Chapter 1: Flowers and Ruins.
“ ..Thorax? Thorax, get up! “ Chrysalis shook the unconscious body of the Changeling leader in front of her. He blinked his eyes open, flowers on his antlers. He looked up at Chrysalis, his gaze weak. He sat up, rubbing his face, looking at the flower patch underneath him. He blinked, looking around around him.
“ ..Where are we? “ He asked, getting up, brushing the golden flowers off him. He looked upmost to see a hole above him. Something wasn’t right..
” Did we..fall? “ She flew up toward the hole, but not much. Thorax just looked around, before seeing a path? He followed, leaving Chrysalis just looking at the hole above. It didn’t take a while, before she started to follow Thorax. In front of him, was a door? Corridor? It was odd, just staring at it was weird.
Do they go this way now? Is it best option? They could always just fly up, and go back through the hole they must’ve came from. He kept on going forward, interested. Chrysalis, cautiously, followed behind. As the went through, they stopped. There, in the middle of this empty room, was a flower. It had yellow petals, so they thought it was just some sunflower, as it looked slightly wilted. It was sitting in a random patch of grass? How? It sounded like...it was mumbling to itself?
“ ..Hello? “ He called, gently. The flower went up straight, and turned to them. Thorax stepped back, while Chrysalis’s eyes widened. The flower..had a face? Eyes, mouth? No nose, though. There was..a long moment of silence, the Changelings just staring at the flower. The random flower finally took a breath, and turned to them.
“ H-Howdy! I’m FLOWEY! FLOWEY the FLOWER! “ They smiled, a bit awkwardly. Thorax blinked, before giggling nervously. Chrysalis just backed away.
“ I-I’m Thorax! I-It’s definitely nice to meet you..Flowey! “ He smiled, getting a bit closer to the flower. Flowey recoiled a bit, before getting back into shape. His eyes glanced at Thorax.
“ You’re really colorful. A bit eye burning to be honest... “ He murmured. Thorax blinked, before snickering.
“ Yeah, I know. I’ve gotten used to comments like those a bit. So, Flowey...where are we, anyways? “ He asked. Flowey smiled.
“ This is the Underground! Golly, you must not know much, huh? “ He tilted his head, his stem bending the way his head was. Chrysalis started forward, getting closer to the talking flower.
“ Heh..yeah.. “
“ Well, don’t worry! Your pal, Flowey, is gonna teach you how things work down here! “ He winked. The two Changelings looked at eachother, before the area around them started turning black? After a few seconds, they were a white box, and they saw...a heart? Flowey looked at it, surprised. The heart was green, with a smaller, black heart in the middle of it.
“ Gosh! What a weird SOUL you have! “ Flowey exclaimed, tilting his head again. Chrysalis glared at him. Thorax was just..confused.
“ Well, anyways, let’s get on with it. You see, that heart there? That’s your SOUL, the very culmination of your being! Your SOUL is quite weak for now, but can get stronger by gaining LV. What does LV mean? Why, LOVE, of course! “ He explained, Thorax and Chrysalis listening. They were confused. SOUL? LOVE? They weren’t understanding it at all!
“ N-Neat! Do you have a SOUL too, Flowey? “ Thorax asked, innocently. Flowey went silent, wilting a bit.
“ Uhh..let’s not make this about me, now! “ He stuttered, smiling. Thorax blinked, before nodding. After a bit of silence, Flowey spoke again.
“ Now, the easiest way to get LOVE from here, is by touching these white, little, friendliness pellets. Get as many as you can! “ Flowey grinned, while pellets formed. Chrysalis hissed, getting closer to Thorax. He was fascinated.
“ Ooh! Ok! “ Thorax smiled, naively. He touched one, as pain quickly shocked him. He yelped, backing away. Chrysalis glared back at Flowey, as he had an evil look on his face.
“ You IDIOT! In this world, it’s KILL, OR BE KILLED! Why would ANYONE pass up an opportunity like this?! “ He said, grinning. Thorax and Chrysalis saw more pellets surrounding them. Chrysalis hissed loudly.
“ YOU—YOU BITCH! “ She screamed. Flowey didn’t hear.
“ Die. “ Flowey laughed, as the pellets got closer..and closer..and closer. Before the pellets even touched them, it froze, as they saw a fireball fly at Flowey’s face, hitting him. The pellets disappeared, as a goat wearing purple looked at the Changelings.
“ What a terrible creature! Torturing others like this. “ The goat said, looking in Flowey’s direction. Flowey only groaned from afar, Chrysalis grinning at the flower’s body. Thorax was looking at the goat woman.
“ Do not worry, sir. I am Toriel, caretaker of the Ruins. I come by here everyday to see if any humans have fell down, but you definitely aren’t human. But, I’ll take you in anyways. “ Toriel smiled. Thorax giggled nervously, before looking toward Flowey. He started toward him, looking down.
“ Ah..Eh? “ Flowey looked up at Thorax, as the Changeling was just smiling. Thorax’s antlers glowed, as he picked Flowey off of the ground, and plopped him on his back. Flowey just blinked, confused. He turned back around toward Toriel and Chrysalis.
“ I’ll look after him. “ Thorax giggled, Flowey peeking from behind. Chrysalis’s eyes squinted, and Toriel just looked nervous.
“ ..Are you sure? After he tried to kill you like that? “ She asked, pointing to Flowey. Thorax nodded, the flower not doing anything. Toriel just nodded, and motioned them to follow her.
“ Come. “ She said, calmly, walking. Thorax followed, Chrysalis coming behind. She kept glaring at Flowey, but he couldn’t notice. Flowey only glanced at Thorax once or twice. He didn’t speak until a few minutes after.
“ ..Why did you pick me up? “ Flowey asked, his voice low. Thorax looked to him, and smiled, sheepishly.
“ I-I just..didn’t want to..leave you alone like that.. “ He mumbled, softly. Flowey blinked, before huffing. He didn’t need this, or want this, for that matter, but it was happening anyways. Without being in a pot, or being on the ground, he couldn’t do much. He could try and attack, but he was already hurt. Thorax stopped for a moment, as he was too busy talking to Flowey, he didn’t notice something while he was walking. He turned, and went back, to see a yellow..star?
“ Flowey..do you see that? “ He asked, looking to the yellow flower. He was dazed off, so he looked up at Thorax, then to the yellow star. He nodded.
“ Yeah, that’s..that’s a SAVE. You should probably go to it, just Incase. “ He said. Thorax nodded and started toward it. Once he was close, he put his hoof to it.
*FILE SAVED*
*The shadows of the RUINS, loom above, filling you with INTEREST*
“ Interest? That must be your SOUL trait. “ Flowey assumed. Thorax nodded, and slowly walked off, continuing on. Flowey was gazing at the SAVE, before turning. The both of the, didn’t say another word.
“ Now, you should know that the Underground is full of puzzles, you need to be able to go through them. “ Toriel explained. Thorax nodded, before noticing stumps on the ground. He gazed, before nervously walking toward them. He looked at Toriel, then at Flowey.
“ You need help, don’t you? “ Flowey deadpanned. The Changeling nodded, nervously. The flower sighed, before pointing to the ones he needed to step on. Thorax followed, and once he was done, he saw a switch, and flipped it. The door to the next room opened. Toriel smiled, before walking through. Before he went through though, he saw a sign. He read it.
*Only the fearless May proceed.
*Brave ones, foolish ones
*Both not walk the middle road.
“ What does the sign mean? “ Thorax asked out-loud.
“ Doesn’t matter. Come on! “ Flowey rushed, trying to pull at the King. He nodded, before walking through the door.
After what seemed like hours, and hours of getting through monsters, and puzzles, they finally made it to Toriel’s house. Thorax and Flowey gazed at it for a moment, before looking at each other. They were both pretty silent.
“ ..So, this is your house? “ Thorax asked, Toriel nodding. She motioned to follow, as she walked inside. Flowey seemed off, while walking into the house. Thorax just gazed at him, before looking at the nearest SAVE. He put his hoof to it, saving.
*FILE SAVED*
*Seeing a nice, and cozy house, fills you with CALMNESS*
“ Calmness? I thought it was interest.. “ Flowey muttered to himself. Thorax blinked, too tired to say much, before walking into the house. Once he was inside, he looked around, wobbling here and there.
“ Are you alright? You seem so tired. “ Toriel said, concerned. The Changeling nodded, wanting sleep. Toriel nodded, and leaded him to a room in the house. It was all the way down the hall, and had a sign on it? He was..confused. Toriel hesitatingly grabbed the door knob, and twisted it. The door has opened, and she just waits. Thorax just..meanders in, Flowey still on his back.
“ Stay in here for a while, will you not? “ Toriel smiles, a bit sadly to be honest, before closing the door. Thorax giggles, weakly. His antlers glowed, giving him light, to look around the private room. He looks at the bed, and trots to it. Thorax hops onto it, Flowey jumping.
“ ..Hnngghh.. “ He moaned, laying on the bed. Flowey just blinked, before struggling to get up, and away from the tired Changeling. Thorax noticed, lifting the yellow petaled flower up with magic, and plops him on the nearest nightstand.
“ I-I’m gonna take..take a nap, ok? “ Thorax mumbled, before just falling asleep, before Flowey could say a word. The flower just sighed, and sat there. He was just glad he wasn’t in a pot, otherwise he couldn’t escape! That’s what he was going to do right now. Escape! This eye-burner wasn’t gonna keep him like a pet! He’s Flowey the Flower! What was a rainbow deer gonna do? He just needed to figure out..how to move. He tried hopping, pulling his small body up, only to land on his face. He groaned, before looking up. He looked toward the door, confused. There was..a silhouette? Of another flower? It looked like a rose, and it’s eyes..were glowing red?
“ ..Uh? “ Flowey blinked, but when he opened his eyes on the third blink, the flower disappeared. Flowey looked around, and sighed. He turned to his left, to see the same flower right next to him. It was smiling petal to petals, it’s red, glowing eyes staring at him, evilly. Flowey yelped, “ NAH! “, before falling over. Flowey scooted away, the flower disappearing again. Flowey got up, hissing. He looked around again, before huffing. Who was this pesky flower?! Why were they messing with him!? NO ONE, was gonna mess with him. That’s what he was thinking, before getting startled by the darn flower again! He yelped, falling on the ground.
“ Ok! Who the HECK are you?! “ Flowey questioned, scooting on the ground. The flower stared at him from the nightstand, tilting it’s head slowly, before disappearing. Flowey just blinked, looking around him. He sighed, the flower finally leaving him alone. It was probably intimidated by him. He managed to get himself up, looking up at the bed.
“ ..Hmm.. “ He hummed, before huffing. He just flopped onto the ground. He didn’t want to move right now.
Maybe he’ll just escape when he wakes up.
Chapter 2: First Boss Battle.
“ Flowey? “ Thorax mumbled, poking the flower with a hoof. Flowey groaned, before blinking awake. The yellow flower just gazed at him, tiredly. Thorax just scoops him up with a hoof, nervously.
“ Are you ok? “ The Changeling asked, gazing back at the flower. Why was he on the ground? He was on the nightstand last night, right? Then how did..Ugh, he just woke up, so thinking hurt. Thorax just let it go, and plopped the flower on his back. He looked back at the bed, before noticing a pie? He missed it, while getting off the bed, thankfully. He grabbed the pie with magic, and wondered where to put it. He looked to Flowey, who was just laying on his back.
“ What do I do with this? “ The king asked, pointing to the pie. Flowey mumbled, “ Inventory.. “. Thorax nodded, but wondered..what inventory? It sucked, because he doesn’t have a bag. He looked around, and found..a bag on the ground? How? When? Thorax scooped it up, and hung it around his neck, carefully putting the pie in the bag. He trotted out of the room, wincing at the light for a moment. He hummed to himself, while petting Flowey’s head. The flower just groaned, trying to scoot away from the king’s hoof. After a while, he saw Toriel just sitting in her chair, reading a book. Toriel looked up, seeing the pastel creature, smiling.
“ Oh! Hello, did you have good rest? “ She asked, normally.
“ Mhm! Although, I found Flowey on the ground though... “ Thorax patted the flower’s head. Toriel nodded, humming. Thorax looked at the book, and asked, “ Whatcha reading? “. Toriel looked to the book, then to him.
“ I was just reading a book about snails! Would you like to listen? “ She asked. Thorax nodded, before sitting on the ground, still worrying about Flowey. All he knew, was that the poor flower was tired. As he listened, he started to wonder...
What’s outside of this place? Are there other monsters? This can’t be the only place, he thought. After he thought that, Chrysalis popped right next to him, making him jump. She snickered, before looking to the tired flower, slowly sliding onto the ground.
” Can’t we just..find the exit? “ She questioned. Thorax..thought for a moment, before looking at Toriel. Thorax took a breath, before asking, “ ..Hey-Uh-Toriel? Can I..go get something real fast? “ He lied. Toriel looked at him, and nodded, naively.
“ Of course! Go ahead! “ Thorax smiled, nervously, before getting up, and trotted toward a staircase. He gazed at it for a moment, before looking to Chrysalis, and noticed Flowey just hanging on his head somehow. He took another breath, and trotted down. Thorax wandered down, into the downstairs hallway. It was like the rest of the Ruins, but downstairs.
“ ..Mmm.. “ Flowey moaned, shifting a bit. Thorax tried not to bother the napping flower. As he made it through the hallway, he saw doors. It was..interesting. Where did the doors lead? He wanted to know. Chrysalis wanted to know too, but she didn’t go ahead, since she could at anytime. She wanted to surprise herself.
“ ..Should we? “ Thorax mumbled. Chrysalis turned to him, and nodded, humming.
“ Mhm. Toriel might be..hiding something, we should know about. So, let’s go! “ She exclaimed, walking in place. Thorax nodded, and poked at Flowey, gently. The flower’s eyes blinked open.
“ ..Hmm..Huh? Where..oh.. “ Flowey blinked a bit more, before standing upright. He gazed, before looking down at Thorax, realizing he was his head the whole time. He slowly, and carefully, slipped onto his back.
“ ..I supposed..we’re going through, huh? “ He asked. The Changeling nodded, and stepped toward the door. He put his hoof on it, and was about to open it. This was going to be exciting! Was there gonna be a Forest? Ooh! Maybe a nice little pond around, or—
“ Thorax.. “ A voice called, sounding..rather disappointed. Flowey peeped, and turned to see Toriel right behind them. They have been caught. Who knew. Thorax turned as well, as Toriel stood, looking rather upset. Flowey started getting..just a tad nervous. Thorax and Chrysalis, though, they were surprised. How did she know?
“ Why are you down here? You aren’t supposed to be here. Go back upstairs. “ Toriel said, a bit threateningly. Thorax stood. He wanted to know what was outside the door! Chrysalis did too! Besides, he’s 15! He’d be fine. He’s tough, right? He could deal.
“ Ok, but..I have a question. What’s through this door? “ He asked, pointing to it. Toriel didn’t answer, she’d only start walking toward him. She grabbed his antlers, of all things, and would try pulling. He was..heavier, and stronger than she was, so he didn’t move much. Thorax blinked, watching this woman try and pull him. Nothing. After a moment, she let go, and turned to him.
“ You do not understand. Once you go through that door, you can never come back. Once you’re out there, everyone outside, will try and get your SOUL, and send it to ASGORE. “ She explained, standing in front of the literal Changeling king. If he was to see another king, maybe they could..negotiate? Try and work it out?
“ ..Ok, but..I’m strong. I know how to fight! I know how to do all of that! I can handle myself! “ Thorax exclaimed, confidently. Flowey and Chrysalis just looked to him, and back to Toriel.
“ ...Is that so? Well then..if you’re so sure.. “ She held her hands out, the area around them flashing black. Thorax’s eye widened, surprised. He looked around, and then saw his SOUL. After Flowey’s demonstration, he knew he was in a fight.
“ Let’s see how you’ll be able, to survive.. “ She started the battle, with a text box, saying: *TORIEL BLOCKS THE WAY*. Thorax backed away a bit, before noticing that he had the first turn. He looked to the ACT button, and would press it. He had..a few options..but none of them would work, he thought, so he exited that option, and pressed MERCY. He saw the option, SPARE, and would press it.
“ Toriel! I don’t wanna fight! Not now, at least! “ Thorax called, but Toriel ignored him, instead, she shot fireballs at the Changeling. He dodged, tripping, Flowey slipping off his head. The flower quickly tried to get himself up.
Thorax looked to the MERCY button again, and pressed it. *SPARE*
“ Toriel! Listen- “ He called, but she didn’t listen. She kept attacking, leaving Thorax to have to grab Flowey, and dodge quickly. He bumped his face against the ground, but that didn’t do much. He got up, wrapping Flowey around his own vines. Flowey looked at them, then to the king, who was trying to get the the MERCY button again. He could do this? How? Thorax kept dodging fireballs, and made it to the button. *SPARE*
“ Toriel, listen! We—I need to move on! I need to get home! “ He cried, but she still ignored him. She just kept attacking. At one point, he got hit a few times, lowering his HP. *13/20 HP*
“ Oh geez. “ He mumbled to himself, making sure the vines were still around Flowey, who was just looking at him, surprised. Thorax turned to Toriel, determined to try and get through to her. He looked to his ACT button. *TALK*
“ Ok. Toriel. Maybe, we can just— “ He was cut off, by a fireball hitting him in the face. He groaned, and shook his head. Chrysalis watched, wincing each time he got hit.
“ Thorax, I think..I think you’re gonna have to fight her!! “ She called out, getting Thorax’s attention.
“ WHAT?! HECK NO! “ He yelled, getting hit again. *8/20 HP*
“ If you don’t wanna die, then KILL HER! “ Flowey suggested, still protected by the vines. Those things were tough. Thorax shook his head, before quickly getting to the MERCY button again. He needed to get through to her, he HAD to! *SPARE*
“ I’m not going to fight you, Toriel! I am gonna keep trying to talk! “ He stopped his hoof, almost getting hit again. Chrysalis was getting more, and more concerned. She then decided, as she ran to the FIGHT button, hoping she’d be able to press it. Thorax didn’t notice, until he heard Toriel gasp. A vine had swung at her, hurting her a bit. Thorax blinked, glaring at Chrysalis.
“ I SAID, I WASN’T GOING TO FIGHT! “ He screamed, dodging. Chrysalis shrugged, and looked over to Flowey. He was..confused. He was over there, not near the button! So how could..this guy might be more interesting than he thought. Thorax started to get tired, getting hit more frequently. 5 to 20. 4 to 20. 3 to 20. 2 to 20. He knew he was gonna die, but wasn’t ready to. At that last hit, he made it for the MERCY button. *SPARE*
“ ..Please..Toriel, Just...please.. “ He called out, weakly, before collapsing. This was it. He was dead. He just layer there...waiting for death to come...but he didn’t die yet? Maybe now? Ok, now....now? Really? Why? He looked up, and noticed...she was missing on purpose. Why? He got up, gaining some strength, to press the MERCY button again. *SPARE*
“ ..Toriel. I know..I know it’s hard..losing people you try to protect. But, I can take care of myself! I’ll be ok!.. “ He explained. He just heard quiet sobs.
“ ..Y-You..You do not know that!.. “ Toriel cried. Thorax gazed at her, calmly. The black around them started to fade. He walked over to her, sitting by her.
“ ..It hurts..I know. You’re trying to protect people so they don’t get hurt. But, you fail...and they die. But, it’ll be ok..all that matters, is that you tried. “ Thorax gazed, softly. Toriel blinked, wiping her eyes. Flowey and Chrysalis just watched. Toriel took a deep breath, and looked at him.
“ ..Thorax. Are..Are you sure..that you will be ok? “ She asked. Thorax nodded, a little too sure of himself. Toriel smiled softly, hugging him. Thorax hugged back, as he needed a hug for a while. After a few moments, they departed, and Toriel stood.
“ ..Before you go..just know, once you leave here, you can never come back. Also be warned, that monsters will try and get your SOUL, and bring it to ASGORE, the king of monsters. Whatever you do, Thorax, do NOT let them take your SOUL! Asgore’s plan CANNOT be completed. Be good..won’t you? “ She explained, and ended it with a rhetorical question, yet Thorax nodded, hugging her one last time. Toriel looked to Flowey.
“ Please..keep him safe. “ She asked. Flowey blinked, before huffing. Thorax trotted to him, scooping the flower up. He headed out the door, giving Toriel one last thanks, before leaving. Once he was out the doors, he trotted down the hallway, and stopped at a room, with a patch of grass on the ground. In the patch, was a rose, with a creepy smile. Flowey gasped.
“ ...You... “ He mumbled, his one eye twitching. The rose just stared at them, before giggling, and leaving. The others were silent, before just moving on. Thorax hesitated for a moment.
“ ..Ready? “ He asked the both of them. Flowey and Chrysalis nodded, as Thorax looked a breath, before moving on through the doors.