Chapter Text
Year: 201X .
Month: April
Date: 21st
Gentle spring breeze was blowing through the air of early morning hours. Ordinary people were still sleeping to prepare for the long day ahead. But at the foot of a mountain, far away from the town, a 12 years old kid in cowboy outfit proceeded through the overgrown flora of lush forest as he braved the forsaken mountain, when he climbed to the top, he found the cave entrance. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a poster as he looked at its contents.
Missing
Have you seen them?
William age 13: disappeared 15 years ago
Alice age 7: disappeared 11 years ago
Lucas age 10: disappeared 7 years ago
Charles age 9: disappeared 4 years ago
Grace age 12: disappeared 1 year ago
If you have any information, please call – (829) 757-0144
Above names and phone number were pictures of 5 kids.
The first one – was a young man with dark hair and glasses, he wore bored and sore expression on the photograph.
The second one – was a young girl with blond hair and red bowtie, she wore really sweet smile.
The third one – was boy with short chestnut hair, bandana around his head and gloves on his hands, he grinned with a large smile while crossing his arms.
The fourth one – was another boy with blond hair, he was wearing apron with a timid and calm look on his face.
The last one – was a girl with black hair in ballet shoes and tutu gracefully dancing on the picture, she wore confident and relaxed smile.
Those were 5 children that one day… ran away and disappeared never to be seen again, the reasons for these are unknown even to this day.
Clover looked at the poster for a little while before shifting his gaze to the cave entrance that he found. Adults tried to search for them, they looked around other towns, they asked people if they seen them, and they even searched forests in hopes of finding them… But nobody tried to search the only place that was left.
Mt.Ebott
A mountain that according to legends: housed Monsters. A terrifying creatures that were sealed by humans long ago before they were even born. Most people say that just urban tale to scare kids like them into behaving and never wander alone in who knows where… but what if this was true? What if 5 children ran away into the mountain and were there with scary Monsters trying to get them… Maybe they already gone? …
“No, there still hope for them.” Clover said out loud.
The human in hat walked into the cave entrance.
Inside he found huge hole that was pitch black. He looked down at it not seeing the bottom…Is that where others went? … This is going to be a long fall. With all Determination and their sense of Justice they could muster, Clover jumped down into the dark abyss. As he was falling deeper into the depths of mountain, it started to become harder to stay focused from the pressure of fall. Everything was starting to get fuzzy and white, after a few moments… he blacked out.
……….
…………….
C…....
……e…….p
C…l….r
W……e…..up
Clover…
Wa…e…..up
CLOVER, WAKE UP!
The human child started fluttering his eyes open with a groan, his head hurt like crazy… where was he? Is he dead? Is this what afterlife looks like? He started to get up and looked up above.
There was a huge gap with light coming down at where he was lying. Looking around he noticed that he was in some cave with pillars on sides sitting in a patch of golden flowers, if he recalls correctly they called – Buttercups…. Looks like they what saved him from the fall…Guess plan A failed, well off to plan B then.
Clover picked himself up on his feet. He looked around the room again as his eyes adjusted to everything. There was nothing in there besides same columns and singular path that lead somewhere he didn’t notice before, it didn’t look like there was any other way, so cowboy kid started walking down the path in front of him.
When he reached the end, there was a single huge purple entrance inviting him to continue. He walked through it. Inside there was nothing but a simple patch of grass in the center of room, just as he was about to walk to it, he was ambushed by …… A small…. somewhat cute frog? It had some face with eyes on its belly.
“…Ribbit…” the frog croaked in front of him.
Just as he was about to say something his SOUL was pulled out of his chest floating in front of him. He didn’t know what was happening but if that the first living creature that he met…. Then that means that the frog in front of him was Monster! So they real after all! The frog just eyed the child as he was just standing there. Then it shifted their gaze to some… white fly? It hovered around his SOUL, the frog opened its mouth and as it was aiming at fly, its tongue hit his SOUL square in the center. The kid recoiled from sudden pain that shot through their body.
It hurt! It was not that bad, but it was still painful! It attacked me! He pulled out his toy gun out ready to shoot it. “You little!!!” The frog looked a little taken aback by a sudden shout from cowboy. Just as he was about to shoot his gun, a tall goat lady appeared. She was dressed in purple robe with some shield emblem that had three triangles and a pair of wings around the circle inside of it, she was also wearing red cape like a scarf around her neck. She looked at the frog with angry stare which scared the frog as it hopped out of the way.
After the frog creature was gone. She relaxed, the earlier mean and scary face was replaced with calm and gentle look. She turned her face to meet his eyes.
“Ah, hello. Are you alright? They didn’t hurt you right?” The human touched his face it seems to have some injury, even if he wasn’t directly hit there by frog creature attack. He looked at her face which morphed into the same angry face when she first appeared.
“Don’t worry they will apologize to you. I will make sure of that later” Then goat lady frowned. “... I’m sorry, I should came earlier so you wouldn’t get hurt.” The goat lady face returned to the same gentle and kind nature she was showing before.
“You must be so confused little one… Let me introduce myself. I am Toriel, Caretaker of the Ruins.” Toriel said introducing herself.
“You see, I pass through here every day to see if any human fallen down here.” Clover tensed at her words. She was waiting for you! Soon she will strike! She’s a monster, you can’t trust her! His instincts told him not to trust her to run away from her… and yet, he wanted to trust her. Something about her just made them feel… safe with her… and at the same time it was weird. She was so kind and gentle… he wished his mother was anything like her. Aren’t adults the mean ones? Aren’t they the reason all those children probably gone here? What if they run here because they didn’t wanted to live with them… just like me. He shook those thoughts from his head and continued listening to goat lady.
“It does not happen very often… although, you are the first one to come here in such short time after the previous one. Toriel face shifted to frown as those words came from her mouth. The implications behind Toriel words made them feel uneasy, but they can’t draw conclusions too early without any facts or evidence!
“Now I know it’s a lot to take in.” Toriel then proceeded to sit on one knee so she would be on the same eye level as them, offering her fluffy hand to the human child. “But… can you please come with me? The Ruins are full of monsters like the one before, without me you could be attacked again. So will you allow me to guide you through Ruins?”
The human took a step back looking at her with caution. Clover then carefully looked at Toriel fluffy hand.
Don’t trust her. What if she tries to make you lower your guard? Yes that it! She must be tricking you! Don’t fall for it! She’s lying! She doesn’t care about you! She just like Mom and Dad! She only uses you as a means to an end!!!
RUN!!!
He couldn’t keep those thoughts out of his head. The frog before her tried to assault them before, whom to say she won’t try the same! … And yet… it didn’t feel right to decline such polite offer, she was just trying to help them. The goat lady started frown again as a child continued to look at her with suspicion and fear.
“I understand if you don’t trust me… but do not be afraid, I just want to let you know that you can trust me, I promise I will not hurt you.” She gave child a smile as she said those last words trying to let the child in front of her know that he can trust her.
“…………….” With hesitation the kid in cowboy outfit reached goat lady hand letting her grasp his hand in her warm and comfortable palm. She smiled at him.
“Thank you for trusting me, my child. If I can ask what is your name?” The human looked like he was deep in thought before he said his name with hesitation.
“…..Clover….. The name’s Clover….”
“Clover… What a beautiful name.” She wasn’t lying. Clover was really a beautiful name for such child. “Alright then, you ready to go Clover?” The human in hat nodded. “Good, this way.” With that Toriel started to lead them to the other big purple entrance. The Mother and a child Toriel and Clover went into the Ruins.
When they walked through the entrance, Clover was blinded by a beautiful sight before them. The wall were made out of purple bricks with vines sprouting out of them, in the middle was a small double staircase leading to another entrance and in the center of it was carpet of red leaves, where did those leaves come from? They didn’t know the answer. Toriel looked behind her as she saw child absorbing sights in front of him, she couldn’t help but let out a hearty chuckle.
“Do you like it? The Ruins are beautiful aren’t they?”
The kid looked around and nodded with excitement, it was cute seeing them like this after how tense they were just moments ago… Toriel did wonder about that. Yes she understood that it was probably with her appearing out of nowhere and trying to make the child put his trust in her after one of her kind hurt them… but it also was like… he was afraid of her specifically. Like she was going to do something with them, and not just hurt them because she was a monster… it was something else. It was the same feeling…just like with Chara... Just like with the other 5.
Before she could get lost in those thoughts she walked into the next room which snapped her out of her trance of thoughts. In front of them was big locked purple door. Toriel watched behind her to find Clover still following her, she smiled and let go of his hand before standing in front of him.
“Allow me to educate you on operation of Ruins.” She then proceeded to walk up to the six stone plates that were on the ground, she memorized this puzzle to the point where it was just muscle memory… well, she already memorized every puzzle in the Ruins by heart a long time ago. Anyways! She crossed the two horizontal stone plates before walking further and doing the same beeline motion. With the pull of a lever it made clicking noise and the door opened, allowing them to advance further.
“The Ruins are full of puzzles, ancient fusions between diversions and door keys, they must be solved around here to move from one room to another. There are more puzzles up ahead, but don’t worry I will help you solve them.” The goat lady offered her hand again which child took this time without much hesitation, it was a good sign – as it showed that human child trusted her more than he was before. With smile on her face, she led the child into the next room.
The next room had more purple walls with vines growing out of them, this time instead of double staircase with red leaves or stone plates with a switch, it had streams of water coming from ducts, with bridges to allow pass above rushing water. They walked through the bridge and stopped in front of the lever, there was something written in yellow in front of it with arrows pointing directly at it.
“Alright my child, how about you try solving this puzzle. To proceed you need to trigger a few switches. Don’t worry I have already labeled the ones you need to flip.” Oh so that explains those arrows and writing in front of the lever. Clover walked to the switch and decided to read what was written on it.
Please press this switch.
-Toriel.
Did she really have to write this when there already arrows pointing directly at the switch? Did she think they were that stupid to not realize it? … although… it does feel nice, it’s like she thought about them in case they couldn’t do it and left them a tip so they could still continue further… she was really kind lady. He pushed the switch, it made the clicking noise as it was pulled.
“Splendid! I am so proud of you my child.” Clover didn’t know why but they flushed when she praised them, even if it was something this minor… it still made them feel good and proud of themselves… it was different from their usual thoughts.
“Alright, let move to the next lever.” She gestured them to follow her and as they crossed the bridge, there was two levers this time, one had same arrows and something written on the wall, while the other one didn’t have anything like that. Toriel watched them with eyes full of interest and expectation her beaming proudly at the cowboy child in front of her. Clover decided to try press the unlabeled switch, they thought it was not what Toriel wanted but they still wanted to try press it. As they tried to pull it Toriel caught their hand and carefully pulled them away from it.
“No no no! You need to press the other switch.” Toriel said with a little chastising voice. “I even labeled it for you…” She frowned as she said this. This made Clover feel guilty, she was just trying to help him and he wasn’t even listening to her.
“…I’m sorry.” Clover said looking down in shame. He felt like a failure.
“Don’t worry about this! Just this time pull the other lever please.” Toriel said with gentle voice and smile which brought some reassurance to Clover. Human walked to the other lever but decided to read what was written in front of it before pulling it.
Please press this switch too.
-Toriel
He smiled as he read this, he then pulled the lever and the spikes behind Toriel lowered allowing them to pass into the next room. Toriel looked at child with a big smile.
“Good job! You are learning so quickly, my child!” Even if Toriel helped them with puzzle and needed her guidance to not press the wrong switch, they still felt good when she praised them, like they did something useful for once… Getting praise is nice… I finally did something good.
The goat monster offered them to take her hand and the child eagerly took its warm and fluffy properties inside his own. They walked down the hallway. The child and Mother Toriel walked in silence to the next room. It was nothing unsettling for her as she used to being lonely, besides occasional company from monsters that lived in the Ruins and even then Clover never actually said anything longer than a few words…still it felt weird. Normally children around his age were energetic and quite loud sometimes. Clover – was opposite of that, having somewhat neutral expression and he was not one for words. That made goat lady frown a little, she didn’t know if it was because of her that he was closed off like that…Even the first one was more talkative…maybe he still doesn’t trust me fully.
After a while they walked into a room with a training dummy. Now it was time to teach the kid how to defend themselves! Toriel pulled them to the dummy, she released young child hand and stood in front of them ready to share her wisdom again.
“Now as I said before, the Ruins are full of monsters and as a human they may attack you. That doesn’t mean that they mean you harm! You see, we – Monsters, express and communicate with magic… which sadly hurts your kind.” She gloomed as she said those words. She just couldn’t bear the idea of child – being scared for their life, just because nobody explained them how everything works around here. I hope that girl was fine… where did she run away back then?
“That said you still need to be prepared for situations like these. But worry not, as the process is very simple! When monsters try communicate or… attack you, you will enter a FIGHT. When you in a FIGHT, your SOUL will be exposed to the monster, so you must dodge magic attacks to not get hurt! And while you there you need to strike up a friendly conversation to resolve conflict or stall for time so I can come in and resolve it instead.” The goat lady said as she explained everything she knew about monsters battles. In truth no monsters are evil – in fact far from it, all they wanted was to communicate with others, but sometimes they can’t express it with words. So, they use magic to showcase their emotions and feelings! … sadly that magic hurts humans and even then magic still could be used for harm if monster has even slightest intent of killing. This was probably a reason Humans declared a war against Monsterkind, as they let their fear control them.
The human walked up to dummy and tried to initiate a battle, in the instant their SOUL was pulled out of their chest. It was bright yellow color coated with golden shine as it floated in front of the child, if she recalls correctly the color yellow symbolizes Justice. Such a good child and they already have such strong sense of Justice! She could only proudly smile at them.
“Good job Clover! Now try to talk with it.” She said beaming with huge smile, he was learning so quickly about the Underground.
The child tried to think of something to start a small talk. “..Um… do you like western?” the dummy just stood there doing nothing. Clover turned his head to Toriel seeing her eyes full of happiness.
“Ah, very good! You already know how solve conflicts so well my child! I think you touched him to the depths of his soul with your words.” Clover didn’t think that exactly what was happening. It was just a training dummy so he couldn’t even speak. But even then he was still proud that he managed to make Toriel happy with his little act.
“With that you learned how to navigate Ruins!” She clapped her hands and applauded. “Still we have a way to go, shall we move on?” Clover stretched her hand waiting for Toriel to do the same. But before they left she wanted to tell them something.
“My child… can you walk behind me without taking my hand? Don’t worry I will be close and protect you if you in danger, it’s just… let say I will not always be there for you so you need to rely on yourself instead of me all the time. But I still will be close! Can you do that for a little while?” She placed her hands on his shoulders trying to reassure him.
“…Okay, Ms Toriel.” Clover replied.
“Thank you, Clover. Also you can just call me Toriel, Ms Toriel makes me sound old.” She chuckled as she said the last one.
“Alright, Toriel.” Clover corrected himself. She chuckled again. With that they left.
They travelled into another room with Toriel leading the way and Clover following closely behind. As they were passing by a sign, their SOUL floated from their chest and they saw the same frog that attacked them earlier. Clover hand hovered over their toy gun… but Toriel taught them how handle conflicts like these. What if this frog just tried to communicate with them and tried to use magic only to hurt them on accident? Clover decided to ACT reasonably and tried to start a small talk.
“Um, howdy.” Clover greeted the frog in front of him.
“Croak. Hello human.” HOLY SHIT IT TALKS! …Although after seeing literal talking goat lady why I’m surprised?
“Sorry for attacking you back then. Ribbit. I didn’t know that my magic could hurt you and I must have spooked you, please accept my apologies. Meow.” The frog said… why did it meow like a cat?
“O-oh I see. Its okay I forgive you… and also please forgive me too, I didn’t know back then that that how you communicate, but Toriel taught-
“MY CHILD!” Clover was interrupted by a voice full of worry. Toriel appeared in front of him holding a fireball ready to fire it at the frog. “Get away from them, now!” She looked at the frog in front of him as it shrunk back in fear.
“Wait! He wasn’t trying to hurt me, he was apologizing to me for earlier!” Clover shouted waving his hands as he tried to save poor frog from Toriel wrath.
“Oh. Is that true?” She looked at child with dumbfounded look before returning to her intimidating piercing stare, looking straight at the frog in front of them.
“R-Ribbit. Y-yes M-ms T-Toriel. I-I j-just W-wanted to a-apologize, p-please don’t hurt me.” The frog said while shaking like a leaf and almost crying. Her face immediately turned into the one full of regret.
“O-oh my angel, I-I’m so sorry. Please forgive me, I just thought you tried to hurt them, I just wanted to protect them…I didn’t want to hurt you.” She dispatched fireball in her hand and kneeled down to calm down the scared frog in front of her. “Shhhh, don’t worry everything will be alright, I will not hurt you.” The frog started to calm down as she petted it, eventually it stopped shaking and relaxed. She stood up and looked at a frog with same guilty expression.
“I know what I did is inexcusable… but I hope I can amend to you one day for pain I caused you today Mr. Gush” She bowed as she said those words.
“O-oh, no need Ms. Toriel. Ribbit. I understand how worried you must been after… my encounter with your child here.” Mr. Gush looked at me. “It was all a huge misunderstanding on both sides, so let just start again.” He hopped closer to me. “Hello, as you heard my name is Gush, Gush the Froggit. I again really sorry for our previous meeting… I promise it will never happen again.”
“It’s alright, like you said we both misunderstood each other.” Clover stretched his hand “Name’s Clover.” Clover introduced himself to Ribbit.
“Hmmm Clover. Croak. Really nice name.” Froggit looked at Clover hand… before Clover realized that he had no hands. Then it opened his mouth and wrapped his tongue around his hand. Ewwwwwwwwww. Even then Clover shook it as he didn’t want to be rude. “Well it was nice meeting you, Clover. I hope we will meet again, I need to go now for my own business, take care! Meow.” With that Mr. Gush hopped away leaving Toriel and Clover alone in the room.
“I should apologize to Mr. Gush tomorrow. He didn’t deserve what I did to him.” Toriel said looking at the ground.
“Everything will be alright Toriel. He forgave us and you didn’t hurt him, so I think it’s fine.” The human child reassured his Mother Caretaker. He moved closer to her and wrapped her arms around her hugging her tightly. Toriel flinched at sudden gesture, before wrapping her arms around her Son child in return.
“Thank you ,Clover. I still feel I should apologize about what I done, I will do this tomorrow.” She let go of them. “For now, let’s continue.” Clover pulled away and started walking down the pathway with Toriel. “Now the next puzzle is… a little tricky… I need you to hold my hand for this one, I hope you don’t mind after… my failed lesson of self-reliance.” Toriel stretched her hand to Clover which Clover immediately took.
“Of course, I trust you Toriel.” Clover said with a smile, which made Toriel happy.
“…Thank you, my child.” They neared the end of pathway and then… Clover froze in his tracks, his smile faded and replaced with emotion she knew all too well – Fear. In front of them was a huge stretching field of spikes.
“Don’t worry my child, I know how to solve this puzzle. Just please allow me to lead the way, it will be alright…I promise. Will you trust me?” Toriel said with a smile trying to reassure Clover. Clover just stood there as his thoughts screamed inside his head.
No-no-no-no-no-NO! She lies! Get away from her! Run! She just tries to kill you! She fakes it all Clover! She just wants your SOUL! Don’t believe her!
ADULTS ALWAYS LIE AND USE YOU FOR THEIR OWN NEEDS!!!
Clover continued to look at the spikes in front of him. He could feel his heart beat loudly, his legs shaking and his hand clutching tightly as his breathing was shortening and getting faster. Toriel could only look at him with worry.
“I know it can be scary… but please, trust me my child. If you scared you can close your eyes. I promise nothing bad will happen to you.” She once again smiled, but this time it could be seen how worried she was for him. For some reason Toriel last words continued to ring in his head.
“I promise nothing bad will happen to you.”
Those words were so gentle, so much care was in them, Toriel guided them through the Ruins and even tried to protect them, she didn’t even know them and yet she went this far for their sake… Even if his instincts and mind told them to not trust her and run away… he wanted to hold her and believe her. He wanted to believe in his Mother Toriel words.
“…Okay.” Clover finally replied.
Toriel worry turned into melancholic smile. “Don’t worry my child, just stay close to me and follow behind.” Clover nodded. “Alright, everything will be fine, I promise.” Toriel started walking into the spikes, as she was about to stomp on the spikes… they disappeared into the ground and allowed her to step on the hard metal surface.
“See, nothing to be afraid of!” She lead them through spiky maze, spikes going back into the ground as she was about to step on them, Toriel stepped on the last spike as they reached the end of maze. “Well as promised my child – nothing bad happened to you… you didn’t got scratched anywhere right?” She immediately took his hand and started looking for any potential scratches.
“I’m fine, but thank you for your concern, Toriel.” Clover told Toriel.
“I see, I’m glad to that you alright Clover.” Toriel said with a smile full of happiness… Clover just couldn’t understand why she was so nice to them. She always asked if he was okay with what she about to do with them, she helped him solve puzzles, she praised him even if he didn’t deserve any, and she was protecting him and looked him over for potential injuries. All of that and it’s only for somebody she just met a few minutes ago.
Weirdest part is that she didn’t use him for her own needs or forced him to do everything – she took care of him. It was like she loved him as her own child she actually cared about them. Clover couldn’t have been more grateful for Toriel in his life, even if she was somebody he barely knew… he loved her like a Mother was happy that she cared about him. Toriel then guided them into the next room with him following, standing besides her on the right side.
The room was barley a room to be called and instead was a huge long hallway that stretched for a good distance. Toriel still couldn’t shake how scared Clover was in previous room.
Why they were so scared back there…Maybe they were scared of spikes? Some people are scared of many different things so that can explain it… But I reassured them before and they said they trusted me… It’s like he sees me as some evil that will do something to him… something wrong I can feel it… I should ask Clover to tell me about himself.
Toriel decided to try have a talk with her child as they were strolling through the long hallway.
“…Clover, if it isn’t bothersome for you, how about we talk for a little while going through this hallway?” Suggested Toriel with a hopeful look.
“Sure… Can I ask you one question?” Clover asked.
“Hm, yes off course my child, what is it?
“…Why do you care about me?”
“Uhh, what do you mean?”
“Why do you care about me, I just some kid you met a few minutes ago, so why even go as far as help me? I just don’t understand it.” That caught Toriel by surprise.
“What is there not to understand? You’re just a child that was lost in unfamiliar place all alone, what kind of cruel monster would leave you there alone or try to attack you?”
She knew the answer to this question was – Everyone. The human SOUL’s were the only way for Monsterkind return to the surface, so in their desperation they would attack any human they meet be it adult… or a child. To think that people would kill 7 innocent children just to gain freedom… disgusting. How could Dremmurr fall so low as to end lives of those who didn’t deserve it? What is this old fool doing!!! She bashed those thoughts out of her mind and tried to remain calm. She didn’t want Clover to worry about her problems, the child already had a lot of problems on their own and she doesn’t need to add more pressure on them by making him worry about her.
“And also as strange as it sounds… I kind of see everyone in this light,” Clover raised eyebrow at her statement “Like I said earlier – I’m Toriel, Caretaker of the Ruins. So to me helping others in need is my job and purpose, people rely on me, they come to me for advices and they need me to take care of the Ruins that they call home, some children even see me as a mother figure… that exactly why I want to help others, because just seeing them happy and carefree while they enjoy their lives… it brings so much happiness to me and them… I hope you understand that.” Toriel told Clover who just walked awe struck from the words of wise caretaker.
“…Wow…… you really kind person, Toriel.” Clover said looking down with melancholic smile.
“Thank you Clover… but I think I would be lying if I said I do this only because I want to help others. You see… I did some mistakes in the past and I want to fix them, even if I know I can’t fix those mistakes anymore I still can solve current problems and bring happiness and joy to the others in present.” Toriel said looking up with closed eyes and fulfilled smile. I hope that what you wanted from me… my children.
“I see… even then you still better than most adults on the surface.” That brought Toriel out of her reminiscence, …So it’s true, Clover did have something bad happen to them on the surface.
“…If you don’t mind me asking Clover… but how is life on the surface? I want you to tell me how it’s like there.” Toriel said trying to loosen the child to learn about their origins. I already failed 7 of my children, I will not fail another one.
“…Surface is nice, probably one of the beautiful places you can ever live on.” Clover told Toriel. She didn’t except that from them to be honest. She thought that Clover was unhappy there from what he said… until she remembered Chara words.
“Surface is a beautiful place… but”
“But… while the surface is nice… there still some injustice in this world.” Clover said looking down onto the floor.
“I can’t say that all of humanity is bad, but I would be liar if I said that people aren’t the most evil beings that can exist. All they care about sometimes is to use everyone for their own needs and gains, most of my world lives by those principles.” The child said as he continued walking, looking down onto the stone floor. They saying the same things as Chara, but while Chara said that there weren’t any good humans on the surface, Clover – still believes that they exist. “Even criminals – who deserved to be arrested and punished, that receive mercy by not getting the death penalty for their crimes, and instead serve jail time… they still get bailed out and allowed to roam free, threatening innocents without facing any consequences.” Clover finished with a growl with his hat obscuring his eyes.
Toriel still can remember the cruel punishment methods of humans before they were sealed away, abusing or worse taking someone life just because they committed a crime… while what they did was not right, such cruel methods were too much. To some people stealing and killing was the only way to survive back then, they didn’t have any other choice if they wanted to live. She was at least happy to know that bad humans still received punishments but in less harsh manners. Even the worst person deserves a second chance at life… Even if Asgore deserves it… I don’t think I can forgive him for everything he done.
She still can understand that even if that how things should be. They aren’t. Some people are just too egoistical and can’t even realize their mistakes, those people would rather watch the whole world end before their eyes then to accept a change and their faults. And then there people who just do evil for “fun”, that doesn’t make any sense, why would they do that? What brings them joy in watching other people experience pain and suffering? Toriel decided to stop these thoughts and continued listening to what Clover was saying.
“Still like I said earlier – not all people are like this. Even throught history with everything humanity done, there still people who want to make this world a better place and have peace.” Clover said with smile forming on his face as he was remembering something.
“I remember I read one book about a thief who was stealing from greedy king, but instead of taking those things for himself… he gave them to poor people who didn’t have anything. When I read it… I knew I wanted to be just like him… to help people who can’t do this for themselves.” Clover said with smile remembering the book he loved so much… until Mom and Dad burned it right in front of their eyes.
They said he should grow up and stop reading those “Fairytales”. Clover was hurt so much by it. While it was a fairytale, it actually taught important lesson – you should always help others in need. Which is why they liked Toriel, she was just like the main character in that book, she saw them and tried to help, and even if she didn’t knew them… she still helped them.
“M-my child w-what wrong? Why are you crying?” Toriel said with worry as she stopped walking and kneeled to take a hold of the child’s face. Clover put a hand on their face and realized it was stained wet. They were crying.
“Don’t worry Mom Toriel, I’m fine… just those thoughts bring back good memories.” Clover said in a whisper.
“You sure my child? I don’t think good memories bring down tears.” …Unless they the only good thing you had… “…If you need something… I always there, you don’t need to hide anything from me Clover, I can help.” Toriel said looking at child with worry hoping that they can open up and accept her help.
“Thank you, Toriel. But really I’m fine.” Clover said with a determined look.
“…Alright… actually… can I ask you something else?” Toriel asked.
“Yeah? What is it?” Clover asked curiously.
“… Why did you… climb this mountain in the first place?” Toriel asked.
“……………..” The child just stood there with a silence.
“Clover?” Toriel asked after they didn’t reply.
“………” Clover pulled out a poster with 5 children on them and showed it to Toriel. She took it and looked at its contents. My children…The ones I failed…
“I climbed this mountain to find them. Adults tried to search for them everywhere except here, I thought that they were lonely and scared… so I jumped there to save them. “ Clover told Toriel, resolve fully evident in his words.
“…I see, that very noble of you Clover… but what about your parents? Wouldn’t they worry about you?” Toriel asked only for child to freeze and look down with their hat covering their eyes. The child continued to stand still, silence filling the air.
“Clover? Please tell me something.” Toriel asked with worry.
“………………….” Clover thought if he should tell her, she was a person he could trust her… But why should he burden her with problems that were his… Just hold them back, no need to cause a scene.
“… Can we just go…?” Clover asked her. Toriel already knew that she should not pry any further. Clover…
“…Alright. We should be halfway through the Ruins, so soon we be at my house. You probably hungry, I can cook you something when we get there, so let start moving.” Clover nodded and with that walked down the hallway. Clover really was lucky to meet Toriel, she was bringing them to her house and was offering to feed them … Thank you, Toriel. While Clover walked without any problems. Toriel was full of worry and distress as she looked behind her watching Clover.
…Clover… Just what kind of parents you had... What happened to you?
Clover and Toriel were walking up to three way cross road. The journey through the Ruins was pretty interesting. After they left that hallway, Toriel introduced them to the local residents on the way to her house. Whimsun, Loox, Vegitoid, Migosp (that one wanted them to leave him alone), Moldomal and a ghost who visits Ruins pretty often – Napstablook.
They were pretty friendly to him, but that probably because Toriel intimidated them… Except Napstablook. He was happy to meet them but couldn’t strike conversation for much longer before disappearing somewhere.
She also led them to some pedestal with a bowl full of candies and allowed them to take one for being “Good kid”. It had taste of blueberry… it was sweet.
They conquered the rest of Ruins after falling through the floor onto pile of leaves and pushing rocks onto plates, Toriel helped them a little with the huge room of those floor tiles that fall under their feet and also politely talked with… somehow alive rock...
She also placed some cheese in front of mouse hole and donated some coins to spiders, after that she greeted the Ant-Froggit (which is a mystery on itself). And then Clover triggered all switches in the last rooms to proceed further.
With that they turned the north path and walked up to the giant tree that had huge pile of leaves in front of it. That must be where all those leaves come from. Besides it was a little garden with golden flowers, it had a little garden shovel and watering can.
“Ah, home sweet home. I didn’t have guests in a long time, well guess you get to change that.” She led them to the front door with windows on the left and right sides, a small giggle escaped as she opened the door. When they entered inside, they were immediately hit with warm and cozy atmosphere.
The house was pretty big, the first thing they saw was a huge staircase that led deeper into the house Why would Toriel need that? Besides it was book shelf with lots of books, there were some pictures in frames and flowers in pots to embellish already welcoming feeling of comfy house.
“We here my child, do you like it?” Toriel turned around and asked Clover. He nodded. “Don’t be shy to undress.”
Clover looked around and on his left side was a coat hanger. Clover took off his boots and jacket, he placed boots besides the entrance and asked Toriel to help them place their jacket on coat hanger, she took the jacket and placed it on the coat hanger.
“Maybe you also should place your hat?” Toriel asked stretching her hand to take his hat. Clover placed his hands to take it off thinking if he should do it… he decided to take it off letting his messy hair flow free. “Golly, your hair is so messy, I will brush you after you settled in alright?”
“…Yea that would be nice, thank you.” Clover said and handed over his hat, she placed it on the top of coat hanger.
“Now that you undressed, I have a surprise for you! Follow me.” Toriel walked into the right pathway excitement evident in her voice, Clover followed her. They were in a hallway with lots of furniture and pictures, they followed Toriel until she stopped in front of the door.
She opened it and invited them to come in, inside was a room with a table, dresser, nightstand, a little chest and a bedside table with a really comfy looking bed. Some weird decorations were attached to the ceiling and the room had some toys and drawings.
“Surprise! A room of your own! Feel free to rest here while I cook something for you.” With a huge smile she left.
Clover still couldn’t believe it – he actually had a room. Back on the surface he did not had his own room, he basically lived on a couch that was too uncomfortable for him while his Mom and Dad had their own room with big bed… the bed was luring him as he looked more into it… it looked so soft… he wanted to sleep on something soft for so long. His legs moved him to the bed, he climbed onto it wrapping himself in soft and comfortable blanket. So soft… so warm…so comfortable… After a few moments… he fell asleep.
Toriel quickly came into the kitchen and started looking for ingredients, she only now realized that she didn’t ask if Clover had allergy for anything. Good job Toriel, some mother you turned out to be. So her pie is out of a menu, she must be careful with what to cook …I will not make the same mistake twice… not with them.
She looked into the fridge which was filled with Glacial stone to keep it cold for food storage, it’s incredible how just a few years back there wasn’t such thing and now you can store food in cold environment so it can last longer. Fascinating… Either way, inside were a lot of ingredients but she settled on making a tomato soup as she had all ingredients needed for it. She started fire in her palm with magic setting the stove ablaze. She pulled out a pot and set water to boil while chopping tomatoes and onions, the air was filled with an appetizing aroma. Once water was boiling she threw them inside slowly and gradually mixing them, she decided to use some of her magic to add some taste, she cooked it with care and love, after half an hour it was done. She withdrew it from stove and extinguished fire sniffing the dish and appreciating its smell. I hope Clover will like it. She took pot and placed it on the table.
Toriel went to check on Clover, she stood in front of Clover’s room and slightly opened it to take a peek inside. Inside Clover was sleeping peacefully on the bed fully coated in the blanket, seeing him at such peace made Toriel happy… and brought back her past mistakes. The memory flashed right in front of her: a body of young girl with golden hair lying lifelessly in the bed after she poisoned her. She ignored those bad memories and came inside, carefully Toriel placed her palm on the child and started shaking them a little. “Clover, wake up. Lunch is ready.” She sweetly whispered trying not startle them. Clover started to groan and shuffle but quickly got up yawning and rubbing his eyes.
“Good morning sleepy head, did you sleep well?” Toriel asked him with the same sweet voice.
“Yea, I slept really well… it was very comfortable.” Clover said with sleepy voice.
This made Toriel chuckle. “Well I glad you think so. Now, how about we wash you up and brush your hair before lunch?” Toriel asked Clover. In return human got up and stretched his hand for her to take, she took her son child hand and led them into the bathroom.
They left Clover’s room and walked to the bathroom as they passed over the other door, probably Toriel’s room. They reached a 3rd door, Toriel opened it letting Clover get inside. In bathroom was bathtub with cleaning supplies (sadly there weren’t any rubber duckies), a sink with a mirror, and a toilet with trash bin… They want to flush it so badly. She took out small stool and placed it in front of sink, Clover climbed onto it and started washing his face.
The feeling of fresh water touching their skin was really something else after their slumber causing them to awake and be more aware of their surroundings, even then they still can remember how warm and soft it was. After they finished washing their face and dried it up with a towel they looked at Toriel who had brush in her hand.
“Well, let’s get this messy hair out of the way. Don’t worry I be gentle.” Toriel walked up to them as she looked at his ponytail which was tied with a string. “Can I remove it?” Toriel asked holding his ponytail.
Clover noticed she was pointing at his string. “Yeah, go ahead.” Toriel slipped string from Clover’s hair letting it go free, the hair fell down and reached his waist.
“My Angel, how long is it?!” Toriel said loudly with shock.
“I didn’t cut my hair in a while, sorry.” Clover replied sheepishly scratching his back.
“No-no its fine, I just surprised it so long… Sigh. Well let’s get started.”
With that Toriel got into work, she carefully brushed their hair without tugging on them, soon Toriel started humming really pleasant song…it was almost like lullaby. The continuous motion of brush sliding down their hair and Toriel song made them relax. They sat there for a while until…
“Aaaand done! What do you think my child?”
Clover looked into the mirror. His hair was completely straight and without any ruffled strands, he looked like a completely different person. He smiled at Toriel work turning around to face her.
“Thank you very much, Toriel, I like it.” Clover told his caretaker.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Then his stomach growled which made him blush, Toriel only gave a hearty laugh.
“Well, well, well looks like someone is a little hungry, what a coincidence I made dinner for you just now, I think it’s a good time for you to eat then.” Toriel continued to giggle with a smile on her face as they moved to the living room. The living room had a big sofa and a chair specifically fit for Toriel, besides it was fireplace which was pleasantly warm instead of being hot, she led them further until they reached a table that had four chairs. Two were fit for children, the other two were fit for adults.
“Take a seat, Clover.” Toriel invited them to the table as she left to the kitchen.
They took one of the children chair’s and sat down at the table, they looked to their side and saw a giant painting of Mt.Ebott, they gotta admit – it was really good painting. Soon Toriel returned to the room with a bowl in her hands, she placed a bowl in front of the Clover and gave him a spoon. It looked like some sort of soup.
“I hope you like tomato soup, I would have baked you a pie, but silly me forgot to ask you if you were allergic to anything. So I set my mind on making a tomato soup. And before I forget again are you allergic to anything?” Toriel asked Clover.
“No I don’t think so.” Clover replied.
“Hm, alright. Next time I will make you my own home made pie, do you prefer cinnamon or butterscotch?”
“Cinnamon.” Human with brushed hair replied
“Alright, thank you my child, I hope you will enjoy my dish.” Toriel pulled the bigger chair and sat in front of them with a smile.
Clover looked at the meal in front of them. It wasn’t looking like the most delicious thing to exist but you do not judge food on the looks and aroma was incredible, they also ate stuff that was way worser then this on the surface, to survive back then, so in comparison that was 5 star restaurant dish. Clover took the spoon in his hand and dipped it into the bowl of red liquid, they scoped up some of it, before bringing it to their mouth and letting it enter their mouth. In an instant, they were hit with shock, as their taste buds exploded from the savory taste of soup that entered their mouth.
“W-wow so good!” Clover couldn’t control his voice, as he loudly said those words.
“I’m glad you think so, my child! Now, eat before it gets cold.” Toriel said looking at the child with happiest grin she ever had, she placed her hands under her chin as she was leaning on her arms, continuing looking at Clover. Clover was devouring her dish with a huge smile, he ate so quickly like he was in some hurry. “Slow down Clover, otherwise you won’t digest it properly.” Toriel told Clover.
The human stopped eating and hung his head low. “…Sorry. I will eat slower now.” Clover said with a frown, that was another problem with Clover. For some reason he always apologized for even slightest scolding she said, even when it something as minor as wanting to press other switch or eating too fast.
“Clover, you don’t need to apologize for something so minor. I just… worry about your health and want you to be fine, it’s not bad if you eat fast, but that can be bad for your health, so there no need to apologize for that… Do you understand?” Toriel explained to Clover with smile. Human with long hair just nodded.
“Alright, I will not do it again.” For some reason those words only brought more worry to Toriel, they just agreed to it without hesitation, as if they do it again… something bad will happen. For the next few minutes Clover proceeded to eat slowly in silence. Soon he finished his dish, fully satisfied. Toriel ears perked up as she stood up. “Well, did you like it?” The goat lady asked.
“Yeah, that was best dish I ever had in my life.” This made Toriel chuckle.
“Well I glad you think so, do you want double or are you full?”
“No thanks. I’m fine.” Clover replied. “Besides I think it’s time I take my leave.”
“W-what do you mean my child? Where are you going?” Toriel SOUL started to beat loudly as Clover said those words. No, please not again, they not leaving just like the others … right?
“Toriel, I really thankful for your hospitality… but my mission still needs to be done. The 5 human children are still in danger and I need to rescue them, how can I leave the Ruins?” Clover said with unmovable resolve.
“C-Clover, there no need for that, u-um how about you stay here for a little longer, just one more day?” Toriel desperately tried to stop child as they were marching to their doom.
“Toriel, I can’t stay here any longer. While I relax and enjoy my time here, 5 children are suffering inside the depths of this mountain. I already wasted enough time here, so I ask you again, how can I leave Ruins?” The child stood as he continued showing his resolve to Toriel.
He needed to find 5 missing children, that was his whole purpose and reason they even jumped here in first place! While he knew that he needs to complete his mission… some part of him wanted to stay here. They wanted to stay with Toriel. He wanted her to brush his hair as she sang him the same relaxing song, him trying Toriel homemade pie she promised to bake, him sleeping in warm and soft bed that he always dreamed about. Just living here with Mom Toriel… but those were just pointless and selfish dreams.
If they stay here that would injustice to 5 children they set out to save. While Clover would enjoy his life with Toriel, the 5 children would continue to suffer never to be rescued. And even if they stay… why would Toriel even want them here? They were nothing but the biggest mistake ever since they were born what good would keeping them around here bring to Toriel? Clover pushed those thoughts aside focusing entirely on his mission. He looked up to his caretaker who stood there deep in thought.
“… I-I have something I need to do. Please stay here.” Toriel dashed away from them and left the living room.
“Wait, Toriel!” The child gave a chase. He exited living room and waltzed into the center of house, they saw Toriel descending down the big staircase and immediately run down it. They entered some basement which was a long hallway, Toriel was still running away, they continued their chase and after a while Toriel disappeared around the corner, they made a sharp turn and continued to run, soon they caught up to Toriel who stood in front of the big door that was probably the exit from the Ruins. The human child quickly recovered from exhaustion and opened their mouth to speak.
“Toriel, just what’s going on, what’s wrong?” Clover asked his caretaker with worry.
“…This door in front of us – is end of the Ruins, once you go through this door you will gain access to the rest of the Underground.” Toriel turned her head around looking at Clover, she was really upset about something.
“…You wish to save those 5 children correct?” Clover nodded in reply, her expression became more gloom. “Like I said, that’s very noble of you Clover… but sadly, that is nothing more than a foolish dream you can’t accomplish. “ She said turning around facing them directly.
“I know this because every human that falls here, meets the same fate. They come… They leave…They die. In the end, your mission was a failure from the start as unfortunately… you were too late.” Toriel said with sad look on her face.
“I don’t know what you expected Clover, but did you seriously think those 5 children were still alive? Did you really think that the first missing human survived for almost 15 years without any problems? The answer is no, they didn’t survive. They died as soon as they left this place… and I allowed them to do that.” Toriel still remembered as her children left and never came back to her. And the one who decided to stay with her… was killed by her.
“…If you leave the Ruins, he – Asgore, will kill you, he only needs two more human SOUL’s to break the Barrier, if you leave this place you will be hunted down and murdered by him.” Toriel said looking in their eyes.
“I’m sorry for not telling you this earlier… but I just wanted to protect you, I hoped that you would not leave like them, I thought I could keep you safe from Asgore and mistakes of your ancestors who sealed us here… but you just like the others. You determined to leave this place, I can see it in your eyes… I know this is futile and will not change anything… but please stay here, Clover.” Toriel said with eyes full of despair and sadness looking at human child in front of her. Clover just stood there without any emotions on his face.
… I was late… of course I was. Why did I think I could save those children? It’s not like everything I do in life ever goes well, it’s no wonder Mom and Dad never wanted me in the first place… I could go to Asgore and try get their SOUL’s… but what the point. If I go there I will die without accomplishing anything and even if I win and bring back those children SOUL's back to their families, who to say that what they would wanted? … weird, for some reason I never really cared if I die or not… but now? I don’t want to die… I want to live with Toriel… My mission was failure anyways… that the best choice I got.
“…Okay… I stay.” Clover said in defeat. Toriel warmly smiled and before they knew she enveloped them in her warm and fluffy embrace.
“Thank you, Clover. I promise, I will take good care of you.” Clover continued to stand in her warm embrace, before wrapping his own arms around her and returning hug back to his caretaker.
“…I know. Thank you, Mom” Clover said to his Mother.
“…D-did you just call me… Mom?” Toriel looked directly at Clover’s eyes before she couldn’t handle any longer and let the tears of happiness flow free.
“T-Toriel, I’m sorry I didn’t me-
He was once again cut off by his Mother embrace, as she hugged him tighter.
“Don’t apologize, I-I’m alright, Clover. I just so happy to hear you call me Mom.”
“…I see, can I call you Mom then?” Clover asked his mother.
“Yes, if you want you can call me Mom.” Replied Toriel with wet eyes and happiest smile she ever had. The mother and child stood for a few minutes before releasing each other from their embraces.
“I-I’m sorry Clover, I just got really emotional there. I just so happy that you staying here.” Toriel said to the human child with long hair.
“It’s alright, I glad to stay here with you.” Toriel chuckled at Clover’s words.
“Well, now that you staying here, I will have to take care of you to the best of my abilities. How about we start now? I have a lot of interesting books I want read to you, do you want me to read them to you?” Toriel excitement returned in her eyes as she looked at the human child.
“Of course!” Clover stretched his hand to Toriel which she took without any hesitation, she led the child out of the basement into the living room and sat them down beside fireplace. She found the book called “72 uses for snails” and sat in her chair, once she settled in she started reading it to them. The book was pretty interesting, it had a lot of information about uses of snails they didn’t knew about, but no matter how interesting the book was, they were just happy to stay with Toriel, to have a home where they can live, to have their own where they can sleep… to have Mother that loves them. Clover could only sit and smile as he listened to his mother continued reading. ….Thank you… Mom… I love you.