Armytale

Entry Number One

Log date: Unknown, 201X.

Location: Approximately one mile underneath Mt. Ebott

When I came to, I immediately tried sitting up, only for my vision to sway violently. I immediately figured I had a concussion of some kind, and waited until the world stopped spinning to stand. I had landed on a bed of yellow flowers, deep within some cave inside Mt. Ebott.

Checking my rifle, I sighed in relief when I saw it was undamaged. The same couldn't be said for my helmet though, which sported a large dent. I kept it on though, after all, something is better than nothing. Unfortunately, as I stood, I felt a sharp agony course through my foot, giving me the impression my ankle was broken.

Hobbling around on one foot, I found two sticks.

One short but thick, and the other longer and thin. I took the shorter stick and created a makeshift splint for myself, taking the other as a cane.

Looking up at where I fell, I estimated the height of the cave to be at least a mile from the surface. Seeing how high the cave was and given the state of my injuries, I felt my heart sink. Surely, nobody would find me down here. I steeled myself though, and began slowly hobbling forward.

I took out my trench knife and equipped it, holding it in my hands for safety's sake.

As I walked along, I noticed the walls seemed chiseled out and oddly decorated. I even saw the remains of a doorway carved from the stone. There was a pillar of light that peaked through the cavern, revealing a small grassy patch. As I approached the grass, a flower popped out from the ground, making me jump back in surprise.

It wasn't a normal flower by any means, it's petals being a bright yellow and a smile in the centre.

"Howdy! I'm Flowey. Flowey the flower. You're new to the Underground, aren't you? Golly! You must be so confused. Someone outa show you how things work around here. Seems like lil' ol' me will have to do."

It spoke, seemingly friendly.

I narrowed my eyes at the thing. Looks can be deceiving after all. My soul flashed, revealing itself in front of the flower.

My soul was an ugly burgundy color, tainted by the fires of war and Levels of Violence. I happened to be best sniper in my squadron, so it wasn't much of a surprise to see myself at LV fifteen and forty out of fifty five health.

It filled me with half part pride and half sadness to see my soul.

When the flower noticed my soul's off color and my Levels of Violence, it frowned slightly. "Huh. That's strange.. Most humans don't have nearly this much LV when they fall." It hummed curiously, rubbing it's chin with a pseudo hand leaf.

I chuckled softly at its reaction.

"That's because most humans aren't face to face with the barrel of a gun everywhere they go." The flower just cocked it's head to one side, a small smile on its face.

It chuckled, before disappearing into the ground. I shrugged off the encounter the best I could, moving to continue forward when I heard soft footsteps approaching from the other side of the cavern.

Shakily, I held out my knife.

"S-state your name and purpose! I-I have a weapon a-and I won't hesitate to use it!"

I called out, cursing myself for sounding so afraid. From the shadows came a motherly woman's voice.

"Now now, there's no need for hostilities."

Another creature revealed itself, this time a snow white satyr dressed in a royal purple cloak. She held herself with a regal air, leaving me to assume she was some kind of leader. She smiled warmly, her manner similar to a parental figure. "Greetings. I am Toriel, caretaker of the ruins."

It was at this time she noticed my injuries.

"Oh dear! Are you alright?" She asked worriedly, extending a fluffy hand out to touch my head. I pushed it away, a neutral expression on my face.

"Ma'am, I am fully capable of mending myself, although your kindness is appreciated. It would be much appreciated if you could tell me where the exit is." I explained curtly, not wanting to spend more time here than needed.

She smiled sheepishly. "Come now, the ruins are not so bad. I merely wish to see you at full health, that's all." She made a motion with her hands, casting some sort of spell. Immediately the ache in my head disappeared, and my health returned to its proper state. Unfortunately, I could see that my ankle was still broken.

I thanked her anyway.

Long story short, this 'Toriel' helped guide me through the ruins as well as various puzzles until we reached the end of the ruins. There sat a cozy looking home, which turned out to be Toriel's residence.

...

There was a save point in the front, so with nothing else to lose I saved my progress. As I stepped inside the house, I was filled with nostalgic sentimentality.

It has been quite a long time since I've been in an actual home. I walked around, exploring the entirety of the place.

When I stepped in front of a mirror, I paused to look at myself.

My eyes were sunken and dull, no longer a vibrant amethyst but instead a drab lavender. My face was covered in various cuts and bruises, my hair filled with split ends and knots. My dented helmet sat upon my head, and my clothes were torn in places and stained with blood in others.

In short, I looked like a complete mess. No longer was I Ann Lee.

I am Platoon Sargent Lee of North Carolina in the local militia.

I sighed, feeling weary. I asked Mrs. Toriel if there was someplace where I could rest for a bit. She told me there was a room off to the right that I could use.

It wasn't much, just a small child bed and other children decor, but I couldn't complain.

After all, it's better than sleeping in a cot along with ten other soldiers.