no longer in their pocket. Before they could speak though, they heard Toriel gasp, and within seconds felt their right arm engulfed in a flame they couldn’t put out. They screamed, and fell to the ground writhing in pain. When the flame was miraculously extinguished, Frisk looked up with blurry eyes to see Toriel stomp on their arm, twisting her foot painfully. Frisk let out a silent cry, voice to hoarse to make a louder sound. They just grimaced, gritting their teeth through the seething pain.

“P…please…” They whispered. Toriel leaned down to face them.

“This is for the be-“ Her eyes suddenly widened and she choked, and before Frisk could process what happened, they noticed a bullet shaped hole in her neck, and one straight through her ear. She fell to the side in pain, the holes burning like they were laced with acid. She held her throat and gurgled, and Frisk saw Flowey behind her. He’d been the one to attack. He seemed to take no joy in hurting her, tears rolling down his cheeks and sputtering soft ‘I’m sorry’s. Frisk panted, holding their arm and painfully rolling over as Flowey came closer to check on them.

“W-will she die?!” Frisk cried, but unable to aid her.

”No, no she’ll recover, shes a boss monster and her LOVE is too high for this to kill her, it-“ He choked on his own words, trying not to cry harder. “She’ll just be really hurt.” He said remorsefully. “W-we need to go, Frisk. Now. She won’t be down long.” He said, pulling Frisk to their feet with strong vines. Frisk conquered the pain in their body and legs, and with Flowey’s help, stood.

“W-we need to help her-“ Frisk started

”No! No, we can’t, we have to go, Frisk!” Flowey commanded, pushing them past the goat monster. As they were forced through the large doorway, they heard Toriel’s voice pleading for help, pleading for them to stay.

“PLEASE, MY CHILD! I CANNOT LOSE ANOTHER! GOD PLEASE!!” She cried, she screamed, she begged. But Frisk kept limping with Flowey by their side to the last set of doors to the Ruins. Despite their strongest instincts, their morals…. They closed their eyes and bit their lip…

And opened the door.

[underfell-misery]

RUINED

As Frisk began to follow behind the seemingly kind beast, they couldn’t help but fidget with each of their fingers. They were following from a healthy distance, but couldn’t help but feeling guilty for it. They hoped Flowey was wrong about her, and that this place and its inhabitants weren’t that bad. Rather than malicious, Toriel seemed almost skittish at heart, unsure with a waver in her voice. Something had happened to her to make her this way, and Frisk was determined to find out what. They believed anyone could be helped with enough care and patience.

“Frisk!” Flowey whispered, drawing their attention back to the grumpy flower in their pocket. “N-Not that I care or anything stupid like that b-but….” He blushed a bit, looking around as if to check no one would see this moment of weakness. “You’re… bleeding on your leg.” He huffed out. Frisk hadn’t noticed, not even feeling the stinging of the cut on their leg. It was about 6 inches long, and relatively deep. They must have been pumping with adrenaline for so long that the pain hadn’t set in.

“O-Oh-“ They looked at their thigh, biting their cheek. “Shoot, I hadn’t noticed… I’ll be alright, Flowey.” Frisk smiled warmly, patting the flower’s petals gently, even as he growled at the gesture. “I’m sure Toriel will have a bandage of some kind.”

“I told you- you can’t trust her. Don’t get too comfortable with her or start asking for favors. She’ll use it against you, no doubt.” Muttered Flowey, shifting in their pocket. Frisk frowned, looking back down at the stone under their feet.

“… I think I’ll make my own judgment about that.” Said Frisk, their face hardening as they sped up just a bit to follow Toriel. As they caught up, against Flowey's quiet protests, they gently grabbed Toriel’s paw, holding on to the matriarchal figure. This clearly caught the monster off guard, making her turn back to Frisk. After a moment of ogling at them with a smile, she just nodded and turned back, continuing their journey.

“My child, there are several dangerous monsters and puzzles down here, which you may have to conquer on your own. But do not fear, I will teach you how to be self sufficient with this puzzle, which has a specific path to avoid it’s spikes.” Frisk looked ahead, seeing the puzzle in question, making them gulp thickly. It was rows upon rows of spikes the size of their own body, rusted from time and use. It was a tetanus shot waiting to happen, or worse, being impaled if they stepped wrong. Toriel noticed their fear and chuckled, “Do not be afraid, dear. I will lead you thro-“ Interrupting Toriel was a loud,

”RIBBIT.” Both Frisk and Toriel turned around seeing a black and red frog-looking creature. Frisk smiled upon seeing it, thinking that so far, other than being enlarged and red, it was the most familiar beast they’d encountered thus-far. Despite this though, they felt Flowey quivering in their pocket.

“Oh-! It’s adorable-!” Frisk started, before being blinded by a bright, hot light quickly passing by them, hitting the frog with the force of a thousand suns. Within only a moments time, the creature was engulfed in a flaming red fire. The frog screamed and writhed in pain, rolling around to try and put itself out. “NO-!” Frisk immediately moved to help it, but was stopped when Toriel grabbed their wrist. When looking back at her, Toriel’s face was stone hard, watching the poor creature burn. Despite showing little emotion in her face, Frisk could swear they saw a hint of glee upon seeing her own work. Frisk’s eyes immediately glossed over, tears threatening to start rolling down as they watched the brutal scene. They couldn’t believe it, how quickly and carelessly Toriel had taken a life. “Wh-… why-“ Frisk started to say.

”They were merely a threat, my child, willing to harm or kill you for your soul.” Toriel stated emotionlessly. Frisk started to object, tears in their eyes, but quickly felt a tight squeeze on two of their fingers. Looking down, they noticed Flowey using a small vine to squeeze them, shaking his head.

“Don’t.” He whispered, his own eyes filled with tears. He’d seen this countless times before, he knew the outcome of rejecting Toriel’s ideology. Despite how cocky he’d been earlier, now all he showed was fear. Frisk hesitated, but slightly nodded, squeezing their eyes shut and sniffling.

“Oh my child, do not worry, I will not let anything cause you harm…” She said, kneeling down to Frisk’s level, wiping their cheeks of tears. “Come now. Come with your mother to safety.” Mother. Only 20 minutes with her and she’d already given herself such an important title, despite harming others on instinct. Frisk wasn’t even mad, they were worried. They worried more about how she came to be so hostile to others, to believe everyone was so cruel. They stammered, but despite their own fear, suddenly hugged Toriel tightly, hoping to provide comfort for both of them. “Oh-!” Said Toriel, but quickly melting into the hug. “Come now, little one, we must tread on.” She said, patting Frisk’s head. Frisk sniffled, just nodding and holding her hand as the monster led them through the path.

Along the ruins, they ran into several other monsters, all of which Toriel murdered in cold blood, each kill more emotionless than the last. While humming down a long corridor, as if not covered in the dust of monsters who stood in her way, she suddenly noticed the gnash on Frisk’s leg.

“Oh my child you-“ She suddenly growled. “What wretched beast did this to you, child?” She hissed out. Frisk immediately started shaking their head.

“N-No one, no one hurt me-“ How could they anyway, Toriel had murdered anyone that came close. No one even stood a chance, even if they did try to attack, which a few did. But despite this, Toriel didn’t seem convinced, her gaze hard and judgmental. “I s-swear. It was from the fall…” Frisk said truthfully. Toriel paused before her expression softened, her body relaxing and the burn in her eyes fading.

“Ah, well, in that case.” She said, looking forward, “I must leave you for bit and fetch you a bandage. I hate to ask this of you, but will you be alright on your own for bit without me?” She said, her voice kind as ever. Frisk nodded nervously and forced a smile. “Good. Now be a good child and stay here. To contact me, I will give you a cell phone if you need me.” She said, pulling a small flip phone out and handing it to Frisk. Frisk nodded again and took it, and upon opening it noticed Toriel’s number was already programmed in. They put it in their pocket, careful to make sure it wasn’t the one Flowey was currently hidden in. Toriel leaned down and gingerly kissed their head before rubbing their shoulders and turning to leave. Frisk couldn’t help but smile at the action, feeling a flutter of hope for a better person deep down in Toriel. “I will return, stay here, little one.” She said as she left the corridor, her figure fading into the darkness ahead.

”thank GOD.” Said Flowey, finally poking his head back out of Frisk’s pocket. “Remind me when we get out of the ruins to find me a pot or something, its so stuffy in this damn place!” He said with a huff, dusting his petals off with his leaves as if they were hands. Frisk chuckled somberly,

“I’m sure we’ll find something suitable…” They said in a quieted tone. They hung their head down though, falling silent. Flowey frowned, thinking for a moment. After a considerably long silence, he spoke.

”I’m sorry.” He said quietly, making Frisk perk up. “I’m sorry that she wasn’t what you were hoping. She… wasn’t how I hoped, either when I foun….” He stopped himself. “…When I met her, either.” He said with a blush. Frisk looked down at him,

”’Found’ her…?” They said quizzically, beginning to walk down the corridor despite Toriel’s warnings, hoping she was now far enough down the path to not run into her again. Flowey was quiet, but eventually spoke again.

“… That’s a story for later, kid. I’ll tell you when you’re ready.” He simply said, and Frisk, hearing his tone, decided not to press further for now. As they walked, hiding behind a pillar or two to avoid any Whimsums or spiked Looxes, they chatted further.

”So, why do you wanna get out of here so bad?” Frisk Questioned, trying to make conversation.

”Have you SEEN this place, Frisk??? Jesus it’s a hell hole down here, filled to the brim with dust ands despair… And I’ve been around Toriel too long, and she despises me… It’s constant danger every night when she comes to that hole in the mountain.” He muttered.

”She goes there every night…?” Frisk said, slowly pushing a rock on the path to a stepping stone to complete a puzzle that blocked their way.

”Every night. Convinced she hears another human fall… Says she can hear them screaming. She lost her mind long ago.” He said with a soft sigh, hanging his head low. To change the subject, realizing that this weighed heavy on Flowey, Frisk decided to ask something different.

”So then.. what’s beyond the Ruins? Have you ever seen it? It sounds like you’ve been stuck here for a long time.”

”Oh, well, I used to be able to slip in and out a lot easier, before Toriel tightened the bolts on the ways to get out of here. Snowdin is right outside the gate, a huge forest that’ll freeze you quicker than you can say ‘spaghetti’.” He mumbled, “But, I’ve got a few allies down there that might be able to help us get through the Underground.”

”Allies, or friends?” Frisk said with a sly smile. But instead of a heart warming response, Flowey scoffed,

“I told you, you don’t make friends down here. You get enemies and you get an occasional ally.” Flowey hissed.

“So we aren’t friends?” Frisk said with a frown. Flowey paused, looking away and puffing his cheeks.

“…. No. We aren’t. I dont make friends.” He said quietly, closing his eyes. Frisk took in the comment without a word, but would be sure to bring it up again. Flowey huffed though, and grumbling, repeated.

”I don’t make friends.”

[underfell-misery]

Cover art for the series!

[underfell-misery]

THE FALL

It was cold.

Too cold.

Too cold to make sense, and the ground was too hard to add any comfort to the fall. The air was frigid yet dry, leaving an uncomfortable feeling weighing on the humans shoulders as they regained their breath, which had previously been knocked out of them. It all felt so heavy. The musky smell, the cold, dense air, the hard stone floor; none of this was of any comfort. Was this heaven? Had they died? No. No, heaven wasn’t this cold- this empty. Was it perhaps hell? It sure felt like it. Maybe that was the consequence to such an action, climbing up that mountain with no intention to go back down it. Maybe this was all punishment. But as Frisk regained the air in their lungs, slowly calming down from the adrenaline rush from the fall, they heard a faint melody echoing around the stoney cavern.

They gathered their thoughts, trying to calm themself down and make sure they were alright. No broken bones or punctured lungs, it was a miracle. Or, maybe it was a curse. Frisk hadn’t decided that yet, hoping that the dry, empty cave they’d fallen into was just a bad first impression. Slowly and carefully sitting up, the human patted themselves down once again, somehow only feeling sore from the fall.

“….. how… did I…” they whispered, before hearing a loud

“PSSSSSSST!!!”

Their head whipped around in the direction of the obnoxious noise- only to see nothing. Nothing but the cave- and a small flower that seemed to be growing from a crack in the ground. Seeing that sign of life seemed to calm their nerves just a bit, almost forgetting their situation and the disturbing noise they’d hea-

“pSSSSStttTT!!!! Over here!!!” Said something in a whisper shout. Frisk eagerly looked around, but saw nothing new. Were they going mad? Did they hit their head that hard? Maybe they weren’t so fine after all- were they concussed?

“Eh dumb dumb!! Down here ya’ clown!!!” Said the voice, high pitched but clearly impatient and annoyed. Finally, Frisk looked back down at the cracks in the stone, suddenly finding that the small flower, that provided a feeling of peace only moments before,

had a face.

A face, a voice, and could fluently move and shift

“A… A flower…” Frisk whispered to themself, clearly in shock. The flower in question, however, didnt seem to have much patience or empathy for the human, opting instead to a form of mockery.

“Yeah yeah yeah… Not just a flower. Flowey, the name is Flowey. Now that we’ve gotten a nice, sappy introduction out of the way, can you wrap that thick head around this? You’re in danger. Lots of danger. Why the hell would you go up that mountain??? What human is stupid enough-“

“….. Flowey? Your… name is Flowey…?” Said Frisk, in a hushed voice, head still spinning and heart still pumping loud enough to drown out most noise. Flowey perked up, clearly taken aback by the question, whether out of the stupidity of it, or genuinely not prepared for it, the surprise quickly turned to annoyance.

“Yes. Now, are you listening or not??” Said the flower in a clearly frustrated tone.

“I-I…. I’m sorry I’m just… not fully… am I.. really still alive…? Did I hit my head that hard…?” Frisk stammered, unsure of their own situation. This couldn’t be real, a talking flower…

“HEY!!! I’m REAL you dingus!!! We don’t have much time- you need to listen! We need to get out of here, YOU need to get out of here!!” Flowey spat. “Now hurry up and get that brain of yours-“ The soft melody that had been haunting the cave was slowly getting louder, bringing both Frisk and Flowey’s attention to it. “Damn- I’m telling you, Human, we don’t have much time. She’ll be here any minute. Now you don’t have to trust me fully yet, but I need you to hide me. I might be your only chance at survivin this place. Everyone, every monster here is gonna be after your soul, an you look too weak to fight back with much force.” Frisk’s expression hardened, even if this flower was in their head, that was still hurtful.

“Hey, that’s… not exactly nice…” Frisk mumbled, rubbing the back of their head, subconsciously checking for blood. Flowey chuffed in amusement, much to Frisk’s dismay.

“…. Nice. Nice…. What’s your name, kid?” Said Flowey with a hiss in his tone.

“….. My…. My name is Frisk.” Frisk wasn’t exactly sure if they should tell this figment of a possible concussion their name, but if there was a chance all of this WAS real… They needed to trust someone, and this… rude flower seemed to be their best bet for now. Frisk had always seen the best in people, always hoping and believing for a better person deep down, even if they didn’t show it. They could tell Flowey was scared, and as much as he said they needed him, they believed Flowey might need them just as bad.

“Ah, well, ‘Frisk’…. Us monsters down here can’t afford to be ‘nice’. Down here, there’s no safety. No one is friends, you make allies and hope they don’t stab you in the back before you can. Down here it’s-“

“Hello?” Called out a voice, the melody stopping as the tender voice echoed throughout the cavern. “Has someone fallen….?”

“Shit!” Whispered Flowey, clearly panicked. “Listen to me, put me in your pocket, your shirt, your shoe, anything! Just don’t let her see me!” Frisk, although reluctant for a moment, did as told, carefully but quickly uprooting the plant, stuffing them in their pocket. Just as they did, the source of the voice appeared from an old, stone archway that Frisk was now just noticing.

“A… child…?” Murmured the voice, slowly entering into the view of the light from above. Frisk couldn’t believe what they saw. An 8 or 9 foot beast, closely resembling that of a farm goat, but with rougher, matted fur. They were draped in an old robe that was tattered and torn at the edged, and its dark red and black colors had faded over a clearly prolonged period of time. Small horns protruding from its head, with long dropping ears resting on each shoulder. Its eyes were a bright red, yet the scalera a wicked yellow tint. The voice, although melodic and tender, had a noticeable rasp to it, hinting at damage to the vocal cords. The raggedy state of this beats left Frisk wondering about the story that led to such an appearance. “Oh my… what an introduction, looking so unkempt…” Chuckled the monster nervously. “Though, given your own appearance, I believe you do not mind.” Disregarding the slight jab to their own state of fashion, Frisk finally stood up. “My child, I am Toriel. Guardian of the Ruins. Where you have fallen, there is no way back from, and the world down here is full of dangerous monsters that wish to harm you. But do not be afraid, for I, Toriel, will guide you back to my home, where you will be safe and taken care of.” She said sweetly, tilting her head. “What is your name, dear?” She said, lowering a paw for Frisk to grab.

“F… Frisk, ma’am…” Said the human, albeit timidly. The goat monster smiled warmly, and even brighter when Frisk took her hand, though instead of holding on, only shaking it.

“Oh, ‘ma’am’! What manners you have… Ah, Frisk, what a lovely name. Well, Frisk, we don’t have much time to lose.” She said, reluctantly drawing her hand back to her side, realizing Frisk had no intention of holding it to follow her. “We must begin our journey. Follow me down this path when you are ready, my child.” She said, before exiting through the old archway. Frisk let out a breath, realizing at full force that all of this was real. he felt the monsters paw and heard her voice too clearly for it not to be. They slowly pulled Flowey back out, who sputtered and coughed.

“JESUS CHRIST I COULD BARELY BREATHE IN THERE!!” Flowey whisper-shouted, face red with anger and embarrassment at having to be stuffed in a child’s pocket to hide from a goat.

“Is that who you were afraid of…? She seems… so kind… I think she can really help me, I think she can even help us get out of here, Flowey!” Frisk said, already fond of Toriel.

“Trust me, she’s not. That woman is nuts squared. Don’t put too must faith in her, Toriel isn’t going to let you leave.” Flowey said with a hiss. “I’ve… seen this play out before. You aren’t the first to fall down here, and you aren’t the first to fall for her warmth. She’s bad news, along with every other god-forsaken monster down in this hell hole.” Frisk frowned upon hearing that.

“I’m sure it can’t be THAT bad, most people can be good at heart if they try.” Frisk said confidently, smiling and truly believing what they said.

“… Well… we aren’t people. Monsters down here don’t care if you’re sweet or ‘believe in them’.” Flowey said with a sigh as Frisk started to place him in their pocket with much more care this time, where he could poke his head out if need be. “Frisk, down here…” he started,

“It’s kill, or be killed.”

[underfell-misery]

Voice claims to help understand my view on how they speak and how they sound!

[underfell-misery]

Howdy! I’m Sydney and I’ll be creating a new storyline based in the good-gone-bad world of Underfell. This story will be in writing, comic, one off pieces, and video formats to tell it correctly. For now, enjoy the waiting room while I cook up ‘somethin real special for all of y’all. Toodles!