Izuku was running on fumes. The last room had sapped a good amount of his remaining energy. As he entered the next puzzle room, he sighed and trudged along, flicking the necessary switches in order.
Reading the next sign, he felt a small wave of frustration. These puzzles were becoming increasingly convoluted—remembering switch orientations and their colors, it was starting to wear on his tired mind.
Finally, the familiar clicks of retracting spikes signaled the puzzle's completion. He breathed a small sigh of relief and exited the room, hopeful that Toriel's home was nearby.
As he reached a hall intersection, he spotted a familiar decorated corridor—and his heart swelled with relief. Jogging lightly, he stopped in front of a dead-looking tree, finally allowing himself a moment of rest.
Slumping to the ground, he leaned back against the trunk, his bag on his lap serving as a makeshift pillow. His eyes began to drift shut.
Ring Ring.
Startled from his doze, he fumbled for his phone—only to pause as Toriel appeared from around the tree.
"Oh, goodness! Are you okay, my child?" she asked, hurrying to check on him. Seeing the bandages, she gently began to undo them.
"I'm fine, Miss Toriel," Izuku said, still slightly drowsy. "I was just… feeling a little tired from everything that's happened."
Toriel examined his injuries with a concerned hum. "Nothing too serious," she mumbled, reapplying the bandages with care. "Still, it was irresponsible of me to leave you alone for something as silly as a surprise."
Izuku perked up. "A surprise?" he asked curiously.
Toriel froze for a moment, then chuckled sheepishly. "Ah—well, I suppose it's too late to keep it a secret now. Come, follow me."
She turned and walked toward the door. Just beside it was another SAVE point.
Feeling the warmth of Toriel's home through the door reminds you of the comfort of your own. Your determination is strengthened.
HP fully restored.
Stepping inside, Izuku was immediately greeted by the sound of a party blower.
"SURPRISE!! Welcome to my home!" Toriel cheered, arms spread wide. "This is where you'll be staying!"
She gently took Izuku's hand and led him toward a cozy room.
"Feel free to rest, my child. I know you've been through quite a bit. When you awaken, I'll fix you something warm to eat." She patted his head tenderly, and Izuku—still drowsy—unconsciously leaned into the touch.
Toriel sniffed the air, her expression shifting. "Oh dear—the pie!" she said suddenly, rushing into the kitchen.
Left alone, Izuku explored a bit. Down the hallway, he found a bathroom and gratefully took the opportunity to wash away the day's sweat and grime. The warm water helped relax his sore muscles.
When he stepped out of the shower, he noticed a set of soft sleepwear folded on the toilet seat—and his clothes missing. He smiled faintly, guessing Toriel had taken them to be washed.
Wearing the provided sleepwear, he stepped into the bedroom she'd prepared. The space had clearly once belonged to a child.
Curious, he looked around.
A toy chest sat in the corner, filled with slightly dusty toys. A closet full of green and yellow striped shirts lined one wall. On top of the dresser was a framed photo.
He picked it up.
A goat child stood beside… a human child. One that looked remarkably like him.
He stared. The human's hair covered their eyes, casting most of their face in shadow, but everything else—the build, the clothes, even the posture—felt eerily familiar. The only real difference was their solid black hair.
Realizing the potential implications, Izuku carefully set the photo back down. But exhaustion was finally catching up with him.
"…I'll think about it tomorrow," he whispered to himself.
He turned off the light, slipped under the covers, and let the comforting stillness of Toriel's home lull him to sleep.
A soft, soothing melody echoed in the background.
And finally…
Sleep took him.