As the children entered the Throne Room, their steps slowed as they took in the sight before them. The room was serene yet melancholic, dominated by a lush garden of vibrant yellow flowers. The air carried the faint scent of flora and damp earth. In the center of the room stood a modest throne—simple and unadorned, a far cry from the grandeur they were accustomed to in their father's domain. Their eyes scanned the room until they saw Asgore, dressed in his gentle robes, standing near a patch of flowers with a watering can in hand, humming a soft melody.
Asgore turned slowly, sensing their presence. His blue left eye, and his orange right eye, filled with an odd mix of warmth and sadness, met theirs.
Asgore: "Howdy." His voice was deep but kind, resonating with the same warmth as the golden flowers around him. "I see you've come quite far. Welcome."
The children stood in silence, unsure of how to react. Asgore smiled gently and set down his watering can.
Asgore: "You must be tired from your journey. Would you care for a cup of tea? It's fresh, and I assure you, it'll help you feel at ease."
Kaeltherion hesitated, his sharp gaze flicking to his siblings, searching for their opinions. After a brief exchange of glances, Zalthirion and Lymtherion nodded subtly, agreeing to accept the offer. Kaeltherion turned back to Asgore and gave a curt nod.
Asgore's smile grew slightly as he motioned for them to follow. He led them to a small corner where a tea set rested on a wooden table. The children sat cautiously, still wary of this soft-spoken king. Asgore prepared the tea himself with practiced care, pouring it into several cups before placing them gently on the table.
Asgore: "Here you go, my children. A small kindness, though I imagine you've faced much hardship to make it here."
They sipped the tea in silence, the warmth spreading through their bodies and easing some of the tension from their long journey. For a moment, the room seemed peaceful, the garden's quiet ambiance blending with the simplicity of the tea.
After the tea, or for those who declined, Asgore's demeanor shifted slightly, becoming more solemn. He placed the empty teacups aside and motioned for them to follow him to the next room.
Asgore: "There is something you need to see. Please, come with me."
The children rose, and together, they followed Asgore through the empty room that lay ahead. The walls were barren, the space echoing with the sound of their footsteps. At the far end, another doorway awaited them, leading to a room that seemed to pulse with an unexplainable energy. As they stepped inside, the air became heavy with a sense of significance.
Before them stood the barrier. The shimmering, swirling energy of the barrier loomed in the room, casting colorful reflections on the walls and floor. Its size was immense, filling the space with a radiant light. Asgore stood before it, gazing at it with a wistful expression.
Asgore: "This is the barrier that keeps monsters trapped underground. It has been here for so long… sealing us away from the surface. To destroy it, seven human souls are needed."
At his words, seven jars rose from small openings in the ground, flanking him. Each jar glowed faintly, housing a soul of a different color. However, one jar remained empty.
Asgore: "These are the souls we've gathered. Six humans have fallen here and met their end. Their souls remain, giving us hope to one day break free. But we need one more—a seventh soul—to shatter the barrier. Only then can we be free to return to the surface."
He turned to face the children, his gaze heavy with a mix of resignation and curiosity.
Asgore: "You are not human, and yet your souls are unlike any monster's I've ever seen. They are strong... unique. But I must ask—what has brought you here? Do you seek to aid us? To leave this place? Or... do you have your own reasons for standing before me?"
The children exchanged glances, unsure of how much to reveal. The jars of glowing souls pulsed faintly on either side of Asgore, their light reflecting in the children's eyes. The moment hung in the air, tense and uncertain, as they considered how to answer the king's quiet question.