Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: Susie 1

The air in the Ruins grew heavy as Drak's words hung like a dark cloud over the gathered monsters. The Astigmatism elder's eye narrowed, its gaze piercing as it stared at Drak. The winged gargoyle-like monster nearby twitched uneasily, and the reptilian elder let out a low, disapproving growl. The idea of forcing children into labor—even under the guise of apprenticeship—was unthinkable.

Vance clenched his fists, his golden soul pulsing faintly in his chest. He could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface, but he forced himself to remain calm. This wasn't the time for rash decisions. He needed to think clearly, to find a way to resolve this without escalating the tension further.

Drak's smirk widened as he looked around at the gathered monsters, his yellow eyes gleaming with a calculating glint. "What? You don't like the idea? It's a fair trade, isn't it? We provide the labor, and you provide the shelter. Seems like a win-win to me."

The Astigmatism elder floated forward, its deep voice resonating with authority. "We do not exploit children in the Ruins. Such practices are abhorrent and go against everything we stand for."

Vance stepped forward, his expression firm but calm. "We'll find a way to make it work. But we won't do it by exploiting anyone. If you want to stay here, you'll have to abide by our rules."

Drak's smirk widened into something more sinister, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "Oh? And what makes you think you have the right to decide that, kid? Just because you're the human pet of Toriel, the so-called queen of old? Do you think that makes you special? That makes you in charge?"

The gathered monsters stirred at his words, some of the Ruins' residents exchanging glances, while a few of the refugees straightened, emboldened by Drak's sneering tone.

Vance held his ground, but Drak wasn't finished.

"You're just lucky," Drak continued, voice growing quieter yet more venomous. "If you weren't surrounded by all these monsters, if you weren't under the protection of a cushy little community that coddles you, I'd have already dealt with you. One good strike and I could've taken your soul straight to King Asgore. He'd have been pleased to have another step towards breaking the barrier. But, lucky you—Toriel and her softhearted followers decided to protect you instead."

The silence that followed was heavy.

One of the Ruins monsters, a towering Astigmatism with a deep, resonant voice, finally spoke up. "Is this how you plead for a place to stay? By threatening a child and mocking those who are willing to help you? If you truly need sanctuary, you have a poor way of asking for it."

Drak chuckled darkly, lifting a clawed hand in a casual shrug. "Oh, come now, I'm just stating facts. Isn't honesty a virtue?"

"Honesty?" Another monster from the Ruins, a moth-like creature with large, twitching antennae, scoffed. "You call threats and insults honesty? You insult us, you insult the people willing to listen to you, and you dare to act like we owe you something?"

The murmurs from the crowd began to rise. Some of the refugees shifted uncomfortably, their gazes flicking between Drak and the Ruins' residents. But others, those who had followed Drak more closely, took a step forward, their postures growing tense.

One of them, a burly lizard-like monster with jagged scales, narrowed his eyes at the gathered Ruins monsters. "Maybe Drak's right. Maybe we should've just taken what we needed instead of playing nice. Seems like you folks aren't as welcoming as you pretend to be."

"Enough." Drak's voice cut through the rising hostility like a knife, and he lifted a clawed hand. "No need to antagonize them further."

His words were smooth, practiced, but Vance didn't miss the way his eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He had stirred the pot just enough, tested the waters to see if violence would get him further. And now, having gauged the reaction, he was stepping back just enough to keep plausible deniability.

One of the Astigmatism elders glared. "No need to antagonize? You have done nothing but antagonize since you stepped foot in our home! You came here pleading for shelter, yet you sneer at us, insult our kindness, and threaten one of our own! And now your people nearly draw their weapons on us? Is this truly how you expect to gain our favor?"

Drak exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head with a feigned look of disappointment. "I expected a little more pragmatism from you Ruins folk. But I suppose you've all gotten too soft, just like your queen."

That was the final straw.

Vance clenched his fists, stepping forward again. "Toriel was the only one who cared enough to give you a chance when no one else would. And you repay that kindness with this? With mockery? With threats? You claim to be looking out for your people, but all I see is someone who only cares about their own power."

Drak's expression twitched ever so slightly, the smirk faltering for just a second before he regained his composure. "And what do you know about power, kid? You're just a naive little human trying to play hero."

Vance felt his golden soul pulse with determination, his silver soul flickering faintly within. He took a deep breath. "Maybe I don't know everything. Maybe I'm not strong enough to make all the right decisions. But I know this: you don't deserve to lead these people. Not if this is how you treat them."

A ripple of uncertainty passed through some of the refugees at that. Even some of Drak's followers hesitated, their eyes flickering toward him, questioning.

Drak exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders. "Suit yourself, kid. But don't come crying to me when your idealism falls apart and you realize the world doesn't work how you want it to."

With that, he turned sharply, motioning for his people to back off. The Ruins monsters remained tense, watching every movement, ready to act if things escalated again. But for now, it seemed like the immediate danger had passed.

Still, as Drak walked away, Vance couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. That this was only the beginning of a much deeper conflict brewing beneath the surface.

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The council meeting that followed was tense, with the leaders of the monster tribes debating fiercely over what to do. The Astigmatism elder, his large, floating form shifting with displeasure, spoke with firm authority.

"We cannot afford to take in so many refugees," he said, his single eye narrowing. "Not when their leader is willing to exploit children for his own gain. If we invite them in, we invite trouble."

A murmur of agreement rippled through part of the gathered council. A squat, moth-like monster twitched her wings in unease. "It's not just about resources," she said. "Drak openly suggested putting young monsters to work, and his followers didn't bat an eye. What does that say about them? What happens when they start pushing for more control?"

Toriel, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, her voice calm but firm. "Turning them away would be cruel," she said. "We were all outcasts once. Every monster in the Ruins found themselves here because the world above abandoned them. If we refuse to give others the same refuge we once sought, then we have already lost a part of ourselves."

The Whimsalot representative, a soft-spoken but passionate monster, fluttered beside her. "Compassion is what separates us from those who caged us underground," she added. "We should not let fear make us like them."

The Astigmatism elder's eye gleamed in thought. "Compassion alone will not feed hungry mouths. Nor will it protect us if Drak or others seek to undermine our safety." His gaze flicked to Vance, unblinking. "You seem to believe you can make this work, human. What say you?"

Vance took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their gazes. He had been quiet until now, absorbing the arguments, searching for the right words. Finally, he stepped forward.

"I understand why you're afraid," he said, voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I know that taking in so many refugees will stretch our resources. But I also know what it's like to be desperate and alone. These monsters need help. If we turn them away, what happens to them? They'll be forced to find shelter elsewhere, or worse, they'll fall under the control of someone even worse than Drak."

The Astigmatism elder let out a low hum, unconvinced. "A noble sentiment, but sentiment will not fill our food stores or mend our walls. What do you propose we do when the strain becomes too great?"

Vance met his gaze without flinching. "We set boundaries. We take in the refugees, but we make it clear—anyone who poses a threat to the Ruins won't be allowed to stay. Drak and those who follow him blindly… we keep an eye on them. If they cause trouble, they're out. No second chances."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the gathered leaders. Some seemed to approve, while others exchanged wary glances.

Toriel watched Vance carefully before speaking. "Not all monsters are kind, just as not all humans are cruel. There are those among us who would do anything to survive, even if it means stepping on others. It is a truth I had to learn the hard way. And it is a truth you must come to terms with as well." She turned to the council. "We must judge each monster by their actions, not their origins. We cannot let Drak's cruelty condemn the innocent among his people."

The Whimsalot representative nodded in agreement. "There may be children in that group who need us. Families who are just trying to survive. We must not let our fear of a few dictate the fate of all."

The Astigmatism elder narrowed his eye again. "And when Drak decides he does not care for our rules? What then?"

"Then he leaves," Vance said simply. "Or we make him leave."

A silence settled over the council at that statement. Even Toriel glanced at him, as if gauging his resolve.

The Astigmatism elder rumbled thoughtfully. "And what of our resources, human? You say we will find a way. Have you a plan to feed and house these monsters?"

Vance hesitated for only a moment before answering. "We expand. We rebuild what's been lost in the Ruins. There are parts of this place that have fallen into disrepair, but if we work together, we can make them livable again."

"That will take time," the elder said. "And the food?"

"We'll have to ration for now," Vance admitted. "But we can find ways to make it last. We've managed so far. It won't be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is."

Toriel placed a gentle hand on Vance's shoulder. "He speaks the truth. If we turn them away, we risk creating enemies where there could have been allies. If we accept them, we have the chance to build something greater. A community that does not turn its back on those in need."

The debate continued for a while longer, voices rising and falling, but Vance could see the shift happening. Slowly, resistance gave way to cautious acceptance.

At last, the Astigmatism elder gave a deep, rumbling sigh. "Very well. But know this, human—you take responsibility for this decision. If it fails, the consequences will be yours to bear."

Vance nodded, feeling the weight of the words settles on his shoulders. "I understand."

The meeting ended soon after, but as the council dispersed, the unease remained. Not everyone agreed, and many still eyed the refugees with suspicion. The decision had been made, but the true challenge was only beginning.

As Vance stepped out into the cool air of the Ruins, he spotted Toriel watching him. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a deep understanding in her eyes.

"You handled yourself well," she said softly.

Vance exhaled. "I just hope I made the right call."

Toriel gave him a small, sad smile. "There is rarely a choice that pleases everyone. But sometimes, doing what is right means taking that risk."

He nodded, looking back toward the refugee camp in the distance. There was still so much to do, and so many unknowns.

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After the tense council meeting, Vance was left feeling restless. The weight of everything that had happened sat heavily on his shoulders. Drak's hostility, the refugees' uncertain fate, and the bitter divisions forming between the Ruins' inhabitants—it all churned in his mind.

Toriel had advised him to step back from this next round of discussions.

"You've done enough for now, my child," she had said gently. "Let the council deliberate. You have already made your stance clear, and forcing your presence among those who hold resentment toward humans will only lead to more conflict."

Vance knew she was right, but that didn't make it any easier to sit on the sidelines.

With nothing else to do, he wandered the Ruins, letting his feet carry him wherever they pleased. Eventually, he found himself near the central square, where a familiar figure sat alone.

Susie.

She was perched on a broken stone step, her back against an old pillar. Arms crossed, head slightly lowered—her posture screamed disinterest, yet there was something else beneath it. Something weary.

For a moment, Vance hesitated. He knew he wasn't exactly the person Susie would want to talk to. She barely knew him, and the little she had seen of him had been in the middle of an argument with her so-called leader.

Still, something about her expression made him push forward.

He sat down on the step beside her, leaving some space between them. "Hey."

Susie's eyes flicked toward him, sharp and suspicious. "What do you want?"

Vance shrugged. "Not much to do right now. Figured I'd sit for a bit."

She scoffed. "Go sit somewhere else, then."

Vance chuckled. "Nah. This spot's fine."

Susie huffed, clearly not in the mood for company. She turned away, resting her chin on her palm, acting as though he wasn't there.

The silence stretched between them, but Vance didn't leave. He just let himself relax, listening to the quiet sounds of the Ruins. Occasionally, monsters passed through the square, but most gave Susie a wide berth. Even among the refugees, she seemed alone.

Minutes passed. Maybe more.

Then, finally, Susie let out an irritated sigh.

"Why are you still here?"

Vance leaned back slightly. "Like I said, nothing better to do."

She frowned, glaring at him from the corner of her eye. "You some kind of idiot?"

"Probably," he said with a grin.

Susie snorted, but there wasn't any real venom in it.

For a while, they just sat in silence.

Little by little, Vance noticed the tension in her shoulders easing—not completely, but enough to show that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as eager for him to leave as she pretended to be.

Time passed. Neither of them moved.

Then, in a quiet, almost reluctant voice, Susie muttered, "You don't really act like the humans I've heard about."

Vance blinked. "What do you mean?"

She shifted slightly, her claws absentmindedly tracing over the stone beneath her. "Drak and the others—they always talk about how humans are selfish. Dangerous. That they only think about themselves, and that's why monsters are stuck down here in the first place."

Vance felt his stomach twist, but he didn't interrupt.

Susie let out a slow breath. "I dunno. You're kinda weird."

Vance tilted his head. "Weird how?"

She frowned, struggling to put it into words. "You're not... trying to prove anything. You're just here. Sitting. Like an idiot."

Vance chuckled. "Sitting like an idiot is one of my many talents."

Susie shook her head, but he caught the tiniest ghost of a smirk before she hid it again.

It wasn't much, but it was something.

They sat together for a long time after that.

At some point, Susie stopped looking at him like she was expecting him to do something stupid. She leaned back against the pillar, staring up at the distant cavern ceiling with an unreadable expression.

Vance didn't push her to talk. He didn't ask questions or try to pry into whatever was weighing on her. He just stayed.

And, slowly, something changed.

Susie's posture lost some of its rigidness. Her eyes weren't quite as guarded. She didn't flinch when he shifted beside her.

For the first time since he had seen her, she looked... almost at ease.

Almost.

Then, without looking at him, she murmured, "You really believe what you said back there?"

Vance blinked. "About what?"

Susie hesitated. Then, her voice quieter, she asked, "That people like Drak shouldn't be in charge. That you'd fight to stop them from deciding what happens next."

Vance met her gaze. "Yeah. I meant it."

She stared at him for a long moment, as if searching for a crack in his resolve. Something fake.

But she didn't find anything.

With a scoff, she looked away. "You're dumb."

Vance grinned. "So I've been told."

Another quiet moment passed. Then, in a near whisper, Susie muttered, "You don't know what it's like. Being treated like you're nothing. Like you don't matter."

Vance's chest tightened.

His golden soul pulsed faintly.

And suddenly, before he could stop it, he felt something shift—something deep and unfamiliar.

A strange warmth spread through him, and in the next instant—

The world around him disappeared.