Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Long ago, two races ruled over Earth

HUMANS and MONSTERS

One day, war broke out between the two races.

After a long battle, HUMANS would come out victorious.

They sealed the monsters underground with a magic spell

Centuries would pass and technology would advance to the point that it would give rise to a new race called REPLOIDS.

While the two races on the surface would live in relative peace. Rogue Reploids known as MAVERICKS would soon rise up.

Countless conflicts and disasters to the surface would follow.

Monsterkind would remain relatively unaware and safe from these events.

In time, the memory of the Human Monster War would fade into nothing but legends and tall tales passed down from parents to children as a warning.

Yet that didn't deter a curious few children who would dare venture up Mount Ebott and never be heard from again.

Seven children would vanish in total before the area around the mountain would be made into an Exclusion Zone, including that of a long since abandoned city on the outskirts of the mountain and a dump that had been established within the nearby mountain range where the remains of many former Mavericks would be left to rot.

Few, save for high ranking Hunters and certain mechanloids working in the dump would be permitted within the area.

Well... that is unless stated otherwise....

Mount Ebott

21XX

"I'm picking up possible Maverick readings near the Mount Ebott region. Our surveillance systems have indicated that it appears to be some sort of Mechanaloid on route southbound towards checkpoint S4.

Any and all B Rank or above Hunters that are able please report to the Command Center for further instructions."

Alia terminated her announcement with a single button press as she turned around to look up at the Commander who had been silently sitting in his seat, watching the map on the large monitors with his usual stoic expression.

Signas let out a frustrated sigh as he took his look away from the predicted trajectory that the Maverick was likely to take. Thankfully the threat had been rather low as no major Human or Reploid civilizations stood nearby, having been long abandoned since the Eurasia Crisis meaning that at most the roving mechanical menace posed a threat to the slowly recovering local flora and fauna at the very least for the time being.

Yet that situation could easily change should the Maverick Hunters leave it unchecked.

The few high ranks who had been available had already made their way into the room just as their Commander rose to his feet, ready to give out the briefing.

"As you may have heard over the intercom, we have picked up reports of a fairly large Mechanloid within the Ebott Exclusion Zone. This area is strictly off limits following several reported cases of missing children dating as far back as the last century save for those with special permission, which is why you have all been called here." Signas made a gesture towards Aila who pulled up a still image taken from one of the several camera feeds planted around the perimeter.

The image was a of a large draconic Mechanloid frozen in mid-flight amidst a barren unleveled landscape. It was a standard disposal unit built to work in these sorts of environments.

"We need B rank and above Hunters for this mission who can handle both the unbalanced terrain as well as knowledge in handling aerial targets. If you fit those criteria then please raise your hand. We will continue with your briefing once this meeting is adjourned."

Instead the room was met with silence as the high ranks began to converse quietly amongst themselves as no one in the room fit those qualifications.

"I don't think that's any of us. A majority of us here are from the Sea or Enforcer's Unit."

"The guys they're looking for are those from the Disaster Unit. They are the ones with all those fancy tools."

"Yeah dude, but they all got deployed. Remember the typhoon?"

"Us from the Air Unit could handle it. Then again, that would be a lot of manpower for just a single Mechanloid."

”I’m helping Douglas test out a new Rider Chaser so I can’t go anyways.”

"Don't look at me, I work in the Medical Unit. Lifesaver would kill me for this, metaphorically speaking . He’s been watching my squadron closely after Siren tried to play hero.

Plus the only three I can think of are Wyvern, Zero, and..."

Eventually the sea of whispers was broken as a Reploid amongst the crowd raised their hand as the Commander called on them.

"Both Zero and Wildfire Wyvern are unavailable at this time Commander. He's out handling a riot at a nearby shipyard and Wyvern's still undergoing repairs after her last mission ended in a bust. None of us who are free are really built to handle that sort of stuff." The B Rank explained much to the dismay of the Command Staff as Signas merely facepalmed, grumbling to himself about it being one of those days before the Reploid continued, having come up with an idea.

"But what about that newbie who helped with the Red Alert Crisis? Sure he's still a Low Rank but couldn't he handle this mission with those unique abilities he has?"

Chatter from the other Hunters would soon follow as they agreed with their colleague's suggestion. If it was anyone who could handle this mission then it was that newbie whom had been making rounds about the place on what he had done for the overworked Hunters that eventually X would cave in and allow him to officially join, abet assigning him one of the lower ranks.

Amidist the talking, Signas had remained quiet as he pondered on the suggestion. Sure had Axl proven himself to be more than capable for this sort of mission. But it had only been recently that he had been allowed to join the Maverick Hunters and as his current Rank showed, he wouldn't be permitted anywhere near there unless given permission which the Commander was well within the power of doing.

Despite that, there was one other that Signas knew he was going to have to take this up with regardless of whoever they send out. And that was going to be in a headache in its own right.

Eventually the chatter died down as the Commander went to speak.

"You make a good point there but I will have to take it up with X as well before I make my choice. He was the one who ordered to have the Zone put up in the first place and with Axl being a low rank he will require special permission to undergo this mission. I will inform you all of our decision once it is made, but for now, you are all dismissed."

With those orders, the crowd soon filed out back towards their stations leaving both Alia and Signas alone. Signas simply stood there with his eyes closed as Alia looked up towards her boss with a knowing look that this was not going to be easy.

It had taken quite a bit of work, but eventually X gave in and gave Signas his word that Axl would be allowed to tackle the mission under one specific condition...

That Axl was to go nowhere near the Mountain itself and that he would not remain there not a second later after the mission was complete.

Alia would be keeping a close eye on the shapeshifting young Reploid as he finally arrived just outside the gate as he was given the go-ahead to proceed.

The route to where the Mechanloid's location was one packed with steep cliffs which weren't much of an issue for Axl thanks to his hover ability. A few rogue junk and not-quite destroyed Mechanloids had also been out and about but those were quickly dispatched with a well placed shot.

Eventually Axl made his way to a cliff face not far from where Alia had traced the target's signal to.

He didn't have much time to stand around and admire the scenery as not but seconds after his arrival, an alert for an approaching target would ring out from his communicator as the target made itself known.

The large yellow plated body of a large dragon-like beast reared its head up from below the cliff. Locking eyes with the one sent to dispose of it, the Mechanloid's excavator shaped maw opened with a loud roar as it reared up, ready to do battle.

Axl was quick to dodge as the machine swung its bladed tail towards him, in which the Hunter responded with a shot to the head. Yet the bullets would only bounce off its armor plating.

"Damn, how am I supposed to hit this guy? It's entire body is covered in this stuff." Axl grumbled to himself as he dodged another attack. This Mechanaloid was no doubt built to handle stuff like this judging from the rough terrain. But even with that it was bout to have some sort of weakness.

And Axl would find his answer soon just as the creature opened its jaws, getting ready to bite at him as he fired a well timed shot into it.

The Mechanaloid reared back as if it had taken damage as Axl grinned to himself. He had just found this thing's weakness.

He would gourd it into trying to bite him a few more times until it had sustained enough damage. Eventually the Mechanaloid would lose its grip on the cliff face. It would try to take off but its CPU was far too badly damaged to process that as it eventually tumbled downwards, disappearing down into the valley below along with several boulders that it had knocked loose. The beast would be crushed beneath the rubble, buried in a rocky grave.

And with that another possible crisis had been averted as the rogue Mechanaloid was no more as Axl took a moment to pause and admire his accomplishment.

"That takes care of that. Another mission down!"

Chapter Text

"Phew! That takes care of that Maverick. That thing put up quite a fight." The young Hunter mused to himself as he took a moment to come down from his battle high. While the Mechanloid had given him quite the struggle, Axl had managed to bring it down with little to no damage taken.

Eventually the familiar beep of his communicator would pull the young Hunter back as he picked up the call from HQ's main navigator.

"Axl. Can you hear me? This is Alia. I've picked up that the target has been neutralized. Is everything ok on your end?"

"This is Axl. I managed to take out that Maverick with no issues. You could say it was no match for me thanks to many handy sharpshooting skills. " Axl responded with a grin as he admired his weapons.

Alia seemed to be relieved that all was ok on his end. She had been confident that he could handle himself but was just glad that she wasn't going to have to haul him back in pieces.

"So how are things back at HQ?"

"Well..." Alia's voice trailed off as she looked behind her. On his end, Axl could make out the sound of X talking to someone. While he could not hear what was being said, the tone in the retired Hunter's voice was his usual grumpy one that most of HQ was used to by now since he chose to step down. Mechanical footsteps and a sliding door could also be heard briefly before Alia turned her feed back to Axl.

"Zero just got back from his mission and X is still... you know..."

This comment got a bit of a chuckle from the reploid as Axl could just picture the scene. Even if he had somewhat returned to normal duty, it was still going to be a long while before the Blue Bomber would likely come around again but his frustration was understandable as he had been through a lot more then almost everyone else.

"I'm placing you on standby for whenever you are ready to return. Just give me the word."

Yet Alia was met with silence as Axl looked over the horizon from the point where he currently stood overlooking the distant yet close view of Mt. Ebott. He had to admit that the view from up here was pretty. It wasn't often that Axl had gotten the chance to head out to more remote locations like this since he had finally been allowed to join the Hunters as most of his work had been relegated to either group missions or work around base namely due to X. So it was more then a bit of a breath of fresh air for him to get away from some of the more mundane tasks that low ranks were relegated to doing and to finally get to do something like from his days working with Red Alert again.

On top of that, Axl had heard passing rumors and stories of this place, even from Red whom had brought up the story once following a bounty mission that was in the area years ago. Though he never really got the full story on why this place had been made off limits. All Axl really knew was that it stemmed from some old story that Humans had about this place which only helped to spike his already growing curiosity about this place even more so than it had been when he had been assigned.

Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to have a look around.

"Axl? Are you still there?"

"Sorry Alia... I just thinking to myself about something." A smirk grew across Axl's face as he came up with an idea. "About possibly staying a bit longer to explore a bit. I know there's legends and stuff about this place but it couldn't hurt to look around just in case there are any Mavericks we missed. After all, I'm now an official Maverick Hunter like X and Zero and it is our duty to stop them."

If only Axl could see the look on Alia's face at the moment as she stared blankly with annoyance before switching him over to a private channel as a sigh escaped her lips. She knew he was lying and soon the facade would drop as her tone grew serious.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

"Axl... Do you even know the history of that place and the reason those legends exist in the first place?" Alia said in a harsh whisper like that of a mother scolding a disobedient child, looking over her shoulder to make sure that nobody else was listening. While the legend of Mt Ebott wasn't classified information, she really did not what X to overhear her at this point in time.

"No. Just some rumors from Red that this place is supposedly cursed."

"Over the years, the Mount Ebott region has been home to several unsolved missing persons cases which date as far back as to last century. A total of 7. All of them having been human children who have never been heard from since." Alia paused, hesitating. "One of those cases... Happened only a few years ago that we responded to. We never found the body and that was the reason the Exclusion Zone was set up to begin with. To prevent another tragedy."

Axl's expression sunk a bit at the mention of missing children. On top of that from the way Alia spoke, it seemed like that last case had really shaken her up. While the young Reploid was shocked by this revelation, Axl only found himself wanting to know more.

"There's also an old legend about that place that has been passed down by humans. Mt Ebott's said to be the home of Monsters that were banished there after a supposed war over a millennium ago. To add to that, a town that used to be near the base of the mountain claimed to have seen a figure carrying the corpse of a missing child that fled back into the forest." She finished her tale as she let out a sigh. "But all of those are just stories. Stories designed to keep people away from a dangerous place where they could easily fall to their death."

The mention of Monsters had Axl even more curious now.

"Monsters? Pfff... I'm not scared of some stupid story. I can handle myself against some savage beasts." Axl remarked as he spun one of his guns on his finger. Alia remained silent before she finally spoke.

"Look Axl, I know you want to explore the mountain but X has made it perfectly clear that you are to come back straight away once you are done with this mission. You're still a Rookie Hunter after all who shouldn't have been sent out to begin with. Plus I would hate for you to end up like those poor kids." Alia's tone held a mix of worry and understanding as she tried to explain. However that would be in vain as Axl would start to beg, insisting that he would be careful.

"Come on... It's not like I'm going to get lost or anything. I'll make it quick even! Just long enough so I can see the mountain up close..."

Eventually Alia would give in, but on one condition.

"Fine... I will allow you to stay for at most 30 minutes, and no longer than that!"

At those words, Axl beamed with joy even if Alia wasn't done laying down her stipulations.

"But on one condition. You must promise to keep your communication channel open the whole time. Fail to do so and I will be informing X and Signus on this little detour. Got it?"

A "Yes ma'am" was all Alia needed from his end to know that he would listen at least even if he could still be a bit reckless, she would keep a good ear on him.

The trek up towards the mountain didn't take Axl long as he jumped along a worn out trail that lead towards the mountain's base. Eventually he came to a stop overlooking the peak as he took this as his chance to admire the mountain in its full rocky glory.

"So this is Mt. Ebott huh?" Axl glanced up at the dusty rock that was illuminated by the setting sun's amber glow. "It's a lot less impressive up close."

This place had been abandoned for quite some time by humans since the Eurasia Incident long before the buffer zone had been set up. The only life this place had seen in years aside from the slowly returning flora and fauna populations was the Mechanaloids passing through that worked at the nearby dump. Despite that, a worn trail leading up to the mountain still remained after all these years.

Before he would begin his trek, Axl decided to take out his trusty Axl Bullets to give a once over as well as a chance to collect his thoughts.

"Usually its the B Ranks and up that get to tackle missions in this area but X personally assigned me to tackle this mission myself. I guess he's finally starting to appreciate my skills as a Hunter." Axl clicked his weapon as he monologued, making sure that it was fully functional. Yet while he was still on the topic of X, he couldn't help but to recall the senior Hunter's demeanor when he was given the details plus some little bits he had heard from Zero.

"Yet Zero told me that X was so... relucent... about letting me go on this mission. Even more then he has been after everything with Red Alert." The Hunter's expression shifted to one of worry as he began to wonder why. It was as if X was scared that something was going to happen to him.

"But hey, its not like I couldn't handle a Mechanaloid. After all, I did take out Sigma." He tried to lighten the mood for himself yet his mind still firmly wanted to know what was wrong with X.

The whole time while he spoke to himself, Alia listened. Ax;'s words had an effect on her as her mind was drifting back to only moments before this mission had been given the green light. How following that argument that Zero had managed to convince his stubborn friend to allow Axl to go.

Flashback

"I will not allow Axl to go on this mission. Don't you realize how dangerous that place is for a kid like him?!" X blurted out before storming off from the central Command Room just as Zero had entered the room. Signas and Alia merely shook their heads, having anticipated this response.

Zero didn't even want to ask about what they had said that had set X off. Yet judging from what hid friend had said, he had a feeling at the back of his mind on exactly just what that was as Alia got up to approach him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I know you just got back but would you mind going to talk with him? We got reports of a rogue Mechnaloid within the Mount Ebott Restricted Zone. Nobody who's a B Rank or above that are available are not prepared for this type of mission. Somebody suggested that Axl should handle it but Signas wanted to get X's permission beforehand."

"That place..." Zero shook his head at the mere mention of the place after having his suspicions confirmed on why X had acted the way he had. If only he had been here when the report had come in would Zero have taken the mission himself. Dock Riot and being understaffed be damned. But he was tired after a long mission and while Zero was inclined to agree with X, he knew that this job needed to be done.

The Red Hunter found him in the hallway and tried to ease the question into the conversation slowly but X was quick to shut him down.

"For the last time! Axl is not going on that mission! Don't you know how dangerous that place is for a kid like him!?"

Zero sighed as he buried his face into his hands. This wasn't going to be so easy.

"Look X..." Zero finally cut him off, wanting to get straight to the point. "You need to give Axl a chance, even after all the grief he gave us. It was a hard choice for both of us to let him become a Hunter but he's proven himself to be more than capable at handling things. We don't have anyone else available who can handle this mission. Besides its not like we're dealing with Sigma again so soon."

Zeros words only seemed to make the Blue Bomber even more frustrated.

"Are you mad!?" X snapped back "That place is nowhere for a Rookie Hunter to be! Especially Axl. Don't you remember that incident several years ago?! The very reason we had Mt. Ebott made a Buffer Zone to begin with!"

Our course Zero knew what X was speaking about. X had taken the loss the worst out of everyone.

"Look, I get it. That missing child incident was hard on us all. But you need to understand that even we as Hunters can't save everyone, human or Reploid." Zero responded with some words that X had told him years ago. He hated seeing his best friend like this as it reminded him way too much of himself after... Well he dare not think about it. "But the best we can do is to try our hardest to reduce the number of casualties by taking precautionary measures.

Take that raging Mechanloid that this mission is about. It will only stay in one area for so long before it moves elsewhere. Who knows what damage it could cause if it is left unchecked.

I get it. I'm still unsure about Axl after everything involving Red Alert. I would have said no to this as well but his Copy Ability and hover just may be what we need for this mission. I'm not going to force you to change your mind, but try to consider what I said. Commander Signas is waiting on you before he makes his final call."

Zero ended his speech as the two stood there in silence for several seconds. After what felt like an hour, X finally made up his mind with a sigh.

"Fine... I'll allow Axl to go on this mission. But on ONE specific condition." X held up a finger. "That is that Axl gets in, deals with the Mechanloid, and then leaves. I do not want him lingering around in the area. Is that understood?"

Zero smirked as he wrapped an arm around X's back much to his surprise.

"I knew I could get you to come around." 

X rolled his eyes as Zero turned around.

"Well then, I'll inform Signas that you have made your choice. See you in the Command Center."

"See you around, Zero..."

And with that, Zero left X behind. The blue Hunter simply stood there, thinking to himself on what he had just gotten himself into. Memories of that incident still fresh in his mind.

'Mt. Ebott...

I would have never hoped to hear that name again. Not any time soon....

That mission... That child...

If only I had gotten there fast enough... Then they wouldn't have...

I still recall the look on Alia's face that night. I couldn't help but to cry....

All I was able to find was a partially torn yellow bandana...

After all the hell I've been though... That was the breaking point...

That one incident helped me to make my choice of finally stepping down from the front lines....'

"That kid's name....

...was CLOVER."

*End Flashback*

After a few checks, Axl deemed his twin Bullets to be ready for some more action as he put them away.

"Seems like the only way is up." He eyed the ruined trail that would lead him forward.

Whatever lied ahead, Axl was ready for the challenge. So what if the legend did turn out to be true? Any monster who crossed his path would be good as dead not only for the sake of those who came before but also as part of his duty as a Hunter to protect the innocent.

'So its said that whoever climbs Mt Ebott never return, huh?'

"I intend to change that.'

'And that if the legends are true, monsters lurk beneath the mountain.'

'I'm not scared of some silly monsters! I'm a Maverick Hunter!'

'I'll find the truth of what really lies at this dusty old rock one way or another.'

Chapter Text

After some walking along the ruined trail, Axl found himself coming to a stop somewhere further up the base of the mountain. 

He was in a clearing surrounded by plants, notably trees which seemed to have been left to grow in relative safety, undisturbed for a long time. At the edge of the grotto from the wall of the mountain was a cave opening.

"There's a cave entrance here." Axl was aware of the fact that the Ebott region was home to a large cave system during his briefing. These formed due in part to volcanic activity and aquafers that were plentiful in the range if radar scans were to show. Mining or drilling for it would be out of the question though.

"I'm going to get a closer look."

As Axl took a step towards the cave, a sudden loud static noise hissed through his audio processors. The reploid flinched, quickly covering where his ears should have been as he swore under his breath.

"Gah! What the heck was that?"

"Axl? Come in Axl. This is Alia. Are you alright?"

"This is Axl. I'm ok. Just a little... staticky..." He responded, rubbing the side of his head. 

"That's good to hear." Alia sounded relieved. "Your communication line went dead on my end for a moment. I was afraid I lost you there for a second."

"Tell me about it. I'm not sure why it cut out there but my communicator started producing this loud his when I was walking up to this cave entrance I foun-"

"Axl... Did you just "cave entrance"?" Alia cut him off suddenly, her tone sounding serious again.

"Yeah, I'm standing in front of it right now." HISSSSS  "OWCH!" 

"I want you to return to HQ right now. Your overtime is up."

"B-But I have like 5 minutes left! I thought you said I had 30 minutes to explore this place!?"

"What did I say before Axl? If you don't listen, then I'm telling the Commander and X about this." Alia meant business. Eventually Axl resigned.

"Yes ma'am..." Axl mumbled in defeat as he stepped away from the cave, the static noise clearing from his sound processors. 

All of this was so strange. First was this strange disruption. This whole time his lifeline back to HQ hadn't had any issues up until he approached that cave. It wasn't like the mountain was blocking the signal. If anything, it was like there was a jammer nearby or something in that cave purposely blocking it for some unknowable reason. On top of that had been Alia's sudden change. Sure had she been relucent about this to begin with. But why so suddenly was she calling him back?

If he had to put two-and-two together, there was something about that cave that wasn't right. Something that Alia knew of that she didn't want him to know about.

Throw in a young rebellious Reploid to the mix and you were just asking for trouble.

The urge was too strong by now, even if he knew he would get in trouble with his superiors. But a tiny peek couldn't hurt.

"I'm ready to teleport whenever you are, Alia." He knew that Alia would need a moment to prep which would give him plenty of time.

The blond navigator got the memo as she pressed some buttons.

"Be on the standby. I'll have your coordinates locked on in 5.... 4... 3..."

While Alia was counting down, Axl quickly edged his way into the cave. As expected, that loud staticky hiss from before rang in his processors as he looked around. 

The cave was well.... Like any other cave. Rocks. Rocks. And more rocks. Yet one thing stood out the most, that being a pretty obvious massive hole sitting dead center of the cavern.

"That's one deep hole. I can safely say that its more than a hundred feet at least." Axl's voice echoed as he looked down. He could not see the bottom but it was pretty clear that if a human were to fall from that height, they would no doubt die from the impact of the rocky floor below. 

"With a deep pit like this, no wonder people went missing here. It would take a lot of effort even from a reploid to recover remains from there." What a horrible way to go out. While he could probably survive that height, Axl did not want to risk slipping.

With his curiously settled, Axl decided that it was time to head out. After all, Alia was waiting for him and he could worm his way out of this with the excuse that his communicator glitched or that he dropped his weapon.

He wouldn't be watching his step as he stumbled on a vine.

"WAOH!" Axl exclaimed as he fumbled backwards, trying to catch his balance, slowly inching towards the bottomless pit until he was teetering just on the edge. At the last second, he managed to pull himself up.

"Phew... That was a close one." Axl huffed in relief after nearly taking the plunge. "One more step and I would have gone down. I can't leave Alia waiting any longer. See ya later you dusty old rock, thanks for the adventure. But I don't have time to spelunking. Maybe some other.... time..."

Crumble

"Oh no..."

Before he could move a single foot, the ground on which he stood near the hole's edge finally decided to give way as he scrambled frantically to get to solid ground, not even bothering with the hover. But the earth was one step ahead and soon Axl would be pushed down with it.

"WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" The young Hunter could only scream as he plummeted into the depths. A scream that would be registered through the static to Alia who frantically began to plea.

"Axl!?"

"Axl do you read me!? What's going on!?"

"AXL!!!!" 

Their desperate calls would be the last thing they would hear before static would engulf their voices. Following soon after would the words "Connection Lost" flashed up on the panicked navigator's monitor as Alia would frantically press buttons.

The impact with the ground hurt. But it was thankfully brief as everything went dark not long after.

Some time would pass before he became aware of his surroundings. First it was his audio receptors followed not long by his sight.

Opening his eyes, he was greeted by a blinding glow as light from the surface above twinkled down into the cave, overloading his optics as a groan escaped his lips before raising a hand to block out the light.

"Ugh... So bright... How long have I been..." His mind had a lot of questions. What time was it? How long had he been out for? How long was he going to be stuck down here. Surely Alia would have alerted the others by now and a search party would be on their way. But when? How long was he going to have to wait?

Despite all of those questions, all that really mattered right now is that he was alive and functional.

Slowly Axl rose to his feet, dusting off his armor as he looked up. Just like looking down before, the pit’s opening merely took the form of a small white circle. A window if you would, to allow light to flood into the derelict massive cavern below like it was some sort of spotlight on a stage. 

Climbing was out of the question with the uneven and bumpy terrain, even if he hugged one of those pillars.

’Wait? Pillars?’

It wasn’t a trick of his optics but a truth. Three ancient but ornately carved slabs of stone towered over the area where he had landed while a fourth one lay crumbled nearby.

He was taken by surprise a bit at that. For a place that was supposed to just be some cave system, that was a clear sign that this place was inhabited at some point in time.

Just what built these structures had Axl wondering with all the possibilities. Maybe it was an undocumented set of ruins from an ancient civilization that he was the first to set foot upon in centuries. Or perhaps on the more unlikely end of things but still sounding cool as hell, it was the hideout of some evil scientist or Maverick scheming to take over the world.

Axl was about to get a closer look but a crunching noise beneath his boot and a gleam of yellow make him stop as he looked down where he landed.

Atop he stood a bed of large yellow petals. The blooms faced upwards towards the light, giving them a sort of golden glow amongst the small grassy patch where they grew. In a way, it was almost like they were planted there for a reason to provide a spot for those that fell to land on.

“Flowers? Last I checked, these things grow in gardens outside in the sun. Not in caves.” Axl picked one of the blooms to observe. By no means was he a plant expert but he knew well enough that a flower like this wasn’t going to grow in an environment like this unless it was being actively maintained by somebody or something. “Unless…”

The young Hunter drew his guns, looking around the perimeter as he spotted what looked to be some sort of entryway. Something was still here and he was going to be on his guard. 

But before he went any further, Axl decided to try and contact HQ to let them know he was ok.

”Alia do you read me? This is Axl. I know you’re going to be upset but I’ve fallen into some sort of cave system. I’m ok but the walls are too steep for me to climb out of. Can you send a rescue team because the signal here isn’t very strong.”

Static

“Damn… I can’t get a signal. Well I guess that means I’m stuck down here…” He frowned as he came to terms with what was situation was.

‘Come on Axl. Now’s not the time to lose hope. That’s not what Hunter’s do!

You’ve got to think.

What would X and Zero do? Well of course they wouldn’t sit here and rust, they would find some other way out. 

Like that exit over there.

Since somebody’s been here recently that means that this cave must have another way into it. That’s going to be your ticket out of here.’

His only choice was to keep going. Regardless of what lied ahead, Axl wasn’t going to let anything stand between him and his mission.

So with weapons on standby, he proceeded onwards into what he would soon learn was indeed a set of ancient ruins. Ruins that still had quite a bit of life left in their walls.

As he entered the room ahead, Axl was greeted by the familiar sight of a grass patch just like the one from before. Except this one was rather lacking in flowers, save for a lone plant.

”Kind of an odd place for another garden with those plants back there.” He couldn't help but to comment. The plant stuck out like a sore thumb. Either somebody had a terrible sense of decoration or this was some gardening disaster that was the result of an attempt at giving this place more life.

Either way, it was none of Axl’s business to judge. He had to keep moving.

”Golly, you must be in a hurry to get somewhere. 

The sudden voice caused Axl to jump as he raised his guns, ready to shoot.

“Hey! Watch it there! You could blow somebody’s petals off with those things if you aren’t careful.”

He frantically looked around for the origin of the voice until his eyes landed back on the flower in the center of the room. Perhaps he hadn’t noticed it before, but the flower had a…. face?

“Did that flower… Just talk to me?” Axl’s jaw hung open in disbelief. Maybe that fall had left him with some damage that his diagnostic systems weren’t picking up. A good thing to make note of to get checked out once he got back to base.

“Of course I was talking to you, silly. Never seen a flower who could talk before?” The plant said it so casually like it was a common everyday thing.

Maybe he wasn’t going insane. Regardless, he was still going to remain on guard.

”Not often…” He decided to leave out the part about plant based reploids as this strange sentient plant wouldn’t likely know what he was talking about. “Anyways, I assume you have a name. Mine’s Axl…”

”My name’s Flowey. Flowey the Flower!”

Makes sense.

“Do you know what this place is? I fell into some hole while exploring and well… Now I’m here. Where ever this place is…” It probably wouldn’t hurt to ask the plant for directions. Not like that would be any help as it was well… A plant. Which don’t really move…

“You’re in the Underground.” Flowey responded while keeping up his friendly facade. Man was this kid gullible. 

“Geee I would have never guessed.” Axl quipped back sarcastically as Flowey’s expression faltered a bit. Sounds like this kid was a bit of a smartass as well. Thankfully the reploid didn’t notice that as the talking plant quickly put back up his cheery facade, ready to get straight to the point.

“Golly, you must be all lost and confused. Someone ought to teach you how things work around here! I guess little old me will have to do.”

Flowey’s tone was starting to make Axl a bit nervous.

“Well… heh… not really. I just need some directions, that’s all.” He held up his hands, trying to be polite whilst still gripping his pistols. But Flowey was persistent.

”If you insist. I guess it would hurt.”

Satisfied with his answer, Flowey initiated the “tutorial”.

Nothing happened Axl thought at first. That was until he noticed a glowing object that wasn’t there before floating in front of his chest.

The object resembled some sort of formless orb, not really in the shape of anything. It was red in color and seemed to phase through his hand when he reached out to touch it.

”This wasn’t here before. Flowey, what’s going on?” Axl looked around somewhat in a frenzy as the flower sat there.

Flowey on the other hand, seemed a little surprised. He hadn’t been expecting a Soul like that. It wasn’t exactly human but it still possessed a fair bit of determination like one. Either way, a determined soul was still a soul in his eyes.

“Hmmm… Well this is unexpected. Oh, silly me!

See that orb thing? That is your Soul, the very culmination of your being! Yours is a bit different I see.”

“My Soul?” Axl was even more confused now. Reploids had something called a DNA Soul from what he had heard Alia speak of one time that was essentially their being. Removing said Soul from the body was supposed to render a Reploid nothing but an empty husk. If that was true, shouldn’t he not be functioning right now? Axl wasn’t going to ask anymore questions as Flowey continued.

“Your SOUL starts out weak, but can grow strong if you gain enough LV. What does that stand for? Why, LOVE, of course!”

From the way the flower put it, the reploid was pretty sure he didn’t mean what he thought he meant.

“Don’t worry, I’ll share some LOVE with you!”

“I think I’ll pass on that Flowey. I’m capable of handling myself.”

“Oh but I inisist. You won’t make it far here without LOVE.” The stupid flower winked as it was becoming pretty clear to Axl that he was hiding something.

He didn’t have to wait long as he tuned out Flowey’s blabbering as the plant summoned what were no doubt projectiles, sending them his way seconds later.

As expected, Axl was quick on his feet to Dodge Roll through the projectiles. A move which Flowey didn’t expect.

“Hey buddy, you missed the pellets.” Flowey snarkly said despite Axl not listening before summoning another batch of “friendliness pellets”.

Once again they were promptly dodged much to the flower’s frustration. Of which his facade was already starting to crack.

“Are you serious? Stop rolling! RUN. INTO. THE. BULL- friendliness pellets.”

Though Axl would not be there to dodge them a second time.

*click*

”I’m not stupid ya know. Do you really think trying to trick me to run into your bullets is going to work, you little weed?” 

Flowey spun around to notice two guns aimed straight at his face. Sweat began to pour down his face as Axl waited for him to talk.

He would come clean that yes it was a trick to “test” him, which in itself was a lie. All Flowey was doing was buying himself time to surround Axl before the reploid let his trigger finger go.

And well it worked.

For a kid who thought himself to be so tough. He was sure an idiot.

A deep laugh echoed out as Flowey dropped his facade, catching Axl by surprise as he wasn’t given enough time to dodge.

The reploid took damage as he dropped his Bullets and fell to his knees.

“You idiot! You really think you could outsmart me? In this world, it’s KILL OR BE KILLED!”

More bullets surrounded the Rookie Hunter as he could only sit there in shock as the second wave of bullet slowly honed in on him. All he could do was close his eyes and brace for impact while Flowey cackled madly. 

Frwooosh!

Neither would notice the brief Ring of fire that would neutralize the pellets until flowey came out of his stupor, confused on why the reploid wasn’t dead.

“How did….”

Flowey didn’t have long to think as a fireball came flying at him. He took this as his cue to leave as a pair of footsteps approached his would be victim.

”What a horrible creature, torturing such a poor, innocent youth. Are you ok, little one? That vile flower didn’t hurt you, did he?”

Unlike that wicked flower, this person sounded like they were genuine with their worries. The voice was motherly in tone, like that of a concerned parent who was coming to their child’s aid after an accident.

A white hand first came into view as Axl opened his eyes. Clawed and what looked to be covered in fur, clearly belonging to something that wasn’t human, but also not reploid as it lacked any visible joints.

Hesitantly, Axl took the creature's hand, noticing just how soft it was. His legs wobbled as he tried to stand but Toriel was quick to support him.

”I’m used to it. Nothing I can’t shake off. If that stupid flower didn’t pull a cheap shot like that. I would have blasted him to… Ow!” Axl hissed despite his attempts at trying to be tough. Toriel simply shook her head, not phased.

“You are hurt. Here, I will heal you.” The stranger said as she placed another hand on his chest as a green glow emanated from her palm. Axl felt a strange tingle in his systems. It only lasted but a moment but once the sensation had faded along with the light, Axl felt good as new.

Now was his chance to get a better look at his savior. And just like with the talking plant before, a bipedal humanoid goat creature was one of the last things he thought he’d run into in this cave.

She, or at least he assumed, was covered head to toe in snow-white fur and easily towered over him by a few extra feet. Two floppy ears hung down from her head while she also sported a small set of horns on top. She also sported a long purple robe with white accents, on the center of which bore a strange symbol that Axl had never seen before that resembled that of an angel or perhaps a bird.

Despite her somewhat intimidating appearance, Axl felt an odd sense of comfort as he looked into those worried red eyes as she let him go, finally choosing to introduce myself.

"Oh where are my manners? I am Toriel, caretaker of the Ruins. I pass through here every day to see if anyone has fallen down. You are the first human to come here in quite some time."

"About that... I'm err..." Axl awkwardly rubbed the back of his head with a chuckle. It was pretty obvious that she had never seen a Reploid before judging by that comment. He was about to say something but decided to stop himself at the last second as to not confuse the goat lady. "You know what, never mind. I'm just thankful you showed up when you did."

She smiled at his words.

"You are most welcome, little one. Might I ask, but what is your name, my child?"

"The name's Axl. An official member of the Maverick Hunters. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Toriel!" That stupid grin of his spread across his face as he went to retrieve his dropped guns, spinning them around once they were back in his possession.

'What an active imagination this little one has.' Toriel told herself. Most humans whom had crossed her path had either been relatively quiet or even scared as had been with the previous two humans before. Perhaps that explained his odd attire as children did not tend to wear what looked to be armor. In a way though with what she only hoped were toy guns, she was also somewhat reminded somebody else.

That brown hat. A worn but well loved patch sewn atop it. And a torn bandana. 

If only she hadn't been so careless with that Switch Puzzle then maybe...

Toriel shook those thoughts away. Now wasn't the time to think of her failures. This seventh one she would make sure would not be a repeat. Asgore would not be getting this one's Soul.

As for now, it was time that they got moving. They couldn't stand out here forever.

Axl put up his weapons as Toriel spoke.

"Axl... That's a lovely name, my child. I will do all I can to ensure your protection during your time here. I believe that it is time we get moving." She held out her hand again. " Come! I shall guide you through the catacombs."

She was waiting on him.

At first, Axl hesitated. Should he really be trusting somebody whom he just met after what had happened with Flowey? How did he know Toriel wasn't going to do the same thing when his guard was down?

Maybe he was just imagining things...

But that waiting look in her eyes...

That smile...

It was so much like....

Perhaps it would not hurt to trust her.

A cold metal hand clasped onto her warm furry clawed one as the two set off into the depths of what Monsterkind once called Home a long time ago.

Meanwhile back at HQ

"What's taking him so long? Axl should have been back here by now."

Blue boots paced up and down the Command Center with its frustrated owner.

The air within the room was tense. Both commanding officers, Navigators, and Hunters alike were silent as the irritated blue bomber ranted to himself.

Nearly two hours had passed by now since the Maverick had been neutralized and Axl still hadn't returned. X was already beginning to regret his decision on granting the Rookie permission at this point.

"I knew something like this was going to happen! That place is far too dangerous even for Reploids. I should have handled this mission myself!"

Eventually X would be silenced by Commander Signas with a pound of his fist against the arm of his chair as the room returned to a relative peace.

"X, that's enough." The large reploid said calmly. "I'm sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why Axl hasn't returned yet. The region is well known for interfering with our communication and tracking systems. Axl's been tackling a lot of missions on his own time for us, assigned or otherwise so its possible that he could have stayed behind to check for any Maverick activity that we might have missed.

Now I am aware that it was on your orders that he was to return as soon as the mission was over. Consider what I said. That's the work of a diligent Hunter and we need all the help we can get. I think you need a break, X. With how much you have been stressing yourself out about this mission, I hereby put you on leave for the next 48 hours."

Perhaps the Commander was right as X saw no point in arguing further. It had been some time since he had any time to himself with all the Red Alert stuff. Perhaps a walk around the City wouldn't hurt to help clear his mind.

And with that, X left the room. 

"I have to agree on Signas with this. Axl will come back soon and if not, we'll handle it. All of this has been a huge mess. I'm going to take some time off as well." Not long after would Zero follow. The stress had already been getting to him as well.

The only two left in the room now being Alia and the Commander.

This whole time, Alia still had yet to say anything. She had her reasons for not talking, mainly because of what she had heard over her own private channel.

She blamed herself for this. For not telling Axl no when she should have.

This was no doubt going to reflect poorly on as a navigator if she were to come clean about it with her superiors. She could get demoted or even worse should Signas catch wind.

All Alia could do for now was to hold onto some form hope regardless of how unrealistic it might sound. Perhaps if they were lucky, Axl would pull through wherever he was right now. Even if that meant he was sitting at the bottom of some deep dark hole with no way out or link to the outside world for that matter.

Chapter Text

Toriel would be right when she said that this place was a set of ruins as evident by the room they entered next.

Violet stone bricks first set down during a time long past made up the architecture of what was no doubt some sort of entranceway. Yet despite it all, the place barely looked like it had changed much save for the few vines and leaves scattered about.

‘Toriel must take good care of this place.’ Axl smiled a bit as Toriel let go of his hand to give him a moment to take in his surroundings before they moved on through the door at the top of the small staircase. That was when he noticed something odd near the large leaf pile between the steps.

There it twinkled as the Hunter approached with caution. Something in the back of his mind compelled him to reach out and touch it. 

And when he did, an odd feeling overcame him. As the shadow of the Ruins loomed overhead, unfamiliar and hostile to outsiders. But given enough time could easily become a home. 

Axl felt that he could keep going no matter what, even if he were to fall. He would simply get back up and start again from nothing if he had to.

He was filled with Determination.

Progress saved.

Axl hadn’t a clue what he had just done. Nothing seemed affected but he knew it might not be the case should his days of being a bounty hunter has taught him anything. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to ask Toriel.

”Hey Miss Toriel?”

”What is it, my child?”

”Did you happen to notice anything “odd” in this room by any chance. Like some sort of star?”

The goat lady was confused by his words, having never seen nothing of the like in that spot during any of her daily trips. All she could think of was Axl being confused by a possible peculiar configuration of leaves that just so happened to look like a star from how they were positioned.

Well that was no use.

Perhaps it was really just his imagination. Axl decided that he would worry about it later as Toriel brought him into another room.

“The Ruins are full of puzzles. Ancient fusions between diversions and door keys. Such as this one here. Please adjust yourself to the sight of them and observe me closely.”

Click, Click, Click, Click. Snap!

Toriel walked across several buttons before flipping a switch in a manner she had clearly done many a times before. It made since with her claims of being a caretaker and all.

‘So this place is booby-trapped, huh? Now this is gonna be fun!’

The thought of fighting his way through a set of abandoned ruins, dodging deadly traps that the caretaker “forgot” about as a means to keep out intruders had him raring to go.

Those hopes of having to navigate through dangerous puzzles were almost immediately dashed for the Rookie Hunter as the next puzzle was nothing but a very easy switch puzzle that Toriel had already labeled yellow chalk. One of which didn’t even work despite Axl having already completing the puzzle.

Though he did notice what looked to be a crack on the flooring near the unlabeled switch that had been sealed. So maybe at one point in time there may have been some actual danger before somebody sealed it off.

Speaking of somebody whom had likely been the culprit, Toriel was quite surprised with how quickly Axl had finished the puzzle despite the disappointed look on his face.

“Splended! I am proud of you, little one. This puzzle may have been a bit too simple for you, not to worry. Let us move to the next room.”

Maybe this was just a warmup?

What would follow next would not be a puzzle, but a room with a training dummy. Maybe Toriel wanted him to practice his sharpshooting skills.

“As a Human living in the Underground, Monsters may attack you….”

So the legend was true, not that he needed any confirmation now seeing that he had a run in with literal goat people and sentient flowers. When X and the rest of the Hunters find out about this once he’s out of this hole, that was going to be a whole different story. He could see it now: The Rookie Hunter who brought closure to those missing children’s cases and escaped from a pit filled with monsters. He was bound to finally earn his idol’s respect and get promoted.

He had his guns at the ready but that was not what Toriel intended him to do.”

”You will need to be prepared for such a situation. Worry not, the process is simple! When you encounter a monster, simply strike up a friendly conversation. Stall for time. I will resolve the conflict.”

”You want me to TALK to it!? Oh come on! That’s not going to help at all when you’re in a fight. You’re starting to sound like X…” He grumbled that last part as Toriel shot him a disapproving glare at his guns.

“Yes I do. You need to understand that violence is not the answer to everything, my child. We do not want somebody to get hurt now, do we?”

Damn her way with her words but Axl felt himself giving in as he put up his guns.

”Fine… I guess I can try. I don’t think this will do much.” Axl swallowed as he approached the dummy before clearing his throat.

Maybe he should have kept that megaphone X he given him while he was still assigned to “Low-Risk Jobs”, a fancy term for simple office and janitorial type jobs around HQ that was typically given to low ranking Rookies or those who were in trouble. The megaphone in question had been promptly handed over to a trio of Rookies Axl had befriended. Last he had heard of it was the group covering their ears from Alia yelling at them to knock it off on full blast over the comms before they were shortly called to the Commander’s office for a disciplinary hearing.

”Um… Hi there. You have a nice err… frame.” Damn was this awkward. He was seriously talking to a training dummy. Something that you usually shot at, not give compliments to.

As one would expect, the dummy wasn’t much for conversation but at least Toriel seemed to be happy.

”Very good but it could use a little work. Talking with the enemy is one way to resolve a conflict. You may need to do this several times before somebody becomes unwilling to fight. When that is the case, simply show them MERCY and be on your way

She made it sound so simple while he still didn’t understand. He could sure try to keep this up for any monster encounter even if all he had known screamed at him otherwise.

While he appreciated her willingness to help, Axl was already starting to grow tired of Toriel’s constant babying the further they went on.

She was almost like an even more overbearing version of Alia. Constantly getting in the way of things when he was confident that he could handle things himself.

First it had been a Froggit whom had gotten in the way that he had tried to handle on his own.

”You know, for a frog… Um… you’re quite handsome.” An awkward smile crossed Axl’s face as the confused Monster blushed. It would soon flee as Toriel shot it a glare.

Then his attempts to hover over the spike path that she foiled.

”Pfft… Not a problem. I can just hover over this trap and call it a day.”

”I don’t think so young man.”

”WHA!?” Axl was grabbed out of mid-air by the disapproving goat woman before giving him a lecture on how he could fall and hurt himself as his hover wasn’t a permanent one before leading him across by hand. The whole time he pouted.

This was even more embarrassing than talking to a dummy. Axl hated being treated like a little kid. He was a Hunter who could handle himself for goodness sake, not some lost child needing to be coddled.

Eventually they reached what the goat lady would claim to be the hardest trial yet, walking to the end of a long hallway alone.

”Ugh… I’ve gone on solo missions harder than this.” Axl grumbled to himself, deciding to dash to speed things up as the anticipation built up.

Eventually he reached the end of the room where there was a single lone pillar. Curiosity got the better of him as he decided to peak behind it, only to find Toriel standing there, doing her best to pretend that he hadn’t seen her.

Despite his growing frustrations with her he couldn’t help but to smile at her attempts to be inconspicuous. It was cute in a way, like a mother playing hide and seek with a child whom happened to choose one of the most obvious spots but chose to play along anyways. He even swore he saw her smile back as they locked eyes, making his robotic heart feel warm.

As he passed the pillar, Toriel decided to reveal herself as Axl chuckled.

”Greetings, my child. Do not worry, I did not leave you. I was merely behind this pillar the whole time.”

“Heh, I knew you were there this whole time. I mean where else would you hide in a big empty hall aside from a large pillar.” His comment earned a chuckle from the old woman.

”Thank you for trusting me at least. This was merely a simple exercise to test your independence. I have some business that I must attend to, and you must stay lone for a while.”

”I can handle myself.”

Toriel shook her head.

”I understand but please remain here. It’s dangerous to explore by yourself.” Axl’s face once more shifted to a pout as Toriel placed some sort of object in his hand. 

It was a cell phone. A very old model by the looks of it, at earliest being from the late 20th to early 21st century. In the eyes of a Reploid like himself, it was ancient. While it wasn’t uncommon for civilian Reploids to have phones, Hunters like him usually communicated through some sort of comms system.

Aside from that, Axl was a bit surprised to see that Toriel knew what a phone even was. But that raised the question. How the hell did she get her hands on one?

”If you need anything, do not be afraid to call. Be good, alright?” She vanished into the next room after that. Finally he could breath a sigh of relief.

Sure he could stay still and wait on her to finish whatever errands she had to tend to. But that was not how he rolled. Quickly getting bored, the sharpshooter would go against her orders for once and take this chance to explore the rest of the Ruins on his own.

And well maybe take a chance to figure out what this phone doohickey was. 

Chapter Text

Axl stared at the buttons on the device and the screen. The device was lacking in any sort of fancy extras with simply the options to look at the time and date (which he was quick to note was incorrect) and a contacts list for saved numbers. Only one contact was listed, that being Toriel’s number. He could also add his comms number to the contacts as it did have compatibility with cell signals should some issue with their main frequency ever be disrupted for some reason. 

Douglas would sure like this. It wasn’t much of a secret that the Hunter’s main mechanic man had a bit of a soft side for retro tech, he’ll he even had a collection of the stuff stashed away in some unused storage cell if rumors were true.

For now, he decided to test it out and call Toriel.

Ring Ring 

“This is Toriel.”

’Hey this old doohickey actually works!’

”Oh hey Miss Toriel, I just wanted to call and see if this phone still works and to erm… say hi.”

”Is that so? Well then… “Hello!” I hope that suffices.” She would hang up not soon after, leaving Axl with an idea.

What would follow would be a short back and forth game of Axl calling Toriel over and over again to say hello. It was amusing as the somewhat confused goat lady tried to give him suggestions on things to do to occupy his time. But he would quickly grow bored.

Moving on, he would come across a room with a Froggit and another one of those star things. Once again, a strange feeling and then nothing.

(The crinkling of leaves under your boots as you walk through the pile fills you with DETERMINATION.)

*Progress SAVED

All the Froggit had to say was basically what Toriel had told him before. And a certain candy bowl would end up on the floor, most of its contents being taken as the culprit shimmied his way out the door with his bounty. Nobody around to witness his horrendous crime against the world of un-licorice-like sweets.

After a quickly skipped pit trap puzzle thanks to the use of his boosters, Axl would notice the phone Toriel has given him start to ring as he came across a room with more spikes and a rock.

Ring!

“Hello?” The reploid said with a candy in his mouth.

”This is Toriel. You have not left the room, have you?”

”Nope, been here waiting this whole time for you.” He lied as he popped another candy into his mouth. While Reploid did not require food for energy, they could still eat like humans could. Though some modifications usually had to be installed to aid with that process. While he had the mods, this food was a bit different. Nourishing, almost like using a Sub Tank.

”Good. There are a few puzzles up ahead that I have yet to explain. It would be dangerous for you to attempt them on your own, Axl.”

Axl side eyed the rock puzzle and shook his head. Did he really need somebody to explain to him how to push a rock? Hadn’t she heard of the term “environmental storytelling” before?

“Oh before I forget.” Toriel wasn’t done though as her next question caught Axl off guard. “For no particular reason. Which do you prefer? Butterscotch or Cinnamon?”

Well that was out of left field.

”Like as in the food? Are you sure that this isn’t some sort of prank or joke that I’m missing here?”

“No my child, I am serious about this question.”

That was a tricky question. He really didn’t have a preference for either if he were to be honest. Both smelt just as good as the other as he recalled this little bakery he would frequently pass by on his off days when still working for Red Alert. One aroma always stuck with him though. A smooth, creamy, caramelly smell…

“I guess I would say butterscotch.” He could forgo the whole backstory on why that was the case.”

”Oh, I see. Thank you very much.”

Toriel hung up. Though she would call back several moments later just as Axl was about to kick the rock onto the switch. Except this rock did not want to be kicked.

”Owch!” Axl hopped around as he held his foot, hearing the ringing of the phone before he picked it up.

”What’s up?”

”This is Toriel. You do not dislike cinnamon, do you?”

”Um no? Why do you ask?”

“I know what your preference is, but… Would you turn up your nose if you found it on your plate?” By the sound of things, Axl deduced that Toriel had plans to cook something.

”No, not at all. I’m not that picky.”

”Good to know. I have one more question. You do not have any allergies, do you?”

”No… Um, Miss Toriel. Not to sound rude but are you asking about this?”

”No reason in particular.” She was hiding something.

”Well from the way you’re putting things, it sounds like you wanted to bake me a surprise pie or something, Mom. ” Axl quickly paused, slapping a hand over his mouth after he realized what he had just said.  “I err… mean Miss Toriel.”

”Huh?” He couldn’t see her face, but Toriel’s face had developed a light blush at the Hunter’s words. “Did you just call me… “Mom”?”

“Aaaaaa…. You heard nothing! Um… SORRYBUIGOTTAGONOWMISSTORIEL BYE!!!” Axl quickly ended the call, his face now as red as Zero’s armor. He barely even knew this woman for Pete’s sake and he had already called her mom. There’s no way he’d let himself live this one down.

That was enough of the phone for the time being.

Elsewhere a certain goat woman was thinking to herself of how cute that was. The poor “human” must be shy despite that confident facade he kept up. She’d be patient with him.

WARNING: Enemy Approaching 

*Moldsmol blocked the way

“Who left their jello here? Wait that’s a monster!” Axl was quick to roll away from an exploding projectile that broke off into smaller ones.

Shit! What did Toriel say to do again in this situation? Oh right! talk to the enemy.

Sadly a living blob probably wasn’t going to be able to understand words. Perhaps there was another way to communicate with it besides talking?

Well it did bounce up and down so maybe he could try a non-verbal means of communicating.

Axl wiggled his hips, not expecting much to happen. The blob responded with a similar gesture that the Hunter could best describe as some form of flirting.

Well this was awkward but at least the creature decided to leave him alone.

It left something behind, some sort of shiny piece of metal with a G printed on the front of it. Clearly it was some type of currency that the monster had decided to give him. Perhaps a thank you gift for sparing its life.

Axl decided to pocket the coin, seeing as he might have some sort of usage for it later aside from possibly selling it to a collector or keeping it as a trophy once this journey was over.

A few more puzzles and a strange room with a moldy piece of cheese fused to a table quickly came and went. Axl wasn’t going to touch it but maybe someday that mouse would figure it out.

Eventually he came to a roadblock, taken in the literal form of the most stereotypical looking Ghost.

”Somebody left their Halloween decoration here. I get this place is filled with monsters but that’s not exactly what I would think a ghost would look like. It’s not… “ghostly” enough.” He chuckled to himself as he approached the sleeping specter. 

Except it wasn’t really asleep. All the ghost was doing was repeating the letter “Z” over and over again in hopes that the Hunter would leave him be. 

“(Are they gone…)”

’Seriously? It’s not even asleep and this is my only way forward.’ He really didn’t want to hover or wall jump over it as to not frighten them, but Axl had an idea.

‘Maybe I could just… squeeze my way… past… this…’

He hadn’t been watching his step as he accidently placed a foot through the incorporeal form, startling the ghost and in turn startling the young hunter. 

“AAAAAAHHHHHH!”

”Oh… was I in your way?” The ghost said as it floated up, looking like it was on the verge of tears. Now Axl felt bad for what he had done.

”Sorry I didn’t realize you were erm… awake!” Axl was quick to roll away from some tearlike projectiles that were falling towards him. Well that came off as rude.

‘Damnit! And now look what you’re done. You made him cry.’ The hunter berated himself internally. For trying to talk to the enemy, he’d already managed to screw it up big time.

The ghost sat there patiently for Axl to make his next move in a way that was similar to the jello creature from earlier. Speaking of jello monsters, Axl still had no idea what that thing was even called as he couldn’t just ask it for a name. (Unless he spoke jiggles that was.)

It was just a hunch but for some reason, Axl got the bright idea to try and scan his enemy to see if he could possibly get any more data on it. Likely it wouldn’t do squat as he had no way to send that info back to HQ for Alia to look at anyways. Plus she’d probably think something was wrong with his scanners for this as what he assumed was probably magic was practically a foreign fictional concept in the eyes of Reploids.

*ACT

*Scan

Scanning Target…

…

Target Identified

Name: Nabstablook

Status: HP: 88  ATK: 5  DEF: 4

‘This monster doesn't seem to have a sense of humor...’

‘The heck!?’ Axl looked confused. The last he checked, his internal scanner wasn’t supposed to function like that. It was only supposed to be able to detect Mechanloid and Reploid data. Not anything on monsters. Even as he ran a quick internal scan for any errors, nothing came up.

Regardless of how this bizarre this Anomaly was, at least he now knew the Ghost’s name and perhaps he might be able to use this trick later.

”So Napstablook huh? Well I guess I should say I’m sorry for scaring you… You were… um just kind of laying there in the way and I couldn’t get you to move so I kinda didn’t have a choice…”

”…heh” The ghost smiled a bit as Axl stopped, expecting there to be more tears to dodge. That wasn’t the case before he continued.

”Maybe we could start over and um…” He paused, having lost his train of thought before deciding to simply tell a joke. The ghost gently laughed again while the reploid was sweating bullets. Once more, no tears were shed as the ghost looked as they wanted to show the Rookie Hunter something.

”let me try…” The phantom’s tears floated upwards and formed into a tophat as Axl watched in amazement. “i call it  “Dapper Blook”. do you like it…”

The ghost was waiting for an answer as Axl tried to come up with something to say without sounding rude. Sure it had possibly been the strangest way to put on a hat he’d ever seen, but he did have to admit that it made this little guy look cute.

”Well you are quite “dapper” looking in that hat.”

”oh gee…” The ghost shed a few tears as the hat dissolved. Axl began to panic a bit again, afraid he had said something wrong again. But that would not be the case.

”I usually come to the RUINS because there’s nobody around… but today i met somebody nice…” Well that was a relief. “oh, I’m rambling again…”

”Oh no, you're good.” Poor ghost. Sounded like it was the type to put itself down for when it felt like it was being a bother. “I’ll get out of your way…”

The ghost got up as Axl slipped past, not before turning to look at it one last time.

”Well it was nice to meet you too. Erm… Nasta… blook?”

”i don’t mind if you call me Blooky…”

”Got it. Well, it was nice to meet you and my bad for startling you. I guess I’ll be seeing you around then.”

With that, the ghost vanished as Axl took a moment to collect himself. At least, somehow he was managing to get by without fighting.

WARNING: ENEMY APPROACHING

Two insect looking creatures blocked the way. One that resembled a cockroach and the other some sort of strange weepy fly.

Straight off the bat, Axl decided to test out if his scanners would work on these guys as well.

”Aright, let’s see if this thing works on you guys as well.”

*ACT

*SCAN

Scanning Targets…

…

Seems like scanning more than one at once would take some time as the Monsters finally made their move. A swarm of bugs came flying towards the Reploid as he dodged most of them, yet still managing to get hit as his hud flickered.

Targets identified

Name(s): Whimsum, Migosp

Status: HP: 10, 40  ATK: 4,5  DEF: 0, 4

”This monster is to sensitive to fight…”

’It seems evil, but it’s just with the wrong crowd…’

‘Sweet!’ Axl fist pumped as he looked at the weepy flying monster. He had heard it apologize just before it had attacked and if his hud was correct, the poor thing was timid.

Perhaps he could try to console it?

Yet before he could say anything, the monster burst into tears and fled. Leaving the Migosp behind. The roach guy was now dancing happily as Axl forget entirely about how he was going to feel about scaring the Whimsum off.

”Well that takes care of these two. I better leave this guy to his own business.”

“Spider bake sale? Gross…” Axl nearly gagged at the words on the sign. Anything made from spiders just sounded gross as a concept, but it wouldn’t hurt to check it out

At least he contributed something back to the local economy with all the gold he had earned so far from random encounters, and got some donuts and a jug filled with some sort of questionable liquid in it that he wasn’t even going to bother pondering on what it could possibly be. 

As the young hunter stepped back into the hallway from his little detour, he would notice that something had changed while he was away. Something, or someone to be more specific had showed up as Axl nearly dropped the jug in-hand, reaching for his guns as his eyes locked with those of one of the last things he would have expected to find down in this pit.

Another Reploid. 

The reploid in question seemed to be based on a dung beetle if the mechanical stone wasn’t a giveaway that he was sitting atop. He bore a bit of a resemblance in a way to that target he and Red had gone after during the late years of his time with Red Alert.

Even though the reploid made no move to attack, Axl still decided to remain on his toes just in case this was some sort of Maverick whom had come down here to hide. Yet at the same time, something about this guy looked familiar. Like he’d seen a reploid just like him from the Hunter Base database that held records on retired mavericks.

”So the Doc’s finally fixed up a humanoid model… Took her long enough. I’m guessing you found your way into here to explore as well.”

”Yeah! What else would I be doing down here?” The young hunter responded wearily, gun at the ready. The dung beetle reploid noticed this as Axl swore he saw him tense up a bit as his gaze locked onto his guns.

“Ah, a fellow treasure hunter I see. Always a pleasure to meet a fellow ruins diver like myself. The name’s Ground Scaravich, ruins diving and relic collecting extraordinaire. Say, what’s your name, kid?”

”Axl.” The reploid raised an eyebrow, deciding to lower his weapons. He still wasn’t sure about Scaravich’s intentions but he’d let him talk.

”Axl, huh? Well if you’re here looking for relics then I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place. All I have found so far in these catacombs is corn. A whole lot of it too. This stuff is worthless down here. Nothing like my expedition to this ancient temple buried amongst the desert. I scoured that place for hours till I came across this ancient ruin in a little garden overlooking a cliff.

There it was, sitting just beneath that shrine, just begging for me to come and take it. Oh the details, it was almost like the thing had just been made.

…

…

Till Officer Lone Star showed up and ruined all the fun! Luckily I stashed that thing away far out of the desert so he couldn’t find it before they dragged me back unjustly to that dusty dump all tied up like I was some sort of criminal.

They can’t get me here. I’ve got this place all to myself. No pesky Hunters or the Royal Guard to hold me back from my investigations. Those folks don’t exactly understand the importance of relic recovery. 

Well there is that goat lady who lives around here. Word of advice, but I would stay away from her if I were you. I’d love to my hands any Data about her but that look in her eyes, it scares me more than anything. Reminds me too much of… well I’d rather not talk about it.

Normally I’d be asking a high price for my finds, like your data. But for a measly 3G I’ll be willing to part ways with a dozen of these ears. So what do you say?”

Axl hesitated after hearing Scaravich’s ramble as the other Reploid motioned towards a crate next to him holding the said plant. He clearly had a bit of a history with the Hunters which made Axl jump back to the Maverick thought. As much as Axl would be down to reveal his status as a Hunter, he thought back to Toriel. She’d be pretty upset with him over blasting somebody. 

Plus he didn’t seem like he was causing any trouble right now. So maybe it wouldn’t hurt to…

”Sure… I guess…” Scaravich sounded pleased with the offer as goods were exchanged. Not long after that would the reploid depart, rolling his stone away with him as Axl was left to ponder what had just happened.

In truth, he really didn’t have any use for all this corn he was now in possession of. Maybe Toriel could find something to do with it at least. 

FUN Event: 20-29 “Scaravich_Ruin_Graffiti_Dialouge”

“Ya know, now I remember something. I did stumble upon some strange artwork on some pillars a little deeper down on these old catacombs.

What they were about I couldn’t exactly tell ya but they seemed to… I don’t know… Change… One time there was a robot. Another time there was a picture of what looked like a human with their head blown off.

Or maybe it was a heart?

Whatever, it’s just a bunch of brats defacing stuff. Kids these days have no respect for history!”

If any Irregular Data or “Goner”/Gaster Follower NPCs were encountered previously:

“Maybe I’ve been in the ruins for too long but one thing you don’t hear much of in here is weird stuff happening.

The type of fabricated facts you’d read in something like “Mysteries of the Underground”. Colorless figures. Purple tinted Mechanloids. Areas that should not exist. People disappearing.

As tempting as it would be to go search for these things. I’m quite content on remaining in here for the foreseeable future.

Chapter Text

Warning: Enemy Approaching

*Scan

Enemy Data:

Name: Loox

Status: HP: 50  ATK: 5  DEF: 4

”Don’t pick on him. Family name: EYEWALKER.”

There stood an almost cartoonishly looking one-eyed monster, blocking Axl’s way as his carried his crate of “spoils” he’d received from Scaravich. Why he had agreed to buying a whole bunch of corn was still a mystery to him but perhaps some of the monsters might take some of it off his hands.

Yet Loox would not be one of them. In fact, the monster took it as an insult.

”Don’t point that thing at me” More bullets, more dodging.

Great… I just turned this into another Whimsum situation. 

“Look I’m sorry if I offended you or something but I was going to ask if you would like some of this corn I’ve got here? I um… got it for really cheap off this… bug looking guy and I don’t have a use for it. Um… you have a nice looking eye, by the way…” That seemed to do the trick as the monster’s demeanor quickly changed, relieved that this “human” wasn’t some sort of bully.

”Finally someone gets it.”

Loox decided to take an ear of corn. You received 0 EXP and 10 G.

The end of the ruins was drawing closer and closer as Axl passed through more puzzles, some which were now requiring him to use the pitfalls he’d been so desperately avoiding up to now.

In those pits he’d run across a few interesting things: Some vegetable-like monsters called a Vegetoid that he quickly learned to deal with by running into the green colored veggie projectiles of. An old faded ribbon that he decided to fashion to one of his guns alongside with that yellow flower he’d picked up. And finally another run in with his old friend Blooky, whom was acting all dramatic about “falling” into a pit before realizing he was a ghost.

It was a bit amusing but Axl still felt bad for the poor ghost. Poor guy needed something positive in his life.

Eventually he got to another puzzle which was simply flip the switch for whatever color, quite easy as he completely ignored that the rooms were in-fact, mirrored.

Once that last set of rooms were complete, Axl found himself finally at a crossroads. A pile of leaves shaped in the form of an arrow was pointing him up but before he’d continue, Axl wanted to see what lay in the room off to the side.

And well, it was a bit of an understatement to say that he was amazed.

The view of the city below was breathtaking. Dozens of ancient buildings littered the large cavern, many made up of the same color brick as the surrounding rooms he’d ventured through while overheard crystals twinkled like stars.

”This place is a lot bigger than I’d have expected. X and Zero aren’t going to believe this. It’s beautiful!” Axl made sure to take a screenshot and save this moment to his memory banks.

’I wonder how many monsters still live here..’ Axl pondered as he got up from where he was leaning on the balcony. As much as he wanted to explore the grand city beyond, he didn’t have time for that.

”Hey, somebody dropped some sort of knife here. Can’t just have this lying around now can’t we?” He nearly stepped on what at first he assumed was a weapon, however once the reploid got a better look at it. He soon realized it was just some toy likely from one of those old kitchen sets. The plastic it was made up of was indeed somewhat of a rarity nowadays.

As he exited the room, he stopped to talk to the Froggit he had passed earlier.

“Ribbit Ribbit (Just between you and me… I saw Toriel come out of here a while ago. She was carrying a bag of groceries. I didn’t ask what they were for…)”

If he had to be a betting person, it was for a pie or cake that she had been a bit too obvious about with the random phone calls.

”(We’re all too intimidated to talk to her.) Ribbit.”

‘Well you guys aren’t the only ones…’ He thought back to Scaravich. Not that he blamed them, he’d probably have been the same way if she hadn’t been so kind to him. That also meant that she was a pretty formidable foe to deal with in combat. But he wouldn’t need to worry about that. 

Maybe…

Whatever, it was time to go on forwards.

Entering the right room this time, Axl was greeted by a dead looking tree that seemed to be the source of all the leaves as he noticed one grow and then promptly fall off it.

How they got all over the ruins was another question that he wasn’t going to bother with as a pair of footsteps drew his attention. It was Toriel.

She was about to call the phone she had given him but quickly stopped when she noticed the young hunter before her, rushing to his side as she inspected him for any signs of damage.

Axl admitted that he had taken a few hits from some of the Monsters that he’d run across. Sure his dodge roll was helpful, but there had been a few slip-ups. Mostly bad timing in his part as Toriel went and healed him.

“Hey Toriel, hope you weren’t too lonely without me.” A chuckle escaped his lips. Boy was he glad to see a familiar face again that he almost felt the urge to run up and hug her, yet he held back.

“That took a bit longer than I would have liked. It was irresponsible for me to surprise you like this.”

”I handled myself just fine… Didn’t even hurt a single monster if it makes ya happy.” A smile spread across Toriel’s face as she ruffled his helmet, earning a blush from Axl as Toriel briefly forgot what she was going to say as her eyes landed on the crate of corn Axl was holding.

“Oh my. That sure is a lot of… Corn… You’ve got there, my child. Here let me take some of this off your hands. I’m sure I can find something I can use these for.” The goat woman said as Axl gave her the go ahead to take it, leaving him with only two ears he decided to pocket. It was a relief at least to have not have to lug that thing around again.

“I suppose I cannot hide it any longer. Come, Axl!” She beckoned him forwards past the tree as he followed. Not just a few steps later would he be greeted by the outline of what looked to be a home of sorts, cosily nestled away amongst the old brick and leaves, along with a star. He suspected it to be Toriel’s.

Seeing such a small cozy home amongst the ruins fills you with DETERMINATION.

*Progress saved

Looked like a good place to crash for a bit before he headed out. Axl suspected she didn’t get much company anyways so he followed her in.

As the hunter stepped foot into the monster’s abode, he was quick to be hit by the smell of what was clearly a baking pie.

”Something sure smells good in here, Miss Toriel.” He complimented as he took a look around. 

Even from the small section he was in right now, it was clear that this place was nothing like that of the Crimson Palace or even Maverick Hunter HQ. Much more low-tech and humble like that of an early 21st century dwelling.

He could see himself settling in a place like this had things with Red or even the Maverick Hunters had fallen through.

Toriel had briefly disappeared to the left before returning without the crate before returning with a bright smile.

”Do you smell that?” Axl nodded.

”I smelt it before I even got in the doorway.”

“Surprise! It’s a butterscotch-cinnamon pie. I thought we might celebrate your arrival.”

Axl blush crossed his cheeks at the gesture. She really didn’t have to do this. Especially for a young troublemaker such as himself whom had really ended up down here on accident.

She mentioned something about him staying here as well as snail pie which made the Reploid want to gag. He didn’t say anything about the former though as he really had no intent on staying. After all it would be rather rude as he was her guest.

”I have another surprise I wish to show you. Please, take my hand.” Toriel offered out her hand again which Axl took, taking in the fluffiness of her palms as they walked down the hall. The two quickly came to a stop at the first door.

”A room of your very own. I do hope you like it!” She ran a hand through his spiky red ponytail.

Well this was a nice change of pace for once. It had been some time since Axl could recall of having a room all to himself since he had become an official member of the Maverick Hunters. Currently he was still sleeping in the dorms with the general populous as really only high ranks and notable staff got their own private quarters in HQ. Though that didn’t stop him from slipping off into one of the currently unoccupied rooms on some nights to get a feel for what things were going to be like if the rumblings he’d heard about possibly getting his own place soon in the future for all his hard work were true.

Eventually Toriel had to run back to the kitchen to check on the pie, leaving Axl to his own devices as he decided to enter his new residence.

The room was that of a child’s bedroom, or perhaps was at one point in time due to the thin layers of dust. It struck Axl as kind of odd for a moment as while Toriel did seem like the motherly type, he hadn’t noticed that she’d had any children aside from the mention of fallen humans but briefly. Strange as this place didn’t feel as if it was directly any of their room to him. Instead it felt as though it belong to another, possibly a monster child at one point in time.

Approaching the bed, he peaked inside the toy chest. Its contents consisted of a mix of old and worn toys. Some from the Surface while others seemed made by monsters. Axl wasn’t drawn to any of them in particular but it did bring back memories of a small collection he’d made during his days at Red Alert that probably didn’t get so lucky on surviving the Palace’s self-destruct sequence as he’d left them all behind when he’d run away.

What did catch his eyes was one of the two large plushies, of which he took one and carried it to the bed.

The doll was a spitting image of whatever Toriel was, just without the horns and soft fur. Though it was still just as huggable as he placed it down before looking at what else the room had to offer.

First up was a dresser filled with clothes of various sizes that would mostly would not fit him if he wasn’t in his armor save for one or two that weren’t his style. There was also a chest of shoes, an empty photo frame, a dusty shelf, and a drawing done by somebody of one of those yellow flowers he’d seen.

While he could go explore the rest of the house, he really didn’t want to bother Toriel. Plus this was his chance to maybe get some much needed shut eye after all the chaos of the day. 

He decided to take off his armor. It wasn’t often Axl found himself being able to use this more casual, non-combat form. Gone was his armor and in its place the young hunter now sported a more casual set of consisting of a red and black shirt and a pair of shorts. In this form, he did look a bit more human save stuff like the obvious connector creases on his arms and legs or his lack of ears.

Still Toriel hadn’t figured that out either way yet.

Axl flopped onto the bed, taking a moment to take in the feel and smell of the unused sheets. It was sure comfortable.

Sure it wasn’t built with Reploids in mind but he could manage.

Carefully, Axl buried himself under the blankets along with the plushie he’d snagged. His mind was still a flutter even as he prepared to enter sleep mode.

‘Man it was sure nice of Toriel to give me a place to stay while I’m down here. Up until she showed up, I only really had Red. But now… he’s gone…

Don’t get me wrong, the other Hunters are cool and all. But it doesn’t feel the same. Red and the others felt a lot more like… family to me…

…

…

I think Red and the others would have liked to meet her. Well… maybe not all of them now that I think about it. She’d probably disapprove of what we did but it would have been nice to have had somebody like her around the place.

A sort of “Team Mom” of sorts

…

…

Heh… 

Funny isn’t it. I know it’s only been a couple of hours but this place is already starting to feel like somewhere…

…that I could call home.’

Axl felt his eyelids starting to sag as he let sleep mode take over, peacefully drifting off into the realm of dreams with a warm fuzzy feeling in his systems. The reploid wouldn’t notice the door open or the light be shut off as a figure placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

”Goodnight, my child. 

I hope your dreams are sweet ones. Like butterscotch.”

A few hours would pass when Axl would finally come out of sleep mode. Awaken in part by both the smell of pie as well as a strange dream he had had.

He’d been lying in bed as he had been, yet he found himself unable to move or open his eyes. There was also a presence in the room. Well… more like three of them, standing at his bedside. What they wanted or why they were there he hadn’t a clue, yet one of the felt oddly familiar. Yet they didn’t make any move to harm him, all they did was speak in muffled voices.

That was, save for one of them.

A deep masculine voice , the only one of the three he could fully understand was pleading with him to wake up.

Or well… More like somebody else whom he had never heard of before.

A person who’s name was called “Chara”.

And as soon as it had begun, the dream would be over. Only leaving Axl with more questions as he came to in the world of the conscious, quickly forgetting all that had gone down.

“Well I’m feeling refreshed and ready to go!” Axl smiled as he stretched. 

He caught something out of the corner of his eye that was clearly a slice of pie as Toriel had promised him. She must have finished baking it whilst he had been asleep and not wanting to wake him, had left it at his bedside for later.

As tempting as it was to eat it right away, Axl decided to take it with him for later. It might be a good snack for the road.

For now, he wanted to get a look around the place.

The hallway was nice and tidy, with a few easy growing plants scattered about in pots. Several of which Axl swore he’d seen before but did not know the name of.

At the end of the hallway was a simple mirror. Nothing fancy or anything but at least he was still himself.

*You struck a pose in front of the mirror. Nothing happens other than you feeling more confident in yourself.

The room besides it was locked as Axl tried to jimmy the lock, despite the sign saying it was “under renovation”. Whatever that meant. He eventually gave up and decided to try the next room over which was thankfully unlocked.

It was another bedroom, most likely Toriel’s judging from the large queen sized bed. Much like the hallway, the room was in a relatively nice state with belongings organized neatly and a few plants scattered about as well.

Hopefully Toriel didn’t mind if he snooped about a bit as Axl began to poke around. First was the dresser, and oh just how scandalous it was in the eyes of a young reploid to see it in all its uncensored glory… Toriel’s sock drawer. Axl wasn’t going to take things any further and left the other drawers alone.

The bookshelf had a lot of different books, a lot that seemed warn. He took one on plants and opened it to a random page. The page talked about water sausages and contained a lot of science jargon that Axl didn’t care about as the book was quickly shelved back.

Toriel’s desk held a few items of interest. One being a trash can filled with… snail shells.

”I guess wasn’t kidding when she mentioned snail pie. Yuck!” Axl decided to not prod in there further and turned his attention to what he assumed was a diary.

Curiosity got the best of Axl and with a brief apology to Toriel, he snuck a peak…

…only to find that this diary was more of a joke book filled with puns relating to bones that gave him a good chuckle.

”Looks like somebody a fan of bad puns. Now that’s something that I could vibe with.” If only he’d known then he’d have shared a few of his more cleaner ones with her.

There was only one last room for him to check before he’d go see Toriel and that was the kitchen. The place was spotless save for some white fur here and there, suggesting to Axl that either Toriel kept this place like this or she had some sort of fire magic that she used to cook instead.

The rest of the pie sat on the counter. Axl decided that it was a bit too big to take with him save for a little scrape from the side.

And oh boy was it good. The way the cinnamon and butterscotch mixed together was just heavenly on his taste processors that Axl was afraid that if he wasn’t careful, the whole pie might as well go missing.

What did get taken, however, was the brand name chocolate bar in the fridge as it looked like nobody, not even Toriel, was going to eat it anyways.

With his itch for exploring finally scratched, Axl felt that it was time to go see Toriel.

The goat woman was in the same spot as before, reading a book as when he had passed by her earlier. A small smile creeped up her face as she saw him approach.

“Oh hello, Axl. I do hope you slept well.” Toriel greeted the Reploid as she took note of his new outfit.

”Like a baby.” He beamed as Toriel chuckled.

”Good. I had just finished up the pie by the time you had gone to bed. You were resting so peacefully so I decided against disturbing you. I also happened to notice that you have changed. It’s good to know that you had something else on aside from that bulky outfit.” She sounded relieved.

”Yeah, sometimes it’s nice to not be running around in armor all the time. Kinda lets you feel like a hu… Err, like you’re taking things easy.” Well that was close, still he needed to make sure he kept up that human ruse as to not scare the poor goat lady.

“Um, I want you to know how glad I am to have someone here. There are so many old books I want to share. I want to show you my favorite bug hunting spot. I’ve also prepared a curriculum for your education.”

So she was really intent on him staying here. As much as he’d like to with all the hospitality she had shown him, Axl would unfortunately have to burst that hopeful bubble that both he and her could simply settle down and live a life of tranquil peace. After all, he had his own duty to fufill and it wasn’t like X and Zero could do much without the extra help in his eyes.

She was now in the middle of talking about some fact about snails when Axl decided to interject nervously.

”Well I appricate your kindness Miss Toriel. As much as I would love to stay and all with you in this nice cozy house, I need to get going. So if you could just point me to the end of the Ruins… I would… greatly…” Axl paused as he noticed Toriel look up at him. Her expression was unreadable but there was a look in her eyes that clearly said she wasn’t too happy with what he had just said.

”Excuse me, but there is something that I need to attend to…” Toriel quickly got to her feet as she spoke in a bittersweet tone. “Please remain up here. I shall return shortly.”

Quickly she walked off as Axl was hot on her tail before she disappeared into the basement.

Axl had a bad feeling about this. What he had said had set Toriel off and he was a bit afraid why that might be the case.

But alas, he couldn’t let that hold him back. Activating his armor and running out towards the star as if on instinct, the Rookie Hunter followed the goat woman down below to the basement. 

This wasn’t going to be easy.

Chapter Text

Loud echoing footsteps rang down the empty corridor as Axl rushed to catch up with Toriel.

“Miss Toriel!” He panted out as he came to a stop “Look! I’m sorry if I made you upset but I need you to understand that I have my reasons for-“

Toriel remained silent, standing with her back facing Axl. He couldn’t tell what she was thinking or how she felt until she finally spoke.

”So you wish to know how to leave the RUINS, do you not?” Her tone was serious, like that of a disappointed mother.

”Well yeah. Why else would I be asking you?” 

‘Yeah real smooth, Axl.’ He internally facepalmed. Now wasn’t the time for sarcasm. Alas Toriel would continue.

”Ahead of us lies the end of the Ruins. A one way exit to the rest of the Underground. I am going to destroy it. No one will be able to leave here again. Now be a good child and go upstairs.”

”Wait WHAT!?” Axl looked shocked as Toriel kept walking. So she was intending to trap him in this place like a prisoner. How could he have been so blind? She had been merely stringing him along this whole time with her kindness.

’Like hell I will now that I know that you’re planning to keep me as a prisoner here.’

Axl kept up with her throughout the hallway as a familiar eagerness came back in his eyes. Though that look would soon falter a bit the more he heard from the goat lady, her tone becoming more and more somber as she made it clear that she had her reasons.

”Every human who falls down here meets the same fate. I have seen it again and again. They come. They leave. They die.” That last word made Axl freeze. He already had a gut feeling that had been the case. After all, some of those cases were already over a century old at this point. If it hadn’t been the fall or even the meek monsters living in the Ruins, then what exactly did those children in? Axl needed answers.

”Miss Toriel. You said that those children who fell before me died down here. If you don’t mind, how exactly did they die? Some of those children would have been down here for a long time.” His tone was curious but still held some of that edge as Toriel tensed up. Seemed like it was a sort of sensitive subject for her. She acted as if she wanted to say something else but instead quickly changed back towards what she was going to say before.

“If you leave the ruins… They… Asgore… Will kill you.”

Asgore? That name was unfamiliar to the Rookie Hunter. But from the sounds of it, They sounded like they were no better than a Maverick. Whomever this Asgore fellow was, Axl wasn’t scared of him. In fact, he’d make sure that they don’t take another human’s life ever again.

Toriel glanced over her shoulder at Axl, noticing the look in his eyes. A look she’d been all too familiar with. 

“I am only protecting you, do you understand?” He understood as she pleaded for him to simply go upstairs. Yet Axl didn’t listen.

A few more steps and she pauses.

”Do not try to stop me. This is your final warning.” Toriel sounded serious as they rounded the corner, coming up upon a door.

‘This must be the way out.’ Axl remarked as he readied his Bullets. He had a gut feeling of what was about to happen next.

Approaching Toriel whom was now standing before a grand doorway barring the same strange logo on her gown, Axl was on guard.

She stood there, awaiting him as the reploid approached.

”You want to leave this place so badly? Hmph! You are just like the others.” Her tone was stern as she turned to face him “There is only one solution to this. Prove yourself! Prove to me that you are strong enough to survive!”

She conjured a fireball into her hand as the room around them seemed to get smaller and Axl felt his Soul manifest, just as he had during any other fight up to this point.

Looks like he had no choice but to fight. But perhaps he could find a way to get her to step down. It was a dumb reasoning but maybe he could weaken her so that she lost her will to fight. That ought to prove it as she didn’t seem like she’d listen to any attempts as reasoning.

WARNING! WARNING!

*Act

*Scan

Target Identified

Name: Toriel

Status: ATK: 80  DEF: 80 HP: 440

Knows what’s best for you 

A flurry of fireballs came fluttering down in his direction as Axl quickly dodge rolled away. Raising his gun, he fired a couple of shots in her direction.

The goat lady was hit but her stance remained firm as Axl dodged another flurry of her attacks. He tried his best to look away with each hit, mumbling a slight apology with each pull of the trigger.

This was hitting way too close to home for him but he had to keep up. He was determined to prove to her that he wasn’t just some weak kid.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Things kept up like this for some time. Axl would dodge some fireballs, get a shot in, and repeat. On some occasions he’d even swore she was deliberately missing her attacks. But eventually things finally reached its climax.

Just one more shot and she’d be weak enough to not be able to continue fighting. Just an inch away from being fatal, but he’d make sure he wouldn’t do that.

”This is it…” He braced himself, looking over at Toriel with apologetic eyes. “Hopefully this shot should be enough to make you understand. I don’t want to hurt you, Miss Toriel. I’m sorry for what I’m about to do. But please… You need to stand down…” Axl closed his eyes as he pulled the trigger, praying she got the memo.

BANG!

The round left its chamber and struck the goat lady as Axl opened his eyes in horror as his readout read zero. A defeated look on her face as bullet holes littered her gown.

”Shit! No! Nononononono! That shot shouldn’t have…” Axl panicked as he rushed to her side, catching her as she fell over. How did this happen!? He held back that shot and everything.

”Miss Toriel… Please hold on! I can fix this! I’ve still got some food on me that can heal you. No, I’ll call HQ. They can help with this.” Axl was in too much of a panic to think. “I-I didn’t mean for this to happen! I just wanted to prove to you that I can handle myself! Please! Just stay with me! I don’t want to lose you like I did with Red!” Tears began to stream down the Reploid’s cheeks as a gentle hand reached up to comfort him.

“Shh… It’s okay my child. I understand you didn’t wish to hurt me.” Axl slowly opened his eyes to notice Toriel looking up at him with a pained yet loving smile. 

“T-Toriel.” He sniffled.

”You are far stronger than I thought… Listen to me, Axl… If you go beyond this door, keep walking as far as you can. Eventually you will reach an exit…’ Her speeches stuttered as her breathing became labored. “Please stop Asgore… His plan… cannot succeed…”

He took her other hand as she raised it.

“Be good. Will you?” Those were the last words that escaped her mouth as she went still. Axl felt the hand on his cheek dissolve into dust as her body faded. All that was left of her aside from the dust falling from his palm was that purple and white gown.

Clutching the dust covered palm into a fist, Axl felt the waterworks begin to fall as he held the dress tight, burying his face into the garment. Completely missing the white heart that lingered for just a moment before it passed on.

”This is all my fault…” Memories flooded back into his mind as he hopelessly called out towards a red armored figure. Begging, pleading for him to not do this. For him to come with him and the others back to base as his comrades held him back as they had to leave. That sad smile on his face had been so much like the one Toriel had given him in her own final moments.

If only he hadn’t been so stupid as up to now Axl felt he had been doing a good job with not fighting. Despite that, he still hadn’t fully grasped what that meant.

And now, the second person ever in his life that he had grown to see as a parental figure was dead. Once again by his own hands.

If only he hadn’t been so reckless…

Then maybe, things could have ended a lot differently….

Perhaps talking wasn’t always the case as it had been for the most part with practically every other monster he’d run across. That was when Axl thought back to something he had heard sometime back from a seemingly innocuous Froggit.

‘(Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself needing to take other actions instead of talking your way out of a fight.)’ Compared to the other frogs in that room whom had either been expressing annoyance about people not talking to them or pondering about the existence of a fourth, tiny, Froggit whom he had found snug away in a crack, this frog monster had said something that at the time he probably should have taken into consideration.

Not only had he let that little guy down, but Toriel as well all because this sparing thing wasn’t how he rolled. All because he thought he had no choice in the manner.

If only he could go back and do things over again. And this time not be so reckless.

But that was a pipe dream, like X’s ideals. Yet deep down within the very depths of his DNA Souls, something was telling him that was not the case as the world around him faded to black as if he was falling into the void itself.

SAVE RELOADED

GAH!

Axl woke up in a cold sweat, lying on the floor right outside the house moments before things had gone down. The smell of butterscotch-cinnamon pie still strong on his olfactory processes.

Maybe this had all been a bad dream. Yet something at the back of his mind told him otherwise as he took the stairs.

Him cradling her dying form as he apologized. Tears pouring down his eyes as she faded away, leaving behind nothing but her purple robe. All of it had been real.

And somehow, by some means, he had managed to undo it as he found her right where she had been before. Same spiel about Asgore, same everything, as if she didn’t remember any of it. Though she would make a comment on Axl’s expression. He hadn’t noticed, but to Toriel it looked as if he had seen a ghost.

Soon they would be back at the doorway, ready for round 2.

Axl fought the urge to manifest his guns before the fight as Toriel gave her spiel. Mentally repeating to himself that despite her warnings, there was another way as she engaged him. That same sinking feeling as his Soul reacted to her magic clued him in that it was time.

He would go ahead and manifest his gun, but for a different reason. The goat woman would break her aloof demeanor, eyes widening but a second at the display as he raised them…

… and then promptly tossed them to the side as if to make a statement.

”I understand you want me to fight you, Miss Toriel. But I’m going to prove to you that I can handle myself out there through another means. I don’t want to loose you too like I did with somebody else I once saw as a father figure.” He didn’t want to bring up the fact that he saw her die or that strange force that had brought him back to now.

That was something he’d figure out later even if he had a feeling it was tied to those strange stars. For now, he had a goat woman that he needed to get to back down.

Fireballs. Dodge roll. Fireballs. Dodge roll.

It was the same as before. The goat lady would bombard him as he would roll away from the inferno flurry of embers, only getting hit a few times when he was a little off.

Toriel stood firm, aloof and doing what she could to convince the young hunter to attack. She was firm in her stance that he wasn’t proving  anything by doing this. Only that he was going to get killed and have his soul stolen.

Yet that mindset of hers was starting to falter the longer she watched Axl.

Perhaps it had been her not paying attention but something about him was off. For a human child, he was rather nimble on his feet, rolling through her fireballs as if they were nothing with no signs of tiring. But also those guns that lay discarded on the floor, he’d just manifested them out of thin air like they were magic if that glow had been anything.

That was when she decided to examine his Soul a little more closely. While she could sense a sensible amount of Determination from it, almost as much as a Human Soul, yet did not resemble one save for the color. The Soul was round, like that of a wisp. It also gave off an energy that felt… artificial… compared to her own.

That or she’d been in the Ruins alone so long that she’d forgotten what a Human looked like. But with that skillset he possessed… maybe… just maybe…

Axl had noticed that Toriel’s fireballs had decreased in numbers and seemingly were actively avoiding hitting him. Her expression showed a conflict of emotions.

He was getting close, just a bit longer.

Eventually Toriel stopped attacking altogether. Axl paused in his movements as he looked at Toriel whom’s expression had softened. Looked like this little plan had worked.

”I know you wish to leave the ruins, but… I promise I will take good care of you here.” A sad smile spread over her lips. “I know we do not have much here, but we can have a good life together.”

”Believe me, Toriel. As much as I would like to accept your offer and settle down…” Axl swallowed. He was a bit nervous on how she was going to react but now he felt that it was the time to come clean with her. “But there’s something I need to tell you that I probably should have back when we first me…”

Toriel’s attention was now fully on the reploid as tension filled the room.

”You see… I’m not…” He hesitated before finally dropping the bombshell. “Actually a human… 

…I’m a… Reploid.”

He remained quiet as he waited for Toriel to say something. Her expression was unreadable as Axl’s nerves kicked in as he feared that she hadn’t taken this revelation too well. Yet what she did next was enough to catch him off guard as she walked up to him. Axl inched away until she bent down to his level and suddenly…

…Scooped him up into a tight hug?

“Huh?!” Axl was confused by the sudden hug as the goat woman laughed a bit. Eventually she pulled away, placing a hand on his shoulder as that warm motherly smile returned.

”Human. Reploid. To me it doesn’t matter what you are-“ Toriel paused. “Um… What is a Reploid?” The look in her eyes was not one of fear, but curiosity as Axl rubbed the back of his head nervously. He wasn’t sure if Toriel was aware of what a “robot” was but judging from the phone she’d given him and his run-in with Scaravich, it was clear that monsters had some grasp on what technology is.

”Well I’m not sure if you are familiar with what a robot is… but…”

”I am indeed familiar with the term.” She had heard of them from books and other objects from the Surface that had fallen into the Underground even before her self imposed exile. Essentially artificial lifeforms bound by a set programming created by humans designed to things easier.

Monsterkind had already long since reverse engineered certain forms of Surface technology with their own spin on things, though there had always been some issues regarding on how Robots worked mostly in part due to the general popularity of stuff such as Anime and or a misunderstanding of blueprints salvaged from the dump regarding them. Attempts had been made amongst those Underground to replicate or rebuild those from the Surface had largely been considered a failure up until rather recently. Fully sentient machines now integrated into Monster society, not bound by a set of archaic rules like the hunks of scrap rotting away in the Steamworks.

Not like Toriel or Axl would know that anyways.

Axl looked relieved about not having to explain what a robot was. Even if he was one, he was by far no expert on all the little details. He’d just keep things simple.

“Think of a robot who can make their own decisions, kinda like a Human… Or Monster in your case.” Toriel nodded in understanding as he continued. “Reploids come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like animals while others like me look like humans.”

”I’m a Maverick Hunter. Our duty is to protect both Humans and other Reploids from those that pose a threat to the public.” Probably best he leave out the whole thing about Sigma as he went to retrieve his guns. “I was actually sent here on a mission to deal with a rampaging… err…. regular-old-non-Reploid-robot-that-cannot-think-for-itself that went haywire before I fell down here. And well… I kinda need to get back. I get that you’re worried but I can handle this Asgore fella. So what do you say?”

Toriel looked away, indecisive. At least she could rest easy knowing that his Soul wouldn’t likely be any use to Asgore. But it was still very likely that he would mistake him for a human anyways, leading to a pointless fight where somebody in the end would have to die. That also brought up the question of the Barrier, something that she really did not want to think about.

But seeing Axl’s determination, she decided to swallow her fears and set them aside just for him. Sure it was going to be tough, but maybe he might find a way to change things. 

After several moments of silence, Toriel got up and cleared her throat.

“I understand. You have a mission you must complete. It would not be right for me to leave you trapped down here. The Ruins while big, are very small once you get used to them. Which is why I shall cast aside my fears…

My loneliness…

My expectations…

All for you, my child.” 

“I will not stop you from leaving the ruins.” She looked to Axl with another sad smile. “However, when you leave… Please do not come back. I hope you understand.

Once more, she hugged him. This time, however, Axl returned the gesture as he felt as if he was going to start crying again. Once more he would have to say goodbye to someone he saw as a parent, but at least this time he could move on knowing she would still be alive and well.

Perhaps once this was all over, he could swing by to visit her again. Maybe even introduce the others to her. She was a lot like X, abet less grumpier. Regardless, he had a feeling the two would get along really well.

“Well then… Be good, my little Reploid. And please, promise me that you will do your best to not hurt anyone.”

”Cross my heart and hope to die.” He beamed, earning a chuckle for his attempts to lighten the mood. That earned him a ruffle on the head from the old lady.

”Oh you silly child.”

And with that, Toriel got up and moved out of the way, leaving the door to the exit wide open. But before he could leave, Axl couldn’t help but to glance one more time into the kind goat lady’s pretty red eyes as he bid her farewell. Now no longer ashamed to say what he had once said on accident.

”Goodbye, Mom. Thank you for everything you’ve gone for me.

I promise I will make you proud.”

Waiting just outside the ruins was a face Axl was hoping not to see anytime soon.

None other that stupid talking flower whom had tried to kill him just moments into his adventure, Flowey the damn Flower.

This time around, the little weed was wearing a coy look on his face as if he knew something that Axl didn’t.

”Clever. Veeeeerrrryyy clever.” The weed chided much to both the confusion and annoyance of the Rookie Hunter.

”The hell do you want now Flowey?!” Axl grit his teeth.

”You think you’re really smart do you? You spared the life of a single person.” The flower’s face split into his signature evil grin. “But don’t get too cocky. I know exactly what you did.” His face contorted into another shape, Toriel’s.

”You murdered her.”

Axl’s eye twitched as he heard the words. How the hell did the stupid flower know!?

”You didn’t even hesitate to shoot her. Almost like you’re some sort of heartless killing MACHINE.

YOU’VE DONE THIS BEFORE. HAVEN’T YOU?

I KNEW YOU WEREN’T HUMAN THE MOMENT YOU STEPPED FOOT INTO THE UNDERGROUND!” His face distorted more as he kept up the taunting until the click of a gun aimed straight at his face made him stop.

Axl’s trigger finger twitched as he did his very hardest to not break his promise to Toriel and blow Flowey’s petals out right then and there. The look on his face being on of pure, contained rage as he demanded answers for the pest.

”You better start explaining right now, you little weed! How the hell did you know about that?!”

Flowey simply looked up at him, unamused by the threat as he kept up his taunting.

”Ha ha ha…. You native idiot. Do you really think you’re the only one with the power to SAVE and RESET? The power to reshape the world… Purely by your own Determination. The ability to play God!”

Axl’s eyes widened in shock at the revelation as he lowered his weapons. If what Flowey was saying was true, he now knew what that whole thing had been.

”Golly! I thought I was the only one with that power. But… I can’t Save anymore. None of those other scraps of metal can do it, but you can. Apparently YOUR desires for this world override MINE.” From the sounds of things, it seemed like he had taken those powers from Flowey. That was a relief as there’s no way in hell that Axl would have trusted that weed with something as dangerous as.

”Well, well… Enjoy that power while you can. I’ll be watching.” Flowey let out an evil laugh before disappearing. Leaving Axl both annoyed yet also curious.

‘Power to reshape the world, huh? All because of my own will. Cool! Maybe I could use it to do some good down here.’

EXTRA CONTENT (Lost Soul interactions for Magma Dragoon and Kanako):

A/N: This was a little extra thing I wanted to include because why not. Somewhat inspired by Undertale Red and Yellow's inclusion of a Lost Soul phase for Clover, here's one for Magma Dragoon and Kanako whom will be getting major rolls later down the line (And Lost Soul fights because why not. Sorry MTT but we need some Amalgam and Reploid rep for the finale). Now its a proper 8 boss rush.

And a bit of an explanation why these two in particular, Dragoon is now the main boss of Hotland which will now be its own area separate form the CORE. The latter is getting a new miniboss before MTT in the form of a certain Peacock whom now acts as the CORE's new central control system. Dragoon ended up following Toriel to the castle because she knew Axl. Kanako will be the first Amalgamate Axl encounters and she decides to follow him around. That means all the way to the castle because he promised to help her escape.

SAVE:

* Undyne                 * Alphys
* Sans                     * Papyrus
* Toriel                   * Asgore
* Magma Dragoon  * Kanako 

*The Lost Soul Appeared
*The Lost Soul stands there

Act (Magma Dragoon)

* Challenge
* Forgive
* Compliment

*You challenge the Lost Soul to a fight
*Your fighting spirit seems familiar as he jumps at the promise of battle

*You tell the lost soul that while what he did was immoral, that he still has a chance to change
*He doesn't believe you, but he will give it a try anyways.

*You compliment the Lost Soul on his fighting prowess
*He can't help but to show off

Dialogue:

"I Let Sky Lagoon fall! And I'll do it again!"
"Power is everything!"
"There's meaning in a fight to the death!"

*Suddenly the memories are flooding back

"You may not be X or Zero, but your strength is admirable too. Axl."

Act (Kanako)
* Promise
* Hold
* Tuck

* You tell the Lost Soul that you will do whatever you can to reunite her with her mother.
* She hesitates but feels like she can trust you

* You pick up the Lost Soul and hug her despite her melting body
* She doesn't know why, but the gesture is familiar to her as she hugs you back

* You ask the Lost Soul to tuck you into bed
* The action is familiar to her as she pats you on the head.

Dialogue:

"Mom...
Is that you?"

"Please help... It's so dark..."

"I'm scared... I just wanna go home..."

*Suddenly the memories are flooding back

"No... Everything's going to be alright... I need to be brave. For papa! For mama!"

Chapter Text

Several Years ago prior to the Red Alert Incident…

For years, a legend has existed about Mt. Ebott.

A place where Monsters were buried over a millennia ago.

Few humans have braved this mountain.

Those who did... were never seen again.

A total of 6 humans have gone missing.

And soon... 

That number would be up to seven.

Emergency near Point Ebott! We've received reports of a possible missing person last seen headed towards the mountains. They are believed to be a child with brown hair that answers to the name of Clover. Exact age and gender are still unknown. Any Hunters with the area please be on the lookout! This area has a history of cases just like this!

The voice of HQ's Navigator rang out over the coms line as a certain Blue Hunter rushed to the scene. He had been nearby aiding the escort of an evacuation convoy of humans that had been forced to relocate following a rather destructive Maverick attack on their settlement. Due to some issues regarding transportation, the convoy would have to be split into two separate teams: A and B. X had been assigned to work with the B convoy which hadn't been far behind the A convoy, the one in which the missing kid had been from.  

"This is X. I'm currently on-route to the last known location that the child was last seen at. I will keep you updated if anything comes up." The blue bomber responded back to HQ as he rushed up the mountainside. The rocky terrain was no issue for someone like him whom had braved landscapes worse than this many times before. Alia had suggested that he bring one of his armor sets, particularly the Shadow Armor, but he had decided against it as it still needed some repairs after the whole Nightmare debacle several years back now.

The Surface had been well on its way to recovery thanks to the efforts of the Maverick Hunters. Things were starting to clear up enough that most of Humanity could safely come out of hiding. But they were still far from finished, a lot of work still had to be done until things were completely back to the way they were before the whole Eurasia Crisis.

And well, that work had been taking a clear toll on the Maverick Hunters. Including their star Hunters, X and Zero. Both of whom had seen mission after mission without any sort of break sometimes. This was most notable with X whom had been starting to slowly question his own methods which he was feeling was starting to become a little much.

Eventually he was able to reach the location where Clover had been last reported. As expected, the kid was nowhere to be seen but there was evidence that they had been there in the form of some footprints that the blue reploid was quick to analyze.

‘These are still fresh…’ X mused to himself as he took a moment to analyze the tracks. The prints did indeed match up with that of a child sized shoe which was all the hunter needed to know that the kid was likely nearby.

And well that turn out to be true as the blue bomber would catch sight of the child. Brown hair and a cowpoke getup, just as the parents had described in their report.

The child had been too busy reading a piece of paper to notice the approaching Hunter until they heard the telltale clicks of his metal boots, causing them to look up. Brown eyes locked with green as X put on his best smile as to not startle the child before they took off running.

”Kid. Wait! This place is dangerous!” The hunter fruitlessly called out to the fleeing child. Either he had accidently spooked them or the kid had known that he would be coming to get him. But regardless of the reason they had run away, X made sure that it would be his duty that this child returned to their family.

Speaking of that kid’s family, X really hadn’t a clue on what they were like. All HQ had received in terms of contact with them was a brief notice and menial description of what the kid looked like. They also had informed them that they would be picking up the kid once they had gotten settled in their new home which, from X’s estimates, would still be a couple of days.

Something about these people didn’t sit right with the blue bomber as he suspecting something a little more suspious about this child’s home life that may have caused this. Which is why he was planning on running a bit of a background into them check once he had gotten this child secured. Likely leading to them being taken under Maverick Hunter custody if what his gut was telling him.

Sure HQ wasn’t really the place for a kid to grow up in nor did he consider himself really that fit to be father-figure material. But they could manage.

It was probably a lot nicer than this kid’s home life anyways.

Up the mountain the kid climbed, followed closely on foot by that of their unrelenting pursuer. Driven by a sense of Justice to finally bring closure to those whom had come before them.

A mission that they would make sure that nobody, not even a Reploid, got in their way of.

This race up the mountain would end with the two standing in a clearing as X finally caught up to the child whom was just about to enter a nearby cave.

”Hey, Clover…” X put back on a calm tone as Clover turned to look at him, not moving. They would let the Hunter approach as he bent down to his height, placing a hand on their shoulder which earned a small flinch. Something that wouldn’t go unnoticed as X raised his hand a bit.

”I’m sorry if I startled you earlier, but my name is X. I’m here to take you somewhere safe.” The child seemed to relax upon realizing that the blue bomber wasn’t a threat. “This mountain has a history of missing persons cases. It’s far too dangerous for somebody your age to be climbing these peaks.”

He and the rest of HQ were well aware of the urban legends that surrounded this land. Supposedly the site of a war between humans and another race known as monsters that resulted in the latter being buried beneath the mountains below. Yet no archeological or historical evidence from that timeframe suggested that any form of war like that had taken place in the area nor were there any signs of any other possible non-human civilizations. If anything, these legends were possibly little more than tall tales passed on from generation to generation to keep kids from climbing the mountain and risk falling to their death.

Though that didn’t explain everything as there was still that report of a monster sighting and the occasional instances of communication interference that a few hunters have reported from happening, usually when the were closer to the Mountain itself.

Clover looked as if they were considering the Hunter’s offer as X assured them that he’d be sure to look into how things were back home, allowing him to take hold of him. A promise that was tempting…

…but alas, 

"KID! Wait!" All he could do was cry out as the human child pulled free from his grasp, tearing a decent chunk out of their bandana as they took the plunge into the deep dark cave below. X was dragged into the cave with them but managed to catch himself before he too could plunge down the hole.

"N-No..."

X was paralyzed as his processors went into overdrive at what had just happened. He couldn't think straight as his comms line let out a loud cackling buzz, causing him to cover his audio processors in pain as he got back to his feet.

Even if he were to go down there, there would be chance that kid would have survived that fall. That cavern was at least several hundred feet deep and the interference was even worse over here.

All he could really do was call this a mission failure as he held the last little piece of said child, tears threatening to seep down his face as he made his way back towards the designated drop off point.

The whole journey back, X couldn’t help but to think to himself.

Another one…

Another innocent life lost all because of his incompetence.

If only he had gotten there sooner.

Perhaps then none of this would have happened to begin with…

…

Oh what was he thinking? Even if he had gotten here a lot sooner then it would have still gone down the same way.

All of this had occurred all because of that Maverick attack and the Hunter’s failure to do any sort of damage control of the situation.

If only that Maverick hadn't been there to begin with...

If only the Hunters hadn't been so reckless to add to the already existing collateral damage...

Then maybe none of this would have happened to begin with...

Was this really how they handled things? How HE handled things?!

If only he hadn’t been so forceful back there. Then perhaps all of this could have ended with far fewer casualties then both incidents had.

The sound of his communication line was enough to bring him back to reality as Alia wanted an update on this mission.

“X! X! Can you hear me? Any update on this missing child?”

"This is X... I managed to locate the lost child but I... I... I wasn't able to reach the kid in time before they..." He cut himself off as he looked down at the torn piece of yellow cloth in his hand. "Just forget about it! I'm on my way back to HQ." He quickly cut off his communication line after that, much to the surprise of Alia and Signas.

The mission had been deemed a failure as Signas had to break the unfortunate news to Clover’s parents, whom as expected, did not respond right away. X had made the choice to take the rest of the day off, choosing to keep to himself. 

Most of the other Hunters around HQ got the memo, including his best friend, Zero whom had decided to give him some space as the mission had hit him pretty hard.

Though that didn’t mean that they weren’t worried. Some of the others had noticed that X had been acting a little strange for some time now and many of them were scared that this mission would be the tipping point for the already stressed out hunter.

Somebody would eventually take the risk and decide to talk to him that night as the blue bomber sat out on the HQ’s balcony, watching the stars.

A sky that had been for several years covered by a thick, purple, virulent haze that now once more shown as it had before everything had gone to hell. Soon his eyes would be torn away from them as the sound of a sliding door and reploid footsteps could be heard, followed not long later by a telltale stench of dirty cigarettes.

”Wyvern?” The Hunter seemed a bit surprised at his sudden company as the Wyvern themed reploid took a drag off her cigarette as she did her best to play it cool.

“Signas doesn’t let me smoke inside anymore after that little mishap in the supply closet.” Wildfire Wyvern said in her usual gruff tone from where she leaned against the wall. 

“I heard from the others how the mission went. Always one of the worst things about this job. But hey, you did what you could and that’s what really counts.” X let out a simple huff in response as he turned his attention back to the sky. She too did the same.

Wyvern couldn’t help but to be reminded of a mission she had helped on that ended in a bust. It had been sometime after the whole Nightmare Incident when she and a small detachment of Hunters were sent out to nearby neighboring forested area to capture some lunatic Maverick who had set up shop there.

Known simply by his nickname, The Viral Puppeteer. What was known was that this Reploid in particular had some sort of vampiric ability which is why she and her group had been forced to wear these bulky devices developed in tandem by a certain medic she despised, one that everyone would have to report back to once this was done with.

Damn 48 hour quarantine measures.

A family of humans in the area claimed that the creature had abducted their daughter, a girl that was last seen wearing a tutu and ballerina slippers whom had taken off after their home had been attacked. She and her unit would eventually charge into the forest, intent on tracking down the Maverick. Only for something to happen that she would have liked to have forgotten.

”You know how I was missing for some time, only for you and Zero to find me in agony. Well I don’t think I told you the rest of that story… Turns out we got ambushed. All of my men were killed and I was dragged off by that maniac to his lair…” Her body tensed as she continued to recount the tale, something that wouldn’t go unnoticed by the now listening Hunter.

“He held me captive there for several days, planning on turning me into one of his puppets, or worse, a wall mount like my colleagues if I displeased him. I’d already been infected by the time I woke up and if it weren’t for me tricking him and getting my pack reactivated… Well… Let’s just say it’s a wonder what a few of these spines in my tail can do.” A chuckle escaped Wyvern as she noticed X smirk a bit out of relief.

”Sure Lifesaver’s an ass… And a bit too paranoid at times… But he’s done a lot for us as Hunters. Hell I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. And well… That dedication is something I can admire in a man. It’s… kinda…” Wyvern stopped before she could go any further, glancing at X as if to say ‘You heard nothing’.

With the stick now spent, the reptilian themed Hunter clamped the remains in her jaws and expelled the smoke from her nostril smoke vents.

”Welp I think that’s enough of me pestering you with my life’s story. I need to get some shut eye. Oh… And before I go. X… If you feel like you need to. Don’t be afraid to come talk to any of us about what’s on your mind. No matter what lies ahead, we’ll stick by your side. After all, we’re all kinda like a one big family here.”

And with that, she would make her leave. Not catching the quiet words that would be spoken by her grateful yet quiet companion.

”…

Thanks. Wyvern.”

The door shut behind him as he entered his private quarters, a room that hadn’t seen much use for who knows how long as most of his time resting hadn’t been spent in his own bed, but a more communal pod designed to aid in the automatic repair process after a mission was complete.

It wasn’t too dissimilar to a pod, being a place where a reploid could rest and recharge. Unlike a pod however, these were designed to function the same as one a human would use. Soft bedding and all.

The blue bomber sunk into it, sucking in a deep intake of air using his artificial respiratory system. X couldn’t remember how long it had been since he had this amount of peace and quiet. 

A place all to himself with nobody else around HQ to bother him. Essentially his own little private oasis off the front line.

It was almost never that he took off his helmet, revealing the mess of short brown hair so few knew that he had as he let his mind wander to what Wyvern had said.

He thought of all of those whom had been by his side supporting him in his continuous fight to bring peace to the world against the forces of Sigma.

Signas, Zero, Douglas, Lifesaver.

To think without their support and aid, he and by extension, Earth probably would have perished by now. Yet for some reason, his mind kept coming back to one name in particular.

The Maverick Hunter’s one and only top navigator…

Alia.

She’d always given it her all when it came to helping him and Zero on missions and also in the lab with regards to his armors. Something that he could respect. Yet recently, she’d been more on his mind a lot more often than he’d like to admit.

It was different than when he was with Zero. A much more warm and fuzzy feeling that made his internal temperature rise whenever she’d give him little compliments or simply hold his hand like during the whole Gate debacle when he had been there to comfort her at her lowest.

Yet despite his attempts to think happy thoughts, there was that look again. That look of fear in those green eyes. Like that if he were to let go of her, she would vanish. with all that remained being but a distant memory.

Just like Zero had. 

Just like that kid had.

So many lives had already been lost as it was with Mavericks. Just how long would it be until it was finally over? How many more casualties left? How much longer until she would become one too?

Fresh tears began to flow as he saw him in a room, cradling her dying frame like Zero had with Iris. He was begging, pleading for her to wake up as his colleagues told him that it was too late to save her.

”No! Please… She’s going to be ok. She going to make it. Alia, please! Wake up!

“Wake up!”

“X!”

He was jolted out of sleep mode by somebody running their hand through his hair. Frantically his eyes darted about before landing on the very concerned navigator looking down at him.

”Alia?” He said half groggily as she gently shushed him. “H-How did you get in here?”

”You gave me your room code. Remember?” Of course he did. Aside from Zero and the senior staff, she was pretty much the only other person whom he had shared the code with.

”Still upset about how the mission went?” A sigh escaped the blue Reploid’s mouth at those words as he sat up, nodding his head running a hand through his hair. Sometimes he wished that she couldn’t read him as easily as she could.

“If only I could have gotten to them on time… Then none of this would have happened.” He felt like he wanted to cry again as Alia pulled him close to her. “Sometimes I wonder if there’s even a point to continue fighting anymore. We’ve already lost so many people to this war…”

”I know how you feel, X. All of this has been hard on all of us… Especially for me with Gate… If only I hadn’t pushed myself away from him and fallen into that conspiracy to sabotage his creations. Then maybe he wouldn’t have gone down the path that he did…” They still had Gate’s remains on them. Signas had permitted to have him lay interred at Hunter HQ after Alia had made the choice to possibly have him repaired one day. Just when that day would come was still up to her. Until then, she still didn’t feel like she was ready to look him in the eye and say that she was sorry yet.

“Just remember this, no matter what you decide. I’ll always be here for you.”

Alia never left his side that night as the two drifted off into sleep mode.

A few days would pass until X made up his mind that he had enough. The blue bomber had made it well known to the Commander that he would be stepping off the front lines following an outburst that was very much not like him. 

“Why must Reploids continue to fight one another!? I’ve had enough violence!”

”Commander! Alia… Zero… I’m stepping down from being a Hunter.”

This revelation had come as a major shock to most everyone at HQ, whom had been worried with how quiet and reclusive he had been. Most notably had been Wyvern whom had been hoping that Alia had managed to calm his nerves the night that it had happened.

X’s first order of business now that he was no longer working the front lines was requesting that Mt Ebott and its surround areas be made into an Exclusion Zone. Meaning that nobody, civilian nor Hunter, would be permitted within the premises as a means to prevent any further missing persons cases from occurring. The area would be frequently monitored by cameras and patrols along the fence line to make sure that it was enforced.

There would be a few exceptions though as the Mountains were home to an active landfill. Mechanaloids that worked there would be permitted to move between designated zones to and fro the dump while only B Rank and above Hunters would be allowed within the region should any cases of Maverick Activity be noticed.

All of this would mark the start of possibly one of the most difficult times for the Hunters since the Eurasia crisis. Without X out fighting, the Hunters would soon find themselves having to work overtime, allowing for smaller, illicit, bounty hunter gangs to fill in the gaps.

Yet even in these new hard times, X still found comfort in the form of Alia whom had made it her promise that she’d stick by his side through the thick and thin, to that day and beyond that he finally came to his senses again as the X she once knew.

Snowdin Forest , Present Day

The door to the cabin creaked open, pried open by a set of icy blue claws. Glowing eyes peered out at the figure on his front porch.

Usually he would just ask them to leave as the former Nightmare Investigator had become somewhat of a recluse these past few years. Slow to trust after some local kids thought it would be funny to make him relive that very incident that got him retired in the first place. At least he didn’t go down the path that Yammark had after being given a third chance.

To his surprise, it wasn’t the Doctor making her usual round trips to check up on everyone, but instead one of the K-9 unit.

Those dogs had become one of the few he had been willing to call friends long before the whole incident with the Snowdin River. They had made him an honorary member of the pack despite the King’s current regulations on not having any like him in the Guard as per that protection orders.

The canine monster got down on all fours as it sniffed him from the little crack before placing down a letter that it had been carrying in its mouth. After that, the dog left, possibly to get back to their post as Wolfang knew that by now they would be patrolling soon. While he would have preferred the mail slot, he would let it slide since this was from a friend.

A clawed hand quickly snatched the letter and shut the door as he went to tear the top open.

The letter was from Dogamy and Dogaressa Wolfang noted as he took out the contents of the letter.

It was a thank you letter for his recent attendance to their anniversary that the rest of the Unit had worked together to set up as a surprise. Attached was a photo depicting the Reploid smiling wolfishly alongside the rest of the pack. He still had the tux from the photo as well.

Carefully the reploid made his way over to a small little pinboard that hung over his fireplace. It held a few things: A small calendar with marks for the doctor’s weekly visits, a receipt from Grilby’s that he kept for some reason, and a few other pieces of paper and belongings he’d collected.

As he went to pin the photograph up using a shell shaped tack that had been sent to him by an old colleague as part of some promotion for his new job as a “river taxi”, Wolfang’s eyes couldn’t help but to land on a certain apology letter that was also hanging up.

The letter had been from one of the local troublemakers, at request of their mother whom had been rather upset upon finding out what their child had been apart of. It had been the only letter he’d received in that regards about the incident which still lingered fresh on his mind the longer he stared at it.

Cold icy water slowly drowning out the laugher of his tormentors as he thrashed about, desperately trying to get back to shore. 

Eventually he gave up, resigning himself once again to a watery grave like that woman had done until an armored arm suplexes him out of the water. The whole time while he whimpered while those brats were hauled off by their angry parents.

He was quick to shake it out of his memory. After all, that was now a thing of the past. As long as he was in his cabin away from those who could hurt him, he would be safe.

Free from the ghosts of his past that haunt this now lone wolf.

Chapter Text

Now out of the Ruins, Axl took his first few steps into the snow.

Wait… Snow?

The reploid was confused as he looked up at the conifers that surrounded him. He almost swore that he was back above ground or had stumbled upon some human’s underground cultivation project until he noticed the same shining ceiling stones like those he had briefly seen in the ruins. 

It still didn’t explain the snow or how they got here. Perhaps it was just some strange Monster Magic or whatever at work.

The forest was quiet save for the crunch of his own footsteps. Yet as soon as he stepped over a branch, Axl got this unnerving feeling down his artificial spine that he wasn’t alone.

Perhaps it was just his audio receptors or eyes bugging him, but he swore he heard a set of footsteps or a brief passing shadow in the trees.

This all came to a head as he approached a bridge surrounded by what either had to be the worst attempt at building a walkway imaginable or some sort of barricade that was stopping nobody but tall people.

The footsteps grew louder as Axl froze in his tracks. Fighting his urge to grab his Bullets, he waited for them to stop as a deep voice spoke to him.

”H U M A N.”

Another monster.

“Don’t you know how to greet a new pal? Turn around and shake my hand.”

Reluctantly the Hunter did, somewhat afraid of what might happen if he didn’t. The figure behind him stood around his height, cloaked in shadow as he took its hand.

That followed next caught Axl off guard as a loud fart noise rang out as the figure revealed themselves to be a stout skeleton in a blue hoodle, chuckling at the stunned reaction he had gotten from the Hunter with a big grin.

”The old whoopee cushion in the hand trick. It’s ALWAYS funny.”

”I-I guess it is…” Axl awkwardly laughed. Maybe to this guy, but not to him when two seconds prior Axl thought he was going to jump him for something.

”Anyways, you’re a human, right?”

”Well… Not exactly. I’m a reploid. Basically a humanoid robot.” Axl didn’t want to give the same spiel he had given Toriel as he tapped his armor with his fist

“Reploid? Well I guess ya REPLICATE the look well enough to pass off as a human.” The skeleton chuckled at his own pun as the Hunter couldn’t help but to smirk a bit. ”I’m sans. Sans the skeleton. What about you, kiddo.”

“Axl.”

”Well I guess I should say that it’s been Axl-lent to meet ya.” Damn did this guy love his puns, even if that one was arguably kinda bad.

”I’m actually supposed to be on watch for humans right now. But… Y’know… I don’t really care about capturing anybody.”

Well that was a relief. Though the skeleton wasn’t finished.

”Now my brother, papyrus… He’s a human-hunting FANATIC.”

That, on the other hand, wasn’t good to hear. Given his track record so far, almost all Monsters he’d run across up to this point had mistaken him for a human and had engaged him in a fight as a result. If what Sans had said about this Papyrus character then perhaps it would be best to avoid him if he didn’t want to start any trouble.

Though the skeleton would notice the look on the Reploid’s face rather quickly as he reassured him that his bro was harmless. Yet at the same time, Sans got an idea.

“The thing is… My brother hasn’t actually ever seen a human before. I have an idea. Maybe ya could pretend to be one? I’m sure it would make his day. So… Howsaboutit?”

Axl hesitated as he looked at the smiling skeleton whom he still didn’t trust despite his non-hostility. It felt as if he were walking himself into a trap. A trap that he really didn’t want to be in where he might get killed. After all, Toriel wasn’t around to protect him out here.

”You sure this isn’t a trick?”

”As much as I love to joke around… I’m serious about this, kiddo.” Sans sounded serious about this, a stark contrast to the joking tone he’d had prior. And still it made Axl uncomfortable.

Perhaps he should humor the skeleton, no pun intended, and play along for his brother. If anything, maybe he could use this as a chance to prove to Monsters that maybe humans might not be as bad as they seem.

“Aright, I guess I can play along.” Axl shook his hand as the woopie cushion went off again, once again catching him off guard.

”Let me tell ya… You’ve made a good choice there, kiddo.” Sans seemed satisfied as he told Axl the plan. Both of them would walk through the “gate” that Papyrus had built and they would meet him at the upcoming sentry station where he would hide behind a conveniently-shaped lamp that turned out to be not as conveniently shaped as expected.

”Well… Uh…” Sans looked a bit disappointed as Axl’s hair jutted outside the back of it. “Plan B I guess… You hide behind those bushes or whatever…”

That wasn’t going to work either which was when Axl decided to come up with a better plan. He still had some copied DNA that he hadn’t used yet from a past mission that looked robotic enough to possibly pass off as some sort of statue or something.

Activiating his A-Trans, the Reploid shifted into another form much to the surprise of his bony companion whom quickly shrugged it off.

”Eh… I guess that will work.” Sans shrugged as a pair of footsteps approached. Axl went as still as a statue as another skeleton dressed in what he could best describe as an attempt at “armor” came running their way. Said skeleton looked a bit annoyed.

”Sup, bro?”

”You know what’s “Sup,” Brother! It’s been eight days and you still haven’t… Recalibrated. Your. Puzzles! You just hang outside your station! What are you even doing?!?”

”Staring at this lamp and this nice robot that wasn’t here before. They’re really cool. Do you wanna look? I think this one would look nice in your collection.”

”No!! I don’t have time for that!!” Papyrus stopped his foot angrily over and over at his brother’s antics. As much as he’d like to take this “life-sized” action figure that his brother had found and add it to his collection, the skeleton had other priorities. “What if a human comes through here!?! I want to be ready!!! I will be the one! I must be the one!

I WILL CAPTURE A HUMAN!

Then, I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS…” He did a confident pose. “Will get all the things I utterly deserve!

Respect…

Recognition…

I will finally be able to join the Royal Guard!

People will ask, to, be my “Friend?”

I will barge in a shower of kisses every morning.”

As desperate for attention as the taller skeleton’s speech sounded, Axl couldn’t help but to feel a small twinge at his heart. Oh how that reminded him so much of himself. A kid from basically the bottom of the barrel trying to make it big and impress his idols.

”Hmm… Maybe this action figure will help you. Pretend it’s a human.” A bit of a nervous chill ran up Axl’s spine at Sans likely blowing his cover but Papyrus didn’t budge, seeming once more annoyed at his brother’s suggestion.

”Sans!! You are not helping!! You lazybones!! All you do is sit and boondoggle! You get lazier and lazier every day!”

”Hey, take it easy. I’ve gotten a ton of work done today.

A skele-ton.”

Curse that short skeleton and his love of bad puns as Axl found himself giggling at the stupid joke. It had been just enough to cause him to briefly slip up as the young Hunter was quick to correct himself. Not before arousing the suspious of Papyrus.

”Sans, did you hear that?” The taller skeleton paused his typical demeanor as he looked around. “I swore that I heard somebody laughing at your terrible puns.”

”Nope. Didn’t hear nothing.” Sans acted all nonchalant much to Axl’s relief. “Probably just the wind Knee-d I say more?” Before promptly turning into another pun much to the annoyance of his brother whom didn’t want to admit that he found it kind of funny.

With his brother not being much of a help, Papyrus decided that he was going to go back to his puzzle-building. Not before leaving off with a pun of his own.

”As for your work? Put a little more, “backbone” into it!!!” He left with his signature NYEHEHEH! as Sans gave the all-clear. And just in time to boot as Axl’s A-Trans charge ran out, causing the poor Reploid to face plant in the snow as he misstepped.

”Phew…” He exclaimed as he shook the snow off his head. “And just in time too.”

Sans had wanted to make a comment about Axl’s powers as even amongst Monsters, shapeshifting like that wasn’t exactly considered “normal”. If anything, perhaps it would just be better for him to observe this Reploid, as a better means to judge his intentions. He did make a promise to not harm any humans, but that didn’t exactly extend to humanoid Reploids.

”So um… that was your brother, huh? Remind me again how having me hide is supposed to play into this plan…” Axl still wasn’t sure why Sans had him hide if the plan was for him to present himself to his brother as a human as the skeleton shrugged. He really didn’t have much of a plan as it had been more of a spur of the moment but supposed it could work with the surprise factor.

”I suppose it’s a part of the surprise factor… It wouldn’t do much good havin’ ya just standing there out in the open. Would it?”

”I guess you’re right.” He really didn’t have anything else to say. If anything, it all seemed best to go with the flow. Well… What little flow he had.

And with that, Sans would advise Axl that perhaps it would be best to get moving as his brother might come back and he’d be forced to listen to more of his puns. Not that he would mind the puns as his own humor was just about the same as the short skeleton’s, but mostly due to the fact that meant that he would have to hide again. And well, the copy chip was now out of the question unless he were to either find something else to copy or let the thing recharge. Both of which were out of the question.

Sans would meet him somewhere up the road as Axl came across his first SAVE Point since the ruins at a crossroad that connected to a nice cozy riverfront with a fishing line that somebody had left A better time then never just in case things went wrong.

WARNING: ENEMY APPROACHING

It began while Axl was messing with his comms line, seeing on the off chance he could get any signals down here because why not. And well, to his surprise, he was able to pick up a signal.

You’re listening to Snowy FM, your warm spot on the dial for entertainment and local news in this winter wonderland. Broadcasting live out of Snowdin Town…

The station would go on to play a song by some local group called Rodney’s Band that played a gig at a local venue several years back. Axl found himself getting caught up in the music that he didn’t notice the snowflake-chicken looking monster standing in front of him.

”Hey! Why are you giving me the “cold” shoulder?” The monster looked annoyed as he had been trying to get the Reploid’s attention for a while now, wishing to share some of his puns. Now feeling discouraged as he mumbled an insult about humans under his breath.

”Oh, I didn’t see you there. Sorry but I was messing with my radio…” Axl apologized to the Monster whom seemed to perk up a bit now that he had a potential audience. During which, Axl took this as his chance to scan them.

Target Identified

Name: Snowdrake

Status: HP: 74  ATK: 6   DEF: 2

This teen comedian fights to keep a captive audience.

’Maybe Sans and this guy should hang out sometime.’ Perhaps this was his chance to try out some of his own.

“So you like jokes I hear? Perhaps I can take a shot at it and give you some new ones for your act then. My sense of humor’s always on target when it comes to puns.” Snowdrake didn’t sound too impressed with his attempts at gun humor.

”Ha… ha… Nice try.”

After a volley of easily avoidable projectiles as Axl found he could just stay in a corner, he reconsidered his options. That was when the bird-monster made his own bad pun about ice which the reploid couldn’t help but to crack a smile over.

That seemed to please Snowdrake whom felt like he had finally proved his old man wrong. That he did indeed have a future in comedy. A few extra puns were traded between the parties before they left on good terms, one of them with some new material to certainly spice up his act.

FUN VALUE 65 EVENT:  Sound_Test_Radio_Transmission

Perhaps what better chance than ever to search for more signals than right here by this underground river.

It was out in the open and calm, well if you were to ignore the fishing poll with that image of a fish monster that wasn’t going to leave his memory banks anytime soon.

Sitting down and dipping his boots into the ice-cold stream, Axl begin to mess with his comms. Yet what happened next was something that nearly made him fall into the cold water as a robotic voice spoke to him.

”Welcome to the sound test! Listen to all your favorites with just flick of a dial.”

That was a strange name for a station but he assumed that this was some sort of test transmission. By now it was clear that monsters knew what radio was as he wasn’t getting any signals from the outside world. This signal was coming in from where he’d picked up the Snowdin signal so perhaps the two were related.

Yet the music would be far from what he or anyone would consider to be any sort of “favorite”.

Unfinished, eery, and somewhat off-key music blared from Axl’s headset into his processors on loop. Each time the same robotic voice narrated what their names were as he flipped the dial, that was until he got to the last one.

The voice didn’t announce the name of this one as a spooky, ominous, tune began to play over the comms.

Any attempts to shut off his comms resulted in failure as Axl got a creepy feeling that somebody was watching him. Or at least right behind him, smiling.

And soon… it would be all over as the robotic voice from before announced that the test was now over before Snowy FM’s regular broadcasting took over, in the midst of a news report.

“Thanks for your feedback! Be seeing you soon!”

Despite that strange transmission, Axl would shrug it off and go back to searching for more. Switching over to the AM band where he picked up one calling itself Repliforce Radio and MTT Radio, the former where a speaker calling himself Slash Beast boredly recited something regarding a budget while the latter’s much more obnoxious host gladly took calls from gushing fans over some movie they recently starred in.

“After much consideration, currently acting Commander-in-Chief Spiral “Skiver” Pegasus is now happy to announce an increase in the budget to the Meadow Restoration Project following the relocation of Mine Co’s work to Waterfall as part of efforts to excavate a newly discovered cavern. This means that construction for that long awaited irrigation pipeline will finally be-

brzzzt!

”Hello darlings and welcome back to another episode of the MTT Podcast with yours truly! As well as a special guest you all know and love…

Give it up for my wonderful costar in collaboration, Magma Dragoon!”

”…Hrmf….”

Stations he’d listen into later, for now he was going to stick to the local band as it was bound to give him more details on what to expect.

“On this edition of Anomalous Underground, we’ll be discussing the mysteries on the airwaves. Strange signals that the lovely folks here in Snowdin and beyond have heard sneaking themselves a slot on their favorite stations.”

FUN VALUE 71 EVENT: Irregular_Data_NPC1

Next to the save Star stood a strange looking Mettaur standing next to it. It’s body was relatively normal in color, save for parts of it that seemed to be “distorted” by some odd purplish-pink hue that looked to be overtaking parts of it.

The Mechanloid made no motion to attack or hide as Axl decided to speak with it.

"There was once a reploid who experimented with time travel. He hoped to create a device that would allow an easier means of doing so. He succeeded but not without consequence."

‘What is this thing even talking about?’  

Either this was some elaborate prank or some sort of bizarre malfunction.

”What he found on the other side, however. Has changed how he views this world forever.”

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