Chapter 24: A New Dawn 1

Three months had passed since the battle with Drak, and the Ruins had undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a place of quiet despair and lingering shadows had blossomed into a thriving community filled with life, laughter, and hope. The refugees who had once cowered under Drak's tyranny now walked with their heads held high, their spirits lifted by the kindness and solidarity of their new home.

The development of the Ruins was still ongoing, but thanks to the hard work of its residents, the technical knowledge of some refugees—including researchers, mechanics, and engineers—and the creative solutions blending machinery with magic, progress had been accelerated beyond expectations. What had once been a bleak underground sanctuary had now begun its evolution into a self-sustaining settlement, more advanced than anyone had thought possible.

A key breakthrough had come unexpectedly: beneath the Ruins, in a section long unexplored, a valuable mineral had been discovered. It was unlike anything most monsters had encountered before—highly conductive to magic, durable, and shimmering with a faint glow. When Vance saw it for the first time, he couldn't help but blink in surprise. It was exactly as he had read in fantasy stories in his past life.

"Mythril…" he had murmured in awe, running his fingers over the smooth, metallic surface of an unearthed chunk. It was an eerie coincidence that it bore the same name as the legendary material in human myths, but the implications were immense. In the human world, he knew that conductive materials were crucial for advanced technology, and with magic being a real force underground, Mythril could be the key to unlocking advancements far beyond what they had before.

Toriel had been hesitant at first, cautious about how the material might be used. "Magic should be used to heal, to nurture, not simply to create weapons," she had said. But after discussing ways the Mythril could improve life for the residents of the Ruins—through enhanced magical tools, better heating and lighting, and even medical applications—she had agreed to support its careful use.

With the discovery of Mythril and the combined knowledge of various skilled refugees, Vance introduced ideas inspired by the advanced technology from the surface. He was no scientist or engineer, but he remembered enough concepts from his past life to suggest improvements. Simple water filtration systems were created, allowing access to clean drinking water. A system of magical lanterns was established, making use of Mythril's conductivity to provide consistent, ambient lighting throughout the Ruins. With some modifications, old, broken-down machinery left behind in forgotten corners of the Underground was repaired and repurposed, accelerating the development of infrastructure.

Buildings were not only repaired but reinforced, their stone walls infused with protective magic to ensure they would stand strong for years to come. The pathways, once cracked and overgrown, were now smooth and lined with vibrant flowers, their petals glowing faintly with absorbed magical energy. Areas for gathering, teaching, and communal meals had been established, fostering a sense of unity among the monsters who had once lived in isolation and fear.

Vance stood at the edge of the central square, watching as a group of young monsters played a lively game of tag. Their laughter echoed through the air, a sound that had become all too familiar in recent weeks. He couldn't help but smile as he leaned on his staff, which had become a constant companion in his journey. His soul within him had grown stronger over the past three months, its light now steady and unwavering, a reflection of his own growth.

"Hard to believe how far we've come, isn't it?"

"Hey, Vance!"

He turned to see Susie approaching, her usual scowl softened by the faintest hint of a smile. She had changed a lot since the battle with Drak. Though she still carried herself with the same tough exterior, there was a newfound sense of belonging in her demeanor. She had taken on a leadership role among the younger monsters, using her strength and experience to protect and guide them.

"Hey, Susie," Vance greeted, pushing himself off his staff. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," she said, shrugging. "Just wanted to let you know that the new training grounds are finished. The kids are already bugging me to teach them how to fight."

Vance raised an eyebrow. "You? Teaching kids how to fight? That's… uh, interesting."

Susie shot him a glare, but there was no real malice behind it. "Hey, someone's gotta teach 'em how to defend themselves. Besides, it's not like I'm gonna go all Drak on them or anything."

Vance chuckled. "Fair point. Just try not to scare them too much, okay?"

Susie rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she turned her gaze toward the bustling square, her expression thoughtful. "You know… this place isn't so bad. I never thought I'd say that, but… it's kinda nice."

Vance nodded, following her gaze. "Yeah. It's amazing what can happen when people come together and help each other."

Susie was quiet for a moment before speaking again. "I… I never really had that before. Not until I came here."

Vance glanced at her, his expression softening. "Well, you've got it now. And you're part of what makes this place so special."

Susie huffed, crossing her arms. "Don't get all sappy on me, human."

Vance laughed, but before he could respond, a familiar voice called out to them.

"Vance! Susie!"

They turned to see Toriel approaching, her arms filled with baskets of fresh produce. Her golden eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled at them.

"Good morning, my children," she said. "I was just about to deliver these to the kitchens. Would you care to join me?"

Vance nodded, stepping forward to take one of the baskets from her. "Of course, Toriel. Let us help."

Susie hesitated for a moment before reluctantly grabbing another basket. "Yeah, sure. Whatever."

As they walked through the Ruins, Vance couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed. The once-empty pathways were now bustling with activity. Monsters of all shapes and sizes worked together, their laughter and chatter filling the air. The scent of freshly baked goods wafted from the kitchens, mingling with the earthy aroma of the gardens.

Toriel led them to the communal dining area, where a group of monsters was busy preparing a feast. The long wooden tables were already set, their surfaces adorned with colorful flowers and glowing candles. It was a far cry from the sparse meals Vance had grown accustomed to during his first day in the Ruins before meeting Toriel.

"Today is a special day," Toriel explained as they set the baskets down. We are celebrating the completion of the new housing units. By tonight, everyone will have a place to call home."

Vance smiled, feeling a swell of pride. "That's amazing, Toriel. You've done so much for everyone here."

Toriel shook her head, her expression humble. "It is not just me, Vance. This community's strength comes from all of us working together. You and Susie have played a significant role in this as well."

Susie looked away, her cheeks tinged with pink. "I didn't do much. Just… helped out where I could."

Toriel gently touched her shoulder. "Do not underestimate the impact of your actions, my child. You have brought hope to many, including yourself."

Susie didn't respond, but Vance could see the gratitude in her eyes. She had come a long way since the day she had stood up to Drak, and he knew that her journey was far from over.

As the feast began, the dining area's atmosphere grew even more lively. Monsters of all ages gathered around the tables, sharing stories and laughter as they enjoyed the delicious food. Vance found himself seated between Toriel and Susie, surrounded by the warmth of the community he had come to call home.

As the meal progressed, Toriel stood, raising a glass to address the crowd. "My friends," she began, her voice carrying a quiet power that instantly silenced the room. "Today, we celebrate not just the completion of our new homes, but the strength and resilience of this community. Each of you has played a part in making this possible, and for that, I am eternally grateful."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the gathered monsters. "But our work is not yet done. There are still many challenges ahead, and we must continue to support one another as we face them. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind, where every monster has a place to belong."

The room erupted into applause, the sound echoing through the Ruins like a thunderous wave. Vance clapped along with them, his heart swelling with pride and determination. He had come to the Ruins seeking answers, but he had found so much more—a purpose, a family, and a home.

As the celebration continued, Vance found himself reflecting on the journey that had brought him here. He had faced countless challenges, battled powerful enemies, and pushed himself to his limits. But through it all, he had never lost sight of what truly mattered—the people he was fighting for.

And now, as he looked around at the smiling faces of his friends and neighbors, he knew that every struggle had been worth it.

The future was uncertain, but Vance was ready to face it. With his silver soul shining brightly within him, he knew that no matter what lay ahead, he would never be alone.

The Ruins had become more than just a sanctuary—a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of unity and compassion.

And Vance was determined to protect it, no matter what.

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The Ruins were alive with celebration. Lanterns hung from every available post and archway, glowing softly in shades of amber, violet, and blue, casting a warm luminescence over the ancient stone paths. Music, played by a group of monster musicians, drifted through the air, blending the sounds of delicate string instruments with the deep, resonant notes of enchanted percussion. The once solemn Ruins had been transformed into a place of festivity and joy, a true testament to the resilience and spirit of those who now called it home.

Vance moved through the crowd, exchanging warm smiles and greetings with the monsters who had become his friends over the past months. The progress they had made was nothing short of remarkable. What had once been a scattered collection of displaced refugees had now become a structured and thriving community. Researchers, engineers, and craftsmen had worked together, combining magic and machinery to push the Ruins into an era of advancement unlike anything seen before. The discovery of the mineral Vance recognized as Mythril had further accelerated this growth, allowing for the creation of advanced magical tools that would have otherwise been impossible. Yet, despite all this progress, some mysteries remained unsolved.

Vance glanced to his side where two familiar specters, Chara and Nina, hovered subtly beside him. Their forms were much more stable now, no longer flickering and threatening to dissipate every few hours. With Vance's growing strength, their manifestations had grown significantly more resilient, allowing them to remain visible for days with only the occasional infusion of soul energy. Yet, despite multiple attempts, Vance had found himself unable to take their forms beyond mere spectral apparitions. He had encountered ghost monsters before—such as the pair of dummies in the Ruins and even Mettaton, who had yet to inhabit his robotic form—and all of them had distinct, tangible presences that allowed them to interact with the world in ways Chara and Nina still could not.

Vance frowned slightly as he pondered this, but his thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of an exasperated scoff.

"Oi, quit looking so serious. It's a party," Susie said, stepping up beside him, arms crossed as usual. Her usual scowl was softened slightly by the glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "You're thinking too much, human."

Vance raised an eyebrow at her and huffed. "You know, I do have a name. We've known each other for three months now—you should be comfortable calling me Vance by now."

Susie's expression twitched slightly, and for a moment, she seemed oddly hesitant. "Y-Yeah, well… I just—"

Vance grinned, catching onto her sudden awkwardness. "Wait a second… Don't tell me you're shy about saying my name?"

Susie scoffed, but her slight hesitation betrayed her. "Tch, as if! Don't be stupid."

Vance, ever the opportunist, smirked wider. "C'mon, say it. Just once. Vance."

"I—" Susie cut herself off before abruptly turning away. "Oh look, that monster over there needs a good chase!" Without another word, she bolted off toward an unsuspecting monster, making a show of intimidating them just to avoid the topic.

Vance laughed as he watched her retreat. "Yup. Totally not shy at all."

Vance watched as Susie fled the conversation, practically throwing herself into the nearest distraction. A grin tugged at his lips—she was way too obvious.

"D'awww," Chara's voice piped up from beside him, her tone dripping with amusement. "Did you see that? She ran away so fast, you'd think you just proposed to her."

Nina giggled softly, her more reserved presence a contrast to Chara's teasing. "She does seem… uncomfortable with saying your name out loud. Maybe it feels too personal?"

Vance shook his head with a chuckle. "Oh, come on, it's just my name. You two say it all the time."

"Exactly," Chara shot back, arms crossed as she hovered beside him. "We say it all the time, and yet she still doesn't. Hmm… suspicious."

Vance rolled his eyes, but before he could reply, Chara leaned forward with a smirk. "So… how's the festival treating you? Having fun?"

"Yeah, I'd say so," Vance answered, stretching his arms. "It's nice seeing everyone come together like this. A few months ago, the Ruins were just a quiet, forgotten place. Now it actually feels… alive."

Nina nodded. "It really is amazing. I never thought I'd see the Ruins like this. The music, the people, the lights… it's beautiful."

"And the food?" Chara waggled her eyebrows at him. "I know you snuck some of those fried snail skewers earlier."

Vance huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh." Chara floated in front of him, narrowing her eyes. "Don't play dumb. We can taste what you taste, remember?"

Nina nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "It was quite good, actually. The seasoning was much better this time."

Vance groaned. "Alright, fine, you caught me. But I thought you two didn't like snails?"

"I don't," Chara said immediately. "But that doesn't mean I won't judge your food choices."

Vance snorted. "You just wish you could eat on your own."

Chara huffed and looked away. "Maybe."

There was a brief pause, before Chara's voice took on a more thoughtful tone. "...Do you ever think about it? Y'know, us not having physical bodies?"

Vance glanced at her, feeling the shift in mood. "We've talked about this before, Chara. It doesn't bother me. You two are my friends, physical or not."

"We know," Nina murmured, her presence soothing as always. "And we're grateful. But still…"

Chara scowled, folding her arms. "It's just kinda unfair. Look at her." She gestured vaguely toward where Susie had disappeared into the crowd. "She gets to run around, eat, fight, actually touch things. Meanwhile, we're just here… floating. Watching."

Vance frowned slightly, sensing the unspoken frustration behind her words. It wasn't the first time she had brought it up, and he doubted it would be the last.

"I get it," he said softly. "But you two are still here. You can talk to me, experience things through me… and who knows? Maybe one day, we'll find a way to give you real bodies."

Chara scoffed. "Yeah, sure. I'll just wake up one day and be real again."

"You never know," Vance said, offering a lopsided grin. "Magic's weird like that."

Nina chuckled. "That's true. If anyone could make the impossible happen, it'd be you."

Chara, despite her grumbling, didn't argue. Instead, she turned her gaze back toward where Susie had gone, her expression unreadable.

Vance noticed the look and nudged her with his elbow—or at least, the closest equivalent to that he could manage with an intangible ghost. "What? You jealous of Susie or something?"

Chara immediately flinched. "W-What? No! Pfft. Don't be ridiculous."

Nina gave her a knowing look but said nothing.

Vance smirked. "Suuuure."

Chara glared at him. "I just think it's annoying how she gets to be so close to you all the time. She barely even tries!"

Nina let out a quiet hum. "I do understand, Chara. We've been with Vance just as long, if not longer. But… we don't have bodies. It's just the way things are."

Chara crossed her arms stubbornly. "Still dumb."

Vance chuckled, shaking his head. "You two are something else, you know that?"

"Of course we are." Chara smirked. "We're literally attached to your soul. You're stuck with us, buddy."

Vance rolled his eyes, but his smile didn't fade.

The festival continued around them, the sounds of music and laughter filling the air.

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Vance shook his head with a fond smile as he made his way further into the festival. The crowd had thickened considerably, and he could feel the gazes of countless monsters turning toward him. It wasn't surprising—after all, he was one of the main reasons the Ruins had developed so much in the past months.

When the renovations had begun, he hadn't expected to become such a central figure in the process. He had only thrown out ideas, pointed out possibilities, and encouraged the monsters to take action. But somehow, that had led to this—a grand festival celebrating the completion of new homes, workplaces, and infrastructure for nearly every monster in the Ruins.

And embarrassingly, it meant that he was also one of the main attractions.

"Vance! Vance! Over here!"

A small, energetic Froggit hopped up to him, waving enthusiastically. "Thank you so much for helping us! My family's house is so much bigger than before!"

Another monster, a Loox, nudged its way forward. "Yeah! And the street lanterns you suggested? They make it so much easier to walk around at night!"

More monsters joined in, crowding around him with excited chatter and expressions of gratitude. Young monsters especially seemed to flock to him, eager to talk or simply bask in his presence. Vance did his best to keep up, smiling and responding to as many of them as possible, but the sheer number of them made it impossible to hold a proper conversation with any single one.

From beside him, Chara snickered. "Wow, look at you, Mr. Popular."

Nina giggled. "I can't tell if you're overwhelmed or just awkward."

Vance sighed dramatically. "Both."

A sudden voice cut through the noise, giving him the perfect excuse to escape.

"Darling~! Over here~!"

Vance turned toward the familiar, theatrical tone to see Mettaton floating nearby in his ghost form, waving dramatically. Beside him, Mad Dummy was bouncing in place, and slightly behind them, the more reserved figure of Napstablook hovered quietly, looking just a little uncomfortable in the festival's lively atmosphere.

"Ah! Looks like my friends are calling me!" Vance said hurriedly, giving the surrounding monsters a sheepish smile. "I'll catch up with you all later, okay?"

He didn't wait for an answer before slipping away, weaving through the crowd until he reached Mettaton and the others.

"Saved by the ghost," Chara muttered.

Nina hummed. "A rather fashionable one at that."

Mettaton struck a dramatic pose the moment Vance arrived. "Darling, you simply must tell me how it feels to be the center of attention! Isn't it exhilarating?"

Vance deadpanned. "It's exhausting."

Mad Dummy cackled. "Hah! Knew it! You got that 'I-wanna-run' look halfway through!"

Vance shot Mad Dummy a half-hearted glare, though there was no real heat behind it. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. You try being swarmed by a bunch of monsters who think you're some kind of hero."

Mad Dummy grinned, his ghostly form flickering slightly as he bounced in place. "Oh, I wouldn't mind it! At least then I'd get some recognition for all the hard work I do!"

Mettaton placed a dramatic hand over his chest, his voice dripping with mock offense. "Hard work? Darling, the only thing you work hard at is being a nuisance."

Mad Dummy shot him a glare, but before he could retort, Napstablook floated forward, their voice soft and hesitant. "Um… I think Vance is doing a really good job… It's… a lot to handle, but he's… um… handling it well."

Vance sighed in relief, offering Napstablook a grateful smile. "Thanks, Blook. I needed that."

Mettaton huffed playfully, twirling in the air. "Honestly, you should be grateful for all the love you're getting! Not everyone gets to be adored by the masses, you know."

Chara snorted, her voice low enough that only Vance and Nina could hear. "He says, as if he wouldn't be thriving in the spotlight right now."

Mettaton, oblivious to Chara's comment, continued with a flourish. "Oh, but darling, of course I would! If only I had my fabulous robotic body already! I'd be dazzling the stage right this very moment!"

Vance chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, we'll get to that soon enough."

Napstablook floated a little closer, their voice barely above a whisper. "Speaking of which… um… thanks again, Vance. For, uh… you know. The… spot."

Vance's smile softened. "No problem. You deserve a quiet place to chill."

Chara tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Wait, what spot?"

Nina perked up, her ghostly form shimmering faintly. "Oh, right! We never actually saw it, did we?"

Vance glanced at Napstablook, who simply nodded, their shy demeanor making it clear they didn't mind Vance explaining. "A few weeks ago, I set up a small hangout space for Blooky in the Dark Ruins. They used to spend a lot of time in the old quiet parts of the Ruins, but with all the renovations, those spots got… well, not so quiet anymore."

Chara blinked, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise. "You made a whole hideout for them?"

Napstablook looked down shyly, their ghostly form flickering slightly. "It's… really nice. I-It even has a… um… music setup…"

Nina clasped her hands together, her voice warm and sincere. "That's adorable."

Mad Dummy grinned, his usual brash demeanor softening just a bit. "Honestly? That was real solid of ya, kid. Blook was a wreck when they thought they'd lost their chill zone. But now? Pfft. Never seen 'em so happy."

Napstablook mumbled something incomprehensible but clearly flustered, their form shrinking slightly as if trying to hide.

Vance smirked, feeling a sense of pride. "Glad you like it, Blook. And speaking of music, how's your DJ setup working for the festival?"

Napstablook perked up slightly, their voice gaining a hint of enthusiasm. "Oh. Um. It's… going okay. I just… tweak some stuff here and there…"

Mettaton draped an arm over Napstablook's shoulders, his dramatic flair on full display. "Don't be so modest, dear cousin! The festival's sound design is flawless! We owe that all to you!"

Napstablook's face somehow seemed to sink deeper into their ghostly form, their voice barely audible. "Oh. Um. Thanks."

Chara smirked, her tone teasing. "I like them. They're like a ghost version of you when you get too much attention."

Vance groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Please don't make that comparison."

Nina giggled, her laughter light and melodic. "It's a little accurate, though."

Before Vance could protest, Mad Dummy suddenly spoke up, his voice cutting through the conversation. "Oh, that reminds me! My cousin finally started talking, y'know?"

Vance raised an eyebrow, momentarily distracted. "Wait—you mean the dummy in the Ruins?"

Mad Dummy nodded rapidly, his ghostly form bobbing up and down. "Yeah! After months of sittin' there like a freakin' prop, they finally got the nerve to speak! And you were the one that got 'em to do it!"

Vance blinked, surprised. "Me?"

Mettaton twirled dramatically, his voice dripping with theatrical flair. "But of course! Your charm, your charisma, your undeniable presence! How could they not find the courage to speak in the wake of your greatness?"

Vance gave him a flat look, unimpressed. "You do realize all I did was talk to them sometimes, right?"

Napstablook nodded, their voice soft but sincere. "It… um… probably helped."

Mad Dummy huffed, crossing his arms. "Eh, whatever. Point is, they're finally part of the conversation now. Which means, kid? You basically helped all of us ghosts come outta our shells—er, uh, whatever the ghost equivalent is."

Vance scratched the back of his head, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise. "I just wanted to help, y'know?"

Mettaton beamed, his ghostly form glowing brighter. "And that, darling, is precisely why everyone adores you!"

Chara and Nina both rolled their eyes, but neither denied it. Vance simply sighed, looking out at the festival with a small smile. The Ruins had truly changed in ways he never could have imagined. And despite all the chaos, the exhaustion, and the ridiculousness of his ghostly companions, he wouldn't trade this life for anything.

As the conversation lulled, Vance turned to Mad Dummy, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Speaking of your cousin, where is she? I thought she'd be more proactive by now after she started talking to more monsters recently."

Mad Dummy shrugged, his form flickering slightly. "Eh, she's still shy. Doesn't wanna come to big events like this. Guess she's not ready to be in the spotlight yet."

Napstablook nodded in agreement. "It's… um… a lot to handle. Maybe she'll come around eventually."

Mettaton sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Such a shame! The festival is the perfect place to shine! But alas, not everyone is ready for the limelight."

Vance chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, she'll get there when she's ready. No rush."

As the group continued to chat, Mettaton suddenly perked up, his ghostly form glowing with excitement. "Oh! That reminds me! I've been meaning to tell you about this new friend I met recently."

Vance raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "New friend?"

Mettaton nodded, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Yes! Her name is Alphys. She's a scientist, and let me tell you, she's absolutely brilliant! I met her through the human fan club I started. You know, the one where we discuss human culture and all that?"

Vance blinked, surprised. "Wait, you actually started that club? I thought you were just joking around."

Mettaton gasped, feigning offense. "Darling, I never joke about my passions! The club has been thriving, thanks to you. Your insights into human culture have been invaluable. We've even gained quite a few new members—mostly young monsters who are fascinated by humans and have heard of you."

Vance rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little self-conscious. "Uh… thanks, I guess?"

Mad Dummy snorted. "Lucky you. Meanwhile, I'm still stuck in this dummy body. Not that it's bad or anything, but it's not exactly my dream form."

Napstablook tilted their head, their voice soft and curious. "Why do you even want a physical body that much?"

Mad Dummy shrugged, his form flickering slightly. "Dunno. Just feels like I'm missing out, y'know? Being able to touch stuff, eat, fight… all that good stuff."

Mettaton nodded in agreement, his dramatic flair returning. "Exactly! A physical body opens up so many possibilities! And with Alphys's help, I might finally get my dream robotic form. She's already working on some designs based on the ideas I shared with her."

Vance raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Wait, Alphys is helping you build a robot body?"

Mettaton beamed, his ghostly form glowing brighter. "Indeed! She's a genius when it comes to machinery and magic integration. With her expertise and my vision, we'll create something truly spectacular!"

Vance couldn't help but smile at Mettaton's enthusiasm. "Well, I'm glad you found someone who can help you achieve your dream. Just… try not to go overboard, okay?"

Mettaton placed a hand over his chest, his voice dripping with mock offense. "Darling, when have I ever gone overboard?"

Chara snorted. "Do you really want us to answer that?"

Before Mettaton could retort, Napstablook suddenly tilted their head, their ghostly form flickering slightly as they glanced around. "Um… does anyone else feel that?"

Vance froze for a moment, his eyes darting toward Chara and Nina, who hovered invisibly beside him. The two ghosts had been quiet for most of the conversation, but now they exchanged a wary glance. Chara's expression was tense, while Nina's was more curious.

Mad Dummy frowned, his form bobbing slightly as he looked around. "Feel what? I don't feel anything."

Mettaton, ever the dramatic one, placed a hand on his chin. "Hmm… now that you mention it, there is a certain… energy in the air. Almost like… another ghost?"

Vance's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly schooled his expression into one of mild confusion. "Another ghost? You guys are the only ghosts I know around here."

Napstablook shook their head, their voice soft but insistent. "No… it's not like us. It's… different. Like… something familiar, but not quite the same."

Chara crossed her arms, her voice low and cautious. "They're sensing us, but they don't know it's us. Keep playing dumb, Vance."

Vance nodded subtly, his mind racing. He had already discussed this possibility with Nina and Chara. For now, they had agreed to keep their existence hidden from the other monsters, especially the ghosts. It wasn't just about privacy—it was about safety. Both Nina and Chara had their reasons for staying in the shadows, and Vance respected that.

For Nina, it was a matter of her past. Over the past three months, she had slowly regained fragments of her memories from her life as a human girl. She had lived in the early 2020s, in a city near Mount Ebott. Her life had been ordinary—a quiet existence filled with school, family, and the occasional camping trip with her parents. But one fateful day, during a storm, she had gotten separated from her family and fallen into the Underground, just like Vance. Unlike him, however, she hadn't survived. Her death had been slow and painful, a result of hunger and the attacks from monsters who saw her as a threat. It was a tragic end to a life that had barely begun, and Nina still carried the weight of those memories.

Vance had learned about her past in fragments, as her memories resurfaced over time. She had shared some of it with him, her voice trembling as she recounted the fear and loneliness she had felt in her final days. But there were still gaps—moments she couldn't quite remember, emotions she couldn't fully process. For now, she preferred to stay hidden, not ready to confront the world with her story.

Chara, on the other hand, had a far more complicated reason for staying concealed. Her memories were even more fragmented than Nina's, but what she had recovered was troubling. She remembered her life in the Underground—her time with Toriel, Asgore, and Asriel. But the memories were dark, filled with anger, manipulation, and a deep-seated hatred for humanity. She had tried to poison Asgore, manipulated Asriel into helping her carry out a plan that had ultimately led to both their deaths, and harbored a burning desire to see humanity wiped out.

Chara didn't know why she had felt that way. The memories of her life on the surface were completely missing, leaving her with no context for her actions. But she knew one thing for certain: if the monsters—or even Nina—found out about her past, they would never look at her the same way. She couldn't bear the thought of being hated, especially by the few people she had come to care about.

So, for now, she stayed hidden, her presence known only to Vance and Nina. Even then, she kept most of her memories to herself, only revealing enough to explain her reluctance to be seen. Vance had tried to reassure her that her past didn't define her, but Chara wasn't convinced. She carried the weight of her actions like a shadow, always lurking just beneath the surface.

As the ghosts continued to discuss the strange energy they felt, Vance shrugged, trying to play it off. "Maybe it's just because I've been hanging around you guys too much. You know, like… residual ghost energy or something."

Mettaton raised an eyebrow, his dramatic flair returning. "Residual ghost energy? Darling, I've never heard of such a thing!"

Mad Dummy snorted. "Yeah, that sounds like a load of crap."

Napstablook, however, seemed to consider it. "Um… maybe? I guess it's possible…"

Vance nodded, hoping to steer the conversation away from the topic. "Yeah, I mean, I've been around ghosts a lot lately. Maybe it's just rubbing off on me."

Chara smirked, her voice low and teasing. "Nice save, hero."

Nina giggled softly, her presence warm and reassuring. "You're getting better at this."

Before the ghosts could press further, a sudden voice cut through the air, drawing everyone's attention.

"Vance! There you are!"

Vance turned to see Lila, the whimsalot who had become his assistant in managing the Ruins, hurrying toward him. Her wings fluttered anxiously, and her expression was a mix of relief and urgency.

"Lila? What's wrong?" Vance asked, his tone shifting to concern.

Lila skidded to a stop, catching her breath before speaking. "Someone from the capital—New Home—has arrived. They're asking to speak with you."

Vance's eyes widened, a sense of foreboding settling over him. "From New Home? Did they say why they're here?"

Lila shook her head, her voice tense. "No, but they're waiting at the entrance. They said it's urgent."

Vance exchanged a glance with the ghosts and monsters around him, their expressions reflecting his own unease. The capital didn't send messengers lightly, especially not to the Ruins. Whatever this was about, it couldn't be good.

"Alright," Vance said, his voice steady despite the tension. "Let's go see what they want."

As he followed Lila toward the entrance, the festive atmosphere of the Ruins suddenly felt distant, overshadowed by the weight of uncertainty. Whatever was coming, Vance knew one thing for certain: the peace they had worked so hard to build was about to be tested.

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