Chapter 25: A New Dawn 2

The festive atmosphere of the Ruins seemed to fade into the background as Vance followed Lila toward the entrance. The cheerful music, the laughter, and the warm glow of the lanterns felt distant now, overshadowed by the weight of the news. Someone from New Home—the capital of the Underground—had arrived, and they were asking for him specifically. Vance's mind raced with possibilities, none of them particularly comforting. The capital didn't send messengers lightly, especially not to the Ruins. Whatever this was about, it couldn't be good.

As they approached the entrance, Vance's eyes fell on the two figures waiting just beyond the threshold. They stood out immediately, their presence commanding attention even in the dim light of the Ruins. The first was a bird-like monster, her feathers a striking blue with hints of white and gold. She wore a uniform that marked her as a Royal Guard, though it was clear from her posture and the way she fidgeted with her spear that she was still new to the role. Her eyes, sharp and observant, locked onto Vance the moment he stepped into view.

The second figure was a cat monster, tall and imposing despite missing his right arm. His fur was a deep purple, and his remaining arm was crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. He wore a modified version of the Royal Guard uniform, the fabric slightly frayed at the edges, suggesting years of service. His single eye—a piercing yellow—studied Vance with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Vance took a deep breath, steadying himself as he approached. "I'm Vance. You asked to see me?"

The bird monster straightened, her feathers puffing up slightly as she saluted. "Yes! I'm Martlet, an apprentice Royal Guard. It's an honor to meet you, Vance. We've heard a lot about you."

The cat monster grunted, his voice low and gravelly. "And I'm Garfield. Royal Guard Captain, now… well, let's just say I'm here to keep an eye on things.

Martlet glanced at Garfield, who gave her a curt nod, before turning back to Vance. "We've been sent by King Asgore," she said, her voice steady but with a hint of uncertainty. "He's... concerned about the recent developments in the Ruins. The discovery of Mythril, the advancements in technology and magic—it's all caught his attention. He wants to know more about what's happening here."

Vance's stomach dropped. Of course, the king would take notice. The Ruins had gone from being a forgotten, abandoned place to a thriving community, and the discovery of Mythril alone would have been enough to draw attention. But now, with all the progress they'd made, it was no wonder Asgore was curious—or concerned.

Garfield stepped forward, his posture tall and steady, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. His single eye twinkled with a mix of amusement and authority as he studied Vance. "So, you're the one turning this place into the new hot spot of the Underground, huh? Impressive." He gave a low chuckle, as if genuinely entertained. "You've been busy, kid. Some of us are still recovering from our battles, and here you are, making this place a little utopia. People in New Home are... talking about it."

Vance frowned, trying to decipher Garfield's tone. "What do you mean?"

Martlet hesitated, exchanging a glance with Garfield before speaking. "There are... rumors. Some monsters think you're trying to create your own kingdom, separate from the rest of the Underground. Others think you're hoarding the Mythril for yourself. King Asgore wants to make sure that's not the case."

Vance's heart sank. He never intended for any of this to cause trouble. All he had wanted was to help the monsters in the Ruins build a better life. But now, it seemed his efforts had put them in danger.

"That's not true," Vance said firmly. "We're not trying to separate from the Underground, and we're not hoarding anything. The Mythril belongs to everyone in the Ruins, and we're using it to improve our lives. That's all."

Garfield raised an eyebrow, his smile widening, though his expression remained serious. "Nice speech, kid. But words alone won't settle things down in New Home. The folks up there? They want proof. They want to see for themselves."

Martlet nodded, her tone soft but serious. "King Asgore has requested that you come to New Home to explain everything in person. He wants to hear your side of the story."

Vance's mind raced. Going to New Home meant leaving the Ruins, leaving the people who depended on him. But if he refused, it would only make things worse. He had to find a way to protect the Ruins without putting them at risk.

Vance's mind raced. Going to New Home meant leaving the Ruins, leaving the people who depended on him. But if he refused, it would only make things worse. He had to find a way to protect the Ruins without putting them at risk.

Seemingly reading Vance's thoughts, Garfield's jovial demeanor shifted just enough to reveal the professionalism that came with years of experience. He stepped forward, his posture more commanding now, but his tone still warm and reassuring. "Aside from the previous reasons I'm also here to check on the state of the Ruins. " he said, his gravelly voice carrying a layer of kindness. "King Asgore wants to make sure everything's stable especially with the changes around the area. And trust me, kid, I've been to some rough places in my time. The Ruins weren't exactly high on the royal radar, but with all this new stuff going on, he wants to make sure things don't get out of hand to affect other parts of the Underground."

He paused, pulling out a small, carefully sealed envelope from his pouch. The wax seal bore the golden sunburst of the King's insignia. "This," Garfield said, handing it to Vance with a grin, "is a letter from King Asgore. It's for the former Queen. Real personal stuff." He gave a dramatic wink. "I'd say don't open it, but hey—if you can read royal handwriting, more power to you."

Vance took the envelope, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. Garfield's light-heartedness contrasted sharply with the gravity of the letter, but it also made the task ahead feel a little less daunting.

"And there's more," Garfield continued, his tone shifting to something almost casual, but still carrying the weight of authority. "I've also got these." With a grunt, he knelt down and gently placed a bundle of wrapped flowers between them. They glowed faintly in the dim light, their petals vibrant but somehow tinged with melancholy.

"The King thought it best to send these," Garfield explained with a softer voice, his joviality taking a backseat for a moment. "For her. It's been a long time... and these are meant as a symbol of renewal. Maybe it's a little sentimental, but sometimes, that's all you can offer."

Vance's gaze lingered on the flowers, the weight of their significance sinking in. He looked back up at Garfield, who now stood with his hands on his hips, an easy smile returning to his face.

Garfield's yellow eye met his, and for a moment, the joviality faded just enough to let the respect and authority shine through. "The King wants to make sure the Ruins are respected. He wants to make sure history isn't forgotten. And," Garfield added with a shrug and a smirk, "I'm just here to make sure all that goes smoothly. You know—royal guard business. But I'm glad to be out of the whole 'war hero' gig for a while. This is... less bloodshed, more paperwork."

Vance couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh, easing the tension in the air. Garfield's light-hearted demeanor, despite his obvious experience and authority, made him feel like maybe he wasn't facing the daunting task ahead alone.

Garfield stretched his remaining arm and rolled his shoulder, letting out a small grunt before turning his gaze back to Vance. "Alright, kid. Here's the deal," he said, shifting his stance to something more casual but still authoritative. "Martlet and I aren't heading straight back to New Home just yet. We'll be staying at Snowdin's inn for a bit—just a few hours' walk from here. Gives us time to rest up and lets you get things sorted on your end. We'll return in a day or two to pick you up."

Vance nodded slowly, his mind still processing everything. The idea of traveling to New Home weighed on him, but at least he had a little time to prepare.

Martlet, who had been listening attentively, spoke up. "You'll want to pack for a few days' journey if you're taking the normal route, but... well, since this is a direct summons from the King, you actually have another option." She glanced at Garfield, who smirked and nodded.

"Yeah, lucky for you, kid, the King's given you clearance to use the newly built Core transport system," Garfield explained, crossing his arm over his chest. "If you go the regular way, it'll take a few days on foot. But if you take the Core route, it'll cut your travel time down to just a few hours. Real convenient when you're in a hurry, huh?"

Vance blinked, though he wasn't truly surprised. He had known about the Core long before arriving in the Underground—both from his past life playing Undertale and from the refugees of Steamwork who had shared stories of its functions. While most monsters only understood the Core as a massive power source in Hotland, the Steamwork refugees had a more intimate knowledge of its mechanics. Their former home had served a similar purpose, generating energy for the entire Underground before its collapse had forced them to flee. From them, Vance had learned that the Core was not just a power plant; it was a marvel of ancient technology, designed to warp space and energy itself. And now, with its recent upgrades, it was capable of providing rapid transit across the Underground.

The thought of stepping into something so advanced still made him hesitate—not because of fear, but because of the sheer contrast between the Ruins and the rest of the Underground. The Ruins, with its aged stone structures and torch-lit halls, felt like a place lost in time. But the Core was different. It represented the future, or at least, a different path from what he had known.

Garfield, noticing Vance's expression, let out a chuckle. "Yeah, it's a big leap from what you've got here, huh?" He gestured around at the Ruins' weathered surroundings. "But trust me, it's the best way to get to the capital. Normally, the trip would take a few days, but if you take the Core's transit system, you'll be there in just a few hours. King's orders get you priority access."

Martlet nodded enthusiastically. "It's a straight shot from Hotland to New Home. You won't even have to deal with the worst of the heat."

Vance exhaled slowly, considering his options. It made sense—traveling through the Core would be the fastest and safest route. But that also meant he had less time to prepare. His mind raced with everything he needed to sort out before leaving: ensuring the Ruins' defenses were stable, making sure Lila and the others could handle things in his absence, and—perhaps most importantly—deciding what to tell Toriel.

Garfield seemed to sense his hesitation. "Look, kid, I get it. You've got responsibilities here. That's why we're not dragging you off right away. We'll be staying at Snowdin's inn for the next day or two. Gives you time to set things in order."

Martlet smiled reassuringly. "We'll come back when you're ready. Just don't take too long, okay?"

Vance nodded, grateful for the time, even if it wasn't much. "I understand. I'll be ready."

With that, Garfield and Martlet bid their farewells, turning toward the snowy paths leading to Snowdin. As their figures disappeared into the distance, Vance clenched the sealed envelope in his hands, his thoughts already racing ahead to what awaited him in New Home.

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Vance took a deep breath as he and Lila walked back toward the heart of the Ruins, the distant sounds of music and laughter growing louder with each step. The weight of the conversation with Garfield and Martlet still lingered in his mind, but he forced himself to push it aside for now. Today was supposed to be a celebration, and he wasn't about to let his worries dampen the mood. Still, the thought of meeting King Asgore—someone he had only known as a character in a game—filled him with a strange mix of anticipation and dread.

In the game, Asgore had been a kind but tragic figure, a king burdened by the weight of his decisions. Vance remembered how Asgore had tried to kill Frisk, the player character, in order to collect the seventh human soul and break the barrier. It was a harsh reality, one that had left a lasting impression on him. But this wasn't the game. This was real life, and Vance had already learned that things here were far more complicated than they had seemed in the pixelated world of Undertale. Asgore might be a good king to his people, but Vance couldn't shake the fear that the king might see him as just another human soul—a means to an end.

"You're overthinking again," Chara's voice chimed in, her tone teasing but with a hint of concern. "I can practically hear your brain working overtime."

Nina's softer voice followed, her presence a calming contrast to Chara's sharpness. "She's right, Vance. You've done so much already. You've helped build this community, and you've proven yourself to the monsters here. King Asgore will see that."

Vance sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I know, I know. It's just… hard not to worry. Things don't always work out the way you expect them to."

Chara snorted. "Yeah, no kidding. But you've handled worse, haven't you? You took down Drak, for crying out loud. A king with a flower garden shouldn't be that scary."

Vance couldn't help but chuckle at that. "When you put it that way, it does sound a little ridiculous."

"Exactly," Chara said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "So stop being such a worrywart and enjoy the party. You've earned it."

Nina giggled softly. "She's right, you know. You've been working so hard. You deserve to have some fun."

Vance smiled, feeling a little of the tension ease from his chest. "Thanks, you two. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably mope around and stress yourself into an early grave," Chara quipped, earning a laugh from Nina.

Vance shook his head, but his smile remained. "Alright, alright. I get it. No more moping. Let's enjoy the party."

As they approached the central square, the festive atmosphere enveloped him once more. The lanterns cast a warm glow over the stone pathways, and the air was filled with the scent of roasted snails and freshly baked goods. Monsters of all shapes and sizes mingled, their laughter and chatter creating a lively hum that seemed to chase away the last of Vance's worries.

Lila, who had been walking quietly beside him, glanced up with a smile. "You seem better. I was worried for a moment there."

Vance nodded, returning her smile. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just… a lot to think about. But you're right—today's a celebration. I shouldn't let anything ruin that."

Lila's wings fluttered happily. "That's the spirit! Come on, let's get back to the party. I think Toriel and Susie are waiting for you."

As they made their way through the crowd, Vance couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The Ruins had come so far in such a short time, and it was all thanks to the hard work and determination of everyone here. The new housing units, the Mythril-powered lanterns, the communal dining area—it was all a testament to what they could achieve when they worked together.

When they reached the center of the square, Toriel and Susie were deep in conversation, but they turned as Vance approached. Toriel's golden eyes lit up with warmth, and Susie gave him a nod, her usual scowl softened by the faintest hint of a smile.

"There you are," Toriel said, her voice gentle but with a hint of concern. "Is everything alright?"

Vance nodded, though he knew he couldn't hide everything from her. "Yeah, just… had a meeting with some visitors from New Home. They'll be back in a day or two to take me to the capital."

Toriel's expression shifted, her brows furrowing slightly. "The capital? Vance, that's… quite a journey. Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Vance hesitated, but before he could respond, Susie cut in. "Of course he is. He's handled worse, right?" She gave him a pointed look, her tone teasing but with an underlying seriousness.

Vance chuckled, feeling a little of the tension ease. "Yeah, I'll be fine. It's just… a lot to take in."

Toriel placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch reassuring. "You've done so much for us, Vance. Whatever happens, know that we're here for you."

Vance smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude. "Thanks, Toriel. That means a lot."

As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Vance found himself relaxing more and more. The music, the laughter, the warmth of the community—it all reminded him of why he had worked so hard in the first place. This was his home now, and he would do whatever it took to protect it.

Later in the evening, as the festivities continued, Vance found himself standing at the edge of the square, watching the monsters dance and celebrate. The lanterns cast a warm glow over the scene, and the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment, to forget about the challenges that lay ahead.

"You've come a long way, you know," Nina's voice said softly, her presence a comforting warmth beside him.

Chara's voice followed, her tone more matter-of-fact. "Yeah, from a clueless human who fell into the Underground to the guy who's basically running the Ruins. Not bad, all things considered."

Vance chuckled, shaking his head. "I wouldn't say I'm running the Ruins. I've just been doing what I can to help."

"And that's exactly why they trust you," Nina said, her voice filled with pride. "You've shown them that you care, that you're willing to fight for them. That means everything."

Vance smiled, feeling a swell of emotion. "Thanks, you two. I couldn't have done any of this without you."

Chara snorted. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get too sappy on us. We've got a reputation to maintain."

Vance laughed, the sound carrying over the music and laughter of the festival. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt at peace. The road ahead would be difficult, but he wasn't alone. He had his friends, his community, and the unwavering support of the two ghosts who had become his closest confidants.

As the night wore on, Vance found himself drawn back into the festivities, his worries temporarily forgotten. He danced with Lila, shared stories with Toriel, and even managed to coax a laugh out of Susie. For a few precious hours, everything felt perfect.

But as the lanterns began to dim and the music slowed, Vance knew that the time had come to prepare for the journey ahead. Tomorrow, he would need to gather his things, say his goodbyes, and steel himself for whatever awaited him in New Home.

As he made his way back to his room, the weight of the future settled over him once more. But this time, it didn't feel so heavy. He had faced challenges before, and he had always found a way to overcome them. This would be no different.

With a final glance at the Ruins, now quiet and peaceful under the soft glow of the lanterns, Vance took a deep breath and stepped inside. The journey to New Home would be a new chapter in his story, and he was ready to face it head-on.

For now, though, he allowed himself one last moment of peace, knowing that whatever lay ahead, he wouldn't be facing it alone.