Undertale (a retelling)

Hotland

We made it to Hotland and saved. To the right of the save point was a lab. We entered into it. The room was too dark to see very much. We all shuffled towards the end of the room, being careful not to trip over anything. We heard a door open and the clicking of claws on the cold tile floor. The lights clicked on and a strange lizard lady gazed at our little group. "Oh. My god! I didn't expect you all to show up so soon! I haven't showered, I'm barely dressed, it's all messy, and..." She panicked, getting all flustered before calming down. "Ummm... H-h-hiya! I'm Dr Alphys. I'm Asgore's Royal Scientist! B-b-but, ahhh, I'm not one of the 'bad guys'! Actually, since the first two of you stepped out of the Ruins, I've, uh...been 'observing' your journey through my console." She told us. She gestured to her computer. "Your fights... Your friendships... Everything! I was originally going to stop you, but...watching someone on a screen really makes you root for them. S-so, ahhh, now I want to help you all! Using my knowledge, I can easily guide you through Hotland! I know a way to Asgore's castle, no problem!" She said, giving us a thumbs up. "...Well, actually, umm,there's just one tiny issue." She said. The colour drained from our faces. "A long time ago, I made a robot named Mettaton. Originally, I built them to be an entertainment robot. Uh, you know, like a robotic TV star or something. Anyway, recently I decided to make him more useful. You know, just some small practical adjustments. Like, um...anti... Anti-human combat features?" She said nervously. Everyone but Lucy went pale. "Of c-course, when I saw you all coming, I immediately decided... I have to remove those features! Unfortunately, I may have made a teensy mistake while doing so. And, um... Now he's an unstoppable killing machine with a thirst for human blood? Eheheheh...heh. But, umm, hopefully we won't run into him!" She said to us. Just as she finished, a metal banging was heard. "...?" The banging grew louder. "Did you hear something?" Alphys asked. "Oh no." She said, woefully. The lights had faded out, leaving us in complete darkness. "Ohhhh yes!" Came an enigmatic voice, full of charisma. "Welcome, beauties... To today's quiz show!" The lights flickered back on and in front of us stood a metal box on a sturdy wheel. "Oh boy! I can tell its gonna be a great show!" The box said. "Everyone give a big hand for our wonderful contestants!" He started to clap for us. "Never played before, gorgeous? No problem! It's simple! There's only one rule. Answer correctly...or you die." He said menacingly. The world flickered. "Mettaton attacks!" Charlotte warned. I chose to cry. I didn't want to fight. It turned out that he only wanted to question us. Alphys was a big help, showing us the answers. When it got to the last question, Alphys became too excited and tried to give us the answer but Mettaton stopped her. "Alphys, Alphys, Alphys. You're not helping the contestants are you?" He asked. Alphys shook her head, nervous sweat appeared on her brow. "Ooooh! You should have told me! Well, I'm sure they can get the next question. Who does Dr Alphys have a crush on?" The options were Undyne, Asgore, Me or Don't know. I saw Alphys wringing her hands, begging us not to answer this question. I pressed Undyne, because she likes Alphys, and I thought she should know. "There you have it folks! Yes, the great doctor scrawls her name in the margins of her notes and names programming variables after her." Mettaton told us. Alphys had blushed as red as my Soul. "She has even written a novel about them, sharing a domestic life. Well, that is the end of the show. But, fear not, dear viewers. This was only the pilot episode. Toodles!" Mettaton finished. He blasted away, leaving all of us dumbstruck. "Well, that was certainly something." Alphys said, breaking the silence. Lilah went over to Alphys to see if she was okay. "Th-that last question... He wasn't s-supposed to ask that one." She said. Lilah gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry Alphys. There's always a chance Undyne never saw the show. Who knows, maybe she shares the same feelings for you? She does care about you, you know." She said. Alphys gave a small smile. "Well, we best be off." I say. "Wait, wait! L-let me give you my p-phone number. Th-then... Maybe... If you need help, I could..." Alphys said. I handed over my phone. "Wh...Where'd you get that phone!? It's ancient! It doesn't even have texting. W-wait a second, please!" Alphys ran to her workspace and began to upgrade my phone. She ran back. "Here, I upgraded it for you. It can do texting, items, it's got a keychain! I even signed you up for the Undergrounds No#1 social network. Now we're officially friends! Eheheh! Heh." Alphys told me. She began to look around, becoming nervous. "I'm going to the bathroom." She said. The door she originally came out of opened and she hid behind it. We collectively sigh and leave the lab.