Tales of Evolution

[evolutiontale-au]

"You know, there's a saying amongst us Monsters- 'It's raining somewhere else.' Kinda weird, isn't it?"

*You shrugged, an expression of idle interest upon your face. *This was different than anything else you'd seen. *This was completely new.

"It was coined shortly after the Barrier was raised, when we found out why the Mages had imprisoned us under the mountain. As it turned out, they'd been just as forced to ACT as we were. Their loved ones- friends and family alike- had been held for ransom. Nobody could help them, so they had to fulfill what had been demanded of them. They were forced to be our disappearance."

*Your opponent stood ready, one gloved hand behind his back. *His expression was utterly blank, a blasphemy to his name. *Papyrus was in your way.

"This saying has many different interpretations, but there's one in particular that I favor. I believe it's meant to remind us that everyone has different troublesome things they're going through. No matter what hardships you're experiencing, there are others going through trials of their own, in other times and other places. So, really, you're never alone in your suffering. It only seems that way."

*You gripped the knife in your right hand a bit tighter. *A muffled clap of thunder sounded overhead. *It was raining.

"Tell me, Human. If it's supposed to be raining somewhere else..."

*He brought forth his hidden hand, revealing what it held. *It was a dusty jacket, in shades of white and grey. *You recognized it as Undyne's.

"...then why did you kill her? Why did you kill everyone you could get your hands on? Why did you go around, CRYING FOR HELP, until nobody was left to come? I don't understand. I don't understand why you would do that. I don't understand what could drive you to such extremes. So please, tell me... Why is it raining?"

*You'd heard enough- he was merely stalling for time. *Raising the knife, you charged forward. *A shimmering field of green magic deflected the blow.

"Didn't you hear, Paps? Rain encourages plants both old and new alike to grow- even the weeds. You'll have to wait for the storm to break before trying to uproot the problem."

*A new opponent came into view, standing beside his brother. *His jacket was slightly torn from a previous Encounter. *Sans was in your way.

"I guess you're right, Sans. It'd be difficult to weed out the problems in the rain. Therefore, en guarde, Human! Prepare for your malicious intent to be broken!"

*You looked over the skeleton brothers, and saw a righteous fury in their sockets. *For the sake of those who had Fallen to your whims, they would FIGHT. *Sans and Papyrus blocked the way.

[evolutiontale-au]

Boss Monsters: Can You Be One?

What is a Boss Monster? In order to determine whether or not it is possible to become one, you must first know what it is.

Some believe it to be merely an empowering title of achievement, similar to vertical stripes. Some consider it a fundamental shift in one's being, as though the soul itself is altered by one's attainment of this status. Some think that one is born into this category, and that if one is not, then they never will be able to reach this level of development.

In actuality, it is a mixture of all three of these beliefs.

All Monsters, no matter the subspecies, are capable of achieving "Boss" level. Once this is done, they may experience a shift in their sense of self, or perhaps a shift in the way they wield their magic; yet some experience no noticeable changes whatsoever. This individually-based ascension is why there are so many contradictory beliefs on the matter, and why it is necessary to discuss the evolutionary process of this subclass type.

To become a Boss Level Monster, one must have an absolute awareness of their being and some purpose to devote themself to. That may sound simple to the unassuming reader, but unfortunately, it is no such thing. Try to imagine how your body works in its entirety, how every little cell and spark of energy contributes to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Imagine how your personality and thought processes are affected by your body, and vice versa. Imagine how the very fiber of your being fits in with the fabric of society around you... Now, regardless of how well you know yourself, imagine what you want to contribute to the world.

Difficult, is it not? Who you are is someone utterly unique, no matter how similar you may seem to another. Whether your only difference is a favored food or whether you're a stark opposite; you in your entirety are unmatched. To know who you are and what you want to do is, indeed, a worthy challenge for the elite status of the Boss Monster.

Thus, the short answer for this question is; "Yes! With an open mind and the willpower to seek understanding, you can be a Boss Monster!"

[evolutiontale-au]

Humans: A Brief History Of The Ascendancy

 Behold; it is the inner ring of the Crystal Province, one of the seven capitol cities of Humanity.

As you follow the maglev highway into the city, shimmering skyscrapers seem to grow around you, the reinforced glass upon them reflecting and refracting the light of dusk in a brilliant display of color. In the daytime, these same buildings light up with a variety of colors based upon their designated purposes and the events that go on within; organized minds working together to keep the city running seamlessly.

Down on the ground below these skyscrapers, there is the hustle and bustle of beings moving quickly about their day to stay on schedule, people clad in colorful clothing nearly as bright as the skyline itself. We work reliably for that which we want and converse regardless of what we are doing, exchanging both pleasantries and information in equal measures as they go about their days. When one isn't working, there are often trips taken to the parks nearby and the community centers and the game lounges, as recreational activities and sufficient amounts of rest are proven to be important for one's mental and physical health. It is a safe and secure life to live, one which many citizens consider themselves lucky to possess.

Of course, things were not always this way.

Our evolutionary level began low, as all must, with primal desires slowly being replaced by self control. Over time we became smarter, less instinctual and more analytical, yet less happy and more cynical. Danger lurked around every corner; horrible things were done to each other in every dark alley; terrible crimes were committed in broad daylight with no protest. Everyone was an enemy, someone to be wary of, and as our technology level grew, we began to destroy ourselves.

Bombs capable of decimating the entire planet were created. The first detonation wasn't an accident; it was deliberately done so others would die and one group of belief could be proven the most powerful of us all. Yet not all of us were evil. Not everything was bleak. There were those of us who had come to see that the current state was no state to be in, and wanted to do something about it. So they did; they stole the remaining bombs against all odds, and disposed of them so thoroughly that we still don't know where they went to this day.

Technology afterwards advanced rapidly yet sloppily, and those who desired such unreasonable destruction were brought to justice. Our race had finally united together, forgetting our troubles with each other, and we worked towards the goal of common advancement. The one who had led the revolution and inspired the people to unite together was delegated the leader of all, and he laid out the framework for society to advance beyond his doings.

As the dust settled and peace began to reign throughout the land, our first Ascendant declared an heir to his position; the last official statement he made before dying. His best friend's great-grandson became the leader of all Humans, and decreed that with his leadership would come a time for the betterment of our species.

The Caste System was developed during this time. What had previously been a mere framework for progress became the stepping stones for Human society today, as the citizens of various talents and skills were organized into classes based upon what they could do best. The second Ascendant, at the very top of our societal hierarchy, gave us the organization we needed to better ourselves, living up to his promise:

The First Caste consists of only one person, given leadership above all. This is the Ascendant, responsible for all of Humanity, leading as is their duty. They can be removed from power at any time, should they ACT threateningly towards the peace that has been established, by the Advisors and the People below them. Otherwise, an Ascendant will remain in leadership until they step down or die.

The Second Caste is made of the Advisors. These people are much like the Dukes and Duchesses of ancient medieval history, providing valuable council to their current Ascendant, while keeping the wishes of the people in mind. As the closest to the top, being past Ascendants, they rule over multiple estates as a regional charge, and are in charge of the military forces together. A contract made at the end of their individual leaderships declares their loyalty to the Ascendants that take their place, and should they disagree with this contract, they are free to leave their position to become a member of a lower caste. Advisors are a part of the Tri-Caste Council beneath the Ascendant, representing themselves and the deceased members of their Caste.

The Third Caste consists of the Scions, land-owning lords of the Ascendancy, looking over large estates beneath the Advisors. These are the scientists making progress towards the improvement of Humanity as a whole, be it through psychological comfort, physical improvement, or otherwise. They are the ones who travel the most throughout society, interacting with the people of all castes in order to make sure that everyone is relatively happy and healthy, and most commonly work alongside Spans, Artisans, and Tributes alike. Scions are a part of the Tri-Caste Council beneath the Ascendant, representing themselves, the Artisans, and the Tributes.

The Fourth Caste is known to host the Spans. Much like the knights of old, these people act as the mercenaries, guards, police, and military for the Ascendancy, making sure that the laws are enforced and the citizens are safe. Like the Advisors, those of this caste are under contract that declares their loyalty to the Ascendant in power, and they are also free to leave their positions at any time if they so desire. Not everyone is cut out for violence, after all.

The Fifth Caste contains the vast array of Artisans, those most skilled with the arts of all visual and auditory manners. They lead the people in the way of media, and are considered the idols and celebrities of Human society. Everyone has their favorites, of course, but seeing one on the street is always a perk up to the day. These Class A citizens are are allowed to go anywhere inside and outside the cities, but are not allowed within The Ascendant's Tower or the research facilities without proper authorization.

The Sixth Caste consists of the Proletarians; the working class of society. Proletarians possess the largest population of all other castes, followed by the Hangs and the Spans, and perform a variety of jobs throughout the city. These Class B citizens are free to to anywhere inside and outside the cities, but are not allowed to enter the inner ring (which holds the Ascendant's Tower, the research facilities, and the homes of the Advisors, Scions, and Artisans) without proper authorization. Proletarians are a part of the Tri-Caste Council beneath the Ascendant, representing themselves, the Spans, and the Hangs.

The Seventh Caste hosts the Hangs, citizens that don't have jobs for various reasons. Most commonly, the Hangs are children, disabled, and elderly- people who are physically unable to work- although there have been exceptions to this. A lack of jobs in one field of work may cause a few citizens to become Hangs until they prove their ability to work in other fields, at which point they are no longer considered Hangs. As Class C citizens, their travel is limited to within the cities, unless they have the necessary skills or authorization to go out into the wilds.

The Eighth Caste is made of the Tributes, people who have willingly given themselves up to a higher Caste for various purposes. This may be because they wanted to repay a debt they felt couldn't be paid any other way, or because they wanted the chance to be subjects of the Scions' experiments and score some cool stuff, or because they wanted to learn things they otherwise wouldn't be able to in their previous Caste. Citizens of the Ascendancy are incapable of becoming a Tribute unless they or a guardian prove their understanding of all this entails, and if a Tribute was signed on as a child, they are officially given the chance to rejoin normal society upon reaching the age of adulthood.

With the creation of the Caste System, we let our society continue to grow, and set forth on our journey of evolution.

Scientifically, our greatest step forward at this point has to be the development of genetic engineering software. We created machines that could decipher individual DNA sequences, and studied hard to identify the traits that was within each separate part. With such an advancement, we could- and did- make our immune systems stronger, our kids taller, and gave them unique features like violet hair and neon orange eyes and other appealing traits.

When these kids grew up, they took over the process and improved upon it; adding health and intelligence and beauty. As more DNA sequences were identified, we became much more versatile, our adaptability increasing. We grew stronger, faster; able to bring ourselves to a satisfactory physical condition with little effort. No more diets and no more concern over obesity!

Our stories and legends told of people who could become one with nature; of people who could run freely across a city skyline with the utmost faith in their own ability to stay safe doing so; of people who could wrestle dangerous animals and come out on top with a smile. With genetic engineering, we could do all of that, and more... We are fulfilling the fantasies of our ancestors one by one.

Aren't you proud of how far we've come?

[evolutiontale-au]

The Pacifist of Loss

A boy stood in front of the Lab, gazing upon his reflection in the almost mirror-like metal doors. The light silver shirt and smooth grey pants he wore were frowned upon- the simple, baggy clothes a symbol of his low status in Human society- and his gaze soon shifted to the pale green accessories he'd acquired.

A frying pan in an ugly color; one of the only two possessions he could truly call his own. It was what he used to cook with, and something he would not part with easily, as it was the last thing truly linking him to the Surface.

The other object, currently draped over one shoulder in a dramatic fashion that made the boy nod in approval, was what he and Papyrus had dubbed the CAPRON. They'd made it together- rather, Papyrus and Sans had made it while Undyne pretended to be oblivious to his presence- after he'd demonstrated his appreciation for kitchen activities. The apron had a pocket on the outside while it was being worn properly, but as it had been slung over his shoulder to make it into a cape, the pocket was currently inaccessible.

It looked better than any clothes he'd had before...

Blinking himself out of his thoughts, the boy knocked on the door of the Lab, focusing on his objectives. He had to talk with Undyne's crush; try convince her to let him pass through unhindered. The robot living in the area had already agreed to leave him be due to his incredibly peaceful ways, but only under the condition that he could convince Alphys to do the same... this could be tricky.

"One moment!"

Footsteps sounded from inside the Lab, and the boy caught a final glance of his reflection before the doors slid open.

"I've been expecting you. Come in."

Gazing up at the scaled Monster nearly two feet taller than him, he nodded, and entered without a moment further of hesitation. This was the greatest obstacle that stood between him and the King. If he could reach Asgore; if he could convince Toriel's husband to realize that Humans could be just as Kind as they could be Cruel; then maybe he and future Fallen Humans could live down here peacefully.

He had quite a lot of ACTing to do, after what the last Fallen Human had done.

Where you fail, we will succeed. Where you fall, we will rise. Join us, Kindness. Monsters are a species that have no HoPe for recovery. It would be a MERCY to Lay them down to Rest.

The boy jolted upright, his hands coming up to pat at the body he wasn't quite sure was untouched. Those voices... those other kids... had they truly been there, or was he only dreaming?

He'd been told their stories by Toriel, the beautiful Monster that he was happy to call his Mother. Patience, the first Fallen Human, had started this whole mess... and Perseverance, the last Fallen Human before him, had only worsened it. It was bad enough that the Monsters in the Ruins mostly moved out for fear of meeting a Human as bad as they were, leaving only the Froggits, Whimsuns, Loox, and Vegetoids he'd met along the path, but to hear from the kids themselves what they'd done...? Did he hear their sides of the story, or had it only been a dream?

"Everyone's had a hard time of it, huh?"

The boy stood up from the couch he'd been laying on- Alphys had let him stay over for the night- and slid on his boots. Checking his frying pan over for any scratches, he nodded to himself and clipped it onto his belt. The CAPRON was donned, flowing majestically over his shoulders with the pocket still inaccessible. He was ready to go forward.

After tapping out a quick thank-you note on one of the screens floating around nearby, the boy grasped the edge of his CAPRON and turned with a dramatic swoosh, making it out the doors to Hotland before giggling and tapping his wrist. A holographic projection came from the silver cuff he wore on his left wrist, displaying the map he'd downloaded of the area while the lizard scientist wasn't looking. (He didn't want to get her in trouble for helping him.)

"Alphie said that the lifts are working, but that they only went to the third floor left side, because the right side elevator was under maintenance. That means I'll have to go out past the... residential section, and around an abandoned building, if this map is right."

Lining out the path he'd take on the map, the boy then tapped his wrist to dismiss the hologram, and set off for the Capital.

The boy stared at the Monster above him, perched on a windowsill of the run-down building. She had pale magenta skin, and five eyes, and six arms, and her hair reminded him of a princess from an old movie series he'd done a report on for Media Studies.

"Ahuhu, are you only going to stare at me?"

He blinked, his mouth closing with a soft snap, and he shook his head. Fiddling with his CAPRON, he said the first thing that came to mind, intent on correcting his rude behavior.

"S-sorry, you're really pretty."

His face flushed up immediately, and he hid behind his frying pan, fiercely pretending that he couldn't hear the high-pitched laughter at his behavior. Alas, he couldn't ignore it for long, as the girl was suddenly close enough to gently lower the pan.

Her eyes were a solid color, he noticed, and her face looked very soft. But there was another look about her, a sort of gleam in her eyes and a certain tilt to her lips that he'd seen among the kids he'd known back on the Surface... before he ran away.

"No need to apologize for a genuine compliment," the lady spoke, and he blinked, paying attention again. "I'm Miss Muffet, but my friends call me Emmy. I'm known for my ability to find things, and you, dear Human, are what I've been looking for since I've heard about your Fall."

The boy became aware of a pressure at his back- he hadn't been anywhere near the wall, what was this?- and the energy of magic began to spark and flow around him.

He'd been caught in her web from the second he could see her.

"Please wait, Miss Emmy. We don't need to FIGHT. I want to see the King, and talk to him about the past Fallen Humans, and I won't be able to do that if we FIGHT and I lose. I only have one chance."

That talking flower had told him he had one chance to get to the King before it was too late, and not to make any detours... He probably shouldn't have slept as long as he did.

Fortunately, the spider monster seemed to be interested in what he was saying.

"Why? You could've stayed in the Ruins and waited for him to visit Toriel, and then spoken to him without risk of being killed out here. He visits often, I'm sure you know. Why leave safety and risk your life like this?"

It was true- Asgore had visited only a few days before he Fell- and he could've waited for him to visit again. That would've certainly helped him, and the next Fallen Humans... but...

"It wouldn't have helped the Monsters that Perseverance caused grief to. A lot of people died, and their families and friends don't have closure yet. As long as Humans and Monsters have this tension between them, they'll be hurting and afraid, wondering things like 'What if the next human kills more of us, or the last one to venture out after him?' I don't want them to be afraid of me, Miss. I don't want to be hurting them simply because I exist nearby."

The web of purple strands around the boy stilled in its movement, neither tightening its grasp nor unraveling to release him. Muffet considered the strands, her fingers weaving through them without being caught as he had been. It seemed that she was thinking hard about something.

That look in her eyes...

"What is your name, Kindness?"

Oh. She wanted a name to go with his face. That's right- he'd forgotten to introduce himself. Oh geez, had he forgotten to introduce himself to everyone outside the Ruins? Way to go, volt-head!

"Alexander Tomaz Ward, miss."

Her gaze sharpened- intrigue, perhaps?

"Ward?"

...he shifted in the web she'd woven, uncomfortably aware of his baggy clothes sliding against his skin. Fine quality, as every Human got, but a visible sign of his status.

"I'm an orphan, Miss. My parents were poor, and died in the Outskirts shortly after giving me up to the Institution to have a chance at a better life. The people responsible were caught, and executed in front of me because I had the Right to Blood, but I wasn't satisfied in the end... Their deaths didn't really make me feel better."

The boy sniffed, and Muffet held out a handkerchief for him to use, as his arms were somewhat tied up at the moment.

"They said I didn't like it because I was Green, and that other kids my age had been pacified by the punishments their wrongdoers had received. I was too weak, so they sent me to an orphanage in the same area where my parents had died, in hopes that it would toughen me up. I ran away, and Fell into the Underground, and now I find out that another Human had caused the same grief to the people here? They're not satisfied either, are they?"

There was a long silence, long enough that Alexander began to think that he would get no response. That was okay. The odds that this girl understood him were low, especially since she didn't know the ways of the Surface...

"They're not."

What?

"They're not satisfied with the death of their parents' killer, because the killer didn't do anything to make up for it. The killer received a quick and merciful death, despite the screams many had heard coming from the Monsters she befriended and killed soon after. All the traits she'd acquired from those deaths, the traits that were so much better suited in their parents' grasp, gone to waste. All the happiness she'd ended before they'd even gone to school... No, they're not satisfied with death, but they can't allow such a thing to happen again to others."

...she did understand. Though her solution was different than his, she still understood.

"I'm sorry, Alexander."

The boy tested his bonds, and sniffed again. He knew why she had to do this, knew that he thought a lot differently than most other Humans. His ideas were always snubbed and considered foolish, and maybe they were right... but maybe he thought more like Monsters than Humans, anyways.

"It's okay. But, Miss Emmy, can you make me a promise?"

His gaze shifted from eye to eye to eye, as he looked the spider monster in the face. There was no way of knowing whether she would do what he asked, but he didn't have a way out of this situation anyways...

"I know that there's a reward for capturing me. You're not entirely interested in the reward, I can see that now, but you'll receive it anyways. Please, use it to help others like us. Those who lost everything, who have nobody to turn to, who need each other. I give you my soul freely, Miss Emmy, as long as you help them live without the fear we have."

The web tightened, and it became more and more difficult to breathe. Still, as his vision began to fade, and his heartbeat pounded in his ears, he tried to hear the lady's response...

Darkness overtook Alexander's world, and he smiled, before falling limp.

I promise.

[evolutiontale-au]

The Siblings of Tragedy

"Wow. Your laptop is ancient. Can it even project?"

As Karina Auxerre Picel inspected the technology that the older human had fallen down with, the businesswoman's eyebrow twitched near-imperceptibly. Colten Ellot Picel quickly decided that it was a good time to step in.

"Aw sis, it doesn't need to project things to get the job done! Besides, she fell down here a few decades ago, it only makes sense that her tech isn't up to the latest trends- and Miss Arabella, you don't look a day over twenty-five, if I may say so~"

He winked, his gaze going up and down the woman with an appreciative look to his eyes, and his sister was quick to smack him upside the head.

"Colten! Honestly, stop flirting with her, she's like four times our age."

He huffed, a gloved hand coming up to dramatically rub the wounded area.

"Four times your age maybe, but just because she's too old for you doesn't mean that she's too old for me!"

He swiftly dodged another smack, and cackled with glee as his sister began to chase him.

"You're YOUNGER THAN ME! She's too old for BOTH OF US!"

It was with an expression of dry amusement that Arabella sidestepped the two children, and made her way towards the kitchen, with aim to join the lovely Queen in cooking dinner. Toriel's adoptive children were planning on coming over for dinner- the ones whom lived just outside of the Ruins- and it was planned for them to meet the two new Fallen Humans that evening.

It was fascinating, really, how even the best laid plans can fail in an instant.

Footsteps rushed up the staircase nearby, someone in a hurry; someone panicked and gasping for breath. The two siblings paused in their play-fighting to look at the Monster approaching, and soon were rewarded with the sight of an oddly slimy fish monster. He... wasn't exactly the most beautiful fish in the sea, but that didn't matter once they heard the words he was gasping.

"Please, children, get Toriel- we need Undyne, we can't find her- Toriel is the closest one with her number! Please, someone's fallen into the river-"

Karina stood and ran for the kitchen, her explorer's hat barely staying on her golden hair, but Colten stayed behind.

"Where did they fall in?"

Karina whimpered quietly, seated at the top of the stairs. Toriel had left some time ago; following the Monster that'd brought the news out past the door, and hadn't returned. Arabella was seated beside her, a concerned expression upon her face, as she glanced over at the young girl beside her.

"Toriel is looking for him, don't worry. He can't have gone beyond Waterfall."

The girl clutched the strap of her bag tight, her lip beginning to bleed as she bit down just a little too hard on it.

"I can't wait anymore, I need to go forward and find him, please..."

The woman sighed quietly, thoughts rushing through her head. Seven Human souls to break the Barrier... seven souls without the ability to consciously channel magic... and she was one of them. If either of them left the Ruins, they would die. It was more likely than not, in fact, that the Brave-souled child was already dead.

"Karina, you know you can't leave without risk of dying. You need to stay here, and Hope that Tori will bring him back safely."

Shaking her head violently, the soul of Perseverance stood up and took a few steps down, only stopping when Arabella caught her arm. The protest that came from her lungs was surprisingly loud, causing the older woman to wince; but she didn't let go. That would only allow the child to rush to her own death.

"PLEASE! I CAN'T LET COLTEN DIE FOR THIS STUPID REASON! IF WE'RE TRAPPED DOWN HERE ANYWAYS, THE KING AND HIS GUARDS CAN LET US LIVE OUR LIVES OUT IN PEACE, DAMMIT! THEY WILL NOT KILL MY BROTHER!"

Then again...

"If you run into Toriel, I never let you do this. I was busy fetching you a drink when you snuck out, understood?"

Karina nodded furiously, leaning a little bit more towards the bottom of the stairs, towards the hallway and the door that her brother had gone through not long before. She was so close, she would agree to anything if it allowed her to SAVE Colten-

"Then go quickly. Avoid the main paths for as long as you can, and whatever you do, avoid calling out for help. They, like your brother, will go to help a Monster in need... but unlike your brother, they will kill a Human in need."

The girl was released once she acknowledged this information, and she sprinted for the cold entrance to Snowdin without hesitation, but Arabella stayed behind.

"Let it be that your deaths aren't in vain..."

"Oh no. Mister, sir, please breathe!"

Colten had reached the river, and there was the drowning Monster; its furry head going underwater with a choked cry just as he arrived. Without hesitation, the boy had taken a deep breath and dove in, his swimming lessons on the Surface finally paying off as he SAVEd the cat monster... but it looked like it was too late.

The Monster wasn't breathing. Did Monsters need to breathe? Colten only knew that not breathing was bad for Humans, and he had to help somehow.

"Okay, um, ABC's!"

He had to ACT first, and ask questions later.

Airways. Were the Monster's airways clear? Looking up his nose and into his mouth didn't reveal any obstructions, so the cat monster had probably just inhaled the water.

Breathing. No, the feline wasn't breathing. He needed to fix that!

Um, what was C? Compressions? Gah, why'd he rush ahead without Karina!? She was the one who'd paid more attention in their First Aid and Survival classes!

"I don't know what I'm doing! I'm sorry if I mess up!"

He turned the Monster onto his back and began to push on his chest, trying to push out the water from his lungs. Every few seconds he'd force some air into the other's lungs- did Monsters have lungs? Gah, just move- and continue pushing on his chest. These actions were repeated for several minutes, and he only paused when a horrific rattle came from the other's throat as he tried to cough up the water in his lungs...

One final push, intended to help the Monster, ended up killing him. Colten watched with wide brown eyes as the feline began to turn to dust, and choked on air as something heavy settled within his soul.

[LV: 2] [KILLS: 3]

No...

[EXP: 21] [TO NEXT: 9]

No! He didn't-

He was only trying to-

"How-HOW COULD YOU!?"

A scream escaped his lips as he was impaled by spears as orange as his soul, the constructs only doing more damage the longer he stayed pinned to the mushy blue ground. With some effort, he managed to pull himself through the offensive magic, and turned to face his attacker.

"I am Undyne the Fearless, Third Lieutenant of the Royal Guard! And for your crimes, Human, I will STRIKE YOU DOWN!"

Colten brought up his gloved fists to his head and tied his bandana tighter, recognizing the look in the Guard's slitted eyes. She wouldn't listen to what he had to say until he defeated her- he knew, because he was the same way.

"Karina, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you."

He also knew that the Royal Guards had been trained for this their whole lives. His chances of getting out of this alive were slim, his odds made even worse considering that he was going to fight this one head on, but he would defend himself. This was the only way that he could GO.

With a grim expression that no eight year old should ever wear, Colten moved forward, and never looked back.

Blood, in a mixture of shades ranging from vibrant scarlet to the darker burgundy, seeped into the muddy ground. Colten coughed once, his strength fading, and he slumped into his opponent's open arms.

"I'm s-sorry... I should've tried... harder, to S-SAVE him..."

The scaled monster holding him paused, and he took this as indication that she was listening. Taking another painful breath, he gazed around the area, and his dulled eyes connected with another pair brimming with tears. No...

"My s-sister was always b-better with first aid... S-She's always done what I couldn't... Please, Undyne..."

Colten tore his gaze away from that of his sister, hidden behind some rocks nearby, and he used the Monster's lightweight chestplate to pull himself up to her nearest ear-fin. The following whisper was unheard by all but Undyne; intended for her ears alone... he had a feeling that she would listen if she didn't have to put up a front for an audience.

"Please, Monster... s-show Karina... MERCY..."

The last of his strength faded, and Colten fell limp, his open eyes unseeing. Among the rocks nearby, as his soul began to float free from his chest, a shrill scream of anguish rang out.

Karina saw her brother die, she just saw her little brother die before her very eyes. Her little brother, who she'd held as a baby, who she'd promised to keep safe wherever they went. She'd promised him, she'd promised, and she'd broken her promise.

She couldn't even move from her hiding spot until it was too late, let alone do anything to SAVE him.

"Colten... Colten... Colten..."

The girl gasped through her tears and fleeing footsteps, taking to the rocky areas further away from the main path, and entered a room of darkness. Holding out her hand in a quick gesture, a small area ahead of her was lit by the now-spinning tattoo on her palm, and she continued on.

"Colten, I'm sorry... I'm sorry I couldn't SAVE you..."

Karina's frantic pace slowed down, and she began to breathe slower, regulating her breath like she'd been taught to in First School. She was starting to have a panic attack, and that wouldn't help her right now... but the words of Arabella rang through her head, and she froze, deactivating her flash-tattoo.

"They, like your brother, will go to help a Monster in need... but unlike your brother, they will kill a Human in need."

They would help their own kind, and kill hers? Her brother hadn't done anything bad intentionally- that Froggit had attacked them first, even Toriel understood when she'd heard! Hypocrites! Idiots! Fools!

"Say, Human..."

Karina narrowed her eyes, peering around in the darkness. Alas, she couldn't see well without her flash-tattoo, and was unable to find the source of the quiet voice. What she could do, however, was heft her bag in preparation to attack whatever foul thing wanted to kill her like they'd killed her baby brother...

"All of this would end if the King died. No more Humans would be killed, like your poor brother. What was his name, Colten? Wouldn't you like to avenge him?"

The soul of Perseverance considered this option, and calmed down somewhat. If she'd listened to her instincts and attacked before that Monster spoke, she would've returned the favor paid to her, but it wouldn't have satisfied her. The scaled Guard was the one who deserved it, and anything she did to others would instead justify the Guard's murder...

"Killing other Monsters would only further stress the relationship between our species. When they escape from the Underground, they would attack the Humans without hesitation."

Such a smart girl, for one so young. Twelve years old, and thinking so thoroughly? It was almost a shame that he was bored by such a thing, having played with her countless times before.

"Oh, but didn't you know? Monsters are weaker than Humans who carry true INTENT to kill. Your brother didn't want to hurt them, so they won. But if you fight to kill, and never hesitate or sway, you could save the rest of your species from dying. Doesn't that sound better than letting your brother die in vain?"

...there was only one way to CONTINUE, wasn't there?

Karina activated her light again, and gave no response to the voice, but she didn't need to. As her unused hand clenched the strap of her bag tighter, she moved forward, and never looked back.

[evolutiontale-au]

The Victim of Chance

Whoever thought that it was a good idea to schedule this impromptu 'Bonding Exercise' without informing anyone was, at the very least, a fool. Nobody was prepared for this, clearly- and the fact that twenty or so businesspeople were hiking up this cursed mountain in formal wear, with their briefcases in hand and tacky backpacks in tow, only supported this thought in one lady's mind.

Arabella Eusebios, up-and-coming sensation in the business world, soon-to-be CEO of the company she had worked herself to near-insanity for, was not pleased with the events of the day. If it weren't for her strict health and fitness regimen, she was certain she'd have collapsed long ago, much like that intern had a few hours ago. He'd been allowed to go home, but of course, his standing in the eyes of their superiors would be greatly diminished. She refused to suffer such a fate, and thus she continued on up the mountain with the others, pushing herself up the unsteady slopes.

Her heels would be raw tonight, blistered and bleeding; she could only hope that they would be able to be hidden easily.

"Ms. Eusebios, I didn't expect you to be so energetic! I daresay you're one of the most lively people here! Tell me, have you gone hiking before?"

Be nice to the old man, she reminded herself with a smile sent his way. He's the one who will decide her fate in the corporation.

"Not quite, but I do try to keep myself in peak condition. What about you sir, do you hike often?"

Idiot! 'Try to?' She 'tries to' keep herself fit? Uncertainty about anything is weakness in the corporate world, no matter how friendly it may be put. Still... perhaps he would think she was relatable. Uncertainty was seen as relatable these days, especially among teens and young adults- perhaps he would think she was displaying her touch with the times.

Yes. Of course she was. Arabella, only the quickest to learn what their target consumers appreciate. That sort of thing is valuable.

"Hah! I used to hike this trail every weekend with my sons, before they left the city. I'm sure my daughter would have joined me, if she weren't so ill at the time."

The woman smiled again; only a slight tilt of her lips to show compassion. Her warm hazel eyes seemed to sadden; a skillful display of sympathy so fake that it could only be genuine.

"My condolences. I had a father who loved to hike, but he was often too busy to truly enjoy it. His laptop would be carried with him- much like you carry yours, sir, and I carry mine."

A flash of brittle emotion ran through her superior's eyes, and he seemed about to speak, but someone cried out as they fell behind them. Another intern to be sent packing; the poor woman looked like she was about to cry.

"Ms. Eusebios, could you acquire some water from the nearby stream for this girl? It's just off to the west of us, to the side of that rock face."

Arabella nodded, her expression pleasant and agreeable, as she retrieved the woefully empty water jug and purifying agent they had brought along. This ridiculous bonding exercise- he hadn't even allowed them to bring their own water, declaring that the freshwater streams up the mountain were suitable for this venture! Who was she to openly disagree, though? Certainly nobody special; not yet. Everything could be ripped away without warning, if she were to take a single misstep.

Thus, she remained obedient. The sound of running water led her to a rushing river nearby- stream indeed, she snorted to herself, that looked like it could carry a man twice her size away- and she quickly filled the jug before dragging it over to the nearby rocks. The purifying tablet was tossed in once that was done, and looking at the instructions, it was clear that she had to wait a few minutes for the process to be complete.

...there was a fissure in the rock face. She would be able to fit inside with ease, and from the breeze within, it was clear that there was more space inside than what she could see. It was such a pleasant temperature, so much cooler than where she stood with the hot sun beating down on her delicate skin... She had a few minutes to spare.

Entering the fissure with barely any effort, the businesswoman sighed at the instant relief the cool temperature brought to her baked flesh and abused bone, and took a few more steps in. The air was a little more stale here, but there was a light coming from deeper within...

With her gaze to the cracked ceiling above, Arabella never saw the ground open up before her. Her scream went unheard as she tripped into the Underground, and when the police eventually searched for her, her untimely disappearance was marked as an accident... the river could take away a man twice her size, after all.

The body of Arabella Isobel Eusebios was never found.

[evolutiontale-au]

The Soldier of Satisfaction

Despite everything; despite fighting for his life in a war and dragging himself to survival with grave injuries, Jean Henri Marceau was satisfied to die this way. Yes, in a cold and dense forest, with Royal Guards approaching to end his life, he was satisfied. The lifeblood of the Englishman who'd murdered his townspeople seeped into the snow beneath his boots, bringing a peculiar smile to the Frenchman's face as a Monster asked him a question.

"No, I have no reason to fight you. This man needed to pay for what he had done on the Surface; lo and behold, he has. I will not fight you, Soldiers of the Monster King. My last purpose is satisfied."

Placing down his bayonet rifle, and removing his overcoat, Jean Henri Marceau set aside his most valuable possessions. In respect of the dead, he did the same for Integrity; the tophat and shoes laid alongside his uniform before they could be tainted by the blood. The Monsters watched with some sense of understanding, realizing that there was no rush with this one, as he knelt to pay his respects and pray.

To the heavens, Marceau asked two simple requests. Forgiveness for his worldly sins and safe passage to the afterlife were all that he sought; and the same for the man whom he had killed, as Integrity had nobody else to do so for him. Justice had been served retribution for Integrity's crimes, and was at peace with his life...

"I am finished, monsieurs and madame. My name is Jean Henri Marceau, and the gentleman beside me was Tertius Modus Smithson. Please, make the best use of our souls while they are within your grasp. From what I have learned in my short time here, there is no justice in your kind's imprisonment."

The Fallen Human of Justice stood, and with open arms, welcomed his quick and merciful death.

.........

....................

..............

As the body of the Frenchman fell to the snow, two of the armored Monsters shared a glance. They were young, new members of the Royal Guard, but even they could understand what a profound ACT this was. Out of respect for the Human's willing sacrifice, they carefully collected the souls into the containment units that their brother had made, and arranged the two bodies on manifested stretchers with their hands clasped over their midsections.

The weapons and armor placed neatly upon the snow were picked up, brushed off, and separated. Integrity's equipment was brought back to the Ruins, placed neatly on some pedestals for the next Human to possibly use, and the tools of Justice were brought to a nearby Box. May the next Fallen Humans to use them be as pure of soul as they were.

[evolutiontale-au]

The Musician of Discord

One-two-three-four, one-two-three-four.

Footsteps pounded over the cobblestone as the man fled his pursuer, echoing through the relatively empty streets of the Ruins. The few monsters who lived here peered out their windows in curiosity and apprehension, unused to this normally-reserved and gentle human making such a ruckus, and most were rewarded with the sight of his blue suede shoes tapping to the beat of his soul.

Even now, as he ran for his life, he was true to the music within.

"Tertius Smithson, you cannot run forever!"

The man gasped a laugh between footsteps, turning a corner and continuing his sprint. It was true- he didn't have the stamina he used to- but music strengthens in its own ways. Lung capacity increases from singing and playing the flute; limbs become stronger from standing and carrying heavy instruments across the world. Music was no official training regimen, but regardless; it strengthened.

The hounded man burst into the empty home of the Queen, and down the stairs. The newcomer had learned that to travel past the doors of the basement was to die, Tertius knew, and the same applied to him. He would rather die to the Monsters- the creatures pure of heart and soul, worthy of his sacrifice- than the disgusting fellow human that chased him.

"By Delta, what do you think you are doing!?"

One-two-three-four, one-two-three-four.

With a flourish of his tophat, Tertius, the blue soul of Integrity, caught a final glimpse of his pursuer before passing beyond the doors. The officer, aiming their weapon at him, left his sight as he entered the winter wonderland of Snowdin.

He would not be caught by them, not now. After the initial chase had led him to fall Underground, the man had expected to die. Imagine his surprise as he was brought to the Queen, a beautiful creature of regal blue robes and cunning violet eyes, of creamy white fur and elegant poise. She told him he could stay as long as he liked, but should he pass beyond the doors in her basement and leave to explore the rest of the Underground, he would be caught and slain by the King. 

It wasn't his intention to fall into a spat between Royals, but he didn't mind staying. Here, with Monsterkind, the discordant melody in his soul calmed itself. Here, he found the reason why he'd ACTed on the Surface.

The past just couldn't stay where it belonged, now could it?

[evolutiontale-au]

The Princess of Betrayal

"Do you know what I like about living, Asriel?"

The question came out of nowhere, and the Prince turned to look at the newest addition to the family- the Princess Cheydan. With chocolate brown hair and icy blue eyes, she was the prettiest girl in the room. She wore a striped dress of pale green and blue, the same dress she'd been wearing when she fell, and this was... unusual to Asriel. He had thought that the girl would've discarded her old clothing; that it was something all humans did.

Still, she did look rather pretty in this dress. The silver design on the collar- an upside down heart with a hammer above it- went well with the pale blue and green stripes, and the gentle cyan ribbon in her hair.

But, he needed to answer the question. It'd be rude to just keep on staring at her... like he was now... probably making her uncomfortable...

"Th-that you're not dead? Um, what is it you like about living?"

There! He'd established that he was listening, and gave absolutely no hint towards liking her. None at all. He was completely, utterly crush-free!

Cheydan smiled at him, her hands kept behind her back. It was something she often did, usually when hiding something or trying to look cuter... it made him curious about what the answer to the question was.

"My parents, my human ones, told me that I have a unique quality. They told me that my soul was the brightest cyan soul they'd ever seen, and that I was perfect because of it. My soul shines more when I'm being patient, and it darkens when I'm not. You monsters have seen me shining all this time, haven't you?"

This was all said in a cheerful tone of voice, but the way her eyes darkened slightly at the last question implied something was... wrong. She seemed to be waiting for something, likely the answer to her question, but maybe something more, too.

"Yeah, I mean, we've had to make sure your soul is healthy. It really is a pretty shade of cyan... I-I mean, not that I've been looking at it, just that I've heard-"

Her face was frozen in that sweet smile, and with a single look, she shut him up.

"Look at my soul now, brother. It's not shining anymore. Do you care to guess why?"

Something was very wrong here. Cheydan was acting... a bit off...

Asriel glanced from side to side quickly, and noticed that the large room they were in was completely empty.

The Princess was quick to reclaim his attention, her hands moving forward from behind her back, a very real knife held within her left hand. That didn't belong to her.

"It's because I'm done waiting, Asriel. I have succeeded in my objectives to get this far, and now, all I have to do to complete the mission is push the Kingdom of Stars into chaos. Today is the day, brother. It's time for you to die."

With that, the girl rushed forward, and Asriel screamed for help...

.......

..................

............

...but nobody came.

[evolutiontale-au]

Gaze upon the Delta Rune, visitor.

A winged circle hovers above all, representing the vast whole of Magic (the circle) and the Ten Chosen Vassals that govern it (the feathers upon the wings). Beneath it lay the three triangles representing the alignments of Order, Balance, and Chaos.

The Delta Rune is a symbol that, when wholly depicted in certain shapes or forms, will change to reflect the ebb and flow of Magic. In accordance with this, the triangle of Balance is slightly lower than the triangles of Order and Chaos, due to the lesser amount of Vassals that lie beneath this category. Of course, power is also considered; the Angel soars with Magic itself due to the sheer strength and versatility they carry within.

Regardless of circumstances, the Delta Rune will display the overall state of the magic around you, so long as you are within Magic's reach.

A long time ago, the force of Magic was self-governed by its Ten Chosen Vassals. With them, any imbalance was quickly found, followed, formed; RESET to its previous state of being so that it could discover a different path through which to evolve. Life continued on, and the living creatures upon the world grew to become much greater than they had ever been before.

Each role had a unique placement in the old days, falling under the categories of Order, Balance, and Chaos. Three Vassals fell beneath Order. Three were ruled by Chaos. Three carried onwards with Balance. One oversaw the rest with Magic itself. In this, there was an overall equality... then, the Barrier rose.

When the Barrier was created, Magic itself was disrupted, diverged, divided. Two separate pools of pure energy now flowed; whilst the impure runoff from both pools were given free passage in-between. The roles of the Vassals were chosen, checked, changed; perhaps even deleted altogether in order to obtain balance once more. Much information has been lost to the ages due to the inherent evolution that Magic has been forced to go through, and in recent memory, there are only Six Chosen Vassals able to be recalled.

Rejection- the Fool.

The Fool exists to begin a new cycle via rejection of something within the previous one. Due to the sheer strength of self required to be the First to ACT, this Vassal is more often than not a Human, as their souls are generally the most powerful in existence. The Fool falls under the alignment of Chaos.

Retribution- the Judge.

The Judge exists to decide what course of action Magic will take in the current cycle. As this Vassal determines what is right and what is wrong, so shifts the very force of Magic to reflect it. With the logical, reliable consideration behind this role, the chosen Vassal is most often a Monster. The Judge falls under the alignment of Order.

Redemption- the Jury.

The Jury exists to support the decisions of the other Vassals, primarily by going between them and relaying information from one to the next. As such, those of this role are often charismatic creatures with innumerable friends and acquaintances. The Jury is one of the only Vassal roles capable of choosing multiple representatives at once; however, Humans remain the favored parties for this role. The Jury falls under the alignment of Chaos.

Resolution- the Executioner.

The Executioner exists to end the cycle begun by the Fool and led by the Judge. As the changes of this cycle are brought to a close by this Vassal, all adaptations are set in stone, and the world thereby evolves in tandem with the overall entity of Magic itself. Immortals are the favored species chosen to represent this role, due to their diverse composition and presence. The Executioner falls under the alignment of Balance.

Recollection- the Librarian.

The Librarian exists to keep the memories of important events available for the other Vassals to consult, in order to avoid the mistakes of the past. Unfortunately, the duties of this Vassal have been interfered with by the Barrier, as most knowledge from the other side is unable to be obtained. This is especially true due to Monsters being the favored species for this role, and it is generally unknown how this role has adapted to get around the Barrier, though some theorize that there are now multiple representatives of this role as with the Jury. The Librarian falls under the alignment of Order.

Recovery- the Angel.

The Angel exists to save that which is lost or beyond reach. This Vassal is capable of doing nearly anything, as long as there is sufficient energy and willpower to fuel it, and is therefore considered the Primary Vassal. There is no favored species choice for this Vassal, due to the fact that all sentient species are capable of saving what is important to them, but there can only be one such Vassal in existence at a time. The Angel falls under no specific alignment, but if forced to be categorized within one, they would be aligned with Balance.

The remaining four Vassals have been forgotten with the passage of time, but legend says that when the Barrier breaks, this lost knowledge will be returned.

[evolutiontale-au]

The System of Stripes

Stripes, in monster culture, have great significance in terms of one's age and maturity. Depending on the direction they go and how many there are, one can easily tell the stage of life that a monster is in just by looking at them. This system, created by Monsters and enforced by Magic itself, cannot be fooled easily. If one is trying to show that they are of a higher level than they are, they will usually require skills of the level they are trying to portray.

Interesting, is it not?

Horizontal Stripes: These stripes are worn by monster children from birth to young adulthood, and while they bear these stripes, they are taught the ways of monsterkind and the culture of their various home areas. Those who bear two horizontal stripes or more are not eligible for romantic pursuit, nor can they live on their own; it is in these stages of life that they are not considered fully accountable for their own actions, due to both unstable magic and lack of worldly knowledge. These stripes must be visible on the torso of children, teens, and young adults, for both their protection and that of those around them.

Five Horizontal Stripes: This is a newborn, brought out into the world with nary a care to be had. Those who bear these stripes are incapable of magic and speech, and are kept at home with their parents. It is up to the parents to raise the child from this stage to that of three horizontal stripes. In this stage, they begin the process of acquiring their soul shape and traits, adapting from those of the people around them.

Four Horizontal Stripes: A toddler reaches this stage when they use their first bout of magic, regardless of whether or not they can speak or travel on their own. Some monsters have done this within mere days of being born, however, most monster children leave behind their fifth stripe after a year or two of existence. Parents continue to raise the children until they are showing intelligent comprehension of energies and beings around them, at which point the children are sent off to school. Their soul usually settles down in this stage, but future shifts are always possible, with life changing events and the alteration of personal beliefs.

Three Horizontal Stripes: A child of three stripes loses their fourth stripe when they first enter school, and begin to learn the ways of the world around them. Culture- history and sociology- is taught to them at this stage of life, as well as many lingual studies, simple maths, and basic sciences. This time period is an important one for children, as they are leaving the home and learning how to function in the society around them. During holidays, they return to the homes of their parents and spend time with them, so as to learn respect of their origins and not to take things for granted.

Two Horizontal Stripes: The third stripe is left behind when a monster child progresses from true childhood to their teenage years, once they show proficiency in their studies and experience a natural boost in their magic reserves similar to human puberty. With this increased power, monster teens are given the added curriculum of various magic studies and training exercises, in order to make certain that they are safe for themselves and those around them. It is in this stage of life that teens begin to test for their strong suits and enjoyments in life; what subjects they possess a predilection towards. Knowing their strong suits, they are given choices of what career paths they would like to take, and it is generally advised for them to take the path they tested best for. Whether they do so or not, they are supported by the community around them, although most do end up taking this easy way forward.

One Horizontal Stripe: At this point of life, a teen has either experienced their first heat cycle, or graduated from the schooling system of their chosen career path. Not all monster subspecies experience heats this early, or even at all; thus they become young adults as they graduate and set off to enter the work force. As these young adults have only spent time with their parents on holidays and break times, most choose to either return and live with their parents, or seek out a living place of their own. This stage of life teaches them that they are accountable for their own actions, and it is during this time period that most of their worldly mistakes are made. They will possess this last horizontal stripe until they finally find their calling or greatest satisfaction in life, at which point they become a full-fledged adult.

Vertical Stripes: A monster who bears vertical stripes can be of any maturity, and is considered responsible in various ways in the eyes of society. Vertical stripes can be acquired while in childhood and adulthood, depending on how one behaves and understands the world. Something special about these vertical stripes are that they are not necessary in monster culture, unlike horizontal stripes; one can display these stripes at their own discretion. This leads to them being seen in a more prestigious manner- monsters with multiple or even just one vertical stripe are considered to be more capable than their peers, although vertical stripes are not necessary to get a job done.

One Vertical Stripe: A monster with this stripe has learned to respect themself for who they are, with all of their flaws and perfections. They understand that it doesn't matter whether they are the same or different than those they look up to, as long as they try their best and learn from their mistakes along the way. The understanding of one's magic also plays a large role in the acquisition of this stripe; mastery of such a thing and awareness of one's own existence is the most important step in reaching Boss Monster status. This can be one of the hardest vertical stripes to acquire, which is why it is the first- one must understand themself in order to truly understand those around them.

Two Vertical Stripes: A monster bearing two vertical stripes has learned to understand another being as strongly as they understand themselves; perhaps even moreso. Typically, this stripe is acquired by Bonded partners of several years, due to their tendency to only grow closer with the passage of time... but, it has also been acquired by particularly close friends, or even dire enemies. Essentially, the stronger one's relationship is with another being, the more it is that they will understand them. In order to acquire this stripe, one must have a counterpart of some sort to understand.

Three Vertical Stripes: This stripe is never acquired in a monster's early stages of development, and even then rarely attained before death. When one has three vertical stripes, they have learned how they and others move together to make up the society around them. No matter what place they have or what places they've seen others in, monsters of three vertical stripes are capable of understanding how each individual effort brings forth a much more powerful whole. Even then, not all monsters who understand this possess the third stripe. This is because in order to obtain this stripe, one must also understand the world around them in a more fundamental way. How does it work? Why does it work this way? Where do they fit in with all of this extraneous details whooshing about them on a daily basis? When one understands the answers to these questions, the third vertical stripe is added to their two previous ones, they are considered one of the wisest beings to seek advice from.

Four Vertical Stripes: Beyond the understanding of how people coexist and thrive in their various environments, the fourth vertical stripe begs one's understanding of the cosmos. This includes the interactions of various inanimate entities (stars, planets, comets, asteroids; etc) throughout the universe, and how living beings influence the overall entity of magic itself. Only a handful of monsters have acquired this stripe, most of whom are deceased, and all whom had access to the Surface at the time. As long as Monsterkind remains imprisoned beneath the mountain, there will never be another to gain the fourth stripe.

Five Vertical Stripes: Few living beings have ever obtained the fifth vertical stripe; and with it, the understanding of existence itself. Who we are, what we are, why we are, how everything came to be, how everything will come to an end; these questions and more must be able to be answered before one can obtain the fifth stripe. Many monsters, in the process of dying, can be seen acquiring the stripes they lacked as they Fall Down. Theoretically, if you rouse a monster in the final stages of this Fallen state before they enter their Rest, they could continue to live out their lives in a much wiser state of being... alas, all attempts to do so have resulted in failure. Once a monster Falls Down and obtains this final stripe, they will never wake up.

[evolutiontale-au]

wow looks awesome

*Thank you ^^

*More is planned to come.

[evolutiontale-au]

Name: Asgore Dreemurr, the King of the Underground and Monsterkind.

Nickname: My wife calls me Gorey, sometimes... and Gerson, naturally, likes to call me Fluffybuns.

Age: Adult- I bear two vertical stripes, just as my wife does.

Gender: Male, just in case the deep voice didn't make it clear to you. Oh, you can't hear this? My apologies.

Sexuality: ...? I love my wife.

Species: Monster, of the Boss variety.

Powers: The magic of our family is based within the elements of earth and fire. It is used primarily for destruction, but if one knows how, it can be used for healing as well. Do try not to require either usage...

Weapons: We wield in equal measures a trident and a greatsword; but the trident is saved for more... official occasions.

Weaknesses: If you want to know this, you should ask someone else. We would not share our vulnerabilities so easily.

Appearance:

Height: 8'6"- without counting my horns. With the horns considered, I am closer to 9'4".

Weight: 130lbs- average for my species.

Body Type: Sturdy, with more muscles hidden beneath my fur than you'd think... and also, I have been referred to as being fluffy.

Skin Tone: Hidden by my fur, it is a pale off-white, similar to that of milk.

Eyes: My eyes are a murky yellow, as though they were tainted alongside my soul...

Hair: My fur is the same shade of cream as my wife's. I also have a golden beard and mane; quite fluffy.

Favorite Clothing Style: Black pants, with two grey stripes running down the sides, rest beneath my golden greaves. A black long-sleeved shirt is worn underneath my golden chestplate and bracers. My gold pauldrons secure my deep blue cloak in place; the cloak made to match my wife's favored dress.

Scars/Characteristic Markings: ...the scars I bear rest upon my soul, young ones. Worry not; you shant see them at all.

Personality: I have been told by many that I am a fair ruler, and I would have to agree. I wait to hear all sides of an issue before progressing forward, and the collective needs of my people are generally present in the back of my mind during consideration. Of course, I won't always favor the many over the individual, in certain circumstances. Sometimes there simply comes an individual person who stands out from the rest...

Likes: Gardening. My wife. Most of her adopted children. The sunlight shining through the Barrier. Baking fudge brownies.

Dislikes: Humans. The stacks of paperwork on my desk. The subtle murders present among our people. Humans.

History: When I was born, the War was just about to reach its climax. We had lived in Immortal territory, then. For those not fighting, this was the safest place to live; you see, the Immortals had declared neutrality in the War, and conflict was not allowed on their land. Alas, the Humans that also lived there were becoming subtly hostile, in order to drive us out... Had my parents but known this, they wouldn't have moved us back to the last of Monster territory; back to Mt. Ebbot.

I was only a lad of four horizontal stripes when our race was trapped within our own safe haven. The Seven Mages responsible for this had been coerced into such action by threat to their loved ones; I blame them not. They could have done much worse. They could have, instead, ERASED us all... but they didn't.

I don't blame them... but I do blame the Humans.

As I grew up, the Queen of that time set the foundations for the new era we were entering, and an experimental system of education was developed. So many children numbered against so few adults; it was a necessity for us to be occupied in some way. What better way would there be than education? I'm not complaining- at the first school established, I met Toriel... and fell in love with her.

We graduated together, and after jumping through several hoops for her mother's approval, we were finally free to have our Bonding Ceremony. We were taught many lessons, how to carry ourselves and rule, and then the Queen Fell Down to Rest.

Together, Toriel and I led the Underground for many years following. Our son, Asriel, was born not long after our mother died, and he was so full of life. He used to run around with a... hmm, what was it... a chemistry set? Yes, that sounds right. He'd run around with a chemistry set, and if you looked away from him for a second, off he was getting into trouble and mixing up another explosion! Oh, the joy and satisfaction on his face... I couldn't deny him that, so I pretended not to see him sneaking away a few times.

I wish I hadn't. Stars above, I wish that I hadn't, that last time...

A Human child, with a soul of Patience so pure and bright, Fell into the Underground. Her name was Cheydan, and she was so sweet, so innocent, that Asriel fell in love with her instantly. They were nothing less than adorable, running around the palace and causing mayhem together, playing and enjoying life... but it was all a lie.

That girl, that Human that my son trusted with his life, ended it. She killed my son... my only son... and I can still feel the Hatred I have in my soul for her.

The next thing I recall after finding my son's Dust in the garden, was holding the soul of the girl. It glowed bright, as it always did, and I felt the urge to simply shatter it... but I couldn't. Seven Human Souls to break the Barrier, the Mages had told us. Seven Human Souls, or a thousand years; whichever came about first.

If those Mages were still alive, I'd ask them why they lied. They said that neither Human nor Monster could pass through the Barrier; yet somehow, Humans have been Falling.

...I apologize. I cannot speak anymore. Please, return later if you have any more questions.

Other: Cherish the ones that you have now, for you never know when they'll be ripped away.

[evolutiontale-au]

Name: Little Miss Muffet- yes, I was named after the nursery rhyme.

Nickname: Missy seems to be my most popular nickname, but I have been called Emmy by more than a few of my customers and acquaintances.

Age: Young Adult.

Gender: Female, dearies.

Sexuality: Pan, much like a little skeleton you know~

Species: Monster, of the Arachne subspecies.

Powers: Purple webs and orange goo; be quick if you want to pass. I'm a puppeteer, through and through, and my webs are known to last...

Weapons: The sniper rifle is my weapon of choice, dearies, if I am forced to fight. Long range fighting is easy with the expansive webs I've weaved.

Weaknesses: Ahuhu, you're so cute! I could just pinch your cheeks!

Appearance:

Height: 4'9"- on the smaller side, but that's alright.

Weight: Tsk, didn't your mother ever tell you not to ask a lady her weight?

Body Type: Slim, dearie, very slim. Two of my arms side by side are roughly the thickness of an average adult human's arm, or the thickness of Grillby's arm, for comparison. Three of them together are the thickness of Gerson's arm, ahuhu!

Skin Tone: Lavender, like the flower. Just a few shades darker, though.

Eyes: All five of them have a darker purple tint to them than my skin, an iridescent gleam that makes them seem to flash in the light. Quite useful for scaring away trespassers, if I do say so myself~

Hair: Ah, my magenta-red hair is long enough to reach the back of my knees, and I love to weave it into different styles! However, my favored hairstyle is a braided bun on either side of my head.

Favorite Clothing Style: I wear a simple thigh-length red dress, one with short sleeves and a pale red horizontal stripe across my waist. Beneath this, I wear magenta-red leggings that match my hair, and heeled ankle-boots that match as well.

Scars/Characteristic Markings: Many have attempted to kill me, dearie, seeing my young age as weakness. What they don't quite understand is that no matter how many legs you rip off of a spider, they can keep going... and I haven't even lost any legs. Any scars I may possess are hidden beneath my clothes and my hair; good luck finding them.

Personality: Some have called me dreadful, and some have called me sweet. I'm usually a bit of both, depending on who you meet. Now then dear, come to my desk, let me offer some advice; you can't catch a fly with vinegar, but you can catch them if you're nice~

Likes: The children I take care of, dearies. They're so adorable, I could just eat them up! Ahuhu!

Dislikes: Trespassers. Thieves. Traitors. Murderers.

History: I was born a few centuries after Monsters were sealed Underground, much like most of the current population. Due to certain others preying upon my Mother, I found myself an orphan shortly after I'd shed my third stripe. Of course, by then I was in school, so I didn't see much of her anyways... but it was somehow more final.

Shortly after I graduated, a Fallen Human had made his way to Hotland, where I was housed at the time. Back then, I had a nasty habit of sneaking around the streets at night and exploring places that I shouldn't have been anywhere near... And this was how I met the boy.

He was so bright; his soul of Kindness shining through the hardships he'd faced. We got to speaking, and as I slowly wove my web around him, he told me of how he Fell. He told me how his parents died, leaving him an orphan much like myself.

Of course, I couldn't let him escape no matter how many similarities we had.

When I told him of the bounty on his head set by the King, told him how I needed that reward to move forward in my life, he understood. He even offered his soul to me freely, under one condition. I was to open an orphanage for other children like him, like me, like us.

You know I run such an establishment right now, so I'm certain you can figure out what happened next.

The children have lately been begging me to open a bakery, as well as a hairdressing salon. According to my last horizontal stripe, I still haven't found my place in life, so I figure I'll try one of those sometime soon... Perhaps the bakery; Mother always did like sweets.

Other: I have within my pantry good store of all that’s nice; I’m sure you’re very welcome; will you please to take a slice?

[evolutiontale-au]

Name: Mettaton Stratablook is my name, darlings. Don't wear it out.

Nickname: Sometimes I'm called Strataton or Mettablook, but I like my favorite cousin's nickname for me best... Stratz.

Age: One hundred percent Adult, and I'm proud to say that I have the first vertical stripe to display ;3

Gender: Male, female, what's with all of these restrictions? I am who I am, my lovely audience, no matter what I may be classified as.

Sexuality: Wouldn't you like to know~?

Species: Immortal Monster, previously of the Ghost subspecies, and currently of the Artifice subspecies.

Powers: I am Fabulous, and with the information I have been given, living in defiance of logic itself. Alphys and I have also modified my body to have several hidden features, of course...

Weapons: Several of my hidden features are indeed weapons, but there's something just a little more elegant about holding an energy pistol when it's not always connected to your body.

Weaknesses: Oh darling, do behave~

Appearance:

Height: 6'10"- Alphys may have had a hand or two in designing my appearance, and given her appreciation for a certain Aquati Monster, I'm not entirely surprised I ended up this tall... haha!

Weight: It's rude to ask someone their weight, lovelies, but the metal of my body makes me a lot heavier than other Monsters.

Body Type: Ah, I am a specimen to die for! Tall and lean, with a perfectly displayed balance between femininity and masculinity. My lovely, two-toned soul is on display in my stomach area, when I'm not wearing any shirt...

Skin Tone: Silver, to reflect the Grace that any star should have. I have alternating Gold and Bronze rings along my arms, to display the natural Charisma and Ingenuity I possess ;3

Eyes: What is it called... secular heterochromia? Normally, my left eye is Gold and my right eye is Bronze, but if I activate the modified clock function Alphys and I installed, they will both appear to be Gold with a segment of Bronze that grows larger clockwise as the day goes on. At midnight, they will appear to be Bronze with a clockwise-growing segment of Gold, in continuation of and contrast to the previous half of the day. I also have a variety of patterns designed for other usage.

Hair: Despite its short length, even the slightest breeze has it flowing majestically along my scalp. Many have professed their jealousy for these silky black locks~

Favorite Clothing Style: A star must be well-dressed, darlings. I have gone to only the best of fashion consultants, and he has chosen a wardrobe that I will likely never see the end of! But usually, I wear a tailored black suit with curves designed to accent my sharp features, and a gold button-up with a bronze tie to match my eyes. My shoes are often boots of the heeled variety, but occasionally I will wear those fancy suede shoes that are often appreciated by the high crowd. No matter the shape, though, their color often varies between black, gold, and bronze.

Scars/Characteristic Markings: Ah, as my form is essentially that of a robot, there are a few panels here and there that show. My face has four alone, two along the sides of my face and two in the middle, meant to easily open up for maintenance. Other notable panels would be those on my chest, back, biceps, thighs, hands, and feet; though these are considerably less visible.

Personality: I am one of the most confident Monsters in the Underground, lovelies, and for good reason. With as public a presence as mine, one cannot kill me and get away with it... and the punishment for murder simply isn't worth whatever my Quirk or Foible is. That, along with the fact that most of the Underground likes me, both keeps me safe from malicious intent and grants me the freedom to do nearly anything I please. I am... happy!

Likes: My job! My family! My friends! My life, oh! I am living the dream, darlings! Do you have any idea just how fulfilling this is?

Dislikes: The only thing I can dislike, lovelies, is the fact that not everyone has the chance to live like me. I will help them, just you wait! With Alphys by my side, I will figure out just the way to make all your dreams come true!

History: I spawned into the world shortly after my cousin did- Napstablook, that is. Being the rambunctious little ghost I was, I immediately set off on the first journey I'd ever take, and found myself a home in Waterfall right next to Blooky's house! Oh, the chance, the happenstance! I met them mere days later, and we bonded over our similar circumstances and the differences in our personalities, creating a family name for ourselves! We became the Blooks, and developed family traditions, and went through school together!

While we were both teens of two horizontal stripes, there was a day in school that brought about guest speakers from all over the Underground, and children of all ages were in attendance. It was there that Nappy and I met our third cousin, Mariblook, who had come into existence just a few years after I did. And as the guest speakers came in and we were forced to put the family development aside, it was there that we each found the next step we would take forward.

Blookybloo saw Queen Toriel that day, standing tall in her robes with a smile of genuine joy and amusement. With the manners and poise and confidence she had, I'm not surprised my cousin became more of a gentleman after that. It was so wonderful seeing him train beneath her after school- the two seemed to be great friends, and even after she moved to the Ruins, they still kept considerable contact.

But I digress- back to the guest speaker day we go! Naturally, as Blooky was starstruck by the Queen, I had found a role model of my own. Doctor Flamel, Alphys Drakiel Flamel, the Royal Scientist of our kingdom... Her intelligence, her passion, her goals; they were high enough to rival and even outmatch my own. I simply had to speak with her; I simply had to work with her when I graduated!

I was sad to find out that she didn't work with technology often- the field I was most interested in at the time- but her colleague's expertise more than made up for her own lack. She designed the body I've always wanted, and he built it with nothing short of the best, and the three of us have made quite the odd group of friends.

Of course, I must admit, I find myself closer friends with Alphys. Together, we've done great things- the design of my body merely being one of many. Together, we're a team to be reckoned with- her unpleasant assistants step down when I'm around, and my own would-be conquerors retreat with her in sight. With my face everywhere in the Underground, and her name much the same, we have the backing and protection to do everything we could ever hope to. Our limits are only what we ourselves cannot overcome!

Oh, it seems I have a call! Excuse me, it'd be rude to keep them waiting~

Other: Intelligence is hard to come by, lovelies. If you find it within yourselves, don't squander it.

[evolutiontale-au]

Papyrus, what's your favorite food?

*Papyrus peered into the vast kitchen thoughtfully, looking over the many cabinets with the many types of food in them.

*He seemed to be thinking quite deeply about this.

*Wait… that expression…

“I’d have to say that I’m a particular fan of cookies!”

*…

*We dodged a bullet.

“Here, let me show you a video I found on them!”

*Nevermind.

[evolutiontale-au]

Name: Alphys Drakiel Flamel.

Nickname: Phie, pronounced like "fee." Dynie calls me this.

Age: Adult, without any stripes... If I had a vertical stripe, they wouldn't underestimate me as much.

Gender: Female.

Sexuality: I'm what Humans would call Bisexual.

Species: Immortal Monster; a mixture of the Dragon and Reptila subspecies.

Powers: Well, I do have a perfect memory that I'm particularly proud of. Everything I've ever learned or experienced is there at a mere thought, and if I ever really needed to, I could share these memories through my soul... Erm, I can also breathe underwater... My blue magic works particularly well with electronics, I've noticed, which makes my job easier. You'd be surprised at how many applications there are for motion-based Magitech.

Weapons: Heehee... I may or may not have acquired a veritable armory of gunswords and machine-based weaponry...

Weaknesses: Sometimes my memory can be a little too perfect, if you catch my drift. I've caught myself recalling things that nobody else does, and that isn't a particularly good trick to demonstrate at parties. I'm also easily unbalanced thanks to the loss of my tail, and roaming around on all fours isn't socially acceptable among the bipedal majority, so I have to constantly risk this being exploited out in public.

Appearance:

Height: 5'9"- I used to be hunched over a lot to balance out my tail, but because it's gone, I have to stand up straight. It's actually kinda... empowering.

Weight: 135lbs- slightly overweight for my subspecies types.

Body Type: Limber. Lithe. I move a lot quicker than one might expect on all fours.

Skin Tone: Pale yellow scales, like the rest of my family. I do have a few cousins with green and orange scales, though.

Eyes: White sclera, black irises, slitted black pupils. My irises and pupils blend together enough that you can't tell them apart without a microscope.

Hair: Erm, I have no hair due to my reptilian nature, but I do have three backwards-facing horns along the crest of my skull. Unlike the horns of the King and Queen, these are true horns with their bases in bone... that is, the King and Queen can break their horns and regrow them quickly due to their primarily magical base, but my horns would take time to grow back if they broke at all. I estimate that the speed of growth would be roughly the same as that of a human's fingernails, but hopefully, I won't need to confirm this.

Favorite Clothing Style: I had some blue-grey jeans outfitted with tech pads designed by Sans, which I wear out in public most of the time. I also wear a black tank top, and over it, I wear a white lab coat made of more flexible fibers than the usual.

Scars/Characteristic Markings: I had no wings when I hatched, and now I have no tail. I'm a fine specimen to behold.

Personality: I'm not the best person, but I'm not the worst. There are more important things to worry about than what people think of me; such as improving the quality of life, or finding more anime to hoard.

Likes: Anime. My friends. Knowledge. Magic. I'm a particular fan of exploring the differences between what one can achieve alone and what one can achieve in a crowd.

Dislikes: Politics. Alas, I have to be good with them if I want to stay undisputed in my position as Royal Scientist. My assistants- those other than Sans- have quite the ambition when it comes to exploiting social weaknesses.

History: As with most Dragons, I inherited the knowledge of my parents while in my egg, hatching fully capable of speech and movement. However, I didn't have any wings like the others- merely a tail- and my horns were softer than they should've been. Thus, I was considered the weakling of the nest, and my siblings were favored until we were sent off to school.

My knowledge far makes up for my lack of certain physical attributes, of course. With the memories of my ancestors and the information acquired through rigorous schooling, I am considered one of the most intelligent minds in the Underground. My only rivals in this would be Sans- if he put any effort into it- and Papyrus- but he's busy with other things.

Several years after graduating and attaining the position of Royal Scientist, I set up an anime club to distribute some of my knowledge along with a little bit of misinformation, and thus met Undyne. It was easy to become friends with the fish woman; her fearless attitude is admirable in a world like this, with the existential rules it has, and her passion for life is practically unmatched. Others pale in comparison, as though their opacity percentages are lower while hers is in the ninety-seventh percentile.

My tail was cut off when someone attempted to kill Undyne, but I don't regret saving her, despite the information she got out of the event. Though, the loss of my tail forces me to stand more upright to stay balanced, so if I'm taken by surprise then I'll drop to all fours to remain steady.

Other: Knowledge is one of the most valuable things one can possess. A source of entertainment comes in as a close second.