entrancelogs | Open | Wonderland is considerably more interesting than I expected

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Open | Wonderland is considerably more interesting than I expected

Who: Newt Scamander, YOU
Where: Various locations on the grounds
When: The first week of the month
Rating: Likely PG at most
Summary: Informed his creatures are safe, and he has no choice in his stay, Newt is not letting worries get to him and instead is exploring... and often finding himself vexed over the lack of native fauna.
The Story:

Without his creatures to care for, Newt found his days very long and empty. He'd had enough talks to learn that what he gained here would be gone when he left, but that didn't stop his desire to learn. Which was what led him to begin his research anew.

Obtaining a notebook from the vendors, and failing at doing his best of wondering where they came from or why they wore those masks, he set out to see if, just in case, there were native creatures here to learn about.

So it was throughout the day, and even the night because he could well imagine the sort of nocturnal animals that lived here, Newt could be found searching the area.

Exploring The Checkerboard Hills on hands and knees, as creatures included even the most tiny of insects as well. There were times he wandered through the Forest, often forgetting about time though he didn't venture too far within, often times finding himself confused and even frustrated by the lack of creatures within. Even the beach seemed to not show signs of wildlife.

It was vexing, to say the least, and would send him to the library as well, seeking any answers he might find to where the beasts of this land may have gone. Not that the library was doing anything for him as well.

For a man who spent his days learning, studying, and researching about the creatures in his own land, the lack of things for him to learn in this land was difficult for the wizard to handle. But that didn't mean he stopped trying. It only made him more determined to find answers.

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[There's no easy answer to that question and Mettaton struggles with it for a moment before finally answering.]

You can't tell it much, really. Most Mirrors will attempt to use you or kill you if given the chance and even the ones who would be kind to you can start off being cruel.

[He doesn't like this track of conversation, looking away for a moment to take in the hills. His gaze is brought back to Newt's as he tries to explain.]

Died? Ghost form? What? He wasn't a ghost to start off with?

[He'd heard stories about humans somehow "becoming" ghosts when they died, but he had thought they were just that, stories.]

[He suspected that was the answer he was going to receive.]

To kill you? They can then come through the mirror? Or is it something the murder themselves attempt to do?

Or do I really not want to know the answer to these questions?

[It was that Catch 22 that one needed knowledge, needed to know the dangers, and yet there was the reality that learning answers meant, honestly, knowing the answers.

He wasn't sure how many of those answers he could handle in his time here and yet he didn't think he had a reprieve from them either.]

No, he became a ghost when he was killed, and then he took up residence in a castle that is also a school.

Technically the mirrors can cross at any moment. They do not because the Queen of Hearts would certainly unmake them if they were caught. A few months back they were able to cross over without punishment and unsurprisingly a lot of people died.

[He says it casually despite how a number of his friends were deeply hurt and one of them died because of it.

Mettaton's confusion continues.]

...That is completely different than what I know. Where I am from some Monsters are born as a ghost. They didn't need to die to become one. When they die, they turn to dust.

Wait, so they will do it though? They... they came through and killed their other self? Is that what happened?

[It was such a horrifying thought, and Newt was terrified for the idea. So utterly terrified, even as someone that was speaking about a nearly headless ghost.]

They're... they're born? As ghosts? So they never know another life? Just a ghost? [He knew that was what he said, and he didn't have to question that, but he couldn't help but to ask because that was utterly confusing in return.]

How do they die then?

Well... yes. The mirrors can get very, very nasty. They can have alternate memories of their lives and their personalities are usually twisted from their real counterparts, generally leading to them wanting their reals injured or dead.

[He remembers the network post made by Frisk's mirror, posting pictures of the beating they gave to their real, the small child bleeding and broken on the floor. He remembers running into Sans, fighting his own Mirror as he mocked and tormented him. He remembers... his own mirror, tying him up and gagging him, leaving him under his own bed so he could go out and pretend to be him to ruin his life.

...Things certainly have changed since then.]

Yes! They're Ghost Monsters. Born a ghost, and when they eventually Fall Down they turn to dust like other Monsters.

[At least... that's what he always thought happened. But it occurs to him that he never has known a ghost to really die as a ghost. He's only heard of ghosts who had bonded to something physical truly dying. ...It's an unsettling thought to linger on.]

And this, the mirrors, is this something that the people in charge have done? Is this their games, as I've heard others calling it? To make our lives harder here?

[How else had it happened? Why else would it be? Newt wasn't sure, and a tiny voice in the back of his head wasn't sure he wanted to know either. Not that ignorance was useful, but it was hard facing so much that felt terrifying and, truthfully, downright frightening.]

Oh. I... Oh that is frightening and yet so interesting. Our ghosts are humans we lost. They have, from what we understand, a need to finish things, or made a choice to stay and help others. They're only monsters in they were in life. Does Fall Down just mean die of old age?

Yes. This is by the Queen of Heart's design. She's the one who created them, so she is the one who gives them their memories.

[There are many things he and his mirror have argued over, but this subject Mettaton does not broach with him. He doesn't have the heart to tell him that his home that he supposedly comes from doesn't exist.]

And while I'd like to think that there is no active maliciousness in the workings of Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts is a piece of work. So yes. This is probably to make our lives worse, since the mirror's entire purpose is to serve their Queen and spy on us Reals.

[Mettaton listens, a bit fascinated. For some humans ghosts were just imaginary things, but for Newt it seems they are very, very real.]

So these humans find a way to use their souls to linger even more after death? I knew humans were strong enough to persist after death more than a Monster, but to still interact with our plane of existence afterwards is more than I ever thought they could do.

[It's certainly a lot to think about that he almost doesn't hear the rest of what Newt says. After a moment's contemplation he blinks.]

Oh. Yes, Fall Down is our term for when Monsters die. It is usually associated with old age.

That then is part of why they take our memories? To fuel another world with duplicates of us. Well then, that's a bit sad. It sounds as if she's creating a world of her own, for her own companions. Which if true, is sad.

[Of course, so often, Newt found himself looking to the positive side of all they've been through. For concept of positive.

Which speaking of the ghosts wasn't the most positive of things, it was positive to Newt though. If only in the memories he had of school. So he nodded in answer.]

I'm not sure why some spirits linger and why others don't, but some of those that do spend their time around a school that I attended. It's really a wonderful way to learn about people who you otherwise would never know about.

It is so fascinating that you have ghosts as monsters, as beings all their own. That would truly be amazing to see, to learn about.

That's one of the theories, at least! We don't know anything for sure.

[Wonderland is frustratingly cagey with its secrets.]

Well... yes. Ghosts are just a species of Monster, though they seemed to linger on in human memory more than the others did. After we were all trapped in the Underground, humanity seemed to forget most other Monsters except them.

[He never understood humanity's obsession with ghosts, even when he was one, but it was interesting all the same.]

That is the frightening part to me, I admit. How much is going on and yet how much they're keeping from us.

[Which left them constantly searching and likely looking the wrong way all the time.]

And there are many species of Monsters in your world?

Perhaps one day we will be able to unlock the secrets of Wonderland. And that day may be the same one we all break free of this place.

[He hopes that day is soon but he knows it won't be.]

Oh definitely! There are rabbits and dragons and fish and skeletons and lizards- We're a very varied people. What about you? What is it like for Monsters in your world?

I suspect that may very well be true. At least it makes sense.

[Why else keep so many secrets from them?]

Rabbits are monsters in your world? How so?

Many in mine are called Monsters for being large, or aggressive, but in the end the true humans I've faced have been witches and wizards, humans, the people and what they do.

[How are they Monsters? It's a strange way to phrase it but to be fair, there are rabbits and then there are Rabbit Monsters so he supposes it makes sense.]

Some rabbits are, some aren't! It all depends on whether they are made of magic and have a monster soul! A few of them lived in Snowdin because it was so cold Underground and it was perfect for how furry they were, though I never knew any personally. I was more in contact with my fans in Hotland; not for lack of love for my fans in the rest of the Underground, I assure you!

[He nods sagely at Newt's words, a small smile peeking its way through the solemn look on his face.]

Ah yes, the human usage of the word "monster". It has a much different meaning for us since we use it as a name for our race.

Oh. [He fell quiet, considering that and just what it means.] That makes more sense. I admit, I was thinking actual rabbits. Small and furry and not entirely monster like.

Now, I admit, you're definitely pushing me to other questions. About fans. Are you in a band?

[What? He can't help but to ask, being intuitively curious.]

And just what is the usage of monster in your world? In my world it's dangerous and often violent creatures.

[Mettaton laughs, carelessly brushing some hair away from his face.]

Am I in a band? Darling, I am the band! ...Well. Not entirely. There are two others involved, plus a tag-along, but it's obvious to everyone that I am the heart of it all. I'm the one who got us together, after all!

[He's grinning broadly and proudly.]

I was a star before we became a performing troupe, however. The name Mettaton was the most recognized word in the entire Underground! Speaking of, however, what is yours, by chance? I realize that we have been talking this whole time and haven't been properly introduced!

[He got so wrapped up in conversation that something fundamental like names fell to the way side.]

Among humans, it's much of what you described it as. Among us Monsters, with which that is our name, it's the all-encompassing word for our people, trapped in the Underground by the 7 human mages of old. It comes with a feeling of compassion, of endurance, and of hope, though that last one corroded over the years until we were freed.

[The prophecy of the Delta Rune hung over them all: Life or Death, to be delivered to them by one who had seen both the Surface and Underground. Luckily for him in his timeline, the monsters were shown MERCY and given life.]

Oh that is positively wonderful. Do you play instruments and sing then? I admit, even the wizarding world has bands of its own, though I've never personally met anyone from them.

[So this is truly a delight to Newt. Didn't matter the year, people still were amazed by the members of the band.]

Oh, right. Of course. I'm Newt. Newt Scamander. Apparently one day I'm well known in my world, though currently I'm just a clerk.

I'm curious though, about this stardom. What were you famous for?

[One didn't meet celebrities every day, after all.]

So rather like the wizarding world and all of our creatures in it. Part of but separate. [At least that is how it sounds to him.]

Why were you trapped? I mean, you use the term, but you certainly don't seem a monster in the way the term is used in even my world.

[This is the perfect way to respond to Mettaton mentioning who he is just short of immediately recognizing him and asking for his autograph. His ego is swelling up intensely now.]

I play instruments, sing, dance; you name it, I can do it! A star as talented as me has to be able to cover all of his bases!

[Newt, huh? An interesting name! And apparently one day a famous one? It's a curious situation to say the least.]

Really now? You're well known back home? Or, I suppose, will be? For what?

[Those pesky time shenanigans kicking in again.]

I was famous for being the first and only celebrity in the Underground! Us Monsters didn't have any idols to look up to or any real shows of any kind and I was the one to blaze that trail and make a library of media that Monsters could enjoy in their day to day lives!

[Ah yes. The inevitable question of "why".]

Thousands of years ago, humanity and Monsters came to blows over humanity's fear of our powers. Humanity, being stronger than us in both SOUL and body, nearly wiped us to extinction. Their seven strongest magicians sealed us away under Mount Ebott, erecting a barrier that could only be taken down by seven human souls. There we lived, carving out an existence in the dark for many a lifetime until a human named Frisk fell down and was able to free us from our Underground prison.

[It sounds so fanciful when summarized like that, but he's a Monster. This history is important.]

[Newt's eyes widen slightly at that admission, being certainly delighted with the information.]

Oh my. That is most certainly a skill set that you could use to your advantage. Do you put on performances in Wonderland?

[Newt could imagine they could do with entertainment between events given the bleakness he had experienced so far.]

I will eventually have written a textbook on the creatures of our world that will be used as a textbook. One of the students told me I was his hero, though I never found out why.

[They hadn't spoken long enough for the boy to tell Newt he also works hard to protect werewolves and save the lives of young boys attacked by werewolves and growing up that way.

So it is the same man though hearing this story and looking downright stricken by this reality, learning that so many were mistreated in this way in Mettaton's world.]

Ebott. Someone else here mentioned being trapped there, I believe. There's others from your world here? No longer trapped? Well, you're no longer trapped there. I'm so glad this Frisk came along.

[Mettaton nods happily.]

I do put on performances! Not many as of late, due to the last few events being quite distracting, but I have in the past and I certainly intend to continue into the future.

[Mettaton made an entire theater for himself because he wasn't satisfied with just any old stage. It has speakers shaped like his box form and everything.]

Oh, academic fame! You must be very smart. Though... you said the wizarding world. Did you ever go to a school named Hogwarts?

[It seems plausible. He uses magic, he used the phrasing of "wizarding world" and spoke of the secrecy of it all. What an odd knowledge he now has thanks to a Wonderland event!]

Oh! Yes, there are others from my world here! Who did you talk to? I know them all. And most of us who have come here seem to no longer be trapped.

[Mettaton smiles gently.]

I'm glad Frisk came along too. They're the best thing that ever happened to us.

[He means it when he says it too. Despite everything that has happened between them, Mettaton still loves them deeply. His favorite little co-star.]

They're here as well, actually! Frisk. They're a good kid. And talented in their own right! They've been playing the ukulele and learning how to knit; you may see them on the Network sometime!

[Mettaton, you're gushing just a tad.]

Well then, do let me know when your next one is. I will most certainly be there.

[In his own world, Newt hadn't many friends, and had endangered the ones he had just gained. In Wonderland that was so different and he wanted to encourage them as much as he might.]

Oh most certainly! I was a student at Hogwarts, actually. Now I work for the Ministry of Magic, working on the book I've been told I will one day finish.

[Which is actually a nice thing to know. No worries working on it, since he knows it will happen one day, and even if he won't have it when he leaves this place, he's been working on studying here as well.]

Oh a name. Yes. I admit, I should keep better note of this, but I met them just as I arrived and I am not sure I remember. They mentioned being royalty though, and that they hadn't survived, but they had here.

[It was the first talk of someone being dead in their world, or knowing that they would die and he still thinks about how hard that must be for people.]

I'm so glad you have others here. You are so lucky to have your friends here. I will definitely look out for them.

[That gets a vigorous nod from the robotic star.]

Absolutely! I will more than likely announce it on the Network a bit before I do it, so be sure to keep an eye out!

[The Ministry of Magic? He vaguely remembers that from his short time as a student in Hogwarts.]

Ah! A student! What house were you in? Wonderland had an event where we all thought we were students in Hogwarts, so I know a bit more than I usually would.

[He doubts that Newt was in his house; he doesn't seem the cunning and ambitious type.]

Royalty? Then you probably spoke to either Asgore or Toriel. They are our king and queen, respectively, though Toriel is more our ex-queen than anything else.

[Mettaton smiles gently.]

I am very lucky, yes. ...I hope you're not too lonely yourself.

[Newt beams, nodding.]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

I was in Hufflepuff for the years I spent there. [Because Newt can't help not wanting to lie about his time and not admitting what happened to him as well.] I admit, I wish I had been here for it. I miss Hogwarts quite a bit. Might I ask your house? It was always such a huge part of our time there.

[Not always for the best, but it was how the school was. And still is.]

Asgore then. That is definitely who I spoke with. I am so glad so many of you are here and not trapped any longer.

[Newt shakes his head slightly.] I miss my creatures most of all. I'm going to attempt the closet and bringing some of them here. I've just feared them being hurt in the process.

[Mettaton laughs a bit.]

Ah yes, it was such a huge part. Your house and its colors colored other people's perceptions of you very quickly.

[Something that, for him, had been a bit constricting in all honesty.]

If you must know, my house was Slytherin. I wore my green and silver with pride. I hope you're not too horrified to speak to me now.

[He gives a knowing chuckle. It had been interesting to come out of that event and remember who, exactly, had refused to speak to him because of his house, and to remember who he had become close with because of it.]

I am too, in a way. The general land here might be fake, but... for the Monsters who never got to see the surface, or didn't get to see it for long, it is quite magical on its own.

[Mettaton raises an eyebrow; that's certainly an intriguing notion!]

Good luck with that, darling! The closets can be extremely finicky in what they give you, so be as specific as you can. I hope you get what you want.

[Newt nods at that.]

I don't think that was the initial intent in the days of Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw and the others. I think it was meant to help students bond over shared values. Sadly, with time...

[He shakes his head, making a bit of a face because he isn't unaware of how things had gotten.]

My dearest friend during my school days was in Slytherin. You should well wear them with pride. That sorting shows a sharp mind and a nature that can overcome nearly everything thrown at you. Too many don't look at the true nature that comes with a sorting instead of making it us versus them.

[Though perhaps it was not graduating, in taking an expulsion for the sake of another, that Newt looks at it that way.]

I don't understand referring to any of you as monsters. The term in my world doesn't mean anything close to the kindness I've known, or the friendliness.

I suspect any creature I were to receive, I would be happy with. Though I'm hoping to avoid predatory species, for everyone's sake. So thank you.

[Mettaton looks a bit surprised at Newt's admission, but smiles warmly as he goes on.]

Well, I must say, I looked amazing in green and silver, so I certainly wore those robes with some amount of pride.

[Especially with those legs of his! Nothing could compare.]

Perhaps one day, with the fame you apparently acquire, you'll be able to change the definition to one more in line with how we think of it. Maybe then humanity will look kindly upon the monsters that live with them.

[Goodness he hopes that is the case. His precious few months on the surface have been relatively safe, but... it wouldn't hurt for things to be smoother.]

Open | Wonderland is considerably more interesting than I expected

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um slight cw for child injury in here!

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