UT: Unbound Souls

Vance wiped his hands on his pants as he stepped into the next room. The air smelled faintly of baked goods, a stark contrast to the cold, damp scent that had clung to the stone corridors of the Ruins until now. His stomach growled as if drawn by the sweet aroma, and a smile tugged at his lips.

Ahead, a small group of spiders was clustered around a pair of tables laden with treats. One side showcased a modest stack of freshly baked donuts, their golden brown edges glistening faintly with a sugary glaze. On the other, bottles of cider sat neatly arranged, their contents shimmering faintly in the dim light. Above the tables hung a cheerful banner that read, "Spider Bake Sale – Support the Spiders!"

Vance's malnourished body begged for nourishment. The candy and cheese he'd eaten earlier had provided some energy, but he craved something more substantial. His curiosity was piqued as he approached the bake sale. "Donuts and cider, huh really Is the same as in the game?" he muttered to himself, the thought of warm pastries and sweet drinks making his mouth water.

The spiders tending the sale noticed him immediately. Like the spiders he'd seen with Mettaton earlier, these ones seemed tense and cautious. They stilled in their movements, their tiny eyes fixed on the human with a mixture of wariness and curiosity. Vance paused, giving them a small, reassuring wave.

"Hey," he said softly, crouching down to be less intimidating. "I'm not here to hurt anyone. I just... really need something to eat."

The spiders exchanged glances, their many legs shifting nervously. Despite their appearance, Vance couldn't shake the feeling that these spiders were far more intelligent than those he'd known on the surface. Whether it was due to the Underground's magic or something else, he wasn't sure. But their subtle gestures and the way they seemed to communicate silently reminded him of the monsters he'd encountered so far.

Finally, one of the spiders scurried forward, pulling out a small sign with handwritten text that read:

"Donuts: 7G. Cider: 18G."

Vance let out a small laugh. He'd expected the prices to be the same in the game, but then again these products if sold on the surface would definitely cost more, however thinking about it this branch of the bake sale was in the Ruins—a sector populated mostly by monsters who lived simply or struggled to make ends meet. He rummaged through his pockets, pulling out a hefty handful of gold coins he'd earned earlier. The sight of his gold seemed to surprise the spiders, whose tiny gasps and shuffles hinted at their disbelief.

"I'll take... everything," Vance said, grinning.

The spiders froze for a moment, stunned by his declaration. Slowly, they sprang into action, gathering the entire stock of donuts and cider. Their initial tension gave way to excitement as they piled the goods onto the table in front of him. Vance handed over every coin he had, the spiders scurrying to count and collect it all.

As soon as the transaction was complete, Vance wasted no time. He bit into a donut, the warm pastry melting in his mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness. The cider followed, its taste crisp and slightly tangy, with a hint of spice that warmed him from the inside. He let out a satisfied sigh, savoring the flavors.

The spiders watched in awe as he continued eating, one donut after another, punctuated by long sips of cider. It wasn't long before the entire stock began to dwindle. The spiders murmured among themselves, their initial shyness replaced by fascination. This human wasn't just generous—he was hungry.

By the time Vance finally slowed down, leaning back with a contented sigh, the bake sale tables were almost bare. The spiders looked at one another, their tension completely gone. Some even seemed amused, their tiny movements suggesting laughter as they gathered the empty bottles and crumbs.

"Thanks for the food," Vance said, smiling at them. "It was incredible."

One of the spiders held up another sign: "Thank you for your support! Muffet will be thrilled!"

Vance tilted his head, a flicker of recognition sparking in his mind. "Muffet?" he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue with a mix of curiosity and familiarity.

He remembered Muffet vividly from the game. She wasn't just another monster encounter; she was a standout—a spider monster with elegance, charm, and a teapot full of deadly surprises. Muffet had been the proud proprietor of the Underground's spider bake sale network, and her role as a miniboss had left quite an impression on him.

Even now, Vance could picture her multi-armed form, delicate yet imposing, her sly smile, and the way she carried herself with unwavering confidence. Her teapot attacks—complete with bouncing spiders and scalding tea—had been equal parts whimsical and terrifying. But more than anything, what stuck in his mind was her unique blend of grace and sass.

Back when he'd played Undertale, he'd been a little older than he was now, and… well, he'd had a tiny crush on her. Not that he'd admit it to anyone, even under threat of death. "She's just cool," he'd told himself back then, trying to ignore the way her refined demeanor and playful taunts had made his cheeks heat up. Now, at nine years old or 18 If you count both of his lifetimes combined, the memory made him cringe and laugh at himself in equal measure.

"Man, I was such a dork," he muttered under his breath, though he couldn't help the tiny grin tugging at his lips.

Vance's gaze shifted to the spiders bustling around the bake sale, their energy palpable as they gathered up the gold he'd spent. It was clear how much Muffet meant to them. She wasn't just their leader—she was their inspiration. These spiders worked tirelessly, even in the Ruins, where resources were scarce and visitors even scarcer. Their pride in today's earnings and their excitement about pleasing Muffet spoke volumes about how much they admired her.

"She must mean a lot to you guys," Vance said, crouching down to address the spiders. They nodded enthusiastically, one even scuttling forward with a small scrap of paper. Written on it in shaky lettering was: "Muffet takes care of all of us. She's the best!"

Vance chuckled, his admiration for the spider monster growing. "She really sounds like a great leader," he said. "You think she'll be happy with today's profits?"

The spiders nodded again, practically vibrating with excitement. A few began mimicking what Vance assumed were Muffet's mannerisms—delicate gestures, an exaggerated sip from an imaginary teacup, and even a dramatic twirl. He laughed at their antics, his earlier embarrassment melting away.

"She must be proud of you guys," Vance said warmly. "You've done a great job here."

The spiders seemed to puff up with pride at his words, their shyness now completely gone. For a moment, Vance felt a pang of nostalgia mixed with something deeper. Muffet and her spiders had been a quirky, memorable part of the game, but here, they were a community—a family—working together to survive and thrive in the Underground.

As he straightened up, Vance made a mental note to keep an eye out for Muffet when he ventured further. Meeting her in person—seeing her not as a boss battle but as a real, living being—felt like an encounter worth anticipating.

Though, if he did meet her, he decided he'd absolutely keep his old crush to himself. After all, he was a nine-year-old now. Muffet was a sophisticated spider monster running a business empire. No way he was embarrassing himself like that again.

"Yeah, let's keep that little secret buried," he muttered with a self-conscious laugh, turning his focus back to the path ahead.

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Vance stepped into the next room, greeted by a livelier atmosphere than he had expected. The room was abuzz with activity, filled not only with Froggits but also with Whimsuns and Looxes mingling in groups or lounging in corners. The space, which he'd remembered as a tutorial zone in the game, now felt more like a bustling community hub for the monsters of the Ruins. It seemed to act as a gathering place, a respite for those traveling through or simply living nearby.

The Froggits croaked softly to one another, while Whimsuns flitted around nervously, their wings shimmering like fragile glass. Looxes hovered near the walls, their single eyes darting from group to group. Despite the variety of monsters present, the tension Vance had grown used to encountering was noticeably absent. While a few monsters still eyed him warily, most seemed at ease—or at least curious.

As Vance stepped further into the room, snippets of conversations reached his ears.

"...Another human? Already?" a Whimsun whispered to a Froggit.

"They say the human supported the spider bake sale," a Loox added, its eye gleaming with curiosity.

"I heard they didn't attack anyone," another Froggit said with a soft croak.

Vance couldn't help but feel a little relieved. It seemed word of his presence—and his nonviolent approach—had spread. However, not all the monsters were entirely convinced.

A Loox floated forward, its gaze narrowing. "Let's see how strong this human really is," it said, its voice tinged with challenge.

Before Vance could respond, the monster initiated a battle. He instinctively dodged as the Loox unleashed a barrage of magical orbs, weaving between the attacks with surprising agility. Maybe it was his full stomach—or maybe he was just getting used to the rhythm of fights in the Underground—but he felt quicker and more confident than before.

When the Loox finally paused, Vance took the opportunity to speak instead of retaliating. "I'm not here to fight," he said firmly. "I just want to pass through."

The Loox hesitated, its single eye narrowing for a moment before softening. It hovered back, retreating to its spot near the wall. "You're alright, human," it muttered.

A few Froggits croaked in approval, and even some of the Whimsuns fluttered closer, their nervousness fading. Vance exchanged a few words with the monsters, introducing himself and asking about their lives in the Ruins. Slowly, the room warmed to him, and the monsters became more talkative.

Eventually, Vance decided to broach the topic he was most curious about. "So… how do I get out of the Ruins?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer from the game. He wanted to see if their responses differed or offered new insights.

A Froggit tilted its head thoughtfully before answering. "Well, there are two main paths," it croaked.

"Two?" Vance echoed, tilting his head.

"Yes," the Froggit replied. "The first is the city path. It leads east past the caretaker's house and deeper into the Underground. It's the path most monsters use to travel to other areas."

Vance's mind immediately flashed to the room he remembered from the game. Past Toriel's house, there had been an eastern path that led to a small room with a Froggit NPC. It had also been where he'd found the Toy Knife on the left side of the overlook.

"And the second path?" Vance asked.

Another monster, a Loox, chimed in this time. "That would be the passage beneath the caretaker's house. It's an old path, not used as often. They say it leads straight to the exit of the Ruins."

Vance nodded, pretending to be deep in thought. He already knew about the basement path—the one Toriel guarded so closely in the game—but hearing it described by the monsters added a new layer of context.

"The caretaker's house…" Vance said slowly, playing along. "You mean Toriel, right?"

The monsters all nodded, their expressions softening at her name.

"Yes," a Whimsun said quietly. "She's kind to all of us. She keeps the Ruins safe."

"And she makes the best pie!" a Froggit added enthusiastically, drawing a round of croaks and hums of agreement.

Vance couldn't help but smile. Even here, Toriel was beloved by the monsters she looked after.

"Thanks for the information," he said sincerely. "I'll keep it in mind."

The monsters nodded, their earlier wariness all but gone. As Vance made his way toward the next doorway, he glanced back at the lively room one last time. The Underground wasn't just a collection of rooms and puzzles—it was a home, filled with creatures trying to make the best of their lives.

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Vance stepped into the next room, which housed the One Switch Puzzle. The layout was familiar from the game, with several holes leading down to a lower level and a single switch hidden beneath one of them. His gaze swept across the room, and something shiny caught his attention near the corner: the Faded Ribbon.

He approached it slowly, the delicate piece of fabric lying forgotten in the corner of the room. Picking it up, he turned it over in his hands. The ribbon, though faded and worn, still carried an air of significance. Vance knew what it represented—it was an item that had originally belonged to a fallen human who had come before him. In the game, he had always associated it with the Light Blue soul of Patience, and holding it now, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pity and sadness.

The thought of the fallen human lingered in his mind. He could almost imagine them wandering through these same halls, likely lost and afraid, trying to make sense of their surroundings. Vance sighed, knowing their fate all too well—they had been killed by monsters, their soul taken as part of the plan to break the barrier. Yet, despite the tragedy of it, Vance couldn't entirely blame the monsters. After all, they were fighting to free themselves from hundreds, maybe thousands, of years of imprisonment beneath Mount Ebott. They had been sealed here after the Human and Monster war—a war that humanity had won, but at a heavy cost.

The ruins seemed quiet as Vance stood there, clutching the ribbon. Memories of his life on the surface of this world flashed through his mind. Although he hadn't been able to attend school, he had still picked up bits and pieces about the war. In this version of Earth, humanity's victory over the monsters had led to an era of peace and prosperity. Technology flourished, mirroring the advancements of his original Earth—phones, guns, and other modern conveniences were commonplace. Yet, this world had something his own hadn't: magic.

Humans had developed their own magical abilities over the centuries, though their power was weaker compared to the monsters of old. Still, by combining their unique soul abilities with advanced technology, humanity had built a thriving magic-tech industry. Even in the Underground, remnants of human advancements occasionally surfaced, like the odd bits of trash that floated down from Waterfall. Vance wondered if those items, discarded and forgotten, were ever a source of hope or frustration for the monsters below.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, Vance carefully tied the ribbon around his arm as a small gesture of respect for the fallen human. He hoped that, in some way, carrying this piece of their story might honor their memory.

Moving on, Vance solved the One Switch Puzzle quickly, dropping into the correct hole and flipping the hidden switch. The spikes blocking the path ahead receded, allowing him to advance to the next room.

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The following room featured the Rotating Puzzle. As Vance entered, he noticed the familiar setup: three pillars and three colored switches in each of the identical, rotated rooms. He carefully pressed the correct switches in the right order, navigating through the spikes that lowered with each success. The puzzle was straightforward, yet its design gave him an odd sense of nostalgia. It was another reminder of how much larger and more intricate the Ruins felt compared to the game.

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The room beyond was a crossroads, and for the first time in a while, it was entirely peaceful. No monsters roamed here, and the air felt still, almost serene. Vance paused, taking in the two paths before him. To the north lay a large, leafless black tree and what he knew would lead to Toriel's home. To the east, there was another path that piqued his curiosity. Though he knew what lay there—a small room with a Froggit and an overlook—he decided to explore it anyway.

Vance retraced his steps to the crossroads, deciding to explore the eastern path first. The Froggit he had met earlier had mentioned the city path, a route monsters often used to reach deeper parts of the Underground. Curious, Vance wanted to confirm if this was the path he thought it was.

Following the corridor, he found himself in the small room housing a lone Froggit. It croaked in greeting, tilting its head at him but otherwise leaving him unbothered. Beyond the Froggit, Vance entered a quiet chamber with an overlook. From here, he could see the vastness of the Underground stretching out into the distance. In the far reaches of his vision, faint shapes of what appeared to be a city shimmered faintly in the dim light.

"This must be the path they were talking about," Vance murmured to himself, leaning on the ledge. He recognized it immediately—it was the eastern path mentioned in the game, the one that led to the Toy Knife and provided a view of the Underground's vast expanse. But seeing it now, in person, felt far more profound. The scale of the Underground was overwhelming, a stark reminder of how much larger and more alive this world was compared to what he remembered from the game.

For a moment, Vance considered the possibility of heading down this path, but something held him back. He hadn't yet met Toriel, the caretaker of the Ruins, who he knew was both deeply kind and fiercely protective. Despite knowing what lay ahead, he felt a pull toward her home, as if meeting her was the next natural step in his journey.

With a deep breath, Vance turned back, leaving the overlook and retracing his steps to the crossroads. This time, he took the northern path.

As he walked, the Ruins gradually gave way to a more open area, and soon, the sight of Toriel's home came into view. Its warm, inviting shape was unmistakable, and the leafless black tree stood starkly at the entrance. Vance paused for a moment, taking it all in. The home was just as he had imagined, yet it felt even more significant now that he was here.

Near the tree, he spotted Toriel, tending to a small patch of flowers she had been gardening. She seemed focused, her hands carefully working the soil, unaware of his approach. Vance took a cautious step forward, his shoes crunching softly against the ground.

At the sound, Toriel looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw him. For a moment, she simply stared, as if unsure of what to say. Then, a warm but slightly concerned smile spread across her face.

"A human child?" she said softly, rising to her feet. She brushed the dirt from her hands and stepped closer. "Oh, my child… what are you doing here? Are you hurt? Are you lost?"

Vance shook his head, unable to suppress a small smile at her motherly tone. Before he could answer, Toriel gently guided him closer, inspecting him for injuries.

"You've been through so much, haven't you?" she murmured, her voice filled with both kindness and concern. "Come, let us go inside. I will prepare something to eat for you. You must be hungry after your journey."

Vance nodded, warmth flooding his chest at her compassion. As they neared the house, he paused for a moment by a glowing sigil carved into the ground near the doorway. It resembled the SAVE Points from the game, though he knew it wasn't the same. Still, he reached out and touched it, as he had done with similar sigils throughout his journey. It had become a small ritual for him—a moment to reflect and gather himself before moving forward.

This time, as his fingers grazed the sigil, he felt a strange sense of calm, almost as if the Ruins themselves were acknowledging his presence. It was brief, fleeting, but it made him feel connected to this world in a way he couldn't quite explain.

With Toriel guiding him into her home, Vance felt a sense of comfort and safety. The Ruins, while still shrouded in mystery, didn't seem as intimidating as before. Yet, as he stepped through the doorway, he couldn't shake the thought of the Underground's vastness and the secrets it still held, waiting for him to uncover.

This was only the beginning.