Glen sat lost in thought as she rode the lift back to the upper labs. Jake whined a few times, but Glen only patted him on the head absently in response. The words of the horrid thing that was both Mettaton and Monster Kid and yet somehow neither stuck in her ears: desire to destroy, desire to corrupt, desire to consume. Was the black substance some sort of manifestation of atrophy?
Good and Evil had little meaning to a Dreamer like Glenda; she did what she felt was right, stood against those she thought was wrong. Even with her deadliest of enemies, however, Glenda held a measure of sympathy and understanding. There was always a reason ... maybe it was a bad reason, or a reason based on faulty evidence, but she at least understood where they were coming from enough to know that they thought they were doing what was best. As such, the idea of something being purely evil seemed surreal ... and yet ...
Glen jumped as Jake let out a bark. She looked at him, not bothering to hide her irritation.
"What?" She asked.
His monitor image changed to an image of the MettaKid amalgate, followed by an image of Glen smashing one of the Illusive Man's core units in half.
"Why didn't I attack?" She asked. "Are you kidding? You saw that thing; what was I supposed to do, fight it hand-to-hand? It was practically covered in that black crap. I mean, look at my feet?"
Glen's feet were red, looking as though they were mildly sunburned. Just touching them made her wince. Oddly enough, however, there were no traces of ichor on them.
Jake barked again, his monitor this time showing an image of the Anti-ka Maru.
"This?" Glen said, raising her right hand, the rune facing Jake. "This isn't a weapon. Yeah, I know a few tricks, but I'm no Narrator Number One."
Jake's monitor tilted, his face questioning.
"Long story." Glen said, rubbing the top of Jake's monitor. In a nutshell, he's a Dreamer like me, but he's had a lot more time and training using his Dreamer abilities. I'm still getting used to mine. Hell, even he rarely used it directly."
She sighed and sat back against the lift wall. "I can twist reality enough to fiddle with doors, alter basic probabilities, occasionally pull a trick like I did with the mirror."
Jake let out a questioning grunt.
"Not important. Still, you're right; it's just ... I never had other Dreamers to train me. Everything I can do, I learned on my own through trial and error, or with Teria's help. If I had a few days, I could probably put something together that would let me summon a cricket bat or a crowbar or ... or something."
Glen looked at her hand. The power of the Anti-ka Maru was undeniable, but she still knew so little about it, about what it could do. She knew she should try to use it more often, but after so many years relying only on her expertise as a Builder or a Brawler, it was hard to get her mind around the nature of her abilities as a Dreamer. The CPD had taken years of work to get to where it was, and even then, she needed outside help and access to Gallifreyan technology.
She stretched out her hand and concentrated. She willed the universe to produce a weapon, something she could use do defend herself and Jake should she need to. After a few moments, a flash of light shot from the Anti-ka Maru, spreading quickly from her hand until it took shape.
Glenda looked at the umbrella she was now holding with mild amusement. It was orange and yellow, her least favorite colors, and the wooden handle was carved in the shape of a ... well, it was more than just vaguely phallic.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say my Dreamer abilities are taking the piss outta me." She said, shaking her head at the ugly thing.
The elevator let out a chime as it reached its destination. Glenda rose to her feet as the doors slid open to reveal the cluttered yet well-lit rooms of the upper labs. Carrying umbrella under her arm, she walked out of the lift followed shortly by Jake.
Alphys was gone; MettaKid had said as much. Given the number of the strange tumor-things, Glen was forced to accept that the monsters taking refuge in the bunker were either corrupted or simply dead. Even if this wasn't her reality, the idea of her dear friends being dead did not sit well with her.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much to do, but focus on her original goal; if the ichor that corrupted the monsters did come from Frisk, Glen needed to get her as soon as possible to prevent the ichor from spreading any further.
Fortunately, Glen noticed the large security monitoring station on her earlier investigation of the lab. Sure enough, the multiple monitores were displaying different areas of the Underground as she drew near. Most of the places were unfamiliar; the sight of snow in several confused Glen to no end. Still, she could see a few monitors displaying areas of New Home as well as a few showing areas of Hotland she'd already passed.
The Main monitor, however, showed the remains of the chapel in Castle Dreemurr. The room was essentially in ruins, most of the sun-producing windows shattered and the pillars toppled. Glen started to change the monitor when she saw Sans appear on the far side of the room. He casually strolled through the wreckage, his face showing only his typical smile. As he drew near the edge of the screen, however, he stopped and looked directly at the camera.
"Hey." He said. "You up yet?"
Glen stared in disbelief until Sans said, "Red button by the keyboard."
Glen glanced at the keyboard; indeed, there was a red button. She pressed it and said, "Can you hear me?"
His smile widened. "Ah, good. You're awake."
"How in the Creator did you know I'd be awake right now?"
"I felt it in my bones. Listen, I found the kid; she's heading for the barrier. Not sure what she's planning, but I'm gonna meet up with Asgore and do what I can to stop her."
"I understand. Listen; if she starts spewing any of that black crap anywhere, steer well clear of it; that stuff's wiped out everything in the lab."
Sans's smile fell. "Alphys?"
"Gone." Glen sighed and said, "It does something to monsters; I saw a bunch of them down there. It was like they were melted together or something, and made them very aggressive. They do react strongly to bright illumination, though."
"No worries there. I've got just the thing to shed some light on any trouble that crosses my path."
"Good. I'm on my way." Glen paused a moment before adding, "Listen, Sans; stay safe, okay? If it comes to either you or whatever's corrupted Frisk, make sure that you're the one that survives."
"Even if I have to kill her?"
Glen sighed before replying, "Better you than that ... thing. I know it's a bit grim, but consider it as the kid reaping what she's sown."
Sans raised an eye-ridge at the camera. "Was that a Death pun?"
Cracking a smile, Glen said, "Yeah, I guess it was."
After a long moment of silence, Sans chuckled. "I like it. See you soon, landlady."
Glen allowed herself a smile as she released the button, the console letting out a small chime. She turned to rejoin Jake when another chime sounded. She frowned, glancing back at the console only to realize it hadn't come from the security station.
Her blood ran cold as Jake let out a long growl. She turned just in time to see a familiar pink-booted leg step out of the elevator.
"Ah, crap." Glen said, clutching her umbrella as the rest of the Amalgate appeared. Surprisingly, its form seemed more solid now; the robot parts were once again in good repair. For a few seconds, Glen thought that maybe Mettaton had somehow separated; that hope faded, however, as Mettaton turned to face him. The robot's left arm was completely engulfed in a fleshy mash covered in orange and yellow scales, a pair of frightened eyes staring out from beneath a small ridge of spikes.
"Hello, Darling." Mettaton said. "I do hope you weren't planning on leaving."
"Oh, no." Glen said as she took a step back. "I'm pretty sure I'm in this for the long haul at this point."
"Ah, good. I'm afraid you didn't catch me at my best earlier; my ... transformation wasn't quite complete at the time. Quite embarressing, but it wasn't your fault."
Glen had a hard time looking away from Mettaton's hybrid arm. Something beneath the scaley skin writhed, as though the Monster Kid was still trying to move.
Mettaton followed Glen's gaze. He stared at his mutated arm for a moment before letting out a laugh. "Oh, this? Don't worry, darling; I'm far more determined than the child. Besides, he adores me; now he gets to be one with his favorite entertainer until the end of time!"
"You said the ichor was desire." Glen said, "Dark desire."
"Oh dear; are you still going on about that? You really can't take anything I said seriously; I was still fresh from my cocoon."
"Then what is it?" Glen asked as Mettaton advanced on her. "How did it change the other monsters?"
"Oh, them? Don't worry about them, darling; they're little more than shambling beasts. As for the miraculous elixer that repaired my body and gave me this new strength, I do think this is what dear Alphys called 'determination'."
"Determination?" Glen asked. "What, like liquid determination? How the hell can you take something like that and put it into physical form?"
"Oh, you'd have to ask Alphys, darling." She said. "And I'm afraid you won't get that chance. You see, I need a human soul to breach the barrier, and with the fallen child gone, yours will have to do."
"Now wait a-" Glen threw herself aside as Mettaton brought her Monster Kid arm down, narrowly missing the Dreamer and smashing part of the security monitor.
The look of annoyance on Mettaton's face turned to one of mirth as Glen brandished her umbrella.
"Really, darling? I appreciate you're willingness to put on a good show, but the cameras aren't rolling. We might as well just avoid the flash and get straight to business."
Mettaton's foot sliced through the air, breaking the umbrella in fast with a loud crack. Most of the umbrella fell to the ground, leaving Glen holding the uniquely shaped wooden handle. She stared at it with a sigh before hurling it at the robot. The wooden handle caught the robot in the cheek; it didn't cause any physical damage, but Mettaton looked furious.
"Enough of this!" Mettaton said, eyes flashing red. "Just give up, darling, and I'll make it as quick and painless as I can."
"Yeah, 'cause that's gonna happen." Glen let out a shrill whistle and shouted, "Jake! Now!"
Mettaton turned in time to get a blast of Jake's monitor flashlight right in the face. Mettaton shrieked, black splotches of ichor appearing on his face.
"Please, please, please something good this time." Glen whispered, eyes clenched shut as she tried again to summon another weapon. Feeling something solid form in her hand, she grinned and leapt forward, swinging in a wide arc.
The whiffleball bat bounced off Mettaton's head with an audible thunk. Even Mettaton, the black splotches shrinking but still present, just stared for a few moments.
:"Goddammit." Glen said, flinging the bat away before punching Mettaton in the face. The result was typical of a fleshy object coming into violent contact with solid metal; that is to say, Glen was pretty sure she'd broken at least two of her fingers as she staggered back, clutching her aching hand.
"Get him!" Mettaton shouted. "Get them both!"
Glen started to ask who Mettaton was talking to when an all-too familiar howl made her freeze. Ichor oozed from the elevator as the dog-like amalgamate moved out of the elevator. It moved toward Glen until Jake ran into its path, barking as his monitor shone brightly.
The dog-like amalgamate let out a pain-filled chorus of howls before slamming its bulk on the dog-robot, completely engulfing it.
"Jake!" Glen shouted, moving to assist only for Mettaton to step in her way.
The robot's legs sliced through the air, several cutting Glen's shirt as she struggled to avoid the assault. Mettaton was relentless, pressing her advantage until Glen was pinned to the wall, her hands trying to hold back one of Mettaton's legs.
"Give up, darling!" Mettaton hissed between perfect teeth.
"Not gonna happen."
"You can't win!"
"That doesn't mean I don't try."
"Why bother? You have no chance!" Mettaton slammed her Kid-arm into the wall beside Glen's head. "Accept reality."
Anger flared through Glen. "I'm a Dreamer." She said between clenched teeth. "I don't accept reality! I control it, through my will! My strength! My determination! I will not die here!"
Strength surging through her arms, Glen shoved Mettaton back. She reared back for another punch when her rune suddenly flared even brighter than Jake's monitor. The light spread forward in a thousand spidery threads, engulfing both of her arms and filling her with the same strength she felt when she wore Headache, if not more.
With a roar, Glen rushed at Mettaton, the gauntlets of light slamming into the metal robot as though it were styrofoam. Now it was Mettaton who was on the defensive, desperately trying to avoid years of Glen's training as a Brawler, a Builder, and as a prospective entrant into the Longshore Melee. Any cover Mettaton tried to take was immediately smashed into scrap, any attempts to counter only hurt Mettaton.
With one wild swing, Glen smashed Mettaton's Monster-Kid arm off right below the shoulder. Mettaton grabbed for the arm with his remaining hand, but Glen got their first and held it out of reach.
Almost immediately, the arm convulsed. Glen risked a glance and saw that the arm was dissolving in her grasp, turning into ichor and ash. She caught sight of Monster Kid's eyes for one final second before they vanished. She wasn't sure, but she hoped that the Kid was grateful, finally released.
She turned her attention fully on Mettaton, only to find him dripping with ichor and falling to pieces. Separate, their bodies apparently were no longer able to maintain cohesion, and the parts the ichor replaced on Mettaton were now falling apart again. Alarmed, Glen started to release the robot, but Mettaton grabbed one of Glen's arm and wouldn't let go.
"That was a fantastic show, d-darling." Mettaton said, smiling. "Your arms are simply dazzling ... almost as much as my legs."
Glen could see it now; the ichor wasn't retreating from her light; her light was purging it.
"Glad I don't have to close the show angry." Mettaton paused and said, "I'm just sorry we didn't believe you. If we had, maybe I'd be in better shape.
"The ichor." Glen said, realizing there wasn't much time left. "What is it?"
"Alphys thought it was something like determination. She might be right, but it's not the same as the real deal." Mettaton replied as Glen lowered him to the floor and helped him sit up against the remains of the security station. "The ichor is dark with hatred, anger, ambition, and arrogance. I guess that's why it got me so quickly ... I was ... so sure that I ... would be ... the ... hero. I'm s-sorry ... I would tell you more ... but my power ... is ..."
With a final smile, Mettaton closed his eyes.
Glen felt a little sad, but only for a moment; Jake was still in trouble. Setting the remains of Mettaton on the floor, she rushed at the pulsating form of the Amalgate. It didn't move; seemingly intent on its capture of Jake.
Clenching her eyes shut, Glen rushed toward the creature with her glowing arms outstretched, and was promptly absorbed into pulsating mass. Her entire body felt like it was on fire as she moved through the creature, trying desperately to grab part of Jake so she could haul him out. Only moments after she entered, however, the entire mass shuddered like mass ot gelatin caught in an earthquake. The burning sensation slowly faded, though Glen still couldn't breath. Still empty handed and desperate for air, she tried in vain to fight her way free. Unfortunately, moving in the dog-like amalgamate was like trying to run while submerged in quicksand; the more she tried, the more it seemed to constrict around her.
Just as she started to lose consciousness, the mass of the creature pulled away. Glen collapsed to the floor, the light around her arms fading as she gasped for breath.
A sudden bark made her look up right into Jake's cheery face. He barked again happily before nuzzling her with his monitor. She hugged him close.
"Thank the Creator." She said, still out of breath. "I thought I lost you."
He barked again. This time, however, a chorus of barks replied from behind Glen. She spun about to see the dog amalgamate standing behind her; gone were the traces of the ichor, leaving only a large white mass with dog-shaped dark spots giving it the appearance of legs. Now, however, the faces in the dark spots seemed happy.
"Oh." Glen said, still a bit appehensive. "Feeling better?"
Endogeny barked, again sounding like five or six dogs barking in unison. It even wagged a massive tail-like appendage as Jake replied with a bark of his own.
"How did you survive, boy?" Glen said, rubbing the side of Endogeny and finding it surprisingly fluffy. "I'm glad I didn't have to kill you, but if I can find out the difference, maybe Frisk isn't lost."
"Determination."
Glen turned her head to see Napstablook floating her way. "I looked through Doctor Alphys's records while I was down in the lower lab. I thought I could find out where my cousin went ... I know it was rude, but ..."
"Your rudeness might help save lives, Napstablook." Glen said, giving him a kind smile. "Under the circumstances, I think it can be ovelooked."
Napstablook paused, "She found a way to extract determination from human souls, then tried to inject it into dying monsters. It brought them back to life, but ... well, they couldn't hold up on their own. It's really sad; they got all mixed together."
"Then this is basically a bunch of monsters melted together." Glen said, looking and Endogeny. "It was treated with concentrated determination, whatever the hell that is; maybe thats what stopped the ichor from taking control."
"Miss Glen?" Napstablook said, his sad eyes on Mettaton's remains. "Happs- Mettaton is my cousin. I don't know if he has determination, but ... well, Alphys's notes say he's been fused to this body, but ... is there something you can do?"
Glenda knelt by Mettaton's remains. Being technically minded, it didn't take her long to find the power core ... and to her amazement, it was still active. Glenda touched it and felt something she could only describe as life.
"A soul core." She murmured. "Just like a Glyche core unit ... but the design's inefficient. Even without our fight, it wouldn't have lasted much longer."
As if to make her point, the light shining from the heart-shaped window dimmed slightly. Whatever was in there wouldn't last long without a boost.
"Please." Napstablook said, "If you can do something ... please, don't let him die."
Glen stared at the soul core in her hand, her mind going to thoughts of Papyrus, Undyne, Toriel, and Alphys ... all gone. Maybe it was her universe, and maybe not, but the thought of them all being dead along with every other monster she'd come to know during her time at Ebott filled her with her own determination.
Her rune flared to life as she looked Napstablook in the eye and said, "Not on my watch."
