Chapter One: Something Peculiar
*Entry #54
CORE is functioning properly, as usual. Although, a few improvements could be made, but I don't think I have the time. I really have to remedy this migraine of mine. These past days have been quite hectic. The CORE still needs to be run on tests, just to make sure its working properly so it doesn't overheat. Need to add more cooling systems, noted. Safety rails needed to be done, as ordered by the King to keep monsters from falling in to their doom. Meetings to be attended, but work has been hindering me to go. Despite everything, I suppose everything's going well. Nothing defective is happening lately and I can only give a satisfactory rate. Rest is all I need, for the time being. Meaning to ask Asgore if I could borrow a few days, or maybe a few weeks off to take my mind of some things. It is very unlikely of me to ask such a demeaning question, considering I'm the royal scientist...but, everyone needs some leisure time to themselves, including me.
Wearing his usual white lab coat, with a gray turtleneck shirt, and a pair of brown pants and black leather shoes, Gaster sighed heavily after finishing his entry, he is looking forward to getting some free time for himself. He sat on his chair, pondering of what has happened lately. A headache flew by his head every time he brings up those past events. Massaging his temples, he got up from his computer station and headed to the small kitchen, which was to the next room behind him. One thing he needs right now, is coffee. He walked over to the cabinets and opened each of them until he found a small coffee packet. Ripping it open, he grabbed his usual mug from kitchen counter cabinet above him while using the assistance of his summoned hand forms. He prepared his coffee and drank it, still retaining that hot and steamy coffee. As he finished a sip, he sighed in relaxation, while his other hand was in his coat's pocket.
"Nothing like caffeine to keep you up. Now, I think it would be the proper time to ask Asgore if I could, at least have a few days off. Weeks might be a little too long. Besides, I have a few ideas in mind that could help improve the CORE."
As Gaster fixed himself to look proper, he proceeded to meet the King. An hour passed by as the royal scientist comes back from his seemingly quick meetup with Asgore. He can't believe that the King would abruptly insist that instead of his few days off, he was given six weeks of leisure time. Gaster only asked a few days off, but he didn't think that something like that would escalate so quickly. Although, it is understandable that Gaster has been working really hard to keep the Underground a safe haven for monsters alike. He was still determined to solve the barrier conundrum, but he needed time to think about it and today's the day he got one. Six weeks of relaxation would be enough, but for the meantime, he set his mind on resting rather than thinking.
"Well, that was expeditious, wasn't it? I've been given six weeks to rest and I am already feeling better," Gaster chuckled heartily as he strolled along the paths of Hotland. Steam from the hot lava below emitted as sounds of pipes can be heard all around the hot environment. To Gaster, the scorching heat was nothing to him. Although, the immense heat was maintained by the installed cooling systems, he could not feel anything. Well, except for pain and physical contact with anyone he meets. Whether he was in Snowdin to eat at Grillby's or in any kind of environment that involves high or low temperature rates, his skeletal complexion gave him the edge. As he was on his way back to the lab, he stopped in place, only to think about how he was going to spend his long, given spare time. How is he going to spend it? Yes, the improvements on the CORE will be thought on, but what's next? Gaster didn't really think this through, because he never had any special privileges like this in his entire life.
All he did was work until the crack of dawn or he didn't sleep at all.
He walked over to the ledge of the path he's on and fortunately, there were safety rails that were constructed last week so there's some good progress. Gaster held on to the iron rails that were nearly the height of his abdomen and drifted in thought of how is he to make use of his time other than the notion of working again. In the distance, he can see his greatest contribution to the Underground: the CORE. The machinery inside was so complex that it took him years to finish, even with the help of his colleagues, with him leading the project. There were a few cases where the CORE almost backfired as it nearly led into a catastrophic consequence. Fortunately, he and the others were able to repair the damages in time. All those efforts were indeed worth it, up to this very day. Gaster glanced at his creation and looked at the ceiling above him. A thought came across his mind:
"I wonder what the Surface looks like today," Gaster muttered as he continued to stare into the wide ceiling above his head. Every monster wanted to escape and it was up to him to find a way. Even though he is considered as the most intelligent being in the Underground, he still has limits of his own.. To break the barrier, they need seven human SOULs at least but they only have four at their disposal. Replicating these constructs would require a very precise procedure, like taking a small sample from any of the colored SOULs. It would be shame if one them breaks, as they were the original samples taken from their host. Gaster kept thinking of other possible solutions to their dilemma, but to no avail.
Suddenly, an idea popped into his head, but he wan't sure if it's going to work. It was just a theory. He quickened his pace back to the lab and headed down into the basement. The basement is where Gaster usually keep his blueprints for future projects, but for what he had in mind right now is another project that will require all his heart and SOUL to work on. Those given six weeks are enough to make it happen. Maybe he can finally the get the real rest he deserves after he's finished with his scheme plan. Well, so much for having the relaxation he needed.
"Maybe....just, maybe. This might actually work. It has to," Gaster said to himself with DETERMINATION in his tonality. Days went by as bolts were screwed, sparks were generated and coffees were drank as the mechanism was built. On some nights, he barely even sleeps or never at all, due to the fact that he constantly kept drinking much needed caffeine to wake himself up. Papers and blueprints scattered on the metal floor; there were even spills of coffee liquid which formed a hot, brown puddle in some areas. It was a complete mess; although, he likes to call it "controlled chaos."
*Entry #63
Two weeks have passed and I haven't really been sleeping properly. Too much...caffeine, I assume. I'm so close to finishing it, but there are a few conundrums that I have not yet able to find a solution.
> First problem: "What am I going to use as fuel for the mechanism?" Monster magic seems to be the best option for this juncture, but I'm still weighing the other options I thought of. Another question is, "How am I going to extract it?" Using the DT Extractor would be the possible solution, but unfortunately it's not working at the moment. It's been gathering dust for months now so I must find another alternative. Even if I did fix the Extractor, it is no use for a monster. The machine could only extract DETERMINATION from a host that possesses that kind of rare trait. Worse case scenario, a monster's SOUL will fracture until it disperses to dust. It was never meant to be tested on our kind. One option is still available, I could use a small sample from the SOULs we have collected so far. Although, performing the procedure is a very risky maneuver and there's a huge possibility that the SOUL might fracture with a permanent mark, it seems to be that this is the only solution.
> Second problem: "Will it be enough to keep the machinery open in time for my return?"
I need enough SOUL samples for it to keep it open. If I didn't have enough to go with, that would be a misfortune, for me at least. Human SOULs have the aptness to last longer than monster SOULs. It gives them the ability to persist death. Currently, we have four SOULs at our disposal, and I could make an extraction on one of them. I have to keep in mind that I have to be very, VERY careful in performing the procedure. Last thing I want is everyone blaming me for destroying their future. Such a title would cause my reputation to falter and the King might not ever place me in such a position as I am in right now, but I quote: "Science takes a huge leap in accomplishing what you desire most, even if it means accepting the risks of it." It's now or never. I'm far too ahead to look behind. I could only 'HOPE' for the best. Procedure will start tomorrow, when everyone is done in the working hours. It is time for a new breakthrough."
As Gaster finished his entry, he went straight to bed as he was very exhausted from all the nights he was widely awake. Sleep is for the weak, he thought. But now, he admits that he is weak, for the time being. Tomorrow will be another day. It will be the day he has created another creation, maybe even greater than the CORE he created. Salvation might be at hand and he needed the well-rested sleep tonight to witness it first.
*Entry #64
7:15AM
Brand new day. Today is the appointed time for me to take those samples. I just need to wait until the work shifts are over and while the day continues to pass, I'll be busy with a few things regarding the portal. I need to make sure everything is in place and I hope nothing will short-circuit while I am on the other side because the only way to reactivate the portal is from the origin point of where you came from, of where you entered. Just like getting from point A to point B. Although, I have to determine how much I should 'borrow' from a SOUL just to sustain the flow of magic through the portal's complex machinery. Maybe one-fifth of it would be enough, but the more, the merrier I suppose. One question lingers in my head still:
Should I tell the majesty about my daring plan? If so, should I also let Alphys know about it? Those two are the only ones whom I can place my trust. If I did tell them, will they think I'm insane? Will Asgore disapprove of my endeavor to know if I can find an alternative way to the Surface? Whilst I never discovered the other world myself, it's as good as any than this hellish place. I can't get the question out of my head on whether I should tell them or not. I don't want to be accused of theft by stealing the most precious construct we only have. (*sighs)
I have decided to go and discuss. No sense of keeping it to myself since this will be beneficiary to every monster. Problem is, I am unsure. I'll get back to this after my appointment with the King and Alphys.
*Entry #65
9:00AM
Meeting/Breakfast ended. Took longer than I have anticipated. Though, it is the first time they called me a 'mad scientist'. They say I was too ambitious, and indeed I am. I explained everything to them, all the risks and benefits. Alphys wasn't sure how to respond to this, but the King has somewhat agreed. It was better to make use of the SOULs to see if there is another way out, rather than waiting here and let the King do his job. I feel sympathetic around Asgore. He has to carry a burden, which he didn't ask for but it was his responsibility. It hurts to see children have their SOULs taken away by sheer force. For years, I was trying to find a different solution and here I am, prepared to take one giant leap into freedom. Dr. Alphys still kept thinking about it, because she knew well the risks. I gave her reassurance that the word 'failure' does not exist in a scientist's vocabulary. Not long after, she agreed but she is still worried. No turning back now.
*Entry #66
2:00 PM
Five hours. No rest. Can't stop, not now. Not when I'm so close. Procedure took longer as I have expected. Precision is what made it hard for me. Especially, when it comes to a task where a single mistake can never be undone. I took at least five samples from the "Bravery" SOUL. Placed them in vials. Had to mollify myself to keep my shivering in check. I never felt more anxious in my entire life. I could say, that sent shivers down my spine. No pun intended. All I can say is that all went well and I can finally sense the freedom everyone deserves from the beginning.
Taking the samples with him, Gaster proceeded to the basement. As he descended down the stairs, he could feel hope in his soul. All that he's ever worked for, everything he has sacrificed and risked just to make this possible, his efforts will pay off this day. Once he stepped on the gray metal floor, he saw his final product in all of its glory. Blood and sweat was poured onto this project and he was quite proud of his accomplishment, next to the CORE. He opted to go with an intriguing design, but looks don't matter. What matters now... is what lies on the other side. Gaster took out one vial from his pocket and proceeded it to place over the lever of the portal, which is placed on the right hand side. The slot looked like a placement for a battery and as he placed it in, he breathed in and out, hoping that all the nights he spent wasn't a waste. He pulled down the lever, stepped back and observed the portal's response, if there was any.
First, there was nothing. Silence shrouded the room and Gaster stood in his place, and felt a wave of disbelief and shock. Thoughts began to plague his head, regarding about the seemingly failed invention right before him. "Why isn't working? I couldn't have miscalculated, have I? I double-checked everything, triple-checked even. Surely, this must be some kind of joke. What did I miss? Are the cylinders in place? How about the connections? This is-", a bright flash enveloped the room as Gaster staggered back and raised his arm to shield himself. As he lowered his arm slowly, he could see a white film in the epicenter of the portal. It made strange patterns on it, as it lets off white particles or energies radiating off of it. The royal scientist was quite fascinated about how it is being shown to him.
"Amazing", he thought.
In addition, it made strange noises, which beckoned Gaster to come closer to the portal. Before he did, he laid down the other vials in a microtitration plate on the table next to him to avoid any of it being wasted. He approached with caution and as he was 3 feet from the portal's entrance, he held out his hand and let it through the portal. Gaster felt a weird sensation crawl up his bones as the patterns in portal began to form a shaped circle around his hand. It was like dipping your hand in water, creating a rippled effect. Then, he retrieved his arm and perceived at it if there were any changes. To his surprise, it was still normal and he just stood there, in awe before the machinery. He can't believe, it worked. He cursed about the delay that happened earlier. Probably, it was the first time running the mechanism, so he figured that would happen. Nonetheless, it was functioning properly. No overloaded circuitry has occurred at the moment, which indicates that it was stable. Gaster felt a rising curiosity to plunge into the portal and see what was in store for him to discover. Still unsure if the Surface is really on the opposite side, he took time to think about it. What will he see in there? The Surface? In theory, since its still unknown what world is he stepping into, either 'when' or 'where'. If it is not the Surface, then all of he ever worked for that led up to this day will be for nothing. A pointless ambition, so to speak.
Whatever's waiting for him, Gaster pondered of what amazing possibilities this might bring. He was all agog about the Surface or if not that, it could be another world that might prove the theory of an existing multiverse. Either freedom or a new discovery is about to be unearthed and Gaster will be the first ever monster to take the ultimate leap. Before he departs, he emptied his mug filled with coffee, which he prepared during one of his sleepless nights to ease himself. With a small handbag carrying few things with him, including a journal, a pen to write anything that might pique his interest and two extra vials just in case he wants to back in short notice. Good thing the portal runs on magic itself and not wired to an outlet. Standing before the enticing portal, he took a deep breath and exhaled, as he laid his hand in the portal again. Slowly, but surely, he entered with no hesitancy in his action to do so as he felt himself being disintegrated into matter as the portal accepted him.
"Bon voyage", he muttered to himself.
Gaster felt himself being disintegrated and reformed in just a matter of milliseconds. The portal even sounded like a warping sound. As Gaster got to the other side, he suddenly felt a wave of uneasiness and discomfort upon his arrival. Dazed, he fell to the solid rock ground and laid there, groaning uncomfortably. Quite a surreal experience.
"Ughhh...that was... patently unpleasant. I hope that does not happen again. This is going worsen my headache if this continues." Gaster slowly got up from his place as he scratched his head grumbling about the pain. Once he was fully on his feet, he found his small handbag laying on the floor in front of him. He grabbed it and observed his surroundings and...it wasn't what he really expected, at first glance. He was standing on a stone floor with a fascinating pattern on it. It had moss on its edges and some were cracked like the others. The area looks to be in ruin, which caused him to speculate that this was once an ancient place. He turned around to see the portal was still open, having that appealing white pattern.
"Portal's still open. Well, at least that's some good news but where am I exactly? This doesn't look like the Surface, at all. I shouldn't jump to conclusions early. Let's take a stroll, Gaster. Why am I even talking to myself?", He put his hand over his eyes.
Gaster walked up to the portal and saw it had the same appearance as it was like on the other side. More importantly, the vial slot was there, giving him a sense of relief that he could place a SOUL vial in it anytime he wants. He looked onto the side of the portal to see what is behind and as soon as he got a good glimpse of what it is, questions and theories began to emerge from his head. Gaster was awe-strucked at the marvelous and magnificent sight as the room was very humongous, compared to the Underground. He was in some kind of throne room but whoever ruled at the time already passed on, so to speak. Pillars were destroyed and some were severed in half, large halls both left and right that heightened to great extents, stones broken to pieces, walls cracked with gaps in each of them. Two banners hanging off from the ceiling as he took notice that there were two...quadupreds embedded with a sun behind the white quadruped and a moon behind the blue one. They seem to have their own solid color, judging from their aspect and they had horns, seemingly sharp and wings. A thought came to Gaster:
"These must be the rulers of this abandoned place. Quite captivating."
As he continued to look around, all he saw were cracked stain glasses and stone, vines which seem to crawl on the walls and he never missed the gigantic hole in the ceiling, with the sun's rays shining through the ancient place. It was a fair weather, to his relief. Gaster turned his attention to the two thrones before him, which was beyond the stairs. He walked up and it was all the same, the chair's fabrics were torn and dust was all over it. Nothing special, but the ruins were.
"On to more important things....what should I do now? Maybe I could stay here for a while and take a little walk around the ruins. Undoubtedly, this might be the greatest thing I have ever walked into. No sense of rushing myself." Gaster said as he descended down the stairs and walked up to the portal. He held the lever and pulled it down to avoid any monster from entering. He doesn't anyone to be wandering around in a place like this and that was the least of his worries. The portal deactivated and it was see through again, without the white background.
"There. Nothing can enter. Hmm....the vial's already half to empty. I suppose the machinery uses a lot of magic input to keep it flowing. Now that I think of it, why was this the desired location the portal sent me to? Does this world have some kind of magic signature that the portal detected? If so, then that would change things completely," Gaster chuckled as he was engrossed by the new-found world where he theorized that magic might exist in a different universe, just like this one. After his hearty moment, he explored the insides of the abandoned ruin, still having that grin on his face, patting himself on the shoulder proudly.
*Canterlot
In the Canterlot Castle Royal Dining Room, Celestia was enjoying herself with various cakes that reached until the end of the table, until she felt a surge of strange magic from somewhere as she was about to take a bite from a slice of vanilla cream cake with a cherry sitting atop the icing. It was just inches from her mouth, ready to partake on the creamy filled cake that will surely make her want for more, until she was disturbed from a strange force that she sensed. Celestia settled down the cake slice and tried to focus so she can pinpoint the sudden magic surge. Once Celestia finally identified what it was, she was confused and yet, a bit terrified that she tracked its magic signature in the place where she last expects. Worriedly, she grabbed a quill and ink and a piece of paper to write to Twilight about what she just felt.
In a flash, the paper vanished as the letter was sent to Princess Twilight immediately, concerning the odd magic. Few seconds later, Twilight appeared in the room in just a snap and she began to talk hastily with no pauses in her sentences.
"Do you felt that, Princess?--I felt it too--What was that--I can't believe it--It was very strange--A magic surge?-I thi-" Twilight was hyperventilating with eagerness in her tonality until Celestia stopped her mid-sentence.
"Twilight, calm down. Please", the white alicorn princess giggled at her enthusiastic nature.
"Oh, forgive me, Princess", Twilight bowed down in respect.
"Rise, my faithful student. No need to act like that," Celestia told her.
"So, Princess. You wrote in your letter that there was some kind of strange magic occurrence and you pinpointed it to-" Twilight read the last few words at the end of the sentence as she too was bewildered to see it. She gulped and muttered the words.
"Everfree Forest? What magic could possibly resonate from within that place?" Twilight asked anxiously.
"I am not sure, but I fear a new threat has begun to emerge. Twilight, my faithful and bright student, investigate the unknown magic occurrence. If you can, bring me the evidence of what is causing it. Can I trust you on this task?", Celestia asked.
"Princess, when did I ever fail you? I will always see to it that in everything I do is to make you smile," Twilight happily grinned at Celestia, causing her to smile back.
"I'm glad to have you as my student, Twilight. What would I be without you?", Celestia giggled as she wrapped Twilight around her wings and the lavender princess hid her blush from her affectionate mentor. The hug broke after a seconds and to their surprise, Princess Luna entered into the room, having that drowsy look on her face.
"Did you feel that, sister?" Luna asked.
"Yes, and I am just about to send Twilight off to investigate this strange happening," Celestia replied.
"Oh. Well, safe travels, Princess Twilight. I hope you for the very best."
"Thank you, Princess Luna," Twilight replied as she bowed her head.
"Now, go along. I'm curious what this strange phenomenon is about to show us," Luna said to her as Celestia nodded.
"I will." Twilight flew out of the balcony, with both sisters left in the dining room. Celestia continued her enjoyable time with the cakes as Luna glared at her shook her head.
"You are quite the eater when it comes to delicacies like these, sister," Luna giggled.
"I suppose I am, sister. Now, you can go back to sleep. Once Twilight is back, I will alert you to be with me and solve this new problem," Celestia smiled at her.
"Thank you, sister. Also, I'm glad you weren't there when I woke up."
"Why not?", Celestia asked with a brow raised.
"You'll be quite amused if I told you. It was rather...dramatic, to put it that way," Luna said sheepishly.
"Oh, do tell," the white alicorn princess took another bite of her cake as she readied herself.
As Twilight made her way to the location, she thought of what was waiting for her in the forest, "This will be amazing. Another discovery. I have to write this in my journal."
Little did she know, that someone was also eager to meet anyone who could accept him, even if its a talking pony, for that reason. This will be one adventure that either of them will never forget.
Author's Note
Another Undertale crossover story. Sorry, can't help myself. 
Two intelligent beings...I wonder how will this go for them 
Make sure to FAV this story and if you want, FOLLOW me for other stories from me. I'll see you guys next time.
Also, planning to make a sequel following the events and I already have one in mind. If you want to see it, be sure to FOLLOW me. 
