Celestia and Luna tiredly walked through the heat of Hot Land, it had been a week and Chara had not left the Labs at all. Because Asriel was busy dealing with griffon terrorists at the boarders the princesses had decided that enough was enough, they were heading down to the Labs to bring Chara back even if it was just to have one meal with them. After several hours of navigating the traps set up in the Core and around Hot Land they reached the labs to see Shroud, Chara's Phoenix perched on the raining asleep. "So that's where he went." Luna muttered.
Celestia sighed and the two entered the Labs only to pause in shock. A week ago the lab was pristine and perfectly cleaned however now it would qualify for its own disaster relief fund. Pot and cups were strewn around the lab with some even still having food in them, papers were scattered about and haphazardly tossed aside. Celestia approached a stack of blue papers with intricate schematics drawn on it, written on the pages were symbols that she couldn't understand however one of the pages she picked up depicted the Gaster Blasters Chara loved to use.
Celestia placed the drawing back down and looked around concerned. "Chara has never been a messy person." She said concerned.
Luna nodded slowly. "It looks as if a tornado was through here." She said. "Do you think Chara is on the lower floors?"
Celestia shrugged and walked to the elevator. "When I see her I'm going to have a word with her on hygiene and how to care for one’s self." Celestia said grumpily. "She's 433 years old; she should be able to care for herself!" Luna chuckled and shook her head as they entered the elevator and descended.
When the exited the lab the blinked at the harsh lights that the True Lab had and began to walk down the halls. As they walked Luna noticed several odd monitors that activated once they passed. "Sister, these monitors are rather strange." She said as he approached the first one on the wall. "Entry 1... Sister comes read this!"
Entry number 01
Work on Project 23 has been officially completed. The Prototype generator is working and has been supplied the laboratory with unlimited magical energy. After working on the same project for so long I am eager to start anew.I wonder what I will be tasked with next?
Luna turned to Celestia excited. "Sister, I think this was written by Dr. Gaster!" She said excitedly.
Celestia looked confused. "If that's the case what is it doing here?" She asked however the question fell on deaf ears as Luna ran to the next screen. Celestia sighed and followed her sister despite her hesitance she was still curious.
Entry number 02
The King has given me my next assignment. With the recent FEAR Soul incident the human government wants me to research effective ways to fight against the corrupted souls in the event this occurs again.
Though I'm hesitant to do such research this could prove to be a great opportunity to experiment with something interesting.
Humans possess a substance called 'DETERMINATION', it fascinates me.Perhaps we could use this 'DETERMINATION' to our advantage?
Celestia tilted her head in thought. "Determination... isn't that Chara’s soul?" She asked Luna who nodded.
"Determination, the power to alter time as well as wield the power of the other six souls." Luna replied. "It looks like Gaster began his Determination experiments far earlier than we thought."
Celestia nodded. "Our guess was it started after Chara fell down however this proves he was testing what it could do as a way to counter the Unnatural Soul Traits prior to them knowing each other."
Luna shook her head. "From what this says Dr. Gaster was working on this research for the human government. This means it was prior to the Human and Monster War so they were still above ground and not sealed away." The Sisters turned away from the monitor and continued down the hall till they reached the next.
Entry number 03
My research has proven to be very compelling. Determination grants it's carrier with two abilities: 'SAVE' and 'LOAD'. If we were to somehow harness Determination... we could use it against the corrupted humans.I shall find a way to extract Determination from human souls, and then... Experimentation may begin.
Celestia shuddered. "Dr. Gaster seems like a rather... interesting character." She said and Luna nodded and the two continued deeper into the True Lab till they reached a room containing a massive machine that looked like a skull. Celestia shuddered as Luna approached and examined it. After examining it the two went over to one of two monitors in the room.
Entry number 04
It occurred to me that I can't work on this project alone. I've decided to bring two assistance to help me with various tasks. The first I have selected is Assistant Alphys, She is a young and timid monster but she shows great promise. The second is a longtime colleague of mine, Scratch. He may be a bit eccentric but he is a good man and I trust him.Currently we're designing blueprints for a machine capable of DT extraction.
I look forward to completing it.
Luna tilted her head. "Scratch... where have I heard that name before." She muttered before gasping in recognition. "He was a member of the Team that worked with Chara prior to the incident!" She said and Celestia turned to her surprised.
"How do you know?" She asked before remembering something from a long time ago. "Luna was he one of the Monsters from that dream you saw from Chara when she first began to live with us?" Luna nodded and turned to the second monitor
Entry number 05
We finished construction of the DT extraction machine. The King has requested the human government to provide us with the human souls needed to test it with. After acquiring the souls we tested the machine and the extraction was a complete success.
Now that we have Determination we will attempt to inject DT into monster souls, if my theory is correct we might not have found a way to simply counter Corrupted humans but a strong enough power source that Monsters that have fallen down can be revived.We have chosen four monsters that have fallen down to conduct the experiments on; if it's successful they should all come back to life.
We will try this tomorrow.
Luna frowned. "Sister, this is what Chara is looking for." She said somewhat concerned. "A way to revive monsters and it seems to lie in Determination."
Celestia didn't say anything for a moment. "This way." She said as she walked to another hallway that lead deeper. The two princesses walked quietly till they reached the next screen.
Entry number 06
It worked, they're alive!
All four of them are awake and walking around as if they never fell down.
It's so... fascinating.
The two sisters looked at each other and continued down the hall to the next entry.
Entry number 07
I apologize for not recording so long, it's been a few days and I have had to constantly monitor the subjects.
They're all still fine and I believe that at this point we can consider the experiment a resounding success.
With Determination we now have a chance to give monsters that have fallen down a second chance; I have also run several tests on the subjects power and found that their magic is strong enough to shatter human souls, Now we have a way to overpower the corrupted humans if anything like the Fear Incident happens again.Using our magic, combined with Determination, we will be able to protect our kingdom from any threat, the only thing I've found odd is that the test subjects are very... 'sweaty'.
It may be a simple side effect like the others believe however I have asked that the subjects remain a bit longer for further observation.
Luna's eyes widened and she looked at Celestia. "They did it!?" She exclaimed in shock however Celestia shook her head.
"I don't think they did." She said as she moved to the next monitor and gasped. "Luna come see this!" She yelled. Luna ran over and began to read
Entry number 08
It has been several days since my last entry and things have taken a turn for the worst.
The sweating I noted in my last entry was indeed a significant situation and I am glad I was able to convince the King to allow then to remain here longer. The test subjects melted together to form one amorphous entity and proceeded to try and attack us.I had no choice but to destroy it to protect Assistant Alphys and Dr. Scratch. It is with a heavy heart that I write to the families of the monsters and announce the death of their loved ones. As horrible as it is to say this the experiment was not a total failure and the data we gained will be invaluable. We now know monster souls cannot handle raw Determination but now that we know this, where do we go from here?
I have sent Assistant Alphys and Dr. Scratch away from the Lab on leave for several days so that they may recuperate from the events of the past few days, I will be taking a leave of absence as well. This entire situation has left me drained and reminded me of the fragility of life.
I need some time with my wife.
The Princesses looked at each other. "Chara has to know this." Luna said calmly. "I mean the information is right here so it's not hidden."
Celestia nodded there must be more to this than we can see, some sort of background information that most likely wasn't recorded here but on the notes. They must have found a cure or something, we both know Chara is not the type to be reckless or gamble with chance."
"Sister, what if this is why Chara hasn't tried anything yet?" Luna asked, Celestia raised an eyebrow and Luna shook her head. "Hear me out sister, she knows that this will happen if she uses Determination however perhaps they did find some sort of cure or something similar, something that they didn't record or put down but she know of it and that's why she's looking for Gasters' old laboratory..."
"Because that's where it is." Celestia finished as she thought. "That's a good guess but perhaps if we find the other entries we can learn the answer." The two continued down the halls searching for the next entry and after several minutes they found it.
Entry number 09
No progress has been made since our return. My last report on the incident was sent to the humans, they are callus and uncaring. When it was reported that all subject had to be terminated and by my own hand the simply demanded we find more! I have never seen King Asgore so angry however I do understand; I don't think I've ever been so angry either.On a separate note we are running out of options, if our bodies aren't capable of handling Determination how do we harness its power? I know Determination is the answer I'm looking for however it is far too potent for use on monsters.
We would need something else to contain it for us, but what?
It sounds absurd but perhaps... we could use a machine powered by Determination?
Celestia and Luna looked at each other concerned. "Were Humans truly this uncaring about monsters? Four died by being twisted into abominations and they simply say 'do it again'?" Celestia shook her head. "That's deplorable."
"I'm more curious about their machine powered by determination idea, it sounds very similar to what Chara mentioned and what I saw in that dream." Luna said as the Sisters continued down the hall. Celestia shrugged and stopped at the next screen.
Entry number 10
The Humans have declared war on us monsters. I do not know why or what they gain from this however my research has become more important than ever. Sadly my research has shifted from a possible revival of monsters to creating weapons. Several more researchers have been assigned to my team by the King. This has lightened the load considerably so my research has not been stopped but simply slowed.On another note I have developed a prototype weapon specifically designed to shatter the souls of humans. I'm calling them Gaster Blasters, a bit pretentious but the king did approve.
Lunas face lit up. "Ha! you owe me twenty bits now sister; I told you the Basters were named after Gaster!" She exclaimed happily.
Celestia groaned. "Can we focus on the bigger picture Luna, like how Chara has a weapon that can destroy souls and treats it like a pet?" Luna simply laughed and continued on, Celestia sighed and followed.
Entry number 11
The Gaster Basters while effective in combat act more like pets than weapons. Despite their effectiveness the king asked that they not be used in combat. We are on the right track but if we're to use them they will need to be more aggressive. It's shame really but they do make wonderful companions. Some of them follow me around the lab as if they were puppies.
I find it quite adorable honestly.
Celestia face hoofed while Luna laughed even harder. "Even their King saw the folly of them as a weapon." Celestia groaned.
Entry number 12
Despite the king's decree that the Blasters are unfit for combat they continue to aid their masters in battle, the King has had no choice but to resend the decree. Despite their kind and loving nature they will defend their master and are extremely dangerous if provoked. There was a recent report of one of the Gaster blasters masters falling in battle, to say the sight that the reinforcements were met with has left humans terrified of my creations is a rather small understatement. The details are not available to be seen but I managed to sneak a copy. I wish I hadn't, if a Blaster is pushed too far they might become the most terrifying thing at our disposal.In other news Arial, my wife, is pregnant! From what I have been able to tell it is a boy. I am so excited but also terrified, of all the times for me to get her pregnant and I choose right before a war! Way to go Dings, husband of the century right here!
...Sarcasm doesn't translate well on paper.The work on reviving monsters that have fallen down is going well. We have determined that while Determination can revive monsters we need a way to stabilize the monster once they are brought back. Work has been slow but in a few months I might have the stabilizer we need. I just need more time...
"Your guess might be right Luna." Celestia said in surprise. "Dr. Gaster was working on the cure the whole time and this proves he was close to a way to revive Monsters."
Luna frowns. "But he still hasn't done it yet, He says he need time and we both know the war ended with monsters loosing so he must not have succeeded." The sisters continued down the hall till they reached the next screen.
Entry number 13
The Humans won and we have been driven underground. My wife gave birth mere hours ago to my son, Comic Sans Skeleton. I have lost almost all my research notes on Determination and all notes I had on the revival process were left behind at my lab. I could only grab a few files in the rush and the files on the Revival Process were some of the few I was unable to grab due to them being in my office. The King has begged me to continue the research but at present reviving the fallen down is low on the priorities. I need to begin work on a way to supply magic and power to our new prison, assist in setting up a lab as well as other work.Damn the humans, because of them my son will grow up in a cave than under the light of the sun and stars.
"There's our answer." Celestia said sadly. "Dr. Gaster left all his research behind on the surface when they were driven underground." She said as she turned to Luna. "These entries explains everything Luna, who Gaster was, why Chara is so determined to find his old lab, everything is here."
Luna nodded slowly and turned to Celestia. "Imagine having been so close to finding a salvation to something that we stood no chance against only to have it ripped away and losing everything in the process." She said as she sat down. "That... that would break me."
Celestia nodded and looked down the hall. "Luna, it's not over." She said as he pointed her hoof at a another screen farther down. Luna rose and the two approached the next screen.
Entry number 14
It's been years since I've been able to sit down and record any data on my experiments. However everything is set up finally and The Underground now works. Fortunately I brought files from Project 23 with me so the Underground is supplied with unlimited magical energy. The place that creates the magical energy is called the Core.Sans has grown up to be quite an intelligent and lazy skeleton. In a few years he might be able to join the Lab teams though the choice will be his.
The Sisters looked at each other and followed the hall to an exit that lead out to a massive open observation deck. The deck over looked a literal sea, pipes rose from the lava connecting to a massive construct of steel that glowed and churned with unknown mechanics. "That's the Core?" Celestia gasped in shock as Lunas jaw dropped. The two stood and marveled at the machine for a time till finally they continued onward, following the Deck they found another entrance that lead to another hall and at the end was the next monitor.
Entry number 15
A Human Child has fallen in to Home; she is in poor condition however. I wonder how they got in such a state? The young Prince Asriel has grown quite attached to the child; King Asgore and Queen Toriel have taken the child in. Despite my past with human and hate for them I have come to respect the child, she is smart and kind. When she first saw me she did something I doubt I will ever forget. she apologized for what humans had done to my kind. I... I don't know what to do. Perhaps, if the Child show interest in my work, I may take her on as an apprentice in the future.My son has also shown he has my Karmic Retribution so I will need to train him. I remember my days in active service as the Judge; he will have a hard life. The human child shows great aptitude for magic as well and is quite intelligent, I wouldn't mind training her.
"This must have been when Chara fell into the Underground." Celestia said before frowning in thought. "Karmic Retribution, didn't Chara mention she had this power as well?" She asked and Luna nodded.
"She said she learned it from an old friend, do you think it was Gaster or this Sans?" Luna replied as the two continued deeper into the facility.
Entry number 16
Chara and Sans have grown so much and Arial recently gave birth to our second child, Papyrus Skeleton. He is an Uppercase Font and shows it. He already shows an aptitude in creativity and is quite compassionate. Papyrus seems to be a near complete contrast to Sans, this dynamic is interesting however Sans has already began to shown he is quite protective of his younger brother. Chara has become like family to us and even works at the labs as a supervisor. Sans will be joining her shortly as a supervisor and both are well known both in their field of study and as a capable consultant for other divisions.Chara has discovered more about human souls and determination than I did in the forty years that I studied them. We have also discovered much about Timelines, Alternate Universes and Dimensions due to her soul of Determination. We have begun work on a Timeline Portal that runs off determination. It's times like these that I wish I still had my old notes, right now we are going off my memory on what I remember but it's been so long and I know I'm forgetting things.
I wish I was as proficient in Purple Magic as I am in Orange and Blue Magic.
"This is it!" Luna exclaimed. "This is what I saw in that dream, it was about this experiment. Which means the next entry will explain more about the device!" she said excitedly as she ran ahead.
"Luna, wait!" Celestia called as she chased after her sister who turned and ran into a side room. Celestia followed and paused when she saw what was inside. It was a massive machine however behind it was a pit that lead to nothing but the black void. Slowly she entered to see Luna standing before the machine, embedded in the machine was a screen and on it an entry.
Entry number 17
Dark Darker Yet Darker,
The Darkness Keeps Growing,
The Shadows Cutting Deeper.
Photon Readings Negative,
This Next Experiment
Seems Very, Very Interesting...
What Do You Two Think?
Celestia read the entry only to reread it in confusion. "This makes no sense." She said.
"That's what I thought." Luna said. "All the other entries were explanatory and flushed out but this has nothing!" She said confused.
"Oh but it makes perfect sense." A voice said calmly behind them causing the sisters to turn in shock to see Chara standing before them. "Entry number 17
Dark, darker, yet darker; the darkness keeps growing, the shadows cutting Deeper. Photon readings negative.
This next experiment seems very, very interesting... what do you two think?"
Chara walked into the room a sad look on her face as she looked around the room. "The last words of Dr. Gaster before he was lost to the Void forever, the last words I and Sans would hear from him. The day this was written Sans lost his father and I lost a friend, Gaster was like the wacky and eccentric uncle that you loved to hangout with, he was the best man I knew second only to my father."
"What happened here Chara?" Celestia asked as she approached the human. "What did you and the machine do that could cause so much suffering? From what you’ve told us it seems like this experiment was what lead to not only Gaster what ever happened to him but also was what lead you to die."
Chara looked at Celestia calmly. "We tried to understand something, something that was not meant to be understood and for that we paid a price." Chara shook her head and looked at the Princesses with a smile. "Enough about the past. Frisk is awake and her treatment is going well. Give it a little while and she'll be as healthy as a possible." She said happily as she turned. "Come on Princesses, I'd like you to meet Frisk." She said as she walked out of the room. Celestia and Luna looked at each other with concern before following.