Undertale Determination

The outside

It wasn't really my intention to stay that long. But as days passed, I grew accustomed to stay. The Ruins aren't as intimidating anymore after I accompany Toriel every day to check if the stones are fine or if there is any problem. And during those walks, the monsters also became more friendly and opened up to me. Meaning they didn't try to kill me on first sight, but instead tried to talk to me. But I still couldn't get myself to talk to Loox. Even if they were talking and appearing friendly, I couldn't forget how painful the death was. Not like anyone else but Chara knew. Toriel also started to teach me the monster's letter system after she noticed how I struggled to read one of her books. I still kept the books from the cabin hidden, just to be sure.

But no matter how much I tried to figure out the connection between the letters and the books, they were none. Chara was no help as they were floating in the room we were staying in, groaning in boredom and staring at the dusty, old books.
„I could read the letters fluently, if they would be letters. Those are just symbols Frisk! Weird writings or anything else! Let's just go and explore the ruins already."
„But who would make those symbols in a book?"
„Don't know, don't care. Let's just leave."
They frowned, tapping through the book like it was even possible to make a sound.
„You had been staying in this room for hours already. Don't you think it's time to eat? Or to go out?"

I put the book back inside my bag and hid it away inside the wardrobe under other clothes. As much as I would like to trust Toriel, I can't. And it would be a lie if I would say the flowers words didn't shake something inside me. But by far, she was the only monster that has helped me...and I didn't wanted to worry Chara about it any longer. They seemed to be on guard for the talking plant as well.
„Yes...I guess food sounds nice."
It was still strange to have regular meal times a day. Normally Toriel or Chara had to remind me to eat lunch or something in the morning. Which is extremely embarrassing. Once we both stepped out of the door, Toriel stood already in the halls, smiling warmly down to me as ever.

„Greeting, my child. I was just about to call you for lunch."
„Oh, yes...I'm sorry, I forgot the time again..."
„No need to worry about the time. Children like you should enjoy their playtime for as long as they want...if it doesn't get in the way of their health that is."
Even with the passing days, I couldn't figure out why she was so nice. Or why she had a room for a kid inside her house. One possibility was that he had a child, but it either left her or...died...and there weren't any photos or a family portrait inside the house. There could be one in her room, but I couldn't bring myself to even knock on her door. Not yet anyways.

As I ate the potato like meal, she read out loud about the underground. And how the Ruins weren't the only place that existed. Snowdin, Waterfall, Hotland, The Core and new Home? That sounds like the outside of the Ruins is getting extremely cold and than really hot over the course of it. Chara tensed heavily though, once Toriel continued.
„After new Home, there will be a last corridor before one reaches the throne room of the king. Behind that, lays the barrier that traps monster underground."
A barrier? I heard bits and pieces already, but it sounded slightly like the fairy tale we heard in school.
„Uhm...is it because the wizards casted that barrier?"

Toriel looked surprised, blinking towards me with a tilted head.
„So you know this story already?"
„A-ah...not entirely. It just reminded me of a fairytale we all hear in school."
„A fairytale..."
She looked back to the book, stroking her soft fur over the pages.
„Has it been that long already?"
That long? What did she mean? I looked confused to Chara, but they were no help with them being so tense and hugging themselves. Even if my mind said to shut up, I couldn't help my curiosity.
„What do you mean?"
My words took her out of her thoughts as she looked up at me and smiled.