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Storming up the mountain, blinded by fog and tears, the heartbreaking betrayal still fresh in your mind. Stumbling about in the darkness and the light drizzle breaching the tall trees leaves and pelting your clothes and skin, prickling your goosebumps. Wiping your hair from your eyes, you reach the spot. The place he’d proposed. Kicking a large stone, you let it disturb the miniature waterfall and drop the distance to the large pool below. Dropping to your knees, you finally take a moment to sob into your hands, screaming out to the night star shrouded in storm clouds with the agony of a broken heart.You’d just returned from work early, prepared to settle down and watch Netflix with your fiancé and the rare chance. He’d recently lost his job, thusly, you had to be put bread on the table until he managed. It definitely was a damper on the wedding plans, but you could wait. You would always wait. Setting down your bag and shutting the door silently incase he was sleeping, you pry off the rain jacket and bustle to the fridge for a orange Gatorade. Sipping down the sports beverage, you hear the creaking of your bed.Suppose he is just waking up. With a smile, you prepare a glass of water for him – he hated morning breath (despite it being 6 P.M). You notice the vanity table left in the hallway that displayed loving pictures of you had all the pictures knocked over. Arching an eyebrow, you readjust and smile down at the frames, falling more in love with this man, despite his somewhat lazy nature.Reaching the bedroom door, the bed is giving more creaking and you hear him groaning inside. You’re thankful you grabbed the water – he likely has a headache. Swinging the door open, you weren’t expecting a random blonde woman with clearly augmented breasts riding your fiancé. You aren’t sure for that split second whos making the most surprised face, but instantly everyone freezes in place. As your eyes flick from the bitch to the guilty party. Each moment you gaze into his dark eyes you can feel your heart being ripped out and crushed in a vice-grip. The cup falls and shatters beside your feet, yet the sound doesn’t ring out in your ears. Finally, the woman clambers off and tries to hide behind the mattress – utterly embarrassed and afraid. Clutching the sheets, your fiancé sits up with complete confusion mixing with sadness.“M-Maya. Baby. Y-You’re…early.” he gulps, obviously frightened for the predicament he has been found in. You still hear nothing – nothing but the increasing heartbeat pounding in your ears, head, and you can hear it cracking and ripping itself apart as tears prick the corners of your tired eyes. Grasping your hands together, the engagement ring suddenly feels tight and frozen against your finger.How could you…”….How COULD YOU!?” you finally screech, fighting the eerie silence and heartbeat. Your raised volume startles the guilty party. You can feel the pressure behind your teeth as you bite down a choke.“B-Baby please l-lemme expl-““NO!!” you cry out, frustrated with your shaking. Frustrated with him. Frustrated with the now overly emotional jewel clinging to your ring finger like an ownership. Its nauseating. Ripping it off, you chuck it directly at him, hitting his bare and slightly hairy chest. He fumbles to catch it as you slam the door, sending glass shards flying out into the hall but taking off out the front door, not even bothering to slam that too. You simply want to escape this hell you stumbled upon. Dashing from the door, you take shelter in the first place you’re familiar with – the forest leading to Mt. Ebott.Your pants are soaking in more and more of the rocky cliffs water as you let the rain pelt you and curse out upon him and love. You can still make out the imprint the too tight ring left behind as you wish you could merely cut the entire finger off. Sprawling onto your butt and clutching your knees close, you rock yourself in the frigid rain, trying to feel something. Anything. But your was left behind with him. Atleast, its remnants.Three years. Three years that started as a silly crush, but bloomed into something else. Something you perceived as grand and perfect. You families got along. He was your friend, your lover, your everything. You’d given up friends, futures, important events, time, money, anything; just for him. Because he filled you with something you’d never felt before. What were you now that you were cradled up here, under the freezing pelting rain, completely empty and void of feelings?Shifting sloppily to your feet, you lean against a boulder near the waterfalls cliff, contemplating your choices. Going back wasn’t an option. Your coworkers would rat you out if you bunked on any of their couches. Your parents and any still trusting friends were more than 20 miles away, and you left with nothing but broken dignity and the clothes on your now drenched back. Wiping the tears and rain from your face, the loneliness seeped in with the cold as you shivered there, afraid of your next move.“Maya!!” A once melodic voice now scratches by in an echo ringing out from the forest. Whipping your head around, you gaze back down the messy trail and catch the glimmer of a flashlight. Stepping away from the boulder, you cover your trembling mouth from instinctually calling out to him. As the flashlight pierces through the darkness and momentarily blinds you as you stumble back for an escape, the sky crackles with lightning that strikes further into the forest – a fire breaking out and thunder clap startling as the conducted air spurs you on. And over. Your feet touch a nothingness as your weightless feeling is lurched down, your mind trying to process you falling in sync with the rushing waterfall as the breaking water approaches much quicker than you could anticipate before a breaking sharp pain pierces your left scapula. Threatening to pierce the cracked heart that shatters as the world fades from a shocked dull blackness, a growing inferno mixed with screams, and the sucking deep blue as your body descends.Everything feels so agonizingly empty as the sucking and current of water picks up. You keep descending down, further, further then you know the pool goes. You are left breathless, struggling for air – your left arm is utterly disabled at the shrill pain aching through your side as you reach for a rock and the moss betrays you. It feels like eternity but you get swallowed into a particularly thin tunnel of jagged stones that cut and maim your skin as you slip and scream helplessly down. Only the pain is grounding you now. Finally, you are thrown out into a completely dark tunnel, the water beneath you glowing a vibrant cyan blue with fireflies dancing around as you plummet into the strange glowing drink. The moment your body is emerged your body feels encased as the water clings to you, seeping into your wounds and driving an entirely near shredding throughout your body. The breathless screams you emit produce nothing but bubbles as your body and nerves are set ablaze. Like someone is stretching or ripping your skin from your flesh. Your bones feel deformed. This isn’t your body anymore.Your eyes adjust in the glowing drink, and through your turmoil, you vaguely make out the approaching large groups of multi-toothed fish that have widened eyes and a devilish grin. Unable to move as your body contorts and shrivels, they draw closer. How have you not drowned by this point? Breathing doesn’t seem as intensely necessary, and the pain is shriveling away, besides the throbbing in your shoulder blade as the sharp toothed fish draw nearer. In an instant, a large spears strikes through the water before you, a light cobalt green that blended with the water and the flurry of frightening fish scatter as a rough set of hands pulls you from the depths and into the darkness vaguely illuminated by little lights shimmering above.“Nngghhh! Hey. HEY!” A large hand is slapping against your face, rubbing up against your ear…when was your ear that far out. “Hey c’mon what the hell are you ‘falling’ for?! HEY! Ol’ man, get some Sea Tea!!” Whoever the savior before you is, they don’t hesitate to lift you into their grasp, guiding you away somewhere as you bleed out and dribble water everywhere. You can feel your nerves convulsing and you catch the glimmer of a flowing red before the world and the exchanging sounds around you fade away as a darkness unknown swallows you whole.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You’re reliving those brief moments that you’d stumbled upon once arriving home earlier than usual before gasping and prying your eyes open. You regret trying to move forward as a striking pain still lingers in your left shoulder blade. Hissing out, you curl into the opposite side, but the sheets feel uncomfortable against your skin. It doesn’t even feel like its rubbing against you, yet it is snagging on something. Your entire body feels otherworldly as you finally pry your eyes open.You instantly regret the decision.The bedroom you are in is small, but its decorated in pirate flags, anime posters, and loose tanktops poking out underneath exceptionally large dumbbells. Besides that, sat what can only be described as an elderly turtle with a goatee, a shut lazy eye, and an old explorers hat and shirt. He had brown liver spots adorning his scraggly rough green scales with a rather smooth brown shell. He is exceptionally toothless but still manages a wide smile and laugh as he meets your wide-eyed gaze.“Wah-ha-ha-ha! Awake are we?” He speaks with a graze to his voice as you can’t tear your utterly terrified eyes from the illusion.“Ah..haha…hahaha uhh...I don’t usually imagine turtle sensei unless I watch kung fu panda and uhh……..uh…he never looks like an explorer. Weird…weird dream.” you resolve, speaking aloud as the turtle watches you oddly before growing a mirthful smile.
This is a dream…yeah..
“If only everything could be a dream, am I right? Wah-ha-ha!” he laughs again, playfully punching your leg to drive a point. That point was ow. The ‘playful’ jab he gave teetered you enough that you rolled onto the sharp pain surging through your back, eyes opening wide. Then wider. Then into a dead gaze as you looked back at the turtle who gave a sly wink. This is a……dream…….yeah? Sitting up, more things become clear, little details; fine details. Too much detail. The electric pain shooting through you erupts a hurt hiss as the turtle hands you a strange mug that says “Fish Lips” on it.“Drink up, kiddo. Fresh lil’ thing like you don’t need battle scars.” Reaching out achingly for it with your mind going miles a minute, you instantly notice something off. Not the odd room, not the talking explorer turtle, but your hand. Flailing back into the wall with a harsh thud, you refuse to do anything besides stare at the ceiling.Dream. Illusion. Trick of mind. Hell. This is Hell. I’m dead. This isn’t real! Every word was like a broken mantra replaying in your mind. Tears trickle into your eyes and down your face – the first heat you have felt against your roughened skin. Forcing your hand up to your eye level is more agonizing then all the pain before. Your skin is gone and replaced with fish scales – white with orange and black splotches, similar to that of a koi. There was thin orange webbing going from the first metacarpal joint to the next with a slight dip. Your nails were elongated, thin and pointed as you turned your wrist. Your palm was definitely softer and the most similar to human skin, but still that unfamiliar color. The panic is chattering your teeth together, and even that just feels wrong. Continuously you flip your hand from back to front before bringing the other into view. Its similar if not minor different patterning, but you catch another sight. You’d allowed yourself to travel up your suddenly hairless and freckle-less arms now sport artillery – at each elbow is a fin to widens or thins out as you bend. The webbing smooths out into little circles instead of flat or cut short. You only catch yourself hyperventilating as the turtle tries to soothe you, offering you the odd smelling drink.“T-T-T-Thisss c-can’t b-b-be hap-pe-niiinnggg…” You give a slight slur past your chatter mumble, trying to keep your sanity.At that instant, the door is unhinged and sent flying into the dresser where socks and panties flutter into the stagnant air. Looking to the doorway is a what you assume is a reverse mermaid – merfolk? Fish person. One eye is covered with hair, but underneath lies a blatant black eyepatch and a trickling scar beneath it. Her eye is cat like – thin needle iris and yellow like a dying moon. Her grin is mischievous and dangerous; within are razor sharp teeth set into a grand grin. Her black tank-top ‘compliments’ her bulging biceps as she holds a barbell in one hand, a tray of tea in the other. Her deep red hair is sweeping back in a nonexistent wind. Your eyes meet her own, and her grin grows.“HEY! ‘Bout time you woke up! Whats a weak thing like you playing with the piranha for?!” she calmly asks, waltzing in. Her blue scales glisten for but a moment, before you feel your individual eyes roll into the back of your head and you faint backwards into the wall.You awaken later, yet the windows don’t emit anymore or less light then before. That turtle is still sleeping there, but he is passed out, leaning backwards in the chair.
It isn’t a nightmare…
Starting up and clutching the sheets for life, something moves at the base of the bed. Over the edge, the crimson hair fish woman moves again, but she seems much calmer this time. It still unnerves you.“Hey. Ya done passin’ out, dweeb?” she scoffs, looking you up and down with a mix of annoyance and confusion. You cannot nod nor shake your head to reply to her question; you know not the answer. the aching sting of your left shoulder returns as you grip down on it with your good arm, trying to pressurize the pain away. Your skin (scales) feels sooo wrong. The woman comes beside you with the tray she’d brought earlier, handing you a mug with the same beverage as before. Noticing your shaky arms, she offers to lip it towards your lips instead. Fighting your inner screams, you sip the drink quickly yet instantly want to hack it up. Its bitter, salty, and tastes like sponge. The woman finds your mortified and disgusted expression amusing as she laughs it up.“Fu-hu-hu-hu!! Nobody said Sea Tea was perfect!! Drink up – the healing factor works GREAT!!” she yells, the turtle awaking as you cautiously hold the cup, the second source of warmth you could identify. Against your palms, its slightly scalding, yet you don’t mind. You are still processing the world around you as you find words.“W-W-Where am I-I…” you mumble. Your voice hasn’t changed, but the pronunciation felt off. Like everything else. You refused to look at the rest of your body hidden beneath the sheets – your arms were freaky enough for you at the moment.“At my house! DUH! Ol’ fossil here wouldn’t have this kinda style!” the woman barks, flailing her arms to show off the posters and banners as the turtle gives a heartfelt giggle, watching with mystified eyes.“Was out on my daily junk hunt when I seen ya swimmin’ with the piranhas. ‘Course, Undyne was on ‘er route on her hunt fer humans. Had to be the hero, heh?” He arches the eyebrow of the closed eye and the woman you assume is Undyne throws her head back into hearty laughter.Human…hunting?! You gulp down, hoping your disillusioned appearance now is giving you enough cover to not be suspected. I’m human. I AM. This – this isn’t my skin-my body! I’m-“Thanks for the Sea Tea resupply Gers! Can you watch the pip squeak? I gotta go finish the rounds!” She speaks up, setting the Sea Tea tray to the side and the turtle giving a silent nod an a thumbs (claw?) up. With the little confirmation, she is flying out the door and you hear a clattering of metal following in her wake as you sit there, stupefied.You turn to face the turtle who is giving you a serious stare, despite the calmed smile.“Your not from ‘round here, are you.” He states as panic flies through you. You can’t withhold yourself any longer. If they kill you, it would be like a blessing – the nightmare would finally end.“NO! Wh-Where is here?! What a-am I?! How am I-I even a-alive? ” you cry out, burying your head into your hands. Your head is spinning, your shoulder is a splintering pain, and your life is seemingly over. Burying further into your changed hands, you feel his scaley hand descend upon you, resting your shoulder. He is giving you a sympathizing stare – completely unjudgemental. Like he is allowing you to confide to him your wild experience that has led you into this nightmare. Seconds, minutes, possibly even an hour passes of him just handing you tissues, listening to your babble of questions. Managing to slow your breathing and rampant tears, he sets your focus to the mug.“Drink. It’s pretty nasty, but necessary. Drink, talk, and I’ll answer.” he reassures you once again. Despite your heart beating directly out of your chest and your face a tidal wave of emotions, you somehow conceive him to be trustworthy and cave. Taking the cup into your trembling hands, you chug down as much as you can at the moment, attempting to not wretch the foul concoction up instantly.“I-I’m not this. I’m a h-human-n-n. I was on E-Ebott. B-But I…I fell. I w-was drowning. I’d hit something…then…then a t-tunnel. Jagged, thin tunnel j-just filled with sharp r-rocks. I-I-I slid d-down and into this…stuff. G-Glowing water? Then, m-my body felt l-like a f-fire. Electric. Like my s-skin was being s-shredded-d instantly, m-my bones refixing. A-And now…THIS?!” you point out your arms, glazing over them in minor horror as you succumb to more heated tears. You look through your blurred vision to the turtle for advice.“W-What am I…” you plead. He gives a sigh, contemplating, before speaking. “Well. The water ye fell into had high magical concentration swirlin’ inside. Whatever ya hit did a real number on your back, little missy. You likely sapped it up like a sponge and adapted.” he gives a shrug, pouring more of the disgusting drink into your cup. Despite the compelling need to vomit it up, your left shoulder blade had stopped throbbing and was emitting a radiating warmth with a slight twinge of pain. You finally can control the erratic trembling of your entire body as you focus on your breathing and drinking – listening to his words.“S-So…you’re t-telling me…I fell into a vat of m-magic water and turned into…” you are rolling your hand around, your wrist creaking beneath the new flesh.“A monster.” He says. Plain and simple.“A monster.” You parrot, staring at him for something more to go on. When he doesn’t, you bury your head in your hands until you instantly regret the action. Your eyebrows felt thinner and when your dark hair slipped into view past something you noticed the ends glowed a bright cyan blue. Literally, glowed. Holding your still mildly damp hair in hand, feeling over the glow, you snap your attention to the turtle.“D-Do you have a mirror?” you plead as he glances around the room before shuffling over towards a moveable full body mirror with a few cracks in it. You close your eyes, ready to get this over with. Ready to suddenly accept this new fate thrust upon you. Monsters. Magic. This was every worst nightmare and beyond compared to the simple happy life you lived before.“Its ready.” he breathes and you pry one eye wide open before the other follows suit and you gasp a shriek – left breathless. Your face is hardly recognizable as your own. The koi pattern of white and splotched oranges traveled, and a patch with an arch pattern of blacks eloquently curves your eye. The only similarity to your previous life laid in its iris; the light Siamese blue still carried over, but the white sclera was gone – the blue took over your entire sclera and inside laid a pointed iris that resembled a cat more than a human or fish. And fish you were.Your face had sharpened near the cheekbones yet smoothed your chin. Your hair remained a dark chocolate with tendrils of cyan blue and turquoise coursing from the glowing ends towards the roots where they faded. Your teeth had sharpened considerably, yet still maintained their previous alignment, unlike Undynes larger and wild set. Your eyebrows had thinned, your nose hardly existent – you greatly resembled a female fish Voldemort, which just made you twitch in fright at the freak you’ve become. The most perplexing thing, past the glowing hair and cat eyes, were the disappearance of your ears. You heard perfectly fine, and brushing your hair away with a slight tickle, you catch a tiny set of fins where your ears once laid.You’re gaping like a fish out of water (right to the point) as you stare at the new you. This was your new hell. Gingerly, you touch at your face, feeling against the new rough surface and push to give of the flesh. It was more muscle which gave it less give, but you felt it, you felt your face. The tears, the individual smoothed scales, your thinned lips.Following past your smooth chin, you neck is displaying a slightly translucent set of inward gills with thin frilled covers for filtering or protection. Touching the new body proves this to be a sensitive area, sending little electric waves throughout you. The majority of your body is similar – webbed feet with webbed spines protruding from your heel to the top of your ankle, your belly button is gone and replaced with more koi-like patterned scales that shimmer under the minimal lighting of the room.Moving your mouth, creaking the pained joints, streams of tears attacking your cheeks as your press your clenched fists to your mouth, taking in your form – taking in what you’ve become.As you heavily breathe and sob, the turtle besides you remains silent besides giving what you presume are reassuring strokes of the arm as you continuously break down over the harsh reality setting up, taking distasteful sips of the Sea Tea with a sniffle.Finally, devoid of all feelings, you look back to the monster.“Why does nobody know there are monsters?” you ask quietly past the growing lump in your throat.“We’ve been trapped in the Underground for generations. Once Ol’ King Fluffybuns collects several human souls, we can be free. It’s why Undyne and the Royal Guard are on the lookout.” he explains, fixing more of the gross drink into your mug. The pain in your shoulder has greatly subsided as you finally glance towards your back. A large ragged rip through your shirt reveals a healing over crater in your back. The hole equaled the size of your hand and the flesh and scales were regrowing overtop, the blood at last ceasing its trickle. It was leaving a scar, for sure. You must be staring in fear and amazement as the turtle gives a small withheld chuckle.“Sea Tea provides decent healing magic. It also help emotionally.” he quips, gesturing to the glass. You presume all his words to be the truth as the drink, despite its foul taste, brightens your depression. Without this, you wouldn’t believe anything and likely become suicidal. The taste was growing on you while you took tentative sips. Breaking off for a moment, you need answers.“So. Am I going to die?” you ask in seriousness as he raises an eyebrow. “I-I was human. Will taking my…soul or whatever kill me?”“Nah. You were human. Now doesn’t guarantee you got the exact same makings as before.” he shrugs his shoulders which proves to be tasking as he groans and rotates the joints.“So that’s it then? I’m turned into a monster, trapped wherever we are until another human comes down – and your king kills them?” you try to be sarcastic, but the tragedy of the situation still is circling through your mind. How were they trapped here; and, for how long? Clearly, long enough, considering you’d never discovered any entrances nor openings to any type of caverns. But now, you were trapped here as well. Your brain was swimming with questions, but you sought to take action – likely pointless. Pent up with internal frustrations, you scooch to the end of the bed and attempting to stand and straighten. Your legs were wobbly and felt stiff as you clung to a chair for support. The sight of your limbs and glowing strands of hair were slightly phasing, but the door was all you could properly focus on.The turtle besides you grasped your struggling hand and placed it onto the top rim of his shell, beckoning you to use the elder as a crutch. For being a walking, talking, exploring old turtle monster, he was incredibly kind. Not wanting to tarnish his kindness incase escape was impossible, you only allow yourself to lean into him with minimal drag ass you try to gain better footing. Your strides felt shorter, ever so slightly shorter.Exiting the bedroom you are first met with a rather impressive and immaculately kept ebony piano. The floors tiles are an odd mix of pastel blues and yellows and the walls are a deeper blue but are adorned with vibrant pink fish as the wallpaper. Besides the odd colors, the only other things located in the abode are counters squishing into a heavy duty stove, a fridge in the corner, a very large wooden table with two small stools that has a large doily in the center with a fish pattern. Stumbling through, the cold seeps through your feet as you finally take them into further consideration against the contrasting tiles. Finally, heaving the door open (that opens horizontally, oddly enough), you witness an incredibly dark cavern , in the distance lay a glowing body of water as you pass a minorly abused training dummy on a skeletal fish training mat. The air is humid and there is a constant dripping echoing out to symbolize how dead the area is.You and the turtle don’t make it far outside the house (which is a bizarre shape and you swear the windows move like eyes) as you both settle against a rough wall, looking out at a non-glowing pond likely housing miniscule organisms beyond your naked eyes comprehension. This was it. Underground, was it? It was every word but more – it felt like a fantasy. A nightmarish fantasy filled with nothing but the undeniable truth; you’re a monster now, trapped somewhere beneath Ebott, for ,possibly, ever. Sinking down and scrunching into your knees to reallow reality to crumble upon you, the turtle speaks up again.“Ya can call me Gerson. I sell wares on the left past the snail races. If ya ever need somethin’ or a ear ta listen, stop by. Jus’….maybe don’t mention the whole human thing ta anyone else?” Gerson says evenly before shambling off in the supposed direction of his shop, giving you space. After you ensure that Gerson has disappeared and you are utterly alone, you scooch over to the clear water pond, glancing at the new and unfamiliar reflection staring back now.Theres only one way to test this…Steeling yourself, you breathlessly plunge your head into the drink, eyes fixed shut as you hope you begin to drown. 1, 2, 3, ---- 19, 20, 21 ----- 59, 60.
Okay. I can breathe underwater. Great. Fantastic. Swell. Awesome. Fuck.
You physically sigh beneath, bubbles forming yet you still inhale the limited oxygen provided. Opening your eyes, a thin kelp brushes against your cheeks while your hair strands out and illuminates the area around you, much like an angler fish. Beneath is a breathless sight – the pool goes far deeper then you had anticipated and tiny aquatic fish such as minnows and goldfish dance through the pond with a shimmer of irregular colors. Yet, it’s the pools floor that catches your adjusted eyes. Its like a shimmering bed of jewels faintly varying in size but each has smoothed over after years of sedimentary decay.You don’t realize how long you’ve been hypnotized by the entrancing jewels before something is grabbing the back of your shirt and yanking you from the water as you unnecessarily gasp for air. Taking air in through water is very different then just regular breathing as you feel your gills contract and diminish while you gape.“What’re ya doin’?” Comes the slightly familiar voice, however, the body is unfamiliar. Besides the large clanking boots lies a pretty intimidating metal helmet. Following your gaze up, Undyne is completely encased in a jagged armor set that somehow suits her…charms? She has you dangling by the back of your shirt while your illuminant hair drips beside you, though you can already feel it drying.‘Maybe don’t mention the human thing-‘ Crap, I have to act like I belong? CRAP.“Uhh….I-I was looking at the uh…stones.” The idiotic levels of the existence of that on the spot sentence are punishable by death. Stones. STONES?! That’s the BEST we got?! uuuUUGghhh…Despite the awkwardly formed phrase, Undyne wordlessly shrugs and hauls you back to the house. You would retaliate if your legs hadn’t turned to jelly. The clanging boots against the mossy dark stones echoed out through the cavern. How deep does it go? You ponder before the (incredibly intimidating) jaw tooth door opens up and you both reenter the abode.She sits you onto one of the two lone stools and wanders over to the stove, setting a kettle on to warm up tea and stripping out of her armor. Something you hadn’t previously noticed in the room lays nearby the fridge – an atleast 6 foot sword propped up against the wall. Before you can question the existence of the incredibly useless weapon, Undyne sets a mug before you and seats herself on the other end of the table with her own fish and heart mug.Looking into the tea blend, it reminds you of more liquidated honey with green leaves sitting atop the glistening beverage, emitting a thin veil of steam. Trying to remain composure before the host is more intense then you imagined as you both sit there in the clocks ticking silence merely sipping softly before she clatters her half empty mug to the table, breaking the silence (and nearly the cup you imagine).“So. What yer name?” She asks with a wide grin, focusing her attention back on you. You can feel the sweat dancing down your cheek as you try to imagine something besides your actual name – then again, whats the harm? It is who you are.“M-Maya.” you stutter back before taking a tentative sip to calm your nerves. Something in the tea was relaxing yet electric – different from the Sea Tea or whatever they’d given you before. Stay calm. Breathe. We are fine.“Never seen you ‘round before.” Undyne pokes at, peering over the mug with her single eye left to silently glare at you.“I honestly have no clue where I am.” you sigh, the words escaping your lips effortlessly with instantaneous regret. Shooting your eyes up to Undyne, she is looking at you with hesitation. You’re thinking completely on the fly.“A-Alls I remember is my name. I c-cant remember a-anything else…” you feign ignorance as an amnesiac. It’s beneficial for your predicament – no home, no knowledge, and you can slowly begin to…rebuild a life here now. Supposedly, there was no way out. You trust that Gerson spoke the truth; should there have been a way out, they likely wouldn’t be seeking humans for their escape. Why wait so long? Ebott was practically deserted – the nearest town a three mile drive. The village nearby was much closer, but minimal and secluded.“You lost your memory?” she asks honestly, looking you up and down. Alls you can manage to reciprocate is a uneven nod. “Well shit. I can have Alph lookit ya in the mornin’! She’ll figure out whats wrong!” Undyne gives a proud thumbs up as you shrivel ever so slightly.“A-Alph?” To your uiet voice, Undyne arches an eyebrow.“Alphys?” she fixes, using their full name. Shake your head in unsureness. “The Royal Scientist – Alphys?” Shake again. “…Do you know Asgore?”You thought she sneezed. “Gesundheit.” You would offer the little packet of tissues you’ve got stored in your pants pocket, though they are likely soaked through. That, and she hardly had much of a nose, nor should you possibly give away a human only trinket.“No. Asgore.” She reannounces as you finally catch on it’s a name, though you’ve honestly lost concentration on the subject matter.“Who?” you tilt your head as her jaw falls open before she slams her arms to the table, shooting up straight and nearly making you flee from your own chair in terror.“Asgore! You gotta remember him!!” she demands, her single eye piercing in the growing darkness. How was there even a changing light when you were in a cave?!“I-I-I don’t know any A-Asgore, I swear!!” you lean back, trying to give yourself breathing space from her intense aura. You can see the pressurized tension building in her bulging biceps. She’s completely lost for words as she goes limp, slapping her forehead into her hands with a start.“This isn’t good.” she breathes with a few sighs, likely contemplating her next move. You wouldn’t want to risk the reveal of your previous humanity in any shape or form, but you’re torn between fleeing and sleeping in a corridor and hoping nobody will suspect you, or just waiting it out here. “Alright. You sleep in the bed. I’ll take ya over to Alph’s in the mornin’, a’ight?” she clears her throat, offering her bedroom. You fidget in your seat.“T-That’s fine. I can just sleep against a wall o-or something.” you try to reassure her but she slams a fist to the table.“What kind of protector would I be if I let a young confused monster with memory loss loose in Waterfall?! HAH! Don’t make me laugh! You’ll sleep here til this is resolved!” she declares with finality before making her way to the fridge. You shudder in acceptation as she pulls some burger leftovers from the fridge…why are they already warm?The minor dinner is spent of Undyne asking a multitude of questions, attempting to rejog your unfazed memory. The amnesiac excuse was likely your best bet after-all as you learn a multitude of things. The Underground is compromised of sections : The Ruins (which are apparently inaccessible), Snowdin, Waterfall (your current housing resides here), Hotland (where Alphys and her lab is contained), the CORE (the supposed power plant for the Underground), and New Home (home to the king and his city). Undyne is the captain of the Royal Guard; the Royal Guard being spread around the Underground and protects and awaits for any threats (namely, humans).The burgers definitely fill the empty appetite you hardly noticed until you took the first gratifying bite. Apparently, the fridge is a rouse; it heats things instead of freezing – one of the genius Alphys’ many experiments supplied to Undyne. She continuously gushes over the fridge, something involving the MTT products (like the stove), the excessively large sword (that she swears to use someday), and much more.You’ve seen the face she is making – the words and way she speaks of Alphys. Its clear admiration with a hint of infatuation. You can’t help but smirk as she continues to highly praise her before abruptly shooting up and pronouncing it time for rest.So here you lay. In Undynes bed, with her propped and snoring profusely loud in a nearby chair, unable to even get a wink. Its not due to your hosts snoring, nor to the still slight aftershock of your new reality. It merely will be the first night you’ve slept without someone in your bed in a long, long time. The series of events leading to this predicament backpedals too quickly as you curl up underneath the sheets, wishing your past away. The supposed night, despite the blankets, freezes you to your core as sleep is sudden but an appreciated escape. “WAKE UP!!” You hardly have a moment to even be startled by the screech in your ear before the mattress beneath you is being thrown, you bouncing off the wall and onto the floor besides Undynes feet as she cackles.“Fuhuhu! C’mon runt! Throw something of mine on and eat breakfast – we gotta go!” Undyne informs as he yanks your still half asleep body into her arms for a solid shake.“Mmmmmmm. Ten more minutes…” you plead, trying to find the pillow and retreat back for more rest. You never were one to rise early. The wake-up call comes patent with getting a too small bra thrown directly into your face. Looking it over, its lacey black and completely uncharacteristic to Undyne who is unashamed of lending the undergarnment. As you grumble, accepting your fate, you just unclipped your own bra before the realization of Undynes lingering presence catches you. You glare at her with a bead of sweat, trying to keep your bra on with stealth to the situation. “C-Can I get some privacy to change?” you hesitantly ask. She gives you a quizzical judging look followed with a shrug and a snickering walk out of the room. You shut the door yourself and shimmy free of the clothing. It’s the first time you are witnessing your entire body, thanks to the mirror. You’re surprised that a previous scar above your right boob ceased to exist, your nipples and vagina staying the same as before, minus the fuzzed pubics you hadn’t had a chance to attend to. Feeling over the smoother scales for a moment, shaking over the sensation of your new body, you finally retrieve a matching pair of lacy black underwear along with a pretty loose black tanktop that hung freely over your belted shorts. Fitting into the minorly waterlogged shoes you owned, you make your way out to the main area to a roaring fire screeching from the stove. Undyne watches on not even a foot away, pleased with her work.“UNDYNE, WHAT THE FUCK!?!” you screech, barreling forward and searing your palm and underarm as you crank the dial down to a moderate flame and hissing at the burnt scales. Undyne is screaming something at you, but the odd sensation of heated scales is new to you. Its not similar to skin – rushing it under the nearby faucet with a hiss, alls that really happened was an intense burning and sweating. There was no mark left but cooling scales.“What were you thinking?! I was just cookin’ breakfast!” Undyne exclaims, standing beside you trying to assist. You can’t help but snap back at her stupidity.“Cook?! Undyne, you could have set your fucking house on fire!” you bite back with a harsh jab to the stove. The meal that was meant to be pancakes was thoroughly burnt and bubbled like tar. “Why did you have it set so high?!”“The flames were a symbol of my passion!” she retorts, crossing her arms defensively. Your jaw could hit the floor in disbelief.“YOUR PASSION IS GOING TO GET YOU KILLED!!” you bark out while patting the burnt scales that are quick to cool.“Hmph. So be it. Passion is my life!” she echoes out, trying to sound heroic. You only continue to well up the urge to slap her with a frying pan. Before you can reach the cooking utensil, an odd sounding ringtone blares and Undyne is quick to fish free her phone and answer the call. “Hey, Paps! Whats cooki-“ Undyne is smirking, likely trying to make a joke about the breakfast disaster, but the booming voice you can’t clearly make out on the other end cuts away the smirk to return it to sheer surprise and then mirthful anger. “Excellent work! Keep ‘em occupied – I’m on my way!” Undyne barks before closing and completely discarding the phone as she rushes to her armor set. Gingerly saving the phone from impact against the ground, you watch her swiftly equip her armored suit with an anxiety you’d felt upon arrival.“What happened?” you ask suspiciously as she works on getting the boots properly strapped on.“A human!!” she beams at you, “A human has been found in Snowdin! I have to move quickly to prevent them from causing any more harm. Don’t leave. At all. You have to stay in here, you understand me?” her excitement diminishes into leadership and protocol as she snatches up her helmet and making haste to the door. You wonder if the feeling you have currently is the literal blood draining from your face. A human had somehow managed to end up down here and was now going to be hunted.“Undyne, wait!” you call after her, running to the door and grasping her shoulder. You know you didn’t have the strength to hold her back, but she pauses to glance at you with confusion while your knees tremble and buckle together. What were you hoping to accomplish? “W-Will you kill that human? Isn’t there another way out of the Underground? I don’t understand – what if them winding up down here was on accident and-and they are desperate to get home? Why can’t we work together to achieve a common goal – to leave?!” you plead, trying to possibly spare the soul. Was taking a soul an guarantee of death? Was it a literal soul or just something named wisely after something else entirely? Nevertheless, she wouldn’t have equipped such heavy duty armor and be such a physical nut if she wasn’t pursuing with a violent intent; and from what you’d seen Undyne to be capable of, you hoped to prevent it.She yanks free her shoulder from your trembling grasp and puts both hands on your shoulders as she faces you.“Maya. Humans are the reason we are trapped down here in the first place. Seven human souls is a small price to pay to free our people, and they will reap what they sowed. There’s no other way. We already have six. This is the last. The final seventh soul! There’s no way I would back down when we are so close! Now stay inside.” she reassures, pushing you back far enough before taking off into a harsh sprint. The odd tooth door closes to break off your vision as you merely stand there in silence before crumpling to the floor.How had things turned out this way. Why had they turned out like this? As you stand there in your own self pity on that human, you could be out there – preventing this. You could, which means you can. You can, thusly, you will. Something within you beats with a persistence and it begins to overwhelm you. Like you’d just been on ten packets of sugar and three coffees, but your muscles are rigid and slow. You’re sluggish despite the increasing rush coursing through your veins. By the time you finally realize you’re atlast moving you’ve hurled a backpack filled with food, bandaids and clothing over your shoulder and rushing out of Undynes home.Instantly, you forget which way Undyne went and take advantage of the advice of Gerson. Rushing over to his store, you stumble and nearly break a few pots filled with odd looking apples as you break your fall with an oil drum. Gerson is surprised out of inspecting the gem and looks over to you.“G-Gerson! How do I get to Snowdin and back here without Undyne knowing?!” you beg, approaching with a trembling fear. “Undyne went off t-to Snowdin and I-I think she is going to kill a human and she wouldn’t listen to me that there might be another way out and I can’t just sit here and do nothing! Please, Gerson, I don’t care if you tell everybody about what I am, but I need to hel-“ before you can finalize your point, Gerson shoves an odd apple into your mouth. It tastes like seafood.“Listen up, squirt. Follow the path of the yellow bird. Continue on that way. Past the winding bridge. Past the Echo Flowers. Past the waterfalls and rivers. Once you hit the seagrass field, you’re nearly there. Once you find the human, rush into Snowdin and take your first right until you find the Riverperson. Have ‘em take you back here………You know this will make you very suspicious?” Gerson speaks fluently before giving a stern gaze. You’re already out the door before you can consider it all.“I don’t care!” you cry back, rushing off.You follow in pursuit but only find the miniature yellow bird waiting before a stretching river. Leaning over, you judge the jump to be too hazardous and are unwilling to risk it; your heightened senses relay to you that the glowing water is infested with piranha. However, there is no other choice as you ready for a running jump. Dashing quickly past the small yellow bird, you vault over the lakes river and barely make it with a poorly executed tumble.Once reconfigured on the other side, you return to your hastened jog towards supposedly Snowdin. Traversing an extensive bridge with columns on the side, you must remain wary as many of the wooden planks creak beneath you with unsavory dislike to your pressure. Your breathe is becoming limited – you jogged, but never this harshly and you were ever slightly shorter then before. You enter a room with large blue flowers making tiny sounds but you brush past them. In your intense and irrational thinking you hadn’t considered the other monsters you’d experience on the way – and Waterfall was home to a very strange bunch. There was a manly seahorse with a glowing eel tail that had a 12 pack, a strange mermaid creature you hadn’t caught a proper glimpse of and something you could only describe as a living washing machine. You tried to remain undistracted as you surged onwards. You leapt over a smaller river twice and proceeded down a long hallway before coming to an abrupt halt. Throwing yourself to the wall, you peered up at the cliff overhead where the silhouette of Undyne stood firm; her hair poking out the back and swaying in a non-existent wind.Slowly but carefully, you drew a breath and swallowed your adrenaline rushed lump stuck deep in your throat before shimmying as silently as possible against the wall. Of course, beneath the cliff Undyne waited before was a tall field of seagrass. It had an off nature scent you couldn’t place, but you passed through it none the less. Every few uneven rustles and you would freeze up to try and remain inconspicuous. Much to your delight, Undyne never noticed your escape as you still shimmied along the wall for a decent space until you took off once again.Coming up to a perilous waterfall that seemed to have a never ending avalanche of boulders, you gingerly tip toed through the ankle deep rushing water and finally passed the other side. Taking the chance to accept the hell you’ve just been through, you keel over and hunch onto your knees while drawing ragged breath. Inching an eye open, you peer down the hallway to perceive how much longer until you come into contact with the human. Your eyes shoot open in surprise as they stand not even twenty feet ahead, making gestures at someone behind the wall.It’s a child. A fucking child. Would she attack a mere child?! You’re gasping out your breaths as you survey them. A beaten stick in one hand, a few band-aids adorning scraped knees and cheeks. Their eyes are hardly seeable from this distance, though you guess they might just be irregularly small. Ragged brown hair sweeps over their head; bangs concealing their eyebrows and ears pretty well. Their blue and magenta striped shirt has a few rips along with their blue shorts and dark sneakers. Nonetheless, they have a big grin over their face.Finally catching your breath and heartrate, you race ever faster towards the child. They don’t hear your increasing approach til your nearly atop them. It takes not even a second as you mid-dash snatch up the child and hold them to your chest, pressing onwards towards Snowdin. You can feel them quaking in your arms; they must’ve been terrified all this time. Likely, a random monster coming in a dead sprint out of nowhere isn’t assisting in calming them down, yet you forge on into a blizzard haze.“Don’t let go! You can trust me! Just hang on, alright?!” you call out, plowing right through into the frigid cold; instantly regretting not bothering to put something besides shorts and a tank-top on. The crunching of snow beneath your feet sends chills up your quickly freezing legs, yet you press onwards. The further you blindly advance, the less your vision is fogged until you can vaguely make out the trail the child had likely just left. Alongside the tiny footprints are much larger bootprints that swallowed your foot whole without touching. Whatever owned these boots was of massive size. Glancing ahead you see smoke and housing – along with monsters of varying shapes and sizes. Unprepared for the upcoming task, you lurch into the towering pine tree forest and brace your back against a trees bark with a pained hiss. The adrenaline and numbing cold had taken away from the still painful wound left upon your back from the fall. Catching your breath again, you look over the child quickly and return to hiding your face. However, they are curious to their savior (kidnapper). You shy away.“Don’t look at me. I wish to not scare you.” you reply, trying to conceal yourself. Tiny hands grasp your cheeks and you are turned to meet their eyes. They are a brilliant faded burgundy and are just naturally small. They take in your features with a face of astoundment, touching your face, hair, eyelids and mouth. You just presume to a child you would look brilliant, and the thought of it meaning possibly this new form was beautiful in its own sense drives a timid blush to your cheeks that you can’t pull away.“Who…who are you?” The child asks feebly as their eyes quiver with anticipation.“My name is Maya. I’m going to try and help you, but I need you to remain quiet. You have no reason to fear me. I will keep you from harm. You need to escape this place, alright?” you plead, brushing back their bangs to admire their own chubby cheeks despite the roughed bandages. “You got a name?”“…Frisk.” They reply, still enamored with your face.“Alrighty Frisk. I have a plan, but we have to go back through Snowdin. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” you promise, rubbing their head and hugging their back closer before the squirm free of your grasp.“Nobody in Snowdin wants to hurt me! They’re my friends!” Frisk declares with confused eyes. You are equally as confused. Monsters surely seemed friendly, but it was presumable this child hadn’t acquired all these injuries just from somehow winding up down here.“Frisk, I hate to break it to you, but apparently not all monsters here are smiles and friendship bracelets. I can guarantee you can’t trust them all.” you press, giving a stern look.“But you’re a monster.”Fuck.“Ah. Well. Yes. However, I came running despite my host being an incredibly intimidating woman who could likely snap my neck. I came running because I refuse to let her attack a human being – let alone a child! If……If you really don’t trust my intentions, atleast let me direct you to a safe transportation through Waterfall. Please.” Please don’t let my efforts be for nothing. Please. I can’t let something happen to them – they’re a child! Possibly not even eleven years old!“I’ll go with you.” They speak suddenly, gripping your very loose tank-top even harder with an intense look in their eyes. Looking down to them for confirmation before taking great joy in being able to protect them, you scan the area before quickly making your way back out towards the road.You hardly bother questioning how its snowing or how these trees continue to exist as you size up what you need to get past. However, the majority of the occupants residing in Snowdin seem fluffy, cheery, and celebratory. The most intimidating thing you see is a bipedal grizzly bear, and its wearing a ugly Christmas sweater – on purpose! Maybe this winter wonderland was just generally more pleasant. You imagine you would appreciate the weather more if you were even slightly prepared, however, time is of the essence as you finally make out the path Gerson had spoke of.“On 3, I’m gonna make a dash for the river. Just hang on, m’kay?” With a silent nod into your chest, you begin to whisper the countdown.“1…” you swallow the regrowing lump.“2…” you prepare your legs into a stance.“tree.” comes a startlingly deep voice from directly behind you. The blood curdling scream must reach Undyne with the immense echo that draws out in this forest. How had you not heard whoever waited behind you with smug patience? It was dead silent the entire time! In your alarm you sprinted directly into a tree and upon collapse in the pillowy untouched snow, the branches above drop a plummet of snow onto you. Alls you can recall before blacking out from the pressure is Frisk being placed down by a figure in a blue hoodie.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
A warmth encircles your body and a plush cushion creaks beneath you, unlike snow. You mutter and rub your aching skull into the side of the couch as a headache begins to overwhelm your senses.“SANS! LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE!” An ear-wrenching voice cries out nearby as you wince and try to shuffle underneath nothing.“what’d I do?” The deeper voice resonates out more than the shrill pitched scream.“YOU SCARED ONE OF THE HUMANS MONSTER FRIENDS AND LET THEM GET DAMAGED! HOW COULD YOU BE SO IRRESPONSIBLE?!” You hear clacking of something. It sounds familiar, yet foreign.“didn’t mean to, bro. I’m patelling the truth. no bones about it.”“OH BLOODY HELL.” Whoever the louder party is, they groan in disbelief. You don’t quite understand, but the deeper of the two is chuckling to themselves. Small hands begin to poke and press at your cheeks as you stir. Sleep is far too enticing of a combination to your splitting headache.“heh. kid, tryin’ to make fish-lips?” The voice draws closer as your cheeks are pressed tightly together to purse your lips. Past your pressed face, you flutter open an eye. The bandage covered child sits before you as you adjust to the strong lighting. They assist you in sitting up as you feel at your head. There doesn’t seem to be any lumps or bruises forming.“Are you alright?” Frisk dotes over you, checking your forehead as well. You wince slightly at the discovery of a single bruise, but it’s overall clean as you give them a hesitant nod.“Y-Yeah. I’ll be fin—aaaAAAHHHHH!!” You flail backwards in flight response as it sends you flipping off the end of the arm and into a corner. Your heart is practically beating out of your chest as you control your breathing. Frisk rushes to your side in reassurance, but past the adrenaline rushing through your veins and your heartbeat stuck in your ears (wherever they may be) you hold Frisk close as you stare in shock and fear.Skeletons. Legitimate, completely made of bone, skeletons. They are completely different in appearance.One is extremely tall – easily reaching around 6’ tall. His cranium is round, but his jaw is completely different than a usual skull should be. His cheekbones are prominent and rounded, his sockets not much bigger than your Frisks smaller palm. His jawbone stretched uncharacteristically long and formed a rectangle more then a humanistic point. Around his neck rested a long tattered red scarf, draping down his back and visible past his…spine. He hunky metal plating encircled his ribs and pads covered his clavicle. Somehow he wore a bone-tight black fabric that covered all his bones similar to tights or leggings. But it covered his entire body, and it wrapped around despite segment breakings. Around his pelvis was a metal blue plating that resembled a speedo that his large red gloved hands covered. Following his lengthy legs to his equally large red boots, you catch an off pink fuzz to his side.Beside the taller skeleton was a much stockier one where you started from the bottom. He wore odd pink fuzzy slippers and hadn’t bothered to wear the black fabric; his white bones dulled and contrasting the tallers. He wore black gym shorts that was covered slightly by a large blue jacket with internal fuzz. It suited him nicely, for a skeleton, as you followed the minorly stained white turtleneck up into another inhuman skull. It was wider and rounder, but it was whole. One giant bulb. His teeth reminded you of the chesire cat grin, yet it remained. His eye sockets were much larger in comparison, but they were dulled and resting as two white pinpricks of light gazed through and onto you both huddled in the corner. The taller of the two was also the louder, you soon realized.“MY MY, WHY ARE YOU IN THE CORNER, FRIEND?” The taller one asks, though his voice isn’t strained or concerned. It’s completely chipper. You’re still wrapping your mind around corporeal walking living skeletons. The sly grin the shorter kept constantly on their face only set you off into more unease as you hugged close the child.“I-I’m not your f-friend.” You indicate, curling back into the corner. Using all the assets you can, you focus on snarling your teeth and even straightening your elbows to cause the fins to flare out. Certainly, you weren’t as menacing as Undyne, but you would try anything. Currently all that matters is that Frisk gets past Undyne without possibly dying.“HHHNNN. TRUE…..VERY WELL; WE SHALL BECOME GOOD FRIENDS THEN!” They cheer out, looking proud as he presses his wrists to his hip. Your idea didn’t work – likely pointless as it seemed monsters were pretty fond of, surprise, monsters.“T-That’s okay. I need to t-take…the human and leave. Y’know……” You press your back to the wall, willing the muscles in your leg to stand. They respond with jello.“OH, FRISK! I DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD AN ESCORT!” The taller booms, looking much more relaxed. You cant help your eyes flitting between the two of them and landing onto Frisk with complete unsureness.“It’s okay! They’re my friends!” Frisk scrambles out of your hold and grasps your hand to attempt and lift you to your feet. You comply, but steal lean into the corner for stabilization. Only the smaller of the two can see your shyness is more dormant defense; its lit eyes never leave your frame, and they make no advancements unlike the taller more eager skeleton to their side.“no need to be so fishy ‘bout us squirt.” The shorter skeleton shrugs while the taller shoots him a disapproving glare.“SANS! OUR GUEST HAS EVERY REASON TO BE SUSPICIOUS OF SUDDENLY WAKING INSIDE OUR LOV-“ A realization dawns onto the taller of the two as Frisk begins to giggle. All attention is directed to the shorter skeleton, both amused and disbelieving. The lanky skeleton groans into his large gloved hands and his bone features are disgruntled into disappointment. You assume it’s a he; that they both are. Their voices don’t sound at all feminine, nor their clothes. Did skeletons even have a gender? Did they need a gender? You halt your train of thought in trying to understand the workings of living bone and redirect your attention.“SANS!” He screams, stomping his foot into the floor. “NOW ISN’T THE TIME FOR YOUR INCESSANT PUNS! YOU ARE CONFUSING THE GUESTS!!” The taller of the two shrieks before approaching. Frisk has already put a barrier between you, but his posture is slack despite the towering mass of bones and apparent smiles and unbridled joy. He crouches to rest his elbows onto his knees, leveling himself with Frisk but addressing you.“GREETINGS! I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS! HOWEVER, UNTIL YOU LEARN OF MY GREATNESS, I WILL SETTLE WITH YOU MERELY REFERRING TO ME AS PAPYRUS!” The skeleton named Papyrus extends an eager hand out to you. No matter how much fear compels you, and overall distrust, the eagerness and simple joy radiating off the giant is enough to let you cave as you extend a hand. He shakes it with enthusiasm as your wrist gives a few cricks to the jostling motion. Frisk doesn’t extend a hand and merely ploughs into the skeleton with an ecstatic hug.“FRISK! IT HAS ONLY BEEN 10 MINUTES AND 42 SECONDS SINCE I LAST SAW YOU! DID YOU MISS MY GREATNESS THAT MUCH?” Papyrus giggles, lifting the child into the air. Frisk nods and reaches for him again as Papyrus now cradles him in his arms. You’re quite finicky to try and pry the child away though he is physically out of your reach. “VERY WELL! TO MAKE UP FOR FEELING ALONE, YOU AND I SHALL MAKE FINE CUISINE! TO THE SPAGHETTI POT!!” Without another word aside from a somewhat goofy laugh, Papyrus and Frisk zoom past the shorter skeleton fast enough the wind picks up his jackets ends and flutters before plopping down onto his sides. Though he lacked a stomach, it somehow filled out with his shirt as you noticed he was somewhat chubby.Oh god he is just staring at me. You press the palm of your hand into your mouth and merely stare back at him. Your eyes are locked in a dead stand-off. You can feel it. He doesn’t trust you nearly as much as he is letting on. The distrust is gagging the air of its oxygen as you take a deep breath to clear it out.“my bro’s so cool, ain’t he?” His voice catches you off as you start in the corner, sweat accumulating at your brow. You slither away back into the new nesting spot, further from the dusty colored bone. He makes no advancements, though his eyes are still completely glued on you.“I-I….yes?” Agreeing just seems like the correct option. He relaxes for a mere millisecond before the clocks ticking picks up again, resounding over the clattering of metal in the kitchen. You would be doting over Frisk this very second if two monsters who’d given you the heebiest of the jeebs weren’t blocking your advancements. Hell, just this single small one seemed to be the biggest issue.“didn’t catch your name.” He takes an ever so small step towards you.“I didn’t give it.” You deflect, trying a menacing glare. You were never good at intimidation. Another step.“well that just won’t do. introductions are key, after all.” When had he gotten close enough where if you both extended your arms long enough, you could touch fingertips. The next step has you trying to shy away more into the retreated corner. He seems to finally back off until he reaches out with his hand.“shake my hand.” It’s not an offer. You keep a dead-locked stare into his hollow sockets and the little existence lying beneath heavy lids. Reaching forward with a trembling hand, he meets you the rest of the way.PPPPPBBBBBBBBBBFFFFFffffbbffftttt………You can feel yourself going hollow with understanding, rage, and nostalgic saddening. The nostalgia of what lead you down here in the first place. You obviously don’t give the reaction he’d intended on; you’re too busy releasing and staring at your hand. How he had always pulled that joke, made you laugh. He’d done it on the night he proposed as well. Now, here it was again. Your laugh died along with your human self, but you kept all the sadness and pain. You manage to extract your hand and hobble over to the couch where you plummet and press your hands into your forehead. The shorter skeletons presence looms before you. Fighting back tears, you spare a glance.His bones facial feature is twisting with confusion and questions, but there is even pity inside.“are you alright?” He asks. He makes no movement to indicate physical comforting.“Y-Ye-……Yes. I j-just need some space. Please.” You plead with him, your hair hanging and falling past your fins and face. He backs away until you are certain he isn’t even minding you anymore before you give mental lee-way to break down. Containing your stress, you merely huff and dribble tears freely down your cheeks.Uncertain to the pass of time as you attempt to settle your nerves, a set of footsteps storm into the room from the direction of the kitchen.“NEW FRIEND! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WITH HELP FROM THE LITTLE HUMAN, HAVE PREPARED FRIENDSHIP SPAGHETTI!!” He presents a plate of spaghetti onto your lap before you can deny or accept it. It doesn’t burn your legs, but its an acceptable hot compared to the bitter cold outdoors. You swear on everything that those are sequins. There are sequins in your spaghetti. Unsure of what compels you to even try, you take a bite of the spaghetti.Never were you aware pasta could be crunchy and sour at the same time. You bite through it, praising your weird steeled gag reflex, and swallowing the distasteful bite. Looking up hesitantly, Papyrus’ eyes are actually glowing with litter stars inside his sockets. He is eager for your approval. Frisk is somehow stuffing his little cheeks to the brim and chipmunking it all with a complete smile. You can see a shifting blue in the back behind the tall skeleton as you stumble upon your words.“Its uh….it could…..uhhh…..use…more..sugar?” You try to be helpful and slightly appreciative to the thought, but the brain food has actually fried your internal sensorys as you mentally slap your head. Sugar. SUGAR!?“HNN?!” Papyrus takes a large forkful from your plate, tasting the flavor. You force yourself to not stare and mull over where the food goes as he clicks his tongue (you wont even.)“HM. TOO MUCH SALT. FORGIVE ME, FRIEND! I HAVE SERVED YOU ABYSMAL SPAGHETTI!! I HAVE FAILED YOU!! NYEEHHH!” He slams his kneecaps into the floor and rests his hands flat against the carpet. An overall sense of heartbreak swells over you. Even Frisk is giving you hurt stares.“Uh…..Um…” You try to reach out and somehow comfort the being before bone begins to clack against bones. You must fly back practically a mile into the couch when the shorter skeleton just instantly appears beside his fallen friend.“hey, paps, c’mon. y’know your cooking is the hottest thing around.”“BUT WHAT ABOUT GRILLBYS – WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN, SUPPOSEDLY, VANISHING TO EVEN MORE OFTEN?” Papyrus practically gave you whiplash – it was from self-loathing to berating.
Paps?....Paps…..where have I heard that before.
It hits you like a bullet train as you stand to attention.
UNDYNE.
“Uh, uh, um, F-Frisk, I hate to cut t-the party b-but we really need to run.” You insist, leveling with the child.“But why?” Frisk crosses their arms defiantly, puffing their cheeks out into a pout. Oivay.“Because. One-Eyed Fish ladies. They are soul prowlers? And, I, uh, kinda want to keep that in you if I am to get you home.” You try to whisper to the child as the realization finally dawns onto them. Their arms going slack, they weave their fingers into your webbed one. The skin contact is enough to almost make you huff in internal frustration to your predicament, but you shove it down and start towards the door.“WAIT! FRIEND! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” Papyrus calls out as you cringe with a tad of sorrow.“I, uh,…..I need to get Frisk up ahead, so I’m taking them personally. Y’know…escorting?” You feel the shorter skeletons stare lingering on you yet again. Untrusting.“OH. I SEE……PERHAPS, YOU WILL BOTH STOP BY AGAIN?” He twiddles his gloved hands and looks to you with sincere longing. You hate to break his nonexistent heart; utterly and genuinely golden. You sigh in future frustration.“Sure Papyrus. I’ll see you again.”
I’m stuck down here forever, supposedly, anyway.
“EXCELLENT!! FAREWELL……I DIDN’T CATCH YOUR NAME EARLIER.”“…Maya.” You mumble, but it seems to be enough as he perks up to the new information. Opening the door, you instantly close it at a realization. It’s a fucking blizzard outside. Turning on your heel, you look to the perplexed skeletons.“Okay, so, um, do you have any jackets or anything for Frisk? And, possibly, directions to….thheeee….um…river...?” You wildly point in directions before mentally thinking outloud. “No, wait, if there was the river, wait, no, was it a river? He said river person but what if that doesn’t even pertain to a bloody river? Uggghhh.” Placing your hands to your forehead in frustration, the shorter skeleton perks up with laughter. Frisk is suddenly enveloped in his large blue jacket, the childs hands engulfed by the length. He wraps a scarf around your neck as you try to not fall back stunned by the close proximity touching from nowhere.“don’t worry. I’ll get ya to the river person.” He shrugs his shoulders opening the door to allow the harsh breeze in. Frisk clings to the skeleton as you try to stay close behind, Papyrus yelling out past the snowfall a farewell caught and dragged in the harsh breeze.Visibility was minimal and the only guide in the white flurry was the blue jacket hung from Frisk and their little hair bobbing about. They leaned back to keep their hand laced in your own, as a slow moving water began to echo out past the whipping wind. The storm eased the closer to the waters edge you approached, a figure becoming defined in the distant shadows. Your eyes snapped between the skeleton and the shadowed figure. You’re trust had to be given to the skeleton; Frisk seemed to be more comfortable with their presence. Then again, what did you know?You certainly don’t know how to feel about a completely cloaked being atop a driftboard boat that has a…..cat…dog…thing face at the front.Oh god it even swivels to look at me.With the ding of a coin and a thin sliver of gold flipping through the air, it lands directly into the persons hood and they give a silent bow. They back away to provide more room on the board as Frisk pounces on happily – tipping and sloshing the edges into the water. The skeleton lets one slipper press between the boat and the snow before looking back and offering you a hand. You look between his smug face and his generous hand, reading the more defined bones before allowing your fingers to graze his carpals. He grasps your fingers with a look practically asking permission as he guides you cautiously onto the boat. It teeters with the new weight as Frisk stabilizes you and the boat sets off with a lack of oars.Your hair whips behind you as the melodious humming of the cloaked figure plays a little tune that bounces off the crystal covered walls. Frisk lets one of their hands drag through the water, splashing it around freely.“Tra la la la la, lying is painful, no?” Their voice carries out as the boat begins to slow, the rushing water plummeting into pools as a crystal covered cavern begins to bend into view. You refuse to look back to the cloaked figure ; you can feel their gaze glued to your back. Frisks head, on the other hand, whirls around. Like it’s the first time they’ve ever heard something so outrageous.“what?” The skeleton voices his opinion as the boat comes to a stop.“Tri li li, Waterfall is where we be.” Ignoring the skeletons question, you nudge Frisk to step off the boat as you follow – instantly relieved to be back onto solid ground.“T-thanks for the ride.” You reply, giving a appreciative wave and moving ahead to peer around the corners. It takes no time at all for you to fly back with a scream as Gerson smug smile is waiting for you on the other side.“He he hee. Back so soon?” He chuckles as you press the palm of your hand to your sternum, willing your heart to slow down.“Not funny.” You comment. There’s a little rustling of fabric before Frisk pops out from behind you without the jacket. “Thank you though, Gerson. You really helped me out….Helped them out.” You correct yourself before rustling a hand through Frisks hair.“Good. Glad I could. After all, youth adventures lead to aged……aged…Eh, I forget the rest.” Gerson shrugs his shoulders, using his cane to proceed back to the shop.“Wait, Gerson.” You call as he slowly turns to face you, “You didn’t tell me which way to go to help them out of here.”“That’s cause you ain’t. She stopped back after ye left and found you missing. Better ta head home while the fire is low.” He snickers, walking back to his shop. A fear overtakes your body as the tyrants fuel begins to blaze in the back of your mind. You push it aside for more pressing matters.“B-But if I am with Frisk, won’t she understand and maybe calm down?!” You plead.“Unlikely. Might even make it worse. Just go home kiddo.” Gerson sighs, leaving and reattending his wares.“But I don’t even-!! Uuuugghhh!” You groan in frustration, scuffing your foot against the loose stones and turning to Frisk solemnly. “Frisk, I-“ You’re shut up as they gets up on tippy toes and press their hand into your mouth, silencing you.“Its okay! I won’t get lost…..-so long as you promise I can see you again.” They give you a sly wink as you process the flirting implication.“Uh…..sure?” You shrug your shoulders unsurely. Without another word, they beam a large smile at you and dart down the halls before you can stop them. You lurch forward on instinct, but eventually just let go. You knew utterly nothing. Frisk atleast seemed to be good at dealing with monsters. With hateful release on your guilt, you spin on your heels and start back on the way home. Atleast you could maneuver from Gersons store back to your own…home.A slight tug at your neck yanks you back an inch as you grasp the scarf. Though it had done little to assist you against the cold and you could feel the goosebumps even now, the gesture was sweet. Now it had become a nuisance as a boney hand clutches the other end from a distance. You’d completely forgotten he was still there…….why was he still there? The jacket he’d lent Frisk was hung around him snuggly once again; his hand almost concealed by the sleeve as he held the scarf with a smug grin.“Oh!” You jump, quickly removing the scarf and handing it back to the still faced skeleton. Was his smile permanent? “T-Thanks for the s-scarf. Bye.”The action is so quick you nearly have whiplash. Your hand is snatched inside a boney one that pulls you backwards. Your feet snag on the suddenly discarded scarf as you tumble back and land into the wall – the crystal shards kneading a bit painfully at your back. Wincing from the sudden contact and heave of air lost you hardly have enough time to register the skeleton planting both his hands firmly on either side of the wall with your head between, looming over you. You stutter your head back, trying to get some distance despite the wall as he stares. And stares. And fucking stares. You’re too intimidated to make a move – his light pupils are dim and practically non-existent, but you feel his gaze raking over every inch of you; studying. Like taking mental notes.It isn’t until little terrorized tears trickle down your cheeks that he takes a step back, scratching his skull in thought.“heh, uh…sorry ‘bout that.” His voice is little more than an echo as you struggle past and away. You gasp again and try to lurch forward when he snatches up your wrist yet again. “please, wait. I’m really sorry ,but-““No! Let go of me!” You cry out, twisting your wrist painfully in his grasp as your scales graze awkwardly against the hard bone.“look, kid ,you gotta calm down! I’m just askin’-“ “Leave me alone!” You scream out, throwing your other hand backwards in defense.Suddenly, the world falls out from beneath you. A blackness overtakes your vision. Everything turns black and white and a peculiar music begins to play out. A stuttering of the world shifts into place as the skeleton stands stunned a bit farther then you recall him being. Before you is a white outlined box traced to the ground. Your entire being feels cold and vacant until a swift pull lurches you forward. A small little object flies out from your sternum as you gasp and try to catch your breathe. The object flings itself with a trailing of white into the box as the music becomes crisper. Focusing your attention onto the object, your heart would skip a beat if it wasn’t literally before you.A cartoonish shaped heart hovers upside down in the middle of the white square. Its small and completely white, save the deep blue surrounding the edges like a thick icing. It pulses slowly and quivers in place as you continue to try and wrap your mind around whatever was happening. There is a prominent crack creasing down the top to the center that is blacker then the darkest night. A swelling need to FLEE overtakes your mind – to where, you only know of one place to go.As if to answer your prayers a crumbling sound emanates behind you as you spin to focus. The world behind you is almost like a tunnel, but eventually leading back into the colorful cave you only moments ago had been apart from. Without another thought, you force yourself to sprint towards the opening. Every step is heavy and like trudging through a swamp. You ignore the calls from behind. Closing in on freedom, the heart shaped object flies from the box, knocking into your back and throwing you from the bizarre momentary world. You don’t bother to glance back as you take up newfound energy and sprint to Undynes home.Flying inside, the mouth door closes instantly as you curl up into a ball behind the piano, merely breathing and existing. Your mind is a flurry of unanswered questions, and you don’t dare try and reach out to Gerson – there was no certainty whatever had just happened would occur again. Or worse; he would still be out there.Despite his lack of eyes and facial features, it was clear the skeleton had been seizing the opportunity to study you – thoroughly.It chilled you to the core. ------------------------------------------------------------You’d fallen asleep in the corner; your mind overworked with attempts to rationalize or relate. You awoke with a stiffness in your hips as you used the corners wall to support yourself. It was too late to register the approaching clanging of metal boots until the door opened wide and Undyne trotted in, helmet under her arm.Time froze as you both looked to each other in mystification. You could already feel fear driven tears trickling down your cheeks. She was going to kill you.She threw the helmet to the side and lunged forward faster than you could gasp and scream. Swiftly, she locked her arms around you and hugged you close – her armor poking and prodding painfully at your stomach. You huffed with frustrated tears as you dangled in her grasp, unsure whether to reciprocate or push away. Though selfish, you latched onto the armored fish in desperation for contact and structure. She was sweaty and smelt of charcoal or soot. It was unique and smoky. It would be a lie if it didn’t toss your stomach in hunger. Her hair is haggard and breathing is heavy, though not in the same as your own. Her armor is heated, though it does little to deter you from holding on. “Where the hell did you go? I thought you got lost - and with the friggin’ human about too!” Undyne grunts, tossing off a glove to pat and pet your head. It’s obvious of the two of you, you had the more problematic day. You throw your head back to look her in the eye, fearful yet courageous at the same time.“Y-You can’t –hic- hurt t-the human! I-I-It’s just a…just a child.” You sniffle and sob to her, trying to wipe away the tears from getting stuck to your face and hair. “T-They just want to g-go home, Undyne. Please. Please. You c-can’t kill them!” You plead; your pitch is higher than you would like, but your emotional state is flaring and desperate. “You can’t…”She only pulls you close again in comfort. -------------------------------------------------------------“That’s all that happened.” Undyne finishes, reading your face as you process all she’d told you of her hunting Frisk through the Underground.“So….Frisk is fine?” You are much perkier – you aren’t sure if it’s the realization that Frisk is alright, or the food you both slaved to make. Undyne only grunts and nods. “You don’t wish Frisk was alive.” Its not a question. Undyne stabs her fork into the table, piercing the bruised wood.“That is the last soul we need to save all of the Underground! I can excuse you for not understanding that, but you deliberately went out of your way to get out, sneak past, save them in Snowdin, and bring them around with the River Person!?” Undyne barks, glaring you down. You quiver back in your stool, trying to refocus on your food. It might have slipped out…“O-Only because I couldn’t just s-sit by while you did that.” You mumble past a mouthful as Undyne forces herself to merely glare daggers and retrieve her fork in the table. Though it is retrieved, the end is clearly bent as she huffs a sigh.“That’s beside the point. What if they’d been dangerous – you’d gotten hurt?” Undyne rationalizes, waving her fork around with a piece of tortellini and chicken stabbed onto the edge.“Oh my god, Undyne; it was a child.”“I was once a kid. Toughest kid in the Underground!” Undyne gloats with this odd smile. It almost looks like she is guffawing.“Oh, I bet. Cutest little tough shit in the entire Underground.” You groan, downing the Spider Cider. Undyne had assured it would cheer you up, and it didn’t disappoint. The only issue was she informed you not to read the ingredients label.“BUT OF ‘COURSE!” Undyne shouts. She lurches forth from her chair, stepping onto the table and raising her glass.“But what about Frisk. What happens now?” You try to resteer the direction. It certainly dampers her mood as she sulks back into her chair. It was clear – Frisk had hurt her pride.“Nothin’. If that dum’ass calculator doesn’t finish off the kid, Asgore will.” Undyne grumbles, twiddling her fork on her full plate. She hasn’t eaten a bite.“Calculator? Wait, scratch that. You’re the head of the Royal Guard, yeah? How can somebody but you defeat humans?” You ask curiously.“Alphys made ‘im specifically for humans.” Undyne grumbles, continuing to twiddle her fork. The clock begins to resonate as you help yourself to seconds – you hadn’t realized you were so starved until you first helped yourself. Looking back over Undyne, you feel a welling pit of pity for her predicament growing large in your gut. It was her job to protect…well, whoever the royalty was, and the people. What was left for someone who had failed their single purpose?“Well, if the ‘calculator’ can kill the human, you would just need to one up them and befriend Frisk! Nobody would see it coming!” You poke sarcastically at it, trying to lighten the stiff air.You don’t think you recall her neck snapping that quickly before as her wide eye is transfixed onto you in an instant. It thins out, almost like a glare.“…Is that a challenge?” She whispers, grin frozen flat. A nervous sweat overtakes your brow.“Uh…..sure?” You shrug unsurely.Undyne flew and snatched up her cellphone. She looks like a mad genius baring their jagged teeth. --------------------------------------------------------Sans P.O.V “-AND THE LITTLE HUMAN PRACTICALLY DANCED AROUND MY BLUE ATTACKS!! IT WAS MOST BRILLIANT PAIRING – BONES AND BALLET! NYEH HEH HEH!” Papyrus tells the tale of the battle with Frisk to Sans for possibly the 50th time that day. It had been that day. He’d watched. All of it.The same old same old. Frisk would avoid almost all of the attacks, save a few clips to the shoulder. Papyrus was too sweet to the kid. Then again, it was one of his unique charms – it’s what made him Papyrus.He’d let him past and slowed the time flow to get ahead of the kid and await him at the sentry station. He cracked the same jokes, watched Frisk deliver a sincere smile with light chit-chat. Next thing he knows the kid vanishes in a little blur of white that goes rushing back into Snowdin. He’d flown back in his chair with surprise before forcing himself to raggedly get up and glance around. Frisk was gone. Though his pace was more leisurely as he followed, he kept his eye socket out for any changes.Every now and then, a new anomaly would occur. It was often due to the kids resetting. Though, it was usually small things – there wasn’t snow on his hotdog stand in Hotland, the slimes changed colors, the number of trees. It never was anything that directly affected Frisk or anybody else.The snowfall had mostly subsided as he picked up on a trail of footprints flinging themselves into Snowdin Woods as her pursued. The snow was heavy enough and himself light enough that he walked atop the clustered snowflakes, following the trail intently.“Ah. Well. Yes. However, I came ru-“ Sans hears a faint voice on the air. A new one. He pulls himself through the Void, hurtling himself into an overhead tree, perching and scanning the outstretch of land.“-atleast let me direct you to a safe-“ The wind cuts you off as Sans finally catches sight of the most recent anomaly. He has to cling to the branch as he nearly falls forward in amazement.A completely new monster.It was surely rarer – though it never was much more then another Guard Dog or another slime. Maybe something in Hotland. Even then, it was almost a duplicate of an already existent monster. Not you.He carefully trekked along the adjoining large limbs, getting closer and closer to inspect the new life. He stood a few limbs up from the next closest tree as he looked down onto you both – You and Frisk.You were similar to Undyne, and yet so different. He couldn’t see your eyes, but your hair. It was glowing. Short and dark brown with streaks of cyan blue streaming through to the ends where it pooled. It hug close to your neck, one of your frilled fins poking off the side of your head and holding your locks back. You certainly weren’t fit nor muscular. Your small scales were white with an off pattern of coal black and orange-red splotches covering your body. You shivered as your ankles were swallowed by the snow-covered forest floor.You begin to move about, clutching Frisk close to your chest as you look out onto Snowdin. Like you are trying to find your way.“1,” Sans finally discovers himself and works his signature grin. Showtime.“2,” As you ready yourself for another sprint despite your haggard state, Sans jumps to behind you in eerie silence, leaning against the bark of the tree.“tree.”It would be a huge lie if he didn’t admit watching you run headlong into a tree wasn’t amusing.What wasn’t amusing is what came after he and Frisk whisked you back home.Hostility. Untrusting. Desperate. Scared.It was clear in your actions and body language. You sat and quivered in the corner, holding Frisk close in your lap. Even Papyrus’ kind way wasn’t snapping you out of it. Were fish monsters just naturally violent? At last, though, he could see your face. Though it was stained with fear and uncertainty.You had a curved splotch of dark scales covering your more prominent eye, the other masked behind your falling hair. Your eyes were a brilliant light blue with black thin pupils dashing between glaring at him and Papyrus. He’d never seen a monster so filled with fear before.You only go on to prove your unsociable point by deflecting Sans at his own game.Touché.A familiar ring-tone plays off as Papyrus hurdles himself from the dining table and retrieves his phone. Sans, not wanting to seem disinterested, turned lazily in his chair.It was Undyne. She was calling with a report about the human. How she failed to capture and kill them. Like always.“AH, YES! HELLO UNDYNE! HOW CAN I ASSIST YO-………..WOWIE, REALLY?!” Papyrus exclaims, throwing a mitted glove over the speaking end of his cellphone and whisking excited sockets to Sans.“SANS! UNDYNE IS INVITING ME AND THE HUMAN TO COOKING LESSONS TOMORROW!” He squeals, his sockets sparkling with stars. It takes all his will to not drop the ketchup bottle in disbelief.He knows he is stunned enough to just be awkwardly staring blankly at Papyrus, but its unprecedented. Papyrus was always the key to getting Frisk and Undyne to meet on friendlier terms; not Undyne herself.
The timeline is getting thrown off.
----------------------------------------------------------Curling up for more insulated warmth beneath the sheets, you find little to no comfort as you decide now is the only time to wake up. Undyne wouldn’t let you in on what she had planned after that phone call the other night. Simply to expect guests today. Groaning with realization to the time, you trod around and pick out an outfit. A white and black long thin striped shirt with shorts was the ideal cover for your consistent lacy underwear. Undyne had made it clear she would prefer them to be used on you then her, though it did little to explain why she had so many.A crackling of fire and smoke overcomes your senses as you pop your head free and smell the air. Growling in disbelief, you fly out of the open door to a much larger flame then yesterday, Undyne at the helm of the stove.“UNDYNE!” You screech, jumping the counter and spinning the dial off, Undyne finally becomes aware of you and looks ever so slightly smaller. Doesn’t stop her from raising her voice.“What the hell!? You ruined the spaghetti!!” She barks waving to the pan. The pan is almost unrecognizable – its dented, slightly melting, and the noodles are burning in the still bubbling water. You grimace and push your elbow to your nose, reaching for the neighboring cupboards for an oven mitt. Securing one, you quickly heave the still melting pot and slug it into the sink where you blast the cold water and let it sizzle and steam. Throwing the mitts onto the counter, you redirect your attention to Undyne.
Oh. Its on.
“What the hell, to me?! That’s my line! Is this a morning ritual – nearly setting your friggin’ house on fire?! News flash – I don’t want that to be my morning wake-up call for however long I’m staying here!!” You scream back, smacking the side of your hand into the opposite open palm for emphasis.“I told you beforehand it is passionate cooking!!”“And I think I mentioned you can cook with passion WITHOUT setting your kitchen on fire!! Do I need to have an emergency pail of water on standby?!”“My house, my fire! Thanks to you the pasta is ruined!!” She screeches, approaching closer.“It was burnt to a crisp, Undyne! Black! This isn’t rocket science!! And until I find somewhere else to live, its technically our house, and I don’t want to wake up as a flambéed fish stick!!” Your butting heads together at this point, teeth jagged and grating.“Maya?”The tiny voice catches you off guard as your neck snaps to attention. Frisk is standing by with a tomato in their little palms, their focus mystified. Beside Frisk is each of the skeletons from yesterday. You don’t keep your attention on them too long as you return to glaring at Undyne.“And you nearly let Frisk get caught up in this?! What the hell Undyne! I was jo-“ Before you can finish your sentence Papyrus rushes forward and wraps you into a tight hug.“MAYA!! I DIDN’T KNOW YOU WERE STAYING WITH UNDYNE! IT SEEMS FATE SMILES DOWN ONTO US TO BE BEST FRIENDS!!” Papyrus nuzzles into your cheek and holds you up like a defeated child. You hear Frisk giggling on the side as you push on his bones.“P-Please put me down.” You struggle out as Papyrus relinquishes you and you dash behind Undyne for security.“Fuhuhuhu! Didn’t know you were so shy suddenly!” Undyne laughs, trying to comfort you from behind. You’d told her of the little excursion and side-tracking resulting in meeting Papyrus and the other skeleton who she’d informed you was Sans, Papyrus’ older lazy brother. You hinted at how he was dangerous, and she laughed like it was the last time she ever could, exclaiming how he was too slow and jokey to ever take seriously and was never much of a threat. You didn’t dare tell her of the little encounter by Gersons.Sparing a glance at Sans, he is, once again, fixated onto you. Well, him and Frisk.“That reminds me! Sans, y’know pretty much everyone – seen any other fish-folk around?” Undyne asks nonchalantly, redirecting Sans’ attention.“can’t say I have. not exactly a-lureing material here. why’re ya askin’?” He gestures to himself and shoves his boney hands back into his pockets, Papyrus tossing his arms up in silent hatred and tapping his foot while Frisk giggles.“Maya says she can’t remember anything – not even Asgore. Was out the other day looking for her folks.” Undyne sighs, patting your head. You despise the redirection of attention suddenly onto you.“WHAT?! YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN YOUR FAMILY!?” Papyrus cries out, scrunching up into his knees to be more level with you, though cautious to not approach. You supply him with a shaky nod before Undyne tosses you theoretically to the wolves. “UNACCEPTABLE!! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, ASSURE YOU THIS, MAYA THE FISH – WE WILL FIND YOUR FAMILY AND REUNITE YOU WITH THEM AND YOUR MEMORIES ONCE MORE! TIS THE GREAT GUARANTEE!! NYEH HEHEHEHEH!” Papyrus heroically barks out the information, though in the midst of his laughing, he jobs back.Before he reaches the door, he takes a sharp turn before the piano and dives out the nearest window.Undyne is tumbling with laughter and Frisk is just watching on in amusement.“welp.” The deep baritone voice trickles in besides you as you flinch and shift away. Since when had Sans been beside you. His smile is something sinister as he spares a sideways glance at you.“won’t this be a real trip?”You groan in sadness at the implication.
If this is my hell, this is my own personal demon.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Sitting on the sidelines with great miscomfort to the current situation, you make yourself small and hopefully out of the way. But the company doesn’t seem to understand your venturing advances as they continue to try and pull you into the action. Papyrus had rushed back in a tizzy to finish the ‘Cooking Lesson’ with Undyne. You mentally quoted that as it seriously was more along the lines of ‘Fuck The Kitchen!!”.Undyne lets you do your own thing while everybody else wants you front and center. Frisk and Papyrus give an encouraging tug to your clothes and hand in invitation as you wave them off. Sans has a much…stranger way of approaching you. Which happens to be just appearing behind you and scaring the life out of you. After the 3rd time, you mentally cannot handle it.“Okay; you all aren’t burning down the house – I’m going out.” You throw your hands up in surrender as you make your way to the door.“’lright! Don’t get lost on the way!” Undyne giggles with a devious glare. Sticking your tongue out at her, you rummage and find a leather jacket. You never know, you tell yourself while slinging one arm through the sleeve.“MAYA! WILL YOU NOT BE JOINING US FOR LUNCH?” Papyrus calls back. With the security of Undyne being around, you got to understand the brothers better. Sans certainly plays that ‘lazy jokester’ card like a champ, but you know what you saw. What happened. You keep trying to understand his motives; his reason. For now, all you simply can do is glare and avoid him. Papyrus, on the other hand, has a far too high energy and volume level. He has -10 on the chill meter. You contemplate if he even sleeps or is addicted to caffeine. You attempted earlier to offer some to Papyrus; Gerson had stocked you guys up incase you liked coffee – which you didn’t – and Undyne not only shredded the box, but purposefully set it on fire and threw it out instantly. Assuming Papyrus was just like this constantly is hard to honestly believe, but you likely shouldn’t have offered him caffeine if that was the case. Aside from that, he was extremely prideful and friendly. Also loud. And a bit too accepting – or was it allowing?...He just seemed to go with the flow and see the good in everything, even if the main purpose was not something good.Undyne had mentioned how’d they’d found you in any chance to help jog memories, or give Sans a starting spot to investigate – he seemed to be the go to man when it came to knowing your monsters - which you already had; even if he was an ancient forgetful turtle, atleast he hadn’t done what could be best described as molestation or security breach. You still weren’t even sure, but it gave you uncomfortable chills. Adjusting the jackets collar and approaching the door, you decide to maybe get a better understanding of Waterfall. The layout. You recall briefly a few paths on the way towards Snowdin. Shimmying and detaching the persistent pockets, you shove your hands inside before making your way out the door and over to the location of the little bird.As the yellow bird sleeps on the side, you silently jump past with a lot less struggle, with a silent tease to the piranha nipping at the water. Undyne had mentioned they were attracted to the smell of oranges; lucky you, you little orange addict. There is a delicate trickling of water as you take the first path you see. You’re mesmerized by the view before you – its almost like a serene swamp.The thin rivers of water collide yet flow so steadily in a little puzzle of the darkest blue moss and grass. Patches of grass have extended and made reeds, though sea grass is much more evidently familiar. Approaching the edge of waterline and looking into the moving liquid, you feel the intense urge to simply…jump in. Like you could simply let the current take you wherever it sought to lead. Blackish blue reeds poke free from the water for air, while lilypads gently wave on the light current. The trees are truly mesmerizing – their trunks are practically white with how vibrantly they glow, as the leaves darken and barb closer to the top.Walking along the side of the stream and over a little bridge, you let your mind wander in fascination and mystery. How this place could survive without the light of day – and not only that, create its own source of illumination. You stumble free from your thoughts as something powdery snags you right in the face. Propelling backwards with a gag and a whipping of the face, you try to twitch open an eye.“S-Sorry…” You comment with a cough.‘S-Sorry…-cough-‘Looking up after wiping the substance off your face, you find a dazzling tall flower that resembled a sunflower. It was completely cyan blue and had this little sway to its head, as if sentient.‘S-Sorry…-cough-‘ You heard it again, turning you head.“Who’s there? Show yourself.” You warn, uselessly raising your fists.“Who’s there? Show yourself.” It mimics back in almost perfect replication of your voice, if not a little higher. Following the voice, it leads you directly back to the flower. Hesitating for a moment you lower your fists and gently approach the flower in silence.“……..Who’s there? Show yourself.” It repeats. Its head gently bounces as it mimics your voice and words. Fascinated with the foliage you come within a foot at last to inspect it.“What are you? Are you a fellow monster?” You try to respond politely, just in case. What monster says “You’re a monster, right?”‘What are you? Are you a fellow monster?’ It replies as you give a little giggle. It even mimics that. Dragging your gaze away from the luminescent flower, you find another and another. They surely don’t seem to be a rarity as you can vaguely hear words they already speak. Following the flowers and their shushed words, you jump and weave through the room. A few here and there catch your giggle. The last one plays a tune – it almost sounds like a music box. It’s extremely faint though. Continuing on, you find a long narrow path that is completely surrounded by normal water.With a hint of unease, you begin your walk while looking into your reflection. The walls and ceiling crystals cast beautiful glittering reflections onto and bouncing off the waters surface. The water brushing against the caves walls sloshes silently and creates minimal bubbles as you continue your little walk. Looking back into the water you feel like your eyes deceive you as you close in. You swear you saw something larger then piranha swimming about, but the water doesn’t appear much deeper then 7 feet.The waves behind you begin to slosh from disturbance as you whirl around; your eyes and mouth instantly wide in fear. A dual set of creamy tentacles have risen from the murky drink and simply wave about in the air. Water rushes desperately behind you as you swerve once more. This time, you fall backwards and onto your ass with wordless astonishment.There is a creamy octopus like monster before you, but their face is completely cartoonish and proportioned oddly with its head. Its enormous eyes sparkle with the tiniest smile as the bulbous mound of its head approaches. Past all your confusion and despair to flee, you stand; though rigid and trembling.“Hey there….noticed you were…..here..” Their voice feels completely off. Its high and giddy as its eyes sparkle over you.“I’m Onionsan! Onionsan, y’hear!”………“SNNRKK-“You catch your self and fly your hand over your mouth to distill your blatant laughter. Their little shrill voice matched with their bulbous head, and then….Onionsan?!? You were extremely aware of your obvious rudeness, but you hadn’t seen this interaction coming from a mile away as you finally relax to….Onionsans presence.“S-Sorry.” You huff, trying to control your smile. “I just remembered a joke.” You lie.“Oh, a joke! I like jokes!!” They exclaim with a patient face. A few awkward seconds go between you both as Onionsan simply stares.Oh shit they think I’ll tell the joke.“I forgot what it was though…” You nervously laugh with a guilty running of the hand through your hair.“Oh….T-That’s okay!” They reply with a grand smile. As more awkward tension formulates, you decide to leave the creature in peace with a slight wave and begin to walk ahead.“You’re visiting Waterfall, huh!” Onionsans voice brings your head back around as their head moves steadily through the water. There seems to be no evasion. So you decide to walk and talk.“I guess I live here now.” You comment.“Oh that’s great, huh!” Onionsan produces two tentacles to clap together, nearly splashing you with some of the impact water. “Yeah! Me too! It’s my ‘Big Favorite’!”‘Big Favorite’? You feel your face scrunch in confusion as you continue onwards. Past the crooks flow, you think you hear the pellet sounds similar to rain as you continue through.“Even though the waters getting so shallow here…” You freeze up as Onionsans voice takes a dip into slight depression. Their head has receded back underneath the water, but it’s still clear. “I, have to sit down all the time, but…He-Hey! That’s okay! Beats moving to the city!” Onionsan roars with new enthusiasm.“The city?” You ask with curiosity.“Yeah! Beats living in a crowded aquarium – like all my friends did!”You can feel your heart tense up as you instantly want to leave. You hate getting guilt-tripped; because it always fucking works. Trying to walk away peacefully once more, you shouldn’t be surprised that Onionsan continues to pursue you in desperation for conversation.“B-But, the aquariums full, anyways, so even if I wanted to, I…That’s okay though, y’hear! Undynes going to fix everything, y’hear! I’m going to get out of here and live in the ocean! Y’hear!” Onionsan chants with new enthusiasm as you emotionally feel your body being speared a few hundred times by Undyne.Undyne was meant to get a human soul. A human soul would free the monsters, A.K.A, Onionsan. By you instructing Undyne to befriend humans instead of killing them, this was now no longer a possibility. Thus, conclusion of the guilt trip – you are a terrible fucking person.“….I’m sure you will, Onionsan.” You murmur with your head hung low and you pick up your pace. You were so light hearted earlier; and you can’t blame Onionsan for purposely bringing down your mood. They seemed desperate for interaction you weren’t willing to supply at this single moment. You reach the end of the room, but Onionsan has vanished beneath the water. With a pained sigh of relief, you continue onward.You are positive now that the soft droplet sound is something akin to rain as you pass yet another hallway. If you followed every single hallway, you really would get lost in Waterfall. It was like a labyrinth of water and glowing walls and floors. Ahead there is a brief light as you pick up your pace.To your fascination, the light doesn’t seem to have any source besides the wall as your hopes come to a slight crumble. Beneath it rests a mossing statue beneath a light pelt of dripping water. To the side is a knocked aside umbrella. Feeling a welling of pity for the statues slow deterioration, you pick up the umbrella and try to snuggle the grip into the slightly open palm. Suddenly, once its in place and the water no longer lands on the stone, it plays a melody. A relaxing melody you could sleep to for an eternity. With caution and a slight peek, you catch a tiny music box playing inside the statue. Backing up and giving a humble bow incase this is a memorial of sorts, you look ahead. Its definitely raining and Undyne likely would want an explanation for the wet jacket. Not wanting to disturb that absolutely delightful tune, you leave behind the umbrella and return the way whence you came.Deciding to stray just a little, you follow the path as the little tunes melody continues to play out. Inside is simply a piano and a message written on the wall. You’d tried to read the text, but all of it was distorted and illegible. You couldn’t understand why one bit – maybe the change had screwed with your reading vision? Something? If you squinted, it resembled English here and there. Nevertheless, it gave you a headache as you approached the piano. It only had 5 working keys. With the giddy tune still in mind, you tried to replicate the sound with the few working keys. After a couple of notes in memorization, a loud rumbling shook the room before a cave wall gave way to another room. Tightening in on yourself in shock, you choose to enter the room. This was feeling an eerie amount like Indiana Jones.Inside the room was nothing more than a red orb atop a little stone stand. Approaching, again, you couldn’t read the writing on the stone. With extreme caution and curiosity, you reached forward and gave the orb a gentle tap. Nothing seemed to happen. You picked it up. Again, nothing. Every gut feeling as you rolled this orb around in your hand was telling you to put this back. But then…that single single lining that just begged – begged to question, begged to find answers – it pulled through as you guiltily pocketed the orb. With a guilty conscience, you continued back the way you came. Onionsan did not appear this time around. You’ve been retracing your steps all the way back to Snowdin. Atleast, you hoped you were. That room with the iridescent water and talking flowers was really tripping you up direction wise. There was a cheese on a table encased in crystal. A completely out of place telescope with a rim of red powder on the lens. You wiped it off – likely child pranksters. It wasn’t that you found them disgusting or out of line – it’s simply bad memories. People laughing at something they set up to catch another off guard. They hadn’t expected it to do more harm besides slight embarrassment………You wouldn’t let that happen again, should it ever. Sometimes, laughter can cause more pain than it helps. It’s rare, but it’s true.You followed the little zig-zag bridge and through more of the dark rooms came upon the strange room you’d hopped over the streams. A Woshua (as you discovered from a brief encounter) was letting little flowers drift on the water. It would stop when it came into contact with a surface, and you guessed if you lined them all up they opened and made a little bridge since it used it to cross the thin river. Woshuas didn’t seem amped to jump. With a little ring of the bell, the flowers would magically return in a little square pattern.For fun, you decided to give it a try. You let one go to watch it slide, but you couldn’t see the end past the wall. After you threw the second, you discovered the first had made contact with something – something close. After stacking on the last two, it made a bridge to your amazement. Testing the stability for certainty, you crossed over to find a lone dock and lone little area.In this lone little area stood a stone bench, a plate of cold quiche, and a flower. Nearing the flower to observe the state of the quiche, the flower whispered to you. Whoever the person who spoke was, they had a deep voice as the odd sounding flower spoke.‘I just wasn’t ready for the responsibility.’ The voice spoke, broken and sad. Their life sounded like nothing but darkness and depression. Picking up the uneaten quiche, you would hate for it to be wasted. It was almost solid ice, and you knew one reverse fridge that would resurrect it. Pausing for a moment, you turn to the flower and get as close as possible before gently whispering to it. A little flushed with embarrassment, you quickly trot along the planks and flowers and once more pursue Undynes house. Passing the bird as he sleeps you take a carefree huff. It was a decent jog back and you could count it towards your morning exercise. Veering back down the little entrance way and bidding a silent hello to the utterly abused training dummy, you find yourself before Undynes door.You hear the laughter before you see it as everyone is chilling on the couch. Undyne and Papyrus are on both sides of a couch they retrieved from who knows where – but it’s clearly torn and worn by the tears in fabric and cushions missing. They are all sharing stories beneath that window that Papyrus had shattered jumping through earlier. It still wasn’t fixed, but atleast the broken glass wasn’t there anymore. Sans and Frisk were stuck in the middle, though Sans seemed evidently asleep. Papyrus was settled beside him as Undyne stood to attention, throwing her arms dramatically in each direction.“I punched 20, no, 30 piranha to save ‘er, and an extra 10 because they looked at ‘er funny.” Undyne threw her arms forward in forceful punches as Papyrus’ sockets lit up in fascination. Frisk seemed enthralled and bounced on Sans’ dormant body – Frisk was nestled in his lap with a quarter of his jacket hooked and zipped to keep Frisk warm. Everyone halted their story as they became aware of your presence.“Well, well! Lookit you – you didn’t get lost!” Undyne snickers, walking over to greet you with a harsh ruffling of the hair. In playful irritation you blow the hair out of your face and give a smug look.“Oh ha ha. You make it sound like I am directionally challenged.” You groan, pulling out the quiche. “Can I put this in your fridge for later?” You ask as she studies it.“OH MY! SANS, SINCE WHEN DID YOU START MAKING QUICHE AGAIN?” Papyrus uproars with a wide grin as you feel your gaze snap to Sans. He is wide awake and the lights in his eyes have shrunk as he zeros in on the quiche in your hands, and then you.‘I just wasn’t ready for the responsibility.’
That was Sans’ message…
A little dumbfounded, you review Sans. He didn’t seem troubled by anything, but he never ceased to smile. Even now, he was managing one even it had shrunken in apparent shock. But the gruff and deep voice that the flower replied with – it could easily have been Sans’. You felt your cheeks flush once more that you A. Left behind such a message for Sans! and B. You stole Sans’ quiche.“Ah….uh….I,uh….found this, Papyrus. I was going to put it back after reheating it.” You sweat nervously as you can see it already accumulating on Sans’ skull. He might be thinking the exact thing you are – that well placed flower and hidden area; that wasn’t meant to be heard.“OH! THAT IS VERY COMMENDABLE! HOWEVER, IF SOMEONE HAS ABANDONED THIS QUICHE TO THE POINT IT NEEDS REHEATING, IT MAY HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN.” Papyrus formulates in deep thought.“Yeah; I’d say you earned it.” Undyne gives you a wink as you look between them baffled.“But-““eh, just eat it small fry. no need to make a tuna trouble ‘bout one slice of quiche, eh?” His lazy and comedic attitude returns as you can’t help but glare at him.Fish puns. He is dead to me. You mentally decide before spinning on your heel and walking to the fridge.“So, how was your trip?” Undyne snickers as you finally recall something else, digging in your pockets and retrieving the red sphere. The jacket had been both a good and bad idea – good because it gave you bigger pockets, but bad because it was uncomfortabley warm and humid in Waterfall. More then you had expected, honestly. If you had tied the jacket around your waist, the ball would have kept weighing it down and off your body – as a result, you were far too sweaty.“I found this; please don’t tell me its important.” You wince a little as Undynes eye grows wide upon seeing the object.“Maya………what have you done.” Her voice is one of despair as you seize up in fear.“That…That orb is what keeps the land in Waterfall floating! Soon the entirety of Waterfall will be drowning in water!!” She shrieks with her hands on her head as she gives you a crazed look.“WHAT??!” You shriek in return as your hands clutch the orb desperately. Waterfall wouldn’t be where it stopped – Waterfall was supposedly the central area of the entire Underground! It would cascade a huge wave over not only Waterfall, but Hotland, Snowdin, ever-Undyne lets a few giggles loose. You can physical feel a few veins popping in frustration in your head as your eyebrows furrow up. Gently putting the orb down and shrugging off the jacket, Undyne finally shows her giant giddy smile.Its on.You likely have completely forgotten in your enraged embarrassment that Undyne was the head of the royal guard, and some simple martial arts defending classes wouldn’t be enough to atleast get a tap out, but your brain gave up after you lunged at her. Grappling her neck and yanking her down to the floor, you pin her elbow between your knee and hold her ankles. Pressing your own feet into her neck to cause some constraint, you pull her legs.She manages to slip her head by and hook her arm around your waist. She arches your spine painfully upwards before switching the stage and wriggling a leg out in your pressing confusion before jabbing it into your throat. With a choked cough, you wrap your own leg around her throat and quarrel with your one free arm.“THAT IS ENOUGH!!” Papyrus’ ecstatic voice is covered with this angry disappointment. Past the sweat and sheer fish muscle being constricted together, Papyrus rips you apart. As Undyne and you both gasp thankful to new air, Papyrus places you down to cease Undyne from throttling forward. Recovering after a few coughs, you are blinded by Sans’ blue parka as he swings a large arm around your mouth and neck and pulling you along.“you calm ‘er down, ‘lright paps? small fry and me need’ta dip.” Sans chuckles. A sudden weightlessness overcomes your being with a spiraling and spinning sensation overriding your mind. Your chest and mind feel like its being left in one place as your body is grappled elsewhere. You come to complete awareness right before you splash into a tiny pool of water. You float down as your sense come back into full swing before you swiftly panic over lack of oxygen. To which, then, you remembered – you couldn’t drown yourself. Huffing and throwing an aggravated punch, your hand bashes against the rough stone wall as you recoil and hold it limply.You stay down there for a few minutes – thinking. Not as though you really want to come up and out to whatever or whoever is waiting. Undyne might have considered it a joke, but what if things were different? Undyne was one of the only reliable people you could trust in the Underground past Frisk and Gerson. You’d likely just ruined your housing rights by having a choke-out with her. You can see the joke aspect behind this, but she clearly didn’t estimate the panic it would have flung you into. With a bubble producing sigh you admit she probably did it out of harmless fun and you needed to apologize since you started it. That and you’d need to change your clothes – again.With a few easy strokes and kicks you breach the surface. You only peek your eyes out in a state of awareness to Undyne possibly lying in wait. Your vision is covered as a towel is thrown directly into your face and propelling you backwards into the edge. You’d recognize the following deep laughter anywhere at this point as you remove the towel and glare at Sans.He’s sitting close enough to the edge to dip his feet in and has removed those odd slippers, but keeps his feet above the surface. Laid back and lazy eyed.“’ey. way to cause some haddock.” He chuckles as you put the towel on the side and seep further down so your eyes are the only thing to glare at him. He sighs and rubs his neck.“tough crowd, huh…” He mumbles loud enough for you to raise your eyebrows knowingly. It wasn’t that they weren’t funny – it’s just you’d heard them all and the mood was all wrong.“whattya say before you eat dinner?” His grin grows as he waits for your response. Groaning and slipping up enough to free your head from the water, you address him.“What.” You monotone reply.“bone-appetit.” He delivers the punch-line with a wink as you physically feel your deadpanned face – the lack of smile.“what does a skeleton order at a restaurant?” He tries again as you give a sigh. You’d heard pretty much all of these………he’d been throwing everything he could into that second date, including an onslaught of skeleton jokes.“Spare ribs.” You grumble to his surprise. He takes a moment and composes himself.“why are skulls always single?”“Because they have no body.” You can see him playfully squinting at you as he repositions himself and finally lets his toes dip into the water.“y’know why skeletons are terrible liars?”“Because you can see right through them – but that doesn’t seem to be the issue with you, now is it?” You direct the conversation elsewhere as his eyes go hollow. It sends shivers over your spine; he is still watching you, but he lacks any literal eyes. Pulling yourself up and onto the ledge, you let your legs simply dangle in the water as you dry your hair. It was pointless to dry anything else since you would change and hang-dry later. You assumed hang-drying was the only option considering you hadn’t found a washing machine nor drier in your brief run around of the house.“did’ya hear it.” He asks quietly, looking to the pool.“I heard it…” You reply just as quietly as you shimmy the blanket on your hair. Surprisingly, it dries fast.“well….I guess we both have dirt on one another.” He sighs as sweat begins to trace your jawline.“Wh-……What are you talking abo-““for someone who says they can’t remember anything besides their name, you seem to be good at wrestling and puns.” His voice has lost the uplifting mirth behind it – it’s now shallow and direct. Shuddering from the cold and hinting fear, you hide your face in the towel. “so either we have a lil’ chat, or we have a big one. you’re call.” He warns suspiciously. You feel your shoulders seize and crunch in fear as you can’t force yourself to meet his gaze. Tying the towel around your neck, you let some of your hair sweep in front to block out your eye.“I remember one thing – it isn’t a happy thing.” You softly reply.“would it help with getting’ you home?”“Unlikely.” You scoff, running your hand through your hair. The silence drags on long enough for you to scan a suspicious eye in Sans’ direction. He is sitting; expecting. You groan and run your hands over your face in internal agony.“I remember…….a man – well, heh, a monster is all he is now.” You chuckle dryly as you scrunch in on yourself.“He was lazy, a slob, secretive and sensitive, and always was cracking jokes. Sound familiar?” You tilt your head in acceptance as you look up at the sparkling ceiling.“He couldn’t hold down a job, and I was left managing and paying the rent. As I became busier to keep the house, he became lazier and more reclusive. I thought maybe he was slipping into some kind of depression, but I didn’t want to impose. I figured he’d figure it out himself…” You close your hands and grip the side of your arms as your memory refuels that hatred and despair you recalled.“Turns out he was just cheating on me – caught him with someone else in our bed. After that I just……….ran. I ran and wound up here. And that’s all I remember.” You huff, looking away from him. After a few moments, you hear the shuffling of slippers out of your vision as they trot around the little pool. Squinting your eyes shut and hiding your face in the ends of your towel, you seize and shiver in place.Cautiously, a boney hand runs over your head. It feels gentle and relaxing as it scrapes nicely against your head. Almost like a massage. Of course he has to ruin it by quickly ruffling his hand over your head and tossing your hair everywhere.“heh. well, you let us know if you see ‘im again.” Sans’ bones hum in tune with his voice as you look to him with your peripheral. His eyes have vanished and only his left socket show signs of life – a cold life. A single cyan eye rests within his socket, shimmering like ice. You would marvel at its uniqueness and beauty if it wasn’t chilling your very being into silence.“sounds like ‘e’s earned a bad time.” He chuckles. You don’t get it entirely, but you assume it’s a threat. You wouldn’t doubt it was a threat.
How did nobody know Sans could be this threatening?!
Grabbing the two ends of the towel that are wrapped around your neck, he gives a light tug and pulls you up. You stumble behind as he drags you back towards the house. Gulping and resigning, you bid this world adieu as Undyne would likely end your life. You surely weren’t expecting a hug. A far too tight hug, in your gut wrenching opinion, but a hug at that. Apparently she admired your enthusiasm and resilience – asking if you were interested in training alongside Papyrus into their ranks. You also discovered that Sans was a Sentry for the Royal Guard, which didn’t surprise you as Frisk admitted to catching him sleeping on his job in Hotland. Undyne took the opportunity to barrage Sans with complaints regarding his performance; how he was doing just enough to not get fired.Frisk decided to have a sleepover with Papyrus and Sans as the little trio left the house. You and Undyne talked strategy for combing the Underground for any family or friends; someone would have to recognize you. Your guilty pit welled up once more that you’d take up Undynes time in search of something that didn’t exist. But you were too deep to crawl out now – if you dropped the amnesia charade, who knows what would have happened.That night you tossed and turned in the bed, unable to keep your thoughts on track. Unsatisfied and sweaty you throw on a baggy shirt and tight shorts before cautiously opening the door. Undyne was fast asleep on the raggedy couch that she apparently had picked up from the trash-dump; human items that managed to get washed down into the Underground. Which meant that if a couch could find its way down, you could find your way out – hopefully. Thought that wasn’t your current objective – currently, your objective was just to get air and relax. Tip-toeing past Undyne and proceeding silently out the door barefoot, it certainly was quieter an darker, but the caves illuminating mushrooms, trees, and water didn’t disappoint as the water gave the crystals a glistening touch.Dipping your feet once more into the little pool, you lean back and admire the caves ceiling. The gems glittering and shimmering above were quite similar to stars – you let your mind accept that illusion as the stars were one of the most tranquil things of the night life in solitude. You and……Jason would always go up to Ebotts top on nights of clear skies and set up a little picnic spot and watch the stars shimmer. It wasn’t your favorite thing in the world, for sure, but it was something you never took for granted. Never took for granted for this single moment – when the stars were no longer there for you during your long nights up. Simply remembering your fiancé’s name made your gut coil in disgust.“Howdy!” A tiny little voice spoke out as you threw yourself forward in initial fear. Spinning around there is a little buttercup, or a monster resembling the quaint little flower. It had two little leaves symmetrical on each side of its stalk. It almost looked like those sunflowers in that Plants verse Zombies game – identical smile and oval black eyes.“Uh….hi?” You reply unsurely. Quickly its head follows its body and pops into the ground. Gasping and looking around, a small popping noise occurs to your left as you spin and find the plant monster only a few feet from you now.“Golly, I’ve never seen you around!” They exclaim, looking you over more than you’d prefer. Were fish monsters a rarity?“Uh, yeah, doesn’t seem anyone recognizes me…” You awkwardly reply before twiddling your fingers over your knees.“Whats your name?” It asks with a cheery smile.“….Maya.”“Wowie! What a strange name! My name is Flowey – Flowey the Flower!” Flowey giggles at you as you sputter and cover your mouth while giggling.“Fl-Flowey? Are you sure you aren’t messing up who has the strange name?” You giggle, looking to the delicate flower with a tad more acceptance.“I guess they are both strange.” It grins, leaning closer. “But enough about me! I wanted to get to know you! Where are you from?”“Oh, uh, I…don’t remember. I have amnesia.” You scratch your head in thought. Awfully pushy little flora. Alls you’d remarked about Flowey was the oddness of their name, but they were already directing the conversation onto who you were. Just for your sake, you decided to take up a more cautious approach to how much you told it.“Amnesia!? Wowie – that sucks.” Flowey comments. Looking back, Flowey has appeared only a few feet away.“Yeah….”“Did the human do that?”“What?” You perk up to only give your confusion onto Flowey.“Oh, so it wasn’t the human. Then was it Undyne?”“What is this 20 questions?” You cross your arms.“I mean, you certainly don’t look like an idiot, but you will be if you hang out with them. Especially those skeletons.” Floweys gentle grin is turning into a grimace.“What do you have against them?” It’s not as though you are defending them, it’s just this outburst feels directed. Directed to change your opinion.“Oh, nothing against Papyrus! He is as loyal as they come!” Flowey chuckles, but it’s not the same. Flowey isn’t acting anything like they were minutes before. “My issue is that idiot comedian.”“Sans?” Arching an eyebrow the flowers head bobs in a nodding formation.“Yes! He is always acting and telling lies. He can be too smart for his own good, don’t you think?” His voice can only be characterized as hypnotic – like his words are about to put you into a trance. Shaking your head, you regain your composure.“That’s not my problem. It’s not your problem. How he lives and acts doesn’t concern us.” You retort, kicking your feet in the water.“Oh? But don’t you hate how he reminds you of that monster? I heard it all.” Flowey cackles as you throw your legs out of the water and abruptly stand to tower over the invasive flower.“Y’know what I hate right this moment? Rude invasive monsters who think they’re involved in my business.” You glare down at Flowey as their eyes narrow.“Oh Maya. You poor idiotic add-on.” Floweys voice is growing into a growl. The rock and soil around you begins to break apart as thorned vines pierce through the ground surrounding you.“T h a t’ s m y l i n e .”
--Sans P.O.V-- Getting Frisk and Papyrus to bed was a lot simpler then he’d expected. Then again, his bearings were completely thrown to the wind. The timeline was slowly becoming more and more distorted, but this run took the cake for sure.You had been responsible for getting Frisk farther and more HP. You had been the one to solve some of the left behind puzzles and mysteries – mysteries that he’d never perceived even the kid would find out, let alone the anomaly. He’d have to take up extra precautions.It had been you that encouraged Undyne to make contact with Frisk, not Papyrus. Undynes house didn’t burn to the ground thanks to you. It was rare that Frisk and Undyne became friends and Undyne didn’t wind up homeless. Even Frisk is seeing faint differences here and there – saying they can’t read the signs throughout Waterfall; they’re all illegible. He’d gone through himself and reread each and everyone with ease. Frisk says it was blurred and looked like a foreign language. It was all so strange – apparently monsters could only read the text this run. Not a major anomaly, yes, but still one to be put in with the records.Writing his discoveries into the journal and filing it safely away, Sans proceeds to his private site with the bench. The quiche, as figured, is gone. He plops down onto the couch and rests his head in his hands.
She heard it. All of it. Why did I let that slide – what if it had been Frisk who found this flower? I can’t afford to take such chan-
‘Nobody is ever ready.’ Comes a faint whisper. Jerking his skull to the side, he looks to the echo flower. Its trembling.‘I mean, in regard to responsibilities. I shouldn’t pry, but I know far too well. All we can do is adapt and live on – find that line to grasp and hold, and hang on for the ride known as your life. Hahahaha…..But, please. Whoever hears this and is filled with despair. If your ride seems like there is no end to the dark damp tunnel, you must know there is an exit. There is always an exit. A light. Take hold of that light the moment it’s within reach, and breathe anew. Because there are so many people who have joined in on this ride known as your life; and they support you just as much as I – a mere stranger.’‘So please……don’t give in to that darkness. As the conductor of your ride, you are there for them as much as they are there for you.’ The flowers faint whisper replies. It feels like his soul just did figurative flips behind his ribs. His smile is wide and genuine as he patiently waits for the flower to repeat its message; your message. Laughing at the realization this wasn’t a dream, he stood and tilted one of the petals so his mouth came close.“’m glad we got someone driving this ride; feels like a rollercoaster of emotion, and I got some kinda sea-sickness.” He chuckles before backing away. Even if it never reached your ears, he was pleased. Pleased that you were one of the best anomalies to have happened thus far. A small piece of him wished and prayed to all the gem twinkling stars that this was the time – the time where Frisk wouldn’t redo it all. But that was nothing but a fleeting thought now.He felt such pride and acceptance in this timeline, he actually threw his hands up and snapped his fingers to teleport himself to Undynes house. Certain it would make you smile. Appearing right outside the door, he troubles himself with if you are actually awak-“LET GO!!” Wails a scream from behind. His skull shoots around in surprise to see vines just around the corner. Jumping through and to the side of the pool, he feels something inside him shatter at the sight before him. Its Flowey – of course – with you contorted and bleeding in his grasp suspended in the air. He has you struggling to breathe.“If you’d just die, I could enjoy the game properly!!” Flowey cackles wickedly. With a flick of the wrist and jab of the finger, Sans conjures a set of piercing bones that fly directly at Floweys vines. The weed doesn’t see it coming and gets clipped enough that he shrieks and you are tossed to the side.“game? unless it’s a bored game, I don’t think you’d be very interested, pal.” Sans yawns, managing to keep his composure. He has one eye trained onto you – he’d flown you into a wall as you supported yourself on your knees and elbows. There was thin trails of blood around your shredded clothes. When his mind demanded his focus be on the encounter, he wasn’t completely surprised to find the weed had vanished. Slippery little shit.With another snap he was at your side; fear riddled you with trembling and gasps as you stared into the ground. Hooking his hands beneath your shoulders he assisted in bringing you to slouch against the cave wall. Your eyes snapped and stared into his own before slowly and surely your breathing calmed along with your trembling. Physical and emotional exhaustion drifted over you as you leaned against the wall with a groan.“I thought everyone was hunky dory.” You comment roughly with a cough.“eh, flower isn’t an anyone honestly. ya’ alright?” He presses his palm into your scale shoulder – it’s a unique sensation; bone against scales. Almost like touching cooler and thinner tree bark. But its attached to a living talking being.“…I think.” You grumble, using the wall as support. Your knees are trembling as they try and retain the applied weight. You weren’t going to admit you were still going through shock as he decides to hook your arm around his shoulder and grasping your leg lifts you into and against his jacket to piggyback you home. “W-What are you doing?!” You stammer, trying to push away.“hey. not everyday I offer these types of services – couldn’t kill to be a tad grateful?” Sans chuckles as he shimmies you around for his own comfort. He kept his mind off your chest pressing around his spine by focusing on walking – teleporting with you now could cause Undyne to uproar more then simply walking in. She wasn’t a fan of his maneuvering techniques, and he’d been chewed out enough today thanks to you. You slumped against him and stared off to the wall with a sorry pout.“nice lil’ message you left.” He snickers as you ball his jacket into your fists.“Th-That wasn’t meant for you! Cause you can be a prick! But, sure, whatever!” You shout back, burying your heated face into the back of his jacket. Nevertheless, you shivered.“and I told it - ’m glad we got someone driving this ride; feels like a rollercoaster of emotion, and I got some kinda sea-sickness.” He supplies.And then he hears it.A faint little giggle from behind him that trembles more in your stomach as you muffle your laughter with his hood. Its adorable and small; something he hadn’t expected in complete honesty, but worth the wait. You released one of the fist balled hands to smack him outside the skull.“Numb-skull. Bone-head. Shut up.” You muffled into his hood as he shook with laughter. Undynes house was finally within sight as you gave a sharp tug to his jacket. Looking back, you were sternly glaring at a sign on the wall. It was simply saying it was Undynes House.“Why is everything on these walls so illegible? I can’t read a damn thing.” You grumble in complaint.………”wait, what?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“The sign.”“yeah.”“It’s unreadable.”“it’s English.”“Bullshit. That is scribble. Toddler scribble.”“it says “Undyne’s House”…..”“Then that is the most foreign English I have ever seen – it doesn’t resemble anything in the alphabet at all.” You huff, crossing your arms.“hmm……”With little eloquence Sans drops you onto your feet and starts walking away. Your legs still react like jelly, but at the least you are capable of standing on your own as you lean against the cave wall.“He-Hey! Where are you going?” You holler back with confusion.“sorry, small-fry. got some research to do.” He replies with a wave which turns into the snap of his fingers. And he vanishes. Into thin air. You are positive the cave floor will have a dent in it from your jaw hitting the floor tomorrow morning. Undyne doesn’t catch the fresh scratches covering your limbs as you wake early and dress in the longest attire she has. It seems to work as you both settle down in the kitchen.
Well – settle down in the most settling way possible…
“Undyne. For the last time. You do not need to flip the pancake, like, 30 times! This isn’t a flipping competition!!” You bark exhaustedly as you stand by the stove.“What – you getting your terrible pun game from Sans now?” Undyne awkwardly snickers as the pancake lands with a splat. A bit of batter splatters onto her face and she licks it up easily.“It’s unhealthy to just eat batter.” You squirm, uncomfortable with the display.“All goes to the same place anyways!” Undyne replies before relinquishing the pancake from its flipping hell and settling it onto a stack you are meant to split. You carefully snuck a few onto a separate plate to not start a food fight and settle at the table. Holding the fork in hand, you can’t help but gaze out the front windows beside the door and looking down the looming corridor. Last night – that encounter with that flower – still haunted you. Shuffling in your chair with slight dread, Undyne surprises you as she plops down on the opposing side and stabs into her meal. She spares a glance at you and your uneaten plate as she gestures forward. Busying yourself with eating, you put your concerns to the side.A rapid little pellet of knocks resounds against the door as you are washing off the dishes. Undyne hops off the side of the table and eagerly bursts the door open. It seems that Papyrus is a constant visitor, which isn’t a surprise to find him eagerly waving hello. What you don’t understand is Sans’ presence. He isn’t directly in line with the door, but a faint blue and pink shuffle to Papyrus’ right is clear as day.“Hey Paps! Ready for some training?! Ya even managed to drag your brothers boney-butt with ya!!” She heartily laughs, smacking his shoulder pad with glee.“BUT OF COURSE UNDYNE! SANS WILL UNFORTUNATELY SIMPLY BE AN OBSERVER TODAY – OR SO HE CLAIMS, WHISPER NUDGE.” Papyrus ‘whispers’ to Undyne, giving her a prominent nudge in the process. Sans and Undyne snicker and lead themselves outside. Undyne pauses at the door as you give a curt wave.“Not gonna join in training? Could help to rough you up – perfect way to toughen up!” Undyne invites as you quickly swish your head in disagreement. You weren’t beyond staying physically fit; you often did morning jogs and weekly visited the gym for short sessions. You hang back by the sink only because it’s almost certain that this ‘training’ that Undyne and Papyrus are taking part in doesn’t have to do with what you casually do. Just going off her cooking and outrageous attitude, matched with the energy levels clashing, you’d rather sit it out for now. You wave her off and she gives a resigning shrug before hurtling herself outside with the rest. Finishing up the dishes, you sigh and fiddle with your hair, trying to contemplate your day. Undyne would likely take you searching for clues about yourself if she hadn’t made prior plans with Papyrus.Trotting into the bedroom with assured locked door, you roll your sleeves and survey the damage. While monster food seemed to act as an increased healing agent, the numerous cuts and scrapes wouldn’t be healed so quickly. Despite the knowledge, you are unnerved as you look down your arm and count a drastic difference in cuts from before. Looking back at the mirror, you look over yourself and can’t help mentally replacing the image before you as your old self – the normal person with skin, flesh, and bone. The sensation of dragging your hand up and over your scales is still foreign and slightly unpleasant from hair follicles and irritated pores against smooth skin. Rolling down your sleeves once more, you grab an adventurer’s backpack and shoulder it before walking out the bedroom. Luckily Undyne doesn’t leave any remnants of the breakfast to be put away into the reverse fridge, so you stumble out the door while borrowing a jacket. If you would be trapped down here for who knows how long, you might as well brush up on the Undergrounds history.Opening the front door, you take a peek over by the training dummy. You are completely unsurprised to find you were completely right in your assumptions about the training – not only was it clearly intense, it involved……magic. You were still working on wrapping that around your head despite the plain display before you. Undyne had a teal spear grasped between her hands as she flawlessly deflected flurry after flurry of bones thrown wildly by Papyrus. They both had a glint of greatness in their eyes as everything around them was a blur of blues and whites. Frisk was watching with starry eyes on the sidelines with Sans who was asleep against the rock wall. Your attempt to sneak by wasn’t even foiled by the people you were concerned about.“Maya! Are you going somewhere?” Frisk calls from the sidelines that prompts everyone to halt their actions and Sans to wrench open a weary socket. You sigh and readjust the pack on your back.“Uhh….yeah. Remember spotting a Library back in Snowdin, so I just, uh, figured I’d go do some research. Maybe something to jog my memory.” You whisper, rubbing your shoulder self-consciously. You hadn’t wanted to be suspicious or a bother, but all eyes were glued onto you. A faint popping sound resounded behind you and when you whipped your head around, Sans was idly standing slack beside you and placing his boney hand onto your shoulder. You could feel the defining bone despite the layer of clothing separating you both. You nearly flinched away, but he steadied you.“aye, that’s fine. was thinkin’ ‘bout headin’ to the librarby me’self. might’es well bring ya with me. paps – watch over the kid, will’ya?” Sans calls with a sleep slurred voice as Papyrus gives a joyful nod. You give a resigning sigh and begin the long trek towards Snowdin. Your heels suddenly swivel with a quick tug and your arms land onto his shoulders. He wraps his arms around your midsection and waist to tug you into his sternum. His neck is at perfect height with your chest as you stammer and sputter in flustered confusion. You can vaguely hear Undyne gasping and hollering.“don’t leggo of me.” He whispers into your cheek before the world beneath you concaves into blackness. The gravity surrounding that once dragged you towards the earth now tries to rip you away into every direction like a lost tempus of wind. The only force familiar is the locked arms gripping you in place against a hard sternum.It’s relatively over in the blink of an eye, but it felt like minutes of just mindless nothing. You didn’t dare open your eyes, and you were certain your knuckles were white from the intense grip you held on Sans’ jacket. The thing that awoke you from the frightful experience was coarse boney fingers brushing your neck and a chilly breeze throwing your hair forward. Opening your eyes, you barely catch your hair getting snagged in the wind and flittering into Sans’ eyesockets as he makes a surprised gargling noise and winces backwards. He blinks them for extra caution and huffs a faint laughter before nodding his head to the left. Following his directive, the Library sits before you-“……Wait.” You freeze; mentally and physically. You release the jacket quickly and gander at your surroundings. The center of Snowdin is within eyeshot with a festive tree erect in the center. The brothers house stands out nearby as well. The gust of wind courses right through your long sleeves and causes your scales to shiver. “Ho-How are we-“ You chatter, thrusting your fingers under your pits for any form of heat. Your left hand is snatched and lead by Sans as he drags you into the Librar- “D-D-Do-Does that s-say…..Librarby?” You squint intensely, your focus completely gone. Sans replies with only a low chuckle before the pleasant warmth inside swells over you. It feels like sludge pervades your mind as Sans babbles puns off to the librarian. You catch a comment about the sign, but since you are already aware, thank the stars you needn’t return to the frigid cold.Before you know it, you are buried in any history books you could fit into your arms and settled in at a lone table. Sans is seated across you – reading a joke book before realization comes over you and you jut upwards from the chair.“hmm?” Sans hums in question without bothering to look up at your stunned face.“How are we in Snowdin.” You apprehensively demand, hands shaking. He drags his pupil up from the page and tilts his head in relaxation.“took a shortcut.” He whispers almost like a coo. You twitch with irking agitation.“Need ya ta be a tad more specific.” You murmur, trying to contain all the swirling confusion bubbling into aggravation.He sighs and bookmarks the page before passing it to his side, just out of casual arms reach. Resting his elbows against the table, he leans slightly forward and wiggles his boney fingers about with a growing smile.“magic…” he coo’s once more. He deserves the book you hastily chuck at him. You are stunned back into your chair as he actually manages to catch it – his hand unseen as it was in one place and managed to another without the slightest air disturbance. Raising the eyebrow ridge over his skeletal features just adds more confusion to your mind. Physically burying your head into the book, you sigh and scratch your temple. You were never aware of the miniscule scales left to breach tufts of hair. It caused you to involuntarily squirm in fearful disgust. Sans doesn’t seem to question your fidgeting as you look back to him.“Can…” you took a needy sigh, unable to believe your words, “ Can all monsters use magic?” You murmur the words – trying to not make a possible fool of yourself. Sans doesn’t keep the down-low quietness as you as he uproars and begins to guffaw. The librarian has to return to silence him as you hide back in shame. He is gasping out his sentences with pained tears in his eyes.“ye-yes. the-the higher ranking of a monster is the determinant of the growth for the abilities they possess.” Sans replies, silently snickering to himself.“So what rank are you?” You pry with hints of snarky attitude dripping from your tiny fangs.“….I’m the Judge.” He admits, pulling the joke book back over. Batting your eyes in confusion, he sighs heavily and drags the book to cover his eye sockets that quickly scan the pages. “the Judge is a guardsmen of the royal family. I’m in charge a makin’ sure humans who go to meet ‘im aren’t murderer’s – and I report to him before lettin’ ‘em in.”“Oh…” You mumble to yourself while trying to wrap your head around the Undergrounds workings. You sigh and drag your eyes back to the history book only to be annoyed by Sans’ silent snickering.“hey.” He starts.“I don’t want to hear it.” You plead.“hey.”“…..What.” You concede, sighing and redirecting your focus back to the history book – it seems fruitless thus far, but it’s better then sitting through his puns in misery. You remember that puns were one of your favorite things in the world – while small and insignificant, they were sudden and always pulled a smile onto your face during bad times. Now it was just all hindering memories.“why did the chemist not tell a joke?” He delivers calmly, but you watch his smile grow as you sigh. You’ve heard it.“Because they were afraid they wouldn’t get a reaction.” You mumble back, trying to memorize the reading and return your focus to the point of the visit. Sans backs off, snickering to himself as he likely memorizes the jokes in the book. You give up on the 3rd book – it all looks like gibberish and you’d hoped to gain an understanding of monsters based off the pictures, but even that was fruitless. You grumble with discontent to your uncertain situation before giving in and returning the books to their rightful places. Sans is nearly left behind – he quickly struts out with you as he busies himself with checking out the joke book and something else hidden from sight. Leaving the comforting warmth throws chills over you as a light winter storm peeks into Snowdin. The path you recall is almost undiscernible past the downfall. A light tugging at your sleeve drags you towards Sans who points in the other direction – the direction of the river person. You concede and walk alongside him; not long of a walk to the river person, apparently. Sans offers them a gold coin once more and you both step onto the boat – you gripping the sides for more stability as you curl up on the side to watch the water rush by.“Tri-li-li; who might you be?” The cloaked figure giggles beneath its covers, cautiously leaning down to your side.“Oh, uh, Maya.” You offer a hand squeamishly. After an awkward moment of just holding your hand out you retract it.“Tra-la-la; with how you’re going, Maya, you won’t go far.” The river person shallowly replies with a sense of dread over their being. It causes your heart to still and panic to pull you off the boat. Your skin is electrified by the cold brush of Sans’ phalanges. His face is hard, but smile still clear.“relax. RP always is telling riddles. no need to be fishy.” He snickers with a wink. The dull and apparent pun just causes you to groan in annoyance before trudging off back to Undynes. You peek an eye into Gersons store, but he appears to be out.“Why are you even following me around? You coulda just…….taken whatever magic thingy back here, right? Mr. Oh-So-Lazy?” You huff in a faint annoyance. Your mind is over stimulated and boggled from just a simple and short period of time. His hands rustle and fidget to get shoved in his jackets pockets along with the books stored away.“wouldn’t want another surprise like last night,” he comments, causing you to freeze in your tracks as he glances back knowingly, “do ya?”You grip the scales on your arm as the horrifying memory replays back. That insane flower popping out of the ground, questioning you, then trying to strangle you….nobody forgets that overnight – amnesia or not. You’re vaguely aware you are harshly shaking as your scales begin to pale against the tight grip you hold on your upper arm.“hey.” Sans calls, pulling you from the terrifying recollection, “don’t think ‘bout it. I’ll look into it, just…..try to not be alone for long periods of time, ‘lright?” He doesn’t wait for your reply as he advances up ahead. You nod to yourself and trail behind him, avoiding the scene from last night in general – even quickly stepping around the tiny pond puts your mind at more ease.Undyne is wiped out and resting on the ground, Papyrus contently lying beside her with his arms firmly crossed and in deep concentration.“Nice…..work out…….Paps….” Undyne huffed in time with the rise of her chest. She was clearly spent. It seemed not even Undynes likely intense training regimen could sap Papyrus of his consistent vast energy.“INDEED!! A WONDERFUL TRAINING WORKOUT IN THE MORNING ALWAYS HELPS WITH ACTIVENESS!!” Papyrus called with joy, his finger pointing triumphantly at the ceiling. Sans and you sidled up to their sides.“i sea you guys have been busy.” Sans chuckled. Papyrus’ eyes bulged out and he clenched his jaw. You bumped his side disapprovingly as he stumbled to the side. Upon recognition, Undyne threw herself onto her feet with her hands alone and readied herself before you.“Maya! Perfect timing! You’re all finished up with your books, right? If you’re gonna be staying with me, you gotta be in fit shape!” Undyne barks with fists ready as though she is about to duke it out with you. You grumble and step away.“I think I am fit enough, Undyne.” You attempt to persuade the fish from the unnecessary brawl. You don’t take a step towards the door before a neon glowing spear rushes before your nose and is embedded into the wall. Your horrified wide stare slowly directs itself onto Undyne where she balances the end of another spear on her finger cockily.“What’sa matter? Too chicken to fight the Captain of the Royal Guard? I know you are physically capable of taking care of yourself – you need to prove it to me with your abilities in case you encounter an evil human!”“My abilities? Undyne – what the hell are you talking about?” You huff in confusion.“Your power! I can root souls into place and volley spears at my enemies – the only issue is while they are rooted, they gain a shield to protect themselves. Papyrus dabbles in bones and blue attacks. Sans apparently does too, but he isn’t the one up to par right now!!” Undyne shouts with conviction, another spear materializing in her hands. The action is terrifying and mystifying at the same time, but leans more towards terrifying as she directs the spear at your chest. “Now – show me you have what it takes!”A dinging sound plays out before the world, once more, falls way to blackness. Undyne stands on the opposite side of that familiar white outline of a square, spear ready. You can feel yourself panic and catch eye of the cartoonish heart once more. You have more time to study it now that your mind isn’t swollen with fear; its upside down, cracked down the center and white with meshes of grey tints floating around like dust. Surrounding it’s a deep blue aura of sorts.“Wh-What….” You hear Undyne bark suddenly and whip your head towards her. Her pupil has shrunken considerably, spear disintegrating. Her focus is trained onto the little heart. As quickly as it all happened, the room cracks apart and disintegrates into nothingness and you are standing before Undynes house with everyone standing on the sidelines. The little cartoon heart is gone, but a trickle of sadness emanates inside. You can’t place the feeling – Undyne doesn’t give you a chance to think as she throttles forward and hoists you over her shoulder. You squeal in surprise and panic, trying to push off her back and touch the ground once more, but her grip on your waist is too much to squirm out of.“OH IS IT TIME FOR MORE WRESTLING!! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST MAY-“ “I gotta take her over to Alph’s lab – Sorry Papyrus, I need to end this training session early.” Undyne crunches her teeth in dismay; you can see faint trickles of sweat appearing around her hair line.“IS SOMETHING THE MATTER?” Papyrus tweaks his fingers absently, standing and approaching.“I don’t know Papyrus; but Alphys will. I’ll keep you updated.” Undyne barks before sprinting madly down the tunnel with you being tossed about on her back.“W-Wait – Undyne, wai- PUT ME DOWN!!” You shout desperately, feebly reaching towards Frisk and the brothers for a life-line of sorts, but already they are completely out of view. “Un-Undyne, stop! Put me down – I can walk!!” You plead and squirm.“Now ain’t the time for walking, punk!!” Undyne shouts directly beside your eardrums previous location which momentarily abuses your proper hearing. To relent, you aggressively shove her head to the side.“Why the sudden panic? What happened? What was that heart thing? That black room? Undyne – I don’t remember anything and I need answers!” You plead again. You hardly realize how fast you’re travelling across Waterfall until you catch the waving tentacle from Onion-san and the music boxes melody plays by you. Now you are being gently pelted with loose rain; glancing to the ceiling, it doesn’t appear to be from stalactites because it’s too frequent. The shimmering stones far above resemble stars, and the stone wall breaks away to an utterly breathtaking view. Following the shimmering ceiling, there is a silhouette of an enormous castle – ancient from the naked eye view you behold of it. Your brief view is quickly obstructed and jostled as Undyne jumps atop a ledge. You squirm once more to get another look.“What was that!? Was that fucking castle? Undyne – is there really a king?!? Like a straight up royal!? Where are we going – and would you please just put me down?!” You wriggle about harder than before. You must accidentally ram her gut with your knee as she cough’s roughly and keels over, clutching her rib and groaning. You scuttle across the ground with turns to a fine dirt and rock mixture – nothing like the slippery moss stones and grass of Waterfall. You thud against something wooden which spirals you to the side; your legs draping over an edge. A searing heat has begun to blister around your toes and you can feel yourself beginning to sweat bullets and crave water. You toss your head side to side to fix your sight. Glancing downwards, you can feel your entire body shift and scramble backwards as you eye the pit of lava at the base of the cavern.The once shimmering ceilings with iridescent stones are replaced with tall ceilings with looming rock fixtures that could crumble at any moment. There are visible lava pools, fountains and rivers streaming around everywhere. You huff desperately for air not congested with boiling toxins, but panic doesn’t tend to slow down your breathing as you try to look anywhere but down. You hear a grunt before you are tossed over Undynes shoulder once more; instead of propelling off of her you instead cling like a starved leech. She huffs and walks across a dainty wooden bridge that has you trembling in her grasp.“Undyne. Undyne. What the literal fuck.” You whisper aggressively, catching the ominous glow of the magma beneath you.“This is…...Hotland.” Undyne mumbles. There is a small trickling noise and not long after does she present a water cup to you. She continues walking and you manage to catch the completely off water cooler being passed by. Nervously, you sip up with liquid and thank the stars for the throat quenching being fulfilled. Undyne just dumps the entire thing onto her head and let droplets dribble down her hair.“Wh-Why are we in Hotland, again?”“I’m havin’ Alphys check on your soul, memory, and your powers.”“My soul? What about my soul? Also, powers, I highly doubt I even ha-“ “ALPHYS?” Yelling over your questions once more you groan and submit to dangling over her shoulder. Trying to look past Undynes opposing shoulder, you can make out a paper white wall that scales a generous height. There are a few windows visible on the sides from your limited view. A whooshing sounds resonates before Undyne advances forward until you are surrounded in complete darkness. Blazing lights turn to life above you and nearly blind your vision as you are finally relinquished and set onto the ground. Patting your clothes flat against your body, you slowly scan around the room. There is a giant television displaying a concerned Frisk who is promptly cheered up by Papyrus – Sans lingers in the backdrop and they appear to be back at Undynes house, still. Resting on the sidelines is a giant stack of papers, trash consisting mostly of ramen cups, and a few stray action figurines. A fridge and dog food are slightly visible past the blocking stack before a little yellow shuffling object catches your eye towards the right.A stalky lizard-like dinosaur with spectacles waddles over, adjusting her glasses to help with her sight. She seems nervous and wary – a near image of you as you choose to cower closer to Undyne. The strange lizard adorns a lab coat and seems to be bare-foot; a girthy tail extending out the back and dragging along the pristine tiles.“U-U-Un-Undy-dyne – w-what are-are you d-doing here? I-I-I th-thought you h-had tr-training with Pa-Papyrus-s…” The lizard warily asks, twiddling her claws into tight fists.“I did. Sorry to drop in and ask so much of you, Alphys, but I need you to check on my friend here.” Undyne calmly replies, nudging you forward. So this was Alphys – the one Undyne obviously likes. They are contrastingly different; where Undyne bathes in confidence and strength, you can tell at first glance that Alphys is a lady of anxiety and smarts. Just with the way she handles herself you can figure Alphys isn’t anything threatening. If anything, she is a breath of fresh air from the insanity surrounding you back in Waterfall. Regardless, the meeting rides up your nerves. New environment, unanswered questions, and apparently this was a surprise doctors visit.“U-Uh h-hi. I’m-“ You clear your throat because you sound like a chipmunk momentarily, “- I’m Maya. I’m, uh, temporarily living with Undyne until I can….find my way home.” Lying was never your strong suite, but it wasn’t a complete lie to begin with. You hoped your stay was temporary. Extending your hand in offering to a shake, Alphys stutters and quickly patters over to give you a sweaty hand shake before receding in on herself like an armadillo.“H-Hi-Hi th-there. I-I-I’m Alphys – th-the-the R-Royal Scientist-tist.” She chokes past the lump in her throat, tugging at the collar of the lab coat.“Oh, uh, hi! Undynes told me a lot about yo-“ Your sentence is interrupted with Undyne hastily bashing you outside the back of your head, nearly causing your head to be thrown forward into Alphys’ own cranium. She gasps and flutters back, flustered and fearful before curiosity overtakes her.“A-Are y-y-y-you okay-ay?” Alphys politely asks, peering at your head with concern. Undynes smile is wicked and warning as you rub the bruise that will eventually develop.“Yeah…..peachy.” You grumble back with a strained grin, mentally plotting against Undyne for later. Looking back at Alphys as Undyne makes faint chit-chat to calm the nervous lizard, you can slightly understand why she could like her. Opposites seem to attract, monsters are generally friendly from what you have observed (atleast with other monsters…), and they seemed like close friends – which is likely necessary when they both work directly for the king. You’re still wrapping your head around that works as they squat you down into a little computer chair that was pulled to the side.“A-Are there any sy-symptoms?”“I haven’t noticed anything off with her – besides the memory loss a’course.” Undyne contemplates, her fist holding her chin as she wanders into deep thought.“O-Ok-Ok-k-kay, u-um, Maya-a, I-I need to c-che-check your s-s-soul. I-Is th-that alright?”“Huh? What?” You blink in confusion, bringing your mind up to date. “My what?” You ask attentively. Alphys seems to turn an orange-ish hue along her entire face as she fiddles with a strange looking stethoscope – it has a tiny machine, almost like a camera, connected to it, and the flat metal piece is more cup shaped.“Yo-yo-your s-soul…” Alphys mentions quietly.“…..My what?” You ask again, not completely understanding.“UGH!! She needs you to pull out your soul to check on it!! That’s one of the flippin’ reasons we are here, remember!?” Undyne impatiently growls, her teeth clenched.“…Okay. You are smart, yes? I have literally no memories of anything besides my name so can you please explain to me what my soul is?” You ask in a hushed tone to Alphys. It seems to startle them both as they just look to each other with concern. Undyne sighes and yanks over a metal chair on the sidelines for both her and Alphys.“You……yo-you really don’t re-remember anything about-t-t be-be-being a m-monster…..do you?” Alphys solemnly asks, her brows knotting into a concerned ramp for her eyes to give off a more saddened effect. Like it directly effected her.“No. I’m sorry – I don’t.” You despise lying to the little lizard, but you really don’t have a choice at this point. There is no going back…atleast not anytime soon.“W-Well, I-I’m sure you have a lot of questions. We-We would be happy to h-h-help ans-answer them as best w-we can, r-r-right Und-Undyne-e?” Alphys plops into the seat as she continues to fiddle with her claws.“’Course. She’s been saying weird stuff and asking questions non-stop!” Undyne sighes as she settles into the next chair.“O-Okay…um……do-do you know wh-what monsters are?” Alphys nervously starts as you cock your head to the side.“Um…..flesh?” You quip as Undynes head drops in defeat.“This is going to be a long sesh.” She grumbles as Alphys awkwardly laughs.“N-No. Monsters are made of l-love and compassion-ion. Unlike hu-humans, we do not have the same ma-make-up as a human does; while they are made of-f flesh and blood, we are made of magic. Unlike humans, our center isn’t our heart, but,” she giggles to herself and rolls her eyes,” our heart.”“That….uh…cartoon heart, thing?” You guess as she gives a certain nod.“Y-Yes. Though I d-don’t see how it-its cartoonish. It is the culmination of everyones being – their soul.”Things begin to click into place. Undyne’s magic effected your soul. Your soul apparently has something wrong with it, Undyne noticed, now you are talking to the Royal Scientist. Thusly, your soul differs from a regular monsters soul; A.K.A – You have been found out. Squirming uneasily in your chair you keep yourself from giving them direct eye contact.“Whats wrong with it?” You ask hesitantly, your voice little more than a whisper to Undyne.“It had this…aura or something! And its cracked!” Undyne emphasizes, somehow, by throwing her arms into the hair. Alphys scoots off her chair and fumbles around in a cabinet, humming to herself in thought.“That isn’t normal, I presume.”“It ain’t just not normal, Maya! You could be dying!!” Undyne shouts, nearly knocking you backwards off the chair with her booming voice.“Ho-Ho-Hopefully i-it’s n-n-nothing…” Alphys murmurs as he waddles back with a little device. It almost looks like a modified sound system squished into the size of a calculator – a little pillow settled on the end with a giant camera lens directly in the back of the device.“Ooohh – whats that?” Undyne asks with glittering eyes. The fact she doesn’t know what the device is only causes concern to shiver through your nerves like lightning.“U-U-Umm-um we-well it’s a-an Hypnotherapeutic Pulsation Manipulator M-Mark 84.” Alphys beams with a excited blush overpowering her scales. Undyne blankly stares at her for a moment, causing Alphys to start quivering and her smile to turn a bit awkward and wide as she tries to maintain a straight face.“Can you, uh, put that in English?” Undyne mumbles quietly as you rubs your face in aggravation. It’s almost as though they are talking on two different planes yet managing to coexist.“I-I-It’ll u-um re-retrieve her soul without ca-causing her any stress…” Alphys replies. Undyne still has that deer in headlights look as Alphys fumble around with cords with sensors at the end. “U-U-Um, c-could you u-u-um re-remove yo-your sh-shi-shirt-t?” Alpyhs gestures sorrowfully to the sensors and you give a worried sigh. Just another doctors visit, you tell yourself as you peel off the outer layer. Plenty of sweat had accumulated over the long sleeve, but it was to be expected in the lava heavy location. Though you wore a simple bra it felt too revealing to show so much…..could you even claim you were showing too much skin now? It was all scales. Showing too much scales?Trapped in your own confused thoughts, Alphys cautiously presses each of the sensors to your scales – the application gel a breath of fresh air against the blistering heat still encompassing you. While Alphys’ laboratory seemed more homely then experimental, you weren’t about to complain about the freedom from the magmatic fire the outside held. How did monsters even exist in these types of conditions?While waiting, she makes small talk. “B-But I-I-I’m su-surprised th-that there are e-even ot-other-r u-um mo-monst-monster species similar to-to Undyne.” The news causes your head to cock to the side and look at Undyne and you. Throughout the entire Waterfall that you’ve scoured, you have yet to encounter anybody similar to both you and Undyne.“Are we rare?” You ask calmly – hoping to not pick a nerve in Undyne. Was it forbidden to speak of the apparent dwindle in numbers.“O-Oh n-no-no. Y-Y-You and Un-Undyne are of the me-mer-mermadic clan – most hu-human myths pin that t-title towards mermaids or-or Hi-Hippocampus’ like-like Aaron, but-but there are dif-di-different variants, such a-a-a-as yourselves…” She replies while readjusting her glasses. Undyne impatiently swivels around in her chair, in need for any form of activity without coming off as rude. “Whats the difference then – and why aren’t there more?”“We-Well yo-you and U-Undyne a-are members o-of the same family, how-however, you spl-split from the remainder of the monster-rs genus’, and ma-males o-of your genus a-are ver-very rare. Eve-Even despite th-this, the-they are very strong w-w-willed and loyal so-so most were lost to the war.” She mutters as she checks the sensors over. She winces at the scar on your back as she goes to place two more down, but doesn’t question it.“..War?” You cautiously pester. Undynes teeth crunch together in aggression.“I’ll give ya the short version fer now. Long ago we were at war with the humans. But monsters aren’t natural fighters; we were easily overwhelmed by mages who then sealed our remnants here. We excavated and named this place home, but that will no longer be the case once we bring forth the seventh and final human soul required for breaking the magic barrier.”You try to ask more questions, but a little blipping noise throws you off. The device within Alphys’ grasp finally whirs to life in her hands as she fumbled with the dials. Alphys gasps and fiddles with the knobs before bringing it close to your chest. You can’t help the growing storm of anxiety in your gut.“O-Okay. Th-This will br-br-bring yo-your soul o-out without se-sending y-y-you into a ,u-um, encounter – you-you just ne-n-need to relax.” Alphys calmly mutters bringing the machine closer. You force yourself to lean back in the seat and relax your tensing muscles despite their screams.A moment.Two.A third.Another- “Uh….Alphys? Is it wor-“ Tug.You can’t catch your breath. Your head spins momentarily as the painful tugging is sharp and quick – like the pinch of a needle. But this feels deeper than anything before it. Air finally fills your lungs as you lurch forward and cradle your chest; it feels bare and scarred. Coughing from the quick inhalation act, everyone else remains speechless as you finally drag your eyes to the sight before you.It’s that cartoonish hea- No….It’s….Your soul. The odd white upside down heart shape with a deep blue aura radiating off it. There is, still, a thick black crack heading from the bottom up – the crack nearly expands to the center. Alphys gulps heavily and brings her face close to the machine in her lap while the lens attached to the machine begins to whir and cautiously zoom in like a hand-made microscope.You can’t stop yourself from shivering – can’t dissuade the hollow feeling left inside you as you look over your soul. A giant crack….was never good, right? Apparently the blue aura emanating off of it wasn’t normal either, which only furthered your concern. Alphys grumbled and hummed in confusion for a solid minute before pulling away from the device.“Ho-How do you feel e-emotionally on a-a-a daily basis?” She pries.“How do I feel?” You mimic back, perplexed.“Yes.” She replies as you contemplate.“Umm…..l-lost….tired? Depressed?” You offer, guilt washing through you as you feel Undynes eye over you. “Undyne and-and the brothers have been very supportive, but it’s……difficult.” You admit, idly pinching your ring finger.“Th-That’s understandable c-c-considering your current issue, b-bu-but you mu-must remind yourself th-th-th-that there a-are pe-people around who-who will help in these ha-hard times.” Alphys replies and pats your arm in understanding. “I-I don’t say th-that just because it’s-it’s true, but it will help r-raise your HP back to-to-to-to standard.”“HP?”“Yes – your-your hope. It’s ab-abnormally low for y-your species. It’s a da-danger to your hea-health – literally.”“My hope? How do you k-know about my hope?”“I saw it with your stats……Your HP is at 1.”You don’t recall how you exactly got home that afternoon. Alphys taught you how to pull your soul in and out at will. You learned a margin more regarding what monsters actually are and how the monster fighting system works, and the next moment you apparently pass out from the exertion on your body. Gentle patter against your face finally gets you to stir. Blinking wildly, you manage to squint and make out Frisk being only a few feet from your face.Their words are a watery blur in your mind as Undyne pulls them away. She seems to be discussing something with Papyrus and Sans while directing towards you. You don’t doubt she is probably talking about the visit and let yourself wander back into blissful sleep. It doesn’t last the entire night – you stir much later when it’s clearly darker out and Undyne seems to have fallen asleep at the dinner table with her phone and a series of scrolls. Grabbing a blanket as leverage, you had slept enough for the day to know you wouldn’t require the bed and so you uptook Undyne onto your back and plopped her onto the bed. She squirmed and stretched, but never woke.Your gut churns and growls as you raid the fridge – Papyrus had left you leftovers (of course the note in giant letters was a dead give-away), but you were desperate for air. Double checking that Undyne was out cold, you grabbed a scimitar she’d hid underneath the bloody couch when she thought you weren’t looking and braved the outside.While the cave walls remained looming and dark, the glowing water and iridescent gems sparkled with such life that it illuminated the gorgeous features the tunnel gleamed naturally. Settling the weapon to your side you pull off your socks and dip your feet into the pool. It was becoming your favorite spot, despite its openness it was easily accessible and soothing. You slurped greedily at the pasta that cleared your mind. Luckily, it wasn’t burnt or crispy – it was actually decently edible. Which, from Frisks reactions, is a miracle.“are you an impasta-“ You grab the scimitar in such haste that your finger nicks the blade – you manage to barrel roll backwards and prop yourself on the knee with the blade at the ready to defend yourself only to find the aloof Sans once more impeding on your time. He seems as equally stunned as you to the hostile reaction before he goes sloth and slouches down by the water. “-because I didn’t think you’d be up so soon.”You huff and scoot your way back to your spot, grab your pasta, and scoot further down to give yourself more space. You finish chewing your mouthful and give him a side glare. He is looking at you expectantly. Sighing in defeat, you set your plate to the side and hug one knee as the other dips back into the pleasant water.“Just…needed some air. Figured with a maniac flower roaming around I needed to defend myself somehow…..and I doubt I am picking up that giant fucking sword.” You groan as Sans gives an understanding giggle.“why not jus’ use your magic?”“I don’t even understand the entire concept regarding my soul, Sans ; what makes you confident I know anything about my magic?” You grumble back with a asserted glare.“then alls ya gotta do is learn.” He shoves his finger against your forehead and nearly knocks you back. He is up on your feet before you can catch it and dusting off his shorts before extending an arm. Your hard glare turns confused and even slightly fearful – how trusting has Sans proven himself? You surely didn’t forget that first encounter – how he pinned you against the wall and you were first introduced to that odd room that apparently brought out your soul.But, you remind yourself as you offer your arm, he’s been the only one to defend me. It’s just payback. Returning a favor? Is he doing me a favor? Does this count as paying back?The room descends into that monotone room once more that gives you anxiety. Sans stands patient on the adjacent end of the box as your soul pops free once more. You focus on keeping it secret – keeping it from bothersome eyes; the way Alphys had taught you to keep it inside. It doesn’t even budge.“is fine where it is, kid. just focus on your abilities.” Sans calls from the opposing side which drives an irritated stake into you.“But Undyne mentioned it was weird – that my soul comes out! Nobody will tell me what’s wrong with it and if I don’t understand it then that means I don’t understand or know who the hell I am!” You shout back, stumped and ticked off.“look. they’ll help ya work on that later – don’t go tortellini taking up my time.” He chuckles in joy with a wide and stupid grin.“Fine…..fine. Okay – how do I do it?” You grumble, looking and waiting.“do what?”“Magic?”“who said you could do that?”“You did!! Just now!” You shout back in annoyance.“woah, really? I haven’t seen You in almost a few hours!”“Sans!!”“that’s my name – don’t wear it out; it’ll leave stains and holes.” He jokes again, jamming his hands into his pockets confidently. You are flustered with aggravation and annoyance as you spin around to try and find the exit. “aww ya leavin’ so soon? don’t tell me you’re wimping out on the challenge? fine – I sull-shi you later.” He snickers before you physically feel a vein pop in your head. You mentally can’t take it anymore. You just want to do something to shut him up for just a moment!! Spinning back, you hope your stare pierces his thick, stupid, bulbous, skull-Your heart radiates a deep blue before water light blue water droplets dribble down from the crack like a leak. He doesn’t move an inch as they cascade towards him – you would move in some form to stop them, but you feel completely rooted to your spot at the base. He snickers and watches the droplets only for his sockets to shoot wide. Each droplets cracks open against the edge of the box and sends a few orange lightning bolts bouncing around frantically as the last droplets continue to fall. Sans seems to play red light green light – completely frozen to spinning in perfect time on his slippers. You would call it almost majestic if from the clear beads of sweat trailing down his skull didn’t indicate he was struggling. Finally, the bolts die down and Sans slumps onto a knee.“heh…….heheh. only the kid ever manages to get me to move these lazy bones that much. take some pride – you can defend yourself pretty g-“ He stops his sentence at your gasping hick. Agony overtakes his bones as he pulls his head up to look at your face. Both of your hands are covering your mouth and fresh hot tears spill down your cheeks. Neither of you can pull your eyes away from the other.“I…I-I-I’m-I’m so-so-s-so-so sorry. I-I…..A-Are yo-“ You shudder and twitch with fright – it was obvious you had done something due to all the dodging and sidestepping trouble Sans just went through. There is a little golden light and a pinging sound before the room dissipates. You are left in the cavern floor, sobbing uncontrollably into your hands as Sans runs his boney fingers over your arms to try and ease your mind. He disregards your mumbling and slowly sits you down at the pool again. You shove your shirt into your eyes to halt the salty stream and gasp for air that puffs the fabric out.You harshly sniffle through your nose only to get a nostril of spaghetti wafting in your nasal passage. Sans offered the spaghetti plate on the sidelines to you as you gingerly took it and inhaled a wad. You make sure you don’t choke on the pasta, but the guilt inside you doesn’t let up.“I was surprised to hear ‘bout your tests.” He comments out of the blue. You sniffle and spare him a glance.“Wh-Why?” You manage to squeeze the question past your strained throat that seizes with chokes.“…..just didn’t expect there to be another monster out there with 1 HP is all.”Your fork clatters back onto the plate as you stare at him with disbelief. Did this idiot just try to fight me and my unknown abilities….with his 1 HP which is apparently your life force?! That Alphys explained I could be killed just by a fake punch!?!Guilt overwhelms you with slight insanity and a dominating fear as you feel yourself curl in on yourself. Sans watches with curiosity and concern – you hate causing people to worry. In blind brilliance, you strip from your shirt and pants. Sans gasps and throws his gaze to the other direction, but you don’t mind. It’s a pair of boxers and a thick sports bra – pretty much the only thing Undyne had besides lacy or thin bras and panties. You dove down into the water to cool your head, but you can feel the hot tears rising in the water around you as you curl in on yourself as your guilty conscience overwhelms your senses.
What if I had killed him? Why didn’t I ask if it was going to be dangerous? When can this all end? What do I say to him? Should I apologize? No – he went in knowing his own HP and the risk, right? Oh god does that mean Sans is depressed?! That would explain that flower-
A splash startles you from your scattered mind as you throw yourself cautiously against the wall. A blur of white slowly descends past you until it clatters against the bottom. Looking down, Sans has stripped down to his shorts with his rib completely exposed. The little fish that inhabit the pond have gone to trying to house themselves in the rib cage. He looks up to you and scratches his skull.“well. I came down to check on you, but you’re up another level. know where the elevator is?” He calls out, his voice echoing out into the pool. He looks……ridiculous. His shorts are rising while his bodies remains are too heavy to have any buoyancy. He is so relaxed but clearly has no clue on how to escape now that he is down here. It’s comedic and witty in the stupidest of forms. You can’t withhold your laughter as you clutch your gut and keel over in the water, doing little spins. On the second rotation you catch his enthused smile as he nonchalantly shoves his fists into the pants pockets, adding to the ridiculous circumstance. How was he so calm in such an impossible situation?“Oh-Oh-OH my god you look so ridiculous!!” You wail at as another barrel of laughter boils inside you; desperate to escape. It has been far too long since you’d laughed this hard.“I knew you’d laugh. knew it. wasn’t ‘bout to gi-uppy on you.” He winks with relaxation as your kick your feet in pleading forgiveness.“Stop!!” You scream out past your laughter – you hate laughing so hard, it becomes painful. Unable to see behind you, you kick yourself harshly into the awaiting gem jagged rock face. A certain stone presses wrongly into your scar sending electric volts of dizzying pain through your mind until you see nothing. You struggle for consciousness – your head rests nestled in a warm embrace. Extricating yourself from the warmth surrounding you is saddening but you can’t shake this off feeling. It’s certainly lighter out then before as the brilliant glow stones aren’t as vibrate. A snore catches your ear as you drag your gaze upwards. Sans is peacefully rested against the cave wall outside Undynes home. He atleast bothered to put his shirt back on, but his jacket lays over your cradled body – his other shirt (apparently he wore two?) was scrunched and used as a pillow. You were even clothed. You scratch your back in confusion and pull your face away from his lap to check for any boney marks left over your face – you’d hate for any odd evidence. Undyne was one for making assumptions before listening to the story.A clatter of items falling is the only signal you get before catching Alphys with both of her hands hiding her full throttle smile and glittering eyes filled with wonder. You can already sense there has been a terrible mistake which will lead to more trouble, but you know it is likely not avoidable.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You awkwardly waited in Undynes house as Alphys administered a healing ointment onto you back which didn’t prove to be providing anything besides a blissful tingle. She also brought apparently a necessary shot that would need to become an every few day thing. You and her both regretted the set of circumstances – her because she disliked discomforting and inconveniencing your obviously busy schedule and you because you dreaded needles and shots. You were patient and too troubled with the knowing smirk in Undynes eye as she gingerly sipped at her coffee.Alphys’ clattering of equipment had awoken Sans who was gone in the blink of an eye and left you to deal with the discomforting air. He’d left his jacket behind in his haste to avoid any suspicions or questions, but it only worsened the situation you found yourself in. Alphys finally finished the injection and placed a rather colorful and pink bandage over your arm. She didn’t question the light cuts traced around the entirety of your arms because they had all but healed in the short amount of time; you were greatly grateful to that fact. She sighed and returned your shirt to let you conceal the bra-covered breasts.“The-There you a-a-are, Ma-Maya! Yo-You-Y-You sh-should be all se-set un-until later o-on this week. Ju-Just give me-me-m-me a head-ds up whe-when you do…” Alphys adds shyly. Undyne smacks her mug slightly rude against the coaster before she lets her fingers interlace with one another.“So, Maya……need to, uh, tell us something?” Undyne asks all coy as she blatantly smirks and rapidly raises and lowers her weary eyebrows to the extent of the early morning. You grumble and trail a tired hand over your face.“I’m tired? I want to sleep?” You suggest as Alphys begins to fidget and fade into a deep red hue. You already know the probable question on their minds.“Oh you’ve had plenty of time I am sure.” Undynes mirthful tone of pride is almost dripping with need to knowledge as you rest your head against the table. There is a little clatter as Alphys takes up a provided chair nearby.“Undyne – if you are sincerely implying what I think you’re implying I am going to need to ask you to rewire your damn brain because there is no way in hell it happened.” You warn as she wildly smacks her palm against the table in defiance.“Like hell its wrong!! You were snugglin’ with a skeleton!! Like hell I am just dropping that!!!!!” She shouts, unable to hide her overwhelming smile as you also throw your hand to the table.“I wasn’t snuggling out of choice! I only woke up when Alphys arrived!!” You feel bad putting the spotlight on the obviously shy lizard, but it is the truth. Alphys twitches in place and fidgets about – she was the one who had to mention it to Undyne. Then again how were you to stop the clearly star-struck set from being with each other more often? You living with Undyne was likely the reason Alphys was even stopping by right now – because she had to give you your examination.“Doesn’t change the fact that you were curled up in Sans’ lap, asleep, for who knows HOW long!! Clearly it was after I passed the fuck out because I didn’t even hear you leave!!” She pauses and her eye turns slightly menacing with a glare, “Which we are going to work on – you can’t go wandering around on your own when you barely know the area.” As she talks you mimic a nagging mouth with your hand that causes her to aggressively pout. You grumble and bury your head in your hands against the table.“Why me….why me……” You keep muttering as a little hand rubs soothing circles into your back.“Th-There there, do-don-don’t get-get-g-get up-set-set!” Alphys tries to cheer enthusiastically. She very blatantly turns to Undyne with a goofy yet scary smile and forces a harsh wink. Undynes eye widens and she grits her teeth before facing away.“Ye-Yeah, Maya. Don’t stress about shit. I just wanted to know what the fuck my guard is doing playing hooky with my friend.” Undyne growls at the door and you perk up with a monotone stare to Alphys who is completely unsure.“Alphys – I am not depressed. I just don’t know how to explain anything to her. You need to understand that I am talking to a rock.” You groan as Alphys tilts her head in confusion.“Wh-Wh-W-What-t d-does Cobbler h-have to-to do w-with Undyne?” She asks out of the blue and you tilt your head in agreeing confusion.“Cobbler? Shit – how’s he been? I heard he moved into the Ruins!” Undyne hissed as Alphys finally relinquished your shoulder. You are still completely unknowing to the change in subject.“I-I h-haven’t-t hea-heard back fr-from him – he-he did say-sa-say he want-wanted a q-quieter sur-surrounding-ing…” Alphys mumbled as you raised your hand in attempt to cut in on the conversation.“Hmm? What’s up Maya?” Undyne asked as her hand holds her chin in thought.“Who is Cobbler?” You ask and Undyne makes an ‘o’ with her mouth before snickering.“C-Cobbler, or-or Cobb i-is, u-um, on-one of the ma-many n-natural d-disguise-se mo-monsters among us-us. Co-Cousin to the s-slimes, of c-course.” Alphys kindly adds in her quiet voice as you arch an eyebrow to Undyne.“He’s a rock.” Undyne snickers as you shiver and glance out the window to the cavern.“…Like…..alive?” You wince as Undyne snickers and nods. You freeze and shiver – the thought of someone being so close yet you being so completely unaware isn’t a pleasant thought to come into your mind.“Right! Uh! Alphys! Any news regarding the soul fixer-upper-majigger?” Undynes mouth moves too fast and all the words come out as garble to your perplexed senses, but Alphys seems to understand well enough to deflate in size despite her already small demeanor.“U-Uh, we-well, there-“ She pauses and sighs before addressing you, “ th-there isn’t a-any easy wa-way to fix a s-soul. It-It was a n-natural c-cr-cracking so there is-is little to no-nothing I can do to he-help.” She makes it sound like you are going to suffer slowly and you can’t undo the cautious gulp from slithering down your throat.“W-What does that mean for me?” You ask as you wring your pinky and pointy fingers in waiting agony.“Sh-Should your-r souls crack s-spr-spread any fu-further-er along than it already has….it-it will, u-um, sh-shatter……a-and you will d-diminish in-into dust.”You are positive everyone in the vicinity of the house and a mile just felt the chill roll down your spine and your scales pale. Your hand comes around to clutch tightly the shirt around your chest; your center of being residing behind the thin fabric. It is fragile, small, and apparently can die in a literal blink. It does negative things to your mood before Alphys is stammering desperately.“Bu-But-But, u-um, we-we’ll ke-ke-keep an eye o-on it f-for-for sa-safety measures. We-We’ll p-prefo-form a ch-checku-up w-w-w-with e-each in-inject-ct-ction.” Her face twisted into a forced smile while nervous sweat continued to bead around her head. You nodded sullenly in agreement – there wasn’t much to be done. The uncomforting silence was finalized after Undyne jutted up from the chair and grabbed a leather jacket and combat boots.“Alright. The sooner we get her back to friends or family, the sooner we can start getting you fixed up. We won’t find ‘em sittin’ around here all day.” Undyne demands as she grabs the collar of your shirt and thrusts you into her bedroom. “Get dressed – cold and warm. We’ll start as far back to the Ruins we can and work our way through.”You didn’t have the fight to repel Undynes attempts, but the guilt of the situation likely wasn’t helping. The only one you could relay your worries to was Gerson, however, there was clearly no escaping the need to actually search for people who would never know you and never had. Turmoil built in your chest at the issue you’d found yourself in as you stripped yourself free of the dirty clothes. You squeezed on a deep blue tank-top, a black crop top that had the zodiac symbols conforming together in the center, and ripped jeans. You shimmied on a pair of socks to only get vaguely sick of the fins protruding out from various edges on your limbs – mainly your elbows and ankles. It made socks, shoes and anything with long-sleeves incredibly uncomfortable when you attempted movement – alas, it didn’t seem they were removable so you put up with it like an aggressive itch from a mosquito bite wound.You pondered on a thought momentarily only to catch yourself pulling on Sans’ jacket. You would be going through Snowdin apparently so you could return it and you wouldn’t need it anymore after returning it so it worked out in your favor regardless. Only now did you catch the almost acidic scent of tomatoes on the sleeves, but the hood smelled like something dry yet clean. It was hard to discern and you refused to lie to yourself when you look back in the mirror – not only was it a nice blue to go against your slightly neon scales, large and poofy was always your kind of thing. The ends of the sleeves had clearly been sewn and torn multiple times from over-use and you didn’t dare touch the pockets because there was still something inside that you didn’t want to find out about. It was oddly fluffy on the inside and almost like a blanket in a jacket rather then it being part of the jacket. Even if Sans did have skin, you had no doubt he would stay perfectly warm in this. Your favorite part was the fact that the sleeves neither annoyed nor hindered the fins at your elbows – you could even flare them out beneath the sleeve with ease.The longer you looked into the mirror and found new little compliments to the warm and homely jacket, the more you were reminded of home. The only thing that kept you from relating the two times…….was that Jason hated the color blue. It only made him feel down, so you got rid of anything slightly tinted the pale color. Undyne managed to pull you from your thoughts and nearly out of the house without commenting on the jacket which you were thankful for.Hastily you were dragged from the house with a faint wave to Alphys as she slunk back to Hotland – she gave you her phone number and was more than happy to be there at the slightest call you gave. Undyne had already covered the majority of Waterfall with questions and inspections only to know that you hadn’t come from there. She bypassed it and hopped onto the river-persons boat with you on her tail before soaring down the river towards Snowdin.“Tra-la-la – Undyne. Maya.” The River Person bowed with their rhyme as they welcomed you more formally. Their gaze seemed to linger onto you.“’Sup RP? Know anything ‘bout our little lost lady here?” Undyne asked with her arms tightly folded as she kept her focus on the point ahead. You just desperately tried to ensure you weren’t going to slip off the speeding boat with a face.“Tra-la-la-la!” They laughed beneath their cloak, but they shifted and you stared as a gleaming white glare shot through you like a bullet. “Enough.” You shivered as the boat came to an abrupt stop and a gentle flurry overtook the drizzling rain. You steadied yourself and you both hopped off the boat as Undyne turned back with a smirk.“What’s that supposed to mean? Hidin’ valuable info on me?” She asked with a snicker before a little bell on the river gave a ring. The River Person perked up and sang “Tra-la-la! I should have worn more pairs of pants today!!” before speeding off down the river once more. You were glad you hadn’t travelled a lot using the River-Person because their knowledge over you was not only terrifying but even borderline teasing. Undyne gave a crack of her knuckles and sprinted forwards into the square while you stumbled behind and tried to step in the places she had to prevent cold ankles – it didn’t help when her strides were outrageous lengths apart. You caught up with her as she began to bustle around with the citizens – questions, information, anything she could get her hands on. You wrung your hands into fists with regret before pushing on – you weren’t going to let her do this alone.Time eventually grew into nothingness; you spent likely an hour personally questioning the monsters if they had seen you or anyone like you around besides Undyne – the only fair mentions were Shyren and the Capital, but it had been years ago. Precisely 100. The number made you seize and shudder as to how long these poor folk had been trapped down here that the time seemed insignificant to a point. Clearly, though, monsters could live inconceivable amounts of time longer than humans.Undyne was disappointed to find that nobody had recent knowledge or almost any knowledge on your predicament, but you ensured her you would find something probably down the road – you internally screaming at the prospect of this sad torture continuing on. Undyne took the opportunity though to introduce you to the majority of the Royal Guard. You openly giggled at the fact they were all dogs – similar to a guard dog or canine unit; Undyne didn’t understand but openly veered you away from petting any of them, especially Lesser. They were a friendly bunch who had the natural instinct to just continuously sniff at you, which you were slightly uncomfortable with considering the fact that they were all bipedal and half of them spoke. It was a fun form of unsettling.You wandered out with her and got led through town before you finally took a deep cold breath that brought a thin choke out from you and found words you wanted answers too.“So…how long have we been stuck down here?” You ask as Undyne throws her arms behind her head and proceeds down the road. There is a giant sign in greetings to your leaving arrival to Snowdin as you await her reply.“Roughly?” She replies as you give a quick nod, “Almost a thousand years.”“A thousand!?” You practically shriek as your voice catches on the echoing wind.“Mmm roughly. The only people I know who were alive ‘fore we wound up down here is Gerson and Asgore. Heard his wife was there too, but she up and left way too long ago – which is dangerous.” Undyne muttered as she leaned into her hands and eased her neck. You cocked your head in curiosity before violently slipping and landing flat on your ass with a sharp hiss escaping through your teeth. You’d stepped onto what appeared to be a tiny frozen watering hole that Undyne had the mind to avoid while she absorbed all of your attention. She snickered sinisterly as you spare her a glare before tumbling and slipping about the frozen cap you were stranded on. Eventually you made your way close enough to the edge that Undyne reached out, lent you a hand, and dragged you back into the crunching snow. She helped pat you down from all the melted ice-water clinging to your outer layer and the fresh snow that attached to it. You ensured you were well past the icey trap and stayed close to Undyne the rest of the way.“But, from what Alphys said, monsters are made of love, compassion and magic – right? So, like, isn’t it impossible to…..hate? Is that too strong a word?” You ask instantly with regret – Undyne wasn’t mean : she protected her people and obeyed her king. It felt like things similar to run-away or even divorce would be impossible among such kind folk. Undyne heaved a sigh and crossed her arms in concentration or frustration – you weren’t able to discern which as her eyebrows knotted tight.“Not usually, but I heard she left him after he began to collect human souls to free us from the barrier.” Undyne replies with a shrug. “Monsters who have sworn their souls to a mate aren’t supposed to forsake that bond – either it’s a mutual understanding or the opposing side has to outweigh the others feelings. Regardless, the strain is usually too harsh on the souls and one or both of the partners involved wind up falling down…..”“What does that mean?” You ask with a quirked eyebrow. Undynes pace drops considerably as you wind up slightly ahead and stumped.“It’s like a form of soul paralyses – it begins to fade and, eventually, shatter. Once the soul of a monster is gone, because we aren’t composed of any physical matter, we become dust and particles.” Undynes face drops before a harsh furrow overtakes her eyebrows and her eyepatch rustles against the muscle tightening. Her fist is tight and nearly losing color as you try to find the words to ease her pain.“what’re you tu-na up to?”Your head snaps to the side and peers past Undyne to catch Sans slouched and sipping on something in what appears to be a thermos. You are likely glaring at him before Undyne shakes her head and presses her hands into her hips with a determined grin – face ignoring any memory or recollection of the conversation.“Well, well, well. You’re actually doin’ your damn job?” Her grin is almost reaching the cheek piece by the fins against her hair as Sans gives a simple shrug. He reeks of tomato’s and something dry : like paint or detergent. You continued to glare at him sternly for that situation he’d left you behind in during the early hours, but he seemed particularly aloof at the moment. Undyne, luckily, didn’t bring up the situation – her facial features and constant track of mind gave you not a single doubt she likely had it on her mind. “Anythin’ to report?”“not-a-thin’ bass.” He lazily salutes as Undyne throws a middle finger to his shenanigans. “whatchya doin’ all the way on this side of the river?” He smiles wide and eyes droop.“Checkin’ around – see if we can reach the Ruins. If not, we head back and try past Hotland.” Undyne sighs and shrugs about her collarbones and joints.“uh-huh…” He nods in agreement, but his attention is clearly elsewhere. You refused to listen to anything more as you still carried a grain of salt for the awkward betrayal you’d been left to sit through. Supposedly the Ruins were up ahead – you could go on ahead without Undyne, make a quick stop for proof you were there, probably just ask one monster and tell her nothing and nobody recognized you. She’d buy it hopefully.You trudge through the crunching snow as Undyne creates conversation with Sans – from what you can hear from the increasing distance it is relating to his work effort and times and he is just cracking puns with ease. Your heart wrenches inside just a little at a few familiar ones regarding a snow covered roof and the snow in general. Winters at your home were heavy and it pleased you despite your terrible luck whenever you entered the vicinity of anything icy or slippery. Your morning jogs were always thwarted by accursed black ice and now, more than ever, you missed the sensation and frustration of needing to change your route just to avoid the hazard. You missed the morning sunlight beating onto your covered skin as your nose became runny and eyes dry.A sudden large item before you physically knocked you from your memory trance and would probably cause a bruise had you not developed a hard head. You stumble back on the path and look up to a truly enormous door – it stands easily 10 feet tall and clearly thick. It’s made of stone or concrete – something harder then wood that’s for damn sure. There are no handles, knockers, nor tracks in the fresh snow of the door being pressed open recently; it crafts the question of where Frisk popped out of if not from the door, but it also lead to the simple solution of it opened inwards instead of out.You gave it a hearty push. Nothing.You tried to press your fingers between the cracks and pull the door. Even less then nothing because it hurt your fingers from the lack of traction.On a whim you tried a gentle knock.“Who’s there?”You shrieked and froze with your mouth covering your hand as a sad voice spoke through the stone. You paused for a moment, hesitating, and knocked again.“Yes?” Replied the voice. It belonged to a woman and just from her tone you could tell she was old. There was a hint of something to her words and pronunciation, but you weren’t able to place it even after pressing your fin to the stone.“U-Um….he-hello?” You replied with a confused wave to the object.“Hello there. Your voice is unfamiliar to me – are you a new sentry?” She asks as you fidget and fuss.“Ah, no! I-I’m not. I was just seeing if there was any way to get into the Ruins.” You mumble back. There is a hesitant breath on the opposing side which turns into a downtrodden sigh.“I’m afraid there isn’t any other way but this door.”“Okay……is…there any way you can, I don’t know, open it? For me?” You ask shyly.“I cannot open it. If I were to open it, I would only be filled with sorrow.” Her voice drops and there is a shuffling of fabric that drags over the stone door. You press your face closer into the door as a frown finds purchase over your lips.“Why would you be sad?” You ask with genuine curiosity.“I….I had to let a child through. The seventh child. I am terrible for not protecting them and ignoring their calls, but my soul……I cannot bear the thought of losing another.” Her voice cracks and huffs a sob as you slip to your knees against the door. You ball your hands into fists against the door and steady your beating heart.“Are you talking about Frisk?” You ask carefully.“Y-You have seen my child?” She replies quite quickly as you nod and internally groan for having to say something to a strange woman you have never met. You were finally able to place that odd sensation with her voice and pronunciation – it was similar to how a mother would speak to a child or teen – loving, caring, but strict when necessary. Homely was likely the word you were looking for but home was an odd commodity at this point.“Yeah! Helped the Royal Guard to see that Frisk isn’t mean! They won’t hunt them anymore. Now…they just need to get that king to understand.” You scoff with a growl.“You make him sound like an object more than a being.” You flinch momentarily as you try to fix your composure and voice.“Well I don’t know if I have ever met the guy – I am currently in the middle of a nasty amnesia and I am trying to find my way home or if I even have a home and they told me to start at the Ruins. I’ve only heard stories about Asgore the King. I heard he is a strange guy who is very kind to his people, but it also sounds like he will make sacrifices to free his people even if it means killing humans to achieve living with humans once more.” You grumble as you grow comfortable against the stone door. You finally took notice of a few more things in the surrounding area : there was something reflecting light from in the bushes, a few books buried in snow beneath the bushes branches, and a strewn about conga line of empty condiment bottles. Looking down you took new notice of how the spot you were currently settled down into was lacking a lot less snow then the surrounding area; there was practically none in comparison, actually.“Yes. He is…….a fool.” She huffs shakily as you catch a thin sob in her voice. You sit in silence and lean your head back against the door in thought. You hated trying to cheer people up – that was always his thing. While you gave them emotional support and stability, he gave them smiles and newfound cheer.“You knew him?” You ask out of the blue.“…..Once, I thought I did. Then….things changed.” She adds on, “He changed into……..something I wasn’t capable of recognizing anymore.” You couldn’t help the little snicker that came out at the cold joke that had entered your mind.“A true monster?” You asked almost cautiously. There was a beat of uncomfortable silence where you wavered before a heart-warming laugh echoed behind the door.“If only it were that simple, my dear…” She practically sung as you grew a smile. What would he say?“Did he go through evolution? I’ve been seeing bipedal dogs around here and I just noticed I am practically a walking talking fish – is it different from that?” You add on as she manages another hearty laugh.“I certainly hope so. If not, I made a concerning mistake with that bond.” Her laughter begins to die down immediately after she catches what she said. You, also, freeze in the moment; certainly not because of the fresh blanket of snow attempting to come down and cover you.“……Are….you…” You want to ask the question, but the woman on the opposite side stops you with, “I would rather not speak of my past relations if that is alright with you, my dear…” so you click your mouth firmly shut and fidget your feet around for feeling.“…Issues with the ex?” You manage to muster as she gives a sigh and a sound of agreement. “…I hear you there. I, uh, recall some things – brief things before I forget it all.” You clarify and clear your throat.“I was, uh, going to be…bonded to this……this wonderful guy-“ Saying the words before set butterflies into your chest that were light and warm – now the words were like an uncomfortable growing bile, “-w-who I was prepared to dedicate my life to despite his…habits and hobbies.” You stressed each word to prevent more questions that required even more specific answers. “But, uh, he, um, p-proved to me that I just picked…..the wrong target. I thought it was something I could hit and would make me the happiest I could be, but I suppose the target thought I wasn’t worthy enough to hit him and he left me rather abruptly……….alone and lost.” You shiver and form your body into a ball.“My dear……I am so sorry to hear this news…” She says gently with a pat against the wall – likely her attempts at comfort. You’ll take what you can get as you lean against the door and stare defiantly at the top of the ceiling where the beautiful star-like stones and gems glisten against the gentle and magical downfall of snow.“It’s alright. It’s my fault for choosing the wrong target, I suppose. Not everyone is good at archery the minute they pick up a bow!” You shout in defiance and aim your hand down the road like a pistol, though you are completely aware the action will have no meaning to her because she can’t see it and it feels like aesthetic only. “Next time I’ll hit the target I was meant for and who will see what I am capable of. How I am strong and kind, hopefully pretty in some way, honest and loyal!” You shut your eyes as you imagine a better life; one with someone who is going to accept you, love you, and not repeat his mistakes. Their shadow appears in your imagination as you shoot a little arrow at their figure to ensnare them for the future. “And this time, I am not going to let them-“ Your sentence pauses as Sans stands a few feet away from you, in front of your hand, watching with idle curiosity and enjoyment. You instantly fix a glare onto your face and thrust out your pointer finger in relent.“No.” You demand.“Know? Know what?” She asks quickly as you stumble for words.“No, no I wasn’t saying ‘know’ I was saying ‘No’ because this guy showed up and that’s all he is gonna get from me……..No!” You declare louder in protest as he chuckles his way over to the door. He pops a swig from his thermos again and you can’t help but catch a slightly acidic smell of tomatoes- no; ketchup. It was most certainly ketchup.“ya takin’ my knock knock partner? lookit’ya – even chillin’ in my favorite spot.” He snickers as he comes to your side and settles his hand against the door. You hear her giggle from beyond the stone, and Sans keeps a wide smile as he looks down onto you.“You know her?” You ask with almost a whisper as the lady on the opposite side gives a light giggle.“’course. I’m in charge of these here parts.” He comments with a southern accent and sticks a hand out in his jacket as she gives another giggle. He seems extremely proud of himself as you narrow your eyes onto the relaxed skeleton as he takes another sip of his drink.“….Are you trying to hit on the queen?” Sans’ drink is thoroughly sputtered, coughed, and projectile into the snow. It’s ketchup and you can’t help the uncomfortable shiver of disgust that worms into your scales at the odd choice of drink; the splatter of the condiment makes it appear like a murder scene among the milky snow. The queens laughter rings through the air like bells as Sans tries to press a handkerchief he pulled from his pocket to clean his bones of any red – though his face is blue enough to be part of the sky.“Oh – Oh stars.” She laughs harder and she catches a slight cough, “Oh stars I am crying, oh please – mercy.” Her laughing fit picks up again as she listens to Sans awkwardly sputter. You snicker as well as he pulls the drawstrings on his hoody and it tightens around his skull. The hood only goes down to his nasal passage and doesn’t hide the mortified waggling mouth that has finally shut its trap and the still neon blue blush overwhelming his bones.“M-My dear,” the queen interrupts as you listen in, “could you s-say, t-t-that,” she can hardly contain her laughter as she stutters to get the sentence out.“y-you’ve hit the bullseye?”Your laugh erupts into the cavern and you instantly hide your face behind your hands and jacket – you hated your laugh. It was mostly intense guffawing which was then proceeded with desperate squeaks for inhalation which would go on for too much time. You would feel happy about laughing at the joke if you weren’t also blatantly aware Sans had stopped muttering. The queens own mirth grew once more as you both dissolved into hysterics. Your squeaks began and you spared an utterly mortified glance at Sans – he was watching. Not a word, not a movement : his hood had been removed and drawn back while his sockets were wide with either amazement or surprise. The only time you’d let your laugh slip to this skeleton had been underwater and luckily it had mostly drowned out the sound.Thinking of the pun made you catch a new snicker as you buried your face between your knees and curled into a ball of squeaks.“M-M-My de-dear, are-“ She let loose a little giggle to get by, “are you alright?” Her breathing was heavy and huffed with a few light laughs. He’d already heard – what was the point anymore?“I was right on the mark.” You stutter before burying yourself back between your knees with embarrassment and excitement. The queen let out a new and loving laugh as you pulled yourself up from the snow and dusted yourself off. You look up through crazed tears to see Sans is slouching lazily but keeps his lidded eyes on you as you shiver and snicker.“if you two are done makin’ fun of me, Undynes waitin’ on ya. Alphys called.” Sans roughly replies before he clears his throat, which you don’t understand how that works. You stand up quickly and wipe the happy tears from your eyes.“Ah, farewell my dear. Please help my friend in protecting my child.” She says calmly as you turn back towards the door.“Ah! Yes! O-Of course!” You nod, almost bowing until you recall she isn’t capable of seeing the royal gesture. A thought catches your interest as you turn it to words: “Wait – you two don’t know each other?” The queen on the opposing side gives a gentle laugh and you can hear some fabric shifting around. Sans shrugs.“nah. ‘course I knew who she was from the beginnin’, but it’s hard to say no to someone who like bad puns.” Sans relays as he pats the door, “hope she kept ya good company, your majesty.”“Mmm-hmm. Have a good day.” There is a faint patter of feet that finally drowns away from the door and you begin to walk back. Sans is close behind in indication from the crunching of the snow.“so…” He speaks quietly and calmly, “…you’re a squeake-“ You spin on your heel and snatch Sans perfectly by the collar before dragging his feet through the snow and into your face. You are so glad he hadn’t caught the flush that had overtaken your entire face because you were livid with humiliation. You didn’t dare let him call you by a hated nickname. His face is instantly tense and nervous as you keep him less than a foot from your own.“Listen here and listen good. Fuck the threats, fuck the act, but most of all : fuck you. I am tired. I am depressed. I am having a shit day and Undyne is making me waddle around asking people if they fucking know me and I got the greatest 99.99% sureness that nobody fucking does but I am doing it regardless and it is humiliatingly guilt tripping. Then your slipper ass comes over, sneaks in your little puns, but I have seen you and you should know yourself enough to know that I am not about to put up with any of your bullshit today. A string. I am on a fucking string of sanity – that string is the only thing keepin’ me from screaming and causing a fucking cave-in!!!” You screech back as you practically strangle the skeletons collar – your patience, while boundless, also has limits. Embarrassment, Anger, Depression, and then his wise-cracking way is a terrible potion of disaster. At the very least he isn’t dawning that smug smile – he almost looks overwhelmed. Words are tumbling out that you wished already you hadn’t said, but hopefully your fast and angry jibberish will fly past his brainless skull and just get lodged in a tree or something.“You are trying to be a fucking puppeteer? You tryin’ to pull that last string? You want to see some chaos?!” You warn as he quickly shakes his head in denial. You yank him closer – your faces are inches apart and you can see the forming of each bead of nervous sweat. “Then NEVER say what you wanted to say. EVER.” You glare into the pin-prick sized eyes that are illuminated in his skull; it’s a miracle they can even get smaller. You hesitate a moment in his understanding before you shove him back. He stumbles in the snow and catches himself, but shortly after you manage to slip out of the jacket and throw it at his skull which sends him back into the snowbank. “And take back your jacket! There is something gross in the pocket!!” You howl back as you stomp away. Your face is almost an inferno of anger and flustered heat.“Hmm? Ah – Maya! Where ya be-“ Undyne is waiting at Sans’ guard-post as you approach swiftly. “Whoa, what’s goin’ on wit-“ She begins to point towards your face but you snatch her wrist and lead her back towards the town. “Nothing! We are leaving! Ruins are closed!!” You shout back as she stumbles behind momentarily before wrenching her arm free and snagging you around the neck with her strength. You can just feel the smile wide on her face as you both shift through the snow back towards town.“So d’you get to see anymore of those bones-“ “OH MY GOD UNDYNE SHUT UP!!!” You screech as your face turns vibrant with heat and flushed with blush while you try ad wrench yourself from her grasp. She pulls you closer as you flail and gives an enthusiastic hug with a following noogie on your hard head as you hide in her muscles. She can’t stop laughing as she basically head-lock drags you through town. You’d been to Hotland once before, but it was never going to be easier then the last, was it? You and Undyne snatched up a water cup in each of your hands as you proceeded through Hotland and asked around. You were introduced to the other two guardsmen – they were quick to salute Undyne with an icecream in their conjoined hands. You both picked up on the more then friendly action and left them behind with knowledged mutters. As Undyne had suspected, nobody in Hotland recognized you.You’d reached an elevator and were downing the second drink already as you slumped in the coldest corner you could find and Undyne sipped at her second drink while scanning the buttons.“Wh-W-Why does- there ha-have to- be a Hotland?!” You pleaded to nobody but yourself as you made an agonizing groan and leaned back into the colder corner – it was the only metal in the compartment that didn’t cause your scales to begin and swelter. A rather unnerving discovery you had made earlier when you were trying to strip free of more clothing – the tank top you selected was specifically for undergarment use; in short, it was partially see through. Undyne had started cackling when you attempted to pull yourself free of the add-on crop top and your borrowed lacy bra was prominently jutting from the color of the tank top. You threw the crop-top back on faster then Undyne could blink.“S-Something about eco-sizing or whatever – its good for everyone to have their own land?” You pause and stare at Undyne with confusion as she finally selects and slaps a button, the elevator advancing around and clearly not only just upwards. It was rather sickening.“You mean ecosystem?” You ask cautiously.“Yeah that thing.” Undyne groans as she wipes the sweat from her brow. If you weren’t depressed, angry, sweltering, and still slightly flustered you would likely argue her intelligence, but you knew better then to likely enrage Undyne near fucking lava. Her phone began to sing an anime jingle and she was quick and enthusiastic to answer it. “Hey, Alphys! W-What’s up?” Undyne asked as she turned away. Suspicion got the better of you as you scooted around to seeing her face deepen with a blush flush and your smile grew wide as she now tries to hide her embarrassed face. They were so goober crushing on each other it was practically painful. In a quick instant, however, Undynes face grows serious and slightly despaired. The elevator halts and you fix yourself from off the floor and dusting yourself off – even opening the collar to your crop top to get some ventilation. Ready to take a step out into the new path only is met with a nearly slamming of the doors by your nose.“Ah!! Fuck Undyne, the hell?” You curse as you hold your nose dearly and desperately. Undyne clicks her phone shut and presses a few buttons before the elevator is whirring to life and moving once more.“It was Alphys – well, Alphys’ phone and Mettatons issue.” Undyne groans as she fixes herself appearance wise.“Mettaton?” You investigate and steady yourself against the side – you were never big on elevators either, oddly enough.“Remember how I told you ‘bout how Alphys built a calculator killing machine specifically for humans?”“Um…yes?” You very vaguely recall that conversation about a calculator.“Well, he runs a resort past Hotland and he seems to be having some trouble with the clients and their elevator. Seems Jerry is causing people to get upset and they already have someone trying to ease them down from it. We need to get Jerry to relax and not antagonize people.“…Who the hell is Jerry?” You ask as Undyne snickers with joy. She gives you a determined stare and pats your shoulder roughly.“That’s why you’re talking to him.”She doesn’t explain why it takes so long to get there. She doesn’t explain how Papyrus and Sans are already fucking there. She doesn’t explain the busted calculator on a wheel with mickey-mouse arms statue that is leaking out onto the carpet. She just drags you in to the relatively pleasant aroma and mess, throws you at this other weird being who looks like a deformed ‘W’, and walks away to help ease the rest of the crowd. You look down at the odd creature who is tapping away at the phone in his grimy clutches.“So, uh-“ “Ugh, the wi-fi here sucks…” He suddenly comments as you can’t help but look down at the phone. He has no bars and is aggressively poking at the phone. You lean over and pry the phone from his hands. “Hey!! What gives?! Get your own, twerp!” The monster, Jerry, begins to smack your leg with your noodle arm as you bend down and hold the phone out.“You realize you didn’t set-up your connection, right? To the wi-fi?” You ask as he freezes and glares at you.“DUH! I haven’t done it yet!” He growls in a knowing way as you hand him back the phone, making sure you are eye-level with the somewhat annoying monster.“Well, once you do, your wi-fi should be perfect. I can’t imagine a celebrity wouldn’t provide good coverage in their own establishment.” You relay as he just glares at the phone. His arms become janky and he holds it flat for you to see.“…Can you show me how?” His voice is the quietest thing you had ever heard and you happily take back the phone and hold it flat so he is capable of seeing it too. You navigate him through the menu options and settings before finally finding the wi-fi connector, setting him up, and getting the ding of approval from the device. Returning it, you spare him a smile.“Will this be okay? Can you kindly stop hassling these monsters – they have been very patient in waiting for that elevator.” You admit as you look to the continuing line to the damaged elevator. It looked like it was going to be fixed sooner or later and a strange monster with a giant hand for a face was addressing people to rooms to stay in – free of charge at the expense of their need to wait. It was charitable and sweet. Jerry nodded, you think, and slunk away quickly with a slight tinge of red. Alphys passed by him in the doorway and caught your eye before hurrying over.“O-Oh-Oh go-gosh – I-I-I a-am so sor-sorry for the wait” Alphys calls as she rushes in, panting and tired. She brushes by you quickly with a nod of understanding and gets to work right away on the elevator. Undyne comes over as the crowd is finally appeased and slaps your back rather roughly as you his and roll your shoulder blades.“You handled that like a champ!! Did you flippin’ befriend Jerry?!” Undyne gasped past a cackle as you hum in thought.“Maybe? I mean I didn’t even tell him my name, so does it matter?” You ask as you watch Alphys at work. Undyne watches too – she is completely engrossed in Alphys’ quick and thought-out procedures, workings, and every now and then slight fumbling. You even catch the brothers helping her – Papyrus holding pieces that they can’t reach up to and Sans actually assisting with the technology aspect.“Ask her out.” You encourage Undyne quietly as she flinches and hides her face behind her arm.“I-I have no idea what you’re on about…” She grumbles in return.“Undyne, I have only lived with you for roughly less than a week and I can already tell you are smitten with a certain scientist. It’s obvious – the way to talk to her, look at her from afar, and get really excited when she is near!” You pat her back and she runs her hands down her face.“It-Its not that simple!” Undyne barks behind her muscles as you pout.“Of course it is! I have only met the shy nerd once and I can already tell she has feelings for you too!” You babble as she instantly grapples your arms and gives you a locked stare.“Really? She does? How positive are you? When did you know? Are you positive?” Undyne can’t stop the fast-interchanging questions from escaping her lips as you kindly slap her out of the odd state of speed talking and grab her shoulders.“Really. I am certain she does. If she were to tell me she felt nothing romantically for you I would shoot myself in the friggin’ foot with a liars bullet because it is lies. I have never been more certain in my life…” That last statement is blatantly wrong, you know you had been certain more about other things – plenty of other things – and the majority of them turned out wrong. But it was like peanut butter and jelly – they didn’t understand they were made for each other until the bread brought them together. Undyne looks back to Alphys as she finishes her work and gulps hard enough to practically echo through the resort.“You are the Captain of the Royal Guard. This is easy – dating is easy.” You rub her shoulder to ease her tenseness.“Dating is easy.” She parrots back as her face grows harder with certainty.“She has feelings for you as well.”“It’s mutual?” She asks cautiously as you nod.“If it’s not mutual, I’m not a monster.” You declare back as a determined glow catches her eye.“…I’m gonna ask her.” She whispers and you ball your fists.“Win that romance!” You encourage.“I-I’m gonna ask her.” She says more certainly.“Yeah, yeah!”“I’m gonna ask her!!” She nearly says it like it’s into a loud speaker.“Less ferocity, more passion. Put your passion and feelings into your words!” You are randomly making hand gestures that you hope are comforting and enthusiastic. Again, this really isn’t your type of thing, but she has been helpful and they are both too shy to each other to even bother.“Into my words!” She is balling her hands into fists.“Okay, no, that’s ferocity.” You complain while pointing to her fists.“I’m asking her!!” She practically deafens you before parading off towards Alphys and you grow pale – you didn’t mean this fucking second!!“U-Undyne!” You hiss and attempt to follow but she is approaching very abruptly and the stomping is too loud to probably hear you over the crowd. Her movements are janky and practically robotic while her blush is visible from the other side of the store. You would say you can’t stand to watch, but you do.And she starts it off by punching a giant hole in the wall not even a foot away from Alphys’ face. You grabbing your head in frustration – had you not emphasized against ferocity?! Of course the little creature is startled and pales before turning a beet red to Undynes presence. Undyne suddenly looks loads more nervous the closer she now is and is clearly stuttering about. She throws an eye back to you: it is desperate and in need of guidance. You mouth the words “DO IT” like it will magically change you back to a human-being and pump your fist into the air. She nods harshly which causes her hair to cascade down and over her mouth as she pries to apart and flips it back. She must finally end up popping the question as Alphys turns redder then the ripest cherry.“Oh, my-“ “AAAAAHHH!!” You screech and stumble backwards- directly into the stream created by the busted statue, actually. You cough and sputter as a few drops go into your nose and you step out of the cold stream – you didn’t mind the cold one bit in comparison to Hotland, though. “Oh, darling! Forgive me – I didn’t mean to startle you!!” A gloved hand snatches you and pulls you from the range of the water spilling out before wiping the water away from your eyes. You finally take a moment to shake the loose droplets from your hair and catch the eye of the one who had startled you. Well, his, um…panel?The……monster before you resembled the broken statue to a ‘T’, therefore, this must be Mettaton. He certainly resembled a calculator – he had a series of panels that you presume made a face, two robotic arms stretching out from the very blocky form he maintained, and a singular extended wheel for transportation. He almost looked like a kids toy robot. His voice, while robotic, was clearly one that craved excitement, sensation, and drama. He ran his thumb over your palm suddenly which sent a startling shiver up your spine and you wrenched your hand back.“Oh, um, i-its okay. I live in Waterfall, I guess, so I’m-“ He cut you off hastily as he pressed his finger to your lips and neared you. Flipping your hair away and behind your fin, he looked at your face as you tried to readjust the hair to display your discomfort.“Oh dearie don’t hide your gorgeous face!! You are made for the spotlight!” Mettaton cries out eccentrically as he adjusts your face to the lighting of the resort.“Um, I-I’m not, um, com-comfortable with yo-you in-in, um- my-AAHH!” You are a stuttering flustered mess as he gently and lovingly feels around your face with the glove. You can feel the metal bits through the thin fabric as he caresses it down your neck and shoulders before letting your face go and swiveling around you. The unsettling point is when he leisurely traces the finger right down your spinal cord.“Not a chance I can let you slip away! How could they not have fixed my statue yet?!” He grumbles as you fly around to face him, hand at the ready to slap for the intrusion of your space. Your aim is off by a terrible margin – the only thing you come into contact with meshes downwards with a click. Straining your eyes to focus, he has a giant switch on his back that is pressed on.“Did you…” You freeze at the metallic voice seeping through, “Just hit…” You are already perfectly aware that you want to run screaming out of this hotel with every frustration that is forming inside you – this is just another one to the list. “My switch?”“U-U-U-m I-I-I a-as-asked yo-“ You stutter desperately for a reply before a giant poof of smoke covers your vision and a lustrous voice echoed a dazzling “Oh, yes...” into the resort. You coughed and tried to clear the smoke but were literally swept off your feet and raised upwards until you were met with the eyes of what you can best refer to as a diva. The robot arms were the only familiar thing about him past his voice – he’d grown hair that was black and glossed metal, lashed eyes with hazel and pink dancing in his pupils and lush lips that smacked with joy and smiled wide. He had those sharp shoulder pads that led down into some metallic pink body with thick black legs and thighs. He had sharp, high and on-point boot heels to compliment the entire attire. You dangled there a stuttering mess as he held you up and by his face – he also grew from being roughly your height to a flipping 6 foot beast of metal.“Darling-“ He sang delectably, “-if you wanted to see my new form, you needed only to ask. What a naughty little mermaid I’ve found!” He laughs giddily and hugs you close before putting you down on your feet. Your legs quake and you hope he will eventually read into the flustered and totally uncomfortable smile you are forcing right now. He was overwhelming to say the least.“Uh-Uh-Uhm-“ “I must say darling, I adore your hair! What brand do you use for that coloring?” Mettaton cuts in as he does another circling around your body like a predator.“It-It’s na-na-natural, b-but-“ “Natural you are darling!! You aren’t too thin and you clearly train your body to be as fit as you deem! I can tell- I know a beauty when I see one!” Mettaton giggles and extends his torso around which scares you even more. He has his hands on your arms and you can’t suppress the quivering. “Don’t even dare tell me your eyes are just gems! Dearie, if you used your natural born beauty for talent I would fear for my career!!” Mettaton laughs joyously before his body catches up with the rest of his torso and he abruptly grasps your hip and romantically dips you down like you are doing the tango. Your crop top extends enough that your embarrassment grows over fear of him catching sight of your bra through the see-through shirt beneath, but you cannot squirm from his grip.“Ca-can-can you p-pl-pl-“ “My, my! Flexible to boot! If only I could hear your melodious voice- then, my dear, you would be indeed-“ Mettaton follows your face down until his own eyes are peering into the pools of your own – it feels like he is trying to swallow you like a snake, “just the package I was looking for.” He seductively whispers as your heart flutters from fear and frustrated flushing. You were terrible at up close encounters, and on top of that he was talking with that voice, using these motions, being all touchy and complimenting; it wasn’t your thing for a reason. Your bashful face couldn’t hide behind your crop top as he brought a hand beneath and tilted your head flat to keep your neck from hurting. Your mind was going hot and blank the longer you stayed under – you were finally drowning, and you hated it.“So, my little mermaid?” He crooks your head closer and your head is swimming in lava, “Will I get to hear you sing?”“METTATON!!!” Papyrus screeches from afar and the rapid stamping of excited feet is the only thing to ground you before Mettaton drags your body upright.“Papyrus darling!!” Mettaton sings back as Papyrus gets sparkles in his eyes. Mettatons voice changes a pitch when he says “Hello Sans.” Sans sidles up beside Papyrus and instantly catches sight of you and your situation. You grow even more flustered from memory and continue to try and pry yourself free from Mettatons grasp. The celebrity finally recognizes your struggle and, at the very least, releases your hip. “Sorry for the fright, sweetie. It’s not every day you find a monster with raw physical potential. I just wanted to apologize and offer to dry your shirt – free of charge, of course.” Mettaton doesn’t wait to pull the shirt off of you. In a mere instant of watching the faces around you begin to blush, you faint backwards with your head and heart pounding. Warmth. You are enveloped in warmth and are on someones back. Broad shoulders, kind voice……ah… it’s Pete. It has to be – he is wearing the scarf you made him. That’s right…you slipped on the pond and fell when you and the others got together for ice-skating……so…everything was a dream. All of it. You can’t help but bury your face appreciatively into the velvet scarf as your head pounded on.“I’ve got snow idea.” You hear him. Jason. You always showed affection to him by ignoring him, which in retrospect didn’t work. He teased you constantly with jokes and compliments while he patiently waited for you to smile, laugh, or blush intensely. You snickered to the pun atleast because of the cold. Pete didn’t like his jokes because he thought they were dumb and a waste of brain power – sometimes you agreed.“Will you shut up?” He groans and rumbles, causing warm vibrations off his coat. You don’t remember your coat being so warm, but you aren’t complaining as your hands and fingers remain frozen.“I-I can’t believe she said yes.” Ah – Penelope! That’s right – she asked out that one barista!! You couldn’t remember her name.“Ah, don’t be so koi. I’m surprised you baited that long.” You all grumble at the jokes, mainly you as you fiddle with your shoe. He never seemed to stop – you weren’t sure if it was a perk or a downside half the time when it was so blatantly love………Love? Was it love?“Nothing you say can ruin this for me.” Penelope replied and huffed off ahead while Pete sighed. Were his shoulders always this wide apart yet scrawny? Jason wouldn’t stop with the fish puns after escaping the lake.“Water you sayin’? My puns are hook, line and sinkers!” He calls out to her as you huff and gruff around with your eyes shut – you’ve had enough. You pull your mouth enough out of the velvet scarf and finally snatch your shoe before chucking it in the direction of his voice.“Jason, babe, shut up please.” You grumble before burying yourself back into the velvet scarf. The moment of silence is relaxing as you get cozy once more despite the cold taking over your foot. It brushes something wet which sends a shiver over your spine.“WHO’S JASON?”Your eyes shoot open and the mere action hurts your brain as you lean back. It’s Papyrus – it is not Pete, it’s Papyrus. It wasn’t a dream – not any of it. The dream that you thought reality was a dream in was a fucking dream. You give a wide eyed stare to your surroundings – you’re almost back to Undynes house. She is nearby too, and Sans…is holding your shoe. Of course it was him. You fidget and jump off Papyrus and just end up taking your shoes and socks off anyways – you do your best to ignore their stares.“Maya?” It’s Undyne. You shrink slightly and turn your head around to her. Her mouth is flat from smile or frown, but you can tell she has concerns as she comes over and says, “Are you okay? Did you remember something?” She rubs your shoulder as you shake your head. She waits a moment then adds, “You were mumbling in your sleep before you chucked your shoe at Sans and called him Jason.”“Nation. I said nation. I-I had a dream about the monster and human nations finally getting along but the humans were getting all upset and I got upset so like a cool overlord god I threw a shoe at them to make them see straight.” You quickly mutter out the first incomprehensible thing you can think of and meet Undynes eye dead on. You both pause for a moment before you clarify “Nation, not Jason.”“AAAGGHH! THE TRASH IS CLOGGING IN THE RIVER AGAIN!!” Papyrus screeches rather abruptly before he begins to yank off his boots. It is rather odd to see his bare boney feet but he quickly plops into the iridescent drink – he is so tall it doesn’t even reach his knees as he wades around and frees the flow of clogged pieces of water.“Ah, Paps! We just gotta move that rock and it should be good!!” Undyne starts prying her shoes and rolling her pants up, shooting you a rapid fire of blinks, and dropping into the water. You question the reason behind her sudden need to leave before you catch the blue jacket to your right and snuggle into your own warmth – which, then you realize it’s his jacket again.“don’ worry. I got the stick pockets one.” He gestured to the pockets to reveal that a ketchup packet had exploded inside which you found utterly gross.“What the hell is your problem with ketchup?” You ask to ease the awkward air.“I don’t have a problem with ketchup – you do.” He shrugs off your complaint and relaxes near the cave wall.“’dat his name?”“Who’s name. I said nation.”“you also said ‘honey buns’ and made a kissing noise.” Your face flares with embarrassment as you spin about.“I-I-I-I NE-NEV-NEVER CALL-CALLED HIM H-H-HONEY B-BUNS!” Sans quickly points an accusatory finger at you.“correct. you called him babe, apparently.” Sans replies with a snicker as he brushes the faint shoe stain off his bones and lets you fester in flushed anguish and hiding behind your hands. He atleast gives you a moment and pats your back, “I know a guy who is willing to listen – and he runs a bar.”“……You tellin’ me I coulda been drinking myself to death instead of trying to drown?” You clarify as he shrugs his shoulders, his smile faltering.“I’m sayin’ so because I would like to come along…” He admits past a thin blush. He freezes for a second, choosing his words. “if…ya can’t find the bar……I’m pretty good at sittin’ back and listenin’.” Sans adds on as you give him a tired glare that you can’t keep up – why could you never just pick an emotion with him, or anybody, recently?“It’s……ugh, it’s me. It’s everything. Just frustration after frustration. Most of the time its my fault that I am frustrated in the first place. While I appreciate the idea of drinking myself into a cold grave, I know I won’t be able to talk to this guy – but thanks.” You admit shyly as you fumble to conceal yourself with the jacket; Mettaton hadn’t given you back your shirt and the only coverage was supposedly Sans’ blue hoodie.“MAYA!!!” Papyrus screeched as he rushed through the water. You couldn’t help but start a tiny smile at the giddy look on his face – he was the ultimate cheerer-upper.“What is it Papyrus?” You ask while remaining cautious of the quick to act giant. He waggles a little baggy around and opens it in his mittens. It’s a Ziploc from the surface.“WELL – ME AND UNDYNE WERE CLEARING THE RIVER PASSAGES OF ANY STRANDED DEBRIS AND I CAUGHT SIGHT OF THIS IN SOME OF THE KELP!!” Papyrus’ eyes are turned into sparkles as he deposits the contents of the baggie into his glove carefully before showing Sans. “IT WAS CLEVERLY HID, BUT I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, CATCH THESE THINGS OFTEN!! BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN THROWN AWAY AND UNCLAIMED I THOUGHT IT WOULD PUT TO BETTER USE ON A PERSON IT WAS DESIGNED FOR!! IT WILL CHEER YOU UP FOR SURE!”“Paps, don’t get me wrong – that’s super sweet of ya bro. but this is a special ring humans give humans to mark that the human is taken. she can’t use these lightly, bro; but its apprecia-“ Sans cuts in as he twists the little metal piece in his hand only to be overpowered by Papyrus.“BUT IT HAS HER NAME ON IT!” Papyrus declares, pointing to the inside.“It does.” You murmur as you take the baggy from Papyrus, surveying the other item inside.It’s your engagement ring and his.The frustration spills out and over.“SEE!? RIGHT THERE! I DIDN’T CHECK THE OTHER ONE IF IT HAD HER NAME OR NO- M-MAYA!! WHY ARE YOU CRYING?!” Papyrus screeches as he gives the baggy to Sans who stands there slightly stunned. Papyrus looks like he is lost between grabbing your shoulders and patting your back – he does neither and just awkwardly hovers around you.“He just threw them away.” You don’t care if they figure it out. Hell, if they figure it out and your soul is human enough still they can use it and be free of this place with Frisk. You didn’t want to be here. You didn’t want to be there. You just…refused. “He threw away our love – years of me changing my life and world just so I could spend an eternity with that bastard…” You hiss as you form a fist around the ring. Its sharp and pokes into the palm of your hand.“WH-What?” Papyrus loses a bit of mirth to his voice as he closes in on your shoulders.“Threw all those years away like it was trash. Not even properly – threw it down a hole in a baggie. Heh, the coward.” Your laugh is dead and dry as you back away from Papyrus attempts to console. You feel miserable that the tall skeleton is so deflated, but you have nothing to keep you going or smiling. Sans doesn’t put up any fight either as you pick the baggie and ring out of his hands.“I’m going home. Let Undyne know please.” You whisper as you drop the rings back into the bag and ball it up into the jacket pocket. You nearly can’t make your way home through the tears blocking your proper vision. You maneuver through the front door, weakly into the bedroom, and plop down onto the bed.Maybe starvation was faster then drinking yourself to death?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Undynes at the door again, but you do whatever you can to block out her voice with the pillows and sheets provided. The rings sat calmly in the baggie they’d been dumped in right beneath the window on the dresser. The objects no longer held a meaning to you past a hollowness you weren’t likely able to explain to anyone – not even Gerson. Time passed; no idea how much. Obviously enough if Undyne decided to brute force the door and wound up throwing the hinges.“ALRIGHT- While I can handle a bit of mopey emotional shit, you CAN’T just STAY IN HERE FO-“ Her screams echoed in the stifling silence and stuffy air as you are certain she is gazing down onto your fatigued frame. It lays practically lifeless with a pale emotionless. You cannot even spare the energy to turn and meet her eye. She gives some form of strangled sound and the blankets are hastily burritoed around your frame. Her heavy foot falling leads out of the room and you give a useless struggle within the blankets folds.“Paps? Ah, it’s Undyne. Look….” You can hear Undyne sigh – she must be on the phone as you can’t make out the skeletons screams that would be more then apparent within the house. “Y’ said you were free tonight? I….I can’t leave Maya alone here. Think you can hop on by and bring her over to your place for the night? I, uh, h-had plans with Alphys…….LOOK IF YA CAN JUST GET YOUR BONEY PELVIS OVER HERE IN 3 MINUTES!!” Undyne abruptly stomps her feet before a gentle padding approaches. You feel her maneuver some hair away from your face and get tucked neatly by your fins.“Can ya please talk to me? To Alphys? You haven’t made a peep for two days….” Undyne reasoned as you heaved a sigh. Two days huh? It felt like less..... Your burrito is hoisted to have you reluctantly lean against the wall as your head and hair hang to shade your face – the hollow and broken face you can’t pull free.“Maya.” Undynes voice and actions are clear as she raises your head to meet your eyes as she bites her teeth in a manner of wincing. “I can’t say I understand the shit that’s going on, but if you wanna live I am almost positive Paps is the guy to pull you from this slump. If you wind up making him miserable because of whatever emotional shit you’re goin’ through; don’t think I’ll let that shit slide.” Undyne warns before she browses through her drawers. You don’t doubt she would follow through with that threat, but your mouth is dry; your eyes had sucked and released all the water inside your system.An odd silence overtakes the room as Undyne shifts about with clothes. Was she as nervous as you’d figured she would be? You should offer encouraging words – this was your idea in the first place. How can the body feel so weightless yet heavy at the same moment? A webbed hand drags through your hair which causes you to start – there is a sigh, a stroke through your locks, and then she proceeds out. Fresh tears tempt at your eyes, but they are too swollen and empty to produce anything.“UNDYNE!! I AM HERE FOR MAYA!” Papyrus’ shrill echoes in the silenced house.“Thanks for this Papyrus! Just make sure she eats and gets some rest, alrighty?”“NYEH-HEH! FEAR NOT, UNDYNE! I AM THE ULTIMATE CARE-TAKER – I ALREADY HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF SANS; THOUGH HE NEEDS LESS SLEEP…”“If you can even get her in the shower or to talk I’d ‘preciate it.”“A SIMPLE TASK!”You could almost hear her scoff at the thought. She had bothered you a few times, but you remained motionless and still. You had only extricated yourself from the covers once or twice for the bathroom need – she had gotten so excited the first time. You knew the instant you pulled yourself together, you would owe her a hundred apologies.“MAYA!!” Papyrus’ shriek from your back startled you to hide deeper into the covers. You didn’t want to leave him to deal with your sorry state.Instantly you are burritoed and covered head to toe in the blanket and hoisted from the mattress.“NYEH-HEH-HEH-HEEEHH!! SIMILAR TO THE HUMAN, I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, HAVE CAPTURED YOU WITHIN THE BLANKET OF FRIENDSHIP! COME – WE ARE TO HAVE FRIEND SPAGHETTI TONIGHT!!” Papyrus declared as he must have paraded out of Undynes house. He certainly wasn’t comfortable in the weird position he had you cradled against his armor. It made it worse the more he ran and jostled you. You would probably be vomiting from the rapid guttering if there was anything in your stomach to begin with. Did monsters even vomit? Alphys had explained that food was instantaneously converted into energy – monsters didn’t have a stomach; but some had a bladder.He continues to throw you about for another minute or two – not long in the perspective of your nauseating position. The vomit churning feeling did drive the point of your own hunger, however.“SANS?! ARE YOU HOME!? WE ARE HAVING MAYA FOR A SLEEPOVER!!” Papyrus calls as a door is slammed open. With his lengthy strides and possible knowledge of shortcuts he was surely home; it only took you so long because you didn’t know the way and his leg stride was incredible. You are snuggled in the blanket like a towel before abruptly being plopped onto a roughly cushioned couch. “WAIT RIGHT THERE! I AM FETCHING SNACKS!!” Peeking out an opening from the blanket you can spy and smell hot cocoa and cheese dip. You desperately want to gorge on it all, though your stomach is churning at the sight as you shrivel back into your burrito. Papyrus’ feet stamp over once more – your blanket is pulled from your face showing the excessively bright living room and Papyrus’ glowing smile. You watch in horror as it twitches and falters; you must look like your ringing deaths doorbell. He only fidgets with his gloves momentarily and then shoves the cocoa into your covered hands. He didn’t say anything; he smiled, grabbed the bowl of chips, and plopped beside you with the remote and a bowl of chips. A few clicks later and ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ whirred to life on the screen. You nearly jumped in realization as the music you’d heard numerous times in theatre and over the television rung out. It jogged both happy and miserable memories that you quelled quickly.Papyrus made it his ‘silent’ goal to snuggle as closely as possible to your burrito. His joy was certainly contagious – not even halfway through and you were being tempted at his attempts to feed you chips. You despised disappointing him, hated that this responsibility that you should own up to was being thrown into his chipper day. Papyrus tries to keep silent during the movie, but you quickly learn of his excited tendency to flail his feet. He keeps it on lock with violent tapping though, as to not bother you. It’s adorable to watch his red boots flutter beneath the coffee table.The cocoa is still and cooling in your hands – its warmth has left you entirely. Your desperation for taste drives you to take a sip you nearly choke on. Papyrus panics briefly before retrieving you the ‘emergency’ trash bin.
Guess monsters can vomit…
You pull through with just a bout of gags and distressed coughing. Papyrus gathers you an ice-water that you take tentative sips of. He spends a bit too long in front of the fridge which confuses you before he throws something into the microwave. Not long later a toasty cheese filled bread is delivered to you – Papyrus mentioned that there were spices on the chips and he didn’t want to distress your desperate stomach into gagging up food you required.“Papyrus…” You finally speak up at the end of the movie while the credits roll. Papyrus had gathered the chips bowl to get more refreshments but paused; these were your first words the entire day now that you contemplate back.“….Thanks.” While you can’t give the earnest smile that is warming within you, you can tell the corner cracks a little grin as an orange tinted dusted blush wells over his cheekbones. He cough’s abruptly to disturb the flustered joy.“NO NEED TO THANK I, THE GREAT FRIEND PAPYRUS! IT IS IN MY JOB QUOTA!”“I thought your job was designated to getting into the Royal Guard.”“SAME DIFFERENCE! THE ROYAL GUARD ARE NOT ONLY PROTECTORS BUT TENDERS TO THE PEOPLE – THEY KEEP THEM SAFE, ADVISED, AND ARE GRAND FRIENDS! IT IS WHY UNDYNE IS SO POPULAR!!” Papyrus triumphantly clenches his fist similar to Undyne when she is feeling rather stoic.“POWERFUL! POPULAR! PRESTIGIOUS!!! THAT IS PAPYRUS!!!” He screams with glory and a twinkle in his eye.“Only that?” You comment, settling back into the cushion as you nibble on the bread. He kept casting the load guilt looks.“IT IS THE KEY POINTS OF BEING ONE OF THE ROYAL GUARD!” Papyrus reminds and fiddles with the DVD player.“I don’t think that’s true. People can protect others without being strong, smart, or well-known.” You murmur, tilting your head in contemplation.“WHO?” Papyrus’ attention lands back onto you as he shuffles the DVD rack without looking at the selection. You can spot a few classic horrors that give you the shivers.“Well, a friend. A friend is someone who will talk to you in tough times, protect you from those who’d wish harm, and they don’t need to be strong or smart. Just being themselves is perfect. So…..” You take a little sip of the water to clear your throat. It was so disused to anything but sobs and chokes recently.“I guess you are perfect, Papyrus. Perfect just the way you are.”Papyrus freezes and his sockets go as wide as the little ovals can. He looks utterly star-struck. He pulls himself up from the DVD rack and approaches very quickly. You have little time as he hoists you into his arms and into a boney embrace. He nestles his skull into your neck and his bones practically hum with vibrant joy. You can’t resist snuggling the skeleton back and even stroking his skull – the texture is strange and you half expected hair. You dismiss the scattered thought abruptly before it takes seed. As Papyrus pulls back he kneels in front of your seat and brushes your hair back behind your fins. Your entire drowned in sorrow face is available to the light and view of Papyrus- you’d been pretty good on keeping your head hung low and the bangs covering your eyes.“WELL THEN, AS YOUR PERFECT FRIEND I AM HERE IF YOU WISH TO TALK. I HEAR TALKING ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE DEPRESSING OR AGGRAVATING IS BETTER THEN BOTTLING IT UP! THE BOOK SAID SO.” Papyrus explains and patiently sits at your feet.“When you say it like that it feels like nobody confides in you.” You etch a confused frown onto your face before a lightning bolt jolts your memory. Sans seemed to be relatively secretive. He could-“WELL, I HAVE THOSE AROUND ME WHO WOULD RATHER CONCEAL THEIR PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF RELYING ON ME. WHILE IT IS DISHEARTENING, I RESPECT THEIR PRIVACY…THEY MUST HAVE THEIR REASONS. THE SAME APPLIES TO YOU; YOU NEEDN’T TELL ME WHAT YOU DON’T WANT TO TELL ME.”You can feel the contorting pain being expressed into your face as you look over Papyrus who is just the flashlight in the dark. The single match that lit the way. Papyrus had to know Sans was having some weird internal strife; he lived with him. They were brothers!
He had this high and mighty talk about Papyrus and the bastard doesn’t even confide in him!!
You uptake Papyrus’ hands and guide him onto the couch. He doesn’t ask and simply allows you to guide him as you pull your legs up and shrivel in on yourself. Your nose peaks over your knees as you snuggle the blanket closer.“I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you…” You parrot yourself; probably to build the courage to speak out. You weren’t prepared to inform anyone, even Papyrus, about your previous human origins. They would know soon enough – everything was still far too hectic to bring that knowledge into the mix. Papyrus settles in and nurses his own fresh hot cocoa – yours rested on the table.“Well, my parents are alright people. Just the usual – do good, get a reward. Do bad, get a punishment. I was lucky enough to be pretty bad at school.” You joke darkly as Papyrus scooches closer. He must be able to sense this will be a long tale.“I had a little group of friends who were always there for me. I thought we would always be together. Y’know….a crew. But everyone had their own goals; it was bitter, but everyone said their goodbyes. I was, luckily, allowed to stay with someone very dear to me. He considered me dear too. Unfortunately, my parents didn’t like him – they’d always hated him. However, I didn’t doubt my heart and I didn’t doubt him. We ran away and hid – we only kept in contact with our friends, though that dwindled the busier everyone got.”“The man I loved…..His name was Jason. That time the other day when I threw my boot at Sans? I was having a dream about him and my friends. We were having the equivalent of a human marriage – he was my fiancé. When you have a fiancé, you give them an engagement ring – that’s what you found in the baggie in the water. His name is in the other ring.”“OH! DID HE LOSE HIS BAGGIE? WE SHOULD RETURN IT TO HIM!” Papyrus let out a shocked gasp before little tears prickle into his sockets. “YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED?!” He whispers is harshly and glows with excitement.“No, Papyrus. Not anymore.” You lean out to try and calm his unnecessary enthusiasm. Best to bring him down now before he popped something.“Uh, but, Sans reminds me a lot of Jason….like, holy cow, they could be brothers. Both of ‘em can dish out great puns, be lazy, and just….supportive? I think that’s the word I am looking for…” You shrug in earnest unsureness.“But, uh, Jason lost his job and seemed down about it. I suffered too, but I picked up the work as to not let him feel down. Even though I was extremely tired, I always tended to him first. I figured that’s what you did for the one you loved. The one you were ready to devote your life to…….” You trail off, fidgeting with your thumbs.“HHMMMM, I HAVEN’T READ ANY BOOKS ABOUT LOVE BUT SURELY THAT ISN’T A BAD THING. THOUGH IT’S ALSO WISE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.” Papyrus pets your head while shooting acknowledging hints towards the bread. You sigh and pick off another piece to nibble onto – it was at least helping your stomach settle its craving. “I tried to get into contact with my friends, but nobody was able to help us. I didn’t want to be a bother to them in the first place, so I figured I could hold out until he found another job. Except, each day? Each day he got crabbier and crabbier. Like he was getting sick of me. I ignored any signs of it and thought it was only because he was cooped up inside the house for so long.” You pause your story to nibble on some more bread only to catch Papyrus tight glare.“HE CERTAINLY SOUNDS LIKE SANS.” Papyrus grumbles as you momentarily sputter. It almost looked like he was pouting. He brightened and desperately scoured your face for any joy or smile. “I know right?” You shrug, sipping your water again. Your throat certainly felt less like someone dragged a rake through it now that you were forming words and drinking.“But, one day, I managed to come home early. I wanted to surprise him – I’d gone out looking for places hiring. I came in and all the photos were tilted down……and he was in our bedroom…..with someone else.”“OH! A SLEEPOVER?”“No, Papyrus.”“….CUDDLE-BUDDY?”“It was a female. They were together. In our house. In our bed. Together.” You stressed the words and Papyrus looked into your eyes. You could see him working it out in his brain as his face turned dark with horror. You shriveled in and hid behind your knees.“I didn’t know her. I didn’t care to know her. I screamed at him……He tried to apologize.” You scoffed and felt tears well into your eyes. “I threw my ring at him. I was so mad. Then I…I ran. I ran away from him. I fell and got hurt; Undyne and Gerson saved me. That’s how I wound up here.” You shrug, gesturing to the room and the window for outer Snowdin.“I told myself when I ran away that I wouldn’t go back. I wouldn’t go back to him……..But….Finding those rings…..Knowing he threw them away………” Papyrus’ glove squirms beneath you and lifts your face as a cascade of tears dribbles down your cheeks- “It doesn’t hurt any less!!”Your shriek is instantly silenced as Papyrus yanks you into his arms. You don’t know when he found the time but he removed a glove and is gently stroking his boney fingers through your locks. Its relaxing and coaxing as you break down against his armor plating. His bones shiver beneath you as you try to spew apologies.“I’m sorry Paps! Ju-Just g---gimme-“ You can’t quell the hyperventilating rage and sorrow drowning you as Papyrus holds you closer. He pulls a hand away and sneaks a tissue in between you both as you accept and harshly blow your nose. He sniffles above you and you lean back to witness his own tears trickle down his cheeks. You huff and try to control your heaving breaths.“Wh-Why---Why are y-you crying?” You mutter, offering him a tissue as he shakes his skull fiercely.“IT’S NOT RIGHT! THAT ISN’T FAIR, NOR KIND, NOR RIGHT!!! WHY WOULD HE DO SOMETHING SO…SO HORRIBLE?? YOU LOVED HIM SO DEARLY! FOR SO LONG AT THAT!! YET HE DOES- OOOHH!”Papyrus jumps from the couch and begins hastily pacing the room. His gloved hand is shoved against his mouth and his bones are knotting near his brows.
Is……..Is he pissed? Is he mad at him?
You weren’t sure whether it was good or bad that Papyrus was capable of aggression, but he was handling it……somewhat. He pulled out and jammed a new DVD into the player; you didn’t catch what. He downed his cocoa and looked upset about the empty mug. Then for just a moment he froze, contemplated, and grabbed your mug. You heard him pop it into the microwave despite it already being warm. He returned to his pacing about and was grumbling and sighing.“Um….Papyrus? Are you alright?”“I AM TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHY SOMEONE WOULD DO SOMETHING SO CRUEL! BUT IT IS THOROUGHLY COMPLEXING!!! THERE IS NO MOTIVATION!” He grumbles and crosses his arms like a child in a tantrum.“Papyrus, he just….I think he was just tired of me.” You whisper, fighting more tears.“BUT YOU ARE SPLENDID!!! YOU CAN COOK, YOU ARE FUNNY; PUNS REGARDLESS! YOU OBVIOUSLY CARED DEEPLY FOR THIS ‘JASON’, SO WHAT RIGHT DOES HE HAVE TO DO SUCH A CRUEL THING?!”“You don’t need a reason to do something sometimes Papyrus. Like I took a walk. I didn’t want exercise or to meet anyone – I just suddenly wanted to walk.”“THIS AND THAT ARE TWO DIFFERENT ACTIONS COMPLETELY!”“I know but….but I don’t think I have ever seen you upset. Please don’t be mad – I’m done with him. He is out of my life.” You whimper. Papyrus senses it and brings over the box of tissues. He assists and does his best to comfort you, but you can feel the vibrating anxiety in his bones.“I NEED TO MAKE FRIENDSHIP SPAGHETTI!!!” Papyrus screeches abruptly as you jump in alarm. He storms off into the kitchen as you snuggle back into the blankets. The movie that pops up is the ‘Princess Bride’ and you finally manage a smile. This little movie was just utter nonsense you totally needed right now. Papyrus probably needed it to so you refrain from hitting play. You scrounge around the chips and bread with more needy bites. At the very least you were regaining your appetite. Slowly, but surely.The front door gives a minor creak.“sheesh kid – chill. can’t help it if these bones can’t reach higher than 29 hot-cats.” Sans brushes some snow off his shoulder as you whip your head around. Frisk is busy shrugging off a borrowed jacket from Sans – it is far too large for their tiny frame.“I can’t believe they were cats.” Frisk shudders.“wha’else would they be?? yo, pa-“ Sans’ speech halts as he greets your tear-filled stare from the sofa. Frisk pops their head out from behind his blue parka and notices you right away; they jump in surprise to your deteriorated state. You realize you’re incessantly staring and pull your gaze away to wipe your eyes and attempt to clear your face.“Maya? Wha-“ Frisk stutters before rushing to your side. You force the worst convincing smile you can muster.“Why are you crying? What happened? Maya??” Frisk pleas, gently pulling at your arm. You relinquish them and pet Frisks head as they inspect your face and rub your cheeks. There are bread crumbs in their hair for some reason as you busy yourself with flaking them out.“Nothing really happened Frisk – it was just something I should’ve seen coming.” You murmur, giving a light peck to their head and pulling them back from your face. They scramble onto the arm of the couch and offer you tissues. You accept only one to blow your nose.“Is that a lie?” Frisk puffs their cheeks in retaliation as you let your hand rest onto theirs.“Not entirely. I promise I’ll tell you once I pull myself together…” You reply and Frisk seems content with that answer. Sans had unzipped his jacket and peered over towards the kitchen when a clatter of metal occurred and Papyrus’ feet stamped over to poke he head out the side of the kitchen. He waved a wooden spoon and his eyes were actually bulging out of his head.“SHE SAYS NOTHING HAPPENED BUT IT IS A TURBULENT TURMOIL OF DECEIT AND BETRAYAL!!! YOU MUST NOT TELL FRISK – THEY ARE TOO YOUNG TO HEAR OF SUCH A MONSTERS RUDENESS! IT’S UNCONCEIVABLE!!” Papyrus shouts in what can only be rage, his voice pitched and both Sans and Frisk look utterly stunned at his words.“uh……paps?” Sans reaches out uselessly at his brother who is piqued by the movement.“OH! SANS, WELCOME HOME!!!” Papyrus pats Sans’ skull with his oven-mitt hand. His face freezes and he curls his face into an uncertain glare. “WERE YOU AT WORK?”“uh, y-yeah bro. hotland.” Sans seemed completely thrown from Papyrus’ attitude. Papyrus puffed out his chest and looked so proud. Sans was quickly accumulating a confused sweat over his skull.“GREAT! WHEN WE ENCOUNTER THIS ‘JASON’ YOU WILL SERVE AS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF HOW TO NOT BE DISREGARDING AND MEAN!!!”“jaso-““Uh, Papyrus, are you still upset?” You mutter and twiddle your thumbs. “I didn’t mean to make you upset too. It’s fine – I don’t want to meet him again anyways. It’s better that way.”“BUT MAYA! HE IS A FOOL WHO MUST SEE HE HAS MADE THE GRAVE MISTAKE OF BETRAYAL!!” Papyrus cries out and puffing his cheeks into a pout.“Papyrus please go cool your skull. I hate seeing you angry at someone. Even if it’s for me. Just talking made me feel better; I didn’t want to push it onto you.” You plea and let the silence fester slowly and surely. Nobody knows what to say apparently.“VERY WELL! FRISK, WOULD YOU BE SO KIND TO TEND THE SPAGHETTI?” Frisk takes the wooden spoon as Papyrus doesn’t wait for a response and stomps out into the snow. He does the best to not slam the door that follows. Everyone stands still and frozen.“…Papyrus knows how to get mad?” Frisk asks Sans with a tug to his jacket. It manages to pull Sans from his stilled position.“i mean….i’ve never seen ‘im on fire, but maybe grillbz would have answers.” Sans gives a wink and points over towards the kitchen. From the wafting faint smell of smoke, Papyrus likely set the burner too high as Frisk rushes out of view. Sans peers over at the TV and sidles over towards the DVD rack. You pinch your toes idly and nibble on more bread.“did paps heat that up for you?”“Huh?” You look back to Sans and he is focused on the cheese filled bread. “Oh, uh, yeah. I haven’t eaten much so everything else didn’t settle well in my stomach……..Um, did you want some?” You offer a slice to him and he eyes it and then you. He accepts it after a bit and turns away back to the DVD rack.“what’d ya tell him.”“He told me talking things out would make me feel better. So I did. It wasn’t my intention for him to get mad for me.” You mutter and feel small. You caught the hint in his voice that it wasn’t intended as a question.“what’d ya tell him.” He dictates again and spares you a glance. Though his eyes appear as nothing but light orbs within his sockets, it feels as though he is peering into your being. You fidget and fluster under his gaze as a thought pops into your mind.
…Flustered?
“Um…It was about my u-um…..ugh do you know that marriage thing humans do?” You grumble as you wipe your cheeks. They felt sticky and swollen from your tears.“more or less…”“Well we were doing that. He lost his job and became a lazy jerk and I still loved him. I worked hard and he always got angry and suspicious of me, and I still loved him. He…he cheated on me with another woman, so I ran away. Like a disillusioned coward. The icing one the cake was him throwing away our engagement rings…” You shudder and bury your face into your knees. A headache was accumulating after all the sobs. You chose to let eyelids droop to ensure you didn’t get the glare of the overhanging lights through your streaks of hair.There is a period of silence that is only filled with a clatter of DVD’s and the stirring of spaghetti. Even Papyrus crunching out in the snow and your breathing seem to have a resonating sound in the silence festering. Your nerves begin to prickle; would he have wanted to respond? Would he even care?…..………..
What does it matter if he cares?
………
It doesn’t matter.
…….
………
None of i-
DVD’s clatter to the ground. You feel yourself blink rapidly from the daze you had wandered into. You let out a weary yawn and peek through your tired eyes at Sans; he’s gone. Picking up on the houses sounds, he must be helping Frisk in the kitchen. You scratch your head idly and feel a faint pain. Pulling back your hand, there is a faint dust coating your nails and fingertips.
Maybe it’s monster dandruff?
You feel it around in your palm; it’s granular and reminds you of dull looking sawdust. Combing through your hair, more comes out. Your brow furrows in concentration – had Undyne or Alphys mentioned anything about dandruff? Undyne had given you a hygiene spiel because you had to share the bathroom, namely about the soaps and shampoos. Though dandruff was the result of flakey skin; you lacked the skin and this seemed too fine regardless. There was another painful throb in your head and you laid back on the sofa. It was a rather dull headache you would try to ignore for the time being – the brothers surely had medical supplies to dealing with it or maybe even healing magic would soothe it. Best to keep anymore pained conditions on the down low lest their concerns grow.Papyrus stormed back in and shook a pile of snow from his head and batted the back of his skull: snow ended up flying out of his sockets.“I HAVE RETURNED FROM ‘COOLING MY SKULL’!” He announces and shimmies his scarf free of any snow as well.“Papyrus…” You mutter to gain his attention, “Did you just….shove your head into a snow bank?”“INDEED. WHAT ELSE WOULD I DO?” He has such a serious deadpanned face of certainty you can’t help but withhold a smile. Papyrus seems to pick up on your rising mood and a glow overtakes his sockets. He takes a brief sniff in the air and looks surprised as he storms the kitchen.“I KNEW YOU WERE TAKING UP BAKING AGAIN!!” Papyrus calls cheerfully and you hear Frisk giggling. As Papyrus storms into the kitchen, you lay back comfortably on the couch and reposition the pillows. Your eyes felt heavy and a light yawn managed to escape you as you settled in.
You scanned the word document repeatedly to your personal vows. While it was far too early for this nonsense as your reasoning put it, your excitement simply wasn’t containable. You read it back to yourself for possibly the hundredth time and saved after ever carefully placed word. These were your vows.
‘I, Maya, take you not only as my loving husband, but as my dearest friend. This world meant little without your light revolving around me. Your sadness, your anger, your pain; you once told me these were all qualities you hated within yourself. I would tell you that while they are deceptive and ugly, they only make you stronger in the end. I shared mine with you. Now we have our lives to share even more times. Those times we get happy, discover, learn, and love- they will sparkle thanks to what we will overcome.I love you. There is no changing it. Especially not now… And knowing me I’ll be crying once I reach this part, honestly. But you are my everything; the soul sun giving me warmth and light. I will take and exchange these rings with you out of love. I will take and exchange my life out of certitude. I will take and exchange our hardships out of friendship. I, Maya, will take you as my husband til death do us apart……but you are not exchangeable.’
You giggle and flush over the ending – he’d love it. Certainly get a crack out of it at the altar. You fiddle with your fingers- would it be original and in a church or would he do something simple and outdoors? You were certain you weren’t going to follow the formal way weddings usually go thanks to Jasons exuberantly lax attitude on the matter.
The front door creaks and you hear his protesting groans as you shamble out towards the doorway. He chucks his tie at the door and rests his head against the wall. His shoes are thrown carelessly to the side. He looks so depleted of life. You pity and lean in the doorway- the interview must not have gone well. That or his lack of attentiveness due to the early hours might have ruined it. He keeps his gaze trained to the floor even when you purposefully push on a known squeaky section of floor.
“Rough time?” You whisper; he finally drags his gaze over and lights up from the pale looming ghost he once was. Probably because you stood in nothing but his basketball shirt. After a moment of contemplation, his grin grew seductive as he shambled over and fought with the buttons on his shirt.
“Dogs don’t have watches.”
“That was awful and you should feel terrible. Feel terrible. How dare you make me smile with that.”
“Hey I need refueling.” He mutters and buries his lips into your shoulder to trail tiny pecks along your collarbone. You push him back just a tad to meet his eye with a quirked brow.
“Less charging more explaining. How’d it go?” You caress his cheek; he has a tad of stubble coming in. You didn’t mind as he scratched it almost like a cat would appreciate and he sighed.
“Little to explain. They weren’t interested.”
“Were they not interested or did you just not seem interested?”
At your words he backed away and glared at the ground. Looks like the hammer hit the nail right on the head. You reach out in hopes to offer slight condolences to him but he brushes by and proceeds back into the bedroom. You follow casually and instantly catch the glow of the document page. It’s still wide open. His eyes finally catch the computers glint. Hastily, you rush him and jump onto his back. He stumbles briefly, but you know he is as sturdy as an oak. Once he even complained it was similar to a persistent toddler. You’d punched him lightly for that.
He sighed and ignored you as you blew onto his ears; his hair was frayed from the fresh outside breeze and tickled your nose as you nuzzled into his neck.
“What’chya workin’ on?” He grumbles, knowing your reasons for the sudden affection.
“If I’m teasing you, you won’t look. What’s the point if I straight just tell ya, hmm?” At your questioning hum, you trail your dried lips and hot breath from the back to the front of his neck. His breathing hitches for just a moment.
“I’ll find out eventually. We share that computer.”
“Shut it and lemme have a victory.”
You are extricated from him and dangle miserably like a ragdoll before you’re settled onto the bed. He has that devilish grin on aga- oh yeah….no underwear. It wasn’t that you were waiting for this- you’d just gotten out of the shower with the final inspiration to your vows in mind. Your hairs tips were still wet as he adjusts himself above your hips. He begins to hum deeply and strip off his shirt slowly. After the shirt is unceremoniously discarded, he wiggles his eyebrows.
“Ya into that?” You chortle and he grins wider with pride.
“Oh totally. This is the sole reason I am marrying you. Strip show. Yes. Please mama.” You seductively beg and he snickers before leaning down and connecting his lips with your forehead, nose tip, and finally your lips. It’s a simple peck, really, but it gives your heart butterflies. He pulls himself away and hovers overhead with an unsure look.
“Can I get water first? I won’t be able to get up afterwards and I just….” He pauses and locks his hand with yours. Your fingers intertwine and the brush against his engagement ring startles your briefly, but its slowly becoming this pleasant warmth rather than just metal and cold. “I want to be with you for a bit.”
You nod and he slinks himself off of you. He backs out towards the door to keep his eyes glued onto you- you don’t break the contact with your own and merely adjust the shirt to not give him a full view. He gives a crestfallen look before slipping out to the kitchen. Stealthily, you slip off the bed and approach the closet to locate as many pairs of shirts and pants you can to wear. You were already giggling with the idea of him struggling to free you of all the garments.
Within the closet stands a entirely nude woman. Her. You are both frozen in brief fear. She looks so guilty and heart-broken; as though she will sob any instant. You keep your rigid stance until the door creaks just a smidge. The closet door is slammed by the woman inside and his lips are covering yours before even a yelp can escape.
The butterflies have turned into wriggling worms. The metal of your rings isn’t just cold, it’s frigid. His smells and individual hairs disgust you in an instant. You try to flail out of his grasp with hatred and betrayal, but you are hastily pinned onto the bed to proceed. Tears boil at the corners of your eyes as you pleadingly pry at his clothes. Begging him to leave you.
“Maya..” Is all he continues to groan into your mouth as you sob against him. His grip tightens on your arms and his knee wedges between your legs. You would kick if your legs didn’t feel as though they were asleep; now really wasn’t the time.
‘No, stop…’ ‘Get off me!’ ‘Please…’ ‘How could you?!’ ‘No….’ ‘STOP!’ All of your words are lost to him; as though he is deaf and uncaring. Is he? Was he? Was this your fault to begin with? You hadn’t noticed anything; even if it wasn’t your fault, it is your fault for being completely unaware. You thought you knew him. You sob as he continues to kiss you. Each moment grows longer, tedious, and vile.
A hand releases one arm to cup your cheek. It’s practically tender. Doesn’t stop you from lunging a punch at the prick. It feels like you connected directly with the bone within his jaw. Almost deformed-
“Ouchie.” He grumbles. No…that isn’t his voice.
Sans got the memo from Papyrus briefly after he left the kitchen; Maya was asleep. He ensured that at least two slices of quiche got stored in the microwave for when you woke up. Of course he’d take up cooking again- you were falling. You weren’t aware of him watching as he messed with the DVD’s. You seemed deep into thought when, briefly, your eyes became dead. He’d crack the joke of the dead fish eye look on your face if a few strands of your hair didn’t instantly begin to disintegrate. Luckily, the forced clattering seemed to shake you from your state.He just instinctively began to cook- it was just a natural panic thing he did. Whenever he needed to take his mind off the resets or the constant inevitable doom, he baked. Quirky way to pick up a hobby, but it didn’t last long- Papyrus always seemed discouraged whenever he was cooking in the kitchen and breaking the lazy persona he’d built. Though friendship spaghetti wasn’t going to mend this…He’d personally never witnessed someone falling down. There were a few times he helped Alphys with escaping and she was on the verge, but he never watched. It was tantamount to murder for monsters to not help those who are falling. He knew what it felt like to dust; it was practically engraved into his inner skull.He’d never experienced this before. Abnormalities and anomaly’s be damned, nobody deserved to go slowly. It seemed like torture. Usually a monsters body gave in once they’d truly given up - it wasn’t a lengthy process. It was a simultaneous dusting, not segmented. Alphys had indicated to your depression and Sans considered he understood even just a smidge of what that was like. Seeing her now as Papyrus props her head onto a pillow in his lap, you wouldn’t think anything less. But every few moments, he scans ever hair, every visible scale and hopes nothing else is vanishing.Though the worst thing about the whole situation…..you didn’t even seem to know you were dying.Papyrus was also changing. He never touched anything from Grillbys, especially if Sans was specifically saving it for him. Yet there it was; the remains of his cheese bread being eaten. He wasn’t mad per say; the kid was doing a quick run this time so he doubted he had the time to eat it himself anyways. He just didn’t expect Papyrus to take it without even asking. He also didn’t apologize or hint at him reheating it in any of the conversation thus far. It was abnormal to say the least. It would be a lie though if Sans said that Papyrus had never gotten angry. He’d gotten angry every now and then – almost seemed like a totally different skeleton at the time. Usually he got over it though. This, however, transcended that anger. He wasn’t certain how to put it into words, but you had managed to get him to simmer quickly. Didn’t stop him from getting buggy and his bones clattering every time the topic was even briefed about. He took great care to not jostle your head as Sans and Frisk settled in by your feet.The kid, of course, was worried sick. They had only ever witnessed instant dusting by their own hands; likely never knew how it was to fall down on your own accord. Kid probably knew more than they let on, but they continued to feign ignorance and perceived it simply as sickness.You’d stir and mumble around in your sleep, faint snores escaping every few moments. Your feet eventually found purchase in his lap as you rested between the brothers. Frisk took a pause in the movie, whatever it was, to slip a blanket onto you. He didn’t pay much attention to the movie; Papyrus had snagged one from the library but switched it out because he wanted to have you watching it too.Of course, he had to take opportunity of Papyrus’ desperation to be as quiet as possible.“so I guess tuna-ight we’re sleepin’ with the fish?” He cracks and watch Papyrus’ face twist in wrath. Frisk gives a little giggle as the credits begin to role by.“jus’ askin’ since your bedtimes comin up and the kid needs to sleep somewhere too. suppose we can’t tackle another movie.” He sighs dejectedly as Papyrus fidgets with restraint.“heck, if ya want me to take the kid, just let minnow.”“Sans stop.” Papyrus warns and his grin grows. You grumble and turn in your sleep. Papyrus gasps and tries to soothe you. Your face begins to contort into a mix of fear and anger. Tears are bristling against your eyelashes and Sans sigh’s in pity for you – you’d looked like you’d been having a pleasant dream for the majority of the movie. Papyrus looks torn between waking you, but after a few kicks and pained mumbles in his lap he gives in and shakes you.“Maya? Maya it is but a nightmare! The Great Papyrus is beyond the dream-realm!” Papyrus beckons absurdly. He hasn’t raised his voice but it’s certainly loud enough to rouse himself on most occasions. You continue to toss about in distress. He watched Papyrus try to shake you, but upon failure, attempt to soothe you back into pleasant dreams by stroking your head.It wasn’t until the unbridled fear overwhelmed his face at the dust collecting on his glove that he knew you needed to wake up.At this point, you were flailing. Papyrus had managed to pin your arms and Frisk was helping weigh your legs down – Sans already had them withheld with magic but being completely trapped might make you even more terrified then you already were. The screams didn’t settle well in his soul either…“Stop!! Ple-Get off!” You continuously cried out pleas between your sobs and threw your head about. Papyrus had restrained your arms but he worried for the strain on your neck as he cupped your cheek. It was only a second later that you reared back and punched him directly in the jaw. Papyrus recoiled and bit back a stray tear, muttering ‘Ouchie’ under his breath.Then, you awoke.At least as close to waking up as it appeared. You were frozen still; your breathing remained ragged, your body was practically frozen still. The worst was your eyes – broken and unseeing, yet wide open. You didn’t react to motion or panicked calls and every touch gave you a bristle of nerves and fear. Tears still surfaced and trickled down your face as you remained in this state for nearly three minutes.Frisk was the one to pull you from it. They swept a hand over your eyes to shut them; he had watched humans do that in some movies to the dead. Once it had passed over and the light hit your eyes again you gasped and shut them tightly. It’s dark. It’s bright. It’s…Papyrus?One moment you are in nothingness and the next Papyrus has you hoisted and limp. Your face feels heavy and your eyes sting.“MAYA! ARE YOU BETTER NOW!?” Papyrus exclaims. Your hand gives an unhealthy throb.A sudden rush of memories flows back into your mind. And by rush it just dawns onto you like the darkness to brightness transition. Unbidden tears jump at the chance and begin to run down your checks as you hold back sobs. Well, your face already feels clammy so you might have been crying before. Was it a dream? A nightmare? Your mind was in utter turmoil without a coherent thought in sight past regaining some form of sanity. Past the tears you can see a bit of cracking in Papyrus’ jaw; monsters don’t seem hostile past Undyne, and your hand doesn’t just start hurting for no reason. Your theory only fuels the waterworks as Papyrus settles you against the couch and panics in the backdrop.Papyrus cradles you close to his ribs as you sob and mumble apologies. You can feel Frisk hugging your leg as you become a tear riddled mess within Papyrus’ arms. It takes some time for you to settle and all you can manage is a feeble request to borrow their bathroom. They didn’t deny anything and left you to shamble up. Once there you leaned against the sink and looked at your decrepit state. Your vibrant patches of scales were fainter and the bags under your eyes had doubled. They were bloodshot and exhausted.Stripping free of your clothes only showed more of the paling scales and the thin frame you were gradually adopting. You traced your bra clasp and were briefly shocked by the protruding bones of your spine. You were usually a healthy weight and it wasn’t obvious as it was now. You had morals to go by, and getting so wasted away that you were ruining yourself was one of the key things you avoided. Even with that integrity in mind you cannot surpass the sorrow spilling out your eyes. You huff and numb your mind to everything. Stripping free of your bra you realize they don’t necessarily have anywhere to put your things, nor spare towels. There were two towels but they has ‘S’ and ‘P’ labelled on them for the brothers. Maybe they didn’t mind you borrowing them?With all the awkwardness between you and Sans recently you wouldn’t have dared to pick his. Unfortunately, they were hung on different heights to pertain to either brother, so Papyrus’ was just out of your reach. Sans’ towel it is you suppose. Its surprisingly fluffy and a grey baby blue hue. You fold it neatly onto the toilet for when you are finished and stare at the next issue at hand.There is no shower curtain.You can very vaguely make out the sound of the laundry being tossed about somewhere in the house. You hadn’t seen any other doors or rooms, and considering the brothers likely didn’t have their washer and drier in their rooms it was just hidden. A mystery. It wasn’t honestly your problem but it was likely where the shower curtain was if not here. You questioned jumping for Papyrus’ towel to use temporarily as a shower curtain replacement, ask for forgiveness, and clean it later when you managed to find the time. It was your best option; all the drawers you’d investigated had nothing. You’d hate to cause a bigger mess then was necessary, so it seemed the best option at hand.You gave a little jump and managed to snag the towel and struggled only slightly to detach it from the hook it was hung onto. It wouldn’t cover all the way to the tub, but it certainly was better than nothing. May Papyrus forgive you for this later… Lugging and tugging the towel over the curtain rod and angling it in a generalized spot you nearly forgot to remove your underwear. Your legs are weak and wobble, causing you stress about plummeting face first into the ground. The chill from the lack of clothes is also getting to you. Directing your attention back to the tub you decide to start funneling the warm water for your shower.It reaches an even temperature as you start the shower and sidle over to the toilet. Using the towel to kneel on with one leg you work on shimmying your underwear off. It is a bit of a struggle but you feel safer. The toilet lid isn’t properly screwed on right so it keeps clicking side to side, almost like a tap.“Come on…” You mutter as you pull free one leg and let the panties drop to the floor. Leaning down to free it from your ankle the tapping of the wiggling toilet seat almost throws you off but you steady yourself.“Yes!” You sigh with joy as your panties finally join the rest of the clothing pile and you carefully pull your leg down.“’bout time ya heard me. Paps got you a towel and the shower cu-“Frozen still in the doorway only 2 feet in front of you was Sans. His eyelights were fixated on you stepping off the toilet and you were focused on the curtain and the towel. A heavy sweat starts to form over his skull as his eyes don’t budge. It takes nearly ten seconds for the shock to actually hit you, and your face contorts from confusion to embarrassed and aghast. Sans seems to snap from the bewildered state and shrink in fear.“WHAT THE F-“ “SORRY!!!”Everything happens like a trigger pull.Your shout causes a chain reaction from Sans. You try to grab the towel and shield yourself but your leg is still perched on it. This sends you tumbling sideways past the sink. Sans just throws the curtain and towel in the air and lurches for the door to shut. It snags and shuts on the towel which forces it to bounce back. Sans doesn’t seem to have much weight as he is thrown back with the doorknob and is thrown into you in perfect time to force you both to collide against the tub.A minute passes and groans mingle amongst the running water. You can feel bones pressing against your arm and inner thigh, it hurts only a little and you are surprised by the warmth. Another moment and you are flushed as you try to recoil from the understanding of bones and nudity. Your arm and leg catches as you hiss and look down. Sans’ head is braced against the tub while he lays down beneath you. You are straddling his vertebrae with your arm wrenched in his ribs and your ankle stuck between his ilium and pubis. You gasp and try to wrench it out, though you can’t see how considering he still has pants on. It just bashes against his coccyx and startles Sans.“NO!” You screech and throw your free arm over his sockets. He garbles something and shoves a hand at your face- with his sight obscured he nearly shoves a finger into your nose as he slaps it onto your mouth. A tense moment of muffled silence begins between you two as you try to reach back and detach his hand from your mouth. His breathing is haggard and hitches each failed attempt to dislodge yourself from the bones. Every moment is uncomfortable as you try to keep yourself from pressing into his bones but your muscles are weak and begin to ache.“please be quiet. I just put Paps and the kid to sleep. my sockets are closed; scouts honor.” Sans manages to joke in the situation as you remove your arm to slap his bone. It does little but hurt your hand.“Why the fuck did you just walk in?!” You whisper violently and try to wrench your leg out again only to get a whimper from Sans. His hands fly to your ankle to still all movement but it causes you to gasp and lose your balance. You wind up planted right onto his vertebrae. It would be somewhat like riding a bike if you weren’t nude and bone wasn’t pressing into your vagina. You let the tiniest whimper moan mixture escape you as both of you turn to stone. Breathing even manages to cease for a tantalizing moment.“…why is it we-“ “The next word you say if you dare fucking say it will be your last skeleton.” You warn as you force your weary muscles to adjust off of his vertebrae. He gulps and exhales which you don’t question how or why.“Why couldn’t you just knock?!” You growl and try to free your hand. It’s too painful to just wrench out and pulling it upwards would bash him in the skull with your elbow. While the situation was certainly unsavory, it didn’t call for being a dick. Besides, he had 1 HP which is supposedly his vital force – could hitting him so accidentally be so deadly? Who were you kidding, you have been thrown and fallen plenty and survived.“I did and you said ‘yes’.” He murmurs and scooches to sit up. It begins to topple your already terrible balance and he luckily realizes that his movement is making things worse.“I wasn’t talking to you…” You grumble back as you recall that tapping noise. It was supposedly not the toilet. Noted. You try to work your hand around to escape being trapped in his ribs but it startles Sans and he goes rather rigid.“ca…can you s-stop that?” Sans’ breathing is becoming ragged and heavy. Labored even. You pause your movements and consider your options. Only now does it make sense for his discomfort – you do technically have your foot and arm shoved inside him. Didn’t seem like a fun time honestly.“my, uh, bones are s-sensitive……”Oh.You can feel your face flush even deeper and the heat is bound to make your mind swirl if you don’t at least turn it off soon.“O-Okay so-so how do I, um…get out of you?” You phrase and watch his face turn baby blue with a dusting on his bones. Recounting your words your face mimics his own as you begin to stutter and shake.“look, if I can get my shirt off can you get your hand out?” He sighs and begins to shimmy as to take it off. You nod to yourself and wait patiently only to recall his eyes are shut.“Uh, yeah, I-I should.” Your legs are trembling from the pressure of the tiles on your knees, the building heat that’s nearly nauseating, and the embarrassed guilt flooding over you. Sans works on grabbing the hem and raising it as far as he can. You try to not make your gasp apparent as a deep implemented scar rests over his ribs. It doesn’t scar like skin- it is a clear slashed indention across nearly his entire ribcage. It’s surprising somewhat that some of his ribs are still connected to the tips as the bone isn’t even an inch thick in spots.He isn’t able to pull his entire shirt off because your arm is down the top. At the very least you can see where your hand is jammed and begin to accordingly extricate it without brushing against his bones.“U-Um w-watch your, uh, head.” You warn him quietly as you finally manage to free your arm from his ribcage and sigh with relief. You give your arm a moment to flex as he clears his throat and points to his pelvis. If everything wasn’t awkward, you’d slap him for making it seem sexual. The heat continued to rise thanks to the steaming shower and your mind felt numb. You can feel your own breathing start to turn labored as you survey your foot. At the given angle there is most certainly no way to free it so you try to lean back ever so slightly. Sans’ breath hitches and he grabs at you to cease the motion. He winds up latching onto your breast and pulling you back into him to have yourself atop his vertebrae. You gasp and squeak in the pain to his grip and he instantly releases you.“sorry! sorry – are-are you alright?” His hands hover close to his sternum so to not grab impatiently where he shouldn’t. You blink a few times and things finally begin to turn foggy and your head becomes light. The heat and steam finally leads you into a drunken fever as you struggle to bring yourself back onto your knees at the least.“I don’t feel—“ You murmur and blink a few more times with a sleepy dread. Everything becomes numb for just an instant that lets gravity overwhelm you. You can feel Sans squirm and exclaim beneath you, but his bones are so cooling. How could he be so warm and then so cold? It was rather intriguing honestly.“Maya?! h-hey, kid, u-uhh-“ Sans tries to press you off of him by your arms which pulls your lulled head from his clavicle.“I-I-…Sor-Sorry. It’s too hot……” You reply and set your head besides his vertebrae. “’m sorry…” You mumble and let the heat allow you to collapse. You feel sweaty and exhausted as your limbs scream for rest. “-I, Maya, will take you as my husband til death do us apart……but you are not exchangeable.”
As predicted, you can feel the tears cascading down your cheeks as he looks on with a joyous smile.
The wedding wasn’t large and it mainly consisted of his friends. Family hadn’t been invited and the wedding was privately reserved. He preferred small and manageable. You didn’t complain, though you missed your family. You’d always dreamed of a big wedding with family and friends to congratulate you finding the perfect person to live your life with. As the veil is lifted from your face, you see him clearly.
The tears are going rigid as the scene around you seems to still as you stand there. You look to the man you love, you loved and plead to where it had gone wrong. What had been the moment you’d done wrong? You were fiercely loyal and thought you knew him best; he wasn’t getting pushed too hard or left alone. You thought you had given him everything.
Yet here you are: the veil is gone, the ring isn’t there, and all you can see before you is a future of betrayal.
There is no hiding beneath a translucent veil. Even though the sun hangs overhead you feel cold and shiver. Was it nerves or fear for the inevitable?
“You are not exchangeable……………but I suppose I am?” You whisper to yourself as a whimpered sob is choked from your throat. He doesn’t budge an inch – his face is still as stone as he smiles on.
Of course.
Those had been your vows, not his.
Water is draining beneath you as you shiver to a cold head. Your eyelids peel back to stare at the bathroom ceiling while your jaw hangs open.“ya ‘lright?”Following the voice drearily you spot Sans shirtless on the side of the tub as he rubs his hands into a towel. From the looks of it, it’s his own. A tear dribbles down your cheek as you try to rise and realize, but he sets his free hand onto your shoulder to gently lean you back against the tub. A towel is bunched to support your neck and you can’t resist melting back into the soft fabric. It’s nice and toasty as though freshly pulled from the dryer.Your mind begins to clear as you take steady breaths and allow yourself to recall the series of events from prior. Looking down onto yourself you spot Sans’ shirt covering your torso. It’s surprisingly baggy on you and hangs down onto your thighs practically resembling a nightgown.“What…” You grumble and feel a splitting ache in your head as you let yourself lie back for peace. You groan and feel wetness and suds coating your locks. It smells like green apples with a hint of mango. It doesn’t sound appealing but it soothes you.“don’t move too much. the heat got t’ ya.” Sans sighs. His phalanges start to rub your scalp. Never had you imagined a skeleton head massage could be so much like heaven, but you could fall asleep right here right now if he kept it up. He gets a chuckle from the blissful hum that escapes you as he kneads your hair and head with shampoo.“…Did you see?” You manage a soft glare in his direction as a little bead of hued sweat drips down his cheekbone.“eye don’t know what you mean.” He emphasizes his joke by turning back to you with his sockets shut.“Awesome. A skeleton saw my stark naked. I can totally get married now.” You reply. He doesn’t respond as cold water rushes over your head. It wakes you up enough to flail momentarily and sputter as though it was doused onto your head.“don’t get so heated.” He snickers and your glare hardens like ice. “ouch.” He still has that carefree permanent grin slapped on his face, but it seems more since then times before. You can’t help but look at it and soften your glare. Comedy seemed to be his way of raising the moods of those around him. It wasn’t a terrible trait to want to make others smile, even if it is with god-awful humor and bad puns. Maybe if you’d never fallen for Jason you could enjoy this. Truly enjoy it.“Why are you being so nice?” You ask suddenly – it hadn’t been your intent to voice those words. He seems rather surprised regarding your question as well, but his shock eases back into contentedness and he pours more water to rinse your hair. The water stops and the towel beneath your neck is flung around into your face. He presses into the top and the side and rubs rapidly. At least he takes care to not punch your fins in his drying process. Your muffled growls finally escape to him as he releases your face from the towel and gives you fresh air.“what reason do I have to not?” He comments to you as you freeze and take the towel yourself. Idly, you rub the back of your fins and the top of your head. It didn’t seem like water stuck to your hair as much – almost like water off a ducks feathers.“I mean…….you don’t have a reason but it just seems…..sudden?” You whisper practically to yourself. A few moments of silence pass as Sans stands and exits the bathroom. He takes your clothes away with him and leaves the door just ajar for the halls lights to seep through. The towel rests on your shoulders as you listen to him descend the staircase. The scent of apple and mango is too enticing to resist as you gently sniff the towel. If only you could have a candle that smelled as pleasant as this – though you would probably fall asleep to awaken in a house fire.The shirt he lent isn’t the cleanest – there is a clear grease stain on the right side of the collar and a red stain that looks similar to blood. It’s probably dried ketchup judging from his practical religion to the condiment. A particularly comedic image of Sans praying to a shrine of giant ketchup bottles pops into your mind and pulls a giggle.If he wore a ketchup costume as well…It had you snickering into the towel as you tried to stay quiet for Papyrus.
What time is it, I wonder…..
Peeking around the bathroom for the clock is interrupted by Sans coming back. He sets a fresh set of clothes onto the toilet with a grin.“’dyne stopped by with a change. hope they’re fine.” He waves back without dallying too long or even looking in your direction. He shuts the door this time and you wait for the creaking staircase to examine the changing options.She provided a sports bra and proper non-laced panties. You took them with relief and lack of complaint for the embroidery or the sleek black color they sported.. She leant a pair of shorts and sweat pants for you, but only gave you a crop top. A far too small crop top. It wasn’t that it was tight – your breasts caused it to dangle away from your chest and would easily reveal your undergarments with just a subtle breeze. Though embarrassing, you’d take your chances with Sans’ shirt.You let yourself pause in front of the mirror to look at yourself. Really look at yourself and what you’ve become. What you’ve gone through and overcome. What’s still left that overwhelms you.
There is only one option…
Your legs are wobbly, but the door serves as a good partial support. Finding your way out to the railing you hear the TV channels being clicked through idly. Looking down, he has another fresher shirt on. You wouldn’t pry about how someone with 1 HP got a scar in the first place, or if it was a birthing defect? Maybe skeleton monsters had very intricate and deep obvious slash marks when they are born?
Don’t buy that shit for a minute even in my own head.
“Sans.” He pauses his tirade on the controller and his sockets widen to the shirt choice. Your face feels hot but you clear your throat to soothe yourself.“Uh, sorry, it-uh- the um shirt didn’t fit so I-““uh no it-it’s cool.” He waves it off and relaxes back into the couch. You take a breath to keep your concentration as you follow the railing to the stairs. You pass Papyrus’ door and hear debatable snoring. It honestly sounds like a growl and then ‘Nyehs’ being whispered close behind. Frisk was sleeping with that? You’d handled loud sleeping, but the fact you can hear it clearly from beyond the door is concerning to their hearing later on in life. Even knowing all this, it earns a tender smile from you as you carefully shuffle downstairs.“paps saved ya spaghetti. want some?” Sans offered and started working his way off the couch without your say.“Um, ac-actually-” You reach out pointlessly to stop him in his movement and cross your arms consciously. He pauses his ascent and looks to you. You can feel the etching pain crossing your face as you look back to him.“I-I…” You stutter and take a deep breath to calm yourself, “I need a favor.” Even though you knew it was going to be hot you brought along the sweatpants. Sans paid off the river person and assisted you off the boat. You could hear the baggy wrinkling inside his coat pocket as you walked into Hotland. Undyne had apparently left a note at the house incase you returned which read ‘Working on stuff with Alph!! Don’t have too much fun with those skeletons ;)’ . You would ensure to keep it as a reminder to punch her later because Sans began to sweat when he read over it. You uncapped the water bottle you brought to stay hydrated and took a swig as you gave him a soft glare.“We are never to mention what happened in the bathroom. It didn’t happen.”“I titally agree.”You slap his shoulder as your face puffs and flushes.“You said you didn’t fucking look!!”“hey hey easy.” He cackles and struts across the bridge. You pause as he crosses and look down at the magma pool boiling beneath you. Why of all things is it a wooden bridge?! You grip the sides for extra precaution as you try to keep pace with Sans. He waits patiently and silently on the other end.He walks behind a stand made of wood. For some reason there is a pile of snow atop it. At this point you’ve given up questioning most things, but this has thus far taken the cake. It was even steaming, but not melting – no water dripping down or anything. Rustling from under the counter catches your attention as Sans yanks out a quilt blanket and settles it onto the ground in back of the stall. You take cautious steps around despite the wide path available and fidget as he practically sets up a picnic.“I need a favor.” You asked while your arms squeezed tight. He just stared at you steadily.
“Well, u-uhhm. Two actually.”
“welp. that’s one too many. guess we’re just having spaghetti.” He played it off and snickered, but you think he stopped from the desperation in your eyes.
“Please.” You begged and felt your legs quiver. It wasn’t from the cold of Snowdin or the lack of strength either. The stress was building and fear was rearing. He sighed and dragged his hand down his skull.
“aww c’mon. ya don’t gotta make that face to minnow.” He chuckled dryly and offered something of a sympathetic gaze. You didn’t mind – you just needed him to understand.
“I need the rings from Undynes.” You stated first. It gave him a brief shock, though it transformed into something more rigid.
“whatchya need ‘em for?”
“I also want to go to Hotland for a little while. Namely by Alphys’ place.” You ignored his question and informed him of your other request. He only offered you a quizzical stare before grumbling something under his breath and looking up to Papyrus’ door. It was as if he feared he would wake and walk out.
“It-It won’t be for long – I just need, like, five minutes or something! I-I, uh, can go alone if that’s eas-“
“get a bottle ‘a water and heat up some spaghetti.” Sans said suddenly. You froze and watched him grab his jacket from the hanger next to the door.
“Wh-Where are you going?” You asked as he shuffled into the hoodie and adjusted it.
“headin’ out to do favor one.” He signaled his departure with two finger wave and ensured the door was shut silently.
You obeyed him and he was now setting up two plates of spaghetti with the leftovers preheated and steamy in a baggie. It looked disgusting and burnt though your hunger said otherwise. That and Papyrus slaved over a stove to give you this spaghetti in hopes it would brighten your day. You’d eat it even if you vomited.Sans plopped onto the quilt and patted the space behind him as he pulled a thermos from his other pocket and took a large swig. You didn’t doubt from the stench of tomatoes that it was filled with ketchup as you offered a disgusted glare. He didn’t even fully offer the thermos to you before you stuck your hand out in instant denial. It got a chuckle from him at least. You got comfy on the quilt and just looked out into the vast lava lake before you. Only the broiling magma offers sound in the honestly quaint silence you both share.There is a rustling of a bag on the side and you don’t doubt he is offering the rings. You reach without sparing a glance and feel it placed in your palm. You grip it and set your hand into your lap. You take a hard swig of the water as though it were whiskey and let just a drop dribble down your chin for some form of chill.“Y’know how humans get married?” You mumble as your fork idly stirs the spaghetti.“roughly. ‘nless the movies from the dump aren’t right.”“Y’know how they say these, like, vows to one another?” You wait a second, but he doesn’t offer his opinion. You sigh and look towards the ceiling – it almost resembles the stars as the gems twinkle; different hues of reds and yellows bounce off with the vague but soothing greens and blues scattered about. You let your gaze fall to the wall holding the lava lake in and can practically see the suited silhouette of him. He’s smiling just as sweetly as you remembered.“I, Maya, take you not only as my loving husband, but as my dearest friend.” You begin to mimic your vows. You had them down by memory after all. “This world meant little without your light revolving around me. Your sadness, your anger, your pain; you once told me these were all qualities you hated within yourself. I would tell you that while they are deceptive and ugly, they only make you stronger in the end. I shared mine with you. Now we have our lives to share even more times. Those times we get happy, discover, learn, and love- they will sparkle thanks to what we will overcome.” You peek up at the gems overhanging as they twinkle and shine. Would you never witness the stars again? Or him?“I love you. There is no changing it. Especially not now… And knowing me I’ll be crying once I reach this part, honestly. But you are my everything; the soul sun giving me warmth and light.” You giggle dryly as a sniffle escapes and tears stream down your face. You can feel your hands knotting around the bag and aching from the pressing metal.“I will take and exchange these rings with you out of love. I will take and exchange my life out of certitude. I will take and exchange our hardships out of friendship. I, Maya, will take you as my husband til death do us apart…………….but you are not exchangeable.”“I had those vows committed to memory for him. They were real and only for him. I said them; it was embarrassing but true. A lot of people were crying or giggling. It was honestly ridiculous.” You fist the rings and can feel yourself quivering. Sweat drips from your chin, or tears. You aren’t sure anymore. You’re honestly surprised there is enough fluid in you to even cause tears still. You feel as dry as a sun-dried sponge.“And then he got to say his vows…….and he all had was “I love you so much and am ready to share my life with you.” That’s it.” The tension and growing anxiety was too much as you stood abruptly. Sans is sternly quiet.“I wasn’t asking him to go all out. Back then I was just so happy I didn’t care. Even the original vows offered more to it than he did.” You let yourself look sorrowfully down at the rings – at the memories. They were for naught now. Everything was taken away from you – even your humanity. It wouldn’t be the first time you gave up your original life, but fuck did it sting.“But apparently…” Your teeth a grit and ground together as you transfer the rings into your dominant hand.“I’m fucking exchangeable!!!” Your anguished scream is followed by you rearing back your arm and pitching the bag into the lava. You watch it fly, descend, and catch fire. It’s your own emotional workout as you huff and suppress sobs. You wait as the fire fades and become nothing in the burning lake. Any words left are choked in your throat as you focus on breathing and giving up. Giving up Jason, your life, just everything. Looking back, it wasn’t the healthiest.Sans’ hand intertwines with your free one causing you to nearly flinch back. Looking down he has a fairly sympathetic stare on his face, but there is something calming about it. After a moment of you quivering in his grip, he offers a smile and slides his hand to your wrist with an inviting tug. As though he understands.You fall rather ungracefully onto your knees and let your head hang and cry. He smoothly wraps an arm behind you and pulls you into his hoodie. Your tears are hasty to soak into the fabric the reeks of ketchup and fresh detergent. It’s practically welcoming as you lean into the embrace to clutch his hoodie. You sob and whine into his shirt as he readjusts your head into his clavicle so you don’t suffocate.You lose track of the time. It has surely been more than 5 minutes. Hell, maybe even 10 if you attempt to recount. You cry til you can’t muster anything else but sniffles and coughs. Your knees hurt from the sudden fall and you are certain they will be bruised. Did scales even bruise? You let yourself lean back and rapidly rub your face. Your cheeks were puffy and soaked as you use Sans’ shirt sleeve to dry your remaining tears. Your eyes wanted to shut but you knew this wasn’t the place to fall asleep. At the very least you’d make your way back to the brothers house.You shifted around to be facing the lava once more and snagged your personal plate of pasta. In Hotland, at least, things didn’t go cold. You took a twirled bite of pasta and immediately regretted the generous bite. It was as bad as it looked for sure. You scooped and slurped another bite regardless. Ensuring it actually was all swallowed, you let a gross shiver shudder over your body and a dehydrated cough escape as you worked on uncapping your water bottle as you turned back to Sans. He looks surprised you even bothered with the pasta.“It’s pasta-ively awful.” You mention as you wash down the taste hastily. Sans’ eyes grow momentarily as he then lets loose an absolute and hearty laugh. He almost chokes on it – he nears hysterics as he picks up his own plate.“you don’t have to pelmeni!” He offers with a utterly sinister smile.“We aren’t making this a thing.” You sniffle with warning.“I cannoli imagine the pasta-bilities!” He shrieks with joy. You glare at him with as much stern humor you can manage.“Or-zo.” You sigh dejectedly as he practically glows. You both took another helping with disgust but fond appreciation. Maybe you could find some spare time to properly teach them how to cook. Especially Papyrus if all he served was spaghetti.“don’t fusilli over it!”“You are getting worse the more you say. Stop.”“ya can’t stop me now! I cappelini pun.”“Please no.” You hold down a half-hearted retch and swig down more water. You took a moment to actually be surprised that Sans’ mouth opened to eat the spaghetti. Usually his food just vanished into thin air!“but you tortellini understand, right?”“I shouldn’t of said anything, for fucks sake.” It was already too late to deny him the puns at this point.“I should make this a rotini.” He laughs heartily and deep as you fidget around.“Your puns aren’t trofie winning…”He is frozen in silence as you give him vague and quick side-glances; there is no response. Sighing and turning around, he has stars in his eyes and looks invigorated.“I’m going to regret this aren’t I?”“I would sagnette!”“Stop.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“O-Oh-Oh my s-st-stars…”“I should be saying that! You’ve caught them before like this!”“B-Bu-But th-the-t-they wer-we-weren’t li-li-lik-l-li-like-““SSHHHHH. LET THEM SLEEP. I KNOW SANS HAS NEEDED IT THESE PAST FEW DAYS. BESIDES, UNDYNE, YOU ADVISED ME THAT MAYA-“ You grumble and attempt to turn, but there is no escape. You sigh and lean into the heat against your forehead and adjust your legs.“Papyrus you’re the loudest one here!!” You recognized that voice as Undyne trying to be hush. You murmur and sigh, trying to turn about to ask her to be quiet. Your hair quickly snags onto something and you wince. Your attempt to pull away resulted in a pulling; your body is pulled into the warmth casually before being trapped.“mmmm..” A groan vibrates against you as your dreary eyes hang open at last. Calmly you pull your eyes back and recognize the serrated scar indented into familiar ribs. You yawn and smack your tongue around to try and alleviate the sleep drool from your mouth. Groggy you drag your gaze up to find the source of tugging – your hair is snagged between his necks vertebrae. Reaching up over his ribs you gently push his skull upwards to which he doesn’t even retaliate and begin untangling your hair. Fortunately your locks are short so it doesn’t take as much fumbling as your sleep-deprived makes it out to be. Now you push off his ribs and his arms locked behind your back lock tighter. You growl and press at his bony chin irately.“Le’go.” You murmur while trying to pry his arm off. Red gloved hands come about to relinquish you from Sans’ grip. You wave your hand in thanks and just choose the fast way out and roll away. As you’re falling you figure out you were put either onto the sofa or a bed. Your body and face connect directly into the floor where the fortuitousness of a near lack of nose becomes apparent to you. A few seconds of silent hang in the air before you groan miserably to the increasing yet dull pain.“I thought you said she was doing better….” Undyne sighed and hoisted you up.“WELL SHE ATE, BATHED, AND SLEPT! Papyrus declares proudly. Sans mutters in his sleep and snuggles beneath the provided covers. Undyne places you slowly into a chair and pats your face from your drunken daze.“Hey? Do you know who I am? Can you see?”“….That’s funny coming from you.” You point to her eyepatch with a drowsy smile. She sighs, settles your arm against the table and checks your face. You’re still busy attempting to open your eyes as you feel the cold swathe of disinfectant over your elbow. You shudder and now know what that yellow blur to your direct right is.“S-Sorry, d-did-d I-I st-sta-star-t-tle you-you?” Alphys asks and settles a hand onto your shoulder as a form of comfort.“Just a little. Sorry, you’re fine.” You gesture to your arm and hiss once the cold metal presses between a weak junction of scales. You feel your legs shiver stressfully as you don’t spare a glance at the procedure. It takes less than a minute, but you wouldn’t dare label it as enjoyable. You hiss as it is removed, but manage a pleased though weary smile. With a wince and bend of the arm you feel better, though Undyne is instantly in your face.“W-What?” You nervously ask as she just grabs your face out of nowhere. She runs her palms in circles over your cheeks and pinches your fins between her fingers. You squeak and squirm against her.“Quit moving – I’m seeing if you look less like death.” She grumbles and tugs at your face.“Ow, ow!” You retort, trying to press her off you. She relinquishes you and hums in thought as you massage your face.“You do look a little better…” She mumbles and spins on her boot. “Alright then! Papyrus, are you ready for a Royal Guards task?!”Papyrus, who was working his way through the fridge, halted all actions and sun to salute Undyne. His eyes were glowing proudly. Undyne gave him a toothy smile in response to the blatant enthusiasm.“I want you to be present with Maya as much as possible for the next few days!” Undyne instructs and you feel your jaw drop – practically unhinge. Standing to attention you snag her shoulder, twist her around, and whisper near her face.“What the fuck.”“Look, if you’re only supposed to get the dosage from Alphys every few days, you need a median or whatever for when the effects wear off. If hanging with the bro’s is helping you even slightly then isn’t it better then you slumming in my room?” She gives a cocky eyebrow raise as you’re stuttering to find a option for refuting. Your lasting silence seems to be her final answer as she spins back to address Papyrus.“Think that’s alright for you Papyrus?”“I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, SHALL TAKE ON THIS TASK!!” Papyrus shrieks triumphantly. Sans groans and you watch him shove a pillow into his face. “NOW THEN, AS ALL OF MY GOOD FRIENDS HAVE GATHERED HERE ON SUCH A FINE MORNING, WE’D BEST EAST UP FOR THE JOURNEY!!” He pulls a few foils of spaghetti, some fruit salad, and bread free from the refrigerator. Alphys silently slips away but you watch her shimmy over to the couch and carefully shake Sans’ shoulder. You choose the silence over the mayhem Undyne and Papyrus are about to stew up in the kitchen. It’s too early to be instructing them on how to properly cook.“S-Sans? Todays the d-day- wa-wak-ke up, please.” Alphys whispers while gently jostling his shoulder.“What is today anyways? Papyrus mentioned a journey or something. You guys going hiking?” You ask while plopping onto the farthest end of the couch.“O-Oh-Oh!! U-Um, we-we-w-we’re ta-tak-ki-king y-you-you to me-me-mee-meet, u-umm-um, As-g-gore.”“Asgore?” You mimic and try to place the name.“He’s th-the k-king.” Alphys reminds you blatantly as you refer back to that amnesia talk with Undyne. You feel blood leave your face as you turn to Alphys.“Y-You can just, what, up and talk to a king?” You mention nervously an begin to ring your fingers stressfully. Alphys gives you a confused stare.“Wh-What d-do you mean by th-that?”“W-What do I—We-Well he is t-the king. I can’t just—you want me to—you’re literally telling m-me right now that we are going to talk to the flipping king? I’m not prepared to meet royalty? Oh god what am I going to wear?! Do I have to?!” You cover your mouth in shock to the fresh revelation as Alphys waddles over and sets her hand onto your shoulder.“Th-There’s no-nothing to be-be worried about! A-Asg-gore is very k-kind and understa-standing!”“That’s what they want you to believe.” You hiss quietly and watch the confusion wrap around Alphys’ face.“eh, don’t worry ‘bout ‘sgore.” Sans’ slurred speech comes from the side as he rises and tenses when a bone briefly pops. Stretching out he let his elbows rest on his knees to slump over the edge of the couch. “ re’ly never e’en seen him mad bef’re.” Yawning he slips his feet casually into his slippers and scratches his vertebrae.“You’re telling me not to worry when I have to meet royalty in one of your ketchup crusted shirts.” You reply doubtfully when a bag comes careening from the kitchen directly towards your face. You catch it and nearly fly off the couch with the velocity it was thrown at you as Undyne guffaws. She already has tomato bits splattered across her forehead.“FUHUHU- I knew it wouldn’t fit ya!!!” Undyne cackles maniacally as you blush and slowly retreat to the bathroom, grumbling.“If you knew it didn’t fit then why couldn’t you have sent a bigger shirt you overgrown tun-“ “WHAT WAS THAT?!?” A spear come flying ahead of you as you duck and weave quickly to the bathroom for safety and slam the door shut. You huff and smile, wiping your forehead – there’s something stick on it! You rub harder.“Un-Und-d-dyne, u-um, you-you nee-need to b-b-b-b-be m-mo-re-re ca-ca-re-carefu-ful w-w-“ Alphys’ stuttering sky rockets as you turn back towards her. She is nearly knotted into a red steaming ball- it’s a great defensive position, but unnecessary. You can’t help scratching your cheek bashfully and smile, but you don’t entirely catch everything she says.“’ey, why you want Paps t’ look a’ter ‘er?” Sans is still working on waking up and rubbing his eye sockets. The giggling dies as you look onto the floor.“She needs friends right now. If anyone is good at encouraging people or comforting ‘em, I hate to admit it, but Papyrus is the skeleton for it.” You squeeze your bicep in pained thought. “I tried to talk to her for days, but she shut me out. I haven’t heard her talk this much since that one time with Metta. Alphie was telling me about her survival statistics – and it’s naturally low based off the 1 HP and the lack of Boss qualities.” Sans looked between you and Alphys who had escaped from the embarrassment and honed a more upset and hurt look.“Th-The su-supple-le-m-ments o-only can have a-any-ny effects for s-so long. Ev-Eventually her-her body will e-eith-either re-reje-ject it or a higher d-dos-dosage would need to-to be ad-mi-ministered. Th-There’s n-no telling wh-what str-strain it could put on her so-soul – she can’t risk it.”“that bad?” Sans winces.“In-In yo-your case you-you’re at th-th-t-the least st-stable. Sh-She is del-delicate not o-only ph-physically, but emo-motionally. Th-The only oth-ther option would, u-um, b-be ma-maybe to re-restore he-her memories o-o-or-or, u-uh, u-u-uhm—DT experiment-““no.” You look between the two. Your mouth opens before you think, as usual.“What is DT?”“No-Nothing!! It-It’s, a-a-a, uh, u-um-“ Alphys starts flailing about looking for an answer as you wait patiently.“it’s an old practice on the soul. ‘ll’s they got is brief documentation regardin’ procedures. s’posed to make it lighter.” Sans cuts in, placing his arm onto Alphys’ back. She just nods in agreement and looks back towards him. You’d nearly forgotten that Sans used to work in the lab! “’course if ya wanted a proper education regardin’ the workings, Alph would probably pull out the files. Whaddya-““Oh, look, Papyrus is burning the spaghetti!!” You quickly juncture in and march off towards the kitchen.“AM NOT!” He shouted back offensively but you pushed him back behind the walls regardless. Just a faint sniff and you know he totally burned it. You hang back against the wall – while you hated questioning it, that gut feeling of betrayal lingered around. You hated that feeling, especially with Alphys! But you also couldn’t deny the suspicion for what it was – you wouldn’t remember it at all, but if Sans was telling the truth he woulda begun the spiel already for how this DT or whatever wor-“why’d you bring that up?”“U-Uh! I-I.....—I-I was tr-transfer-r-ring sa-samples in-into a c-cryogenic sleep t-to keep them fresh.”“I thought we ran out.” You grip your hands tight into fists. They do know… You understand that Papyrus is quizzically looking at you, but you loom against the wall longer still.“N-No—It—Uh, I—n-not all of i-it was used. An-ny-th-thing administ-stered was in v-very minimal dos-s-ses.”“that’s ‘cause it’s meant for humans. we don’t have the proper genetic make-up to withstand it. you know perfectly the consequences though, don’t you?” Your teeth grit together; what is with that tone of voice? All judgmental and knowing! While them talking behind your back hurt, him making it sound like he spoke down to Alphys was worse!“Hey, so! What’s on TV?” You call out and spring back into the living room. Alphys looks pale and sweaty. She takes the initiative and fidgets with the skeletons remote. You drop onto the end of the couch that briefly dips with your sheer strength and power. You eye Sans bitterly and you catch him just looking back.“’dyne.”“Hah?” You fold your arms and await his response. His head is lowered and hands gripping one another painfully.“don’t ask her ‘bout it. she’ll tell ya when she’s ready.” He whispers back, casting a brief glance towards Alphys. Your eyebrows knotted together; for now you would oblige that request. But how long would it take for her to trust me? You look sorrowfully at Alphys, but only briefly. Emerging from the bathroom you’re unsure whether the ketchup stained shirt isn’t a better choice – the top Undyne provided was questionable considering it was another crop top but hung tightly to your body instead of the one that just hung off your breasts. The bra made things a bit more awkward, but you refused to allow your nipples to be seen. Looking about the bathroom and reeling back your memory, you flush and hug your chest. You wore a set of skinny leggings with a black torn denim pattern that you actually enjoyed. Probably a better choice than the sweatpants too. Your main issue was the footwear – she only brought heels with boots or sandal wedges a bit too tall. You were carried here via burrito so you hadn’t gotten any shoes with you. Sans lent you slippers yesterday when you worked your way to Hotland. Regardless, you took the wedges to avoid the clacking heels. Now that drove you insane. As a last measure resort while looking at your reflection in the mirror you sweep your hair behind your fin. It’s a strange feeling to casually recognize your own lack of ears now, but you digress at this point.Walking downstairs you hear Undyne whistle and you spare her a glare. She heartily slurps up spaghetti and snickers.“Ya look great!” She shouts and throws a thumbs up which instantly directs everybody’s attention onto you. Papyrus squeals and nearly drops his plate; his hands fly to his cheekbones and his sockets sparkle enthusiastically.“YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!” He squeaks and you self-consciously try to hide your face. Making your way down the remainder of the stairs you look over towards the television to witness a commercial of sorts involving that robot from yesterday: Mettaton. He has returned to that calculator shape and is laying seductively in a tub of rose petals. You itch the junction of your elbow where the hole still heals and your stomach groans at the smell of food.“Th-T-There’s, u-uh food in-in the microwave f-for you.” Alphys directs as she works her way around the bits of burnt spaghetti and tomato. You nod and skip past the TV to not distract Papyrus who’s intent on watching. You feel somebodies eyes trailing on your back, but ignore it as you open the microwave. Within rests a piece of quiche, a tiny platter of spaghetti, and some buttered slices of cheese bread remaining from yesterday. A fresh blush worms over your face, your fins flaring and leaning back as you peek towards the couch. Hadn’t Papyrus mentioned that Sans didn’t bake anymore? You fidget but grab the plate before making your way back towards the couch. Refusing to force them to scooch together when it’s already tight you instantly just plop onto the ground and place your plate and bowl on the table.“MAYA! YOU NEED NOT SIT ON OUR LOVELY CARPET! HERE – YOU MAY HAVE THE GREAT PAPYRUS’S SEAT!!!” Papyrus works on gathering his things as you raise your hand.“No, Paps, it-it’s fine. I don’t mind sitting on the floor. I’ll be careful to not drop anything either.” You wave off his concern, but you still see his face knotted between insisting or accepting.“eh, don’t fight over it. just cush-in make up.” Sans winks and sets his empty plate alongside Undynes.“SWITCH WITH ME. I BEG YOU.” Papyrus declares and gets a snicker from Undyne and Alphys – Sans just leaks that proud energy again as you carefully twirl the pasta onto a fork. You lean atop the wood coffee table.“I wood not want to ruin your show, Paps. I think its floor the best anyways – oh, wait, I forgot a drink.” You cut yourself off and force yourself to stand up. Strafing into the kitchen you just fill a glass with water and swig a bit before waking back. Everyone is frozen staring at you as you approach again, filling you with concern.“….Water you staring for?” You wince and look to everyone. Papyrus grabs Sans’ jacket in each of his hands and starts shaking him hazardously.“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO OUR GOOD FRIEND MAYA?! WHY- WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE PUNS?!” Papyrus exclaims with giant anguished tears spewing out his sockets. Undyne breaks out into uproar of laughter and slaps her knee repeatedly, while Alphys mimics your confusion.“FUHUHUHUHU-A-Are you serious?!” Undyne points in your direction causing you to start abruptly.“What? What did I dew?” You shake off the gathering condensation and Papyrus does some illegible screech. Sans is hiding his wide smile but you can make his laughs out between Undynes sheer volume. Papyrus drops Sans after a moment and just buries his head into his gloves.“STARS WHY ME…”“I seriously don’t know what everyone is laughing about?” You mutter and slowly settle back onto the floor.“Yo-You’ve been, u-uh, saying pu-puns very na-natru-tr-tru-trually.” Alphys points out with a vague smile. Your eyes widen and you look between Sans and Papyrus. Sans just gives you a thumbs up while Papyrus looks ready to break down.“Oh, uh, s-sorry Paps. It-It wasn’t on purpose!” You mutter and settle a soothing hand against his patella. He peeks over his gloves as you offer a sympathetic smile. Papyrus sighs and fixes his slouched posture.“VERY WELL. I WILL ONLY, RARELY, CONDONE YOUR TERRIBLE YET ACCIDENTAL PUNS. SANS I STILL FORBID YOU TO MENTION ANYMORE!! I HAVE DEALT WITH IT A MANY EARS!”“bro. we’re skeletons.” Sans points out with a snarky smile while you return to picking at your spaghetti. It might be leftovers, but it tastes relatively the same – burnt and slimy. You force it down regardless as the commercial finally ends and returns to the main program. Mettaton is wearing a really tall chefs hat and pink apron, with Frisk besides them. You nearly spew the spaghetti out as Frisk wanders the kitchen bringing Mettaton different ingredients.“Wha-Where-?” The spaghetti slides off your fork as you stare in confusion – weren’t they hunting Frisk? Was this publicity really a good idea?!“Yo, they’re in Hotland. Mettaton and Sans should be the only ones keeping ‘em from advancing now.” Undyne grumbles and crosses her arms, sparing Sans a glare. You spin your head about to look at Sans.“But I thought Sans and Papyrus already-?” You look out to Snowdin but Papyrus waves his red glove about.“IT IS MY DIRECT DUTY TO PROTECT SNOWDIN! SANS IS THE JUDGE – WHATEVER THAT IS.” Papyrus shrugs and slurps up more spaghetti.“We-Well th-t-the, u-um, J-Judge ca-ca-can only ju-judge humans w-who make it t-t-t-t-to th-th-the throne r-room-m-m……A-And th-th—n-no humans ha-have-ve fallen in q-quite a l-long time.” Alphys admits and nibbles on a piece of bread.“Wait, so what does he do? He doesn’t fight them does he?” You ask suspiciously; Sans flinches. Before you can jump on the movement, Undyne interrupts with waving it off and dying laughter.“Fuhuhu- hell no! Sans is the laziest thing in the Underground – rocks do more! Most he does is decide if they are allowed to meet the king or not. Then he sleeps against a pillar.”“eh, you’d be surprised. I get a ton done in the meantime- a sk-“ “SANS I FORBID YOU FROM TELLING THAT DISGUSTING PUN FOR THE 8TH TIME THIS MONTH!!!” Papyrus screeches and shoves a meatball into Sans’ mouth to silence him. He doesn’t gripe on the matter and munches contently on the meatball.“OH MY! WAIT A MAGNIFICENT MOMENT! HOW COULD I FORGET!!! WE’RE MISSING THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT!” Turning your face back towards the TV you see the food has been piled together. And then Mettaton pulls a chainsaw out. Alphys gasps and retrieves her phone from her coat pocket. The chainsaw revs and Frisk looks completely calm despite the increasing nervous sweat.“A HUMAN SOUL!!!!” The chainsaw whirs as your drop your fork onto the plate.“WHAT??!” You screech and spin to the others. Undyne looks impressed, Alphys is fucking calling someone, Sans is asleep, and Papyrus’ eyes are glowing.“Uh-UH, c-come on!!” Alphys is paling as her phone rings. On the television the phone rings and Mettaton picks it up.“HELLO…? I’M KIND OF IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING HERE.”“W-Wait a second!!!” Alphys’ voice comes through the TV as well and you can’t fathom the pain later produced by the double take you do before lurching at the phone. Alphys lets you have it as you try to not crack the screen.“If you even try to touch that kid I will dismantle you and throw you into a junk compactor!!!!” You scream and quickly are plucked away. Undyne hoists you over her shoulder and pins you in the center of the rug. She pries the phone from your grip and hurls it back to Alphys who fumbles with it. Immediately she is pinning you against the floor where you are left to watch on helplessly.“Undyne!!! Get off!!” You fidget and wrap your leg around her – not long after you both are quarreling in wrestling.“Chill your fins! Alph wouldn’t let the kid die that easily!” She grumbles and grips you into a headlock. You gasp and rear your leg around to do the same with her. Struggling, you manage to somehow pin each other with straining muscles.“Undyne get off me! He’s going to kill Frisk!!!” You screech and reach back to shove at her face. You gasp when she takes a chomp at your hand like a baited shark. The instant she attempts to readjust you slip free of the choke hold to rear around onto her. Taking advantage of your confusion you make a jump for Alphys. She denies you quickly – snatching your arm behind your back and pinning the center of your shoulders down.“Y-You could ma-maybe use a s-substitute?” Alphys’ conversation catches your ears as you feel your fins flare.“Why is he even trying to bake Frisk?! What the hell!!” You yell and continue to wrestle with Undyne.“U-UM-“ You peek past your fury to see a confused and concerned Papyrus. Just from his pained expression you lose the will to fight; Undyne, taking advantage of the moment, ensures you’re pinned down properly. She huffs right above your fins and blows hair back into your face.“A-Are you calm now?”“He’s going to cook Frisk!!” You struggle against her and she grumbles. Hoisting you up like a dangling puppy she drags you towards and out the front door with a “Tch” of irritation. Your last views on the screen is Frisk looking at the screen with open eyes. Whimpering as she drags you away, she begins to walk you out of Snowdin and back towards Waterfall. You only make it to the first Echo Flower before she plops you onto the counter of a station.“What is your deal right now?” Undyne stresses and rubs her temple.“How can you not expect outrage when Mettaton is wielding a chainsaw in Frisks face?!” You retort briskly and let your hands grip your knees with frustration. Undyne grumbles and leans against the edge besides you.“You honestly think Mettaton or anyone in the Underground would eat the kid?” Undyne sighs and grabs your head. She ruffles your hair and lets the gentle hum of Waterfall fill the silence.“I just…….don’t want Frisk to be hurt. I want them to get out. To go home. Live their human life or whatever. They don’t deserve this…” You mutter lowly.“Not even sure they can. No humans have ever escaped.” Undyne admits with a side glance of worry. You hadn’t presumed it, but the thought still wrenched at your heart. What was Frisks fate if not escaping?Undyne keeps you there for a few more minutes until Papyrus and Sans come strolling over. Alphys doesn’t seem to be with them either. Undyne doesn’t halt you this time when you hop off the counters edge. Self-conciously you rub the scales on your arm as Papyrus immediately approaches you.“FEAR NOT, MAYA! THE WONDERFUL DOCTOR ALPHYS ROUTED METTATONS SHOW NATURALLY! OF COURSE FRISKS PHONE TURNED INTO A JETPACK AND THEY HAD TO PROPEL UP A MILE HIGE COUNTER TOP TO RETRIEVE THE HUMAN SOUL SUBSTITUTE CAN METTATON HAD LEFT PRECARIOUSLY FAR AWAY – BUT THEY RETRIEVE IT WITHIN THE SINGLE MINUTE TIME LIMIT LIKE A LITTLE HUMAN CHAMP!!!” Papyrus went on an extensive spiel about the show that brought newfound horror over your face.“Where’s Alph?” Undyne cuts in as you work on wrapping your mind around the entire situation. Jetpack? Mile-high counter? Human Soul Substitute Can?!“SHE RETURNED TO HER LABORATORY TO CONTINUOUSLY THWART METTATONS DIVINE YET DEVIOUS TRAPS!” Papyrus proudly poses and stars form into his sockets. “HE IS A ROBOT TO TRULY BE TRIFLED WITH!” Papyrus proclaims and looks down to see the concern washing over your face, to which he begins shaking his hands in denial.“W-WELL I MEANT AS A MONSTER!! OUR DEAR AND STRONG HUMAN FRISK WOULD NOT EASILY BE BESTED EVEN BY METTATON! – OH LOOK AT THE TIME; WALK O’CLOCK!” Papyrus spun you about and pressed into your back forcing you to walk. You gave a weary smile – it wasn’t like you even knew precisely where Frisk was – only that they were in Hotland. That alone was a problem.Sans and Papyrus surprisingly take the lead and wander through Waterfall. Undyne hangs back with you trying to make idle chit-chat; clearly trials to take your mind off the situation. You shivered and trembled every now and then – whether in regards to frustration or sorrow you aren’t sure.“Aww man…”“Yo, dude, how did you even manage that?” Childrens voices draw your attention from the sideline. A little group have congregated by the waters edge. They all stare almost perfectly horizontal – across the water imbedded into a stone crevice lies an odd little toy. Somebody would need to scale a decent amount of wall to retrieve it.“I just wanted to see how high it’d go!!” One exclaims to the other who begins gritting their teeth defensively. They other kids intervene to stop any aggression. Without a word, Undyne approaches.“What’s going on sprouts?” Undyne calls and gains all the kids attention. Similar to Papyrus they flinch to the voice but heartily swarm Undyne with affection.“Holy stars its Undyne~!” “Can I get your autograph?!” “Sooo cool!!” “Hi, I’m Bob!”“Alright alright settle down now. What’s wrong?” Undyne calms the children, though their mouths quickly shut.“We were playing ‘Turtle, Spear, Spell’ and Metra started crying!” One little boy finally speaks up and points to a child curled into a sniveling ball on the ground. “She was playing with her PolarPlane and threw it right into the wall. We’d get it ourselves, but this wall has a lot of dripping so the stones are too slippery to climb.” Papyrus and Sans must realize you and Undyne vanished as they are walking back and catch you with the children.“Pfft – this rock? No problem!” Undyne huffs onto her knuckles and buffs them onto her shirt; a useless gesture. Papyrus quickly joins the cluster earning a few gasps of surprise from the children.“THAT IS CORRECT! UNDYNE IS THE GREATEST CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD EVER TO BE EMPLOYED! FOR INSTANCE, SHE RESCUED OUR DEAR FRIEND MAYA FROM A HORDE OF VIVACIOUS YET VICIOUS PIRANHAS! OR THE OTHER TIME-“ Papyrus goes off on a tirade of stories that sucks in the children and Undyne to gloat. You sigh and rub your temples when a sniffle catches your ears. One child is still consoling the one known as Metra – this little girl dressed in a two different striped socks. She looked almost like a faun of sorts, but her hands covered her weeping eyes. She did have a beak though from what you could see, and her sobs came out like chirps. Stepping away from the crowd you joined the child comforting her.“Hey-“ You touch her shoulder and watch her flinch inwardly. The other child – a older boy with more lizard attributes – steps in your way.“Hey, leave her alone! Everyone got really upset at her just because her crying got in the way of the game. She doesn’t like strangers, so just go away.” The boy warns. A nudge comes from your back left.“’ey kiddo – le’s scale down the sass, huh?” Sans steps in besides you, further frightening the little girl. You stand and move back to grant her space, but she doesn’t relinquish her face. You sigh, coil around Sans to not interrupt his spew of puns on the defensive child, and glare at the wall. Pressing your foot back you use the minimal gap and throw yourself at the wall. Grasping the slippery rocks you thank any planet alignment that you’d taken a childhood liking to rock-climbing. Perks for growing up near a mountain. Swiftly, you maneuver around the hazardous and moss covered rocks and make your way up. You’ve noticed it recently as well, but the fins conjoined onto your head have been reacting more then ever before. Droplets landing against the rock face or into the caverns many pools catches your attention; similar to a cat, you pick it up. They flex and flare accordingly despite you never knowing how – like when moving your toes but you never really considered how it feels to solely move your pinky toe.Finally, after a minute of sincere and rather calm climbing, you reach the toy. You take great care to pry it out slowly. Once freed from the hole you get a closer look at the device. It has a little polarbear figurine in the cockpit of a plane that has a face and scarf. The plane is divided in colors of blue and red – polar opposites. It brings you a grin as you peek downwards. Sans is leaning back amusedly just gawking at you climbing. You roll your eyes and throw yourself from the wall. One of the kids gasp causing the majority of the rest to divulge from the story Papyrus is going on about to join in with a scream, yell, or cheer. You have to roll to make the landing, but the toy remains undamaged. You take a moment to blow the hair from your eyes and tuck it back behind your fin; squatting next to the child you set the toy on the ground.“Here you go. Don’t worry – nobody thinks you were a bother. They just weren’t sure how to help.” You mumble and fluff their vibrant yellow hair. The child leans back to look at you; her eyes are huge and red with tears. They are a calming shade of purple and grey, and her face is that of an owl. She looks down at the toy that she carefully plucks into her little hands, and looks back to you with a starry eyed expression you were used to.“Th-Thank y-you.” She whispers and cuddles the toy close. You smile warmly and stand to attention. You continue to rise, however, as Papyrus hoists you from the ground. You squeak and press against his arms, but he has your entire midsection in his grasp.“MAYA!! HOW COULD I NOT SEE THE POTENTIAL BEFORE HAND?! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, ADMIT TO THIS TRIVIAL ERROR!” Papyrus concedes, nodding as though you are on the same page.“Wha-“ “IT IS CLEAR TO ME NOW! YOU SHOULD TRAIN WITH ME UNDER UNDYNES TUTELAGE TO BECOME A GRAND ROYAL GUARD!” You shrivel in his grasp as he slings you under his arm and carries you along. “Papyrus, my answer is still no.” You mutter and rub your temple. It is becoming damp with sweat as you walk out of the elevator. You had kept a low profile despite Papyrus’ nagging on the issue throughout all of Hotland and MettaMart. Afterwards was a series of sincerely giant elevators that apparently skipped your stroll through the maze known as the CORE. Papyrus stamped his foot in childish defiance.“BUT YOU HAVE THE MINIATURE BUILD, THE SPUNK, THEN STRENGTH! YOU COULD HELP SO MANY MONSTERS!” Papyrus informs you with a proud pat on the back. The power pushing it lurches you forward on your feet.“Yeah, but I don’t want to be some savior of the Underground. I just want to be normal and live Papyrus.” You grumble and halt at the arch to the following room. A yellow and orange tiled hall extends ahead of you with pillars upholding the center. The practically black shadows from the unexplainable light source beyond the halls large windows sends a shiver over your spine. Papyrus fixes his posture and marches down the hall while tailing Undyne.“uhhh…”A haunting vibe reverberates through your mind as you cannot find the strength to move your legs. An almost phantasmal chill rides over you as your gaze falls on the shadows. “Maya?” Jolting suddenly you spin about to find Sans has hung back with you. You gulp and slowly turn back to the hall.“Sans…where is this?” You mumble and feel yourself self-consciously grasp your arm. It shivers, and you are certain your hair would stand on end.“…..Judgement Hall. I’ll ‘Judge’ the kid in here…” Sans mutters; his hand covers your own. Its warms, real, and guiding as he gently tugs you down the hall. Reluctantly you follow him.“Why does it feel-….Mmm.” You hum and try to stand clear of the pillars.“what?” Sans looks back – there is something different in his eyes; it say a lot though considering his lack of eyes in the first place.“I- ugh I don’t know. I’m just….being stupid.” Your trials of shrugging off the heavy air laced in this place goes unrewarded as your skepticism for the whole place worsens.“yeah. stupid suits you.” Sans yawns. You don’t even need to think when you give him a shove.“Asshole…”“can’t call me somethin’ I don’t e’en ‘ave.” His grin extends across his face as you reach to give him another shove. He dodges it dutifully as your brows furrow.“’ey, look-it! she’s walkin’!” Sans snickers and leans against a pillar. Only in his pause do you find yourself, surprisingly, half way through the hall. That chill doesn’t leave you and you return to gripping your forearm.“You really don’t feel it?” You mutter and force yourself forwards. Perhaps it was the intimidation before the king?“whatchya feelin’? I’ll jot it down – it’ll cost ya every hour though.” Sans gives a sly wink as you grumble and pass him. Your eyes linger longer on the pillars and the shadows they cast.“It feels…..haunted? I-I don’t know. This place……..ugh it’s just- it feels like somebody is haunting this hall or whatever. Okay? Do I sound stupid yet?” Looking back to him you aren’t able to see his entire face. You are distinctly aware though his eyes have faded from existence as they appear to do at certain stressful intervals. “…Sans?”“let’s get goin’.” He ignores your call, flashes you that casual smile, and walks on ahead. His face is unreadable as you pout, grip your arm, and follow. Undyne and Papyrus are barking at you to rush – knowing you won’t receive answers from Sans in his current state you rush ahead. Fixing your hair and appearance up does little to quell the stress.“Alright. Nothin’ to get stressed about!”“Ya. Okay. Stress not shall I.” You mutter and fiddle with the fins on your arms. You are shown into a room almost out of a fairytale. Unlike the hallway before, the light streaming into this room gives life to the hundreds if not thousands of buttercups clumping together into a field across the floor. Moss and vines cascade the adjacent walls and climb towards the ceiling with a nice complimenting green to the entire golden room. In the center sits a lone gold and purple throne. In the back right another throne clearly covered and disused sits. A white figure cloaked in purple recedes backwards from the room leading in the back and they must duck to avoid their horns bashing into the arch ways top.“Oh golly! You’ve arrived!” His deep voice echoes in the tiny space as you feel yourself become inexplicably tiny in both height and confidence. He stands at least 7 feet tall, but he is a natural giant. He is entirely cloaked in purple, but beneath you catch an intricate armor piece made of leather and gold. It leads out to make a collar to attach the cloak to. He has blonde hair despite being what you can best describe as a goat face. He has a polite smile past his encompassing beard. You feel yourself gasping like a fish; the irony hits you soon afterwards.“HELLO YOUR MAJESTY!!” Papyrus waves enthusiastically as your eyes focus on not bugging out.“Good afternoon Papyrus.” He hums back and approaches your little group. “To you as well, Sans!” Sans comes up besides Papyrus and they both curtly yet quickly bow.“you too, majesty.”“Come now – you’ve been excellent guards and friends to the royalty. You needn’t address me as such.” Asgore waves off their formalities.“you goat it.” Sans shrugs and Papyrus hastily smacks his own skull.“HONESTLY SANS, IT IS ONLY PROFESSIONAL TO ADDRESS HIS MAJESTY PROPERLY!! THOUGH, FOR THIS TIME, I WILL RESPECT YOUR WISHES KING ASGORE!” Papyrus heartily salutes Asgore as he offers a gentle smile. His gaze turns to you and Undyne as your legs begin to tremble.“Hello Undyne.” “Hey Asgore!” Undyne heartily punches his armor and they both chuckle as your mind begins to race. Undyne was being extremely casual, but perhaps coming off as polite and proper in the initial greeting would work better in the fu- “Who might you be dear?” FUCK IT.“Uh, um, Ma-MAYA! IT- UH- I-It’s, uh, umm, uh-huh, ve-very nice to meet you, s-s-sir, I mean, Majesty, NO, UH! I mean, Asgore, wait, um, King Flu-Fluffy B-Buns? UM, WAIT UH, BARA GOAT, MAJESTY- I DIDN’T SAY THAT- UH-“ Your stammering trails off as your mind slowly becomes sludge as your face flares with heat. You are distinctly aware Sans is covering his face to withhold snickers, Papyrus looks aghast, and Undyne is just watching this train wreck. Asgore is patient by all means, but he also appears flabbergasted by your panic.“UH, UM, I-I’m- I’M SORRY!! IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU!!” You shriek and deeply bow your head down. You feel your fins flare and twitch as you try to gain an even breathing – tears bite at your eyes.“….The hell is a bara goat?” Undyne asks honestly as your entire face transforms red. A giant hand lands onto your arm and startles you to peek up at the calm and endearing eyes before you. He looks concerned as he gently strokes your shoulder.“I’ve heard bits and pieces of your predicament. Amnesia isn’t something to be trifled with. Probably coming across someone such as myself would prove rather intimidating.” He chuckles and straightens himself out. His finger presses beneath your chin causing you to lift yourself back up rather rigidly.“Might I interest you in a chat over some tea?” Asgore gestures back the way you all had come in. Frightfully, you just nod your head – standing stock still served no purpose. The others trail behind as Asgore guides you back through the halls.“What do you recall?” Asgore notes at along the way as you rub your forearms.“We-we-w-well, u-uh, I was g-getting ma-mar-married to u-uh, my fiancé? We-we wanted a hu-human marriage? B-But, um, he-he cheat-che-cheated on me. I ran away? And then I fell – U-Undyne and Ger-G-Gerson picked me up.” You mutter and realize the elevator is dinging. Asgore, however, is already passed the elevator. Turning about, the others cram into the elevator.“Oh, you will not be joining us for tea?” Asgore asks as you whiplash double take between Asgore and the others. They were just leaving?!?“Oh we would but we’d thought it be good to let her get it off her chest.” Undyne and Sans share a cocky smile as horror reaps over your face.“Hmm. Another time then?” Asgore insists and Sans replies with a click of his tongue and snapping his fingers into finger guns. You watch aghast as they just crowd into the elevator and leave. “Are you coming?” Asgore asks. Initially you back up; your prayers rest in that they will return. By the point you are ascending a set of stairs into a rather monotone housing, you’ve lost those hopes. He pulls a chair free at the table and pats it – you take the gesture that’s offered and place yourself in the seat. He pushes you back in, unclips the cloak to rest of the chair he places closer to you, and thuds his way into the kitchen you presume. Only now against the wooden floor can you really hear the gravitational thuds of his sheer mass and pressure on the ground. You fidget with your fingers and resist tucking your legs up onto the chair like a child.“Here we are…” Asgore sighs and brings out a filled kettle, plate of cookies, and balanced on his elbow lies a set of cups. You stand to help him, but he already has everything sliding onto the table with ease. Humbly, you seat yourself once more. A pink and orange flame erupts from nothing but his paw which causes you to rear back in the chair and gasp. His eyebrows shoot up and worry crosses his expression.“Oh, forgive me Maya. I forgot momentarily that this must be bizarre to you. I ensure you, I am merely heating the tea.” Asgore exemplifies his words by holding the flame just beneath the kettle. It doesn’t take even a minute before it whistles, and the contents are poured. He hands you the cup gracefully and a plate with a few fresh cookies served and ready for consumption. His armor clacks against the chair, but he doesn’t take long to get comfortable and munch on a cookie. Not wanting to appear rude, you cradle the cup, tentatively blow at the rim, and take a tiny sip. The fragrance mixed with the crackling fire on the sidelines and the heavenly smell of flowers works its wonder on your nerves. You unconsciously relieve a sigh as Asgore chuckles tenderly.“Do you feel a tad calmer now?” He asks and lifts his own teacup.“Oh, u-uh, y-yes sir.” You nod along with your words and help yourself to another sip.“You are free to talk whenever you feel you are ready, dear. My intentions are to help, not to scare. I cannot truly understand your predicament I suppose considering you are suffering something very frightening, but I want you to understand that as King my precedence lies in my citizens well-being. You are one of my citizens, therefore, I will do what I can to appease your worries.”“…Th-Thank you, your Majesty.” You nod almost mimicking a bow as he waves off the formalities yet again.“Please. You may call me Asgore.”“Oh, uh, okay…..Asgore? Um, thank you again. Your ho-hospitality is, um, sincere, and really appreciated.” You force a weary smile that he counters with his own warm grin. He sips at his tea and places it cautiously back onto the plate.“So, uh, y-you just want me to talk?...L-Like about wh-what I remember?” You indicate and fiddle with e teacups handle.“So long as it doesn’t upset you and can aid in any way, then yes.”“Okay…Uh……Well I am Maya? I-I don’t know exactly where I am originally from. It’s kind of a blur. I just know…….I-I…I don’t want to go back.”“Why not?” Asgore asks with open eyes.“Well, a-as I mentioned before, I had a fight, uh, with my fiancé. B-But even before that it wasn’t pleasant. I rem-re-remember v-very little – I didn’t have f-friends, my family d-didn’t care about me in a-all honesty. Now m-my fiancé has betrayed me, s-so-“ Your mouth is tightening and blinking hastening.“There is nothing to return to?” Asgore finishes your thought as you subtly nod. It’s depressing to think, but even if you all got out of the Underground, there would be nothing waiting for you when you returned. Hell, you couldn’t return if you wanted to considering nobody would believe it was actually you!“Besides my pet bird, no – nothing is left.” You sigh, blow, and take another sip. “Even then I don’t doubt that he took her…” Thinking back on your poor Cockatoo you can’t help but sigh miserably. Gummi was her nickname, she was spoiled beyond repair, but she was the joking partner in crime. Jason hated her honestly, but she was your best friend at that point in your life so there was no picking – he tolerated her, though he hated whenever she stole a joke punchline.“I see……there is no chance to recover your dear pet?” Asgore asks and you shake your head. Kind of impossible when you can’t even reach out to her. “I’m sorry to hear that.”“It’s not your fault! I shouldn’t-….I probably shouldn’t have reacted the way I did.” You sigh and rub your necks strenuously.“Did the circumstances call for it?” Asgore adds and drinks the remainder of his tea before helping himself to another cup.“Well……..he was sleeping with another girl?” The kettle bangs onto the table and startles you into a light jump in your chair.“The circumstances called for it.” Is all Asgore replies with. You let that hang in the air and drink more tea. It must contain some magic or calming agent to help make it so relaxing.“So what will your next course of action be?” Asgore asks as you set your drink down in blank thought. “Will you remain with Undyne? Will you search for answers to your forgotten memories? What do you wish to get back, and what are you willing to let go?”“….I want to move on? I don’t want to stay in Undynes house forever – one morning I will wake up and she will just set the entire heap on fire.” You groan and Asgore chuckles. The deep throaty sound becomes more soothing the longer you’re subjected to it as you cannot resist your own smile. “Waterfall is wonderful. I wish I could stay there, but I don’t know where I could possibly live.”“Whereabouts?” Asgore answers so swiftly it throws you off from your thoughts. Thinking back, your favorite spot was definitely…“Do you know of the place with the iridescent water? The ground is practically black with moss and there are lily pads and echo flowers scattered about. It’s one of the first places I saw when I woke up in Undynes house and it took my breath away. If my home just floated on that water, I’m almost certain that I would fall asleep with ease. The waves are calm and it’s nearby to Gerson, Undyne, and the River Person for visiting Snowdin or Hotland. So I can treasure the friends I’ve made rather than live for a past that doesn’t want me to start with.” You grab a cookie and munch on it. It practically melts in your mouth as you greedily shove the remainder in.“And what would be your response if this dream house was a very viable possibility so that you can appreciate the new life you are adopting?” Processing his words you turn back to Asgore who has a cheeky but proud smile. Your eyes sparkle and dismiss the timid nature you had adapted around Asgores intimidating size and regal presence.“I think I would faint.” You admit.“I’ll ensure we have a stretcher on standby.” He chuckles and sips his tea. You carry with you the contracting deal regarding the house – it should be finished in a weeks time under the Kings direct request. You were initially shy about the offer, but Asgore is apparently very insistent. You have nothing but gratitude towards the large goat, although you have yet to let go that embarrassing tirade of nicknames that simply spewed from your mouth. Bara Goat?!Asgore was kind enough to present you with a map to Alphys’ lab. It was just a really extensive labyrinth of inane elevator placements. Your cup of water was already gone, and it was another 10 minute walk back to Alphys’. By the time you’d made it in and sighed with relief to the cold air you found Alphys checking the cameras.“THEY ARE TRULY INCREDIBLE!!” Papyrus shouted giddily and ate a little spoon of ice cream while watching on. The door closed behind you as everybody swiveled their heads in attention.“O-Oh! M-Maya – you’re b-b-back-k!” Instinctively, you hid the paper in your pants pocket. You’d wanted to keep it a secret so Undyne or Papyrus didn’t have a chance to guilt trip you into staying with Undyne. You were close enough as is, putting a mild distance between you wouldn’t damage anything. Asgore agreed to these terms fairly reasonably.“Yeah. Thanks Alphys for greeting me. Tea was excellent.” You emphasize your words and glare at Undyne, Sans, and even Papyrus. Undyne grumbles and leans back into the provided couch as they watch the screen.“Look we figured it’d be best to just let you guys talk! What would ya rather we’d been there where Papyrus woulda made a slew of compliments, Sans wouldn’t shut up with his puns, and me just screwin’ round with Asgore? You’d get a whole bunch more done with just the two of ya.” She waved off your concerns as you tensed up.“Why didn’t you warn me he was a flipping giant?! I thought my heart would stop! I think I was on the precipice of fainting!!” You screech and grip your fins. Undyne cackles and smacks her knee – following the line of sight you catch Frisk dancing alongside the more humanoid version of Mettaton. You don’t even want to ask as you grumble and wipe the sweat from your forehead.“Alphys, I hate to bother you, but, uh, d-do you have anything I could drink?”“O-Oh, sure! Undyne p-p-put th-the, uh, pun-punch on t-the r-ri-right I be-believe.” Alphys instructs and returns to her work. You can tell she is clearly busy so you sidle over and help yourself. On the right lies an almost miniature soda bottle with what you presume is the punch she referred to. It is labelled ‘DC’ so you shrug and pluck it – likely ‘Dark Cherry’ or some other weird name the monsters bestowed upon it. It took a bit of pressure but you managed to pop the top – it even sizzled briefly. It’s small so you down it almost instantly; it doesn’t taste a thing like Dark Cherry, but you don’t hate it. You peek around for a trash can, but there is nothing in your brief sight. That and it’s glass, so maybe monsters recycle.“Alphys? Where should I put the bottle?” You ask and wave the empty bottle as a signal.“Th-T-The b-bottle? I-I’m certain th-that punch is in a large j-“ She turns about to look at you with confusion. Her movements freeze and the papers in her grasp all flutter onto the ground. She starts trembling as her little claws go up to cover her mouth.“Ma-M-Ma-May-Ma-Maya- d-d-d-do-do-do-“ Alphys has tears forming behind her glasses. Your attempt to step forward and console her results in her lunging forwards to grab your arms.“Did you drink th-that?! H-How do you feel?! Oh stars I-I-I d-don’t ha-have the for-f-formula ready yet!! Did you really- Why- Did you d-drink all of it!?!?” Alphys is screeching; her hair would be pulled out with the frenzy that has overtaken her eyes. She is shaking you abruptly as you try to form her answers.“Uh, yes I drank it, I feel fine, formula for what, and yes I was thirsty?!” You blurt as much of it back as you can as beads of sweat trickle down her scales.“’ey, ‘ey, quiet down. this’s my favorite channel.” Sans raises what you presume is a beer towards Alphys as she spins about with a hand on her face and head.“Maya dr-drank the Determination sample going into Cryogenics!!!” She shrieks. Sans’ eyes go instantaneously hollow. He blips from the sofa to your side before lifting your arm.“any signs of matter melting? any dizziness, bursts of energy, certainty, and or molecular hyperactivity?” Sans is spewing bundles of nonsense as Alphys rushes past you and into what you had thought was the toilet.“Sans, what the hell are you doing?” You pry and attempt to retrieve your arm back.“making sure you aren’t melting.” You hurl your arm back into yourself and give him a look of disbelief.“I’m inside Sans. I am not about to sweat into a puddle. Now either properly explain what’s happening or I am going over there and teaching Papyrus curse words!” You hiss angrily. The door opens and Alphys comes out bearing a vial of sorts. At this point the commotion has attracted Undyne and Papyrus.“WHAT IS HAPPENING?” Papyrus nears you, but Sans instantly puts distance between you both.“don’t touch Maya for a bit bro.” Sans instructs and you see pain and confusion swarm over Papyrus’ face.“Ma-Maya, p-please drink this! It-It may already be too late with the sh-sheer amount you just ingested!” Tears are swimming in her eyes as Undyne snags your shirts collar.“The hell did you do?!” Undyne snarls and you glare back.“Undyne which way is left?” You mutter. The fact she has to think about it is your perfect answer as you try to pry her off you. Alphys steps between you and nudges Undyne away.“Undyne no don’t touch her!” Alphys pleads and spins about to hand you the vial. “Please, p-please just drink this! There is no time!” Alphys begs. You don’t entirely understand the situation happening around you, but whatever you drank really wasn’t a good thing. You gulp down the weird ooze inside the vial and immediately want to vomit it up. She presents you a glass of water and rushes away again as you heartily drink it.“What the hell is going on?” Undyne growls and looks at you. “What happened?”“I don’t know! Urgh..” You withhold a disgusting burp and drink more of the water. “She said the punch was on the right but apparently you put it on the flipping left. Now everybody is treating me like an atomic bomb.” Alphys comes back in with a clipboard and that machine for soul-seeing or whatever it was. She looks to you and newfound horror fills her eyes.“D-Di-Did sh-she disc-charge anything?” Alphys asks Undyne who shakes her head awkwardly. Pain fills Alphys’ eyes as she looks to Sans. Sans must read her mind because he grabs Papyrus and blips away. He returns a minute later without Papyrus and reaches out for Undyne. She is quick to evade him and grit her teeth defensively.“Oh no! I want an explanation! What the hell are you guys hiding from me? From us?!” Undyne gestures broadly – you think she means you and Papyrus as you look between Alphys and Sans. “Alph! I thought you were getting better on just letting the past shit go and depending on me!” Undyne’s sorrow is blatant on her face as tears trickle down Alphys’ face.“Undyne-“ “I know you told me to wait, but apparently this is important! I heard you back at the house! Just please- tell me!” Undyne pleads at Alphys who appears ready to break down at any second. She trembles and lets her head hang.“……….A-A multitude of m-monsters were on the ver-ve-verge of falling down. Humans with vast amounts o-of Determination within the Soul sh-showed increasing promise of hasty recoveries. I-I—I tried to do something my-myself, to be someone able to cure falling down. It b-backfired. A multitude o-of-of pa-patients were only a-admi-ministered a few drops of Determination dosage. Within ten minutes, despite their issues being fully addressed and the healing be-beyond expectations, the……the side effects were catastrophic.” Alphys whimpers.“They began to melt, disperse, and fuse together. By the time I realized what was occurring, I couldn’t do anything. The-they have all combined into these…..Amalgamates that I-I can’t just send home! I need to fix this……but I don’t know how. I was certain th-that Determination was the solution, so I was preparing to deposit the recent supply into C-Cryogenic state………And Maya just drank the entire bottle.” Alphys whispers and covers her mouth to withhold a gross sob. Undyne seems to be somewhat on the same page as the rest as you gawk at your unfortunate discovery.“So…..So what the hell is going to happen to her?!” Undyne demands answers but Alphys is too preoccupied hiding her guilty face. You want to reach out, but apparently touching isn’t something you should do.“her molecular structure will become more liquidated then solid. from the brief knowledge I obtained during the period she will try to cling onto another life form to technically solidify her soul to something. that’s why you need to go.” Undyne evades Sans yet again and approaches Alphys. She holds her by the shoulders and you can tell she is straining to withhold herself from lashing out.“How long have you hid this from me?”“…….A-A f-few months….” Alphys whispers past her tears. Undyne releases her and looks away. Everyone is sporting these miserable expressions and you can’t stand it. Feeling at the palm of your hand and looking at your scales, you feel fine. Less depressed actually – not like you’re turning into a runny nose. “Alphys, I feel alright. Kinda like the buzz after drinking coffee? Like I can tell it’s going to fade away. Besides, if I drank all of it, wouldn’t I have already been affected?” You sigh and set the bottle down. Undyne sighs and pushes her hair out of the way.“How many minutes has it been?” She asks and peeks around for a watch.“’bout 8 minutes now.” You spun around and glared at him – there was no clock in the lab.“How the hell did you know that?”“….guessin’.” His gaze is transfixed onto Frisk moving through the Underground – they appear to be taking a rest in the MettaMart.“Well – she aint meltin’…” Undyne points out the obvious. Alphys looks perturbed and reaches for her clipboard.“While I would make a comment on becoming a guinea pig, I subtly realize I did this to myself, but I can also blame a bit of this on Undyne for not knowing her fucking left and rights, right?” You ask whimsically with a sigh.“H-How are y-you feeling – emotionally and ph-physically I-I mean?” Alphys interjects and you contemplate it briefly.“Well physically I feel like I could do a backflip. Emotionally I feel kinda like buzzed on coffee, but nothing else. Like….I don’t feel sad anymore? Is that good? I don’t feel like this is permanent though – momentary high if you get my drift.” You shrug.“Alright. We aren’t getting answers like this! Either we take risks and resolve this or we sit around for a few more minutes just waiting!!” Undyne doesn’t wait for permission as she envelops you into a giant hug. She doesn’t hold back with the pressure at all as she wraps you entirely in fish muscle. You lose your air for a second, distinctly catch Alphys and Sans trying to get her off you, but then she just….lets go. No sticking, no slime, no melting scales or whatever they were going on about. Everyone is just frozen in silence as Undyne feels your face.“See? She ain’t melting. It’s gotta been 10 minutes by now.” Alphys, though fearful clearly, presses her claws to your arm.“…E-Extraordinary. M-Maya!” Alphys rushes over to her table and pulls out a lengthy syringe and tweezers with newfound joy and hope in her eyes.“I-I require samples from you! Yo-You m-may have a c-cure against the D-De-Determination!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Merry Christmas!!” Is the unanimous cheer as your friends clink drinks in celebration. Pete and Jason heartily chugged their drinks with arms interlocked. Pete finished first and began giving Jason a harry noogie. You chuckled at their shenanigans and took a few steps back towards the adjacent wall. Penelope didn’t hesitate to join you with her new girlfriend, Tess.“So how long have you two been friends?” Tess giddily starts a conversation as you blush slightly.“Oh jeez! Since, like, what- 3rd grade?!” She roughly elbows my ribs; nearly choking on my drink as well.“Maybe 4th. I was really shy.”“If you look up the definition of recluse, her kindergarten picture would be there. Oh, wait, you bailed on photo day.” She idly picks fun at you as you poke your glass idly.“The photographer was a creep…” You mutter.“I won’t argue there, but he gave out free lollipops.”“Again, creepy.” You shrug and Tess nods her head.“Yeah, I wouldn’t accept any from a photographer. Who the hell does that?”“Him.” You and Penelope are in perfect unison which earns a polite giggle from Tess.“What are you doing after school, Maya?” She settles in more against the wall as Penelope perks up.“Ooohh I’ve been trying to get this out of you for ages! Spill!!” Your bangs shuffle down to hide your embarrassed face as your gaze skits across the floor. The boys were doing keg-stands- but nobody could pick up Jason since everyone else was too scrawny.“I was uh, h-hoping to, um……..Ask out Jason. I-If things worked out, I don’t really know. I-I-If the-they don’t I’ll, um, go into, um, p-personal training. Y’know, like a coach or P.E teacher for, um, teens.” You fiddle with the cups rim as Penelope just gapes at your proposition.“Oh, you like Jason? For how long?”“Uh, well, a while, I guess. I-It’s a crush, really.” You shake your head and hear Penelope take a hard chug of her drink.“So if you end up with him you’ll just tag along whatever he chooses and be the stay at home wife? All classical – baking stuff, getting groceries, just having kids because it’s the mans job and house? Sheesh- way to have a backbone.” Her words bite through you with shock, but truth. Your eyes shift to your feet and your muscles shrivel in. Tess harshly jabs her elbow into Penelope who gives a little shriek; she must see your depressed state as she gives a heavy sigh and pats your shoulder.“Come on Maya. I don’t mean it- y’know it’s just, ugh…..I can’t see things going well with him. I know its your decision, but you’re a great girl and can do so so so much better then him! Hell, I’d rather you dated Pete!!” She rambles.“Who wants to date me?” You hear Pete shout from across the room and Tess chuckles.“Shut the fuck up Pete!!” Penelope shouts back. The silence gives a proper reply as Penelope tilts your head to look into her eyes. They are earnest and dull emerald, but they speak volumes. Her expressions always conveyed more than her words did- she was looking out for you; you knew.“What’s so bad about Jason? Sorry, I-I haven’t really hung out with your friends- am I prying too much?” Tess backs down from the wall and comes to your other shoulder to comfort you. You give her a gentle smile that she returns heartily.“Ugh he thinks he is such a player sometimes. “Oh hey guys, check this, I’m not a virgin anymore which basically makes me a fucking stud! Bow down to my wisdom!” All the girls get fucking hot for it or something because they think he is a master. He also keeps talking about going for an industrial masters or whatever.” Penelope shrugs and takes another swig of her drink. Your nerves give a shiver as you take a little sip yourself, trying to ease the bundle of worries.“B-but, he didn’t really commit to those girls- they were mostly one night s-stands. I’ve- We’ve been friends for years. He confides in me a lot of times and actually listens to me. You know how I am! Pete and Jason are some of the few male friends I have. Anybody else just really pokes fun at me for trying to be fit.” You rub at your weary eyes and curse yourself for getting even slightly emotional – this was a Christmas party, it was meant to be fun. Yet here you are, in the corner of said Christmas party, watching your crush tip the keg barrel and funnel the drink along the floor because he is deadbeat levels of drunk already.“Anyone who doesn’t take the time to really know you doesn’t know you. You’re the sweetest gal and if I didn’t have the hottest most brilliant most glorious girlfriend in the world at my side at this very instant, and you were gay, I would totally hit that.” She squeezes your thigh as you jump a few inches in the air and curl more towards Tess as Penelope gives a hearty laugh that would match perfectly to an evil queens. Tess scoffs and hugs your shoulders.“If you really like him, then I suggest going after him. Relationships need trust and confidence. Just, maybe don’t squeeze his ass. I learned that is just a Penelope first impression thing, but maybe don’t pick it up.” Tess rolls her eyes as you both giggle. Penelope comes rushing before you flexing her fingers.“You need to understand, you can tell who is a sadist or a masochist! You need to understand these typings before you get to know people!!” She shouts rebelliously as Tess tries to forcibly silence her with a feeble headlock.“You just like squeezing buns!”“If I liked bun squeezing I’d be a baker!”“Is she going on about the bunions again?” Pete sidles over with a sigh and a hearty drink. His hair was getting ragged, but you know it’s really soft to the touch. Even with his bad eyesight he didn’t wear glasses or anything, so he constantly used his moms shampoo and conditioner. He never complained, but damn did his hair smell nice. A built jock who had a wimpy side. He gave a grumble as Penelope freed a hand to pinch his cheek.“S.” Her eyes practically twinkled as Tess tightened the hold and led her away. “WE WILL BE BACK FOR YOU S’S LATER!!!” She shrills over the crowd. Pete just scratches his head and looks down onto your tiny frame. If anyone was like a big-brother figure, it was Pete. Hell, maybe even the incredibly young yet buff uncle. But he had a really bad smoking habit, and everyone was afraid because of his broken looking nose. He could breathe fine, and it was from birth, but everyone figured he was a underground brawler or something.“Yo, can I talk to you?” Pete gestures towards the raised patio and you nod. He guides you through the increasing sea of people and shuts the sliding door behind you. He leans out on the railing and pulls free a pack of cigarettes.“Dude, can’t you stop for one night?” You practically plead and rest your elbows on the railing. Pete was a good hearted guy, but he was going through nearly three packs a day, and your heart was dying each time he gave a puff. He gave this look of chewing on his lip, but he sighed and pocketed it. You were startled; he never actually listened and usually played it off.“I mighta heard a bit of what you were talking about.” He murmurs after a minute as you give a desperate groan.“Are you going to scold me too? You’re planning to go into the military! Like, good on you, but you will be chewed up man.” You take another sip and shiver to the cold wind blowing fiercely over the mountain. Your gaze draws down from the faint twinkling stars to the white enveloped mountain- the clouds cover reaches the tip, concealing the crown from your eyes. Pete slyly shrugs off his jacket and slips it over your shoulders.“I’ll be having that back before we head back in.”“Only because you got really bad acne.” You flick his shoulder and he snickers. He chugs nearly half his cup down and sighs contently.“Maya. I’ll be there for you. Once I get deported or serve my term, I’ll come home. Your folks have been grand- practically took me in. I owe them, and I owe you. Jason might be my best friend, but if he does anything bad or shoots you down, you come to me.” He pats your back as you roll your eyes. It’s the generous and sweet gesture, but you didn’t see him doing anything worse light threats.“It’ll be fine, Pete. Whatever happens just does. Doesn’t mean you have to get mad at-“ “I wouldn’t be mad. I’d be furious. He can be a bastard sometimes, and you haven’t done anything wrong. I’m serious, Maya. If anything happens, tell me.” He clasps my shoulder and stares directly into my eyes. His hazel glimmers dull yet bright in the moons shine. Its an intense moment; a raw and true aura is radiating off him in almost a form of heat. You comply and nod. It takes a minute, but it soothes as he gives you a light noogie.“Come on. Lets get inside.” He smacks your back and guides you both inside where he quickly snags his jacket and slips it back on. You roll your eyes only to catch a good amount of people looking at you; expectant. “Ouch-wha-“ Pete bumps something on the way back up; it’s a mistletoe. Your face flushes as the room begins a little chant. Pete looks confused, but quickly picks up on the reasoning. He doesn’t hesitate to loom over you like a giant and waggle his eyebrows with a mischievous grin.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Thi-This is just extraordinary! I’ll need proper samples , of course, along with some internal DNA! It isn’t per say a cure but your basic SOUL genetics and form could very well reestablish proper form with the Amalgamates! B-By any chance do you recall your parental lineage? It’s true that SOUL’s are unique, but there stands the po-possibility of hereditary transfer! Inherited characteristics are primary components in the SOUL developmental stages thusly it isn’t fa-farfetched that your parental lineage could also contain-!!”“Uh, Alph?” Undyne pats Alphys’ shoulder. She spins with an ignited spark in her eyes. It diminishes beneath Undynes confused face. “I know you’re doing your science talk, but I understood none of that; she ain’t even paying attention.” Undyne gestures back to you huddled and pressed deep into the corner of the surprise elevator.“Why, why of all things is it an elevator?” You murmur and gulp down a ball forming in your throat primarily made from anxiety.“You okay? You look ‘bout ready to hurl.” Undyne grits her teeth and inches away towards Sans who spares you a glance from the door. Alphys pulls out her notebook.“Elevators make me queasy. That goop earlier also made me want to hurl.” You force yourself to blink and gulp down the saliva accumulating.“Huh? But you were fine on those elevators in Hotland!” Undyne exclaims while throwing her arms around. She manages to bash the ceiling and dent it.“I was on the floor, sweating and exhausted. You expect me to focus on the movement when I am on the verge of collapsing?!” Your growl turns into a groan as you force yourself to look away from the expectant Alphys.“Anything else we need to worry about making you want to vom?” Undyne grumbles and crosses her arms while her fins crumple down to match her light glare.“Just doctors and needles-uh.” Covering your mouth with your forearm you just focus on the wall. Alphys makes a surprised noise and hides the syringe behind her with a timid smile.“Oh. U-Uh-S-S-Sor-ry.” She meekly apologizes as you lend her a thumbs up. You don’t want to even open your mouth out of fear for that words won’t be the sole thing coming out.“So, what do SOUL’s and jeans got to do with this?........Do I need to?” Undyne points to her tight jeans. Alphys blushes, stutters, but shakes her head quickly in denial. Her face was steaming.“not jeans. genes. like genetics. in human terms it’s what makes the human them. the make-up of their body is kinda like code.”“….Soooo-“ “Wh-Whatever makes Ma-Maya herself is also what we need to possibly re-reverse the effects on th-the Amalgamates!” Alphys clears it up as the elevator abruptly halts and lurches you towards the ground. The doors whir and creak, yet open regardless with the classic happy ‘ding’. Darkness and a light fog against fading teal walls meets you.“Mmmmmmm-nope. Nuh-uh. No. Can we do this upstairs?” You whimper back as Alphys and Sans are already on the move. Undyne covers the elevator buttons and raises her eyebrow.“Was dark places also on that list?”“Dark, moist, underground labs? Yeah that’s……that’s up there.” You sigh and clutch your arms as Undyne hangs behind you. Both of you make your way into the secret lab. The light from the elevators vanishes with the shutting door as shivers roll over your nerves. Undyne peers around the corners – Sans and Alphys have wandered ahead. Their echoes wisp about in the empty lab. The only accompanying sound is the low hum of a vending machine lacking a light.“Did you see if they went left or right?” Undyne inquires as you briskly shake your head. You cling to her tank top and peer about helplessly.“Well, then, we should head right.” She declares.“Right?” You inquire.“Right, right.” She points as you glance down the obscurely shadowed hallway. A screen is lit down the path and nothing more.“Right. Not right.” You declare and tug at her in a begging manner. She shrugs you off and turns about with a faint scowl.“But right is right!”“When was right right?”“Well, it’s right! That makes it right!” Undyne is crossing her arms again and giving you an indignant look.“Right isn’t always right!” You fidget with your fingers and near the vending machine.“Well, whether you’re right or wrong, right is the right way to go!” She cuts off the dragging on and nudges you towards the hallway. You both freeze.Three little blips of white come scurrying down the hall. You cannot ascertain their dedicated shape or size as they mesh and scatter between each other. Like blending paints together. A mesh of black you cannot discern opens within the white blobs as a sound you can only compare to a broken fax machine resonates out. It’s like a scream in your ears- warbled but clear.“Come join the fun!” “You’ll be with us shortly.” “Be seeing you.”Their masses collide together, lurch and jump with a splat against the distant screen. The light still pierces their skin as they melt into the mechanism and completely out of sight.You stand rigid in the silence as Undyne spins on her heel. Her mouth is tight and eye wide with attention.“So I am pretty sure I heard them down on the left!” She is already nudging you back with a concerned sweat.“I’ve been saying left this whole time! Ri-Right?” You chuckle dryly as you rub the goosebumps from your arms.“Not right!” Undyne declares as you, finally, progress down the hall. Not the right one, obviously.Coming across a fairly vacant room you only lay eyes on rows of beds lined together. Chills rise over your shoulders as you shudder and grasp at your biceps.“Never knew ‘bout this place…” Undyne mutters under her breath as her hand trails along the beds frame.“Well, I mean, it was supposed to be a bathroom.” You whisper and stick close to the wall. The room continues to send wave after wave of frightening chills over your being. You retreat back and nearly knock a plant to the ground with your foot. A screen blips to life at your side which catches your concerned yet active attention. Peeking back towards Undyne, she is looking down one of the other hallways lined with mirrors. Something pale yellow litters the tiled ground. Double checking on her whereabouts, your attention turns to the lit screen. You read it. You can’t help gaping with your mouth because it’s actually eligible. Proper English.
ENTRY NUMBER 14
Everyone that had fallen down. . .
. . . has woken up.
They’re all walking around and talking like nothing is wrong.
I thought they were goners . . . ?
Number 14? There are more? There were multiple cases of falling down? What exactly happened?“Hey Und-“ You turn and catch her walking down the hall. You stammer and fidget with your feet before racing after her. Off to the side you are certain you hear fans whirring about.“Un-Undyne! You can’t just-“ She pays you no mind as her eye is set on another screen pressed against the wall. You peek at it from behind.
ENTRY NUMBER 7
We’ll need a vessel to wield the monster SOULs when the time comes.
After all, a monster cannot absorb the SOUL of other monsters.
Just as a human cannot absorb a human SOUL . . .
So then . . .
What about something that’s neither human nor monster ?
“What is this?” Undyne bites out as you peer down the hall. The source of the tattered pale yellow becomes clear. Petals droop and fall brittle to the ground from dying and withered rows of potted buttercups. They were commonly grown in the area, but you didn’t know it was accessible to the Underground as well.The more you know, you ponder as you near the flowers. Their soil is dry and dusty while the stalks are cold and lifeless. In that instant, your mind reels as thorns protrude out the stem, vines wriggle free of the dying soil, and a wretched sinister face carves over the white stigma’s. You recoil and shy away.No.A sweat broke over your face. Another screen rested a little further. You cautiously stray from Undyne who is still trying to unearth the secrets in the one she’d left off at.
ENTRY NUMBER 10
experiments on the vessel are a failure.
it doesn’t seem to be any different from the control cases.
whatever. they’re a hassle to work with anyway.
the seeds just stick to you, and won’t let go . . .
You cover your mouth in horror as your mind reels.This has to be Flowey. How he- it- was made! It-It’s clear that Alphys was involved in the makings of it- this is her lab! B-But this lazy, uncaring, dialogue . . .“Sans?” You whisper in distress. Curiosity wells in your gut; a desperation for answers instills courage in you. There were screens littered around here – they must hold the answers you sought. You fiddle and pry at your fingers as the lingering fear hangs over you like a cloud. Peeking back to Undyne as she strays back to the main room from the screen, you cannot resist pressing on. They weren’t going in order, so you’d likely need to recall each of these. You were nearly certain Sans had something to do with Flowey. Not even just on a scientific scale like this; it felt like there were past aggressions when he defended you. You needed answers to better understand the situation, so you quake slowly forward.A line of mirrors lays on your left as another chill combs through you. You regret the short sleeves immensely, but knowing you will be walking back into Hotland reminds you this wasn’t what you thought was going to happen. Your face is clearly pale before the examination has even begun. You gulp air thickly into your lungs as you near an opening. Your heart picks up a solid tempo that beats louder and louder in your skull.“Maya! I was right! They went ri-. . . . . . Maya.” Undynes voice drops. Something drips onto your ear fins as horror riddles your skin. You take a step forward before daring to even glance back.It’s taller than even Papyrus.Something you could only relate to an ostrich or something- a demented, dripping, looming ostrich with one gigantic eye. Its ‘beak’ claps together as its head swivels side to side like a quarter. Its exceedingly thin neck leads to its skinny body with alien like wings that extend out. Its legs are similar to stilts as it takes a ghostly step forward; without sound.You can briefly catch your expression in the side mirror – abject horror. You step away as it looms closer. You bite your mouth shut as it half blinks and snaps its beak.“Ju-Just walk around it. Alphys said they aren’t, um, hostile.” Undyne waves you over, but you can catch the iridescent glow of her spear at her back. Tears rim your eyelids as your back connects with the wall. You shimmy along the edge as it easily turns to keep its gigantic eye on you. Your elbow finds the halls corner. Your face recedes back as it bares closer to gaze. Its beak moves.“Courage…” “What are you so afraid of?” “Robbit, robbit.”You blink and shiver as it blinks in patience. Undyne doesn’t say anything as she takes tentative steps closer. A predator stalking. Passing your gaze between her and the dripping creature, you gulp.“Um, wh-what?” You murmur. It backs its head away briefly as its eye droops so slightly.“That takes guts.” “Creak, creak.” “There’s still hope.” It’s a series of voices. It addles your mind; as heavy as a migraine on top of a hangover at least. But it’s clear. Undyne looks horrified between you two. There is a pitter patter along the tiles.“A-Are you talking about m-me?” You ask and point to yourself. It nods excitedly. Neck drooping down it swirls its neck around your body like a coiling snake as you jump and shriek slightly in alarm.“Maya?!” Undyne hesitates between lunging and waiting. It’s clear she doesn’t want to involve violence, but is also concerned about your well-being. You shudder within the ensnarement as its beady eye draws near. When it blinks, you are certain you catch another face within it.“Skip, jump.” “I’ve made my choice.” “That’s right!” Its neck twists like a worm. Your feet leave the ground. A fun fact you learn – it practically doubles in length as its legs shoot its frame upwards.“HEY!! LET HER GO!” Undyne shouts from somewhere below. White moths spew from its beak from no known mentionable location. A few fluttering around becomes an instantaneous swarm that buzz and congregate directly around your face. It was an unnatural feeling and you’d gone limp with fear. A voice in the background begin to warble in and out of hearing. Only the swarm and the trio makes itself known.“Wh-What-“Your eyes try to pick a spot; a moth out of the rest.“Finally someone gets it.” “Nod, nod.” “Don’t give up!”A face. Among the moths. White and black, but a face regardless. An eye is hung shut, the other gaping wide with a white iris. The tar grin stretches wide. Two thin black strips adorn the face you can hardly make out. The moths freeze. It forms.0100000101110100001000000100110001000001011100110101010000101110011000010010000001101110010001010111011100100000010000010100111001000111011001010110110000100000011000010111001001010010011010010101011001000101010100110010111001000110010100100110010101000101001000000111010001001000011001010010000001101101010011110100111001010011011100110111010001100101011100100101001100101110011001100100100101001110011010010111001101010100011010000110010100100000010000110101100101100011010011000110010100100001“Re-Reaper Bird!!” Alphys’ cry carries through the wings fluttering. Slowly and gently, the neck uncoils as you emerge free from the insects. Undyne’s arms extend around you immediately as she jumps to retrieval. She instantly lurches and leaps forward, away from the shrinking amalgamate.“Ma-Maya! You okay?!” Undyne pats and squishes your face while practically punching your spine. You blink wildly as, in the background, you watch the amalgamate swiftly retreat back into the mirrors. Alphys hurries over to your side and assists with standing you up.“Th-They’ve never-! I didn’t-! Ma-M-Maya! I-I-I’m so-so-sorry!! So sorry! I-I-I d-don’t und-unders-s-stand wh-why they’re being s-so en-g-ga-gaged today! Us-Usuall-ly the-they don’t come out s-so easily.” Alphys brushes away a few moth’s that clung to your hair. Not only did they disperse, once free from the gaze of Alphys and Undyne, they dissolve. Nothing remains.They guide you through the halls as you place pressure against your temple. Something about the moths unsettled you. It was on the tip of your tongue, yet your wobbling feet was your primary concern. The proper way to go had, in fact, been right. You ask for a brief break against a wall- the screen those other goop-like creatures vanished into whirred desperately to life.
ENTRY NUMBER 6
ASGORE asked everyone outside the city for monsters that had “fallen down.”
Their bodies came in today.
They’re still comatose . . . And soon, they’ll all turn into dust.
But what happens if I inject “determination” into them?
If their SOULs persist after they perish, then . . .
Freedom might be closer then we all thought.
Your mouth tightens. The sweet, large, gentle king was asking for the dying as experiments? Your mind frazzled at the thought. It almost didn’t feel as though Alphys wrote this entry. But it lacked Sans’ constant lazy attitude and consistent lowercase letters. It fit him to a T. Or, to be more precise, a t.“Th-They didn’t d-do-do anything to you, right?” Alphys offers your bags of chips. Over your closer inspection, they have a concerning lack of expiration date and are preferably known as popato chisps. The offer, while sweet, is unappetizing at the moment. You click your tongue in thought as Alphys punches in a combination. You were finally stable enough to stand on your own, but Undyne kept an arm extended to lead you from behind.“I’m not hurt. Just……spooked, I suppose.” You sigh and walk into the room.A dark and isolated lab whirrs to life as keys clack in the back. Alphys wanders towards the side as you and Undyne gape. A set of large capsules whirr to life with light. A generator beneath the floor trembles as you steady your footing. Surrounding the capsules are bookshelves cluttered to the brim with notes and science theory, computers mostly inoperable, and dusted cobwebs over the abandoned mugs.“’ey. how’d fishin’ go?” Sans’ jubilant voice echoed with the rapid clacking of keys as you gave a groan. You didn’t need his jokey sass while you were trying to think methodically. Lines and circles had formed within the mass of moths. The answer still rested on the tip of your tongue.“Yo, Alph, what’s all this?” Undyne wanders over towards the operable computers before letting out a whistle. Peeking over, you catch the main attention. Sans has changed- not physically, but fashion wise. Instead of his casual blue parka and repeatedly stained shirt, he dawns a white turtleneck and fitting white lab coat. He held dark grey pants up with a proper belt. You catch the black shoes shimmer under the desperate to illuminate lights – you catch the pink sandals near the door.“You clean up nice!” Undyne blurts as you wander over, arms crossed.“He is capable of cleaning up. Mind blown.” You raise your eyebrows in disinterest. Hidden beneath the uncaring façade you flutter over the completely different form of presentation he can manage. If he didn’t always come off as a slob and loser, maybe he wouldn’t be doubted for being an intelligent and witty guy.“aw. don’t act all koi.” Irritation bends your brow.
Yeah. No. Coat doesn’t change shit.
“A-Al-Almo-most . . .” Alphys struggles with a metal panel on the capsules. Undyne rolls her shoulder blades with a glinting smile and wanders over to assist in the menial manual labor. You watch from the computers as your fingers drum over the console. Your eyes skim over the buttons, but nothing makes a lick of sense.“What are we doing in here? This place looks unused for years.” You comment, picking up a mug to check the imprint stain of dust. It’s clear this has been unkempt for years.“Alphys doesn’t want yer SOUL in any danger, so we’r performin’ the procedure in a contained state. keeps you and the SOUL ‘n check.” He replies uncharacteristically as he taps the computer screen. It stutters, but shines in reply. You can’t make out a bit of what he is typing into the system; he seems pretty aware of what he is doing. It further presses your curiosity of his total evolvement.“So, what, are you bipolar? Goofball numbskull pun dealer by day, intelligent Mr. Brainiac at night in a secret laboratory?” You lean on the raised counter before the computers as Sans gives a dry chuckle.“gotta earn my pay.”“Was it about the money before or after the flower?” The rapid clicking stops. Your tired eyes edge to the side to meet his glare. You sigh and rub your neck awkwardly.“I want to know. What happened down here Sans? I don’t mean the Amalgamates or whatever happened with Alphys. I can make vague guesses. You guys put a monster SOUL or something into a flower. Then it got loose and went crazy or something. But you know that it’s loose and wild. Yet, here you are. Not finding it.” You clarify and lean against the counter. Sans steps back from his screen and nears you. He leans closer to reach your eye level as he keeps his façade up perfectly with the uninterrupted smile.“ya don’t need to be wanderin’ around in things ya ain’t involved in.” He whispers darkly as his iris’ vanish. He reaches past you to snag glasses to blow the accumulated dust from the lenses. He casually meanders to the next monitor to whack it to life. Disappointment and irritation boil together.“It involves me if it’s trying to kill me.” You growl out.“What’s that?” Undyne wanders back with Alphys wiping her claws of oil or grease.“His terrible sense of humor is going to kill me.” You reply casually. Undyne chuckles and punches your shoulder lightly.“So, what’s the plan!?” Undyne punches her opposing hand with an invigorated fire in her eye. Alphys waves off her concerns as she slips on some gloves.“No-Nothing major! We-We-We’re going to, u-um, suspend Maya within the regenerative capsules. I-I say regenerative, bu-but its m-mo-more along the lines of suspended animation or preemptive hibernation?” Alphys clarifies as Undynes mirth and vigor slightly dim. You sigh and rub your forehead.“They are going to somewhat put me to sleep without making me sleep.” You reword it as Undyne thinks over the process.“eh, not really. you’ll just be wired up. we’ll have direct view on your vitals workings so we can proceed with utmost caution. you’ll be awake and aware for the whole thing.” A moment of silence lingers in the rumbling room as a sweat trickles along your face and clamming arms.“Ahuh, um, a-awake?” You whisper as Sans nods. He has a devilish grin as a sense of nausea worms through you immediately.“U-Uh! We-Well! It-It’s easier and s-safer if you are aware of the procedure. Studies and direct experimentation, um, s-show that subjects, heh, subjected to sleep-related stimuli and following with the procedure have a lacking response with their vitals. With you being aware, we’ll know exactly what’s wrong if something is wrong. Which it w-wont!” Alphys immediately adds in as you struggle with the mental image.“H-Hey, but, uh, I-I’m sure it’ll be different. So, like-“ “We-We can’t ri-risk it! You’re base stats and current state aren’t something to take lightly! It’s the sole reason we are revisiting this lab.” Alphys gives the thumbs up to Sans as the computers buzz with energy. The room erupts instantly with light as the screens flash with life. Sans plops into an office seat and slides between the monitors flipping switches. The capsule slides open with steam. Your legs wobble like gelatin.“……You good?” Undyne pats your back as you’re startled into a near shriek. Her eye widens as your lip trembles. She grasps your shoulders firmly and turns you to face her. There is a lack of confidence in her eyes.“I can see that fear in your eyes! But we are strong. Namely you. Right now. If what Alph is saying is true, you can help! You can fix those Emojis!”“Amalgamates.” You reply quietly.“Those things!” She points to you in faint humor. Your mouth is tight as your gaze doesn’t leave the floor and her feet. She gives a hefty sigh and lightly shakes your shoulders.“Ya got nothin’ to fear! I trust Alphys with anything scientific!! You’re in good hands!” She lightly noogies your skull before wandering to Alphys who is busied with analyzing the screens. You grip your bicep again tighter then you remember. You feel the push and press of the individual scales, concentrate your breathing, and raise your head.“hey-“ “AAGGHH!!” You jump back, kicking at Sans. The swivel chair he is in bounces back against the wall and slowly crawls back to you. He looks unfazed and cocky as your heart races beneath your clenching fist.“You jackass!” You hiss out as you take shaky breaths.“she’s right y’know? you’re makin’ a big ol’ deal ‘bout a lil exam.” He shrugs and steps out of the seat. He spins it towards you. “now I’ll be needin’ your clothes.”“No.” You state bluntly. He giggles and rubs his vertebrae. A blue blush faintly burns at the edges of his cheeks.“its, uh, actually necessary. so yes.” He makes a beckoning motion as your eyes burst wide. Alphys is flinching before your glare even lands on her desperate to hide frame.“Alphys!”“I-It’s re-regulation!! I realize its re-re-r-really awk-w-w-ward, b-but we n-n-need com-pl-complete access to your b-bo-b-b-bod-bod-od-b-bo-ody………” She has turned excessively timid as your face burns.“Then he can leave!” You gesture angrily at Sans who is in the midst of a yawn. His eyes are lidded, but he isn’t looking at you.“I-I-I ne-need him he-here to h-e-help r-r-ru-ru-r-run th-the tests! Also, he, u-uh, ha-has more ex-expe-r-rience in thi-this lab a-and da-da-d-da-data, uh-u-um, analys-sis……..” Alphys disappears behind the counter as Undyne clearly is withholding laughter.“’oes it help if I make a scouts honor to only work with science eyes?” He leans lazily against the chairs back. “I’m titally serious.” Even though he is blushing at the joke, he looks ready to crack another slew of jokes. The patience you’ve stored immediately pops. You growl under your breath and practically rip off the tank top. His sockets widen and blush deepen but with your patience gone you merely glare him down while undoing the bra hooks.With decency, he turns around. You weren’t sure what you were expecting, but that was likely as good as it was going to get.“just, uh, le-let me know-“ “Oh just shut up.” You grumble and plop your bra onto the seat. Your pants and underwear slide off with ease despite the tightness and fuss with your fins. The wedges save you the worry of prying off the socks.“Can I die in a ditch now?” You murmur over to Alphys. She is bright like a tomato as Undyne gives a wolfish whistle. You flip her off immediately.“Th-t-the ba-bands in the capsule will give u-um s-some privacy, so-so you sho-should be fine. I-I can adjust them i-if need be.” Alphys shimmies down as Sans pushes the chair back towards the door. He turns to awkwardly just watch Undyne observe from behind the main computer console. She smothers and sticks receptors onto your chest, arms, neck, and legs. You shiver as the cool gel sticks to you.“Thi-This is a-an instrument we-we modified from the Dump! I-It hasn’t h-ha-had muc-mu-much use as of late b-but humans referred to it as a-a electrocardiogram! I-I-It took some time to re-reestablish its base purpose, b-but I’ve im-impr-proved it’s capabilities to read SOUL vitality and-and magical wa-ave-l-l-le-length.”“ooooh. when’d ya fix that up?” Sans’ curiosity is peeked as he follows the extension. Your eyes trail the cord as she sticks more across your chest and back. They all tunnel upwards into the top of the capsule. You give a shiver and bite your lip.“Y-You’ll be-be ok.” Alphys mentions and strokes your arm. A faint smile tugs at your face forcefully to not appear as distraught as you are.“You might want to make a modifier to allow at least underwear.” You murmur as she pastes the final receptor to your shoulder blade.“I-I’ll be s-sure to look into it.” She gives a troubled smile as her claws trace the scarred remains on your back. You meet her eyes and shrug. A silent moment passes before she sucks a breath in and guides you into the capsule.“So you’re just taking samples, right?” Undyne remarks from the side as you are guided in. There are thin strips on the capsules that immediately bend about in certain locations. For the most part, they offer coverage.“Th-There isn’t mu-much other ch-ch-choice. No-Norm-mally I would plead for d-direct SOUL samples – it-it’s the fastest method with the best re-results, b-b—but-“ “But I’m a special case?” You raise your eyebrows as she steps out of the capsule. Her face reads of forlorn emotions as she backs from the capsule. The glass door slides back to position and perfectly molds and melds with the remainder of the form.“I-It’s okay Alphys.” You take a shaky breath and knead your hands together.“What’re all these lines?” Undyne blurts from the sideline. Alphys wanders over to her and checks it.“A-Ah! So-So these are representative o-of the magical flux around and within her SOUL. Based o-off of them I can relay information about her primary make-up to further analyze her stats on a more intricate and comprehensive level.” Alphys’ eyes glimmer with brightness as she reads the screen.“…….Meaning….” Undyne rolls her arms in motion to continue as Sans steps in.“it, in short, gives more details about her direct stats instead of an Active Checking Tactic.”“A what?” Your voice echoes back in the pod, but they seem to hear you.“ACT. It-It’s an anagram.” Alphys supplies. Undyne nods in faint understanding as she gestures to something else.“If those are the SOUL and magic, what’s this one?”“Hmmm?” Alphys squints; scratching her head, she leans back to look at you. For some reason, your hands feels clammy.“That’s……..not right.” She mutters and wanders over to the capsule.“wassup?” Sans found another chair to glide about the room in as they meet near the pod. The lines diverge and multiply for more coverage as you naturally cover yourself. Alphys puts a pin in the pad besides the pod as a screen lowers from above and out of sight.“We-Well, the main purpose of the electrocardiogram wa-was to inspect the human hearts electric activity. I didn’t remove the base purpose in the machine because it was a factor in installing th-the necessary components for SOUL reading. That a-and I presumed I could us-use it on a human, perhaps Frisk, to further understand the general magic quantity and flow in humans SOULs.”“Al.” Sans cuts her rant short as her eyebrows knead and she tilts the screen.“Well, the electrical activity around the heart is active. But it shouldn’t.” You grate your teeth against your lip as you focus on not looking at either of them.“huh…” Sans also inspects the screen. You are certain he side-eyes you briefly. Questioning.“I haven’t us-used its new features on m-monsters besides the Amalgamates- it could just be a fluke in the system. I’ll need to fiddle with it more pro-probably. Maybe a-add settings.” Self-restraint is required from letting out the heavy sigh sucked within your gut. Idly, you press your hand above your breast. Your heart is fluttering like mad.“C-Can we just get this over with?” You whimper to Alphys who jerks in response.“O-Oh! Y-Y-Yes! Sorry, Maya. Didn’t mean t-to worry you.” She waves and waddles back to the main console. Sans doesn’t budge as his eyes squint. The heart rate rises into your ears. His gaze pauses between you and the screen as you internally scream to ease the tension. You jump as a teal liquid gushes out along the sides behind you. It doesn’t have a smell and you haven’t the heart to touch it. It slowly pools at your feet as your nervousness consumes you. Legs trembling and hands gripped together to the point of knuckle whitening.“It’s a special b-blend I-I-I make with, u-um, the endangered seaweed in Waterfall. It-It should soothe you during the pr-procedure.”“Y-Yeah. Sure.” You nod and desperately tense your muscles as it reaches your calves.“hey…” Sans’ voice grabs your attention. “it’s all good. you’re okay.” His boney hand rests against the glass. His eyes meet only with yours – direct and true. You know he can feel the fear radiating off you. He peeks to the screen and his eyes strain slightly. “small fry, ya gotta try and calm down.”“That is so much easier said than done.” You whimper and concentrate on slowing your breathing. The peculiar mixture is filled nearly to your belly as you test your movement. It feels like a heavier form of water. Movement doesn’t feel constrained, but it’s a peculiar and tingly feeling at first. Like adjusting to an entirely way too hot bath.“I-I’ll need silence to-to focus. It-Its safer for everyone because I need to carefully extract s-s-samples.” Alphys proclaims as Undyne plops into a chair at the side. Alphys, despite the closeness, has a set concentration on her work – Undyne watches her with a gleam in her eye. She had mentioned that one of the things she adored about Alphys was her ability to put her all into her work with vigor and enthusiasm.The mixture reached your neck and you instinctively held your breath. Still not entirely used to the prospect of gills.“Can she breathe in that?” Undyne asked idly as the tank continued to fill. Sans was continuously fiddling with the panel off to your direct side as you still tried to cover yourself.“It’s similar enough to water th-that she will be f-fine. If it-it’s uncomfortable for her though we can always insert the extendable breathing mask.” Alphys pulls a keyboard up. It divides in half to reveal a new panel set glowing with life and a multitude of buttons that makes Undyne do a double take. The face she shows you is one of condolence. Your breath runs out and, as she had previously stated, you find no difficulty breathing. It’s nearly filled to the top but the increased density leaves you simply floating amidst the coiling cables.“conditions set. tank ninety seven percent filled. SOUL and magic lengths stable.” Sans replies and draws out a clipboard. He scribbles something hastily before plopping into his seat and shoving back to the console with Undyne and Alphys. Alphys has her glasses adjusted as a trio of dials and something similar to a joy stick pop out the end of her machine. A whirring sound stirs above you. Despite your better judgement, you peer up. Extending mechanical arms similar to platter and swiss army knife plunge down around you. You jump and swim back away from them both desperately. They whirr and make sudden movements as dread overwhelms your senses.“Wh-Wha-N-N-No-“ Your eyes blankly hone on the giant needle hidden within the one machine as you press deeper into the glass. Something beeps yellow on the outside as your mind blanks. The world seeps into black and white as music fills your air. It sounds slow and light, but it’s picking up pace with a tension you don’t want. Your SOUL has burst forth again into the little box while the mechanical arms lie before you. You descend into terror – there are no options. Your HP- Your Hope; the bar shortens continuously. Terror fills your eyes as you watch the box close in closer and closer to reduce you into nothing. Your breathing picks up pace as you ball a fist into your sternum.“Maya!”The black and white seeps away as tears trickle from your eyes. Undyne is barking out ways to assist as Alphys struggles to configure the computer. Sans is typing rapidly away on the panel besides you with one hand as the other squeaks against the glass wall. You gasp and gape as the tears that warble from your sight float up. He is gazing at you, at your SOUL, and grief fills his features.“you’re alright. yer good. j-just lookit me.” A tightness swells over your soul as the blue aura radiates. Despite the squeeze, there is a calming warmth to it. It felt similar to a massage as certain points were pressured and lulled down your nerves. It didn’t quell your anxiety at all though. You balled your fists up again as you screwed your eyes shut.“Ju-Just tell stupid jokes.” You blurt and tense up. It was a reflex you’d used plenty, but you knew moving on was necessary as was independence. Though the current situation was likely to never occur again, you peeked to Sans through the silence. He seems confused and perturbed.“H-He’d tell me jokes to pull my concentration. It….It helped.” You rub at your eyes and watch the remnants of your tears trickle upwards gradually. It was a relaxing sight as you sucked in a breath, willed your muscles to loosen, and glue your eyes shut. The beeping outside had ceased but you faintly heard Alphys rushing around. A warbled conversation took part before lingering silence.“eh, how does a skeleton call his friend?” Sans snickers from the side as your eyebrows twitch.“On a telebone.” You murmur back as whirring slowly approaches. You seize momentarily.“what’s the difference ‘tween a snowman and a snowwoman?” Something presses against the outer glass.“Um, snowballs.” You reply quickly. Sans chuckles to himself as you pout visibly in his direction.“whatchya call fake spaghetti?”“Ugh, an im-pasta-!” You bite out the last bit as a scale is quickly peeled off. You can only compare it to ripping duct tape off flesh instantly. Teeth grit, you hiss it out slowly.“why’d a mushroom go to a party?”“Because he was a pretty fungi.”“why did the skeleton run up a tree?” You pause and ponder. You couldn’t instantly think of any puns to correlate with it, so you shrug. He takes a breath- it reminded you of Jason; he’d found a joke you didn’t know the answer to and he’d suck a happy breath in with anticipation.“because the dog was afta’ his bones.”“Ooooooh weak. That was weak. Bad joke.” You hiss out as the familiar feeling of a needle pinches your arm. Unrelenting to tense the muscle you pressure your spine forward.“how do skeletons send mail across the land?” He is snickering off to the side as the machines edge closer. Your face upturns in trepidation.“Um, uh, t-the boney-express?” You hear bones click and clap when a faint tug from your head catches your attention.“Oo-Oops.” Alphys whispers as the needle finally leaves your skin. Relieved tears well in your eyes, but you stay focused.“what do bone related people use to get into their homes?”“Skeleton Key.” You grumble back.“oooh ain’t no baby-bones in the crowd tonight I see.” He snickers and presses a series of buttons before likely his hand squeaks against the glass; you’d ask how that occurred while lacking skin for the friction.“why’d the farmer get an award?”“Uh, h-he was outstanding in his field.” You nearly jumped back into the skeleton territory as something straight up swallows your foot. It felt like gelatin inside but it was vibrating and ticklish. Your leg tenses as you mildly convulse to resist giggling.“that one got ya, huh?” Sans’ voice is practically laced with his cocky smile.“Sh-Shut up!” You relent back with a warbled smile. “A-Alph-phys! St-Stop- it-i-it tickles!” You snicker and clamp then untested arm over your mouth to withhold your unsightly laugh.“It-Its only for another moment.” She replies.“what did a tomato say to the other during a race?”“Ke-Ketchup!” You giggle into your hand; your face tightens as Sans chuckles on his side. The vibrations finally cease as you give a sigh of relief.“how did the skeleton know it was going to rain?”“He felt it in his bones.” You rub your face to disperse the emotion as Sans’ giggle grows.“he-he read the forecast, ya dingus.” He replies in a goofy voice as you a genuine grumbling sigh rolls through you.“Fuck off.”“Yeah, no, that was straight terrible.” Undyne heckles in the distance.“sorry. didn’t mean to ofind you.”“Throw him out.” You plead.“it wasn’t my basst. cod do better.”“Fish puns now? Really?” You can faintly hear a whisper take place in the back- likely Alphys as Undyne didn’t necessarily understand the meaning of subtle.‘ey, if you c’n think of’a better fish pun, let minnow.” He chortles to the side as you cross your arms in offense.“Oh, ha ha. You are kraken me up.” An immediate full blown laughter erupts from Sans as real and glorious as it is. You can’t resist peeking through with one eye to catch him rolling on the floor, clutching his gut, and wiping a stray tear from his socket. You smile with pride and snicker under your breath.“th-that was – perfect, small fry. way to dive into the fray” He laughs out his sentence while taking calming breaths.“Why do you have to keep calling me smal-“
M e m o r i e s F l o o d i n g I n
“Happy Birthday Maya!!!.......................Oh come on munchkin. Where’s that birthday girl smile?”
“She isn’t coming, is she.”
“……..”
“I knew it.”
“Ma-- ----Whats---- --ya!!” “Alp-- -- wh--- destr---“ “I-It---- -- stab--ed--- !”
“Your mother loves you very much. You know she just needs to focus on her patients a lot.”
“She hasn’t come home in months.”
“She’s very busy. She
really wishes she could be here.”
“Last I heard she was avoiding you for having a possible affair with your editor.”
“Ahh……….Blunt as ever. Who taught you to be like your mother…”
“You need to leave too.”
“Wha-What!? Pshh-naaah- Today is all about my little Maya-flowe-“
“Your editor called.”
“………”
“You didn’t finish the due chapters.”
“…………Ugghh…...M-Maya, honey-”
“I’m okay. I already have a ride to the doctors office. They are expecting you dad.”
“Drain---- whi—“ “Wha---- can I he--- -- -May—“ “HP--- -- -lo-- --ge—“
“Hi Maya!”
“Hello Dr. Candest.”
“……Parents couldn’t attend?”
“They’re busy. It’s ok.”
“Well aren’t you just so responsible! You’re very brave. Let’s go through the tests, shall we?”
“Are….Are, uh, th-there any s-sh-…..shots?”
“Only two. The usual stuff.”
“Wher—hand--- Maya-“ “pres—st--dying—mag----sta—“ “Com----I go---don’t loo-!!!” “Und—e—now is---me for---!!“
“Hi Maya!”
“Hey……..You okay?”
“Oh sweetie, what’s wrong? You look like you cried your eyes out!! Jason, give her some tissues.”
“Oh , uh, h-here.”
“This won’t do. Such a cute face being all red and puffy! Let’s go out and get some ice cream, huh? That’ll cheer you up right away!”
“She isn’t really
cute…”
“Jason.”
“Just because we sit next to each other in class doesn’t mean we are friends! She can be so uptight and bossy!”
“She i---- May—hea-me?” “sho-lda held o--- -- extra—tion.” “Will s--- -right?” “ Sh-S-- com- to!” “Ma-a?”
“Here you go, Maya!”
“Thank you, Mrs. Ralix.”
“Think nothing of it honey.”
“………MISTER!! Put more sprinkles on this.”
“Wha- Jason! Don’t be picky! That isn’t even yours!”
“Just put more sprinkles on it! It-It’s her birthday.”
“Her bir- Maya!? Oh, sweetie!! Is it?!”
“Jas-“
“Shut up. Here. He gave you a cherry too. At least someone isn’t an idiot.”
“Honey! Your parents are away today?!”
“Uh….U-Um, ye-yes-“
“Well that’s just ridonkculous! You can’t celebrate on your own!! Come on! We’re going shopping for a present and cake!!”
“Woo. Cake. Don’t say that word again either Mom.”
“……”
“Ugh, don’t cry again.”
“And you acted like she wasn’t cute~!”
“Sh-She isn’t!!”
“MmmHmmm.”
“…..UGH stop crying. Here. Eat the cherry.”
“I’ve noticed that most the time you have a doctor or dentist appointment your parents aren’t around. Are the gone frequently?.........Uh-heh heh what am I saying. Of course they are. Uh, don’t answer that sweetie!”
“Great. She is crying more. Stop. It’s doing something weird to your face.”
“Her eyes—May—can y—r me?” “SOUL sta---lizing.” “Ye-Yes, s--- rega-ing consci—ness.” “Maay----“
“Actually, your doctors appointment was only last week! To save on trips, we should just schedule your visits together!”
“Wh-What?!”
“Oh hush up. It’s easier and faster. You can be there to support each other. Oh, I’ll call Daniel! Uh, I mean, your father.”
“Wha- But-!!
Great, look what I get to deal with now!..........Hey, say something!”
“She doesn’t need to. I’ll be fine.”
“…………Stop making that face.”
“! Wh-What fa—“
“That one!”
“O-Ow! Stop pushing my che-“
“You keep making this dumb face! Stop trying to be an adult! Trying to be some know-it-all and everything – you just don’t
trust anyone, do you?!”
“!!...................hic-!”
“Aw COME ON!! Stop crying and just eat your cake!!”
“Mmmmm….”
“………Geez, you’re such a cry baby-“
“Maya-“
“I ca-can’t. Mum and D-Dad are busy. I need to be indepen-d-dince.”
“See?! You can’t even say the word right! You’re only eight- stop trying to be on top of the world-“
“M-Maya-“
“I-I can-can’t change now. Ever-ry-ryone ha-hates m-me-e-e-e.”
“Here. Take a flipping napkin. Your snot is getting everywhere!”
“Mmm…”
“………….Look. I’ll go with you to your dumb appointments ‘til you can learn to stop being a crybaby. Will
that cheer you up?”
“Uhh—nn—mmunnn-“
“Stop trying to talk with your mouth full and just nod or shake your head!--!! AGH YOU GOT SNOT ON ME!!”
“S-Sah-hwy.”
“Your father agreed that it would be a good ide- Jason. What are you doing on the floor?”
“GET ME DIZENFACTINT!!”
“Di-Disinfectant.”
“YOU, STUPID, DORKY, KNOW-IT-ALL!! I’LL GET YOU BACK FOR THIS-“
“Maya?”The room ceased swaying with memories as a twinge of pain still envelops your nerves. You groan and everyone visibly relaxes.“M-Maya!! I-I’m so-s-so so so-so sorry! I-I-I dec-cided-d a-a-at th-the la-la-l-last m-moment th-that a fr-fresh DT sa-sample would be m-more beneficial regarding the effects i-it had on your SOUL and magic; yo-your si-gnature w-was m-m-more than stable, I d-discussed it wi-with Sans—I-I-I-I should-dn’t—b-but the SWB-032 was b-balancing your st-statistics we-well, as I had predicted—“ You raise your arm up to try and calm her down. A throbbing headache wells in your forehead.“What happened?” You whisper and pressure your forehead.“Oh, uh, U-Undyne- can you get her some water and fo-“ “On it!!” Immediately your elevation disappears and your head connects with the hard tile and coldness as you groan and hiss. “Oops!” Undyne patters around out of sight and shoves a pillow under your head before dashing out the room. You moan and grip your head as a chill presses against your back. Peering down, you find yourself on the labs floor tiles only covered with a lab coat. You hear draining in the back as Sans comes hovering over without his coat on and a relieved expression.“Wha-“ “take it easy, small fry. Alph extracted some base essence from ya SOUL. it’ll yield more results through testing, but it was a split second decision.”“Y-Yes! I-If I hadn’t discussed it with S-Sans and gotten the approval, I would have never-! O-Okay, maybe not never, but-but a fresh sample is easiest for testing!”“it went well considering. you only experienced a minor lapse.”“La-Lapse?” You murmur and try to peer around. Alphys adjusts your head and sets a washcloth over your eyes to blot out the overhead lights and provide a subtle warmth.“Me-Memory lapse! When the SOUL is under distress, i-it triggers relatable memories to ke-keep a sanity and calmness and not strain the situation f-fur-th-ther. B-But, hey, th-that’s great!!”“Is it?......Ugh, I feel awful.” You shudder beneath the coat.“We-Well, did you have any memories? Anything that could h-help us find your home?” Alphys indicates as yor body turns rigid. The memory roams back through your mind.“Nothing….It was just….whiteness. Blinding, honestly.” You murmur beneath your breath. Alphys sighs while Undyne rushes back in.“We-We should move her to the beds.” “On it!!” Peeking under the washcloth you watch Undyne shove the food and drink into Sans’ patient hands as she hoists you over her shoulder. You shriek as she jogs down the hall.“Un-Undyne!! Ugh, my cloth—Oh I’m gonna be sick…” You mutter and sink into her muscle slowly as your stomach tumbles.“Oh, shit, sorry.” Undyne screeches to a halt, wraps the coat around you with buttons and all, before pressing on. She puts you in the furthest corner bed because ‘Alphys mentioned something not putting you in of the closer beds for reasons unspecified.’ Alphys brought your clothes along with Sans and the refreshments.“Sh-She just needs to rest. Half an ho-hour should be plenty of time. You can ta-take a nap if you like.”“gee, thanks Alph.” Sans plops into a stool besides the bed and pops open a can of soda. Where it came from you dare not ask.“Not you!” Undyne growls threateningly and stands before Sans. “Listen soldier!”“yes bass.” Sans gives a lazy salute.“You’re in charge of watching over her because you took a more depthy SOUL surveyor class – whatever that is!! If I find out something happened ‘cause your lazy bones didn’t move, you’ll be fired.” Her eye squints up impatiently.“got it.”“Where—“ You murmur, reaching around. Sans hands you a glass of water that you sip at briefly.“Alph is going to show me around. Let me in on the whole situation.” Undyne pats the bed spread. To the side you spy Alphys looking both humble and terrified; she still manages to blush when Undyne wanders over and she starts the ‘tour’.Sans was silent and patient with you as you crumpled up periodically in pain. You would moan and strain as he’d swiftly hand you whatever would assist your agony; fixing the blankets, feeding you chips, warming the washcloth. You suffered through him telling more puns and jokes each time without dismissing reply. The lingering ache kept you from proper rest with brief insufferable itches pulling free your SOUL involuntarily. Sans didn’t skip a beat or joke when his focus was pressed on your SOUL. He took genuine care each time and calmly nestled it back where it belonged. Managing a pithy nap for only several minutes that Sans interrupted while the returning the cartoon heart to its origins again. You rub your face against your forearm – Alphys had wrapped a bandage around the arm that was prioritized during the examination.“Lie down…”Your eyes opened in alarm. That didn’t sound like….“I am.” You reply. It pulls a wide grin from Sans as he sets his joke book to the side. You, again, refuse to question this skeleton on the whereabouts it was hidden.“ya are what?” A palpable stillness forms between you both as your scales begin to clam up with sweat.“Lying down.”“yep ya are.” His eyes lid in amusement.“Come lie down….”The restlessness and vague where the final straw as you reached past the covers to your clothes.“you good there smalls?” He had a momentary habit of rubbing your head.“..Wanna go….” You murmur and hide your frightened eyes. Reaching past the covers you grab your clothes.“need any help there?” His casual grin hangs on as you manage a brief glare at him. He shrugs with the minimal attempt and swivels around on the stool to face away. You slither into your underwear, struggling with your bra clasps. Impatience rears up as you give up on fixing it and slip your shirt and pants on. You don’t bother to put your clogs on and decide to carry them. Groggy but light-headed, you manage to stand; Sans peeks out of curiosity. You reach back and tie Sans’ lab coat around your waist. You feel his nametag brush against your leg, but pay it little mind.“hey ‘ey. lets wait for ‘em to get back.” He stands along with you; your head shakes in an almost drunken state.“Just…wanna go home and lookit the water.” You murmur and nudge past him. He stifles a giggle from behind as you whip around to glare at him. “What?”“that’s not the way out.”“Yes it is.”“no, it isn’t.” Sans points down to the other side of the room.“No. It’s this way.” You nudge the path you’re intending to take. Sans studies you and pauses before shrugging and tagging along. “Why’re you followin’ me?”“ya don’t seem too sane in the membrane there, small fry. ‘sides, you heard ‘dyne. she’d fire me.” He passes you as you mutter and tag along, wincing every few steps from your arm and vaguely numb foot. Peeking down at it you catch clear signs of properly trimmed toenails.“we took ya nails ‘cause it’s the safest way to get bone-related samples.” Sans supplies the answer as the question still rummages through your brain. You run your dry palm over your forehead to feel at the flatter scales. Rounding the corner, a screen catches your eye as it lights up.“Another? How many did you guys put down here?” You sigh and walk towards it.“’ow many what?” Sans appears dubious to your speech as you gesture to the screen.“These entry things. I know you wrote at least one.” You grumble and read the text.
ENTRY NUMBER 15
Seems like this research was a dead end . . .
But at least we got a happy ending out of it . . . ?
I sent the SOULs and the vessel back to ASGORE.
And I called all of the families and told them everyone’s alive.
I’ll send everyone back tomorrow. :)
“Yeah- so, like – yeah. This was Alphys; probably. I don’t know any other scientists that use emojis.” You gesture to the bottom of the text. Sans studies you intently. “A-And it works with the others! You wrote, like, ten or somethin’ about the vessels not working! Alphys wrote this and the last one; that they had gotten up. Bam. Sequential order is apparently not a thing down here.” You grumble and walk on.“you can read that but not anything else?”“Yeah! So, as I said, you guys have some broken English or something!” You throw your arms up in reply as you walk down the hall. An ache passes through your chest as you momentarily lean against the wall. Sans’ hand rubs small circles over your back with a buzzing warmth. It helps to relax you and the dull pain as you push yourself back into an upright position.“sure ya don’t wanna go sit down?” You come across the next screen fairly quickly.“Noooope. I’d rather avoid the creepy noises thank you.”“cree-“
ENTRY NUMBER 16
no No NO NO NO NO NO
“……I don’t know who wrote this?” You shakily explain and ball your hands together. Sans checks the screen but immediately averts his eyes back to you.“what were ya hearing?” He persists as your face scrunches up in concern.“Something just…..whispering. It was hushed and raspy; telling me to ‘lie down’.” The fine hairs between your scales stand on edge as you rub them down. Sans mimics your face of uncertainty, but says nothing more. You both press on- he sticks closer then you were comfortable with, but in this lab you will take the peculiar company where it provides itself. You pause at a dark open doorway. Peering inside, you see a shower curtain and tub in the far back of a thin lengthy room. Your eyes scan up to the curtain where something undulates slowly. An echoing thrum bounces against the walls as the shape writhes behind.“Sans. Sans.” Your voice pitches as you clutch his jacket. He is watching it with a concerning sweat. He takes a step forward, practically dragging you along.“No. No no no NO.” You unlatch from him and stick to the door as he peeks back at you shaking against the frame. Past his calm and indifferent face, you can see the sweat beading as he takes another step.“what, can’t handle some lighting issues?”“You know that isn’t lighting!!” You stamp your foot and peek down the hall you’d been walking along – you can’t see much due to the thick darkness between doors and the looming dread. The lonely anticipation gets the better of you as you stumble forward to clutch onto Sans jacket. The closer he nears it, the faster it undulates. Now, inside the room, you hear it.“Come… here… come… here… come… here…” Each warped motion produces a faint desperate whisper. Tears boil in your eyes as you seize and tug his arm.“MmMmm. Nuh-uh. It’s talking. Stop. Le-Lets just go.” Sans meets your terrified gaze head on.“what’s’t sayin’?” He asks quietly.“I-It just keeps saying ‘come’ and ‘here’.”“oh. then we should.” Sans chipper voice catches you off guard as he presses forward. You gape at the audacity, but mutter in terror as the shade picks up speed.“No- ca-can we not?!” You plead.“you’re free t’ wait at the door.” Sans is expectantly dragging you along if it weren’t by your own volition to continue grasping his arm like a lifeline.“N-N-No!! Wh-What if s-something-““Come, here, come, here, come, here-“ Sans is close enough to reach his arm out and grasp the curtain.“look, smalls, if you don’t check every lil corner-“ He tugs back the curtain as you clench your eyes, squeeze his arm, and suck in a tight breath. The voice stops along with the terrorizing echo that kept in time prior. Trembling against Sans’ sleeve, you peek. The tub is empty. In it lays a small key with green paint chipping off that Sans snags and twirls between his phalanges.“ya never know what you’ll find.” He dabs his sleeve against his face to pick up the remnants of trickling sweat. You peek around the tub cautiously as he turns towards you, presenting the key.“Come here.” The voice chills your skin as you follow the trace. There, nestled like a puddle in the drain, is a black and white smiling face with beady bug eyes.“Hello-“ “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-“ You let a blood curdling scream out as Sans winces, drops the key, and covers his skull. You feel the floor beneath you rumble as you heel spin and dash away.“Ma-“ Sans shouts something you utterly ignore, skid into the hall, and sprint right. Spying the doorway you swerve slightly from another thrum of pain. Eyes shut, panting, you flee into the next room.The ground falls out from your feet.A slow enrapture compels your eyes attention despite the gravitational fall taking place. A large, metallic, skull-like thing with a series of large tubes circling around the outside while the behemoth machine hovers above a pit. An ant maw splits in four as a cushion rests within beneath the skeletal goat head. A scream can’t pull through you as a blue magic coats your skin. It trembles to grip you, but you are lifted from the chasm steadily.Sans stands, huffing, with a vivid blue iris in his left socket alone. The magic pops and plops you onto the cold tile as you gasp and catch your breath along with Sans.“d-don’t…..do that.” He gasps and pushes his arms onto his knees, keeling forward and bending besides you.“S-Sorry, b-but there- the drain h-had a face.” You sputter and pat your eyelashes free of tear remnants. He offers a hand as you uptake it and struggle to your feet. “Wh-What is this thing?”“whats wh-“ He peeks up and stills. His breathing, while still labored, doesn’t mirror his tense yet stoic expression.“S-Sans?” You gasp, finally easing your racing heart.“it-its none of your concern.”“But weren’t you the one to say if you didn’t check every corner you didn’t know what you would find. Well, I found this, but I don’t know what it is. That expression you’re making tells me you know.” Your arms cross confidently. You tense instantly as he gives a deadly glare at the contraption. Tightening your mouth you mask the concern underneath the instantly diminished confidence.“………it’s an ol’ project. SOUL and magic extraction specialization.”“Extraction?” You look towards it- across it on the wall rests a panel.“don’ touch. nothin’ good ever came outta it.” He leans against the wall, pulling a dog treat out of his pocket, and sticking it into his mouth. His eyes don’t look up from the floor.“What’s the use for it? It doesn’t make sense to extract magic or a SOUL considering it’s so valuable and…..life based?” Sans ignores you and flicks out a lighter. He lights the dog treats end as you make a quizzical face. He puffs it like any old cigarette as your mouth turns in disgust.“What are you doing?”“treatin’ myself.” He raises the dog treat in gesture as you roll your eyes.“I don’t really want to know where you keep pulling these things out of.” You bat your arm in his direction and analyze the panel despite Sans. As you’re looking at the sensors and speaker, a miniature microphone pops from the base.“What is the geometrical theory in binary code?” “Wh-What-““Access granted.” The confusing situation immediately flips into an overly complex settlement of buttons, dials, and a single lever. Overall, the layout makes it plenty more absurd to understand then the actual premise.“So, this thing, extracts certain amounts of magic – or the SOUL.” The dials are labelled with percentages, a few switches change the ‘flow’, and the main lever activates it. Sans blips into reality besides you as you jump to the side. He flips a few switches and the panel whirrs shut.“don’t touch ‘t.” He declares and leans besides the base panel preventing you access.“I understand what it does, but why does it do that? Alphys is always mentioning the SOUL is the core of us. Why pull it out?”“look, small fry-“ “You really have to stop calling me that.” You declare with a crossing of your arms.“yeah. so, small fry, it was an old project. before all’a this. thusly, it don’t concern you.”You lean against the panel beside him, staring at the gigantic contraption.“Sorry for wanting to know more about this place. For making memories.” You grumble and peek at the missing scales upon your upper arm. It continued to sting and throb with lasting pain, but nothing you weren’t used to. It was the foreign ache in your sternum that reverberated through you periodically still that was concerning.“…………the former royal scientist. he started the project.” Sans spoke up suddenly as your attention whipped around to him. His face was darker, but he peeked at you for a few moments to ensure he’d caught your attention.“’e wanted to study the makings and make-up of SOULs. anything ‘e could get his hands on honestly; monsters didn’t differ. how much magic was necessary to live. what were the more vital points aligned on the SOUL, or did it differentiate between individuals. ‘e didn’t accept answers unless he’d unveiled them ‘imself.” He twirls the half smoked dog treat between his boney fingers as you await him to center his thoughts. He seemed uncertain for some reason, but would brighten briefly whenever he looked to you.“me and alph were his students. carried his notes, reminded him if he forgot, and learned with experience……..the first and last monster in this machine ‘ad about ninety percent of their magic extracted…………’e insisted on testing the limits………..they never came out. SOUL extraction was too risky as well – deceased monsters besides Boss monsters don’t retain their SOUL for long. Boss monsters are in short supply then and now, so we can’t just test ‘em willy-nilly. the king himself stopped the project.” He took a puff again as a generous portion of the dog treat disintegrated. Your eyes quivered as your mind imagined it; magic being leeched from a living monster. Unease gripped at your thoughts. Sans offered the remaining dog treat.“O-Oh, uh, n-no thanks. It’s not healthy.” You shake off his offer.“it’s nothin’ bad. i ain’t gonna pressure you into it- it’s honestly medicinal. helps take the edge off your mind.” His genuine smile peeks through as you peer between him and the treat. You recall the stupid days where a single joint was passed around. You didn’t know how to smoke, but Jason insisted nothing bad came of it. You never did manage to smoke properly, so it didn’t become a habit or addiction.You pinch the treat between your forefinger and thumb, eyeing it doubtfully. Shrugging and following example you take a tentative huff of the treat. It doesn’t taste disgusting like a cigarette or blunt, but the smoke inhaled continues to burn your senses. As usual, you clamp your mouth shut in sour disgust and blow it harshly from your tiny nose. It makes a whistle from the pressure while coughing out the remnants stuck on the tongue. You give it back immediately and rub your nose brazenly from the lasting sting.“S-Sorry…” You sneeze and squeeze your eyes shut. Your face felt drowsy and heavy, but it was essentially like that before hand. Sans chuckled and puffed the rest of the treat as he watched you scratch your nose.“never seen someone smoke ‘em like that.”“Well excuse me for not smoking.” You gag and grate your teeth over your tongue to perhaps distill the lasting flavor.“ain’ nothin’ wrong with that. just means you’re clean.” The last of the smoke gently steams from his sockets as you watch with humor and curiosity. A vague question clicks into your mind as you quietly intertwine your fingers together.“What made you tell me?” You murmur. Footsteps and panting echo down the hallway as you look down the way you’d both came. You can hear the sheer muscle train billowing closer – you’re surprised it took them this long to come considering the screech you let loose earlier on.
Sans pats your shoulder and walks around you to await the incoming monsters.“i knew it wouldn’t matter ‘n the long run.” He whispers, practically to himself.“What?” You ask again, but Undyne screeches into view.“Ah!! There they are!!” To your surprise, she is carrying Alphys bridal style. She has almost rolled into a bashful armadillo ball in Undyne tight grasp as she steams red. Undyne is surprisingly sweaty as she launches down the hallway towards you. Her heels literally screech as she skids to a stop only a few feet in front of you.“What happened?! We heard ya scream, but we couldn’t find ya!!” Undyne pants and repositions Alphys.“U-Uh, sorry. I got spooked. Was, uh, j-just seeing things.” You wave off her concerns. Her eye blinks as she releases a heavy sigh.“Stars, I thought you were dying or something!” Undyne barks and laughs to dismiss her clear unease.“whatchya doin’ there alph?” Sans’ sinister smile pokes at his cheeks as he leans closer to inspect Alphys. She is as bright as a strawberry as she covers her face in her claws. Undyne, being considerate suddenly, plants Alphys on the ground. She immediately takes a few side steps until she is besides you.“U-Uh, w-we-we-w-we-uh-heeeh-he-uh-“ Alphys sputtered uselessly as you snagged the water bottle Sans had surprisingly stuffed into his back pants pocket and press it against her scales. It was cooling as she leaned into it.“Ah! When we heard ya scream, I went sprinting. But I don’t know this place well yet and Alph couldn’t keep up! So she was my adorable little compass!!” Undyne blurts. The room stills as Alphys’ eyes bulge. Undynes smile stills and her eye widens.“I mean, not adorable, but, like, cute! Er, no, n-not even that- um- well—I’m not saying you aren’t cute!! I just—y’know!?” Undynes face darkens with blush as you snicker at the blunder. She hastily hides her own face. Peeking over to Alphys, her glasses are completely fogged. Red drips from her nose suddenly as you recoil in alarm.“Jesus, Alphys!! Your nose!” You blurt, untying Sans’ jacket; using the sleeve as a makeshift tissue you dab under her nose.“H-Huh?” Alphys stutters, feeling at the sleeve you have pressed to her nose. She removes her glasses and you back away to give her space while Undyne continues to try and explain the situation to Sans – he clearly couldn’t care for the excuses and rattling Undyne was spewing out abruptly. She squeaks and rubs them with her own lab-coat – not prying on purpose, you catch a tasteful dark blue and white polka-dot dress beneath the white coat.“Alphys?” You ask. She jumps and put her glasses back on as the blush still lingers over her cheeks. Your face melts into a kind smile.“I hope you had a fun date yesterday. I hope whatever you got off me can help your research.” Alphys brightens and hides behind her claws as you blink in surprise. Does she have a thing for fish?“Hey! Don’t you put the moves on her!! That’s my job.” Undyne barks from the sideline. From the following flustered jumble of words, you can practically feel the radiating heat coming off her face.“while its grand watchin’ you two flirt, are we done?” Sans yawns and tries to put his hands in jacket pockets. It results in an awkward gesture; he isn’t used to not having one you suppose. He makes a clicking sound between his teeth and wanders off.“The exit is this way though.” You grumble back at him, pointing onward. He turns his head back partially with that damn cocky smile.“and since when do you remember running past that machine?” He gestures to the extractor as you take a shot straight to your confidence.“Yeah, this isn’t the way out.” Undyne agrees, smacking your back and pointing you back the way you came.“I-I-It’s t-th-the entirely ot-other way.” Alphys supplies, scurrying ahead with steam puffs coming out her coat.“Alright, fine, I get it! I am terrible with directions! Don’t rub it in! You were lost too!!” You jab Undyne accusingly as her eyebrow knots – it only does that for one reason.“Aye, Alph? Has it been half an hour or whatever? I gotta put this fish in line.” Undyne cracks her knuckles aggressively with a twisted yet excited expression on her face.“T-Too much activity isn’t good for her- tomorrow would be best.” Papyrus had called when you all resurfaced. He was quite upset with Sans for excluding him, but insisted on being told the reasons when we returned home. He also brought up the plan to have a party to welcome you formally as a new friend. Your insistency against it was unheard as Undynes shouts of cooking echoed through the tunnels. The boat was fairly crowded; Sans caused you continuous anxiety as he lounged hazardously on the back of the skimming boat. You all made a quick pit stop in Waterfall as Undyne continued to persuade you into staying with the skeleton brothers for a while.“W-What about that Determination stuff?! Shouldn’t I be fine?” You plead as Undyne lugs the remainder of the things she was willing to lend you onto the boat; it was one set of underwear, two jeans too big for her, and a single shirt that looked like a zombie tore it apart.“It-It’s n-not th-that its ineffective. We merely n-need a constant me-medium for your HP to r-rely on. Papyrus is ex-exceptionally charismatic. He-H-He is a pe-perfect counterpart to the n-negative strain in your SOUL. O-Once I get a m-more i-i-i-in depth check on your magic makeup and statistics, we can find a more solid solution or even a-a cure.” Alphys verifies while clutching a little bag of crabapples. You’d gone with her to Gersons to get some. He bargained them away for free because Alphys explained your hard day. He offered you a lazy wink as you smiled sweetly to the old tortoise.“So, that’s it? I’m sick and you guys are using Papyrus as a form of medicine.” Undyne snickered as Sans gave a thumbs up from the back of the boat. The River Person sang a tiny tune and the boat rocketed forwards. Again, you fretted about being flung from the boat; even Alphys wasn’t fazed from the speed.“Take an hourly dose of Papyrus now, Maya.”“save some for me. ‘course with ‘is energy, my cool brother can be shared i suppose.” Sans shrugged in his leisure.“Oh cry the rest of the river.” Undyne waves him off.“fish i could.” From Undynes tense face Sans must be sprouting a big smile.“What do you call a comical skeleton?” You interject back to him. It catches him by surprise, he ponders, and shrugs.“comic sans?” He mentions with the snicker.“A bonezo.” His snicker extends until he is giggling and squinting his eyes shut.“good one small fry.”“Stop calling me that.” You plead and lurch forward onto your face as the boat stops. You grumble and unstick your face from the boards. You rub your cheeks as you all undock. The boat speeds off immediately after.“I-I di-didn’t take y-you for a j-jokester, Maya.” Alphys points out. You see her struggle with the bag of crabapples as you lift them from her grasp. You catch Undyne catching up with the remainder of your things ready to whisk them away from Alphys. She glares you done for clearly stealing her glory.“Not really. It shuts him up for a little bit though. He actually has to think.” You groan as Sans’ eyes shine with newfound humor. You were growing used to that expression and winced for whatever was coming.“it’s the thought that counts.” He snaps his fingers as you gripe and shove him away.“Don’t leave me here, please.” You plead as the house comes into view.“Hey, maybe it’ll be theraptic.”“Y’know, like, good for you? Not with just Papyrus?” She rolls her hands to continue to the explanation visually. Your eyes calm as you stare at her.“You mean therapeutic.”“Yeah, that!”“Uggghhhh…” You groan and turn to Alphys. You don’t even bother to ask staying with her – knowing what lies under her first lab is enough to dry your mouth of the answer. You sigh and accept your fate as Sans jiggles the knob open.“pap! we’re home.” Sans calls out. There is a crash and scuttling sound upstairs. Papyrus comes volleying out of his room. Thin pink bright blush stickers are stuck to his face. He has a thinned baseball cap on sideways. He sports a crop top to conceal his ribs that’s reads ‘Cool Dude’, with the C hazardously sewn in over a patch on the shirt. Attached to his shoulders are two basketballs that his arms sprout out of. Blue swimming trunks hang right on the edges of his upper pelvis. He also has on refreshing yet cringe worthy orange flat top shoes on.“WELCOME BACK BROTHER!! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL BE EXPECTING THAT EXPLANATION FOR WHY I AND MY GREATNESS COULDN’T ATTEND.” Papyrus declares proudly as his door creaks open. Frisk comes to the railing as their little head is barely visible past the wood.“Ah! What’re you doing here?!” Undyne barks and points an accusatory finger while dropping most of the food. You save what bags you can with Alphys, but she can’t hold any of them up to start.“AH, W-WELL, ME AND THE HUMAN ARE O-ON A DATE!!” Papyrus adjusts his shirt collar while Frisk waves and nods their head.“WHAT?!?! I want to date the human too!!”“ I’M AFRAID YOU’LL NEVER GET THAT DATE, UNDYNE; I HAVE EXPERTLY HIDDEN, ON MY BODY, A SPECIAL GIFT FOR THE HUMAN! THEY CANNOT PROGRESS FURTHER UNTIL THEY EITHER FIND IT, WHICH IS NAY IMPOSSIBLE, OR SURRENDER THAT I AM THE GREATER DATER!! NYEH HEH HEEE-“ “Bet 20G its under your hat.” You cut off Papyrus with a smile and stroke your chin while heaving the rest of the groceries in.“Another 20G that it’s spaghetti.” Papyrus’ eyes bulge as he grabs his face with a gasp.“O-OH NO!!!” He feigns backwards with an elegant fall to his knees.“I-I DIDN’T CONSIDER THE DATING PROWESS OF THOSE AROUND ME!! C-CURSES! NYOO HO-HOOOO!” Little cartoonish tears drip from his sockets as Frisk pats his shoulder in comfort.“I’ll still eat the spaghetti.” Frisk admits as Papyrus looks to them with shimmering bishounen eyes. His face turns anime like as you scrunch up and question how.“RE-REALLY, HUMAN?!”“Of course! I love your cooking!” Frisk gives a double thumbs up as something cracks with Papyrus.“NYOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! A GENUINE COMPLIMENT!!!” His hat flies off, revealing the box smeared in spaghetti stains. A shadow darkens his skull and sockets with a complex expression.“HUMAN. IT’S CLEAR NOW. YOU’RE MADLY IN LOVE WITH ME. EVERYTHING YOU DO. EVERYTHING YOU SAY.”“What?” You whisper to Sans from his comfy spot on the couch. He shrugs and digs for something: the remote or change.“IT’S ALL BEEN FOR MY SAKE. HUMAN, I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY, TOO. IT’S TIME FOR ME TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS.”“Oh no.” You mutter and hastily walk inside to avoid any involvement. Despite the distance of the kitchen, you can still hear everything clearly – because Papyrus. It was a volume you’d need to adjust to quickly.“IT’S TIME THAT I TOLD YOU. I, PAPYRUS . . . . I . . . UM . . . BOY, IS IT HOT IN HERE, OR IS IT JUST ME??” Papyrus exclaims suddenly. Undyne gives a whistle.“It’s just you, Papyrus.” You call back, hoping to distill the situation.“. . . OH. SHOOT. HUMAN, I . . . I’M SORRY. I DON’T LIKE YOU THE WAY YOU LIKE ME. ROMANTICALLY, I MEAN. I MEAN, I TRIED VERY HARD TO! I THOUGHT BECAUSE YOU FLIRTED WITH ME . . . THAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO ON A DATE WITH YOU. THEN, ON THE DATE, FEELINGS WOULD BLOSSOM FORTH!!!”“Right mindset wrong concept Papyrus.” You continue to call out as you place stuff away into the fridge. Staring at the crabapples you question whether they are more crab then apple – to refrigerate or not refrigerate. That is your current question.“I WOULD BE ABLE TO MATCH YOUR PASSION FOR ME! BUT ALAS . . . I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS . . . HAVE FAILED.”“NOO!!!” Undyne shouts abruptly. You can see her harshly pouting on the couch and fighting tears. Alphys looks upset yet drawn to the scene that is still likely taking place on the stairs. Sans is just watching casually – like he’s seen it dozens of times and knows the outcome word for word.“I FEEL JUST THE SAME AS BEFORE. AND INSTEAD, BY DATING YOU . . . I HAVE ONLY DRAWN YOU DEEPER . . . INTO YOUR INTENSE LOVE FOR ME! A DARK PRISON OF PASSION, WITH NO ESCAPE.”“Please don’t teach the kid about passion.” You plea from the fridge. You halt primarily on the concept that only being here one day has you made you comfortable enough to know where the food goes. You have yet to touch the crabapples and will ask because of the concept of it being more crab or more apple.“HOW COULD I HAVE DONE THIS TO MY DEAR FRIEND . . . ? . . . NO! WAIT! THAT’S WRONG! I CAN’T FAIL AT ANYTHING!”“Yeah!!” Undyne cheers aggressively.“HUMAN!!! I’LL HELP YOU THROUGH THESE TRYING TIMES!!! I’LL KEEP BEING YOUR COOL FRIEND . . . AND ACT LIKE THIS NEVER HAPPENED.”“That is not good dating etiquette.” You declare abruptly while checking all the food bags again.“AFTER ALL, YOU ARE VERY GREAT. IT WOULD BE TRAGIC TO LOSE THAT FRIENDSHIP.”“HEAR HEAR!!!!” Undyne again.“SO PLEASE . . . . . DON’T CRY BECAUSE I WON’T KISS YOU. BECAUSE, I DON’T EVEN HAVE LIPS.” You manage to chortle at the thought of Papyrus trying to pucker up for someone, but strainging because he doesn’t have lips. He’d likely turn into another Undyne – suplex things until it might fix the problem.“AND HEY, SOMEDAY, YOU’LL FIND SOMEONE AS GREAT AS ME. WELL, NO, THAT’S NOT TRUE. BUT I’LL HELP YOU SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST!!! NYEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!!!” You hear a trampling of feet in place before a door slams shut. You sigh from the drama ending; another sign is Undyne clapping frantically as though she attended a grand play.“OH, AND IF YOU EVER NEED TO REACH ME . . . HERE’S MY PHONE NUMBER. YOU CAN CALL ME ANYTIME! PLATONICALLY. WELL, GOTTA GO! NYEH HEH HEH!” The door slams again. Little feet patter down the stairs as Frisk approaches the couch with a still steaming plate of spaghetti. Sans pats a squeezed spot between him and Undyne on the sofa but Frisk sets the plate on the coffee table and comes rushing into the kitchen. They tackle you abruptly with a hug and smothers their face in your stomach. You giggle from the sensation as Frisk plants their little feet on yours similar to a dance. With their tight grip on your waist you waddle out to the others with Frisk as Alphys giggles. Frisk peeks up with their chin directly in your gut.“How did you know he had spaghetti under his hat?” They ask quizzically with a curious glint in the eyes.“When you date for long enough, you become a love guru. Based off his attitude and likes, it’s easy to tell he’d put on something new to conceal something usual to him. It’s just Papyrus.” You shrug and pry them off your stomach. “My main issue is why a nine year old is dating skeletons?” You raise your eyebrow as they giggle in your grasp.“kids just’a natural flirt.” Sans winks to Frisk who winks back despite their thin eyes.“Oh, uh, do the crabapples go in the fridge?” You ask quickly before forgetting as Undyne shakes her head.“Put ‘em in the cold and they get too crabby. But-!” Undyne slams the coffee table, the plate of spaghetti clattering. “- If you’re a love guru, I’m a rock!” Undyne guffaws as your eyebrow quirks in challenge.“Don’t believe me? I bet I can guess about ninety percent of the date you had with Alphys. You haven’t told me anything.”“Re-Really?!” Alphys glows with surprise and intrigue.“When you date as long as I did, you get used to it.” The words are out before you stop them. Nobody seems curious about your terms and words but Sans – but he is always suspicious.“Alright. Try.” Undyne crosses her arms confidently.“You took her to the first place you met – she was dressed in a tight long dress that she felt slightly uncomfortable in but she wanted to look dolled up for you so she did her best to wear it with a minor dazzle to catch your eye. You probably wore your thinnest skinny jeans, black grey, ripped on the thigh and knee pair? Ditch the tank top and wore white with a dark brown jacket to contrast your blue scales and red hair. You likely did your hair as a cuter ponytail too as to impress her with your sense of fashion you don’t casually show off.” You sigh, walk into the kitchen and grab a glass of water.“You talked and held hands all shy to give her proper space and walked around Waterfall – you wouldn’t take her somewhere like the MTT Mart because of all the commotion, and Hotland is too much for you. Showed her around Waterfall and went to her lab for a nice dinner. You helped her with properly cooking, talked about passionate things over the meal. All in all, you’re a cute couple who doesn’t really know where to start. In the end, you probably pecked her forehead and she bloomed bright red. How many times did she derail conversation, Alphys?” You sip tentatively at the drink without even glancing at them. The table clatters again.“HOW THE HELL-“ “Th-That’s a-am-mazing!!” Alphys’ eyes sparkle as Undyne holds her head; trying to recount everything herself.“Th-That was spot on! Ho-How di-did-d you f-figure it out?”“It’s easy. If you know people, you can predict what actions they’d take. Based off their affection and attitude, they might makes changes to appease their partner. The fact that she was so prim and kind with you shows she really likes you Alphys.” You wink and watch her blush and hold her cheeks.“WHAT HAS ALPHYS BLUSHING LIKE A FRESH SPAGHETTI SAUCE?” Papyrus flies off the stairs and lands somewhat hazardously on the floorboards and carpet.“M-Maya is a love guru!” Alphys blurts as you sigh and lean above the wall. A series of notes are tacked above a lone sock on the floor.“WOWIE! DID YOU READ THE BOOK?” Papyrus’ eyes sparkle along with Alphys as you laugh half-heartedly.“It’s not a book, Papyrus. Love just happens. I know and can make guesses based on experience.”“Th-Then what about Sans?!” Undyne gestures to the adamant Sans lazily lounging besides her.“He hasn’t dated.” “i’m good.” You say simultaneously with him as his eyes pop open.“hol’ up. what makes ya think i ain’t dated?” His smile turns up in challenge.“If you did you’d give Papyrus advice, not a book.”“don’t judge a book by its cover.” He snaps his fingers at you while your eyes roll and you take a quick sip.“Another thing – your terrible humor. Finding someone who likes that type of humor is an instant keeper.”“BUT THERE ARE PLENTY OF PATRONS AT GRILLBYS WHO LIKE SANS’ JOKES.” Papyrus defends. You aren’t expecting it, but you shrug it off.“Papyrus, if Sans had dated someone or was, you’d be the first to know. If Sans liked someone at Grillbys, if he is a regular, don’t you think they’d already be together?” You extend your hand to Sans in example as it waves around during your sentence. Undyne seems to be in deep thought.“I SUPPOSE…” Papyrus murmurs as he squints at Sans; he sweats under the atmosphere.“He probably just hasn’t met the person yet Papyrus. Give ‘em time.”“Then, what would his date be like?” Frisk jumps into the conversation at your side as you nearly choke on the gulp. You peek to Sans and lean back in thought.“Well, he’d probably save up money. He wouldn’t pick a date; that isn’t his style. It’d just happen. He would run into his crush or whatever, invite them out for food, abruptly take them to a really fancy restaurant similar to MTT Mart that doubles with a comedian stage. Whoever he likes would love jokes. Might even surprise them by getting up and telling a skit. Instead of blipping about he’d actually bother walk alongside them home. Whether he makes a move or not would definitely depend on the whole date in and of itself – he’d be too shy to go in for a solid kiss on a finicky date.”“. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”The silence hangs as you take a purposefully loud sip to try and fill it. Sans and his small seem small on the couch as beads of sweat pop up across his skull.“Then again, that’s just my assumption. It fits his character, in a sense. Bet you’d just make lovey eyes at them until you just brought it up in your own natural way.” Nervously, you gulp down more water. A sniffle from the sidelines shows Papyrus with warbling bulging eyes and tearing up.“MY BROTHER IS SO . . . . ROMANTIC.” Papyrus huffs and covers his sockets with his gloves.“wh-“ “Dude! If you ever need help getting that arrangement, lemme know!! That robot owes me a favor! We’ll help you find that special someone!” Undyne gives him a hearty noogie as he tries to hide in his jacket. Blue dusts his face as you smile at the antics. Papyrus sweeps them all besides Alphys into a grand hug. Frisk laughs and launches themselves into the hug.“O-Oh boy.” Alphys mutters and reaches your side. You smile at each other briefly. “H-How a-are you feeling n-now?” She vaguely points towards your chest as you peer down; making sure your SOUL didn’t pop out again accidentally.“Not, uh, as many aches and what not.” You admit quietly. Peeking over at the other Sans has completely tugged his jacket shut til nothing but his mouth was visible through the small hole.“D-Do you think yo-you’ll need a, uh, p-pain killer or something? I can g-get some if-““Oh! No-No no I’ll be fine. Thanks.” You tip your glass in appreciation and she nods after a thoughtful moment. You watch the bundle of antics bound and compile onto the couch. Papyrus keeps one arm firmly around Sans who just becomes a ragdoll in his grasp eventually. Undyne has Frisk giggling and gasping in her ticklish grasp.“Alright, Papyrus.” You call out to get his attention. “I’m gonna make dinner tonight, alright? Just settle there with Sans and ask for dating advice.” You wink. Papyrus seems stumped between obliging your request or rushing to the kitchen.“I-I’ll h-help you.” Alphys scurries along with you to your amazement. You peek at her as she pull the potatoes from the fridge.“Too shy to sit by her after my little rant?” You watch her face squeeze tight and hide behind her hand and sneak a smile. “Eh, don’t worry about it.”You explain your plans to avoid pasta tonight – she is supportive 110%. Considering half the fridge is leftover spaghetti, and the whole Underground situation, your sources and recipes are limited. Something surprisingly abundant – veggies and questionable fruit; your eyes jump to the crabapples in question. Hastily, you peel and dice a variety of things: potatoes, onions, beets, and carrots. Cans of beans travel safely into the dump apparently as you empty a can in after washing the outside. When Alphys points you to the milk, butter, and cream you can’t resist asking.“How do we get dairy products?” Alphys freezes from putting a bit of butter in the growing pot while her minds races with thought.In the end, there is no direct answer. She shrugs and mentions the capital.“Y-Yo-You’re, uh, r-really good at that.” She mentions as you are dicing the vegetables and hastily sliding them into the pot.“It-Its just, kinda, muscle memory I guess.” Your mind races with thoughts of your father. He’d always come home with new recipes you could try. He’d show you how to make them as he learned from professionals. Along with the recipes he picked up the fast-paced chef speed and smoothness. It was how you learned from a young age – he’d made plenty of mentions you would make a fine chef, but it left you little time for other things; you shot the idea down.“We-Well, you are really good.” She sighs and looks to her hardly finished potato. You meander over, to her side, and slide your hand besides her. She tenses.“It’s alright. For a beginner, start it off in half.” You chop it in half and direct her to the single piece you sectioned off. “To keep the flavors and shape, you want chunks. Not choke worthy, but something you need to at the least chew. It adds to it. So cut it into, maybe, five pieces.” You guide her hand languidly to cut the potato cleanly. “Then you line them up, like so, bring the flat of the blade here against your finger and chop. You can go slow.” You give example for the first piece, slice the next and offer it to her. She gulps and takes it slowly, but she picks up the method enough for a sense of comfort.“You ha-have amnesia, y-yet you can remember the s-strangest things.” Alphys giggles as your heart drops immediately.Was I that obvious?! I’ll need to be more careful.You sigh and work on dumping the potatoes in. Alphys leaves the leftover chopping to you as she stirs and adds the cream and canned chicken soup. The aroma fills the air quickly as Frisk comes hopping in.“What are you making?!”“Cream stew. Can you get some bowls Frisk?” Frisk gasps, nods, and hastily climbs to reach the tableware. They even get spoons for each bowl as Alphys wanders out to the living room. You see Undynes webbed fingers reach past you towards the stove dial. You smack her with the back of the spoon and glare at her.“It is done and doesn’t need your extra passion Undyne.”“OOO, WHAT ARE WE HAVING FOR DINNER?” Papyrus peers in curiously.“Cream stew.”“IS THERE SPAGHETTI IN IT?” Papyrus squints at the steaming pot as you snag a ladle.“No noodles.” You declare and immediately watch his joy diminish. “But, with the leftovers, you can put in noodles. They should suck up a good portion of the liquid and give it extra flavor. So if there are leftovers, we can do that.” You pat his shoulder. He isn’t fully sold on the idea. You forcefully make a dejected face and wander away from the stew.“I-I really wanted to making something to show how appreciative I am that you helped take care of me. But, uh, if-if you don’t want it you can make some spaghetti. I’ll just put this in the fridge-“ You reach for the pot and Papyrus snags it hazardously. You jolt as you cautiously make sure none of the semi-boiling mixture spills out onto his bones.“NONSENSE!!! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL GLADLY EAT YOUR FRIENDSHIP DISH!” He dawns a serious expression, serves himself and you a bowl, and wanders to the table. You see Sans shaking his head judgmentally from the sidelines.“Oh come on. I can’t do spaghetti that many days in row and I didn’t want him to be all dejected.” You whisper hiss at Sans.“didn’t say nothin’.”“I can flipping feel you glaring at me SOUL or something.” You shiver out the tension as you snag a bowl for him.“guess ya could say i have souperpowers.” You groan and nearly drop the ladle.“Y’know, its souperb when you get a joke right on the dot. But when you are mixing them up like that it makes you look stewpid.” You pass him the bowl as his eyes gather a challenging glint.“was goin’ easy on ya since you’d probably chicken out if i got into it even a ladle.” You drop the stirring spoon and turn to face him properly. “ya look as dough you have something to say. fire away.” He reaches past the bread loaf to turn off the stove. A mischievous smile reveals your teeth as you lean towards his face.“I’d cream you. Milk the ladle victories while you can Sans; I’ll beet you without a carrot-all.” You untie the apron languidly and watch his expression. Absolute stun and surprise – some forms of joy cause his pupils to grow and twinkle.“Oooooooooooooooo~!!” Frisk jumps in with an absolutely delighted face on their face. Their cheeks are squished under their hands as they peer at you and Sans.“Is that the sound of getting OWNED?!?” Undyne hollers and high-fives Papyrus. You hand Frisk their bowl and Alphys’. Sans is still standing there. You catch a blue blush beneath his eyes and extending over his face.“Dude, you good?” You wave your hand in front of his face. He blinks a few times before catching himself staring. He doesn’t necessarily stop.“……yeah.”“…I was sure you’d come back with a pun after that. You’re face is kinda blue – you sure you’re alright?” You pull the pot off the hot burner and turn back to address him. Something kind and yearning is within those two small white dots for eyes. His sockets hang lazy, but there is a warmth in his gaze.“i just know when to apronciate when someone wins a round.” He murmurs and swings around to walk back to the couch. “just this round though.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Alphys plants herself on the opposite side of you despite Undyne leaving ample space for them to sit together and whisper. She is still considerably red and orange in the scales as you remain silent. Sans, despite his earlier stupor on humor, hasn’t stopped. It’s to the tedious and repetitious point you cannot make out the desperation from the anger in Papyrus’ face anymore. Frisk is asleep in between them both.Another thing you were fully aware of but slightly concerned for: Sans was watching you. Not the movie – you distanced yourself from that entirely. You could feel his stare on your face every few moments. It wasn’t anything malicious or bad of the sort, just something you weren’t used to.For some reason Papyrus had popped in a robot movie. A romance movie? You aren’t entirely sure considering it’s mostly the box form of Mettaton making poses with roses and reading for anime-esqe lines.“guess it’s out of the box now.” Mettaton does a transformation into his ‘true form’ as Sans tells the pun. Papyrus bolts from his position on the couch and looms dangerously over Sans. Even Sans seems concerned with the magnitude of his brother at the present moment. Papyrus lifts Sans from the sides and holds him firmly in front of him.“uuhhh, help?” Sans peeks to your trio for assistance.“I-I-I, u-uh-“ Alphys looks at the impeding height of Sans. You feel Undyne reach behind you the instant you stand up to try and carefully worm her arm around Alphys.“I’ll oversee this.”“He’s been nonstop. Please throw him out the window Papyrus.”“ouch peanut gallery-“ “SANS.” Papyrus jumps in with his bulging twitching eyes.“I WILL GIVE YOU TWO OPTIONS SINCE I CANNOT UNDERTAKE ANYMORE OF THESE PLAYS ON WORDS. OPTION A IS YOU WILL GO TO BED EARLY AND COME OUT WITH ME TOMORROW EARLY FOR PATROL AND PUZZLE FIXING.” Papyrus bargains as you begin to wordlessly gather the plates. You see Sans’ feet relax and calm chuckle vibrate from his bones.“eh, y’know I’m not an early bones. I’ll take B.”“YOU WILL PICK UP THE SOCK BEHIND ME.” Sans materializes into a blue blip. You hear a vague “whelp, g’night.” before an upper floor door shuts. Papyrus groans and flops back onto the couch cradling his skull. The movie comes to a close with Mettaton being drowned in roses. You squint your eyes in question but turn off the TV and player.“I think everyone should be heading to bed.” You sigh and take Papyrus’ bowl.“OH! I CAN CLEAN THE DISHES!! YOU ARE THE GUEST!” Papyrus stands to attention and tries to snag the bowls as you dodge his advance.“No dice, Papyrus. Cleaning and such will be my rent pay until I find an actual job.” You stack the few last bowls up and carefully balance them to the kitchen. You look up at the impending sink and sigh.“Where was your ladder?” You ask and peek behind you.“O-On the side of-of the fr-fridge.” Alphys points as you settle the bowls onto the counter and find the little step ladder. It was just high enough that you could brim the top of the sink and clean out the dishes. You poured on the dish soap and began the hasty scrubbing.“You really should make that thing shorter.” Undyne admits while Papyrus almost tuts her in response.“WHERE IN SNOWDIN WOULD I HIDE MY BONE COLLECTION THEN?”“We-We should probably get going.” Alphys pipes in and you hear a few chairs clatter about.“I’ll walk ya home Alph!!” Undyne stands up as you dry your hands and descend. Undyne meets you after fidgeting her boots on. “What, ya couldn’t let me get closer with Alph? Ya broke yer brain?” She whispers harshly. You glare at her sharply and turn to Papyrus.“Hey Paps. Undyne said she wanted to show you a new move tomorrow after you do those puzzles.” You blurt and watch his eyes glow. Undyne clamps a fist over your mouth as you push it aside. She snags your shoulder and turns you both about.“What gives?!” “You are leaving me at a house with two guys and a child just because I am emotionally unstable, you gave me almost nothing in clothing or cash, poor Alphys is at her wits end with embarrassment and Papyrus clearly loves spending time with you. Consider it payback for that.”“Hey, I gave you plenty of clothes.” She retorts as you feel a vein tense in anger.“You gave me a bra. One bra.”“That’s all ya bloody need!!” “Oh my GOD Undyne, I need more than that, a completely tattered shirt, two far too small jeans, and holey socks!! Like underwear!!” You harshly whisper. You’re butting heads with her instinctually with grit teeth and luster in the eyes for a tussle. Red blinds your view as Papyrus hastily dissipates the closeness with his friendly presence.“IS THERE REALLY A SECRET MOVE?!” Papyrus quips excitedly. You tap your foot silently and glare at Undyne who rolls her eye and rubs her neck.“Yeah….stop by after I call ya.” She grumbles and backs up to the door where Alphys awaits.“EXCELLENT!! I WILL BE THERE!” Papyrus and you wave them off as the cold is kept outside at last. Papyrus sighs and adjusts the table and chairs.“Papyrus you should be off to bed.” You insist with a yawn and try to rouse Frisk who simply burrows into the cushion like a mole.“SOON, YES.” That lazy essence Sans oozes seems to have seeped onto Papyrus’ face as you watch him actually slow down. You didn’t think it was conceivably possible as you pat his armor.“Come on, Papyrus. Early bird catches the worm.”“BUT I AM NOT A BIRD NOR WANT A WORM.” Papyrus gives you a quizzical look as you sigh to the little antic.“The early skeleton catches the human?” You reiterate. He glows suddenly and tramples upstairs.“WELL THEN, SLEEP IS BEST! FRISK MAY CHOOSE THEIR SLEEPING FRIEND!! GOOD NIGHT!!” Papyrus hastily slams his door, reopens it, and shuts it very quietly with a click. You chuckle under your breath and heft Frisk into your arms. They looked so much tinier then they weighed. You heave them up as they stir and rub their eyes.“Frisk, who do you want to sleep with?” You ask and reach for the blanket. Frisk wrenches back and snags some utensils: butter knives that had been pulled out when the pieces got too big for Alphys or Frisk who apparently greatly feared choking. Sans and Frisk eventually dissolved into antics of sticking them out their noses like mustaches. Papyrus scolded them and kept them a fair distance from their reach the remainder of the night.“Mmm……Sans..” Frisk mumbled and tried to maneuver the knives in their little grasp. You sigh and heft them up as you look warily at the stairs. It’s a tad wobbly with the sleep deprived child, but you manage to get to Sans room.“Sans?” You ask quietly. You weigh the silence for a moment before maneuvering Frisk onto your knee and knocking against the door.“Sans?” You repeat. You hear a groan from inside. Something clicks in the door as you give it a test twist; success. It’s pitch black inside. Something metal whirrs and a constant wind turbulence resounds in your fins.“Uhh…” You mutter and try to step in. Immediately your foot stubs against something. Two boney claps occur before the room lights up. A sole window sits cracked open on a monotone wallpaper. A giant heap of clothing has been dropped onto the ground: socks, jackets and spare shirts. A treadmill remains on and running at a fairly low speed as you turn about to find an actual miniature tornado just casually twisting consistently in the corner of his room. Crumpled papers and spare socks twirl endlessly in its loop.“wha’is’it?” You hear Sans mumble as he sits up and rubs his sockets.“Okay, A, how did you fall asleep so fast? B, how can you sleep in this?” You cringe at the messy room and don’t dare to count the socks and pants spread across the floor.“don’t knock it ‘til ya try it.”“Yeah, no.” You spin about and walk from the room. You struggle to shut it with your foot while readjusting Frisk in your jello arm grasp.“Come on buddy; sleep with Papyrus.” You mumble and pull the door shut with a rather unnecessary slam. You wince and jostle Frisk whose knives poke harshly at your back.“Ow! Watch the knives in my back there Frisk…” You groan and readjust them again.“Sorry-“ A whir of air and a pop startle you and Frisk who drops their knives. You grumble and try to drop to your knee to grab them from behind. Frisk begins to quake in your hold as the whirring gets worse.“Whats wrong? I know Sans’ room was chilly, but you don’t have to-“ You give up on trying to reach back and rotate your knee to reach around. “-worry, we’ll just let you sleep with Papyrus tonig- HOLY FUCK!!” You sprawl back immediately before finding the silverware. Sans stands their practically dead eyed with a single giant iris gleaming solid cyan blue. Behind him floats some gigantic draconic skull. Its mouth is nearly unhinged and a pure energy radiates from inside its maw. You watch it and Sans with an upraised hand in terror. Frisk gives a hiccup and dissolves into sobs, clinging to your shirt. You squeeze them tight and swallow your dry throat away.“S-Sans?” You whisper, waiting for any reaction besides the worst possible one. You watch the iris fade and his arm shake. “Sans?” You reaffirm. His pupils regenerate back; horror fills them as the giant skulled creature evaporates into wisps of magic. You watch it stunned before you feel your breath return.“wha-“ “What…..the fuck.” You state and heave forward with a sigh. Frisk finally lets loose a terrible cry as you seize and cradle them.“Sh-Shhh shh it-its ok? Right?” You soothe them the best you can will seeking reassurance from Sans. He glares at the child rigidly and peers around.“where’s the knife?” He states coldly as you use the railing to lift yourself and Frisk.“Knife?” You gasp and watch him. He finally looks down and spots the butter knives. His pupils dilate and sweat begins to appear across his skull. Your mouth is open in amazement and increasing aggression. You stand straight and his attention jumps to you and Frisk. He takes a step back as you glare at him as you should.“Stay. Here.” You inform him and stomp to Papyrus’ room. Papyrus is nestled into a red car bed with a book at the ready to read. He peeks up from it and scrunches into his sheets upon seeing your expression.“MAYA? WHAT’S THE- HUMAN FRISK?!” Papyrus immediately sets the book aside and tries to climb from the bed. You don’t give him the opportunity and present Papyrus the still crying child.“Please calm him down. I need to have a chat with Sans.” You state and brazenly walk out without another word. Sans is leaning against the railing with the knives in his grasp, overlooking them. You slam Papyrus’ room which startles him to attention.“And what in the flying fuck was that?” You point to the air where the strange skull entity once took form.“it-it’s a, uh, se-self defense measure.” You watch him scratch his vertebrae nervously.“Self defense?! It looked like it was going to evaporate us!! I hardly think that’s necessary for self defense! And self defense from WHAT?! It was just me and Frisk!” You blurt and rub your forehead. Immediately, a horrible idea dawns on you. You gaze at Sans with mystification. He says nothing. He tenses considerably and clearly tries to avoid eye contact.“Did you think that Frisk-“ “humans are dangerous!” He blurts as your mouth drops in astonishment.“Frisk wouldn’t stab me!” You growl at him.“I ain’t saying they would, but-“ “No!! No no no—this is not some ‘but’ situation here Sans! That thing was malicious!! I could feel it! Frisk is a child-!” “a human child.” He clarifies over your argument as you pinch the small of your brow.“You’re stating the obvious. What I don’t see is how you think that Frisk would stab me!! Are you fricking mental?!” You insist and watch his hands ball into fists.“I’m protecting my friends, my family, and Frisk! you wouldn’t understand…” He grits his teeth and glares away from you. You gape at him and try to process everything retained in your mind until this moment.“So tell me! Or are we going back to keeping your mouth shut about everything important?!” You wave your hand before both reach perch on your hips. His vision is focused solely on Papyrus’ door. Your hands slam onto the railing to draw his attention and drive home your anger.“Jesus, Sans!! What happened to opening up?! Saying shit?! This is a super important thing because it involves Frisk!” You accuse and watch his eyes narrow.“you don’t know what that kid is capable of.” He insists as you shake your head.“I know that they wouldn’t stab me in the back-“ “yet you don’t.”“What has Frisk done up ‘til this point that could give you such a horrible expression?! Give me some fucking proof here Sans for me to not just think you are mental! Don’t act like you know Frisk inside and out without saying something!! You don’t know them!” You aren’t sure whether you are on the brink of pleading or exploding as his glare turns cold. You can almost feel something snap in his eyes.“the one with amnesia telling me I don’t know the kid I’ve been watching the whole time better than the jump in fish who seems to think she needs to know everything all of a sudden. it doesn’t involve you.” A chill rolls over your nerves as you stare at him with amazement. Your eyes quiver with the tight sting behind his words. He scoffs and leans against the railing.“The skeleton is see-through y’know. You think they’d be shit secret keepers.” You growl and turn around away from him. Your tight grip practically bruises your forearm.“Say whatever the fuck you want about me, but it involves Frisk. I deserve to know.” You insist hotly. You can feel frustrated tears boil unbidden. He remains quiet.“So that’s just it isn’t it!? I could help! I’m offering to help; to better understand! But no! You can’t rely on anybody, right?! How about Papyrus? Does Papyrus think this?! I bet not considering he just took Frisk, cuddled into bed, and probably started reading each other bedtime stories because they are being normal children!!” You throw your arms up and pace the short hall. His bones begin to rattle.“jus’ shut up.”“Excuse me?” You whip around and watch his dead stare vanish.“g’night.” He vanishes with a pop that you hear again inside his room. You stand stock still in the hallway staring at his door with an overwhelming anger tumbling through your mind. You give the room a hearty kick, cuss and hiss, and stop downstairs. You pace the living room, grip your hair, and slip on the boots Undyne lent you because she no longer fit them. You forego the jacket and socks, slip on the leather boots, and sprint from the house.His words resonate in your mind as you sprint through Snowdin. Many upraise their voice, but they fall on your deaf ears. Your heart pounds in your head, your fins, your fingers and feet. You swing them in unison as you pump and sprint down the pathway blindly. Running and working out was the lone healthy thing you did whenever you and Jason argued; often happened to be the case that you eventually appeared like a health nut to your coworkers. No longer did that matter though. So you ran. The snow and trees melded together as you rushed forward.You find your lack of breath the only will to stop your onslaught as you skid into an immediate stop and lurch forward to push off your knees. You gasp and gag, catching your breath. You glance around in the infectious darkness and try to gain your bearings. The arches before the Ruin doors rest before you as you cough and wipe your forehead of the building freezing sweat. You jog lightly forwards, finding the large purple stoned door. Your back hits it and slides down despite the rigid graze. You bring your knees up and rest your head against it.“FUCK!!” You shout and punch the small snow pile besides you. You continue jabbing at the pile even after your fingers are cold with numbness. You groan in frustration as nothing but accusations and cusses spill from your lips. Frustration finally bubbles over the tears as you wipe them aggressively.“You’d best watch that mouth around the child.” The ex-queens voice scares you terribly as you shriek and jump forward into the snow. You calm, falter, and sit up.“Um-“ “What bothers you so loudly this late into the day?” You hear her stirring something. Without another word, you unleash onto her. You start from the nary beginning : meeting Undyne and Gerson, meeting the brothers, the amnesia, the doctors appointments, your ruined SOUL, and the more eventual and recent events. She listens complacently with vague and few questions as your tirade catches up with the current issue.“So he friggin’ starts accusing Frisk of all these things like he knows them so much better than me! I’m not saying I know Frisk better, but I think I would know if Frisk was killing people!! Yet when I am trying to figure things out so I can better understand, he shoots me down! And he has to be a dick about it too!! If you don’t want people insisting on something you should just say “I can’t tell you” but he doesn’t even have courtesy to do that!! He just tells me to shut up and vanishes into his room! Its ridiculous, rude, and I really really want to punch him in his dumb skull face but he has 1 HP and I’m just IRATE right now!! I’m sorry!!” You’ve shouted out the last bit before gasping for breath and reprise as you lean against the chilled door. It’s heated up considerably since your time against it.“So, my friend is causing mayhem now? That’s not like him. He is usually quite calm and collected. Something must certainly be up for such a reaction. I must talk to him on this matter as well.” She admits and lets the ceramic clink on the stone.“And what do you think, my dear?”“What do you mean?” You growl and idly push snow with your feet.“Of his avoidance. His words.” She implies as you scoff.“He’s an idiot who isn’t making a lick of sense.”“Hmm..” She takes a moment to breath and sigh. “My friend I know keeps plenty of secrets. I, too, once asked why he doesn’t converse with those around him of whatever he holds deep in his SOUL. He tells me that he doesn’t want others to be burdened. He doesn’t want others hurt by the things that they are better off not knowing. Perhaps this is one of those times?” She mentions as you throw your arms up in relent.“It’s Frisk! It involves Frisk! Heck, it might involve Papyrus- he won’t say anything! I just want to help and support him, but he can’t even tell me no!!” You scoot your legs back into your chest and grip the leather boots.“But he shared with you moments in the scientific lab?”“Y-Yeah…” You pause and recall you hadn’t mentioned the Amalgamates or the True Lab. Alphys asked to keep it hush secret from anyone that wasn’t there last night, including Papyrus. Papyrus hadn’t really asked which was great because you weren’t one to lie. You took no pride in keeping it from the ex-queen.“So does that not amount to nothing? As I mentioned before, my friend does not easily tell secrets to people. As you say, he may keep plenty of things from his brother and friends as well. I know not much about him myself.” She sigh’s and lets the silence hang about as you contemplate.“Well, while he doesn’t treat me as a stranger, I don’t think I amass to anything then an acquaintance that’s probably way too pushy. But, I’m sorry, I am worried! Yes I am going to ask a lot of questions if a gigantic fucking skull thing is staring me down with some energy beam brewing in the back of its mouth!!” You blurt punch the snowpile again.“Language.” She sternly mentions.“I’m sorry, honest, but I’m just reeling with anger. I have no outlet right now.”“Have you thought maybe his feelings are being misconstrued?”“I’ve tried to consider a lot of things. Honest. But most of it just results back to him being an idiot.” You cross your arms and rest against your legs.“Well, let us see things from a different stand point. I think you are set on a much higher rung then acquaintance simply off the gestures you’ve had. Visiting Hotland to toss those rings? Supporting you through the procedure and afterwards? Inviting you into his home? It’s practically like he doesn’t want you out of his sight the amount you mention him being related to all your stories.”“Oh, so he is a stalker too?” You roll your eyes as the faintest chuckle comes from behind the door.“N-No. That is not what I was implying. He is looking out for you. I believe he considers you a close friend or even more.” You hear her uptake her ceramic cup again and stir it idly.“And where does this assumption stem from?”“Well, we talked briefly a while ago. He gave me an update, mostly regarding my child, but he spoke genuinely and openly of you.”“Was he dissing me or making jokes?” You grumble.“He spoke of your purity.” She clarifies. You can’t help listening closely.“He told me of your strange SOUL, but that you were someone of great Integrity. He told me of your courage despite daunting tasks. He spoke of his joy that you can appreciate puns, though in your own way. He went into depth of your features, dear. You sound lovely. Grand with children, a great laugh, friendly and true – he spoke nothing past praise and admiration.” She continues. You feel your cheeks begin to heat in embarrassment as you ponder it.“He mentioned his concerns of you being tangled into troublesome business. How he wanted to protect you and keep you close. He made it almost sound romantic if I must be frank.”“Romantic?! HA!! If you saw the cold glare he gave me earlier romantic would be the farthest thing from your mind!” You scoff and hurl a snowball towards a tree trunk as you bundle another.“Perhaps, but have you considered it? And, having considered it, can you not see his defense as defending others? Even if it means wounding and distancing from them??”You imagine it all as she had laid it out. Sans was there the majority of your journey. Hell, he was there is felt more than Gerson or Undyne. He supported you during your tough times of forgetting Jason, he looked out for you in the True Lab, and he had opened up for a brief moment. You shook your head to also try and rationalize all the arguing. While it was rude to just barge in and insist that you were involved, you were involved; did he forget you were in that firing range?Worry and wonder crept over you as you continued to perceive actions and comments in new light. It wasn’t fun- but it painted new images. It did little to quell your anger, but it wouldn’t dissipate in a single hour. You sigh and bury your head into your knees with frustration.“I just don’t know what to do at this point….I certainly don’t want to go back.” You solemnly admit, imagining sitting on the couch and lobbing a boot at his door from below out of sheer annoyance and intolerance to sleep in the same house during a fit.“You can’t worry his brother. What would he tell him? And you’d best check with my child. Ensure they are safe for me? I swear to the stars I will have a chat sooner or later with my friend about this incident. But please, hear this. He is not a bad monster.” She pleads. You buckle under her genuine worry with a groan and slide into the snow to ponder.“I’ll try….” You reply as you hear cloth shift on the opposing side. You sigh, organize your thoughts, and push yourself up from the snow. You brush off the most you could and leave the remainder to be lost in the wind with your return sprint. You hoped it would warm up your appendages at the least. “Maya?............................Maaaaaayyyaaa…” A tiny hand prods carefully at your face as you grumble and try to slip deeper into the cushions. The couch wasn’t the comfiest, but it did its part. Something brushes against your fins which turn out to be exceedingly sensitive as you jolt to attention. The blurry sight of a very concerned and twitchy Frisk enters your view as you scrub the sleep from your eyes. You begin recalling the previous nights issue and instantly spot your current enemy in the kitchen hunched over a plate of spaghetti. Papyrus was undoing an apron and hanging it up with a quiet whistle.“Hm?? What- What’s wrong?” You murmur and yawn.“Did you and Sans have a fight?” They plead and you feel yourself flinch and scrunch in torture. What if Frisk knew why Sans reacted that way and felt guilty? What if they felt guilty in the end, regardless? You wrenched a fake smile up and rubbed their head.“It wasn’t a fight. It was just a difference in opinions that got very loud and aggressive.” You state and push yourself from the cushions. You feel your back ache and groan, but you know it’s slept on worse. Frisk helps you sit up and keeps that clearly distressed gaze on you the entire time. Papyrus prods over to slip his giant boots on.“OH!! GOOD MORNING MAYA! CARE FOR SOME BREAKFAST?” While your stomach churns giddily at the thought of grub, the spaghetti and Sans immediately affect your decision.“Thanks, but I’d rather take a shower first. I’m caked in sweat.” You grumble and stand up as Frisk rolls to your side.“OF COURSE! BY THE WAY…” Papyrus leans around, look over to his brother precariously then you.“DID YOU AND MY BROTHER HAVE AN ANGRY CHAT?”“See? Angry chat is another fine example. Not a fight.” You reiterate for Frisk. They are obviously unconvinced as you make your way up the stairs.“AH! THAT REMINDS ME! SINCE I HAVE PLANS WITH UNDYNE EVENTUALLY LATER ON TODAY, SANS, YOU CAN STAY HOME!”“….what.” You notice the clear delay in his reply and the dropping of his fork. You roll your eyes.“I SAID YOU CAN STAY HOME! I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT THE INSTANT I GO TO LEARN COOL NEW MOVES WITH UNDYNE YOU WILL RETURN TO YOUR LAZY WAYS. BESIDES, I KNOW YOU HAD TROUBLE SLEEPING LAST NIGHT-“ “Paps-“ “AH-AH!” Papyrus holds a finger up, refuting his rebuttal.You gave a sigh as you knew where Papyrus was already headed, “AND I’M SURE MAYA HAD A NOT SO MUCH FUN TIME ON OUR RATHER UNCOMFY COUCH. SO!! I HAVE SET UP A LITTLE HUMAN MOVIE FOR YOU BOTH TO WATCH AND CONVERSE OVER!”“What’s the movie?” You grumble and lean over the railing.“IT IS CALLED TARZA-“ “Seen it. Sans can watch it by himself; I was going out later anyways.”“O-OH. OKAY!” Guilt riddles through you the instant you hear Papyrus’ voice. You hear it warble in slight defeat. It tears you apart. You understand he means well, but you are still very much heated from the previous night. You weren’t sure if Sans was either or just flat going to ignore you. You wanted to give things more thought and more time before giving any approach. If that meant disappointing Papyrus in the process, then it was necessary. Of course, though, you feel Sans glaring you down for the harsh words. You wish you could shove them right back into his face.“eh, it’s okay paps. I promised to be ‘p early and head out early. ya might need ta drag me though…” You hear him yawn as you withhold a scoff.“VE-VERY WELL! COME ALONG, HUMAN FRISK!” You feel anger well up inside you in a dark place you wish didn’t exist.“Wow, Sans actually not teleporting? Dreams come true, huh? Now do you leave the self-defense skulls at home or take them out for walks?” You watch him spin and glare at you sternly as you return the harsh stare.“SELF-DEFENSE SKULLS? WHAT SELF-DEFENSE SKULLS?! WE HAVE THOSE?!? THAT’S AMAZING!!!”“Oooohh, the rabbit hole deepens.” You whistle and lean back watching him ponder and hide his expression. It’s almost plain as day that he is keeping a conundrum of things from you.“at least I know where home is.”
Aaandddd there’s the low blow.
The quiet tears burst out before you can stop them. You don’t fight them; you glare. He seems almost astonished that you have the capacity to cry. You lean off the railing and try to choke down a sniffle.“Have a good patrol.” You warble out and slam the bathroom door closed. You gaze at yourself in the sink mirror and scrub your eyes. You bang your elbows onto the counter and cover your face.“God, why do I have to be like this…” “ALRIGHT, HUMAN FRISK!! TODAY WE WILL NOT ONLY BE PATROLLING, BUT ALSO RESETTING THE TRAPS YOU EXPERTLY EVADED AND SOLVED THE PRIOR DAY!! ONLY ME AND MY BROTHER KNOW HOW TO ACTIVATE, DEACTIVATE, AND FIX THESE TRAPS, SO YOU ARE GETTING AN INSIDE SCOOP!!” Papyrus stops at the tiles puzzle first and gives a series of knocks before a panel comes undone from the machinery. Frisk does their best to stay invested; they’ve always been curious how these came together. Yet he can’t ignore Sans calmly making a snowpile and sitting on it staring into the distance. Frisk hears Papyrus sigh and catches him also watching Sans.“I’ve never seen my brother so distraught over something, especially a person.” Papyrus keeps a low tone which only shows the gravity of the situation further.“Bad things were said under bad conditions.” Frisk admits, Papyrus humming and nodding in agreement. The look to each other and Papyrus sighs before placing his wrists on his pelvis sides.“Perhaps you can talk to him? My brother keeps many things from The Great Papyrus because he is slightly selfish. I know he does it out of a protective nature though. But to this extent is unusual.” Frisk nods along with Papyrus’ logic.“I’ll talk to him.” Frisk gives Papyrus an exemplary thumbs up. Once returned they waddles over to Sans curiously.“Sans?” Frisk asks ahead of time, clearing for conversation. He tilts his skull up and forces a smile. It was Frisks least favorite emotion, but knew it was Sans’ go-to face.“wassup kiddo?”“Can I join you on your poff?” Frisk points to a vacant spot that Sans pats lovingly in invitation. Frisk buries their butt into the poff and begins immediately twiddling their thumbs together worriedly.“Did you and Maya have a fight?” They start off blatantly as a dry and pained chuckle escapes Sans.“if I recall, she said it was an angry chat. or were we going with loudly differing opinions?” He scoffs and fumbles with a bottle of ketchup he produced from his jacket pocket. Frisk winces but is more or less used to the strange condiment turned beverage.“So, you’re not upset with her?” He watches Sans’ briefest expressions change and morph in thought. He sets his ketchup upon the snowpoff.“kid, it ain’t my issue if she is pushy and desperate to know things she ain’t got business knowing.” Sans waves off the concerns and finally looks into Frisks eyes. The worry and horror is firmly transferred as Sans groans into his palm.“look, kiddo, just-“ “You should tell her about the Resets.” “-drop this—stars, what?!?” Sans slips off the poff and instantly stands to attention, terrified and sweating intensely. Frisk keeps themselves aligned and proper as Sans pulls free his handkerchief. He dabs at his skull.“uh, um, wh-wha-“ “WHAT’S THE MATTER?” Papyrus returns with a hint of oil on his cheekbones.“we were, uh, g-gonna go ahead! fix those arches, y’know? more humans fitting through ain’t very fitting a guards duty.” Sans gives a shrug and winks his eye playfully. Frisk watches Papyrus squint at his brother and point down the trail back to town.“VERY WELL, BUT YOU’D BEST NOT LAZE OFF DURING THAT TIME!” “got it.” “DON’T GO TO GRILLBYS AND LAZE OFF!!” “won’t laze off at Grillbz.” Sans gives the thumbs up and hoists Frisk under his arm similar to his own underarm standing with Papyrus.“DON’T STAY OUT LONG! UNDYNE WILL BE CALLING FOR ME LATER!! HUMANS GET COLD EASILY!!!!” Papyrus shouts as Sans takes a couple jumps before reaching his sentry station. Frisk sucks in a breath as they’d slowly learned Sans’ ‘short-cuts’ were more air gut-punching then anything to their tiny body. The short series of shortcuts led to brief lightheadedness and a vague sense of sickness. Frisk teetered and leaned against Sans’ station. Sans didn’t dally before sneaking around back and producing a beer can. He sighed and tossed Frisk one as well. Not a beer; a juice pack. Plugging in the straw and taking a careful sip, they were pleased to find it was grape juice. Last time it had been lemon; Sans got a good laugh from that.“so, what’s this mentioning the Resets like that?” Sans sighs and plops onto his stool.“You should tell her. Sure, she isn’t the most curious anomaly, but she is the closest.”“yeah. y’know the number of rules we’re breaking by having ‘er in our house.”“I don’t like those rules.” Frisk states firmly as Sans laughs dryly.“they’re so we don’t worry later. like, rule seven: no interactions with anomalies since it could screw up the timeline.” Sans cheers with his beer can and chugs a good portion down. Frisk can count the number of circles under his sockets as of late.“Why not tell her? We never made it a rule that anomalies couldn’t know they were…” Frisk heaves themselves up onto the counter top and swings their legs around to face Sans.“yeah, but we can.”“Let’s not…” Frisk sighs and sips their drink. They sit in the silence and let it fester enough to break the tension.“you found whate’er yer lookin’ for yet?”“….No…” Frisk sighs and feels guilt riddle them like bullets.“’course not…” Sans sighs and leans his head onto the wooden counter.“I’m close! I know it! I’m missing something – there is somebody else who needs help; how though?”“you can’t help them all Frisk. you should think of your friends and the now. you think they’d be okay with what you’re trying to accomplish here if they knew how long you’d been doin’ it?”“You’re not okay with it?” Frisk picks up on the excessively subtle moment as Sans seizes. He sighs, rubs his skull, and buries his head into his arms after a hard chug of beer.“Patience might be my prime trait, kid….” He turns upwards to meet Frisk with tired eyes. Nothing in them is sleep deprived.“but I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” He lets a stray hand comb over the top of his skull and graze the vaguest bumps and indents. Frisk curls forward and reaches for Sans. Sans lets the child cradle up into his lap and lean into his jacket and hood for warmth and refuge. This was how it was. Hurting and helping when the time was right. Frisk and Sans were the keepers of the Underground and its future. That was how things had resulted. But time, however, always takes a toll.“I’m sorry…” Their voice is warbled as Sans caresses their head. Sans knows his foul mood would likely lead to unnecessary words, so he abstains from remarking back as he normally had.“now…” Sans readjusts Frisk in their lap so they can both drink and meet each other head on. “whats this ‘bout me fixing things with Maya? there are no issues, it just isn’t meant to be friendly. case closed.” Sans tops off his beer as Frisk contemplates and swishes their juice around in after thought.“So….you’re saying making heart eyes at Maya isn’t being ‘friendly’?” Frisk waggles their eyebrows as Sans coughs up and out the remaining bit of beer. He chokes and clears his throat and looks at Frisk with blazing cheeks.“wh-what eyes? I didn’t-“ “Oh you totally did.” Frisks smile turns sinister as Sans holds his head.“ru-rule twenty one: no affiliation or feelings for anom-“ “Screw the rules!!!” Frisk shouts brazenly and jumps to their feet. Their head bops and bangs against the roof of the station. They give a little yelp and rub their cranium.“first off, ge’down. second, who gave ya that mouth?” Sans is rubbing his skull, clearly despairing.“Undyne!!” Frisk states proudly with a determined grin. Sans groans and leans back in his chair. His eyes focus on nothing as Frisk jumps back onto his lap.“So?! You like her? Did you say anything? Will you take her on a date? You have to make up if you like her!!” Frisks excitement isn’t infectious enough for Sans to handle as he nudges Frisk back.“I’m not making up with her…” He solemnly admits as Frisk pouts openly.“Why not!? You didn’t say you didn’t like her!”“because I don’t wanna like her.” Sans leans back calmly and recalls it all. Your face. Your goofy laugh you hate. Your ex-fiance/husband which he still doesn’t understand exactly how he is both yet neither; how you detest him. He recalls your lame but acute sense for humor, jokes, and puns to the point it was your second nature. Your friendliness. Your trust. Your voice. Your eyes and hair. Stars, your eyes. He knew he wouldn’t be able to look at the pools in Waterfall because they’d instantly remind him of her when this was over…“we don’t have time to like each other. she is an anomaly. nothing more.” Frisk adjusts in his lap and begins crawling into his jacket the minute the cold becomes too unbearable. They listen to the beating of his SOUL past his shirt and bones.“What if she wasn’t?” Frisk mentions. Possibilities flow through his mind far too steadily and without a second thought as he knows to shake his head.“an anomaly is an anomaly. unless you don’t Reset, it’s pointless…” Frisks mouth tightens and they coil into Sans’ jacket as he does his best to zip it up.“Th-Then I won’t Reset-“ “we both know you’re gonna. humans who can’t read monster literature would be a future hazard and we can tell already.”“……Three more.” Frisk whispers. Sans’ eyes pop open and look down to the youthful bundle cuddling into his shirt. Little tears begin tumbling down their cheeks.“Three more…..and I won’t Reset anymore. Unless there is something really really wrong, I won’t.”“c’mon kid, don’t go sayin’ things you can’t ke-“ “I promise Sans.” They look up into his eyes. Mutual determination is passed through. Sans falters and concaves to the child.“…..’lright……three more……so, how long’ll this one be?”“As long as it takes to make up with Maya and more.”“aw c’mon kid, I just said-“ Sans finally grows impatient with Frisks desperation to be every monsters matchmaker.“I know you don’t want to keep memories of the anomalies because we will be the only ones to remember them….But what point is there in remembering them if that the last note is something mean and hurtful? Isn’t it better to leave good memories? They might not be real…..they might not last………but can’t their smiling faces?” More tears spill from their face as their sleeve catches them all. Guilt coils in Sans’ figurative gut as he snuggles closer to Frisk. They let the silence hang again as it was pleasant and sweet past the worrisome sniffles.“I wish we could keep Maya……I like her.” Frisk admits and smears snot from their nose. Sans offers his handkerchief again and Frisk uses it without batting an eyelash.“…………..me too, kiddo…”Sans recalls the silence. They repetition. The same old words, the same old interactions. Maya will not be a part of those in the future, and he would have to move on knowing that she wasn’t there to begin with. That alone was enough of a burden to bear. You sigh with your increasing guilty conscience gaining weight during your brief period of relaxation. A bath and quick cold shower gave you extra time to overthink the night, cool off, and immediately begin regretting things you’d said. Of course, Sans was due for apologies as well. Regardless, it was your proclamation that began this entire argument; you’d be the bigger person, hopefully. Apologize and hide in a shell until things blew over. Your prayers laid in Sans being more understand than you recalled Jason ever being when arguments like this blossomed.You strode downstairs and checked the time – two hours had passed. You sigh and chalk it up to you simply just floating about and contemplating things. At least you didn’t get pruning fingers or toes anymore. It wasn’t even afternoon yet as you stared at the TV and investigated. It was the cartoon version of Tarzan he’d put in. Had this appeared in the dump they mentioned? You were stunned it even worked.Desperate for another outlet, you decide to head out. Slipping on the few good things provided, you freeze when something cold and metallic pokes the base of your foot. You investigate your boot and tip it upside down. A tiny sack of coins tumbles out with a letter attached to it. You unfold it and investigate the contents of the bag.
DEAR MAYA!!
YOU ARE QUITE SPECTACULAR AT DEDUCING THINGS, EVEN FOR A LOVE GURU!! HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BECOME A DETECTIVE? REGARDLESS, AS BET, 40G!! HAVE A GRAND DAY!!
-THE GREAT PAPYRUS
Your heart does a little painful leap as you ponder over the money. You pocket it, slip on the leather boots, and stroll into the morning chill. From your understanding of todays work, Papyrus was taking the others to work on puzzles and do patrols. You were hoping and praying that puzzles only took two hours and they’d moved on since you were plotting to wander to the ex-queens door again for sagely advice.You pass a general store and peer inside the window. Clothing catches your eye as you casually stroll in and hang by the door as the above bell sounds your presence. A purple bunny with a beige sunhat and blue tank top resides behind the counter as you nervously grow closer.“Hiya! Welcome to Snowdin! I can’t remember the last time I saw a fresh face around here. Where you from? The capital? ” She leans against the counter with a side smile as you rub your arm nervously.“Uh, m-maybe? I-I moved in at the skeletons house for a short period of time.” You tilt your head instinctively to let your hair cascade and cover your features.“Those wacky skeletons? Well, then, you’ll certainly not get bored anytime soon.” She winks as you curiously draw closer.“What do you mean?” She leans on the back wall with her arms casually crossed.“Those two….I think they’re brothers….just showed up one day and …..asserted themselves?” She looks confused to her own words before giving a shrug. “Regardless, towns gotten pretty interesting since they showed up. Never really a dull moment anymore.”“I see…” You mumble, peeking around. You find the clothes you’d initially spotted as she gasps.“Sorry, didn’t mean to keep you with my chatter. What would you like to buy?” She extends her arm to a quaint corner of the store you’d been eyeing for a good minute. It was filled with jackets, shirts, pants, socks, and blessed be underwear. You trifle around for the cheapest prices- either their currency was more reasonable or prices were just low considering the amount you calculate with the clothing you could snag. A cozy leather jacket not too torn, a set of loose and tight shirts, fresh pair of underwear, some socks, and even some boot jeans. The bunny lets you try and fit the jacket; your fins give you slight difficulty slipping it on, but it fits and warms like a dream.“I’ll take these.” You squabble about for your small pouch of coin and lay it out on the counter. You hadn’t really considered the currency system, but Papyrus said there was 40G in here. The clothing came to 34G in total, which felt like a steal. You remember all the coins and hand the bunny the sack. She investigates the contents, meets your eyes, and deposits the G while returning you new coins as inter change. It seemed very similar to the human currency system, but with differing shapes instead of sizes. You take the bag of clothes and swing them over your arm as the shopkeeper lets you adorn the jacket quickly.“Thanks for your purchase.” She mentions as you slip the last of the change into the pouch.“Thank you…” You reply back, but a scarf catches your eye. It’s peach and ivy green bubbles intermixing on a beige white cloth. It was heavy cashmere from the feel.“Ah, that? A family that left for the capital left it behind. Held onto it figuring they’d come back for it; it’s real nice.” The purple bunny leans against her counter and watches you trace the fabric.“You can have it.” “W-What?” You jump and distance yourself from the fine scarf. “Oh no no no, I couldn’t. Someone is probably looking for it.” You wave off her curious eyes as you hide back behind your hair.“I haven’t seen them anywhere, nor heard word. I think they’d appreciate knowing it wasn’t just on display, but keeping someone new ‘round here nice and warm.” She folds it up gently and offers it to you. You hesitate, but uptake it to feel through your fingers. Your eyes close as the past rears in the back of your mind.
“Happy Birthday!!”
“Thanks Penelope!!............Ohhh..”
“Oh no. You broke her Pen.”
“Shut the fuck up Pete.”
“Why is that your constant go to diss?”
“I love this! The little circles and the- Is this cashmere?!”
“You bet!!”
“How the heck did you make it look like this!?”
“A lot of trial and error!”
I love it! Thank you so much!”
--
--
“How in the hell did you think selling it was a good idea?!”
“Where we’re staying it won’t be cold often! You’d never use it anyways.”
“I loved that scarf!!”
“Then you’ll be happy knowing someone else is probably yucking it up as much as you……c’mon, babe-“
“Don’t ‘babe’ me right now…”
“-ss….Miss?” Your thoughts are broken as the bunny rubs your shoulder. You blink precariously to ensure your current standing before looking over to her.“Are you alright? You zoned out for a moment.”“Oh…Yes, thank you. I’ll be fine. Um, odd question? Would you happen to be looking for employees? I’m in need of a job.” You unfold the scarf and wrap it beneath your fins. Instantly you feel the smooth warmth radiate around your neck and chin with a complacent grin hidden beneath.“Sorry; family business.” She shrugs and itches her ear.“Oh, I understand. Bunnies and all…” You snicker lightly.“What?” “What.” You pause and try to ignore you’d ever mentioned it. She snickers and you both play it off as a mishearing.“You try Grillbys yet? He seems to be lost every now and then with a busy bar.”“Yeah? I’ll have to remember that…” You finally slouch and relax in the rabbits presence as a thought dawns onto you.“Oh, uh, h-how much for the scarf?” You wrench towards your pocket to pull loose the pouch of money.“Oh, please. Take it. Think of it as my apology for not having an opening.”“R-Really?” You look to her in wonder.“That and its good business for the future.” She gives a cocky grin as you roll your eyes within your mind.“Okay….thank you.” You nod and turn for the exit.“Bye now! Come again sometime!” She waves you off as you click out of the shop. The cold does little now with the fresh jacket and scarf. It also helps conceal your already shy face more. You peer down the entrance of Snowdin and begin a light jog. Given more time, hopefully the brothers will have moved on to their patrols. Despite the jog, you give everything a recheck and genuinely admire the scenery. The pines rose towards the glittering ceiling and the unknown light source. Snow gently straggled down and gathered on the edges of the pine branches. It gave a very calm feeling as you kept a solid pace down the now more apparent path.Monsters were wandering about the woods here and there, but nothing bigger or stronger then you from their appearances alone. The strangest thing was this Gyftrot. The oddly angled maw, the coiling and tree resembling horns, and the casual deer figure that had you fooled before it turned around? One of your least favorite monsters thus far. You kept wary distance from them all, though questioned why some where dressed in ornaments.“MAYA?” A light pant and loud voice you were well aware of caught your attention as Papyrus skids to a stop beside you. Snow goes sloshing about as his boots bury into the ground. He stands tall and proud but gives a genuine gasp upon seeing you up close.“MY!! I ADORE THAT JACKET! AND THAT SCARF?!” His intrigue drives you to bury your face further into the cashmere so only your eyes pop out. “THAT SCARF MAKES YOU LOOK LOVELY! MUCH LIKE MINE ADDS TO MY MASCULINITY AND COURAGEOUS SPIRIT!!!” On cue, his scarf flaps proudly in the wind. You watch it coil and suddenly whip around into Papyrus face as he sputters and pushes it back down. You get a light giggle from the cute antic. You peek around for signs of Sans and Frisk. Nothing is present or nearby as a nervous sweat beads around your forehead.“Wh-Where’s Frisk and Sans?” You gulp as Papyrus pops his sockets in consternation and groans into his glove.“I FORGOT THEY WENT CLOSER TO THE RUINS TO FIX THE ARCHES…” Papyrus peers back and checks his phone.“FORGIVE ME, MAYA, BUT UNDYNE IS READY TO COMMENCE OUR LESSON! I MUST MAKE HASTE!! IF YOU ARE HEADED THAT DIRECTION, CAN YOU ENSURE THEY AREN’T LAZING OFF?” Little gleams of hope spawn in his sockets as you nervously back away. You hadn’t even thought of an apology or way to bring it up yet!! Papyrus’ phone dings again and he gasps.“SHE IS TIMING ME?! I WILL UPTAKE THIS CHALLENGE! SORRY, BUT THANK YOU DEAR FRIEND MAYA!!!!” Papyrus shrieks. His feet become a blur of red and white scuttling across the snow; it is reminiscent of Road Runner.You don’t jog the remainder of the way as you put heavy thought into how to start a conversation like this. You often cooled off quicker than others and up took the apology role to make things simpler. Wording was important. As was timing, reasoning, simplification, clarification-The gravity of the situation is lost as you find Sans and Frisk sprawled out and sleeping ahead. Sans lays out against a chair with his head and all limbs sprawled out. He gives a hard snore as you wince and inspect Frisk. They’ve managed to snuggle their feet into the lower half of Sans’ heavy jacket. They rest and breathe quietly against his own heaving chest with rosy cheeks and a slight shiver of their arms. You sigh and strip free your pleasant jacket to lay over them like a blanket. The fluff interior seems to tickle but please Frisk as they settle in against Sans. Sans briefly twitches and furrows his brows before sleeping pack into pleasantries. Your mouth grows tight and dry as you hastily scurry past and bury your hands in the tight pants pockets.Wandering through the vast woods you hear a distant rough pounding. You jump and hasten towards the door to see it shaking with a muffled voice.“Hello?!” The voice you were steadily familiarizing is frantic on the opposing side as you draw near and press against the stone with your hands.“Ma’am? What’ wrong?”“My dear? Is that you?”“Yeah, I came to talk again if that’s-“ “A horrible thing has occurred! Perhaps the solitude is finally catching up with me, but just now, in my garden-!” She is gasping and clearly on the verge of tear jerking from the wavering voice she lets out.“A flower said my child would die today! Please, can I hear them? Where are they?” She sniffles from the other side. Nerves and terror fills your senses as you spin your head backwards. A yellow blip vanishes in the distance.“Oh no…” You mutter.“What?” You grit your teeth and push off the door.“I’ll be right back!” You shout and rush forward. Instinct and desperation drives you through the forest, between the arches and leaves you skidding to a stop before the station. There is a tight whip snap. Your throat is snagged and heaved backwards and upwards at an agonizing pace. You gag, kick, and pry your hands at the tightening vine. Flowey enters your peripheral as you both ascend out of the stations view.“You’re just making things more and more complicated now. It was fun, I’ll admit, but you’re ruining the game.” He gives a tentative squeeze as your body is ensnared in vines. It constricts your air and blood as you desperately gasp for air.“You don’t matter in the long run, and I’d rather Frisk find that out sooner than later. After they Reset, things will go back to the same old same old. Oh golly though! I wish Sans hadn’t interrupted us last time. I wanted to see how many thorns you could poke a 1 HP with. Maybe I can try that with Sans next time.”“D-Don’t—“ He give you enough breathing room to force a few fingers between the vines “-hurt th-them!” You kick at Flowey who easily dodges your feeble attempt. The constrictions tighten as your air ways seize.“Why would you possibly care? Surely you know this won’t last. Sans was ready to forget you even existed, so what does he matter to you? I wouldn’t harm Frisk! They have my best friend, and I hate to disappoint them.” Floweys face turns from its distorted grin to the first friendly smile you barely recognized anymore.“But I shouldn’t be telling you this. It won’t matter once you’re dead. If you’re not dead, it won’t matter once they Reset. But, until they Reset? You’ve been, as Sans would put it, a thorn in my side too long.” You gasp and watch white and black spots dance in your vision. Your arms and legs grow weak from the pressure as your blinking slows. His face twists in delight as you shut your eyes.“Unhand her!!” A screech rips through Flowey as the vines lurch and release your throat. You gasp and choke for air. Fuchsia flames burn and rise from the base of his vines. Your air denied brain slowly processes the scene before you.A white figure, tall and regally stanced, wears a purple robe with an insignia you can harshly make out as the one from Gersons shop. You pry yourself from the vine; they squeeze tight, but thankfully not against your throat. A bundle of white pellets materialize into the air and whiz at the strange monster who arrived. You watch Floweys initial body take on a blue hue and slam into the snow hard enough to dent the ground beneath. The vines seize and tighten around your frame as more flames dance into your view threateningly swaying about.“I think it’s about time you leaf.” You hear Sans to the side, out of your sight. Flowey gives a screech and whips his vines back into the ground. They disappear so fast you are left plummeting into the snow. Quick footsteps and one poofy jacket fall later and you find yourself buried in Sans’ jacket as he pants harshly. Your breathing slowly comes back just as a coughing fit riddles your body.“hey-hey! ar-are you ok? shit.” He reaches into his apparently infinite pockets and retrieves a cellphone. He lays you on his lap as he settles onto his knees while dialing someone. A giant white paw presses his cellphone shut and another comes close to gingerly press on your throat. He watches mystified of the person before you; you notice a snout and small horns as you make out the rather goat-like monster before you.“Ma-Ma’am—“ You cough harshly as she shushes you and puts the other paw over your chest. From your fading vision you can scarcely see a green glow muster and warm your scales. You hum and relax as Sans hoists you into a more comfortable position.“Just breathe, my dear…Slow calming breaths. You are okay now.” Her voice is so sweet in comparison to her size and stature. The brief glimpse you recalled she likely towered above even Papyrus. Tense silent moments pass by with you attempting to relax and slow your racing heart. That flower intended to kill you in broad daylight. The truth of the matter is harrowing on your mind.The woman gives a sigh and you hear the cloth rustling around in the crunching snow.“I have done what I can. You will not feel the ache and pain as much as you would, but the bruises will still come. I am sorry.” Your eyes flutter open as you try and clear your throat. Frisks horrified expression is the first thing you spot as they burrow themselves into your chest.“Why didn’t you wake us up?! Are you okay?! Oh gosh……..Why would he-“ Frisk dissolves into a fit of tears and holding your face as you force a smile.“ya good, small fry?” Sans’ voice catches your immediate attention. Your eye contact is brief and distant. Like he saw through you again. “I’ll, mhmmMMmm, I’ll be fine.” You have to clear your throat again mid-sentence and your muscles ache slightly. Frisk pushes into your hands the jacket you’d spared them. They give a wink past their tears and give you another hug.“My child…” You peer back with Frisk at the regal goat shedding fresh tears at the sight of Frisk. She covers her snout and kneels into the snow. Frisk hastily unlatches from you and rushes into her arms and chest for a hug. She holds them close and pecks their head and hair wildly, murmuring something beneath her breath.Your hazy vision at last clears as you glance around. Flowey is all but vanished from the area. Sans holds you against his chest and stares almost stupefied at the embracing pair. You choke another coughing fit down and wrench your arm around to push off Sans’ shoulder. He gasps and grabs your arm.“here…” He insists while hefting you up. Woozy and numb, you sway into his shoulder again and fight your shaking legs.“I—I’m fine.” You release him immediately and steady yourself against your knees. You watch Frisk and the woman break the embrace and inspect each other, namely the woman. She peers up and meets your eyes, then Sans. You feel him seize and tense beside you, but immediately slouches into his usual attitude.“goat to give it to ya, that’s a pretty firey entrance.” Her deep purple and blue eyes upturn as she snickers and rises to her feet. Frisk clings to her robes for a moment before stepping back in amazement.“What are you doing here? I thought you said you wouldn’t leave the Ruins…” Frisk asks curiously.“That flower came to me saying you were in peril. I was knocking and pleading, and your dear friend came and heard me. When I told her of what occurred, she ran off. I grew even more so concerned with how long she took; Patience never was my strong point. Forgive me, my child. Though, I am glad I made it.” Her smile meets you specifically as you force yourself to stand straighter.“So, uh, I think it’s a bit odd to keep calling you ma’am…” You garble anxiously as you watch her face turn from surprise to joy.“Just Toriel will be fine.” She draws near and extends a paw.“Uh, M-Maya.” You can barely hold two of her fingers in your grasp as her paw envelops your hand with a gentle yet firm shake.“what’s yer plan now?” Sans chimes in. Toriel immediately pouts and addresses her friend.“While the promise hopefully still stands, I’d hoped you weren’t sleeping at your post?” She raises her eyebrows quizzically as a sole bead of sweat dribbles down Sans’ cheek.“me and sleep don’t really see socket to socket.”“Mmmm.” Toriel hums and awaits any other interaction. When the silence stands, she gives a sigh. “I will return to my home and consider things. Perhaps……the Ruins will not stay closed. I am not sure yet. Please give me a few nights.”“I want to come with you!!” Frisk shouts gleefully with a twinkle in their eyes.“It-It’s not safe my child. That and it would be best if you progressed and escaped this place. There are many who will stand before your path. There is no time to lose, especially with this new fiend-“ “kid’s already made it through the whole of the Underground, your majesty.” Sans cuts in surprisingly as he digs into his other pocket and retrieves a dog treat. You wince and step away from it precariously.“What?”“I’ve been everywhere! I met the Captain of the Royal Guard, the Royal Scientist, a celebrity robot, a judge, and the Great Papyrus!!! I made so many friends! The entire time though I was thinking how much I wanted to show you this great place…” Frisk turns slightly bashful as you watch Toriel crumble under the childs cuteness.“It’s not safe anywhere.” You interject much to her surprise. “That flower already got me once a few days back. Said I was ‘ruining the game.’ or something. That ring any bells Frisk?” Frisk shakes their head, clearly nervous.“Well, the door sure isn’t stopping him.” You grumble and peer behind you out of caution. “If you go with, um, Toriel?” You clarify as she gives a nod “Right, if you go with Toriel just keep your eyes peeled. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that though.” You smirk and watch Frisk glance between you both. They lurch over to Toriels side and grip her robe with beady begging eyes.“Oh…….Oh alright. Just one night though.” Toriel concedes and watches Frisk throw themselves around in celebration. You turn about and begin the long trudge back home.“Ah, friend-“ Toriel speaks up, “please watch after her! She needs rest, not activity.” You know she is talking to Sans since a hurried pair of footsteps follows behind you suddenly. Despite the distance, you can clearly hear the looming sound of the door shutting tight yet again.The longer you walk the worse your gut feels. Your mind races for any sort of conversation to start things off, but you blank on any viable ideas. You don’t think you are capable of mustering enough courage to keep a conversation going. Your legs are shaking, your mouth is dry, and a nervous twitch gripes your fingers into your upper arms.“he-“ “I’m sorry.” You blurt it out. You register briefly that you’ve interrupted something he was bound to say, but the words are just spilling out at this point.“I-I realize it’s not my place to ask you such personal questions. You have your rights to privacy, and I was overly presumptuous th-that maybe things were a bit different, y’know, since the lab? Again, rude on my part. So, I’m sorry for that. I’m also sorry for just kind of showing up and ending up in your house. You’re free to turn me away at the say of a word; I won’t mind. I wouldn’t blame you personally considering the circumstances. So many things happened, I-I guess I just thought we were at least friends. I wanted to be helpful, support you and Frisk. If you really didn’t want me to dig any deeper into it, please, just say it straight to my face. I’ll do what I can to not pry and ask things again so…” Your hair slips over your face and hide your nervous blubbering. Your shoulders scrunch up slowly and tighten at your neck.“Pl-Please understand that I just wanted to help. That I wanted to protect Frisk, and-and you guys? Does that make any sense? I-I didn’t mean to offend you. My stupid anger just made things worse, I know, so-“ You finally will yourself to turn and face Sans. Hearts have taken shape in his sockets as the vaguest blue tint overwhelms his cheeks. Your anxiety spikes as he just stares with that mystified gaze again.“Is-Is hearts good? Was that not a good enough apology? I-I honestly don’t- Oh god am I rambling?! Please, can you just say something?” You pull the scarf over the remainder of your face and hide in it.“wh-what?” He says in a stunned tone.“I-I’m apologizing! Can I stop now?!” You screech desperately into your scarf and scrunch your shoulders tighter together.“why’re you…” You hear his bones clack and grate against themselves. Bones scrape and rub together creating a distorting sound. He sucks in a heavy breath. “wait here.”Worry and terror mesh about in your mind as you hear that familiar suck of air before a vague pop. You peek past your scarf to find Sans indeed missing. You hear a vague conversation in the distance as you peer around. You spot Sans chatting with a skinny blue bunny at what appears like a street side ice-cream cart. There is a quick exchange before Sans blips to your side. He is fiddling with a wrapper as you precariously watch, stupefied. Once he peels it off of a set of conjoined popsicles, he flips into the interior wrapper.“This is the Trusty Bisicle! You should trust yourself as much as the guaranteed flavor!!” A snappy voice comes from thin air as Sans reads over the wrapper. You slightly lower the scarf from your face as your intrigue grows again. He splits the popsicle in half, offering you a piece. Precariously, you accept the offered piece and overlook it. It’s simply a blue popsicle. Sans’ expression is taut and uncertain, but he walks ahead. You follow suit, investigating the frozen treat. Sans take a hard puff of his dog treat and douses it out in the snow and shoe.“I’m sorry.” He murmurs from in front as you stare at him in astonishment. Was it usually this easy to get people to apologize? Jason took weeks because of his pride. You scurry to try and at least walk besides him or be a pace behind.“you don’t know anything, and I…” He warbles off of the subject as you peel your scarf down to take a light lick of the popsicle. It tasted like blueberries and cotton candy. Not the best mixture, but you weren’t about to waste the offer.“I shoulda just…….ugh. why is this so hard?”“…Apologizing?” You cautiously interject as he shakes his head.“tryin’ to explain things without sounding insane or somethin’.”“Ex-Explain?” Your eyes widen as Sans peers around, nervous. Was he looking for Flowey?“so-so, I-I don’t get much sleep.” You wince into awareness as you look at him doubtfully.“whe-when I do get sleep, th-the kid shows up in my…..nightmares.” He stops in his spot. You await him curiously and watch his legs begin to shake.“Wait, is this a secret? Wa-Wait! I just said you didn’t have to tell me!” You round him with haste. His pupils are shrunken forms of themselves and a dark shadow envelops his face. Primal fear and sorrow is etched into his very bones as you look at his features. He frees his hand and slips his fingers into yours. You jump in surprise as his sweaty boned palm worms in your grip. He squeezes your hand while his eyes dart to your throat. Peering down, the bruising and impressions have already begun to settle in in a coiling pattern. You wince, but you watch him ground his teeth and glare at the snow. His fingers individually feel around your scales, though he doesn’t let you go.“in these….nightmares…….the kid….’e’s got a knife. a real knife. they’re goin’ through the underground killing everyone. I meet ‘em at the beginning and they’re already coated in dust. I can’t evacuate the town and keep the border patrol safe. an’ the kid….kid goes about huntin’ folks down. like a psychopath. and it’s just….they just…” Sans chokes on his words briefly as your mind reels back. Those giant maws looming in the house he claimed were self-defense. His reaction to spotting the butter knives. Your brief comment that likely started the whole debacle. Guilt rides through you fresh and anew as he squeezes your hand. You can’t even recall when he finished the popsicle, but sure enough his is nothing but a stick being ground in his tight grasp.“it’s not even outta defense. they’re doing it for fun. they enjoy huntin’ innocents. I can’t protect ‘em. I’m too powerless to do anything. so they just keep killing. trying new ways to extend it out and trick them into thinking they’re good. that they’ve earned their trust. then, dust. it is an endless, endless cycle of torture. everyone who can runs to the capital and hides out……but not Paps.” His clench begins to hurt as you watch his face contort and panic. His sockets go hollow as you fidget.“Sa-“ “it doesn’t end at Papyrus. it never does. they go through Waterfall, Hotland, the Core, and through Asgore I bet. I ain’t there for the finale, honestly, but…..it never stops. the kid does it over and over, like the screams or the pleading will vary. kids desperate to get something new. theres….theres only so many times I can handle it. watching Paps fade into dust? I-I hope it doesn’t—it can’t happen again…”“Sans-“ “I do what I got to. reminding that kid that I am here is all I can do to make sure I keep everyone safe. ya-ya never know when they’ll just pop and-and go on another murder spree. the instant I shut my eyes I’ll wake up to silence, and I’ll know it was because I didn’t do enough-!” “Sans!!” You wrench your hand from his and snag his face. You throw your forehead into his at a moderate pace and bash your skulls together. It does little to help your woozy skull as you rub your forehead. He reaches for his and finally his pupils appear back in his sockets.“You said it was a nightmare, right? It-It’s not real. A nightmare is a nightmare. Something warped and shaped in your mind. You…..probably know Frisk better than me. You should talk to Frisk about your nightmares for reassurance and just check with Papyrus a lot. Is there anyone who isn’t in them?” You insist. He stays frozen in place before quietly nodding and pointing at you.“I’m not in them? Then, every time you see me you can remind yourself that this? This is reality. Frisk is good. Papyrus and everybody is okay. I’m stuck here anyways, with you guys, so if you’re helping me I’m going to help you. Alright?” You push his cheek so he faces you properly. His eyes grow and quiver as you nervously grip his face. You don’t know how to explain the texture of malleable bone; hardened clay that’s still moldable yet it’s more akin to skin? You tempt yourself away from investigating further because Sans snatches your hand and begins to lead the way. His fingers wrap around into your palm. Heat blooms over your face as he guides you back towards town.“Wh-What-“ “we’re getting Grillbys to go.” He states and continues to drag you along.“I haven’t even- my popsicle- Grillbys? What?!” “…..Why are we doing this?” You mumble as Sans plops onto the couch and starts up the DVD player.“only one I gotta watch now is you. Considering Flowey’s obsession with ya, Frisk should be fine.” He snaps open a beer and pops open the still steaming boxes from Grillbys. The bar was a claustrophobic nightmare of new faces; you’d excused yourself quickly from the place. Maybe you could revisit it at a later time of the day when the venue wasn’t packed. Stacked burgers with freshly melting ingredients were freshly revealed from the carry out box as you looked at your still not finished popsicle. Each attempt at biting chills your teeth almost painfully.“Am I…….. am I allowed to ask questions? Was there a permission agreement? You’ll stop me and tell me off if I get too insistent, right?” You tap your feet together nervously. Sans hogs all the ketchup packets to his burger.“I…..want to tell people, but it’s safer to not.” He summarizes before taking a hefty bite from his burger.“I see…” You lean back into the cushions and watch the opening. Besides the movie as background sound, nothing is said for a fair amount of time. So many questions buzz about in your mind as you coil in and suck on the popsicle to chill your thoughts in place. Sans peers over at you between bites of fries before he flops back into the pillows with a sigh.“you can ask, but I ain’t promising nothin’.”“What is Flowey?” You jump right into the major questions bothering you without batting an eye. He gives a dry chuckle and twiddles a fry around in thought.“he is a failed experiment from the True Lab. I don’t recall who greenlit it, but the theory was if supplied enough DT, semi corporeal things such along the lines of plant life could perhaps gain awareness similar to or if not greater then Echo Flowers. after a vast series of failures, the project was scraped. it was only me and Alphys who noticed a broken pot and an open grate.” Sans sighs and leans in for the long haul. You take a moment to process it all.“That explains a few of the tv documents then…” You hold your chin and hiss when your wrist grazes your neck.“hey… howz’about we make this fair?” He turns the volume down considerably and turns to face you while bending around to snag a few more fries. You squint and straighten yourself while sucking on the frozen treat.“Fair? Fair how?” You inquire.“a question for a question.” He clarifies with a raise of his brows. Your mouth tightens as you force a smile.“I can try. Same rules?”“same rules.” He nods as you place the little remainder of the popsicle on a spare plate and grab your own fries. He had only left you mustard.“Alright. Fair is fair. Shoot.” You pop the fresh fry into your mouth and quiver to the amazing sensation. It’s crispy yet fluffy with a vague salt and some other seasoning you can’t place-“you don’t have amnesia, do you?” You nearly choke on the fry from the brazen statement. You wrench your arm over and gulp down a solid ounce of water before turning worriedly back towards Sans.“…No.” Your shy side shines through as you hide beneath your hair.“why did you lie-“ “Hey hey! Fair is fair! Question for a question!” You announce hastily and consider your next question. He glares at you lightly as you reach over for the burger. Yours was substantially smaller then Sans’, but that was fine.“Do you talk to anybody about these things? Like secrets and things you’d rather stay hidden?” You lean back while munching on a bit of burger. The mixture of flavors, condiments, and ingredients has you mouthwatering for another bite. That and you forgot that you hadn’t eaten breakfast.“if I do, maybe Grillbz.” He watches your face contort in confusion as he gives a light chuckle “the fire elemental from the bar is Grillbz, or more adequately Grillby. ‘e runs the joint well.”“Drunk ramblings? Eh, I do that too..” You painfully admit and curl your legs in.“why did you lie about having amnesia?”“I don’t know what I am doing! Like, think I am crazy or something, but I know nothing of this place. Not the people, not the language or those damn unreadable signs, and especially not the currency! I owe Papyrus 40G? Is there a G to dollars metric system somewhere? I literally just handed over my entire coin pouch to that general store lady. I have no clues what I am doing.” You blurt immediately and clench your teeth. Gerson ever so rarely got you talking nonsense because of your humanity rearing its ugly head.“Am…Am I rambling?” You anxiously ask as Sans seems in thought. He leans back and drinks a beer he snagged from the kitchen.“no…..no it would make sense. jus’ keep faking your amnesia if that’s easier. I can imagine it’s hard just being…..suddenly thrust into this, huh?” A painful aura radiates from Sans as your eyebrows not together. You push your hair back behind the fins of your ears, trying to get a closer look and understanding. He watches, amazed, and the hearts form in his eyes again.“Okay, are the hearts in your eyes good or bad?”“h-hearts?!” He jumps on the couch and flips out his phone. He presses a series of buttons before he begins to grow clammy.“That’s, like, the third time you’ve done that.”“it is?!” He gasps.“Ye-Yeah?”“oh stars…” He rubs his face harshly. They finally return to their spherical shape. “b-better?”“Yeah, but what does that mean?” You cock your eyebrow quizzically as he wipes his forehead of perspiration.“I—it—pretty sure it’s, like, fascination?” He admits as you lean back.“Fascination? That’s pretty broad a spectrum.”“yeah, well, I-I can’t really control it well. I don’t even know I’m doin’ it…” He hides his mouth behind his palm with a hint of impatience.“Really? You might want to work on that.” You lightly giggle and reach for the burger again. You pout, snag some fries, and bury them inside the burger. Taking a blissful bite, Sans snickers.“sacrilege.” “Don’t knock it until you try it!” You proclaim in self-defense past your mouthful.“how do you like life now?” The genuine tone takes you by surprise as you choke down the bite.“Honestly?” You murmur. He nods and brings a leg up to the cushion. You turn to him with a true smile. “I am so happy with you guys. Everything, I think, has been changed for the better. There are some things I wish were different, but they are with myself. You and Papyrus? Alphys and Undyne? Even Toriel and Asgore? You guys should never change. You’re just…grand. Thank you……..Than-…Sans. Your eyes are doing the hearts again.”“sorry…..you just…don’t smile much.” He reaches up and rubs his sockets until they vanish. You give a moments thought as blush heats your face.“Do….Do you like me?” You stare directly into his eyes as a bead of sweat swims past his socket.“wh-what do you mean? can ya clarify, small fry?” He takes out his plenty used handkerchief and dabs his skull.“We-Well….Flowey was saying t-that you were going to forget I even existed……which, I figured it was because of the fight, but I don’t know. But Toriel was saying you were talking about me a lot when you were chatting with her and….she thought it was….romantic? So-So I just wanted to know…where do I stand with you?”You both mirror each other with embarrassed giggles and twitchy eyes.“u-uh, well, y’know-“ “I-I don’t, honestly?”“like…..ugh…” He reaches over and takes a heavy chug of his beer. You pause and fumble about for a fry while keeping your eyes on him. He slams the drink down and scoots a tad closer. He meets your eyes instantly, staring further into the deep cyan pools that pierced his SOUL.“I, uh….” He clears his throat and interlocks his fingers together.“I d-do like ya-“ “SANS!!!!!!!” Sans body flails as his skull rotates to spot Papyrus. Papyrus immediately sniffs the air and glares at the food on the table.“BROTHER! NOT ONLY ARE YOU LAZING OFF, YOU ARE EATING GRILLBYS!! WHAT DID I SAY EARLIER?!”“eh-heh…you said not to laze off at Grillbys. so I brought Grillbys to laze off. and I ain’t lazing off, actually.” He scoots to the side to reveal you. Papyrus’ eyes bulge as his vision jumps between you and Sans. You nervously wave as he screeches and scoops the both of you up.“YOU HAVE MADE UP! THE MOVIE DATE WORKED!!! OH, I MUST THANK THE TINY HUMAN!!”“da-“ “Da-Da-Date?! Oh-Oh no no! It-It’s not a date, r-right Sans?” You nervously chuckle and look at Sans being squeezed in Papyrus’ other arm. Something seems to dawn on him as his uncertain face turns into something ridiculous and knowing. You begin to cringe in concern.“yep. this ain’t a date.” You aren’t sure you want to read his mind right now.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You rise with a throbbing head and peer about the living room lighting despite the shut curtains. Your eyes land on the slightly comedic vision of Sans being draped down over the edge of the couch with his boney face pressed deeply into the rug. A quiet laugh rumbles in your gut as you wince and grasp your hungover head. You vaguely recall you and the brothers plopping down and harassing a few bad movies, then Papyrus somehow got tipsy. It’s a blank slate from that point on. You squint your eyes and pry your sleeping leg from beneath Sans’ sternum. He mumbles something in his sleep as you work your way upward into a wobbly but mostly secure standing stance. Throwing a yawn to the stifling air you meander towards the kitchen and find a jug of milk in the fridge. You refuse to question the possibilities of obtaining the dairy product and drink from the jug before thinking twice about the rude action.Once your throat is gobbed with milk you ponder over the fact if monsters have painkillers or not. From all you knew they could simply heal their hungover migraines away perhaps. Your tongue clicks in disgust as you read the time from the wall clock; too early to be dealing with a hangover for sure. A creak of wood and a hasty shush brings a smile to your face. Peering around the corner you see a slightly paler Papyrus sneaking downstairs.“Papyrus? Wha-What are you doing?” You cut yourself off with another yawn. Papyrus is apparently startled in place and his face blooms with the color orange. His entire skull quickly changes into the vibrant tangerine hue as your eyes grow in surprise.“OH, GOOD MOR- Ow. Ow ouchie ow…” He pauses and clutches his skull. Waddling your way back into the kitchen you carefully gather a glass of water and bring it to his side.“You alright?” You ask as he downs the entire glass instantly. He makes a gasp of delight and hides a wince half-heartedly.“Y-YES!! EXCELLENT IN FACT!!” He cheers without regard to Sans. You notice that he doesn’t stir even an inch and a resounding snore echoes into the floor boards. You shrug in your mind as you peer over Papyrus.“Well I only asked because I remember you drinking last night, by accident I think?” At the mention of the prior night he visually tenses. A few beads of sweat prickle at the tip of his skull. Even without eyes you know he isn’t holding eye contact instantly. The orange hue is returning to his face. You peek to Sans and recall how when he was embarrassed his face bloomed a brilliant blue and his eye orbs changed shape.“Papyrus, did something happen last nig-“ “NOTHING! NOTHING AT ALL!!!” He barks immediately and startling you. You flinch backwards as he rushes into the kitchen. Your eyebrows knot together as you stare at his frenzied gathering in the kitchen.“You’re acting suspicious over a simple question…” You toy with him as he makes a tenser face. It was clearly something embarrassing enough he either was told not to bring it up or didn’t have the courage to bring up. It brings a smile to your aching day.“THE GREAT PAPYRUS CASTING SUSPICION?!? ABSURD!! ITS-HAH- IT’S NOTHING OF CONCERN. I’M FR-FRAZZLED!” You cross your arms together as he packs two lunch baggies into very colorful lunch boxes. He notices your raised brow.“Frazzled?”“WELL, ER, AH! W-WE ARE LATE!! FOR PATROL! SANS, YOU LAZY BONES, WAKE UP!!! HIS MAJESTY WOULD LIKE A REPORT BY NOON!!” You watch the leftover spaghetti and cream stew get jammed into the boxes to finalize it as he walks past you in a rushed manner. You watch in silent amusement and awe as Papyrus grabs Sans. He yanks him up from the back of his jacket and hood while taking care to not let him slip loose through the opening. He doesn’t flinch as Papyrus practically toddler cradles him against his shoulder with the lunches and paper documents in his opposing hand.“WE-WE’LL BE OFF NOW!! A-ALPHYS WAS ASKING FOR YOU!!” The door is slammed shut and snow crunches briefly before the clocks ticking is the only silence breaker. Your own curiosity has turned quickly morbid as you fear the worst of your drunken antics. The silence settles in again as you hang your cranium and find your way into the bathroom.The restroom and shower are uneventful as the silence gets tenser. You refrain from biting your lip. Distracting yourself with snacks is immediately disrupted with vibration from your phone. Your eyes skim the information; Alphys has the results in. You sigh and ready for whatever the cute but nutty scientist had in store. You try the River Person, but they seem to be busy so you elect to run the distance as a warm up. Leaving the jacket and long jeans behind for the longer favor of Hotland you set out with a light jog to keep from the brief cold of Snowdin. You’ve reached the harsh to navigate marsh as another message erupts onto your phone. It’s lengthy.
DEAR FRIEND MAYA—MY EARLIER BEHAVIOR WAS QUITE UN-GREAT OF ME. I KNOW THOUGH THAT YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THAT IT’S NOT OKAY TO-
You tip another back as Sans licks the remaining fry salt from his fingers.“SANS, THAT’S UNSANITARY. GO WASH THEM.” You lean into the arm rest and tune out the brothers as you watch an action cartoon movie about horses and riders. Sans is teetering in tipsy joy before leaning back into the cushion.“just stickin’ roun’ for the ride bro…” He takes a moment to let the pun fester in the silence before snickering to himself. Papyrus grumbles and crosses his arms.“WELL YOU HAVE BOTHERED BOTH ME AND ESPECIALLY MAYA FOR THIS MOVIE DATE QUITE ENOUGH. IT IS ALMOST BED TIME, AND WE HAVE TO REPORT TO HIS MAJESTY TOMORROW SO YOU MUST BE YOUR SUNDAY BEST!!!” Papyrus stands and turns off the movie mid scene. Sans grumbles something under his breath and swigs down the remainder of one his numerous beer cans. He blips away and you hear water faintly rushing in the restroom. Papyrus stands and gathers the trash. Momentarily he plops onto his knees and reaches under the table for a few stray cans and crumbs.“Papyrus!!” You scream in a moment of brilliance. He nearly bangs his skull on the bottom edge of the coffee table as he peeks over at you. Your eyes are likely gleaming with amazement. “Can I ride you?!” You blurt with joy. His face blooms immediately as he reels back into a kneeling posture. You peek over at the saddles on the screen and remember the old days when your father took you to the zoo. You weren’t old enough when you went to ride the mini horses and they never brought you back. The dream rummages around in your head as you jump to attention.“UH, AH, W-WELL, NO-“ He is hiding his mouth and turned off the TV. You feel your pout down to your chin as you jump the coffee table and grapple his spine. Your chest rests against his pelvis as he lets out a little screech.“But it’ll be great!!! I’ve never done it before, but I know we hic ca-can accomplish it!! I’ve always wanted to!” He tries to gently pry you away as the orange hue spreads over more and more bones. It originates between the bones and glows ethereally. You marvel at it and trace his spine over the glow.“I wish my bones glowed. That’d be nice… Hey, does it glow everywhere?” You peer up at him from your shortened position.“SANS!!!!” He screams wildly. There is a pop in the air and Sans returns with a lack of hood. He takes a moment to assess the happenings and shrug his shoulders.“sup bro-“ “Sans!! Help me mount and ride Papyrus~!” You yell happily. His face blanks before blushing blue. He looks between you both for a tense minute as Papyrus continues trying to cautiously pry you away.“eeh, err- he-heh.. uh, you’re kinda drunk to be doin’ that with a rightful mind ‘bout now don’t ya think?” He rummages past the astray cans and grabs my arm. Lazily you peer over him to see a similar but cool glow in his bones. You peek down at his feet and feel something snap. In an instant, you drop to the floor and grab his foot.“wai-!!” You cut him off as you pry his slipper off and reach for his sock. As you grab it, Papyrus lets out something akin to a gasp. You pay it little heed as an apparently flustered Sans tries to wriggle his leg out of your grasp. In an instant you sit on the cap of his knee and disable his movements. He emits a strangled sound as you finally pry off the sock. You sigh with relief that your suspicions of the bone glow went even to the smallest metacarpals. Peering back you realize he has these dweebish socks that are the numbers for pi. You turn about and smile to him while showing off the sock.“’f-course you’re a nerd and jokester from your head to your toes.” You pinch his pinky toe as emphasis and not only his skull but the majority of his upper half is pure bright blue. You push up from off his leg, eyes fixated on Papyrus, when a loose blanket catches your foot. Cascading down you bash yours and Sans’ skull together. Pleasant darkness ensues as you slip into dreams. “—that is why I will be confiscating all of the alcohol until you understand your evening wrongdoings. Forever Friendly and Forgiving, The Great Papyrus. “ You monotonously read off to Alphys. She’s placed her current cup of ramen in absent shock onto the table. You are having trouble distinguishing the embarrassment from the abject horror, but you can see they’re both present. She presses her hands together, opens her mouth, and lets it gape.“I think they thought it was sexu-“ “Y-Y—“ She took a deep breathe and clears her throat before a small voice squeaks out “You took o-off his socks?”You squint at her in confusion as you force your brain to attempt to remember the night. You do recall something about pie or math. Her face turns beet red and puffs of comical steam stem from her face she quickly conceals behind her claws. You bring your legs up cross legged and arch an eyebrow.“What? Are socks, like, the monster equivalent of foreplay?” “We-Wha-N-N-NO!! So-so-s-s-socks are con-considered a sp-special in-i-inv-vi-tation to, u-um, y-you k-no-now-“ “So it’s foreplay.” You glare at her and she hides behind her claws again before giving a tentative nod. You groan and grab your face.“Is playing with feet worse?” “U-Uh, we-well, f-fe-feet a-are-“ “That’s a yes then. Fucking damn it.” You scratch angrily at your hair and lurch from the seat.“How the hell am I supposed to know that?! It’s just FEET. Does the entire Underground-“ You force yourself to pause from calling it fetish and pick up a miniature pacing. “- Is that general? Is everyone particular about their feet? Is riding also a thing I should avoid? I was talking about horses!! Fuck!! Can I just move back in with Undyne for, like, a week?!”“N-No! I-I-I’m sure th-they will understa-“ “Papyrus couldn’t even look at me this morning!! Papyrus!!! The loveable goofball of the house could barely stay in the house with me!! How the hell am I supposed to not make a drunken fool out of myself?! And how the fuck would I have known socks were kinky when they have one pinned in the living room?!?!” You screech in the echoing lab and let the echo vibrate throughout the structure. You are a partially panting mess and Alphys scoops up her noodles and takes a gulp of the after juices. You tousle hair to hide your face and sniff the shampoo and merely try to redirect your focuses. Undynes shampoo smelled like bananas and doritos; you stop immediately at the tantalizing prospect of food. You focus on the unlabeled stacks of cupped noodles through your glowing locks, and then Alphys’ still blushed face reminds you instantly of the subject matter; a groan of anguish billows from your throat.“Look, can we- UGH, what did you need me for?” You murmur and try to still your racing pace. She blinks with a stunned expression before awe springs over her face. She pushes away from her desk and plops onto the ground.“O-OH! Ple-Please just a moment!!” Her labcoat drags behind her like a veil as she takes what appears to be an express elevator towards the upper landing. Your curiosity pulls you closer to the ascending mechanical stairs, but out of newfound personal space and privacy you rear back. You catch yourself stressfully scratching your scalp while trying to properly recall the prior night. You only remember the socks and the almost crude amount of alcohol consumed in one sitting. Recollection of Undynes lack of socks reruns through your mind as feet pitter down the opposing escalator. She carries an ice cream tub at her side, including a spoon.“H-Here. Can you tr-t-try t-t-th-t-this?” She cautiously offers you a spooning sample of what appears to be a pink sherbet. You withhold a slew of questions and encompass the spoon with your mouth before it even leaves Alphys’ hand. You see her start but you’ve already pulled the cold treat into your tastebuds. It tasted of cherry and orange, yet was salty? Your questioning face must’ve read off to her your utter uncertainty and confusion as she set the tub to the side. “It-It’s, u-um, an experimental ad-administration of secluded s-sources o-of D-Determination. It’s essentially a diluted f-formula I made. I-I-I can’t s-say much more past that, but if the-there are rough days, try perhaps a spoonful t-to a bowl.”“So…You are prescribing me to eat sherbet? This is the best doctors visit of my life…” You mutter the last bit to yourself.“Huh? Sh-Sherbert?” You flinch at the thought they might not have sherbet down here and snatch up the tub.“Oh, y-yknow! I-I heard it’s a fancy name h-humans use for ice cream! ‘C-Cause I’ve b-been doing research because Frisk has gotten me interested!!” You awkwardly laugh off the mention and conceal the tub behind you.“OH! I-I understand!! I-I had my own human fascination fan club a while back…” Her enthusiasm is instantly diminished as a heavy silence ensues.“W-Well, uh, i-if that’s all-“ “O-Oh, yes it is!! I-I- uh, I-I hope things go over okay with the brothers.”Her words shudder through you as intensely as the automatic doors slamming shut. You sigh and run out of Hotland. You ponder taking a lift with the River Person, but a walk feels like it is a nicer chance to clear your mind. You cautiously traipse along the oddly placed wooden bridge. Your eyes spy the logic defying snow covered sentry station. You let your mind stray to that night you flung the past into a molten basin. You catch your teeth clenching, but the only memories running through your mind are Sans. A flustered blush warms your face as you recall the smell of ketchup and detergent, his awfully cocky smile when you told puns, and his hurt yet calm eyes that seemed to look through you. You put the sherbet tub to your face to cool it down as your feet splash through Waterfall.A sweet lullaby echoes in the halls as you come across a statue. A moment of curiosity peaks in you, but a content grin etches at your face. You convene once more with the umbrella bearing statue. You were merry that nobody had disturbed the melody. Looking over the stone you can make out the moss rimming the horns and helmet the water had dribbled down prior your handiwork. You give another bow as you’d done the first as a sign of respect, but continue on your way.“He-Hey!!” Along your stroll you encounter a set of kids. Upon further inspection you recognize one. Squatting down you hide the tub just to be safe of childish curiosity.“Hello. M—Metra, right?” You stutter on her name trying to recall its individuality. She pokes her head out enough for you to spot a single shy yet enamored red eye blinking back. The brazen child before you reminds you of a pup, but looks almost like a hyena. Her face and fur is speckled black with an almost ginger brown hue. Her teeth are dull yet smiling wide as she holds something similar to a Pocky box in her paws. She extends her opposing arm and opens it. In her grasp is a bundle of light blue, orange, white and brown beaded bracelets. Each one has a name : Metra, Oswad, Berkin, Mikre, Kenway, Jessil; your head spins. Before you can ask, she presses them into your hands.“All of our friends wanted to apologize and show our appreciation. But word reach our parents in the capital about a human, so they want us to be careful. But Metra really wanted you to know how cool ya were, so we made these.” Your heart swells as you peer over the variety of bracelets. Metra’s had an assortment of colored strings braided together. Mikre’s had 1’s and 0’s for the beads. Berkin’s had a painted theirs to glow. Jessil had two interwoven together. Kenway had collected varying stones and spaced them sporadically similar to your scales spontaneous placement.“Do-Do….Do you like them..?” Your watery eyes shimmer up to Metra hiding shyly behind her companion. You can’t resist the warm smile covering your face as you slip a few bracelets onto both arms. Not all fit properly and slip down towards your elbow, but you notice a few even had adjustable lengths.“I love them. This is so generous of you all. Such good children…” You murmur and scruff the pups hair. She grounds her teeth into a toothy smile.“D-Do you think you’ll be vice-captain to Undyne?! If you were protecting us, tha-that would be amazing!!” Her dull green eyes sparkle in amazement as you quietly let your hair slip over your face in your constant shy manner.“Eh, uh, I-I am not really…I have a condition that doesn’t let me give it my all. Thought I’d happily be a guard to protect you cuties.” You snicker and overlook them as you stretch and stand. You can immediately note Metra’s eyes sparkling in awe. “You two get home safely now. I’m sure your parents would feel better with you being closer to home.” You wave them off as they hold hands and skip through the puddles. Your smile diminishes at the prospect of Flowey interrupting this momentary peace. A fearful chill rides over your spine as you assess your surroundings for a moment. Your heart pounds anxiously and you clutch the tub of sherbet to your side. You press forward with a light jog.You catch yourself passing Napstablooks house and note the unreadable sign you recognized at this point to belong to Undyne. Your mouth tightens as you weigh the multitude of thoughts and prospects swimming about in your mind. You pass by when you remember her betrayed face at Alphys’ lab. Perhaps she needed space for her own thoughts; she wasn’t home likely to begin with.You skip and pounce past the energetic yellow bird. They looked well rested. You sigh and note Gersons store being up ahead. A calmer smile warms to your face as you desire his wisdom and company.“—so I told ‘em, ya can’t keep claustrophobic people from thinking outside the box.” “Wahahahahaa- ah, Maya!” You’re certain your heart dropped expression mirrors Sans, though his festers with a blue blush you’re becoming well acquainted with.“He-Hey, Gerson…C-Could I, uh, t-talk-“ “Ye wanna chat? Well, come in then girly. I’ll get some crab apple juice. Care if Sans joins us? Ye want some juice too boy?” He waddles his way towards his store.“ah, n-“ “Well, uh, Ge-Gerson it was about, um….y-you-you know the, uh-“ “Aaahh?” He squints his eyes at you, putting his claws to his ears. You sigh and hug the tub of sherbet tightly to your chest.“The-The thing we, uh, t-talk about? About……this?” You hastily gesture to your arm. You can already feel the questions working through Sans’ brain even with the lack of eye contact.“Aaaah. ‘F course. That. Come on in girly. Sans, I will bring you some juice out when we’re done.” Gerson offers him a hearty smile as you follow him inside. You pay as little possible mind to Sans out of desperate fear you let everything slip through despite your attention to the complete vagueness regarding your answer. Inside Gerson nudes a stool to the side and plops onto the adjacent side of the shop. He reached awkwardly behind him, almost toppling out of his seat, but manages to reach a set of glasses. From beneath he pulls a pitcher and pours the almost lime green juice into them both. You note that he obviously hands you the fuller glass as you accept it without a word.“Now, I know whatever ya here to talk ‘bout aint your-“ “How did socks become a fetish?” You blatantly mutter and watch Gerson nearly choke on his beverage. His eyes dart to you, then the door, and a sly smirk creases his wrinkled scales.“Last I heard it’s tough to get a pair. People usually can’t find both. Monsters been assumin’ you only share socks with your partner because there be only one like it. One important half makin’ up ‘nother er something.” He takes another sip of his drink. To not appear rude, you sip at it. The complete bitter and sour taste curdles on the back of your tongue even when you hastily swig it down. “Guessin’ that’s incorrect?”“Yes!! You can get entire sets of the exact same pair!! Oh god, of all the- Didn’t you all start on the surface?! Weren’t socks existent?”“I might be old, but there weren’t……what’re we- oh, socks! Yeah, socks. I don’t ‘member having any up there. but that goes way back in me youth.” He snickers and pulls out a bowl of cracker cookies that he crunches into. He gestures for you to take some as you humbly accept. They are dry and are salted instead of sugared.“So, then-“ You cough on the dry treat and wash it down with juice. You’re not certain it’s an improvement. Rubbing your throat, you continue “- So, per say, how would you apologize to a certain friend if you were someone who wasn’t aware of this sock fetish craze and, therefore, didn’t know how to apologize about grabbing somebodies feet and joking about said socks?” You let the question linger as Gerson pauses; the cogs are turning.“……..What are we talkin’ about?” “Socks! How do I apologize to Sans and Papyrus about, apparently, socks!?” You screech and clutch the sherbet and juice closely.“Aaaahh……Pffft, there’s no fixing that.” You can feel anguished and frustrated tears brimming your eyes as your fate appears sealed. “They’re good boys. Just keep usin’ the amnesia s’cuse; ya should tell the truth at some point though…”“Sans already knows I don’t have amnesia.” You mutter as his eye pops open.“Waahaahaha!! Ain’t no fixing it then! How much ‘e know?” Your head thuds onto the counter top in distress as you grumble and mutter about your demise.“Only the amnesia part……but he knows I don’t know what I am doing either..” Your chin rests on the table and you idly snag a cookie. You give a good shake to throw the majority of the salt off the top.“Then it’s fine. Sans is a good fella. He prob’ly knows ya didn’t mean nothing like that. Just bat yer eyes, say you’re sorry, and he’ll be right as rain.” He chugs down the remainder of his cup in bliss. You help yourself to the drink. Despite the disgusting taste and undesirable texture, you gulp it down.“Bat my eyes?” Your eyebrows raise as he gives an almost sinister grin.“Even these old and tired eyes can tell he’s taken a liking to ya. We were just talking ‘bout ya too before ya arrived. How he didn’t get to say ‘good mornin’ ‘n all. All doe eyed. Anyway, I gotta open up shop. Take a couple cookies and the juice and get.” Before you can even say anything in retort or farewell, his shell is nudging you out the gateway and he slips on an ‘OPEN’ sign. You glare at it intensely and try to make out the simple four letter word, but it continues to appear as scribble. Your warm face hides beneath your hair as you spin about. You’re not sure you wanted that answer, or how to answer it back. The juice is gone from your grip. You turn to the side where Sans has chugged it down. You gape in awe.“……My juice!!” You shout in a blank moment of brilliance. Sans looks like he nearly chokes on it in shock. His pupils skip over to your face as the heat blossoms.“….thought Gerson was givin’ me juice?” “Yeah, he probably forgot. Because its Gerson. Th-That was mine.” Your shyness peeks and our head hangs low enough that your eyes can barely see his face. Your shaky free hand gestures towards the glass. His eyes slip from your face to the drink.“well then, I have no need for an ex-juice.” He snickers and downs the entire glass immediately. He passes you the glass and wanders off to the side. Your eyebrows knead together almost painfully as the questions and confusion dance through your mind. You settle the glass down besides Gersons open sign deciding to not disturb his work. You sidle to the side after shaking off one of the salted cookies .Sans is manning a telescope and fiddling with it.“..Th-Thought you had work with Papyrus.” You murmur and hide behind your hair. You can see through the locks that he is atleast paying mind to you.“er, yeah…not much work to be done now that the kids accepted through the Underground. we still gotta keep an eye out for other humans, but they’re so rare ‘dyne doubts there’ll be any coming round. so I picked up a side job.” He indicates towards the telescope as your eyebrow rises in thought.“But, aren’t those for….stars? Or planets?” You notice his hands always wind up inside his jacket pockets when he isn’t pointing or gesticulating.“makes it easier to see the star stones.” His eyes droop and his smile tightens. Awkwardly your legs nestle together. You can tell he’s tense about something. You force yourself to not frown. Your fists bundle behind your back, equally uncomfortable.I-I just need to say it. Apologize. Li-Like Gerson said, he-he’s a good guy for the most part. Alphys think’s they’ll understand; Papyrus probably will. B-B-But he knows I don’t have amnesia! So, does that make things better or worse?!“small fry?” His head leans closer as your awareness to the shortened space becomes definitively apparent. You lean back oddly with your spine, opening your mouth.S-So-S-So ju-just say it!! “I’m sorry!” li-like we always- “Can I-I check it out?” YYOOOOUU IIDDIIOOOOOOTTT!!!!His pops back in slight shock or something, but shrugs and turns the telescope towards you. Your face strains as you peek at the telescope. You shift your hair to the side. It gives you a chance to peer at Sans. You freeze. He is gaze immediately jumps from the telescope to the ground. He looks guilty and uncomfortable. You bite your lip and stand. He jerks back his attention to you, uncertain.“I-I-I’m s-so sorry. I’m m-making you uncomfortable aren’t I? I fucked up that badly? I-I didn’t—I don’t drink a lot. I sin-sincerely d-don’t remember about anything from last night.” You brace yourself harshly. Tears well in your eyes and makes it hard to face him when his image is warbled.“sma-“ “An-And I ge-get that it was probably really awkward! Papyrus couldn’t even lo-look me in the face this morning. It-It wasn’t my in-intention t-t-to upset you guys. B-But, I-I really don’t remember anything. A-And I wasn’t su-sure what to do!! Alphys wasn’t any he-help really a-an-a-and Gerson can’t even fathom my utter embarrassment right now!!” You squash your eyes with your palms and mush the tears out of your sight. He is making an even more distressed face.
I-If I could just say things right, or apologies properly, o-or turn back time—!
“I didn’t want to upset you guys. You’ve been nice. Really nice! Undyne is always looking out for me!! Alphys is trying to make things better even though sh-she has so much on her plate. Papyrus is always making spaghetti even though it is burnt; I eat it anyway because he worked hard. He-He got mad for me about Jason. He-“ You break off to suck in a sob and pat your face again. Sans is reaching for you but you bury yourself back into the corner besides the telescope.“He’s such a great guy, a-and I went and said something about friggin’ riding him!! I didn’t even mean anything bad- th-there were ho-horses o-on the TV!! A-And th-then I-I apparently grabbed y-you by the feet!? I hon-honestly don’t normally drink, b-but I don’t think I’ve e-ever done that!! And if I-I’d hurt you—I don’t understand what does and doesn’t cause someone to lose HP, bu-but I seem to be fine?! I-I don’t get anything down here- how are socks a shared fetish?! It doesn’t make a li-lick of sense! An-And now, because I can’t figure a damn thing out, I’ve utterly embarrassed myself in front of one of the nicest guys down here with hi-his dumb p-puns, an-and way too many jobs!! You always smell of ke-ketchup, al-always have that fat smile on your skull, a-and you’re always just being yourself!! And I fucked that up!! A-And I can’t fix anything no-“ A hard force drags you forward. You give a yelp and land against Sans’ shoulder. His arms envelop your back and press against the small of your back and shoulder blades. You huff out a sob and clench his blue jacket. You bite your lip near raw as he presses you closer.“I-I’m-I-I-I’m s-sor-so-s-s-“ “Shhh…” His skull grazes your fin and you feel his voice. Tears flow off your scales and hair and leave little wet stains across his shoulder. You give in to the warmth and sweet smell and clutch at his back. The hand around your shoulders comes up to stroke your head. You’re uncertain to how many times this has occurred, but even with his completely boney shoulder, roughly similar height, and constant tomato waft you can’t think of prying away from the moment.“wh-what’re ya even apologizing for? me and paps know ya weren’t right last night, and we both know ya have ‘amnesia’ so, y’know, don’t stress over it?” He murmurs over your shoulder as your harshly suck in your nose.“Bu-But this morning…” “Paps probably felt awkward, but it ain’t your fault. ‘e knows you weren’t yourself. was certain of it when ya vomited though-“ You reel back and feel all the blood and sense leave your brain. “I barfed on him!?!?!” you screeched wildly into his non-existent ears; noting his devils grin you pout and elbow his ribs. He stutters a bit but rubs your head gently. After a proper moment passes and the petting becomes increasingly embarrassing he reaches about and rubs your face incessantly with his sleeve. You squeeze shut your eyes for his gesture and blink through the swollen pain pressing against your lids.“howzabout we just head home? we’ll chill-“ He taps your sherbet tub, “- watch some flicks-“ He gives your forehead a flick, undeservedly, “-and get a swig?”“First off, if Frisk ta-taught you the phrase “Netflix and Chill” please don’t. It can mean one thing, and then it can mean a very very different thing…….Like socks, apparently.” You also dab at your face of the splotchy tear stains smeared about. “Second, you should be working. As I have st-stated in my incoherent rambling, you’ve many jobs. Thirdly, did we not just discuss how the drinking went horrifically wrong?!” You feel the tension building on its own in your skull to the gall he shows sometimes. He just gives a shrug. His hand slips into your wordlessly and he starts his leisurely pace with you in tow. You fumble with your free hand to keep the tub and cookies kept still.“I-I can walk on my own Sans.” You mutter and revert to hiding behind your hair once more. He seemed unusually concentrated as he paid no mind to your words. His palms were warm and slightly damp from the remnants of your tears. “Sans?” You poke your head to the side. You can’t make out his face, but you note the blue blush cornering his cheekbones. You remain silent the remainder of the walk, hand in hand. “This one.” “really?” “What’s wrong with it?” “I didn’t see how it’s a comed-“ “Monty Python is a legend and if you tell me there isn’t a single funny thing in this entire movie, then I will just give up.” He grumbles and plants himself back into the couch as you insert the DVD. “Doesn’t see how it’s a comedy, what a joke…” You murmur to yourself as you round to the couch. Immediately you note Sans is properly strewn out promptly in the middle, leaving you no escape. Uncertain, you settle onto the end cushion. He cracks open two bottles he pulled from a ‘secret stash’ that laid behind one of the cupboards. You checked the alcohol content this time around and he swore he wouldn’t let you drink more than two. You accepted primarily to get the embarrassment off your mind.As the movie starts and you curl in with a blanket and a beer you continue to try and get the swollen teary feeling out of your eyes. The silence stirs for a better part of the movie until you hit the segment with the black knight and you can’t contain your chortles any longer. Between your snickers you peer over to Sans where, yes, he has an unfazed expression.“You really don’t find this funny?! It’s iconic!!!” “seems pretty brutal if ‘em honest.” “But it tis but a flesh wound!” You comment and grin giddily to yourself. He gives a rather cheerful sigh and settles into the couch cushions with a swig of beer.“well, glad you’re enjoying yourself.” He hums. You feel your cheeks heat up as you divert your focus back to the movie. Unfortunately, you’ve become increasingly aware of his presence; slight nudges closer every few minutes or so make it more discernable the gap that has been shortened.“Did-“ You clear your throat as you nearly cough up some of your drink. “D-Did you want to, um, co-continue with our questions? Seems fair since you let me do something I enjoy.” You scratch nervously at the base of your elbows. He blinks a few times and shrugs.“ladies first.” You take a light chug of beer and relax more into the cushions. Day drinking certainly wasn’t your thing, even in moderation, but there was a pleasant feeling welling up in your chest.“Out of your DVD collection, which one is your favorite?” You start off simpler then the last questioning spree. You wanted to keep the light hearted air thumping with giggles and sighs. It was something you were coming to cherish through all the immense moments that seem to be happening in quick succession.“hmmmm…Elf.” “Really?” You nearly drop your drink in surprise. It was one of your favorites in the coming years, and thinking about it now Buddy reminded you of- “the main guy makes me think of Paps.” Your grin grows as you note his genuine grin. Always looking out for his brother…“’lright…….what’s yoourr favorite baked good?”“Oh, fuck, muffins.” You shake your head and turn to him. “They can be so many flavors, and have different fillings or fruit and they can be bite sized or two handed. You can make a bunch of them and eat them at any time of the day without people being like “That’s unhealthy.” or “You should eat that for dessert.” because muffins are their…own……” You freeze up in realization you’ve begun rambling once more and hastily silence yourself. He looks pleased enough.“Al-Alright, sooo, other then Papyrus who is your favorite monster?” He tilts back his head and rubs his chin.“aahh, makin’ me pick favorites are we?” “It’ll be our little secret.” You nudge your eyebrows up as he sighs and leans forward.“Grillby. ‘e’s been a great listener and a long-term friend. that and he owns a bar. what ‘bout you?”“My favorite besides Papyrus?” “our little secret.” You give it a momentary thought and then set down the drink. You twiddle your thumbs, playing pros and cons. No matter how you saw it, it was likely Sans. You blush and cover your face with your knees while still appearing in thought.It’s not like I don’t like anyone else I have met. Th-They are all great people. It-It’s just Undyne is too much of a hazard, Alphys is as equally shy and is a doctor, thusly, already lost to your past experience despite the sherbet. Gerson is wise but can’t hold conversations well, you barely know Toriel or Asgore, Mettaton made you uncomfortable at best, and Frisk wasn’t a monster. If that leaves the brothers, and Papyrus is excluded……… I can’t just—“what? is’t me?” Sans breaks your inner tirade with a comment and snickers to himself. He stops snickering the instant he catches your utterly flushed face. Hiding behind your hands you scream to the forgotten sky your silent curses that everything happening in the last twenty four hours was a dream. You’d also like to imagine in your dream you were more capable of controlling your humility.“I-I-It-It’s j-u-ju-j-just be-because yo-ou-yo-y-you’ve-ou’ve be-been the-there f-for me!!! N-Nothing e-el-el-else!!”“eh, u-uh, d-don’t worry ‘bout i-it…” He covers his mouth and his smile stretches. You aren’t certain whether he’s laughing at you or equally flustered. The silence hangs so long you return your focus to the movie out of desperation to escape the situation. About ten minutes pass by where nothing but the clicking clock, your heartbeat, and the movie are what you hear.“d-do you have this movie memorized?” He breaks the silence as you start in your scrunched up position.“We-Well, uh, yeah?” “cause I looked over and you were whisperin’ the lines. word for word.” “I-I, uh, I-“ You forcibly clear your throat and take the given opportunity to return to relaxation. You also grab the beer.“I watched it a lot as a kid. My parents weren’t home ever to stop me so I-I’d raid my dads collection. It consisted of a lot of gore and ‘dumb comedies’ like this one.” After air quoting you swig at your beer.“I didn’t say it was dumb. jus’ don’t get most of it.” “Oh, sorry, no. Jason always was saying-“ You freeze from taking a drink. Awkwardness just doubled… Your eyes tremble as your brain wrangles and runs to find a changing topic that was eloquent enough it didn’t seem desperate. You felt like short-lining and wished you had the capability to either faint or forget on command.“well, so, why don’t they have horses?” Sans asks. You glance over at him. He also appears tense, but you can tell he is trying his best. You lean back but keep your shoulders scrunched in.“The-They didn’t h-have enough money for horses. So they use coconuts to make the clopping sounds. Plenty think it was just to add to the goofiness, but I think it was better like this…”“why’s ‘e looking for knights?” “I-It’s a human story. A-A-A book I read about it. To sum it up, this king got a sword from a lady in a fountain named Excalibur. It’s a holy sw-sword. Then human god tells him to find knights for his journey and reclaim the Holy Grail through a series of trials.”“why’s ‘e gotta get this grail?” “’Cause God said so?” You shrug. “Hu-Humans are weird.” You keep running the ‘human’ card as hopes to deter any investigation further into why you know so much about this subject matter.“whose that guy? he one’a the knights?” “N-No, he’s French.” “that’a different kind?” “H-He belongs to a different group of people who have thick accents.” “humans have accents?” “I don’t—Sans. You have an accent.” Your eyebrows knot together as he pauses mid sip of his second beer.“I do?” “Well, compared to Papyrus, yes. Actually, compared to most of the people I’ve met you’re the only one with a discernable accent.” “ I don’t ‘ear it.” “There!” You reach across and pause the movie with the remote. On your knees you scoot closer to Sans.“So, like, I don’t talk like you talk right? That’s an accent. Technically, to everyone, different places have different accents. I-I had a huge fa-fascination with humans!!” You blurt out as soon as you realize you’re about to give way too many details about the surface to this poor guy. “I-If anything, you sound like something between an old time stereotyped Eastern coast with something of like a downtown slur?”“really? ye think I slur?” “You just did.” Your dead panned face gets a chuckle from him.“don’t understand it well if ‘m honest.” “Well, like, what do you think of my voice? It’s not like yours, Papyrus’, or Undynes. I’d consider Alphys but she stutters too much to make any out.” “sounds like someone else we know?” His grin grows as you stare at him.“R-Really? I don’t stutter that much.” “you just did.” “Alright, alright just—wouldn’t you say your way of saying things is different than mine?” “….I’s’pose.” You lean back feeling marginally victorious when he reaches out. His hand grazes your neck as you still entirely.“hard to say it, but….its-its nice. like ya get higher when yer nervous, but right now ye just are pleasant; makes me think of a lullaby. sounds like ya got more echo though. like ya got a cave in there. whazzit called?” You note the beer gives him a harsher slur as you gulp. He pauses his tracing of your jugular as he must feel the contents going down suddenly.“Pr-Projection?” His hand flits away and jabs directly into his jacket pocket. “er, ye-yeah, t-that one. s-so the movie?” “A-Ah, right!!” You scramble back to your end of the couch and bury yourself a little further towards the arm as you resume the movie.“s-so the guy up there has the grail they want?” “N-No, h-he’s lying.” You hide your smile as the taunting commences.“’e’s acting like an idiot……I can’t even hear what he’s saying it sounds so weird.”“Ah.” You clear your throat and wait for the next line. “I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty headed food-trough wiper! I fart in your general direction!” You feel your smile cracking as you continue listening to the ridiculous lines. “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!” You sputter into giggles and squeaks as you let the comedy gold linger in the air. “No! Now go away or I will taunt you a second time!” You collapse back and cover your face as your laughter grows. From the sidelines you hear Sans snickering ever so lightly.“th-that’s ridiculous.” “I know!” “what is this movie?” “I know!!!” His laughter grows and through your own chortles you see his eyes shut and his grin crack open just a smidge. It takes a good minute or two for you both to cease being giggly bundles on the couch. Your hand traces your throat as you collect your thoughts.“I’m pretty good at sittin’ back and listenin’.” “you’re alright. yer good. j-just lookit me.” “I’m sorry.” “I d-do like ya” “hard to say it, but….its-its nice.” “well, glad you’re enjoying yourself.” “Maya?”Your heart thumps. You hate this feeling. You know this feeling. Laughing with him was fun. He pissed you off at times, made you cry, but was good. And you knew just peeking over at him that you’d dug your grave another 6 feet deeper.“w-whose turn is it?” He wipes the brimming happy tears from his sockets as you clam up your face.“Mi-Mine, I think?” You shrug, turning back to the TV. You cull your thoughts and suppress the beating in your fingers. He shrugs and settles back into the cushions. You drink the last of your beer and reach for another. He places his hand on the top. With a haze of blue enveloping it he takes his hand away and the top is gone. He gives a playful wink and rests back.“Neat party trick?” “s’pose you can call it that.” He shrugs it off. You give a decent chug and feel the alcohol buzz building up. You were constantly reminding yourself in the back of your mind that two was your limit.“A-Alright. I know you were into science because you were one in the past. Would you ever return to it?” His mouth tightens and his eyes droop.“don’t think I ever honestly left? I run side experiments here and there. none concerning Alphys though. didn’t like all the work ye had to put in.” He tips back the drink, nearly finishing it. He swishes it around with a troubled expression. You await his question and return your focus back to the movie. They’d just thrown the wooden rabbit.“would you ever go back to him?” You freeze still before taking a sip. You lean forward and squeeze your knees together. Despite all that had come to be, you thought about it a lot. Each time you knew the answer and solution to take, but you couldn’t pull through with it. Your lips tighten against one another as you try to refrain from grinding your teeth together. Peeking at Sans, he is closer then before and patiently waiting. His eyes are right on you. You see it reflected in his pupils – the answer. Steeling your lungs you place a hand over his.“N-Never. Never again. He-He threw away o-our everything, and I’ve tri-tried to make it work. I tried so…hard…” You force yourself to suck in the accumulating tears. You know they are wasted on him now, but it was coming to hurt less with more and more time. You knew it- your friends, the home to be built soon; a new life awaited you here. Restarting with life.His hand curled about and clenched yours. It was sweaty and shaky, but your grips tightened. You could feel the heat climbing from your cheeks towards your eyes and fins. They flared and flipped back anxiously.“Wh-Wh-W-Wha-What ar-re we-we? I-I k-know we-we fig-fight a lot, bu-but it’s always mi-misunderst-standings? I feel ge-ge-g-genuinely bad after ev-every one, and-and I never go-g-got the a-an-a-an-s-swer th-the other day!!” Your eyes shut tightly and your heart jumped into your throat. His hand felt and flexed around your own. He tilted his hand about to fit his fingers between yours. You were certain he could feel your fast pulse from the incessant trembling of your palm.“wh-what can we be?” His voice causes you to flinch as you become quickly aware of the closed distance.“I-I-I d-don’t-“ “Maya.” His opposite hand comes around to your cheek. He feels at the scales before his thumb traces your lower fin. You slip your eyes open to peer past your lashes. He is only a few inches from your face. He’s blushing like mad, the orbs in his eyes are mid-way to forming hearts, and he is looking at you. At your everything encompassed through your eyes alone. An inch of distance is closed and you clutch his hand tightly with yours. Your eyes shut.“MAYA?! SANS!? I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, HAVE NEW- OH THERE YOU TWO ARE!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Your eyes pop open as Sans lets his head dangle. You can see it turning a sky blue across his entire skull as your arm comes to cover your own lower face.“n-nothin’ Pap…..she had some crumbs in her. I was gettin’ em.” He leans back and rubs at his face aggressively.“WELL THAT’S GREAT!! MAYA, SANS, DRESS YOUR SUNDAY BEST!!! FRISK AND THE FORMER QUEEN ARE GOING TO COMMUNE WITH ONE ANOTHER!!” “R-Really?” You nearly jump from your spot on the couch. You knew Toriel left Asgore because of his decision to kill the humans that wandered through. That they needed SOULS to break the barrier.“YES, SO GATHER YOURSELVES!! WE ARE OFF TO THE THRONE ROOM! I NEED TO BRUSH MY BONES!!!” Papyrus storms past you both and nearly crashes into the bathroom.“Sans! Isn’t this good? This is good, ri-“ You spin about with a grand smile that dies. Sans looks horrified. Like someone had told him he had one day left to live. You pause and wait to see if he is just processing the news. His hands cover his mouth and slide to his sockets. Concern courses through you as you crouch in front of him.“S-Sans? Wh-What’s wrong?” He extends his arms out and brings your head to his chest. You can hear both his bones rattling and his SOUL beating. It’s picking up a pace.“Sa-“ He releases you, scoots to the side, and stands. He is right on time with Papyrus who comes stumbling out the bathroom and rushes for the door. Sans extends a hand to you as you’re still crouched. You’ve never seen a more forlorn expression over his face that still manages to smile.“let’s get goin’. can’t be late for a big finale.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You got snug into your borrowed pair of jeans from Undyne. You shrugged on the slightly roughed and torn brown leather jacket you brought from the Snowdin Store. You fiddled with the collar for a solid minute; apparently this was a big thing. Sans was making it sound like some end game.You pause while slipping on a pair of regular grey socks. The horror in his face was still fresh in your mind. It wasn’t even the factor it really happened not even five minutes ago, but it was the dark expression he bore that scared you. He’d vanished after the news, but you heard him rummaging around his room on your way to change in the restroom.You’re pulled from your thoughts as a heavy knock threatens the bathroom door.“MAYA, ARE YOU READY TO GO SEE HIS MAJESTY?! I DON’T WANT TO RUSH YOU, BUT THE GREAT PAPYRUS IS NEVER TARDY!!” Papyrus gives a yelp that sounds desperate as you nearly fumble with your socks and trip over the boots.“I’m sorry Papyrus! I’ll be just another minute!” You shout in reply. He seems content as you hear him humming over towards the stairs. It was a song you weren’t entirely familiar with, but it was upbeat just like Papyrus was. You hastily slip your other sock and borrowed boots onto your feet. You give a quick check of yourself in the mirror before spinning about to the restroom door. You pause and peek to the side. The beige and bubbly scarf you’d gotten rests on the remainder of your clothes. You traced the cashmere and decided to slip it under the jackets collar. You rush out of the bathroom and scamper down the stairs. Sans and Papyrus are waiting at the door where Papyrus nearly drops his jaw.“MAYA!! YOU LOOK WONDERFUL!!!” Papyrus squeals giddily. Sans gives you a brief look.“You made it sound like a big deal, so I’m sorry I don’t have anything formal…” You bashfully admit as Papyrus holds the door for you. Your heart swells to the gentleman attitude as you make a line and march towards the River Person.“IT ISN’T SO MUCH FORMAL AS FANTASTIC!! WE MUST BE THERE TO SUPPORT OUR FRIEND FRISK!!” Papyrus tightens his fists proudly and pulls a coin from his scarf. He runs up ahead to hail down the River Person. Peeking over at Sans, you note the strained fake smile he has smeared across his face.“Sans? What’s wrong?” You try and note. He catches on to your concern before you even finish the sentence and takes up a quicker pace.“is nothing small fry.” Your eyebrows knot together as you try and keep pace with him; cursing your short legs the whole trek.“Can’t you stop calling me small fry? You’ve been making a face like it’s the end of the world, so if it is I want to hear you saying-“ “Maya.” You pause and look up to him. His smile is strained and his eyes look hurt. The wind pitches your hair about as you snuggle into your scarf.“……..Sans I wa-“ “COME ALONG YOU SLOW-BONES!! NYEH HEH HEH HEH HEH!!!” Papyrus’ uncharacteristic pun and sheer volume throws you off as Sans turns about to address his brother and the boat. He is making a harder to discern face with Papyrus, so you’re certain it’s a conversation not meant for his younger brother to hear. But, at the same time, you’re unsure how to ignore the rising concern welling in your stomach.Once you near the brothers on the boat Papyrus lifts you onto the ride. They cheerfully banter with one another as you all speed along the river in the abnormal running boat. You can’t find the shared energy to join in their conversation as you choose to watch the rushing water splash in your wake.You all pull to a stop in Hotland where you question removing the scarf before you’ve even jumped from the boat. Papyrus giddily plops Sans onto the solid ground as you steadily stand.“Tra-la-la! Have you said goodbye?” The mirthful tone of River Person has your blood run cold in a split moment. Papyrus lifts you from the wobbling boat before you can turn and question them; the boat has sped off into an unknown tunnel.“GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY WE MAY BE RUNNING LATE!! SANS, GET-“ “-the skeleton key.” You look at them both and Papyrus nearly rips his gloves his fists tighten.“I’VE TOLD YOU A BILLION TIMES TO NEVER CALL IT THAT!!” Papyrus snaps the key from Sans. It is a key shaped exactly like a skeleton. Your eyebrows knot at the confusion as the brothers hike up the stairs towards Alphys’ lab. You remain in tow. The terrible gut feeling continues as you note the brothers heading towards an elevator. You grumble and continue to follow the skeletons as they file into the elevator. You pause on the outside, unsure. You peer up and note you can’t see where it stops.“MAYA, WHAT’S WRONG? WE DON’T WANT TO BE LATE!!” “Y-You keep saying late. Was there a set time for this?” Papyrus notices your hesitation, but Sans outstretches a hand. You’d forgotten Papyrus didn’t go down into the True Lab with you and the others. You accept with a shaky clammy hand and he rounds you about into the corner where your other hand clutches the inner bars desperately. You can feel the blood leaving your knuckles.“MAYA?” “I-I’m fine. What’s the key for?” You precariously inquire. Papyrus grins and inserts the key into the console of buttons.“THE ROYAL GUARD ARE GIVEN KEYS TO USE ANY OF THE ELEVATORS TO QUICKLY CONNECT TO THE ELEVATOR BESIDES THE THRONE ROOM!!” He giddily admits and turns the key. Your puzzled brow returns.“Isn’t that the definition of a skel-“ Your thrown from the sentence as the doors shut tightly and the lights begin to blare. The whole elevator begins to violently tremble as you squat closer to the ground. You can feel the intense and sudden movement as it takes off. You bury yourself in the corner, your breathing frantic and your eyes screwed shut. Sans’ hand tightens around yours. They’re yelling something, but you’ve blocked out their voices. All you hear is the chattering of the mall. Everyone is significantly taller then you as you huddle into the corner. Everyone shrieks and cries out, but yours is the faintest voice. You’re suffocating and nobody is hearing you choke. The shaking won’t stop. You’ve-“Maya.” Your eyes pop open and blink. A monotone light funnels into the open elevator doors. The trembling is your own as Sans clutches your arms. You blink a few more times from your frazzled trance and focus on standing. Your legs are shaky. You breathe a sigh of relief and find the golden hall right down the way. You would rather not ask how two different elevators connect to this lone one, but you admit the question festers in the back of your mind. Sans gives you the lightest of tugs.“ya good?” You note his concern past his standardized smile and nod as you walk towards the throne room.“Sans…what’s going to happen? I-I’ve got this horrible feeling..” “’s’it vomit?” You elbow him in the ribs and he chuckles.“that was a real rib tickler!” “Sans, please!” You plead and stop in your tracks. The gentle light seeps through the window onto your face. He turns about to address you at the least. He’s making that same hurt expression.“Why are you making that face? What did the River Person mean about saying goodbye? What are we rushing into? What’s going to happen?” The questions spill from your lips desperately as you see the charade tighten his jaw.“Why are you smiling?” You can’t help a couple tears that well up in your eyes. You knew something was off; you knew Sans knew. He seemed to know so much more than everyone else. Yet he kept quiet and played pretend. The questions turned into rage, but back to pity.
There’s a reason he hasn’t said anything, and the fact he can’t tell me shows I fall into the category of ‘untrusted’.
“Ma-“ “Forget it. I-It’s something you can’t talk about. I should know that. It’s how you are.” You slip the momentary tears away with a quick swipe of your finger. You continue walking as he catches your arm.“a-after……..whatever happens in there, I’ll….I’ll tell you after.” You hear his voice squeak. It sounded as though someone had ripped his heart out. He turns about, head down, but holds your jackets sleeve and leads you along. You’re certain your eyes are as wide as dinner plates but you quell your excitement. The squirming gut feeling remained.“IF ANYONE FIGHTS…! THEN I’LL!! BE FORCED!!!-“ You hear Papyrus saying something as you come in from behind. Sans releases you and walks off to the left. Frisk is standing almost rooted in place. Asgore is off to the left looking almost miserable and defeated, Undyne stands besides him with Alphys, and Toriel is somehow here as well. Papyrus is standing besides Frisk as the child watches the bantering unfold.“TO ASK UNDYNE FOR HELP!!!” You do your best to suppress your giggles to the ever loveable Papyrus.“Hello!” Toriel addresses Papyrus. You’d forgotten that this is their first time meeting.“OH! HELLO, YOUR MAJESTY!” Papyrus looks stunned and turns back to Frisk with a squinted stare.“PSST! HEY, HUMAN…DID ASGORE SHAVE…? AND….CLONE HIMSELF????” You snicker and come around to Papyrus’ side. Before you do, Sans wanders in on Frisks left.“hey guys…what’s up?”“That voice…!!” Toriel seems to have an epiphany as she approaches Sans. “Hello again! I’m sorry we didn’t have a proper introduction. So many things happening at once.”“My name is Toriel. Wonderful seeing you again!”“the name’s sans. and, uh, same.” You weren’t sure what to make of the atmosphere suddenly. They hadn’t looked elsewhere but each other’s eyes. There is a pit growing your stomach. You also notice that Asgore is tearing up. You can’t keep your eyes off the instant chemistry of Sans and Toriel. You’re unsure how you never saw it before. Sans was one of Toriels only friends when she separated from the rest of the Underground. They both enjoyed puns, had friendly natures… You step back out of the picture. Something ugly was growing inside you. “Oh! Wait, then…!” Toriel hurries to Sans side before turning towards Papyrus. It seemed odd, but you didn’t want to interrupt them.“This must be your brother, Papyrus!” Toriel giddily mentions his name and Papyrus begins to blush and look bashful.“Greetings Papyrus! It is so nice to finally meet you! Your brother has told me so much about you.”“WOWIE…I CAN’T BELIEVE ASGORE’S CLONE KNOWS WHO I AM!!! THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!”“Hey, Papyrus…What does a skeleton tile his roof with?” You glare down at the dirt. You knew this one too; Sans must have told her.“HMMM…SNOW-PROOF ROOF TILES???”“No, silly! A skeleton tiles his roof with…SHIN-gles!!!”“I CHANGED MY MIND!!! THIS IS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!” You can’t ignore Toriel and Sans looking at each other, knowing, with genuine smiles. Immediately you wanted to leave. You didn’t want to watch whatever was unfolding in front of you.I thought I’d gotten rid of my jealousy…But I suppose jealousy points you towards the truth at the same time… You somberly look at Sans.You’re desperate to intrude, to hopefully put an end to the spectacle before you. Yet some force is telling you that this moment and space isn’t something you can influence, not even something tangible to yourself. Like Frisk, you’re rooted and merely a witness. So lost in your own thoughts and growing pain that Undyne and Alphys have had a conversation you aren’t paying any mind to. You think you briefly heard Mettatons gravelly voice.“Well??? Uh??? I guess??? If you want to??? Then???” Undyne is making some bizarre face. You cock an eyebrow silently in the background.“Don’t hold anything back!!!” Immediately both Alphys and Undyne are making weird kissy faces and nearing each other at an agonizing pace. You try to look away and give them their privacy, but you notice Frisk getting really excited. You can’t help yourself as you rush forward and smack Undyne over the scalp, butting in between them.“H-Hey! Not in front of Frisk you won’t!!! Get a room!!!” You shriek and hide your own blush. Undyne looks about ready to strangle you, but Alphys returns to her normal flushed state.“Uhh, right! S-Sorry, got a little carried away.”“Oh Maya!!” Asgore announces himself suddenly as you peek past Undyne. Papyrus and Toriel stroll over into your increasing line up. “I meant to send you a notice! The construction of your house was finished just this morning.” Asgore isn’t even completely finished with his sentence before you throw yourself at him in a huge hug. He stumbled back and you were enveloped into his cape, but he returned the hug heartily.“What?! When did you make those plans?!” You hear Undynes feet stamp into the ground as you drop off from Asgore with a grin. It was what you needed now – distance. Returning to how things were, but refreshed with a new life.“When you left us alone.” You stuck your tongue out to tease her as he teeth ground together. You didn’t miss the fact that Toriel settled into the line right besides Sans. She had a wide smile though as she looked over the little gathering of monsters before Frisk.“Hee hee hee. My child, it seems as if you must stay here for a while. But looking at all the great friends you have made…” She peers around at your group. Your eyes come together for a moment, but she turns back to Frisk immediately. “I think….I think you will be happy here.” She comments in a mirthful tone.The pleasant silence hangs as you are ready to clap and break up the little reunion. It seemed odd that this is what you were late for. But Alphys says “H-Hey, that reminds me…” and you pause to peek over at her.“Papyrus…YOU called everyone here, right? Well, besides, uh, her. Uh, anyway… If I got here before you…How did you know to call everybody?” You pause and think it over. Papyrus made it sound as though he’d heard it-“LETS JUST SAY…A TINY FLOWER HELPED ME.” You feel your fists tighten and sweat develop on your forehead. Sans didn’t look even slightly fazed, but Alphys mirrored your expression.“A tiny….flo-“ “Flowey?!” You screech suddenly. Huge vines split from the earth and envelop you. They encompass your body and grind into your scales. Everyone is hoisted into the vines, constricted. It hurts to breathe as you try to not dig your body into the crisp thorns. The little yellow petal menace pops out the ground with his evil smirk.“You IDIOTS. While you guys were having your little pow-wow…I took the human SOULS!” Flowey begins a speech to Frisk who looks both prepared and uncertain. You grind your teeth together as a batch of thorns press at your sides. You realize there aren’t any vines wrapping your legs up as you work at your boots.“It’s all your fault. It’s all because you MADE THEM love you. All the time you spent listening to them…” You’ve worked your boot off enough that you wind up and chuck the footwear at the flower. It actually smacks him outside the back of the head and the vines loosen for a split second.“Oh quit friggin’ monologue you coward!! You need six human souls and a bunch of boss monsters to beat up a child?! How pathetic!” You rant at Flowey. His stem straightens and a horrific melting face of black ooze turns about to glare at you. You gulp down your fear as best you can and goad him further. The vine thorns punctured you and encased your arms. Your head felt like it would pop from the pressure.“This is all just a GAME. You all are just pieces. Nobody would miss the pieces, especially the spares.” The grip tightens enough that you slip your arms and head out the bottom of the jacket. Its leather fabric protected you from the thorns. You ducked under as the thorns instinctively crushed the jacket. The last around your waist faltered which gave you the split chance to escape their grasp. You landed onto the floor and quickly dashed across the way. You kicked the flower aside in the midst of his bafflement and ran to Frisks side. Frisk clutched your jeans and tried to pull you behind him. Flowey rises from the planted position and his laugh warbles from the usual to insane.“What can you-“ Flowey murmurs something as you cover Frisk. “What can YOU possibly accomplish?! You’re not even supposed to EXIST! You’re just a glitch in the code!! You should learn your place.” You shiver before vines spew forth from the ground and flick at your feet. “Just dust in the wind!!!!” His smile is pressing at the sides of his face.“I don’t know what you’re saying. I’m not….I’m not certain you’re lying though. But…That doesn’t matter right now. I’m here. I’m real!” You feel your heart rushing with adrenaline as you press it in to still it from beating out of your chest. “Those are my friends! Their hearts all yearn to escape here! Everyone’s does!! The solution is staring at us right in the face, and I’ll be damned if I let you get in their way!!” You grit your teeth and prepare for a fight. Frisk is begging you from behind, but their words are lost as you focus onto Flowey. His ecstatic smile halts. He looks tense for a moment. A little yellow heart comes seeping out of his stem. Once free, it zips over to you. It floats around your body. More start to seep out of Flowey as you hesitate backwards.“Why…? Why?!” Flowey screeches as a slew of hearts come rushing out to encircle you.“The SOULS…” Frisk is muttering something behind you, but you’re panicking.“I demand Justice.” “I’ve Perservered this far…” “You’re so Kind, y’know?” “I’ve been so Patient.” “I’ll be Honest with you-“ “ That was very Brave!!”A bunch of whispers enter your ears as you try to keep some sensibility.“Break the Barrier.” “Set them free.” “Destroy that Barrier!!” “We’re waiting…” “Let’s do this!” “We trust you.” Frisks hand grips yours as you spy the Barrier beyond Flowey. The SOUL’s spin faster until there is a delay in their color. A rainbow circles your midsection. You feel light; your feet have lifted off. Floweys vines dart at you; a yellow gun and orange fist materialize and fend him off. You can’t make anything anyone is saying. Voices echo continuously in your mind.“You want to share the sun with them?” “Let’s see the beach!” “Idiots, she isn’t going there..” “It’ll be a nice change of pace.” “Having options is a good thing.” “It is so stuffy down here.”“Wha-What do I-“ “She’s lost.” “Does anyone know how to do this?” “Wish really hard?” “Rub us like a genie lamp!!!” “Is now the time for jokes?” “Focus. Want it. Want it with everything you are.” You’re slowly discerning the voices apart as something hot bursts in your chest. It goes from a pleasant thrum to scorching hot.“Oh no!!” “Her SOUL is going to burst..” “You have to want it!” “Yo-You’ll die if you-“ “Make the wish!” “Who put a human SOUL in her already?!” “It-It’s mine-!” You nearly topple over as the heat spreads over your body. You look up for some guidance. Everyone is yelling something, but Sans. Sans looks on the verge of tears; his eyes are on you.“What-“ “You’re melting!!!” You peer down towards your hands. One’s just slipping off and splattering onto the ground. You think Flowey is laughing at you, but you can’t hear it over the cacophony of echoing voices. You can’t even discern your internal thoughts from theirs.“Someone, help-“ “Idiots!! We all have to focus!!” “Le-Lets do it!” “Hurry up now.” “Just concentrate on the Barrier.” “Go Alakazam!!” Your eyes are slowly being obstructed by something off your head. The Barrier resides there. The fleeting memory of wanting to break it swirls in your brain. You reach for it, desperate to get closer.“I…I want it to disappear.” You murmur. The heat explodes from within.Every color drains into a monotone hue, before nothing but blackness remained. Little orbs of light puncture the darkness you float in. The colors take form, but nothing too discernable.“Well, she did it.” “Yeah, but now look where we are.” “We did the right thing!” They immediately begin arguing as you seamlessly float closer.“Wh-Who are you? Where are we?” You plead. You can’t see your body and while it’s not instilling you with immediate fear you’re beginning to fret.“I’ve forgotten.” “Me tooooo.” “It’s been so long since I’ve heard my name.” “Yesterday I was Tonya, today I felt like Lindsey!” The huddle of lights and childish voices isn’t helping the increasing migraine or whatever is bashing you in the head. Your chest feels heavy but you can’t even physically feel it.“We’re probably dead?” “This is Hell?!” “We can’t be in Hell!!! I was a good boy!!” “Well dead probably isn’t far off.”“I’m dead?!” You blurt out and check the remainder of space. There was nothing but darkness everywhere.“I said probably.” You spin about to a light blue hued girl. “If we aren’t dead, all of that magic we just spun together must’ve thrown us somewhere.” “Like that skeleton does!!” A boy with a fake looking pistol traces his yellow color in the darkness.“B-But I-“ “There is another theory.” A purple tinted child strolls by with a book in hand. “It seems peculiar we’re the only ones to die at this point in time. Why aren’t there other SOUL’s here?” Something cold plops onto your face. You try to wipe it away but nothing comes off.“Something just hit me.” You mention and rub at your face. You’re not sure if you aren’t touching it, or if you aren’t feeling it properly. Your fears grow.“Well, if we aren’t dead where could we be?” A little boy orange as the sunset crosses his bandaged arms.“In her subconscious.” The tiniest girl approaches you. She is a deep blue and bears a tutu. She holds your hand as you kneel down to their heights.“That’s very likely.” “We fused?!” “Out of the frying pan, into a pot.” Everyone glares at the green child at the horrible pun.“What happens now?” You ask the children. Their faces were becoming more and more asserted and defined. You weren’t sure whether to be thankful or pitiable. They were all just…children. The oldest looked to not have even reached thirteen.“Well, if it’s true you aren’t dead, then you’ll probably wake up.”“Maya..” “Yeah?” You peer around at the children; looking between each other elicits silence.“Who said my name?” You enter the midst of them.“It must be true. We didn’t know your name.” “You’re gonna wake up!” A happy smile worms over your face as something else hits you in the face. It felt like water droplets.“But what about you guys?” You spin about to face them all.“We’ve been dead. There isn’t anything to be done for us now. That took all of our willpower. If you hadn’t been more powerful than that other kid, we would have had a tough time.” The other kids nod in agreement with the light blue girl.“How was I more powerful then Flowey? Why wasn’t Frisk able to do this?” The kid with purple glasses and a book taps your shoulder.“Humans aren’t supposed to be capable of holding other human SOUL’s. They’re too powerful with one alone. However, monsters can’t harbor human SOUL’s because they’re too powerful and they melt away from the magical pressure fusing with them. Flowey didn’t have a SOUL though.” You pause to think about the poor flower, but remember the amount of shit he’s put you through and decide your concerns over him are to be left on the backburner.“Frisk is human, but you? You’re apparently half and half. Your overall willpower and desire was the changing factor that gravitated our SOUL’s to you. The perfect vessel you might say.” They shrug and back up. You feel light again, like someone is lifting you up.“Oh, she’s heading back.” “We can stay here right? You won’t kick us out?”“Kick you out? I don’t even know how I would do that! I won’t, but let me see if there isn’t something I can do for-“ The little girl in blue grasps your hand again. You lean down to her despite your legs abandoning the floor.“We’re okay. You need to be okay first.” She smiles sweetly and touches your hands to her face. She is so smooth and quiet; tears hit your palms. You look to her happy yet hurt face as she releases her hold on you. You can’t grab them in time.Another drop. It hits you right on the eyelash as you hiss and wipe it away. Something beneath you jolts as you rub the water out of your eye.“Wha-“ You clear your eyes and blink. A moment passes as the shapes come to form solids, faces, and pained expressions. You’re resting in Undynes lap for whatever reason. She is crying.“Woah. You have tear ducts?” You comment casually. Her arms nearly crush your windpipes as she yanks you from the floor into her chest.“YOU MAD WOMAN!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU JUST- OH- YOU’RE NUTS!!!” She is laughing and crying erratically. Her shoulders shudder as you pat her back. Papyrus is sitting behind her and lunges forward upon seeing your unsure expression. Both of you are lifted into a tight embrace within the skeletons arms.“THA-THAT WAS A TERRIBLE SCARE YOU GAVE US, MAYA! I, TH-THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WASN’T FULLY SURE WH-WHAT WE WOULD DO WITHOUT YOU THERE!!!!” Papyrus ugly sobs into your hair.“Y-You scared us terribly there Maya.” You hear Toriel behind you somewhere.“I-I’m, uh, sorry? I don’t know what just happened.” You quietly admit as Papyrus and Undyne finally release you. Overlooking your hands you find them both solidly planted on your wrists. A bright light shines through the tunnel as you peer over.“Wha-“ “It was AWESOME!! Those SOUL’s made you turn into some anime transformation nonsense and you were glowing and everything!! Then this huge beam came splitting out your arm or whatever and it shattered the barrier!! Can you do that all the time now?!” Undyne grabs your shoulders and shakes you about. You’re on the verge of vomiting you’re so dizzy and confused.“I-I did what?” You murmur and peer around. Even though you are standing you can’t help returning to sitting down. Your head is heavy and there is a distant pounding in the far reaches of your skull.“MAYA? ARE YOU ALRIGHT?”“I-I’ll be fine. You guys go enjoy whatever is out there. I’ll come in a bit.” You wave them off and start wandering back towards the throne room.“M-Maya?” Frisk comes around and snags your jeans. Little tears peppered their eyes. You wipe them away and ruffle their hair.“Go ahead. Show them what’s out there. I’m fine, honest.” You wave again and retreat away. Nobody pursues you thankfully. You carefully make your way around Asgores flowerbed and find yourself back in the golden hall. You cannot resist the urge to collapse any more as your legs give out at the second pillar. You let your back slide you down peacefully. A tension forms in your chest, but it’s dull and temporary. You breathe a heavy sigh and let the reality calmly settle in. A set of steps comes through the garden suddenly. You straighten yourself against the pillar. Sans rounds the corner and immediately heads towards you.“Uh….he-hey.” You awkwardly wave. You’d rather have had more time to sort out your own personal feelings, but he seats himself down beside you immediately. You peer at him from your peripheral. You can see faint tear stains that had trailed down his cheeks.“Di-Did you see the outside? Is it pretty? Everything you guys dreamed-“ “it’s the same as it is every time.” He cuts in as you pause. His hands come out of his pockets to knot together and grind bone against bone. His expression no longer holds the façade; agitation and an aching agony press his bones into something painful.“What do you mean?” You precariously ask. You remember his words, but you weren’t certain he’d hold true to it honestly.“i’s Frisk.” He practically whimpers. “the fucking flowers right. you are an anomaly.” Your eyes widen as you try to curl your legs into your chest.“the Underground has been taken hostage by that kid. their SOUL….it’s pure Determination, one of the strongest traits pertaining to human SOUL’s. with it they are capable of affecting time and space. every time the kid finishes going through the Underground, whether it’s a good or bad run, they’ll RESET.” You mull over his words as you can’t resist and continue being confused.“Reset? Like, resetting time? Good and bad- what does that-“ “i’s exactly what it sounds like. sometimes the kid is good; they’ll go through the whole place making people smile, helping out, trying to break the barrier……the bad runs ‘e murders everyone.” Sans turns further away from you to face the windows. You feel your hands trembling into fists. It sounded so farfetched and insane, but you remember all of the other occurrences. The magic, the SOUL’s power, their words and actions. You dared not say anything out of fear Sans would turn away from you after finally choosing to open up. Then something slaps the wall of your brain. A memory rushes forward.“The knife situation.” You breathe suddenly. Your mind reels back to that night. The night you and Sans swore against each other to Frisks capabilities. You thought you knew, but you simply weren’t a witness of the past that was the present. A tremor runs through your gut as you press against your mouth and nose.“the kid doesn’t get the knife ‘til the end, but every time they fight me in here……I die eventually. I can’t hold out forever. I—“ He cuts himself off and huddles into a ball. He’s turned away from you completely. He is trembling terribly.“So-So I’m an anomaly? I’ve never been here before? What happens? Whe-When does Frisk Reset or whatever?”“they’ll do it any minute.” “What?! Well, let’s talk to them to NOT!” You struggle to stand. Sans grabs your ankle before you’re even half way up.“there’s nothing to be done about it. ‘e has to. they’re trying to accomplish something. hell if I know what.” He mutters, pained. You’re gasping as the news starts to register, fear settling in once more. Perhaps you were never meant to fall down that hole in the first place. Maybe different time paradoxes were opening left and right. Times where you forgave Jason. Times where you died from falling. Times where Undyne or any of the other monsters discovered the truth. Time where you didn’t fall in—“I’ll vanish?” You mutter. You had to say something. You couldn’t let your mind wander like that, especially in this situation. Sans nods ever so slightly. You collapse back into the pillar, flabbergasted.“everything will repeat. the kid says they’ll stop soon, but who knows how true to their word they’re gonna be.” He sounds so defeated frustrated tears well in your eyes. You scoot over and snag his skull. You spin it about where he is utterly stunned.“Now you li-listen to me.” You sniffle in a sob. “I’ll be there when you get out. I swear it. No fucking time warp shit or whatever is happening is going to keep me away. I’ll- I’ll find a way back here. So, until you see me again, you can’t be talking like there is no hope.” You squeeze his soft boney cheeks. Light blue tears dribble down from his sockets.“stop…” “I won’t! I’ll be there! We’re going to get out of here, we’ll feel the sun our faces! We’ll get along with humans, we’ll do barbecues, and we’ll see real stars!! You seemed so proud of your telescope. And- and you could become a world-renowned comedian, or-or a hotdog salesman, or some dumb shit and I would be right there-!” He grabs your hands and pushes them back to you.“stop.” “I’m not going to! I will be there! I-“ “what can you do?! defy time and space? become a part of this sick game!? you don’t exist!! your existence now is nothing but a glitched fabrication that will be scattered away the instant the Reset occurs!!” He shouts in retaliation. Your lips quivering as you bite into it until it bleeds. He starts to pull away as you force your hands to connect.“So my feelings don’t exist either?!” You screech back. Besides both of your shared pants, a silence ensues. “Whe-When you and Toriel were together….It hurt. I couldn’t place it. It hurt so much I wanted to vomit. It was just……natural. There was a click. And I hated it. I was envious a-and jealous th-that we weren’t like that.” His hands have gone loose as you cradle and cover his hands. You caress each digit and his palm while chewing your lower lip raw. “I-I-I know I-I’ve got a-a lot of baggage. We had a r-rough start. We-We always have misunderstandings. We’re bitter and fighting more then we’re smiling and laughing. Bu-But….But you’ve been a crutch. A shoulder to cry on. A person to rely on. You gave me a push, a smile, and pleasant memories with the bad.” Your hands press harder into Sans as you glare at the floor and tears dribble down your cheeks.“Bu-But now you’re saying it-it was nothing. My heartache, my fears, my concerns, my-my discoveries, my jokes, m-my—my friends—all of these memories were just something to be lost in the wind!” Courage courses through your blood as your horrid sobbing eyes meet Sans’. He is stunned yet pained.“I won’t ac-accept that! I won’t lose these- these feelings! I want to be a part of this!! I won’t let you guys go!! I’ll come back, and when I d-do I’m not leaving your side aga-“ His hands snag your hair. You’re yanked into his face. Your lips crash against his teeth. Once you’re pressed against him one hand cradles your head while the opposing traces your back desperately. He is crying and making light mouth movements. You flush in the face as you realize he is trying to kiss you. You close your eyes and hold the under half of his skull. You pepper his teeth with pecks. You feel him shiver beneath you; you’re shaky yourself. You open your eyes.The world is darkness.You nearly jolt backwards as you’ve returned to the entirely black space. Sans is still here as you find your bodies hugged together. He lets out a sob that turns into a sigh. He peers up as you follow his gaze. Two giant glowing rectangles lay bare there; they’re not readable.“Wha- Is-“ “they’re Resetting.” A light beep echoes over the space. A force immediately yanks you across the way. Your body dangles away as Sans holds firmly your forearms. You shriek and try to drag yourself closer to him with no avail or progression. The sound of rain pattering on leaves enters your ears. There is also a hint of thunder-“Maya?!” Your blood chills. You don’t dare look behind you. You knew that voice.“Sa-Sans! Sans please I can’t-“ You are ready to plead to never let go. To hold onto him forever in this dark existence. Something smacks you in the face as you peer down. The scales are flitting off your body to reveal human skin. In your panic and fear, you rip your hand away. The difference in pressure tears your hands apart. His anguished face haunts you as you propel backwards.
+ + + + + + + + R E S E T + + + + + + + +
A harsh thunderclap opens your eyes. You catch a rock on the sidelines and pull yourself back from a hazardous pit. Your mind is a flurry of emotions. You can’t place anything as you collapse in the safety of the wet grass. You hear a wildfire commencing somewhere in the background. Your mind is derailed. There was something you were desperately trying to recall, but Jason kept appearing in your mind. Then he literally appeared.“Maya!! Babe, come-“ “Do-Don’t ‘babe’ me!!” You carefully find your footing as he rushes to your side. You get a hearty punch right in the crook of his jawline. “Babe, please-“ “No! Get out!!” You scream and slam the door behind you. He opened it from behind and cautiously closed it as you rampaged into the kitchen.“Babe let me just-“ “Take some of your fucking clothes, your wallet, go to a motel or a brothel for all I fucking care, and go home!! Get out of my life!!!” You sob bitterly and dab your face with the kitchen towel. You were soaked and shivering, yet he was the one getting heated.“Will you just listen-“ “GET OUT!!” You throwing the kitchen towel and shove him into the hallway. You take the instant to grab the phone and press the emergency call number. You knew he’d pick up on the first ring before Jason even had the chance to pull himself off the ground. His arm hit the table and shattered some of your old favorite pictures.“Maya? Wha-“ “Peeeetteee! Pete he-he won’t-“ “Woah, hey!! Th-There’s no need to call Pete about-“ “Why won’t you just leave already?! You bastard!!” Jason snags the phone and pries it out of your reach.“Pete! Bro, sorry, she’s drunk-“ “He cheated on me with some random woman!!! He won’t listen-“ Silence fills the air after the hard backhanded slap he knocks you over with. While you were physically prepped, Jason had you on size, stature, and natural strength. You sobbed and clutched your face; it hit mostly your ear. You could hear Pete roaring with rage and him turning on his sirens. Jason hung up in a clear panic. In his fretting you take the instant to rush into the bedroom and lock him out. You stuff a nearby chair in front of the knob to keep him from rattling or even breaking it down.“Hiie..!” You hear a quick sucked in breath. The woman is still shamefully buried beneath the blankets. She looks completely terrified.“I—“ She gulps harshly and stops saying words as you approach. You keep crying because you can tell your cheek will swell after the stinging ceases. You rip off your cold and wet shirt and sit on the edge of the bed. You peel back the covers- she had the decency to put on undergarments at least. She tried to stir away from you but you gently grabbed her wrist. You could see rough bite marks, bruises along her neck and arms, and a bit lip.“He can be such an asshole even when making love.” You whimper and pat the cold wet cloth of a pocketed soaked glasses cleaning cloth onto her bruises. She stills and sits properly.“You-You’re not-“ “I’m not mad at you. He’s such an asshole nobody would fall in love with him unless it was off a bet. And, knowing the ever decreasing funds in my account and your skimpy clothes, you’re bought off the streets I assume?” You sigh and pat at the sores. She tenses and trembles, but nods.“Bu-But I make it my p-policy to never go with married o-or dating men!! I-I swear I had no idea miss-“ “Don’t panic. I’m not blaming you. Perhaps this is a good thing.” You miserably sigh and stand yourself up after pressing the cloth to her throat. She held it in place while you wandered over to the dresser.“He can be abusive. He drinks excessively. He doesn’t listen nor regard others. He’s changed so much since we were younger….” You silently weep as you rifle through your dresser. He banged on the door, pleading. Luckily, it was muffled and you paid him no mind. Pete would be here soon. Pete would bring peace and quiet back into the house. You found a tie-dye shirt and tight jeans. You also found a nightgown. You pass the shirt and pants to the woman in bed. She looks dumbfounded as you slip the nightgown on. There was a stray pair of sweatpants you hadn’t actually worn in a nearby pile you wander over towards.“But once we moved out here, so much changed…..Perhaps if I had thought more and considered the future, this wouldn’t have ever come to pass.” You wipe your face of stray tears and water droplets from your hair.“This isn’t a good job for you. Change into these. Head home. Make the right call. I’ll have Pete drive you home.” You finally undo your bra and slip it out from beneath the gown. You were freezing cold. The woman was in tears herself as she cradled the pair of jeans. She nodded after a moment of contemplation and began to slip on the jeans. You yanked off your wet pants and threw them into the pile without a care. The sweatpants did little to warm you. Finding a carry-on bag in the closet you stuff a few shirts, pants, socks and hats in alongside his wallet after you’ve pulled out every card associated with your bank accounts. You’re zipping it up when the door busts in.“Pe-“ “YOU MOTHER FUCKER!!!” Despite the muffled noise and crashing you know exactly what’s happening as you let the door open quietly. You round the corner and witness Pete bashing Jason’s’ head into the carpeted flooring and fiddling aggressively with his handcuffs. Jason caught him with a backwards jab to his ribs. You watched Pete reel back for a second; old wounds. It looked like two raging behemoths were wrestling, but Jason let loose a punch that had Pete’s nose gushing blood.“I warned you!! I fucking warned you!!! I blessed your wedding, and you fucked it up!!! I lent you money because you were my best friend, and you bet it all into a deeper debt!!! Now?! Now you betray and HURT Maya?!?! If I wasn’t a man of the law I would break your neck and hide you out in the desert!!!!” Pete takes a few jabs at him. The blonde haired woman comes out from the room and rounds you and almost screams when she sees the fight. Both men pause and find you staring. You’re certain Pete notices the dead-eyed crying you’ve been doing as he does a final slam against Jason. He manages to cuff him and pushes his knee into his spine. Jason lets loose a colorful set of curses.“Maya, what did-“ “He cheated on me. With her.” You blatantly admit. Your face is going as numb as your heart. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t.” You whimper and bite your lip.“O-Ok Maya. What sho-“ “I just want him gone. I don’t care where. Just….never here. Never again. I never want to see you again.” You bite out the words as you align a scorching glare onto Jason. “Can you drive her home as well?” You wander away into the kitchen.“S-Sure. Maya-“ “Thanks Pete.” You sniffle and collapse in a chair in the kitchen. You listen as he practically drags Jason from the house. He cusses your name then pleads. The last thing he does is spit on the floor in the doorway. The woman follows behind after a moment muttering apologies. Once they’re gone, it’s silent. Well, mostly silent.“Its prime time?” You peer at Gummi’s enclosure. Jason had apparently put the cover over her cage early. Something painful shot through your nerves and you collapse back into the chair.“Could you hear it?” “Mhmm. I hear you Gummi.” You whine from the table. It felt like you hadn’t seen her in days but you fed her this morning. Your mind felt heavy as you let the cold table pull you into a daze.The clocks ticking as a collage of colors spotted in your vision. The colors took shape- they were small and childlike. You squinted and peered closer before the door was kicked open. You nearly fell out of the chair as Pete came in panting and sweating. You caught yourself at the edge of the table and peered back at him. He had a pack of your favorite beer, some chips, a cigarette carton, milk, and a bag of junk food. He drops most of it and sets the remainder on the counter before rushing over to you.“Maya!! You’re bleeding!” He pants as you peer down. A little puddle of blood had formed beneath the kitchen chair. Some was almost seeping into the carpet. In your daze you didn’t even manage to throw a paper towel down onto the liquid before Pete swept you out of the seat and carried you into the bathroom. He hastily sat you down on the edge of the tub and balanced you there while scrambling hazardously through the first-aid box.“Pe-Pete…I’m fine-“ “Shut up! I can’t believe that fucking-“ He paused as he held your foot gingerly. He looked up at you and immediately felt your face. A red rage enveloped his cheeks as he blasted the hot water in the shower and closed the door.“Christ it’s like you’ve stepped out of an icebox. Were you out in that rain?!” He hisses as he gingerly lifts your foot. You can feel the bits of pain as he cautiously plucks out shards of glass. In the haziest bits of your mind you recall a broken cup in the bedroom doorway. You hoped that woman didn’t step in it accidentally. Everything is happening in a blur as Pete cleans, disinfects, and bandages your foot up. As he stores the first-aid kit away you haggardly find your footing before he grabs your elbows and plants you back onto the edge of the tub. The showerhead roars to life with almost scalding water as he mediates the temperature better.“N-No-“ You knew immediately what he was trying to do, but he carefully dips you down and begins to rinse your head.“You’re soaked, I have to-“ “No-No! Stop! I-It hurts!!” You try to push him away as he pulls you back into his chest. He feels the water to ensure it isn’t scalding you and then holds your dripping hair.“Did he hit you in the head?” “No…M-My head hurts. It feels heavy…” You murmur and try to wipe away your tears. He sighs and puts the showerhead to a gentler setting.“I won’t dip you, but I need to clean your hair. Just hang on for a minute.” He peels off his shirt and lets you rest against his abs as you lean slightly forward and let the water drip down your face. He kept watch to guarantee you didn’t fall forwards. Your hair was lightly lathered and soaped. He placed a washcloth over your eyes when he rinsed the soap from your hair. It’s over relatively quickly as you slip and settle on the floor of the bathroom with your hair bundled into a warm towel. He dashed off a minute ago as you pull yourself up and onto the toilet. Something kept pushing at your skull, some thought; it drove like a nail through your cranium.“Light…..light blue. A light blue eye?” A horrible pressure welled in the front of your forehead as you held your head within your hands. Pete comes rushing back with drier run blankets that are soft and warm. He rolls you into them like a burrito and lifts you daintily. He notices your tense expression and settles you into the couch.“You need some painkiller?” “Yeah…” You murmur. He fetches you some pills and water as you slurp it down. You look up at him, mystified.“If you acted this concerned more often you’d have a wife by now.” You snicker quietly as he playfully pouts.“I’m dedicated to the job thank you very much. And friends. Except assholes.” He squints instantly as you sit up. He holds your shoulder as you set yourself against the back cushion.“Thank you Pete……I’m sorry to be such a bother..” You murmur. He lightly ruffles your hair and breaks out a tiny baggie of Bugles. You snatch them away from him immediately. He cocks an eyebrow and rounds you to get some cans of beer from the kitchen.“Pete Pete! Hold my Pete!!!” Gummi goes nuts suddenly. Pete makes a tight face, but caves when you try to stand and attend Gummi. He heads over and removes the cover of the cage. Gummi is happily bobbing her head when she sees Pete. Her salmon crest flares as she bobs and dances around her enclosure. He opens the cage and she comes scrambling out and chasing his feet around the apartment as he readies the snacks and movies for a relaxing night. Once he plops down beside you Gummi clambers up his leg and starts dancing and fluttering her wings while squeaking.“You wanna marry Gummi?” “Fuck off.” He snickers and you clink your cans together. Gummi spots you and jumps around the couch until she gets to the back cushions. She waddles over to your shoulders and begins head-butting the tears from your face. A few times her beak pinches your nose.“I contacted your boss. I got you a few days off.”You can’t help crying into Pete’s shoulder. You fall asleep mushed together on the sofa awkwardly. For the past few days Pete has stuck around your house. He was super supportive the entire time, but also curious. Odd memories were clashing with one another.“So…you knew a one light blue eyed bald man? But now you can’t know him??”“I’m not crazy.” You immediately protest. He holds his hands up honestly.“I didn’t say that. I didn’t. It’s really been bothering you that much?” He crouches besides you as you check your internet friends list for the fifth time.“We were close. It was recently too. Like, we fought and shit, but I felt something.” You grab your head and frazzle your own hair. “I met him around Ebott. He had a weird name. He’s short and chubby. His brother is a super peppy tall dude- like, your height. His names weird too.”“Want me to put up some wanted posters?” He snickers and swigs at a cup of coffee.“Friggin’ no.” You nudge his gut.“But, like, how does he have two eyes and one eye?” “I don’t know!! I can’t remember! It’s bugging me! It’s like you forget to pay your car rental and your car vanishes and you don’t know why!! It’s something important, but I just can’t remember why. It’s been making it hard to sleep.” You groan and rub your face. He offers the other half of his cup. You concede and down it quickly. He always had it unnaturally bitter.“It will come to you. Come on. Let’s do a light hike and get you some fresh air. ” He pats your back and closes your laptop. You sigh and follow him outside with Gummi sticking to your shoulder. You’re managing a slight limp to avoid putting too much pressure onto your injured foot. Your neighbors whisper, but they all bid you good morning. Pete steers you clear of them all and takes you on one of the peaceful tracks behind your housing unit. Gummi tries to mimic the woodpeckers and raven calls echoing in the forest.“So, if you’re willing, I think some fresh air and a nice little surprise would cheer you up. 9 tonight?” Pete nudges you and Gummi hops onto his shoulder. Pete turns away as Gummi giddily flaps her wings in his ear, calling out to other birds.“You know I hate surprises.” “Unless it’s a great surprise.” “But I hate surpr-“ “But it’s a REALLY great surprise.” You know the higher his eyebrows and octave go the more hopeful he gets. It’s like some strange pleading technique. It works to your dismay as you sigh into your hand.“It’s not going to hurt or scare me right?” “Define scare?” “Pete!!” You smack his elbow. Gummi knows to nibble his ear. He recoils and Gummi does a little victory circle overhead after flying off. You trust her to come back.“It’s not scary! It might just, y’know, shock you?” “The last time you said that exact sentence it was a fucking escape room. It was terrifying. So no. I want to know where we are going.” You demand and spy the trail up ahead. There were a bunch of little bodies gathered as Pete peers over. His natural curiosity is getting the better of him as he meanders off towards them.“It’s a bar, ok? I’m taking you out for a drink. Its at 9 tonight. I’ll take no maybes or anything of the sort! You’re coming for your own good, okay?” You sigh. He glares at you and you concede with a slight nod.After another precautionary moment of you limping around, you near the group. Gummi comes fluttering back and stalking Petes feet. A few of the neighborhood kids are gathered at the base of a trail.“’Ey, kids! What’s going on here?” Pete cockily smirks and stands tall. Most kids looked up to him as a ‘cool adult’. You referred to him correctly; ‘humungous dork’.“This kid came out of the forest! We wanted to play, but he pushed Cindy! We’re making him apologize.” The older of the children confirms. As you near, you spot a short yellow tanned child with brunette hair. They wore a blue and pink striped shirt. Your heart sank and something lit up in your mind. This was-“Frisk.” You whisper. The words come out of your mouth. So many things smash into your brain heavily. You nearly collapse; Pete grabbed you. You look painfully at the child, a name that you believe belonged to them swirling in the storm your memories are brewing. Darkness, pain, forgiveness, friends, budding feelings; a tidal wave of emotions roars over your heart. Over your very soul.Then it fills in the puzzle pieces.“Hey, Ma-“ “Pete!! Pete, i-is there a cave opening around here?!” You grab his collar desperately. He looks worried, but peers around. A young girl you don’t recognize from the area approaches you. She has beautiful deep blue eyes. Gummi perches on your shoulder and hooks her beak around your ear; she knew something was coming.“The-There’s a cave up this trail…but it was blocked when there was a landslide.” You don’t listen to the girl and immediately find the energy to race up the embankment. Pete yells something but Gummi is chanting in your ear. She adored hiking with you, but you weren’t hiking so much as ascending considering your speed and light footedness.
I fell. I fell in that hole that night. But I didn’t this time. This time—!!
You find a hole. A large gaping hole you never recalled existing. The pressure in your brain is nearly causing you to get sick. You lurch over and dry heave. Gummi croaks and jumps off your shoulder. She screeches at you and bounces her way into the dark cave.“Gu-Gummi! Come back..” You plead.“Maya!! Wait!” Pete races behind you, but stalls at the opening alongside you. “What the—Maya! Where are-“ “Gummi is in there. So are they. The people. The people I’ve forgotten.” You gasp. Pete freezes and stands before you, grabbing your hand. He pulls his gun from its holster and leads you cautiously forward at a calm pace. Gummi takes the lead giddily making calling cries that echo off the rock walls. You both freeze when you come across a room. There are paneled windows shimmering bright yellow lights onto a throne and huge bed of buttercups.“What the-“ “The Underground. Pe-Pete! I was here! I am certain of it. B-Beyond this, there will be a long hallway with gold and orange tiles and tall pillars!!” You pull at Pete’s sleeve. He nods and moves forward steadily.“Th-They’re down here? They are. The people are down here. But…But they aren’t people? I-I don’t know-“ “Maya, you aren’t making sense-“ You both pause and admire the fact you were right; the golden hallway resides in front of you. Gummi suddenly flies through, screeching. There is a red splatter against the golden tiles.“The Judge.” You freeze. Pete turns about and squeezes your hand.“He-He’s the Judge. He Judges Frisk. The-The good—!” “there are good and bad runs-“ A horrid image rushes through your mind as you break off from Pete again. You race through the hall haggardly, following the red trail. It was pooling into little puddles.“Maya, slow down!!” “Hiiiiiiii!!” Gummi screeches a greeting as you skid around the corridors corner. Someone is slouched against the wall as Gummi bites at his ankles. It hits you like a freight train. Tears burst in your eyes as you look over a familiar form, but now he has a scarf. A relaxed and dopey permanent grin plants itself on the face you could once barely recall. The final piece is settled into the puzzle; completion.“Sans?!” You gasp, nearly collapsing. Pete rounds the corner, pistol at the ready. Sans is slouched against the wall clutching his midsection. He carefully turns around to show his single flared cyan eye.“Woah, what the fuc-“ “Pete, NO!!!” You screech and run between him and Sans.“Maya, m-move!! What the fuck is-“ “Its him!! He’s the one-“ “It’s a moving skeleton!!!!” “I know!!” You gasp and turn around. His lone eye simmered. The orbs of his pupils flickered in his sockets. He properly collapsed as you hurried to his side.“Sans?! Sans can you hear me?” You grab his shoulder and kneel down. You settle him against the wall properly and check his stomach. A horrid red gash resides across his ribs. You can’t help sucking in a pained breath. You cup his cheek and pressure the wound with him. “Sans!!” Blood and dust is pooling in his hand.“Pe-Pete! Pete, he needs a doctor!!” You plead to Pete as he just stares completely stunned. You can see him trying to overall register the bizarre A hand comes up to rub your cheek.“its…” His voice is as raspy as you remember it, but choked. You grab his hand and hold it. “it’s a dream…I couldn’t do it…..I couldn’t forget her. fuck…..small fry, I-” “S-Sans!! You’re not dreaming!! I’m here! I’m back! I—I said I would!! I remembered! Frisk Reset! I went back!! I dealt with Jason! I remembered you guys!!” You held his face. Pete knelt down beside you, amazed.“P-Pete, he needs a-“ “I-I don’t even know if what I am seeing right now is real, Maya. What do you think a doctor c-can do to--to a SKELETON?” He hisses.“Hiiiii Hiiii-“ “Gummi, stop! He-He’s tired…” You whimper and caress his face. Gummi hops onto his leg like a perch and tries to wriggle under Sans’ shorts. You gently shoo her away.“I wis-……… here…. again…” Tears trickle down his face as his eyes go hollow and cold. You hug him into your chest.“Sans!! I’m right here!! I’m finally here…” You sob and lay your head over his. His sockets have gone totally dark. “Can’t you see me? I-I’m here…”“Maya…..I-I’ll find you…” He goes still. He becomes almost nonexistent. You look down to watch his bones crumble into dust. Nothing but his clothes remain in the end. A horrid sob rakes through your throat as you clutch his jac-
+ + + + + + + + R E S E T + + + + + + + +
A harsh thunderclap opens your eyes. You catch a rock on the sidelines and pull yourself back from a hazardous pit. Your mind is a flurry of emotions. You can’t place anything as you collapse in the safety of the wet grass. You hear a wildfire commencing somewhere in the background. Your mind is derailed. Everything hits you like a bullet train. Everything. The Underground, your transformation, Frisk and Sans, Flowey, all of the kind faces, the Reset. You working your way through it. The fighting, the crying, the feelings, the envy. His bones crumbling into nothing in your grasp.“Maya!!” You stand and turn back to Jason. He rushes up the hill and nearly slips on the grass. “Maya, baby, listen for-“ You hold your hand up to him.“Leave that apartment. Detach yourself from me completely. When…..When I come back, I’ll take back Gummi and my things and I never want to see you again after that. Never.” You repeat to him. He looks uncertain as you back up to the cliff.“Maya, wait—!!” “I won’t. I promised.”You fall. It’s just as agonizing. You can properly make out your limbs enhancing, your scales forming and taking place of skin. Your pupils stretch and the magic surging through your hair. Every bit as horrid as the first time. At least this time you are partially conscious when Gerson fishes you out. Your shoulder screams with pain as they assist you into Undynes abode.You groan and mutter to yourself as force yourself from the mattress. Undynes mattress was definitely as horrible as it was the first time.“Wah-ha-ha-ha! Awake are we?” Your eyes dart to Gerson. You nearly jump up and hug him, but you remember. The only reason you spoke a bunch with Gerson was because he was the only one who knew what you truly were. If you acted like you were buddies now, you’d confuse him horribly.“Ge-Ger…..Great. I-It’s a dream. I’m dreaming, aren’t I?” You awkwardly laugh as Gerson gives a knowing smile.
Was this what Sans dealt with?
Have I joined the façade?
You tried to follow your original conversation as best you could. You honestly didn’t remember every word; just the terror you felt. Gerson had gone as Undyne stopped in with some proper tea. You were desperate to run to Snowdin, but you knew that wasn’t how this went.“So. What yer name?” She asks with a wide grin, focusing her attention back on you. You gulp down your worries.“I’m M-Maya.” “You new ‘round here?” “I-I moved from New Home. I wanted to see if I could have a house here in Waterfall. It calms me here…” You fiddle your hand around the warm mug. Undyne nods her head and peers out the window. “Though I guess piranha swimming isn’t the most calm thing..” You side comment. Undyne nearly spits out her tea, but it’s choked down with a hearty laugh.“They’re good monsters down here. I’m sure if you work things out with His Majesty it’ll be a cake walk.” She stretches and pops her shoulders. “You got any place in mind?” She takes a sip and grins. This felt oddly normal. You weren’t certain yet if that was good or bad, but it was pleasant. It was warm.“I’d love a house right on the water. It’s so relaxing. I can also go for a jog either way for a decent distance.” She nods vigorously with you.“Well, until that gets sorted out you’re welcome to stick around here. I barely use the bed!! Fuhuhuhu!!”“Th-Thanks…Undyne.” She shoots you a thumbs up and makes her way to the stove.“Oh, uh, w-want me to cook?” She freezes. A quick glare ignites in her eyes as you go over immediately. She lets it slide with a spread rumor of her insane but irrelevant cooking and you manage to school her instantly. You’re both trying to make a generic sandwich and she has made the bread soggy, crushed the tomatoes, shredded the cheese, and stabbed thirty plus toothpicks into the poor thing. You’re amazed the plate isn’t shattered. Time seems to fly by compared to before, but you’ve had one sole thought on your mind. You painfully admit most of Undynes talk has gone right through your ear holes.“Whelp!!” Undyne stands and stretches. You’re startled but also stand. She checks you over, but nods to herself.“You seem to have a good handle on things. I’ve got a few rounds to go still. I don’t mind you heading out, but don’t go swimming with the piranha anymore a’ight?” She warns as you vehemently shake your head in agreement. She gives gruff sigh of acknowledgement. She takes but a minute to dawn her entire armor set. You wait until her clunking steps vanish into the distance. Deliberately, you approach her bedroom. You almost sneak inside with the quietness you uphold. You stare into the mirror. You had returned to being a fish. You looked exactly the same as before.“I’m……not an anomaly, right?” You talk to yourself suddenly. “I-I mean…if I keep this shape, it must be because of something constant? A consistency isn’t an anomaly……..So…..I-Is it safe?” You grind your scales together as you hug yourself tightly. Insecurely.“Is it okay to be here…” You close your eyes and reminisce. Every smile, every fear, every hurt expression or held hand or supportive hug- you wanted it all again. Your mind made itself up. You swiveled out of the bedroom with your blue locks trailing behind.You scamper over to the door and slip on a spare pair of boots. It was odd; the memory of pain in your left foot was still present, but nothing physical. You’re careening out the front door before the laces are even properly tied. You nearly take a tumble in front of Gersons store. The wound wasn’t completely healed in your shoulder, unlike before. It stung and ached, but nothing was going to stop you. You rushed down the stairs and heard a dinged bell. The River Person came to a screeching stop. You both stayed silent as you jumped onto the boat.“That will be one gold-“ “Please let me owe you next time! I-I have to get to Snowdin!” You plead. You can feel them give a snarky smile. The boat begins to jettison forward.“Tra-la-la! Welcome back, Maya.” “Th-Thanks, RP.” You smile earnestly, but clutch the end of the boat. The rushing water splashed your knees- you’d forgotten to wear long pants. It was just one of Undynes bigger t-shirts draped over some shorts. Your legs were entirely exposed to the bitter cold, but you weren’t turning back. The frigid winds hit you immediately as you bounce off the boat.“I’ll owe you two coins next time!” You shout back and race into Snowdin. The fresh Christmas feeling already made you feel slightly homely. You looked over the brothers housing, tempted to just run in. But the lights inside were off, so they must be out. Your fists tightened together as you started to sprint through the town. The pines needles left that tangy fragrance in the air. A few of the Guard Dogs were hanging around Grillbys, and a few were heading out for patrol as you bypassed them. Your heart was pounding against your chest. Perhaps it was even your SOUL. Every pump of your arms to drive you faster was increasingly painful as your shoulder blades irritated the horrible wound. The warmth and searing pain helped to keep you from getting chilled though, so you endured the pain.You noted every unused puzzle on your mad sprint. Frisk had mentioned that they spent the night at the brothers before going into Waterfall. You were sure they were down here now, and the thought alone put an extra skip to your step. Another horrid thought smacks you in the face while you’re sprinting through. Sans said Frisk killed everyone on bad runs. That meant that even-“OH-HO! THE HUMAN ARRIVES!” You hear his nasally voice and catch sight of the red scarf fluttering in the distance. Hot tears burst from your eyes as you ground your feet hard into the giving snow.
That meant that even Papyrus was killed. Our sweet, loveable, Papyrus.
“MY BROTHER AND I HAVE CREATE-“ You don’t know what to do other than to simply rush him full throttle. You throw yourself at Papyrus from behind and you both go plummeting face first into the snow.“AH?! OOOH??! H-HELLO? WHO-“ Papyrus’ skull swivels around as he peeks down at you clutching at his torso from behind. “W-WHY HELLO! TO WHAT DO I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, OWE THIS HEARTY BACK HUG?” He jovially responds. You bury your face into his back as he sits up and spun about to lift you up.“GOODNESS WHY ARE YOU CRYING?! ARE YOU TRULY THIS EXCITED TO SEE THE GREAT PAPYRUS??” He settles you down back into the snow as some crunching comes from around you.“anyone’d be happy to see you bro.” Your heart lurches into your throat and you nearly gag suddenly.“I—“ You catch your breath and push away the tears from your eyes to properly see him. “I’m so happy to see you.” You manage to croak out the sentence. Papyrus flusters immediately as you turn to Sans. His expression drops like a dime. You meander over and grab him at the collar. You suck in a heavy breath.“What the hell was that kiss?! Was that a “I pity your feelings” kiss or some “I would totally make out with you” smooch because it really wasn’t either a-and you should work on that!! W-We should work on that I mean! No! No-Not like, again—I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it again!!! But, y-yo-y-you know just h-how it wo-works! And wh-what was that nonsense when you were dying?! I came!! I was there! You thought you were dreaming!? My parrot was nipping at your ankles and you’re j-just spouting out random shit about finding me?? I have to keep finding you!! I meet you in the forest, the gold halls, and now all the way out here!? PICK A FRIGGIN’ MEET UP SPOT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN!!!!” You’re panting and light headed as you lean against Sans. Your face has flared with heat. Light blue tears slip down his cheeks. Little hands grip your midsection as you peer down to Frisk. They’re sobbing badly as well. You give them a cautious look over as you recall briefly the harsh expression they bore the last time. Now they wept and clutched your loose shirt.“We-We’re going to have a long chat about good and bad things!! Ki-Killing people is a really really bad thing! We’re going to discuss it!!” You reprimand as they nod and cry into your shirt.“HUMAN, YOU KNOW THIS MONSTER? BUT I HAVE ONLY JUST NOW GOTTEN TO MEET-“ Frisk releases you for a split second. The air tightens and everything feels like you’ve been sucked through a small tube. Everything is really dark, but not that pitch black place. Your eyes attune to the darkness of Sans’ room. You knew where you were even before your eyes adjusted sheerly from the intense smell of ketchup and socks. You’d almost missed the strange pairing of scents.Sans felt around your face casually but his hands trembled. His lone eye was glowing, but it was warbled behind massive vivid tears. You crumple up against him as he sets you onto the mattress. He was gasping with an open mouth. You briefly marveled at the light canine set of teeth he had considering any other time it just looked like a flat set of teeth. His forehead pressed against your own. He practically stood over you as you both silently cried. You hesitated but reached past his collar and felt his neck. He jolted suddenly as you calmly pulled his head onto your shoulder. His tears soaked your shoulder and wound; you brushed against his cheek. Both his hands darted behind you and clutched at your back, digging into your scales, he pulled you into him. You were nearly lifted off the mattress as he embraced you.“Sa-Sans..” You whimpered as one hand gripped your wound. “I-I thought it was just a dream. a desire. i-it couldn’t a-“ “Sans—hurts..” You wince as he tightened his hold. Immediately he recoiled his hands and you sighed and held your shoulder.“I—“ “Did it hurt?” You looked up to meet his eyes. He has only 1 HP, yet he held out. Was he truly waiting for me? I want to ask, but it feels so personal… You don’t specify but you press your hand against his sternum. You could feel an unnatural groove in the bone. You vaguely remember blood and the rigid cut through his shirt. He sucked in a breath and grabbed your arm.“yo-you really were there?!” “Y-Yes! I—“ “I—I thought‘t was just a dream. a-a..…I couldn’t see you, but there were colors in my vision.” You gulp down your comment about rushing up the mountain once you began recalling things. You weren’t entirely positive how you were going to explain it if he knew regardless. Bunching up your shoulders you let your adjacent hand cover his.“I-I found you.” “wa-was someone else there?” You gulped and guided him to the bed. Your heart was thumping as you took shaky breaths after each heartbeat.“My childhood friend, Pete. He was there.” Sans sat himself behind you and the tears calmed down to a silent dribble between you both.“When….When Frisk Reset or whatever that was, I was sent back. I was sent back to that moment before I fell and got hurt. Before I wound up in Waterfall where Undyne and Gerson saved me. I…I forgot everything.” Your words are poison in your own mouth. You feel sick just recalling your lack of memory.“I fought him. I returned home and we fought. I felt so…empty. Not only from the heartbreak, but I felt I’d forgotten something vital. Pete was there. He protected me from him in the end and stood by my side. He’s a good guy like that; a tall dork to boot.” You painfully snicker. Your shoulder aches as you nearly double over from an instantaneous blitz of aching pain. It felt as though it coated your shoulder and spine. Your body and nerves tremored as Sans became frantic. He hoisted your other side from the bed and gingerly led you into the bathroom outside. He settled you onto the edge of the bathtub and peeled back your shirt. His teeth clicked shut as he rummaged hastily through the cabinet. Pulling out a canister he popped it open and spread a green gel over your back. It was freezing cold as you slapped your palm over your mouth to keep from shrieking. Once spread and time calmed the cold seeped into a tepid temperature. He settled a large gauze over the wound and slowly replaced your shirt.“ho-how are you?” “I’ll b-be fine. It took me a day t-to recover before. I’m-m feeling a little sick though…” You let him coil his arm around yours and guide you. He guides you so smoothly down the stairs you laugh lightly.“Remember when you first met me and you slammed me into the fucking stone wall? Look how much we’ve changed…” You choke for a second. Raising your hand in notion to your well-being he settles you in at the kitchen table. He fetches a plate of decent leftover spaghetti, a bottle of ketchup, and two mugs with still steaming tea. You hold the mug and sigh with relief. You try to recall what you had last mentioned.“A few days passed……I was still trying to remember. Pete was helping too. He never doubted my splotchy memory……….And then we encountered Frisk.” You notice his mug clatter and tea dangerously come close to slipping out. “We didn’t get into an altercation or anything like that. But when I saw Frisk…something in my mind just fit into place. Like I found a piece of a puzzle that connected other vital pieces. The first thing I did was rush to the golden hall. I—I remembered you saying y-you were the Judge. That y-yo-yo-you Ju-Judge Frisk.” You sniffled and brought the cup to your lips.“Wh-When I sa-s-saw you….o-on the wall……..W-Wh-Whe-W-When you-you fell a-apart i-in m-m-my arms…” You choked up instantly and let the mug clatter onto the table. Your head balanced on your propped up hands. The horrific image replayed in your head like a ceaseless nightmare.“Ev-Everything fe-felt broken. A-A-And then? An-And then I was back. Ba-Back to the moment. W-With him.” His hands were slightly outstretched as you let one of your own reach forward and grip the top of his. He jumped, but didn’t falter.“B-But then I remembered. Everything. It hi-h-hit me l-like a slap to-to the face. It Reset. An-And in that instant, I chose. I-It wasn’t a hard decision, honestly. I’ll mi-miss Pete….I hate le-leaving Gummi behind…..I ha-hate that I couldn’t g-get another punch in on that ass hat….” Your hand rubs the calloused ridges on the back of his palm. You let your eyes meet: both are swelling and tired, but you’re certain that your face is as warm as his looks. His eyes are more alive than before.“But I promised.” You painstakingly giggle under your breath and trace the rim of your cup with your finger.“S-So, if-if I’m going to be here, I want to help. I can’t h-help if you push me out and aside. I need to know. Everything. Thi-This whole situation with Frisk and Flowey. The Underground. D-Don’t leave me out of this Sans.” You egg him on. He lets his stare hit the floor; his grip is shaky on his mug.“Maya-“ The front door is slammed open hard enough both of your chairs tremble from the intense shock. Papyrus has Frisk under arm; both of them clamp a hand over their mouth in perfect unison.“WE-WERE YOU KISSING???” You jump from your chair, both aghast and flustered. Your face was an open book as Papyrus glowed a bright orange hue. Frisk lurched out of Papyrus grip and hastily rushed you. They threw themselves at your midsection and tickled your stomach as their nose rubbed your bellybutton. Your arms draped over their back as you snuggled the child closely. You turned about and noticed Sans had sequestered himself within his hoodie; his strings were tightened resulting in his hoodie being scrunched around his face. You pouted at the ridiculous skeleton and turned back to Papyrus. He was actually expecting an answer. You blushed and scratched your cheek.“We weren’t. I need your help!” You exclaim. Papyrus refocuses on you, intrigued. His chest puffs out proudly and his scarf picks up some random wind.“WHAT WOULD YOU ASK OF THE GREAT PAPYRUS?” He dashingly refers to himself as you grab his gloved hand. You guide him to the table and sit him down in the seat besides Sans. Frisk follows you over, sniffling and curious. Once Papyrus is settled in you put Sans’ arm in Papyrus.“Hold him. Don’t let go no matter what. That’s my request.” You nod as you fetch Papyrus a cup. You watch his face turn into something curious to confused as you grab his favorite mug on the top shelf and fill it just below the brim and plink four ice cubes into his iced tea with a sugar pocket on the side. After delivering it, he stares at you with squinted eyes.“One ‘Sweat’ Tea as you like it.” You hand Frisk a water as they clamor into the last available chair. Papyrus’ sockets dart between you, Sans, and the tea. You can also spy Sans’ nervous eye peering through the tiniest hole in his hoodie.“SANS.” You watch him jolt and try to slip his arm out of Papyrus’ grasp. “WHY DOES THIS NICE MONSTER KNOW ABOUT YOUR DEPLORABLE HUMOR?”“wh-w-who kn-knows bro. I-I’m pretty-“ “FOR BEING A TINY INDIVIDUAL SHE FOUND OUR SUPER SECRET LADDER AND FETCHED MY LONE MUG.” You watched Sans writhe and affix a glare onto you.“If you don’t tell him, I’m going to have Frisk talk.” You stir your tea.“it—this doesn’t involve-“ “It involves everyone Sans! If we can make it so Frisk doesn’t keep Resetting–we could’ve avoided so much of this. You keep all this junk inside you when there are so many people who you could rely on right in front of you!! I need you to be honest with me Sans. With us!” Papyrus seems uncertain of the situation but helps himself to his tea regardless. Frisks hand raises amongst your banter.“Yes Frisk?” You address. They shuffle their chair besides yours and settle into your lap, patting your stomach. Your heart aches for the child as you rub their back.“Sans…Th-This is the last one.” Frisk sniffles and raises their head to be seen over the table. “I-I-I promise. You’re right…This has to stop. S-So, they should know.” Frisk surprisingly agrees with you and forces themselves to sit up. “I—I know th-that I’ve ma-made you miserable. I can’t say sorry enough for everything. A-All’s I can do….is explain. B-But, I think things will make more sense if w-we explain together……….So-So—!” “’lright…….alright.” Sans’ skull thuds onto the table and sends tremor ripples over all the beverages. He pulls his harrowed face through his hoodie and solemnly looks around the table. His expression is so tired; Papyrus releases and rubs his back in consolation. Sans takes a heavy sigh.“all right..” You lose complete track of time. You’re certain you and Papyrus are darting between Frisk and Sans’ stories with eyes as wide as dinner plates. Sans explains the timeline theory he’d worked on when he was a technician and scientist working alongside Alphys. Papyrus admits to knowing his brother was capable of jumping between brief moments of time. Sans then goes on further to explain Frisks ability, the consequences, and the repetition he’s dealt with. About the various anomalies, routes, options, and more. You almost ran out of the room to fetch a notepad to keep track of the amount of information he was dumping onto you. Frisk filled in any gaps or misconceptions about these SAVE’s, LOAD’s, and RESET’s. They went into depth of the nature and usage of the ability. Papyrus needed a moment to wrap his bones around the concept.“SO YOU ARE A TIME JUMPING HUMAN WHO IS SOMETIMES GOOD AND SOMETIMES NOT SO GOOD. AND EVERY TIME YOU DO A TIME JUMPING NOBODY RECALLS EXCEPT FOR YOU AND SANS?” Papyrus clarifies as Sans gives a timid nod. He mulls it over and scratches his chin.Frisk then explains the predicament further. They agree with some matters that Sans had theorized, but they make an admission. When they initially fell into the Underground they encountered a child’s SOUL. This soul belonged to the very first human- the King and Queens human daughter. Frisk, unaware, gave their soul to the child named Chara. Since then, Frisk has been something akin to ‘possessed’ by Chara who sometimes seeped through Frisks consciousness and influenced them. They wanted nothing but revenge against humanity, so they sought out by first attacking the Underground. They woefully admit they first did it out of curiosity after discovering the capability to loop time. Now they were miserable to be played and unable to set the monsters officially free.Sans’ mug was clattering about as he tried to take a sip past his shaking hands. He was clearly something between rage and confusion. Frisk touched on the subject of Flowey and Papyrus went from excited to ashamed. You felt hollow seeing the usually jovial skeleton turn somber. They shared their known information : Flowey was an experiment on the buttercups where Chara and Asriel Dreemurr passed away. Sans and Alphys were a part of the experiment along with another unknown scientist. They tested Determination on an object without a SOUL. Because the buttercup contained essence of Asriel Dreemurr, the DT latched onto this and gave it life. Flowey is, as Frisk put it, Asriel reincarnated without a SOUL. He sought to free Chara from Frisks body, live happily with a SOUL in his body, and to end the Underground. Once it ended, it Reset. Frisk summarized their entire journey afterwards of how what’s happened has already occurred and everything that will happen should occur.A couple of calm moments passed as you leaned back in your chair, processing the information dump. Peering over at Papyrus he is withholding tears in his sockets. Sans seemed unsettled by his brother until Papyrus lunged for Sans. He cradled his brother against his chest and cried over his skull.“he-hey! bro-!” “YO-YOU NEED NOT KEEP SUCH SECRETS FROM THE GREAT PAPYRUS!!! I AM YOUR BROTHER BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE!! I-I CANNOT CONSIDER MYSELF GREAT FOR N-NOT BEING THERE FOR YOU! I—I HOPE YOU WILL FORGIVE ME-!!” “bro!! i-its not….its not your fault paps. ho-how could I trouble you with this? it-i-it woulda just tortured you.” Sans soothingly rubbed circles into Papyrus back who trembled and cried onto Sans.“I’D RATHER YOU RE-RELY ON ME, B-BE-B-BECAUSE WHAT OF YOU, SANS?! YOU THINK I AM BLIND TO YOUR EXPRESSIONS, BUT EVEN I IN MY GREATNESS CAN SPOT YOU ARE HAUNTED BY SOMETHING…” He sniffles and clacks his teeth tightly together. Sans seems prepared to retort the fact, but seeing Papyrus cry for him does him in. You also tear up at the interaction as you lean down onto your knees.“Frisk, you said this is the l-last time, right?” Frisk nods immediately. “What were you trying to do? Why the Resets?” Instantly they begin nervously rubbing their knees together and avoiding eye contact.“’e’s never said.” Sans sighs as Papyrus finally places him back into his chair.“Well, if you tell us, maybe we can help?” You pat Frisks shoulder. Nervously, they run out of the room. It takes a moment and they return with a notepad and pen. Quickly they scrawled down their quest. They handed you the paper and immediately hid behind you. You peeked up to note Sans’ intense curiosity.“One: Save Flowey/Asriel?” Immediately you stall and turn around to Frisk. “Save how?”“Wh-Whenever we have wh-what we call a True Ending…wh-wh-when we do all the good things we can, Asriel fights us. You-you were here the first time that’s happened in a long time, b-but because you’re an anomaly it didn’t go as planned…” Frisk tappers off into a murmur as you raise an eyebrow.“Well what’s supposed to happen?” “He becomes an all-powerful rainbow light-saber wielding ‘Hyper God of Death’ that steals everybody’s SOUL.” A hush moment passes as you massage your temple.“There are, like, five absurdities in that sentence but we’ll let it slide for now. What else?”“W-Well, whenever I SAVE him, he reverts into Asriel. How he was before he died. Because he still has the SOUL’s he absorbed. He isn’t able to feel anything without them, but once he has them he realizes how awful he’s been. He breaks the barrier, returns the SOUL’s, but then he vanishes. He says he turns back into a flower, but I haven’t seen it happen. He always goes back to that bed of buttercups in the beginning…” Frisk clutches the space before their heart as their eyebrows coil upwards in pain.“I go there to visit him. He turns me away. He says I can’t help him. But there has to be a way! A-And, if there really isn’t, I can’t leave him here. H-He’d be all alone. So I want to SAVE him. From the Underground, at least…” Frisk anxiously twiddles their thumbs. They await yours and the brothers response.“i don’t see it workin’ out kiddo.” “I AGRE-WHAT?” The brothers immediately clash as Sans looks completely exhausted.“SANS, IF THERE IS EVER A MONSTER IN NEED THE ROYAL GUARDS SOON TO BE NEWEST RECRUIT, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, IS THE ONE TO SHOW THEM THE ERROR OF THEIR WAYS AND SET THEM ON A BETTER PATH!! FLOWEY IS PECULIAR, BUT HE IS ALSO A GOOD COMPANION!!” Papyrus crosses his arms.“the only thing that flower has done is be a thorn in my side. it’s one of the damn reasons were even down here still!”“I will agree with Sans on this. He tried to kill me multiple times the first time I was down here.” You sigh and nod. Frisk even seemed surprised about this knowledge. Papyrus’ cheeks puffed and he made a tight expression.“Also, you totally quoted what he quoted you on before. That’s both hysterical and sad.” You lightly snicker as Sans glances at you with a side eye.“’e said what now?” “H-He said “As Sans would say, you’re a thorn in my side.” like, ages ago.” You snicker a little more. Sans blushes and crumples into his hoodie.“RE-REGARDLESS OF WHAT HE HAS DONE, HE CAN DO BETTER…! THERE IS ALWAYS A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. THAT’S WHAT I BELIEVE!!” Papyrus gesticulates proudly. You glance between the brothers and sigh.“The little weed honestly seemed to want me gone just because I was an anomaly. But, considering I am remembering it all and I have returned, he won’t be able to write me off anymore as a one time show. If Papyrus and Frisk are this determined to give Flowey a fresh chance, why can’t I? I’ll agree to this; is this an agreement thing?” You squint over at Frisk. They’ve already added your tally to a YES/NO chart scribbled on another notepad paper. Their face scrunches up as they giggle and set the paper aside. “Okay. I guess that we are.” You sigh and realign yourself onto the list.“Two: Save Hand Man?? Frisk, stop being obscure!” “I-I don’t know how else to describe him!” They immediately quiver and shrug.“H-He was the original Royal Scientist. I-I only run into him on very specific runs! There is-is a door, in Waterfall—he is in a lonely room with a door that randomly appears only once!! I haven’t ever spoken to him but I hear his name is Gaster.” “OWWIE!” “agh-“ Both of the brothers wince simultaneously as your head jumps between them. They cradle their skull and look at Frisk.“C-COULD YOU REPEAT THAT?” “that’s not the first time that’s happened, is it?” Sans grumbles and massages his scalp. Frisk nods as you reach over to Papyrus in concern. He grins through whatever just occurred as Sans settles back into his chair.“What’s wrong? All’s they said was Gast-“ Frisk clamps their hands over your mouth. Their eyes are filled with wonder.“I-If you can hear his name, you can help me maybe! I try to run to him and ask him questions but he vanishes every time. But maybe if I take you with me, i-if he’s there, we can finally talk to him.” Frisk smiles wide and adds you to the tally.“what’s goin’ on now?” Sans seems to have recovered mostly as Papyrus still blinks past whatever just hurt him.“I guess me and Frisk are going to find some mystery man in a hidden room. Every time the name is said you guys get headaches, so I guess I am the sacrifice.” You joke. Sans gives an immediate glare as you shrug at him. You peer back to the list.“Three: Release Chara?” “nope.” Sans cuts in firmly and lifts his mug.“Is that even possible?” You ignore him and address Frisk. They shrug. “Well. Damn.” You scratch your head in thought. Papyrus raises his hand; you nod.“IF CHARA IS THE ONE INFLUENCING FRISK TO DO BAD THINGS, WHAT IF WE MERELY INFLUENCE CHARA TO DO GOOD THINGS?” Papyrus glows with impress. Frisk shook their head and made and X with their arms.“I’ve tried to talk her out of it so many times. She doesn’t like to listen…” Frisk fidgets around.“it ain’t happenin’.” Sans gruffly states and clinks his mug down.“THEN WE SHALL GUIDE HER TO BEING A GOOD….POSSESSION SPIRIT?” Papyrus awkwardly looks to Frisk who shrugs again. You peer at Sans and peek about for his hand. He’s pocketed them again, but you hear the bone grinding together with his fingers.“Sans?” “that lil’ shit is the one who makes those bad runs happen. I say fuck ‘em.” His hood is thrown up and he tilts down to the table. A hard ball is growing in your gut. Papyrus brings both of his hands firmly onto the table, but he isn’t per say angry. He looks almost invigorated.“SANS! I—“ He cuts himself short immediately. He ponders his words for a moment and settles back just a tad. “…I REALIZE YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH HARD TIMES. TIMES I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR AND SUPPORTED YOU. THIS APPLIES TO FRISK AS WELL. I WISH I COULD RECALL THESE ‘BAD RUNS’ AND BEEN-“ “don’t say that.” Sans instantly interjects as you squeeze into a ball. He had was hurt, but sincerely enraged.“you should never remember them.” He warns Papyrus who pouts, but his fervor isn’t diminished.“I UNDERSTAND BAD THINGS HAPPENED! I ALSO DO NOT WANT TO MAKE YOU UPSET OVER IT SANS. BUT, WE CAN SAVE THE FIRST HUMAN CHARA!! I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHAT I MUST FORGIVE THEM FOR AS I AM UNAWARE AS TO WHAT A ‘BAD RUN’ PERTAIN-“ “I said no Paps!! we ain’t savin’ that damn kid!! d’ya not get what they’ve done? what they’re capable a doin’?! ya can’t save ‘em Papyrus!” You’re all taken aback as Sans seethes. He’d shot up from his chair. His shoulders shook and his fists gripped tight into his palms.Papyrus shunned back in his chair. He fidgeted with his gloves and looked to the floor and the door. The awkward silence was nearly grit teeth worthy. Sans peered around the uncomfortable table and growled. It wasn’t aggressive; pain.“Sa-“ He slipped through a quick split in the air. You could only perceive it for an instant. You’d uselessly reached at air. Peering around the table you find Frisk cowering in their chair and Papyrus shunned and fidgety. You rub your palm into your forehead as the painful gut feeling evaporates. You’re certain you were allergic to awkward situations at this point.“I—I just wanted..” Papyrus sniffles on the side as you slide from your chair. You stand beside him and instantly rub his tears away. Your mind flashes back to the first instance you encountered Papyrus: you huddled in a corner and threatened him in your mind. Yet now he was just a tall disheartened friend. You kneeled down to look up into his downward gaze as little trickles of orange tears slipped from his sockets.“Frisk kills everyone.” You blurt out. You hear Frisk start as you reach backwards and pat their knee. Papyrus is frozen.“I don’t know the specifics. I found Frisk in the last Reset. They weren’t themselves, literally. They looked like a nearly different child. But I ran to the Golden Hall- Sans was there, cut and dying. He defended until he died.” You peek over at Frisk. They’ve got a hint of realization in their eyes. You twinge with concern, but now wasn’t the time. You choked back tears; there were plenty before. “Sans was wearing your scarf. You died. I’m guessing everyone would die. Anyone who got in their way.” You summarize. Papyrus shaking had ceased. You hear Frisks sobs from behind as they grip your hands. You’re positive their knuckles are white with the grip they hold over you.“Sans has done it hundreds of times. Thousands of times. Who knows how many times. But it seems there is a set path and rules to this, in a good run you lived and made friends. In a bad run, you died. Sans probably wasn’t able to do anything without breaking the path. He’s had be witness to all his friends and his precious brother being killed. I don’t blame him for being adverse to this.” You ground your teeth together and grip Papyrus’ gloves.“K-Knowing that, do you forgive Frisk? Would you forgive Chara? Do you think they can be saved still?”Moments turn into ticking moments. You resist blinking even. You watch Papyrus’ distraught expression turn steadfast.“ANYONE CAN DO BETTER, EVEN IF THEY OR ANYONE ELSE DOESN’T BELIEVE!! BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN THEM!!” Papyrus grips his glove around your hand. Frisk dissolved into a raked sob. Papyrus stood and hastily scooped Frisk into a tight embrace as he nuzzled his skull besides Frisk.“IT IS ALL RIGHT! WE WILL MAKE THINGS RIGHT NOW THAT YOU HAVE FRIENDS LIKE US!!!” Papyrus nyeh’s, but cries alongside Frisk. You work your way to wobbled knees and turn to the door.“I’ll find Sans. You guys start devising a strategy to getting all of the things we need to do done without screwing up the timeline or whatever.” You slip into the boots you’d borrowed.“VERY WELL!!! HUMAN FRISK WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MY ROOM?” Papyrus had an excited glint in his eye.“I’d love to see your action figures again.” Papyrus froze up, thought it through, and grinned bashfully.“HAVE I DONE THAT A LOT OF TIMES?” “We frequently dated.” “D-D-DATED?! WOWIE, I’M QUITE THE CATCH AREN’T I!! NYEH HE-“ You suppress a smile as you shut the door behind you. Immediately a shiver wormed over your scales as the frigid wind attacked your legs. You crunched through the snow towards Grillbys. You gave a polite knock and peered inside. You hadn’t really thought about Grillbys besides that one time Sans brought you through. You didn’t spot Sans on his supposed seat as you came closer to Grillby. Not only to talk somewhat hushed but he gave such a pleasant warmth. You got a proper moment to marvel at his existence and fluttering flames, but even now you were on the move with purpose.“I hate to ask suddenly, but have you seen Sans?” You rub your hands together for some warmth. He gave a quiet nod.“He just stopped in for a to-go drink. He said he was going to be alone for a while. Did something happen?” “We had a little spat. It’s nothing bad. I’m trying to find him for Papyrus, but I think I know where he went. Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it.” You give a quick bow and lightly run from the establishment. You completely understand why Sans goes in there constantly – its warm, there’s a jukebox, and there are drinks – you’re sold on the place and you’ve had one burger.Passing the brothers house you fight a sudden cloudy mist as you trace your steps back into Waterfall. You bypass his Waterfall station and find the room with the flowers. They weren’t set up as they had been before. You don’t want to float a flower down and startle him into disappearing somewhere else unknown. This also depended on if he was here in the first place. You sighed and stripped off your giant t-shirt. You were close enough to Snowdin to still feel the chill. You thanked Undyne for her absurd supply of sports bra’s. You peeled off the gauze and set it on the shirt for reuse hopefully.Your toe dips to the water and you withhold a shriek to the frigid water. You cursed under your breath as you slipped into the cold river and nearly demanded Sans be where you thought he was. You completely submerged and felt your wound tingle, but nothing horrid. You swam along underwater admiring the brilliant stones and thankful for the lack of piranha. You heard a sniffling and snap as you cautiously breached your face. Over the ledge you found him and thanked your past exploration. He huffed little sobs out and swigged back a bottle.“fucking dammit Paps…” He huffed and tilted his head back. You floated to the edge and reached to escape the water. He heard the splash and darted his face forward. Once he spotted you a split opened.“Wait!!” You shot up out of the water with your arms supporting you. Pain overwhelmed your shoulder as you screeched and fell back into the water. You collapsed with a splash and clutched your shoulder. The water soothed it, but not wanting more magic or whatever could happen you forced yourself out and onto the edge of the land. He was right above you with a horrified look. It melted as you gazed at each other. His eyes averted as you snagged his ankle. He groaned and sighed.“ya really need to st-“ “I told him Frisk killed everyone.” You blurted out. His lone cyan eye popped to life as he glared at you. You shivered, not because of the cold but from the sheer intimidation held within that single iris.“But I bet you knew what he said in the end. Because it’s Papyrus, and you probably know him the best.” You sighed and loosely held his ankle.“…..’e’s too good for this place.” Sans collapses besides you, throws his slippers, and lets his feet dangle in the water. You leaned cautiously against the water’s edge.“I think you mean too great.” He gets a light chuckle out of that as he drinks from his bottle. You casually peeked at the brand – it was a Double Bastard. You winced and noted that there was only a quarter of the beer remaining.“are ya here to tell me to ‘ave a change of heart?” He sounded irritated as you looked down and your wet locks cascaded over. “Not really.” You solemnly admit. You feel his gaze hit you but you divert your stare at the ceiling. The caves crystals were incredible when reflected off the water. They shimmered and swirled with colors you kept discovering. It wasn’t farfetched to compliment them alongside star gazing.“You’re one of the only ones who went through that Sans. I can’t relate to you even for a second. Neither can Papyrus. But it doesn’t stop us from doing what we think is the right thing to do. Frisk wants to make things right. Papyrus wants to join the Royal Guard and help Frisk. You want these Resets to end. Getting rid of Chara or giving them peace or whatever the plan turns into would be a step towards this end you’re looking for.” You peer over to his face. He has this gaze of awe traced onto you. You blush and turn your face back to the water. “So-So, I-I’m not asking for your cooperation so much as y-you’re allowance. We want to help you and everyone get out of here for good. It would be a huge help i-if you did, but I won’t force you to do anythi-“ His hand combs over your head, diverting your hair. You still instantly as you feel his bones brush over your fin. You hope your blush doesn’t warm over your fins as it tends to do with your ears.“your fins turning red.” Oh FFUU- You dodge away from him and drop your head into the water.“We-W-Well th-then, do-don’t touch my ears like th-t-th-t-that!!” You splash him abruptly and he takes the splash with a straight face. You glare at him but he keeps the placid expression as he just watches you. He gets this grin.“d’you know your eyes sparkle when you look up at the stones?” His head tilts slightly as you dunk your entire face underwater. Your face exploded with heat. You fanned yourself quickly before realizing you were just swishing water around. You peek back up; he’s brimming with a cocky smile. Whilst he swirls the last swig around the base of the bottle, his expression returns to something hollow. You float closer while continuing to conceal most of your face beneath the calm waters. He gets this far off glint to in his sockets. It’s difficult to explain, but perhaps you were more aware of his differing expressions.“Do you trust Papyrus?” You probe. He affixes a light glare upon you.“’course I do-“ “Do you trust me?” He blinks for a second and pulls his legs from the water.“yeah.” He admits it quietly, but it brings a smile to your face.“If you don’t trust Frisk and Chara, they count as one person because they share a body. Me and Papyrus make two, so we win. Basically, if you trust the majority then you can trust this plan to work.” You raise your eyebrows in egging question. He looks ready to say something but smothers his face with his palms. The sound of scraping bone is slightly grating, but it’s smoother than you anticipated. He covers his mouth and sets his elbows onto his knees. His eyes travel down to you again. A dry chuckle escapes him.“you’re peculiar, y’know that?” You float upwards. You can’t resist lightly smiling. He seemed less torn.“Not the first time I’ve heard it. Do you mean it in a good way?” “’s there another way?” “It would be difficult to explain so I won’t bother. Think of it as repentance for not talking to me or Papyrus before about this important shit. Come on.” You lightly splash his ankles and dunk back down to the water confidently. You swam through and arrived on the primary side to find he’d jumped here ahead of you. You tease a pout and near the edge to get out. You take caution with your shoulder and work your way out with the lone arm.“Afraid to get a little wet?” You snicker as he finishes his drink. He turns around to you.“water you sayi-“ He stops dead in his sentence. You peer up and quirk an eyebrow at his sudden halt. His face is turning blue again.“What’s wrong?” You murmur and manage to heave yourself onto the waters edge with a sigh. The wound stings as you use your dry t-shirt to pat it dry before reapplying the gauze. It probably wasn’t your best idea, but you figured you weren’t having many to begin with.“yo-you’ve just, uh, got everything figure-d out I-I see.” He coughs and turns away while hiding his mouth under his hand.“What now?” You ask, genuinely confused.“just, um, abmiring you…” You squint at him and ponder.“Okay?” He pulls his collar loose and rubs his necks back. He seems anxious as you stand. You flap your t-shirt to make it as dry as possible.“we-well, uh-um…yo-you’re pretty hot it seems…”“What? I’m fucking freezing. I’m getting another tea when we get back.” You shiver and slip the t-shirt on. The loose edges stuck to your wet frame as Sans sucked in a breath.“jus-just m-making sure. y’know. y-you seem fine overall, bust it-it’s not my problem. making sure y-you’re all good.” You squint until your eyes are near slits.“You’re being weird.” You remark and shimmy the shirt loose. He sucks in a breath. You can hear the hand within his pocket tapping his palm.“not ass-xactly uncommon.” He gruffly giggles as you just look at him.“Yeah. No. You’re being extra weird.” You retort with a squint. He seems stunned as you anxiously shiver your way towards Snowdin. You hear bone slap together as you pivot around quickly only to find he has slapped his face.“Are you seriously drunk off that one bottle?” His hand slowly slides over his face as he glances over.“I fish.” Your eyes roll and you return to shivering.“You’re well enough to tell puns I see.”He makes a few strange sounds behind you as you hurry through Snowdin. You still remembered you had to discuss that kiss, or whatever it was. You nodded to yourself in affirmation as you breached the brothers house that warmed you instantly with smiles, pasta cooking, and a giant whiteboard that had happy doodles bordering some bizarre handwriting. Bizarre, yet readable. You hadn't even noticed... You sigh and hang back as Frisk strolls through Waterfall. You keep a hearty distance.The plan was reworked several times. Namely when Sans said, quote “Fuck continuity.” and erased all portions regarding the flow of timeline. You and Papyrus brought up the matter and Frisk ensured they’d be finding a way to be rid of the SAVE stars, making Loads and Resets impossible. The current plan was both risky and worth the risk. You merely hope Papyrus held courage.It was unfortunate though, however, the terrible reaction at the brothers. Papyrus happily lent you his tiniest shirt and pants. You chose to slip them on over the undergarments which consisted of proper shorts and a sports bra. When you began to once again strip off the t-shirt, Sans made a strangled sound. Papyrus squealed and excitedly asked if you worked out. You admitted to having a liking to fitness and he tested the waters by poking your slight ab bulge. Papyrus’ curiosity didn’t divert your attention from Sans turning about and staying that way until you were entirely dressed. It wasn’t until now that the prospect of him not being into muscular women shattered over your mind. You let your back creep down the wall as you silently wailed to your desire to just be physically healthy. Casting aside your dismay you return your attention to Frisk and the mission at hand.Frisk kept totally quiet. They held no expression as they strolled through Waterfall. They rounded a bend and wound up where your home was to be erected previously. You sighed and wished you’d even gotten the chance to see it. Perhaps you could consult Asgore on the matter once again. For now, though, you had a mission. And, witness to a yellow petal popping from the ground, the plan began. You patiently waited as Frisk kept Flowey in the room by listening to a few Echo Flowers. It was eerie how his stem bent and he contorted to gaze at Frisk down the way. After another moment passed and Frisk was about to round the bend, you sprung to action.“Oh my—i-is that a human?” You quietly revealed yourself. Flowey perked and swung around. Horror swelled in his eyes as you met his gaze, but it slipped into that smile he bore. “Oh, hello!” You chirped. He turned to face you happily as Frisk snuck to the corner.“Howdy! Golly, you must be new around here, aren’t you? I’m Flowey. Flowey the Flower.” He smiled giddily as you knelt down.“Gosh. I don’t think I’ve ever met a talking flower. Uh, m-my names Maya.” You quizzically raise your eyebrow. “How did you know I was new in Waterfall? Do you frequent here?” You kept your attention on Flowey. Frisk had to handle the rest now.“You could say that. I know aaallll the little secrets.” His lids hung over his eyes. You could practically see the gears of his mind plotting.“All the secrets? Wow! Would you…be willing to share a few?” You saw a whirling splash of red in your peripheral.“Wowie! You’ll listen to little me? Well, where should I start? See these?” A few white spinning pellets form around him. “These are my friendliness pellets. If you take them, then I can trust you with anything~!” He hums as you smile. Frisk had warned you.“That’s pretty neat! Do I just grab them, or…?” He nods giddily and offers the pellets slowly. You bade for time before that red swish comes surging forward. Bones rattle and a shovel dives deeply into the soil. The flowers expression immediately corrupts with wickedness and surprise as Papyrus forces the shovel up and flings Flowey and his imbedded patch of soil into the air. He is caught in a blue haze within the air as Papyrus pulls out a spare boot he found in the dump.“nice chunk ya did bro.” “NYEH HEH HEH! THE PLAN WAS A COMPLETE SUCCESS!!” He gives a victory peace sign and Flowey is allocated into the boot. Once the blue haze vanishes he sprouts angry flailing vines. Due to the lack of soil and space though they come out thin scraggly worm vines with miniscule thorns. They were no taller than himself.“What the-?! P-Put me down! You crummy trashbag!!! You peppy bag of bones! UNHAND ME!!” He tries to pry himself out of the boot to no avail. Frisk comes back from the corner he’d texted Papyrus and Sans from. They brothers had to keep extra distance to not initially trigger Floweys fleeing. His enraged face fell on you as you kept the concerned façade going.“Maya! You have to help me! Th-These guys are-“ “Wowie Flowey! I can’t believe it!!” You near and lean over to now loom your shadow across his petals as he’d done multiple times.“I wasn’t aware you were just as gullible as me.” You lightly flick his petals in tease and take a step back. His face contorts dangerously and begins oozing blackness.“You little BITC-“ “NOW FLOWEY!! I HAVE HEARD YOU HAVE BEEN IN ON THESE ‘RESETS’ AND ‘LOADS’! YOU ALSO TRIED TO KILL MAYA LAST TIME!! THAT IS NOT NICE! BUT FEAR NOT OH LOST SOULLESS FRIEND FOR I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, SHALL HAVE THE HELP OF HIS GOOD FRIENDS AND BROTHER TO REHABILITATE YOU INTO A PLEASANT FLORA!” Papyrus is swinging and hugging Flowey so much his face has churned to something more akin to seasick. He still glares at you and Frisk.“Yo-You idiots…You’re messing up the timeline!! YO! Smiley trashbag, you don’t care what happens?!”“This is the last one.” Frisk stirs beneath you. They have an intense expression that lets silence hang until Flowey mocks them with a laugh.“You’re still so dumb after all this time! You can’t escape the time loop!! Nobody can!”“Have you tried?” You quip back. When there is a three second interval you pat Frisks head. “We can escape the loop.” Frisk peeks up to you, eyes wide with wonder, then worry. They grip your hand and rub the top as their lips are bitten together. Sensing their question, you turn to the brothers.“We’ll be back shortly. I have to talk to Frisk. Is that alright?”“i’s cool. shouldn’t be any other weeds lurking about.” Papyrus giddily rushes home with Flowey as Sans takes the other direction; ‘jumps’ most likely. Frisks expression drops as their hand entwines with yours. You squeeze it in affirmation. Once your certain the brothers are both gone, you turn down to them.“Anywhere private you want to go? This is kind of another big information jump moment. Frisks hand grips harder as they lead you away. You find yourself being dragged back down the path. It’s a bit wonky and out of the way, but you find yourself at a waterfall plummeting rocks down. They’re easily avoidable as you and Frisk slip into a hidden chamber behind the waterfall. There is a set of pink ballet shoes resting on the end. You sigh and settle onto your knees to meet Frisks face.“Does anyone know about this spot other then you?” You murmur.“Only Flowey maybe. I’m not sure Sans even knows…” They quietly admit. You sigh and rub your neck.“Do you know who I am?” Their eyes grow and they timidly glare at the floor.“T-Through Chara’s eyes…in the last reset……a-a woman. She had a-a bird. There was a tall man there, in the group of children we were in. He….He said her name wa-“ “That was me.” Quickly, the sound of rushing water is the lone sound you hear. You can feel your heart racing wildly as they simply stare in disbelief.“Wh-Whe—Were you, always?” “Human? Yes. I was born human.” Their eyes grow in wonder as they take a shaky step forward.“You lied about the amnesia?” “I’m sorry. I did.” You reach out and hold their hands, fighting back unnecessary tears. You felt as though you’d failed Frisk. Frisk and everyone around you with your deceit.“Ho-How?” They whimper and clutch your fingers.“It’s true. I fell into the Underground. Not the hole you came through. There was a sinkhole of sorts. I fell down it the first time when I was running from Jason. This time, I chose to fall. Regardless, I was impaled in the surface and a narrow channel ended up slipping me down here. I landed in Waterfalls basin of water. The water…as me and Gerson have theorized, had so much magic that when it mixed with my open wound I gained a sort of magical genetic.” You sigh and rub your head awkwardly with your free hand. Frisk stared in awe.“Gerson knows?” “Yeah. He saw me fall in. He saw it all.” You rub a stray tear from Frisks eyes. They didn’t seem aware of the little dribble from their eyes.“The magic entered my system and turned me into this. But, what you saw through Chara in the last load….That’s me normally. Human. That man was my friend Pete. That was also my Cockatoo, Gummi.” You find the position hard on your knees as you just settled down to sit instead.“I miss them. But I promised Sans I’d come back. And I didn’t mean just for him.” Frisk emits a tiny sniffle as you hug them closer. They bury their face into your neck.“Don’t cry. Everything will wo-“ “Di-Did it hurt?” Frisk whispers and lightly pats your injured shoulder. Your heart aches.“’Course it hurt. Ached when I didn’t even have it.” You admitted quietly. After a consoling moment, their head pops back in surprise.“W-Well, have you told Sans?” You feel your face tighten and your eyes narrow.“…Nooo-“ “Why not?!” They nearly shriek as you hastily shush them. Your thumbs twiddle together anxiously.“I can’t tell him now…maybe not ever. I don’t have the courage, and after all that he’s told me too… What a hypocrite I am..” You look down at your hands in shame. You were getting more used to this form as the hours went by.“I’m not sure I ever plan to go back to being human. I can’t even think of how I’d manage that.” You honestly grumble and hang your head in shame.“I-If there comes a time when it becomes important, I’ll tell him. But I can’t do it now knowing what we need to do. What we have to accomplish. I won’t put that on his plate. I don’t have the conscience to…” Begrudgingly your grip on Frisk grows tight.“You can’t tell him. Please. I need to find-“ Frisk plants a finger to your lips and nods quickly. You sigh and fluff their hair as they give a tiny giggle. You put your own finger to your lips and do a zipping motion. Their eyes are alight with glee as they mimic you immediately. You throw away the pretend zipper at the same time. Frisk jumps with glee.“I’ve tried to do that with so many monsters! This is awesome!! Dangerous, but awesome!!!” They triumphantly laugh as you squish their face.“Not a word to anyone. Not even Gerson. This is top secret.” They give a thumbs up excitedly as you mumble to yourself.“Alright. Let’s head back. We need to get some information from that little weed, then move on with step two.” Frisk grips your fingers as you stand. “Yes?”“Did it hurt?” You squint in confusion. You were certain that they’d already asked that- “When you fell from heaven?” They give a sly wink. Your squint narrows.“Don’t flirt with me. I don’t flirt. I can’t flirt. Like, that was mad obvious. But don't flirt. You're, like, 12.” "I'm 10." "Case in point."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
You press into the brothers front door as the frigid cold continued to berate you and Frisk. Nonsense that was at the least eligible had been added to the white board. Flowey was being magically levitated with a very taut expression. Sans was munching on the remnants of a fry basket you presumed was from Grillbys. They were grossly slathered with ketchup which didn’t deter Frisk from snagging one. They munched into it with a little wince.“It’s cold.” “That’s what’s wrong?!” Flowey screeches at Frisk from his hoisted position as you finish kicking the snow from your boots and shutting the door. You warmed your arms manually with your body heat as you stepped free of your boots. Mettaton was on the TV but nobody paid it any mind. Sans was so slouched into the couch his skull was being squished through the segment between cushions.“Why is he in the air?” You finally asked as Frisk had claimed another fry to nibble at.“bein’ a weed.” “Can we limit that joke to three times a day? Because it’s already old.” You groan and peek about. “Where’s Papyrus?”“ran to the store for more markers.” Sans mentioned with a mouthful of slathered fries. Frisk offered one as you gently declined. Flowey glowered down from his elevated position as you sighed. You didn’t want to bunker down for too long, but you knew better. You collapsed on the sofa past Frisk. Silence held as you tried to get cozy on the couch.“You idiots are perfectly gross together.” Flowey squinted with a hefty pout. “With your gross cuddling and shit.” “Bring him down here please.” You sighed and patted your lap. Sans seemed prepared to retort while Frisk made grabby hands for the flower. Sans, discontent, let him float down to your hold. Immediately you pinched a few of his petals. He screeched like a mandrake, face distorting in horror.“If you use foul language like that again I’ll have you sucking on a bar of soap. Capiche?” A vine whipped you in the cheek. You were merely startled; Flowey was sent spiraling into the air. Sans was before your face, cyan eye gleaming forth. He felt your cheek as warm liquid spread onto your scales.“Maya! Maya?” Frisk was attempting to undo a little green bandage that had anime faces all over it. You blinked in surprise to their increasing concern. You pause in thought.“Oh. Right. 1 HP..” You push Sans back, steadily. He is working up a nervous sweat. “Relax. I feel fine. Should I feel differently?” Frisk makes a disgruntled noise and pats the bandage onto your cheek. It was bizarrely warm to the touch.“yo-you’re good?” “Yeah, I feel the same. It didn’t even hurt it just spooked me.” You took Sans’ hand and wiped the blood onto a spare napkin on the tabletop. You stood, gently nudging him away. You gave a short leap to snag Floweys pot.“If you pull stunts like that you’ll lose my vote to reform you properly into Asriel. So just chill out and work out your internal junk.” Floweys readied retort died instantly as you walked him to the dining table.“I’ll head out then.” You waved, mind beginning to weave questions.“Why are you going?” Frisk bounced to the other end of the couch to lean over the arm.“Figured this little incident is perfect incentive to talk to Alphys. Namely ask why I’m not supposedly dead?” You point a slightly shaky finger at the almost nonexistent wound. If hair was capable of poking through your scales you’d be littered with goosebumps. You’d taken such dainty care the last time that the weight of the almost unnoticeable injury has you shaken. You close the door behind you while noting their words escaping your attention. Your prior startle has you now shuddering not just from the cold. Something felt peculiar.“hey-“ “Jeez!!” You jumped into a snow bank, boots crunching and slipping. You sighed once on steady feet and turned about to the still creased brow of Sans. He awkwardly came down and wrapped a spare blue comfy coat around your shoulders. He brought the hood up and over to conceal your fins, even trying to reach for the zipper.“Um…Snowdin ends over there.” You murmur, surprised at the generous offer. His face illuminated with a warm blue tone. He buried his hands into his pockets and slouched into his usual stature.“heard scales get cod real quick.” His grin briefly stretched as you pouted and felt the jacket. It was assuredly too hot for Hotland, but it didn’t cause you to swelter like usual winter coats. You felt the fluff swell over your arms; you sigh, content. He seemed keenly proud of his valiance. You clasped your hands together and took a baby step. Stretching forward your lips briefly pecked his cheek. It was warm and smooth. He froze still as an icicle. “I-I’ll get going then.” You nod while concealing your thick blush. Fleeing from Snowdin gives you a light-hearted adrenaline. Some giddy childish warmth was resurfacing in your heart. It was an invigorating beat that brought a delirious grin to your face. Your sprint turned into a light skip. There was still an underlying fear and anxiety, but pieces were fitting into the extravagant puzzle. You leapt past the little yellow bird and took a moment more to appreciate the jacket. He hadn’t given you the very one off his back, but it was still generous: the pockets weren’t laced with ketchup.“What’s with your face?” Undynes voice. You paused mid-trot as you turned towards Undynes house. She was polishing and sharpening the intimidating spear arsenal she bore. She squinted at you with curiosity.“Woah, wait, seriously what happened?” Her spear vanishes into little sparkles with a bizarre sound as she instantly approached you.“I, er, I was heading to check with Dr. Alphys if I’m alright.” You nervously said, now increasingly shy in the jacket she knew didn’t belong to anyone other than a well-renowned lazy bones.“A little scrape like that? Don’t think you need to be visiting the doc over that?” She snickered and pat your shoulder roughly. You didn’t honestly consider it since you’d focused so much on the brothers, but you did genuinely miss Undyne. You wanted to rekindle the friendships you’d made.“Well, eheh….l-last time I did a check I only had a 1 HP limit s-!” Undyne hoists you up into her chest, your feet barely above the ground.“Shit! Why the fuck didn’t you say that first!?” She’s already taken off sprinting through the Underground. The hold was uncomfortable and every now and then her positioning of you would change or your feet smacked something. Still, you giggled at the whole ordeal. She was yelling encouragements and to ‘hang on’ while just being herself.“U-Undyne, I think I’m fine!” You finally mustered a voice when you neared the Hotland sign.“I-I was j-just going to ask for an exam!” “Stars you’ll need more than an exam! ALPH!!” Undyne practically headbutts the door. Her skid throws your stomach into knots. She throws your form over her shoulder like an animal carcass. It wasn’t pleasant nor flattering as she was finally free to bash on the huge metal door.“Undyne, please pu-put me down!” You lightly kicked against her sides as the metallic door whipped up. You could faintly spy Alphys’ yellow tail past Undynes muscles.“Alph! We-We’ve got a problem! My friend here, Maya- she only has 1 HP- she looked stupidly happy- anyway, she’s gonna fall-“ You focus on your core muscles and straighten yourself on her shoulders. You manage to smack your hand over her mouth and spot the tips of Alphys’ head.“Hey, hi, I’m fine really. I just wanted to get an examination if that’s alright.” You panted as your lack of recent exercise really showed with your poor form. Undyne actually licked your fingers as you screeched with disgust. She snickered but dropped you to her side. You coughed on the volcanic dust she just kicked up into your lungs, but you finally got to see Alphys. She was in some kind of trance.“Way to drop and perhaps injure the 1 HP person.” You murmur as Undynes eye bulges in realization.“Shit! You don’t act like it!” Undynes outburst seemed to shock Alphys from her inner mind. She blinked and looked between the two of you.“W-W-Wh-Why d-d-d-do-don’t-t y-you co-come in out o-o-oh-of the-the heat f-first?” Her stuttering brought a little smile to your face. You knew it would lessen the longer you hung out together. You threw yourself up off the ground. Patting your butt of any remnant volcanic dust you followed in behind Undyne.You both instantly gave a sigh of relief. The one kick of being a fish person was Hotland was misery on the gills. Whether in use or not, it just sucked to breathe and deal with the sweltering loss of water.“P-Pl-Please, ha-have a seat!” Alphys offered the swivel chair from behind her desk of towering notes and books. You sat in it as it squeaked beneath you. Undyne almost looked like your bodyguard as she kept her arms firmly crossed. You watched her gaze flit from you to Alphys. Anytime Alphys made a movement Undynes head would snap in a random direction. You rolled your eyes as Alphys came over with a fresh paper.“I-I’d ju-just like you to s-sign this. I-I can’t seem t-to-to find your personal f-file.” She admitted shyly.“Oh, uh, don’t worry about that! A lot of stuff got jumbled up. I had a name change, I-I’m moving out to Waterfall. It’s all just….weird.” You click the pen and do a quick sign-in sheet of sorts : asks your name, birth date, primary housing, and plenty more of just little bits of info. You don’t recall having to do this the last time, but perhaps that was for the best. You wouldn’t have been able to read the page.You finalize it best you can. You didn’t have a permanent housing despite Undynes growl that you could stay with her. The closest care dependent you jotted down as Gerson. That really confused her.“You trust Gerson more than me?! I saved your soggy butt!” “Gerson actually did. Plus he runs a merchant shop. Means he can pay my medical bills.” You giggled to yourself as it confused Undyne more. Alphys read over the rest of the paper and gave a nervous smile. You would entrust only Gerson with the medical info because perhaps later you could chat with him in further detail about you're 'being human' ordeal.“A-Alright, let me g-get the sc-scanner. Wo-Would you be able t-to draw out your S-Soul?” Alphys requests awkwardly. Before she had to pull out the Hypno…Pulsation…Mark 80 whatever; but you were wiser and more aware. You focused your body into a central little pin and immersed your mind in sending it into your hands before you. It did the trick – smooth and simple. Undyne hissed and gaped at your soul. It looked the same as before but also slightly different. The prior crack wasn’t nearly as expansive as it had been, and a light green and pink were mending it as you stared.Alphys returns and jumps with surprise to your Soul as well. She brings the scanner about but does a quick eyesight examination.“We-Well, it-it seems you underwent some kind of trauma.” You flinched and willed your mind to not flurry with worry.“I-I’m recovering from a heavy amnesia….Until recently I only remembered my name.” You stick with the story that kept you alive. Alphys looked hurt for you and scooted herself closer.“Shit, really?” Undyne leaned backwards in amazement.“Yeah, but…like I know I didn’t have anything back in the city. Nothing but……bad memories. Bad memories and betrayal. So I figured I’d start fresh in Waterfall.” You finalize. It made leagues more sense than your previous wild amnesia tale.“Betrayal? Ooooh you got a spicy backstory or something?” Undyne finally found a stool and popped a squat in it. She leaned forward eagerly wanting gossip and details. Your breathing changed pace as you thought about it. No matter how much you wanted to suppress and deny it, you were still hung up on Jason.“I….I had this guy. A childhood friend. I’d…loved him since we were kids.” Undynes eye shot open and blush covered her cheeks. She kept peeking over at Alphys who was becoming engrossed in your starting tale while fiddling with the scanner.“He was there for me when I always needed someone. Eventually I had more friends who wouldn’t leave my side, but he was always number one. One day I read that humans have this different kind of bond – it’s called marriage.” You slumped further into your chair as the girls kept silent.“It’s when you give one another a ring and swear to each other your lives. Even though it didn’t play out as I wanted, I was fine. He didn’t want me to talk to other people more than him, so I fell out of touch with the majority of my friends and family.” Your fingers twiddled anxiously.“Then he lost his job. I got upset and he promised he’d take a brief break, cool down, then get back into business. He never did.” Anger began to coil like a spring in your chest.“He always made accusations at me about my job. How I was going to cheat on him. He yelled at me even when I knew he was cheating on me. I just wanted to turn a blind eye to it. Think that he’d stop and actually see me.” A tear built up against your eye.“He didn’t.” Undynes fists were clenching tightly into her jeans. “So I caught him one day. I should’ve seen it coming, but I just…I couldn’t handle it properly. I threw the wedding ring at him and ran away. I had a nasty fall where I injured my head. Some friends took me in for a while, reminded me that it was…okay to be sad. Okay to be furious. But they also reminded me about a wonderful life and the potential future.” You wanted to cry as you recalled the first reset with everyone. Your complete awkwardness with Sans. The joyous fun you genuinely had with Frisk. Papyrus’ flurry of emotions and his cuddling support. Undyne fiercely cheering you on. Alphys helping the best she could despite her busy schedule. Even Toriel and Asgore for letting you live how you wanted. Your somber frown had almost entirely vanished now thanks to them all.“After the accident I get, er, really clumsy. I have two left feet it feels like. So when I was on my way into Waterfall I fell into the water after drinking some orange juice. And that’s how Undyne found me.” You bashfully finalize and rub the almost vanished welt that was on the back of your head from the tumble.“Well, whoever the jackass that thinks your emotions don’t mean squat can taste some fucking boulders courtesy of the Captain of the Royal Guard!!” Undyne hollered with vigor. Alphys nodded and gave your knee a light pat.“It-It shows that you were v-very hurt, but are in the healing process. I t-think it is thanks to t-those close to you that you’re naturally overcoming the cr-crack.” Alphys’ awkward smile was endearing and wide. She even looked ready to be moved to tears. A sad smile pressed at your cheeks as you nodded, looking between the girls.“Th-They’re really more than I deserve.” A little set of tears escaped you; immediately dabbed at them with Sans’ jacket. You kept peering between your two hopeful good friends once more as Alphys’ machine whirred up.“O-Okay. This well t-tingle, but no-nothing more.” She sets the machine close to your Soul as Undyne rocked on her stool.“So, since ya aren’t falling down, you must’ve raised your HP through hard work.” She excitedly looks you over as you keep from crossing your arms.“I stay fit enough. I’m certainly not as enthusiastic as Papyrus.” “How do you know Paps?”“I, eh, r-ran into him in Snowdin before!” Undyne seems pleased with your answer as she returns to impatiently messing about on her stool. It wasn’t a lie.“Papyrus is a good goof at heart. Got about as much energy as I did as a small little shit.” She guffaws suddenly which startled you almost as much as her immediate stop. Undyne was, forever, an emotional enigma.Alphys’ machine gives a little hum as she pulls it back, tapping at it. She adjusts her glasses while reading over the screen.“We-Well, it’s finished. Y-Y-Yo-Your statistics show you ha-have, uh, 2-“Her glasses crack. You flinch back in shock as her face seems to pucker up. Judging from Undynes equally worrisome expression this is, in fact, not normal for Alphys.“What?” Undyne leans forward, curious. Alphys doesn’t continue her sentence which leads Undyne into a nervous rant with, “It’s 2?! Holy STARS you came close!! How am I supposed to beat you to a pulp in training?!” She almost sounded dejected as you felt a nerve snap.“Hey, who’s to say I couldn’t whoop you in a fight!?” You immediately retaliate. Undynes eye flashes with something fierce, her grin stretching eagerly. She had a hum to her mirth but you knew better than to simply trust that grin.“26,000.” Alphys finally warbled out. She sounded choked. You and Undyne stall as Alphys takes off her glasses. You hadn’t ever known that her eyes beneath were tiny, black, and cartoony. Little surprised blinks made her heavy eyelids show as you regained focus. Undynes stool does little hops with her as she drags herself to Alphys’ side.“2-26 THOUSAND?!” She screeches wildly. You jump and stand nervously.“Is-Is that bad? Is that like really bad?!” “What the hell, how many squats do you even-?!” Undyne cannot even finish her sentence. Her shrunken darting pupil does little to quell your own growing worries.“Wh-W-Wh—“ Alphys has to clear her throat. Setting the machine to the side she shakily picks up her clipboard again.“Wh-What wa-was your initial HP at?” “1?!” You blurt out as you try to bring Undyne back. You smack her a few times on the cheek. Her head is almost spinning by the time you really lay a slap into her. She shrieks and snatches the machine from the floor.“That’s more than the king!!” “It-It’s j-just over several times hi-“ “You’ve got more HP than the entire Underground combined!!!” Undyne barks with utter amazement.“I-It was 1 last I checked..” You mumble with bafflement. Undyne near drops the machinery and begins pacing the floor.“Ca-Can you check again? W-Was it wrong-“ “I-I-I’ve ca-calibrated it multiple times. I-It isn’t wrong. Alphys’ glasses eventually mend overtime. You’d be more amazed if you weren’t watching Undyne tripping out. Alphys sighs and scoots closer.“Y-You seem to have, in the process of your re-re-recovery, ascended into a boss monster. Y-You’ll need to sp-speak to Asgore immediately. I-I-I ha-have no, erm, kn-knowledge of….any monster bringing themselves over time to boss status. He should be informed right away.” Alphys continues to tremble as she pulls out her phone.“Wa-Wait! I-I-I don’t want to be a boss monster?!” “You’re worried about that?! YOUR HEALTH IS RIDICULOUS!!” Undyne screeches as Alphys inputs a quick message. She is clearly troubled as well, but also weirdly intrigued. Undyne finally stalls and begins to shake you.“YOU NEED TO LET ME TRAIN WITH YOU!” “I-I didn’t raise that by training!!!” You retaliated, still processing it. Alphys’ phone pings which sounds like doom for you as she stands.“Th-The king will see you. F-F-Follow me.” Tears form in your eyes and it isn’t due to the choking headlock Undyne has you trapped in. Asgore sputtered on his tea as Alphys handed him the report. His shocked eyes quickly closed as he politely dabbed his mane. He rereads the file as you sit agonizingly right across from him. You certainly considered this a far worse introduction than last time.“There are no errors in this report?” “No-No, no Your Majesty.” He coughs and analyzes it again. Undyne standing beside you once more as a bodyguard makes it impossible to just sprint away to freedom. Your feet were nervously tapping on the floor, obvious as they disturbed the echoing wall clock.“Mm…. Ms. Maya-“ “Yes?!” You’re rigid shoulders scrunch your neck. He tries to keep you calm but he certainly doesn’t seem okay himself.“Do you truly recall your original health points being at 1?” “Y-Yes, Your Asgore- I mean Mr. Majest—I mean-!” You fumble erratically and just force yourself to sip at the tea to shut your idiocy up. He hums with puzzlement and lays the file flat.“Well, if you are willing to, I’d like you to make regular visits to our Dr. Alphys.” He calmly starts. You nod to him as you let your teacup clatter back onto the plate.“Alphys, I’d like you to take extra care with Ms. Maya if you would. We need to ensure her safety and see if there is any regression back to her original status. It could be dangerous to her health.” “Ye-Ye-Y-Yes Your Majesty.” Alphys straightens herself and glasses once more.“I’ll have a letter sent to Gerson as your care-“ “U-Uhm, Your Majesty!” You immediately cut in. You knew you shouldn’t have written down a care dependent.“I’ve only written Gerson down because I am overcoming an amnesia and he is the first person I’ve met in Waterfall. Truthfully I can take care of myself. I don’t think it necessary to involve Gerson in the matter since I don’t know him very well.” You awkwardly shuffle your feet. You had to keep bashing the reminder into your head that you and Gerson haven’t even conversed yet. That was all last time. Asgore seems to thankfully understand as he evaluates the papers.“You’ve no home?” “I-I’m hoping to move into Waterfall if that’s a-alright sir. I wanted to build a house on the water where the pools lie.” Asgore chews his lip and gives a nod.“A very calm and beautiful location. I’ll speak to our builders about the project.” “Er, u-uhm! I-I can make my own-!” “Please, I insist! Those of the boss variety are far and few between us these days. It is a monster of significance that holds the Undergrounds hopes and their dreams.” Asgore delightfully grins and begins to scribble down on a paper.“B-B-But I’m just—I just want to be normal! I-I’m not a fighter necessarily.” “Us boss monsters are perfectly average as well. The only difference being we are more or less defenders of the more common folks.” His eyes shine again as he returns to the pen and paper. It seemed like an uphill battle the whole while as you tried to soothe yourself with the tea. It didn’t help as much as you certainly needed.“There, what do you think about that?” Asgore handed the little paper he’d been jotting down across to you. You gripped it and flipped it around.“Defender of All? What is-“ “Your honorary title.” Your face choked up as you slammed the paper down.“I-I-I—I d-don’t need-!” “All boss’s have them to therefore make it easier for monsters to identify them. Muffet is the Queen of Spiders. Undyne is the Royal Guard Captain. Even Alphys is Doctor Alphys.” You freeze and flit your gaze to Alphys.“You’re boss title was Doctor?” You ask awkwardly. She blushes and shuffles in her place.“It’s well known Asgore isn’t the best at naming things.” Undyne snickers and snatches up the paper. She scribbles in her own writing as you lean your elbows into the table.“Gods why me..” You whimper to yourself as Undyne slams the paper back down. Asgore seemed more leisurely as he helped himself to a cookie.“Defender from Frauds!!” Undyne declared. You quickly glared at her as she grit her teeth and jabbed the paper.“Hey, if it’s that ja—“ Cutting herself off in the presence of the king, she continues with “jacks fault that this happened to you, you should make it your thing!! Protect the innocent maidens of the-!” “No.” You declare and groan into your hands.“What- WHY NOT?!” “That sounds ridiculous! And I am not some player who mends ladies hearts!!” You clarify and immediately scratch her suggestion out.“Ho-How about De-Defender of Waterfall?” Alphys chirps in as your head grows heavier.“I’d rather not limit myself to just Waterfall. And why do I have to be a defender anyways? I don’t like fighting..” You murmur and just look down at the paper. Everyone continued to collaborate as you just scratched your own bit in and hoped it would quiet them.
It was a hit.
As you and the girls leave the Kings house, the other two are in an openly cheerful mood. You brood behind them while carrying the deed for your upcoming house, the paperwork for your title and statistics, and heaps of anxiety.“Whhhyy did I go to Alphys…” You whimper behind the girls as they reach the elevator. Undyne even offers to hold you in the corner thanks to your terror during the trip up.“Who’d of thought this was how my day was going?! We should celebrate!” Undyne declares.“I want to be alone.” “Oh come on!! You just found out your are the healthiest monster in the entire Underground, became a boss monster, and fucking got a dope title to boot!! WE ARE CELEBRATIN’!!” She shook you in the elevator as you grew increasingly nauseous.“I-I-I al-also think it-it is something to-to feel, u-uh-um, ex-excited about!” Alphys gave a little clap which had Undyne burning brighter.“See, if Alphys is passionate about something then damn right it’s going to be amazing!!” Undyne hollered with joy as the ride thankfully ended. You stumbled out first, weary and done. But you still had to trek back to Undynes house as she’d hold on to your necessities. Alphys was blossoming with blush as she waddled beside you primarily, Undyne taking the lead.“Yo-You r-really th-th-t-think I-I’m passionate?” Alphys whispered to herself. You heard her though while Undyne made a beeline for the water cooler. Despite your tired misery you managed a grin and slowed your pace to keep with Alphys.“If she insists on throwing a party, why don’t you come?” You mutter to her. Her expression grows tense and sweaty as her eyes shift.“M-M-M-M-Me?! O-Oh no-no! I’d be just….a-a-a waste of sp-space.” “Nonsense. It’s thanks-“ forcing your sarcasm down is troubling as you try to keep honest with her. “It’s thanks to you that I even knew I was okay. You did your job, and you’re excited about the celebration too. Undyne would love to have you there for sure.” The last mention has her blushing red as a rose. You finally reach the water cooler where Undyne is downing her third cup already.“Hotland is thirsty work for sure!!” She cackled as you also grabbed a cup.“Undyne, if you insist on throwing this party I need you to promise me two things?” That challenging glint took sheen in her eye as she knocked the rest of her water back.“Name ‘em.” “Firstly - It’s at Grillbys. I don’t want you cooking. You’ll burn your house down.” Instantly she clicked her tongue, already disappointed. You’d cross your arms if you weren’t desperately keeping the items from tumbling into the lava pits below.“Fine.” She begrudgingly compromised. “Second - I don’t have any money so hopefully you’re buying.” You relax as she angrily scratches at her scalp. Her fins flit back and despite her scowl she nods in consent.“Okay. Then we’ll host the party. Who are we inviting?” You’ve already gulped down your first glass. You wished everyone would keep walking but Alphys likely wasn’t going farther than this. She’d been silently twiddling her thumbs while stealing glances at an overheated Undyne.“Alphys for sure!!” She immediately declared. Steam was fuming from Alphys’ ear holes at this point.“Only if you aren’t busy, y’know?” Undyne realized and Alphys nodded.“I-I-I’m n-no-n-not b-b-busy tonight!!” Her eyes sparkled, hearts vaguely forming behind her glasses. You wanted to coo at the budding relationship despite there being no progress thus far. Suddenly a lightbulb appeared above Undyne. She immediately snatched it and hurled it into the lava. You were left speechless as she added “And Sans and Papyrus!!!” gloriously.“I mean…yeah. Yeah that’s okay.” You didn’t see anything wrong with Sans and Papyrus attending as well.“Great!! Then you can go tell them the good news!! I got to get something ready! Meet at Grillbys at nine on the dot ya dweebs! We’ll party the night away!! FUHUHUHUHU!!” Undyne snatched your things up and sped away down the halls. Her laughter echoed like a haunting cry through the caves. You groaned and rubbed your head.“He-Here. See if the b-br-brothers will let you rest at their h-house. Yo-You’ve had a long day.” Alphys placed a single gold in your hand and let her eyes peer over to the river persons usual pick-up spot. She smiled, whispered a “thank you.” and hummed her way back into her lab. Everything felt so sudden and spontaneous you had little choice but to go along with it.You began to unfurl Sans’ fluffy coat from your waist, guilt rising as it already smelled terribly of sweat. The river sloshed about and when you upturned your gaze the river person had arrived.“Tra-la-la. You should have my job.” They sang. You could already hear the snickering sarcasm as you boarded and handed them the sole coin.“Maybe. I’m on this boat aplenty it seems.” You groan and just lay out on the boat. They didn’t seem to mind as the water began to dash and splash around you.“Oh, um, I-I’m headed to-“ “Snowdin~” They sung with a hum from their throat. You merely nodded and let your mind freely wander. Before this speeding boat of sorts terrified you, but now it lulled you with its peace and blurring gems. The gentle echoes of the dripping water. Fish trying to keep pace with the swift boat. The once surreal experience was such a peaceful past time now.“Tra-la-la! Enjoy your party!” River persons thrill broke your peaceful trance as you come back to awareness. You hop off, legs chilly immediately.“Hey, River Person?” You suddenly stall them as the boat begins to rise to rush away.“Are you a boss?” You squint at the completely mysterious character as they remain silent for a solid beat.“River is a Person.” You can hear them snickering as the boat splashes away. Unsatisfied you grievously stroll down towards the brothers glimmering house. There was some lively chatter occurring as you just sucked in a tight breath and decided to deal with the problems as they came.“AH, MAYA!! WELCOME BACK!” Papyrus giddily said as he was setting down a few plates of his crisped spaghetti. Their whiteboard was a nightmare of doodles, arrows, and words then scratched away with more words. Sans was finishing drawing a bone in one corner but jolted when the door opened. Frisk happily jumped down from their seat and hugged your torso.“Welcome back Maya! Are you okay?” They doted.“I’ll be fine. I just need to ring Floweys neck for a moment.” You spotted the petals over on the kitchen counter flinch as he stuck his tongue gleefully out at you. Your rage skyrocketed as you tried to maintain a cheerful face. Papyrus stood in your way.“IT IS BEST TO NOT RETURN PAIN!! FLOWEY HAS BEEN TAUGHT HIS LESSON!” Papyrus ensures as you raise your eyebrow towards Sans.“he’s in the darkest, driest corner. no fool-iage can survive.” Sans chuckled to himself and grumbled as he made his way to his feet. It was huge leaps and bounds to see Sans take the 4 steps between you and him rather than just fazing or teleporting.“Hahaha- gimme his stem. I could literally strangle him.” You grumble while Papyrus nudges you into a chair.“NONSENSE! YOUR CHEEK SEEMS TO BE OKAY! WAS IT A FAKE OUT?” Papyrus gleamed. Frisk plopped into the adjacent chair.“No. It got brought to Asgore.” You leaned over the back of the chair while Papyrus set you a cup of water and a fresh plate of his spaghetti. You watched Sans’ expression grow cross.“is ‘e out for Flowey?” “What? No, no I just said it was a clumsy accident. It was because Alphys did a checkup on my stats.” You rested your elbows on the table and swished the water around. “My house is getting built again, I’ve got designated checkup visits with Alphys, and now Undyne has me inviting you two to a party tonight to celebrate.” You inform while continuing to make a little whirlpool in your cup.“A PARTY? BUT YOU WERE HURT!! IS IT BECAUSE OF YOUR RECOVERY?” Papyrus sat down, twiddling the spaghetti around his fork.“No no. Er…..who has the most HP in the Underground?” You ask to the three.“EASY, THAT’S ASGORE!!” “well…” Frisk looks around sheepishly. You meet Frisks eyes as their lips tighten together.“Asgore doesn’t have the highest, does he?” “Okay so Undyne is IMPOSSIBLY difficult when she enters her ‘Undying’ faze and she has 23000 HP!! It’s madness!” Frisk blurts out and instantly shuts themselves up with a mouthful of spaghetti. Sans looked displeased but grumbled in agreement.“UNDYNE? UNDYING? WHAT?! IS THIS A THING LEARNT IN A NOT THIS RESET?” “Must be. Undyne said Asgore was the strongest. Figured you two would know best though.” Your crossed arms peer between Sans and Frisk.“Meftafon hef more ‘houg-“ “Please swallow.” You offer Frisk a napkin as the burnt bits of spaghetti flake off onto their lip. They gasp in some air first.“Mettaton has the most though when he goes into his NEO mode!! He has 30000 HP! He normally has more than Asgore anyways at 9999 regularly.” “WHAT?! METTATON HAS MULTIPLE MODES?? THAT’S SO COOL!!” Papyrus’ eyes glimmered with stars and awe as Sans scratched his skull.“it’s mostly falsified. he bugs his statistics to seem more threatening. he doesn’t—“ Sans cuts himself off with a grimace. “he doesn’t ever last long.” Frisk looks highly uncomfortable as Flowey snickered something in the background. A pot descends over the bratty flower and Sans waves his hand.“teaching him indoor voice.” Sans adds as he locks his eyes back onto you. “why the sudden interest?”“Oh, eh, my base HP seems to be 26000 now.” Frisks utensils clatter to the floor as Sans and Papyrus freeze up.“Yeah that was..that’s how everyone else reacted. Now I see why.” You groan and rub your weary face.“TW-TWEN-TWENTY-!!” Papyrus was choking with excitement. He was losing air.“B-Breathe, Papyrus? Breathe??” You look to Sans for assistance to his overwhelmed brother. He isn’t fairing much better. “Fr-Frisk? Frisk, help me-““That’s so wicked!! You-You’re stronger than Undyne in her Undying faze!!!! Do you feel stronger? Is it something you feel? When did it happen? Oooooohh, do you have a cool title?!” Frisk was exploding with excitement and curiosity as you doted on the brothers. Papyrus cleared his throat and lifted you skyward.“MY FRIEND MAYA!! THIS IS INCREDIBLE NEWS!! YOU ARE A BOSS, LITERALLY!! NYEH HEHEHEHEH!!!!” He began to giddily twirl you in the air about the room as you fought to keep the little tea you’d drank down.“Pa-Papyrus- down. Down p-please.” Your head spun as he squeezed you to his armor.“NO WONDER UNDYNE WANTS TO CELEBRATE!!! WHAT A MOMENTOUS OCCASION!! THE GREAT PAPYRUS ACCEPTS YOUR INVITATION! WHERE WILL THIS GRAND CELEBRATION TAKE PLACE??” His voice is blarring in your brain as he finally sets you back onto solid flooring.“Gr-Grillbys.” You have to hold Sans’ chair to keep from stumbling. Papyrus face immediately irks with disgust and uncertainty.“WHY THERE OF ALL PLACES…” Papyrus sighed dramatically but perked up, scarf flowing. “WELL, IF IT IS THE DESIGNATED PLACE, SO BE IT!! I WILL NOT BE TRIUMPHED BY GREASE!!! FOR I AM THE GREAT PAPYRUS, CULINARY EXPERT OF THE UNDERGROUND!!” Papyrus happily chimes. The pot that concealed Flowey he finally managed to pry off with his miniature vines.“Alls you cook is spaghetti!!” The flower growled as Papyrus stood even taller with pride.“CORRECT, MY DEAR FLOWEY FRIEND! THE BEST SPAGHETTI!!!” “Aaauurrgghhh!!!” Flowey couldn’t throw the pot very far as it weakly clanged to the floor. You turned around to Frisk excitedly bouncing in their seat. Sans was murmuring to himself at an accelerated rate.“Sans? Sans?” You had to give him a rough shake to free him of the trance he’d devolved into.“wait, what? h-huh- wait, how-?” “I was hoping you guys would know! You think I know?!” You are still wide eyed and baffled about the whole situation.“well it could be a factoring of the anomaly, the differing of the reset plane…..I’ll have to run some-“ “Nope. I’m not getting involved in it anymore. It’s just happened! I’ll deal with it!” You growl and fall back into your chair.“SO WHAT DID YOU RECEIVE AS YOUR TITLE??” Papyrus asked enthusiastically. You began to heat up in your cheeks and you sunk into Sans’ coat to hide away. Papyrus eagerness got Frisk active as they simply tapped something and got a little box to materialize.“Maya, Defender of Hope!” Their eyes sparkled with awe. Floweys crazed laughter was clear enough even when the pot got replaced. Papyrus was kind enough to ruin a perfectly good body suit of his. Sans helped sew and pin the pieces together – the top and bottom were separated to allow you better movement, but it gave your arms and legs added protection when a heavy flurry began to arrive. Frisk swore to not leave the house nor listen to whatever Flowey was demanding. In return, Papyrus allowed Frisk to strategize further with his figurines. Frisk was excited to be finally able to touch them. The brothers kindly escorted you through the berating winds and heavy snowfall into Grillbys. The late hour and unfavorable weather conditions led to a lack of bar customers as the place was rather sound. A few of the guard dogs were playing a game of cards, and there was a fish and bird relaxing at the bar with Grillby. He looked up to acknowledge the new customers.“’ey grillbz. table fir five.” He traced the closest wooden table with his finger and a wink was supplied shortly after.“ONE NIGHT I WILL NOT HAVE TO HEAR ANY PUNS FROM MY BROTHER. TONIGHT…IS NOT THAT NIGHT.” Papyrus lamented and gave a quick wave to Grillby. Undyne and Alphys were already set up together in a booth. Alphys was on the inside and she looked ready to explode with nervous jitters and embarrassment. Undyne waved your group over as you all approached.“HEY!! You’re LATE! Trying to stay out late punk?“ Undyne gleefully threatened you as you playfully shoved her back into the cushion.“If you haven’t noticed, it’s a friggin’ blizzard out there! Need these two to keep me above becoming a popsicle.” You snuggled into a spare of Papyrus’ scarf and Sans’ jacket. The brothers dress code was peculiar, but damn if it wasn’t cozy.“Moving in with them?” Undynes eyebrow waggled as you shoved her again.“Maybe; rather be a popsicle than a fish fry.” Sans and Papyrus huddle into the other cushions, Papyrus giddily inviting you to sit beside him. Wanting to give Alphys room to breathe you agree to his offer and squish onto the cushion with the brothers.“I’m not that bad-“ “I recall choking on smoke the first moment I woke up in your house. What other impression of your cooking should I have?” You quizzically raise your eyebrow. Papyrus passes you a menu as Sans relaxes into the corner. He looked very peaceful.“It wasn’t that-!” “The whole pan had roaring flames.” You jab an accusatory finger. You use said finger to then flip the menu over. Your appetite was on the precipice of growling as you try to find the most expensive burger to spite Undyne.“you two seem fast friends.” Sans murmured quaintly from his corner.“I AGREE!! MAYA REMINDS ME OF UNDYNE SOMETIMES, BUT ALSO OF ALPHYS!” Papyrus nods and looks at you kindly.“Is it because I am a muscular fish with a nervous habit?” “WOWIE, YOU’RE GOOD.” Papyrus giggled to himself as you sighed. Grillby approached the table. Everyone but Papyrus got a burger, he just got fries.“Oh, and theeeeee…. third liquor from the bottom right shelf. The bottle will probably be gone so can you just leave it here?” You ask, hopeful. Grillby seemed surprised and look to Sans. You didn’t know what it was – it’s just what you did in every new bar.“’ey, I was told I wasn’t payin’.” He held his hands up in innocence. Grillby gives a reluctant nod and returns to the bar.“Oooh, fancy yourself a drinker?” “Not the best, but I can hold my own.” You shrug towards Undyne and lean into the bar cushions. It was like a rubber cloud.“Bet you the tab I can outdrink you.” Undynes challenges always got you in the mood, but you openly laughed at her. She doesn’t seem to remember you couldn’t pay the tab if you wanted to.“I’d like to see you try your best.” You began to cackle, but caught Papyrus staring with wonder and immediately shut up. Grillby to his credit did leave you the whole bottle once the food was settled down before you. The smell was incredible as you had to gulp down the pool of saliva you’d mass produced abruptly. Sans took both of the supplied ketchup bottles for himself. Alphys and Papyrus blissfully kept to their water. The bottle had no label and was perfectly clear. Shot glasses were provided as your joy rose.“Oh this is a sipper.” You giddily uncorked the fine drink and went to pour.“Hey! Let me do it.” Undyne yanked the bottle from your grasp and focused very intensely on the tiny glass. You rested your elbow on the table as everyone began to dig in, Papyrus albeit it picky.“Do you know how to pour a shot?” “I’m concentrating shut up.” “Oh god you’ve never had a shot before.” “SHUT UP.” Undynes ferocity was brimming forth as you giggled quietly to yourself.“I bet you other than me Sans is the only one here to have had a shot.” You peek around Papyrus and he gives a shrug.“not my preferred cup, but-“ “OH GODS AND ANGELS GIVE ME ONE PUN FREE DINNER PLEASE!!!!” Papyrus shrieked past his nibbling fry. Alphys was silent most of the time, but she seemed to be happy. Undyne took a minute too long as you instantly yanked the bottle from her grasp. You filled your glass right to the rim and then hers and smacked the bottle down.“You’re not doing some time-travel science here Undyne! It’s liquid!” Undyne grumbles something under her breath, clearly mocking.“Alright come here. To make it proper you clink, click the table, then just gulp it down.” You offer the advice along with your glass at the ready. Undyne takes ginger care to keep it safe and unspilled. Once the glasses gently clink together you take the time to tap yours to the table until she follows suit. Afterwards you swig it down and your eyes pop. You cover your mouth before the horrendous tasting burn works down your throat. Your coughing and gagging; Undyne has yet to drink it. She looks horrified of it as Sans’ skull enters your peripheral.“all good small fry?” He offers you a ketchup bottle as you finally bring your head back for air.“Holy hell! Ooohh no no no don’t drink that!” You snicker and steal Undynes glass. “You will not last even 10 minutes!!” You feel Papyrus shift beside you.“No no you should not start with moonshine, holy shit.” “SWEAR.” Papyrus scolds while picking up the glass. “IT RESEMBLES WATER!!”“It isn’t. It’s a drink that humans make and it gives you a crazy deep burn. It also tastes absolutely fou-“ Papyrus has it clicked against his teeth as he takes a sip. Sans is a second too late as Papyrus took a miniature sip. Cartoony eyes pop out of his sockets and his teeth grind together. His whole body briefly convulses as you cover your mouth to withhold the giggling.“stars Paps, why’d you--!” Sans is grumbling and fumbling with putting the glass somewhere safe. You pat Papyrus’ back and try to keep from smiling.“THAT WAS HORRIFIC!! WHY WOULD YOU INTAKE THAT?!” He finally pulled himself from the disgust and gargles some of his water. You’d snag the glass safely back to your side but Sans refuses to let it past him.“That should be my line!” You finally succumb to your snickers and laugh against the cushions.“you okay bro?” “THAT BEVERAGE IS A CHALLENGE BROTHER! RID YOURSELF OF IT!! G-GIVE IT BACK TO MAYA! IT TASTED OF NIGHTMARES AND DEFEAT!!” He shivered and swished his water around again.“It-It’s—“ You dissolve into little giggles again. “It’s probably, l-like, 95 proof. It’s strong.” As you're explaining Undyne snags your own glass and fills it, although a smidgen spills onto the table.“Undyne, wa-“ “I will not be beaten by a drink!!!” She declares proudly and slams it down. Your arms are shaking excitedly as you watch in absent shock. Immediately you snag the bottle to safety away from the group of maniacs you seemed to have sat with. Undyne hasn’t swallowed and is profusely sweating. She keeps pounding her fist into the table, rattling everything. You shakily offer her the cup back.“Sp-spit it out! It-It only gets worse from there! Know your limits and spit it out!” You can’t keep from laughing. You seem to have chosen the wrong words though as she throws her head back. You watch her scales tense as she gulps it down.“AAAAAAAGGGGH----HOOOOO!!!” She looked possessed. She rapidly shook her hair, ponytail threatening to whip anyone in her vicinity.“OOooohh FUCK!!” She coughs and leans back in her seat, spent. You're crying with laughter as you protect the bottle.“YOU MUST GET RID OF THAT EVIL—FOUL—DEMON BOTTLE!!” Papyrus makes persistent grabs for the bottle that you’ve encased in your grasp using your body as the shield.“Sans still has the cup he took!” You declare as you spot him trying to sniff it.“SANS. DON’T BROTHER.” Papyrus cautiously warned. Alphys had offered Undyne her water; she’d become catatonic, eyes glassy like a true fish. You were in giggling hysterics.“It’s strong. If you aren’t avid in drinking I don’t recommend it.” Your smile says otherwise as he gives a shrug and clicks the shot to the table. He throws it back as Papyrus immediately laments his brother. Sans shudders and screws his sockets shut. He trembles a bit, bones rattling, but after a solid moment he breathes easily.“yeah, that bites ya.” He declares gruffly and slides the glass back. You look about the ruined table and happily declare “I guess you’re going to have to be my drinking buddy.” You nibble into the burger as you’re pouring yourself another drink.“HOW CAN YOU HAVE ANOTHER OF THAT MISERABLE BEVERAGE!?” Papyrus wails in horror.“The only two times I go out to drink are on a date or to get wrecked. As you can see, this isn’t a date.” You cheers the cup to the sky and throw back another. It’s still impactful, but this time tears don’t well in your eyes and the burn dies down faster. Undyne finally starts to blink as Alphys patiently puts a straw connected to water in her mouth. You giggle and rise up.“I’ll see if the bar has a beer for you. That’ll help get the taste out. Papyrus, if that bottle is gone when I come back I will be very hurt.” You instantly warn as you wander over towards the bar. You scooted over a chair and leaned forward. Grillbys warmth was its own kind of intoxicating.“Hi Grillby.” You gently waved. You had to rest on your tiptoes to get your elbows on the bar, so when you went peeking around one leg had curled up for the extra lift.“Sorry to be a bother but we might need a water pitcher and a few beers at the table. I can bring them over for you though.” You offer. Your waitress habit would never die. You pointed to a little row of cans you’d spotted that weren’t too dry in flavor. Grillby took extreme care pouring the pitcher, but eventually you had the pitcher in one hand and two cans balanced in the other.Arriving back to the table everyone seemed to return to a semblance of normalcy. Papyrus took the pitcher and tried to slide the bottle behind it as you grasped it from the neck.“Nope. Sorry.” You flopped back down into your seat as Papyrus poured all who wanted a fresh glass of water.“BUT WHY DO YOU WANT TO DRINK SOMETHING THAT TASTES SO NASTY??” He shuddered as you began another shot glass.“Sometimes you have to drink away your problems. Right now I am drinking away every concern that just keeps piling up.” You give another tiny cheers and suck down the moonshine. “And sometimes a crude drink is just the thing.” You weakly add before deciding to set the moonshine aside for now. Papyrus spares you some water in your mini glass which you appreciate greatly.“S-So Maya! Wh-W-What did you d-do in the c-city?” Your brain stalled as you tried to think of the truth being a safe option or not. You couldn’t really consider it being useless down here.“I, uh, was a dance choreographer and teacher.” You shyly admitted. Alphys blinked a few times but she soon took shine to it.“you dance?” Sans added quickly from his corner.“Preferably as a profession, yes. Dancing around people you know is-“ Your mother’s grit scowl instantly comes to mind. “-embarrassing to say the least.” You sum up with a worrisome giggle.“BUT I'M SURE YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF IT!” Papyrus earnestly proclaimed for you.“I’d say I did my part? I’m certainly not outstanding but it pays and people are happy so..” Your unsure shrug has Undyne nearly crunch her chugged beer can into a twig.“You can’t allow yourself to doubt your profession otherwise you’re doomed to failure!!” Undyne barks suddenly.“YES, YOU MUST PURSUE YOUR CAREER WITH POSITIVITY AND ENTHUSIASM! ONCE PEOPLE SEE YOUR DILIGENCE I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM CERTAIN GRAND SUCCESS WILL FOLLOW!” He had stars deep inside his sockets as you smiled widely and hugged the jolly skeleton.“Thanks Papyrus. Makes me feel a little bit better.” You snuggled into his bones despite him glowing a hint of orange. You could see Sans happily smiling beyond his brother.“Alright! I suggest a game!” You immediately holler. “First loser has to kiss the winner!” You declare.“Bring it!” Undynes eyes flared once again. She was so simple to work up it made you feel enthusiastic any time there was a challenge. “A-Am I able to play even if I don’t-?” “Yeah, Alphys! It’s a word game. We tear bits of napkins with different lengths. Whoever gets the twisted napkin starts and it goes the direction of your favorite person from there. You have to think of a word that gradually gets longer and longer. You start with the letter at the end of their word though! So if Alphys picked ‘A’ Undyne could say ‘As’. I would have to think of a word three letters long and starting with and S so ‘Set’ might be a word. Then Papyrus has to find a four letter word with a T at the start, and so on. Whose in?” You carefully tear little wedges of the napkin off.“i’m game.” “I-I’d like to pl-play!” “WILL I BE ABLE TO KISS WHEREVER OR?” Papyrus twiddled his thumbs bashfully, unable to finish his sentence.“daw paps. my lil bro baby bones.” Sans pat his innocent brothers shoulder.“You don’t have to do the lips! It can be their cheek or, or head, or their hand! Whatever you’d be comfortable with. But the first person who can’t think of a word is the first loser. To be fair, I’ll draw last.” You tear the napkins shorter and twist a single ones base. You stuff your fist with the bits out of sight before presenting your fist to the group.“Okay, everyone hold the one they want and pull them at the same time.” You had to stretch your arm a bit to reach all the way to Alphys and Sans, but eventually the mixed hands all grip a piece of napkin. Everyone flips them out; Papyrus is the victor.“Alright, so you think of a letter. Then it’s going to go towards Sans.” “Didn’t you say it would head towards their favori- Oooohhh.” Undyne shuts up and realizes Sans was seated to Papyrus’ right.“The next person only has thirty seconds to think of a word. No phones, no help. So you start whenever you’re ready.” You grin and lean back.“I!” Papyrus decided very quickly.“if.” As did Sans. You suddenly feel a heavy disadvantage against the brothers named after fonts. You don’t voice your concerns though.“F-Fly.” “Yell!” Undyne is so uproarious you almost didn’t hear Alphys. You snicker and shrug.“Level.” You grin as Papyrus glows with excitement.“LEDGER!” “respite.” “E-E-Engaging!” It was pretty fluid until it hit Undyne. You watched her eye squint and glare at the ceiling, her foot tapping.“Gratitude!!” She finally managed. You clapped and leaned back. Ten letters with an E…“Endorphins.” You smugly grinned at Undyne. You could tell from the confident stare she’d had that she probably wasn’t getting the next batch of words.“STYLIZATION!!” You giggled as Papyrus seemed very enthusiastic about the whole game.“nevertheless.” Sans had no trouble either. The brothers were definitely going to be one of the victors at this rate.“S-Seismographic!” You guffawed openly because it was completely out of left field. Of course Alphys knew about such a machine! Your giggling fit was amplified when you saw the terrified expression cross Undynes face. She is stressing out as the bars music fills the air.“COME ON UNDYNE!!” Papyrus cheers on as Undyne lets her head smack the back of the seating. You’re already pouring your shot of moonshine as she continues to think. The thirty second limit is well over but you haven’t the heart to tell her she’s lost.“Chronological!!” She finally managed with a wide grin.“That’s thirteen letters, not fourteen. Also, the time limit passed.” Her head drops to the table as she smacks it disdainfully.“Also, choreographing.” You slosh back the shot as her silent wails echo in the wood as she bangs the table, defeated.“GASTRONOMICALLY!!” “yangochiropteran.” You nearly choke up the drink as your eyes dart his way. His cocky smile is wide.“Oooohh, I-I-I haven’t heard that one in a while.” Alphys quips. “That’s a word?!!?” Undyne wailed angrily.“Neurotransmitters!” “You’re still going?!!?” You laugh as Undyne continues to be utterly flabberghasted. You doubted you’d last another round earnestly.“Sociopsychological.” You shrug to Undyne and lean against the table. Papyrus excitedly stalled. You could see him conjuring a multitude of words every second until he finally collapsed into the table.“FORGIVE ME BROTHER, SHE HAS BEATEN ME!! STAY STRONG FOR US BOTH!! I….I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, MUST FORFEIT!” Tears began to well in his eyes as you pat his back, comforting. Sans shrugged and stretched out comfortably.“lymphohistyocytosis.” “How the hell is this still going?!!?” Undyne demanded.“Semiautobiographical.” Alphys’ glasses adjust with a victorious sheen. You grumble and find the drink is finally getting to your head. It amazes you considering your actual alcohol tolerance is incredibly absurd despite your petite body. You don’t recall the last time anyone lasted over twenty letters. You give it some deep thought and recall a word your father had used and made you read to him for spelling. “Lymphangiographically.” You leaned back, smug. Sans blinked. It didn’t seem he'd expect the game to ever end.“Oh…I don’t think there is a twenty two letter word starting with Y.” Sans tapped his fingers on the table with a coy grin while Alphys stated fact.“clever girl. whelp, I forfeit.” He chugs at his ketchup bottle. Undyne smacks the table in horror.“I-I al-“ “I forfeit~!” You raise your glass in defeat. Undynes head pops up from her defeated arms in surprise.“Eh-Ee-Eh, but-“ “Undyne kissing me? Eew. I ain’t interested. Besides, I’m tipsy. Two fish ladies kissing isn't part of the plan. Congrats Alphys- you win by default!” You cheer to yourself and stand yourself up.“I’m going to check out the jukebox.” You hum as the startled silent table. You stroll over happily to the jukebox to see if there are any familiar tunes inside. You spot ‘LOVE’, ‘Barracuda’, ‘Rock Around the Clock’, even ‘La Bamba’. You desperately wanted to switch to one of the classics you’d had records for back home, but you didn’t have a quarter. Even then, the quarter slot was jammed with something questionable and dark blue. Dejectedly you spin about to find Sans right besides you.“come’ere often?” He waggled his eyebrows as you unconsciously snorted and shoved him lightly for the terrible execution.“I’ve got the bad feeling this jukebox doesn’t change songs.” “you’d be right.” You clicked your tongue and wept inside as the classics would rot away within. Grillby was offering boxes to the others as Undyne and Alphys scooted closer, both with little steam billowing over their head. Papyrus was signing each box as you leaned against the jukebox.“I wish tonight would last longer……but Papyrus has a curfew.” Sans chuckled at the thought. Your shoulders bumped together. The alcohol was definitely giving your heart a workout as it pattered around happily inside.“hey, Maya.” Sans cleared his throat and actually pulled his hands free of his pockets. He looked uneasy.“do you….when you drink, are you always--..” He seemed lost for words. You fully leaned against his side with your shoulders pressing. He appeared ready to stammer as you grinned mischievously.“are you always so open when you drink?” He finally managed. Your mischief turned to confusion.“Open? You mean, like, not nervous?” You asked for clarity.“eeerr, no no. um…wh-when you went over to Grillbz to get the drinks you….um-“ “Ah. Did my shirt raise too high?” You notice him jolt as you check it again. You couldn’t fathom that everything since the reset had occurred in one single day. It felt like the longest day of your life, and you were certain a shower was in order out of the crusty shorts and baggy shirt. You take a moment to blink in thought.“Were you staring at me leaning over the bar to Grillby?” You squinted at San as his cheeks began to change hue.“I-I wasn’t-“ He clears his throat. “I wasn’t looking on purpose. I was gonna-“ “What part were you looking at?” You lean closer into his space.“I didn’t-“ “I hope you weren’t able to see up my top. I was leaned on the bar so it must not have been that…oh man was my ass also-“ “It wasn’t your butt.” He abruptly intercepted as your mischievous grin returned. He threw up his hood to hide.“Wasn’t my butt, hmmmm? Ahah! It was my legs! When I had to do the little boost!” He leaned against the wall besides the jukebox to get more darkness to cover his face. It only sealed his fate as the blue had a glow to it. You giggled and shook his shoulder.“Oh Sans, if only all guys were kind like you.” You sighed. It seemed to pull him from the desolation.“Honestly, everybody’s got a fetish. Where I come from I’m pretty petite and er…set?” You don’t dare say endowed because that was an issue for not today for damn sure. “I’m so used to oglers when I just want to take a stroll! It’s unpleasant honestly. Parties and such are worse – I remember one guy who had a huge neck fetish. I think he thought he was a vampire or something. Anyways, I had my hair super short and he was just practically sniffing my nape for an hour straight!” you shudder at the memory and pull Sans’ hood back.“So the fact you had the decency to tell me I was vulnerable makes you a gentleman. And I don’t mind because I’m pretty sure the alcohol is just barely suppressing my total nervous spasms.” You smiled truthfully. He seemed unsure what to say. The table clattered, glasses spilling about. “THE WHAT?!” Undyne suddenly screeched. Papyrus looked troubled as you and Sans straightened.“what’s-“ “Say that again Paps!!” Undyne had broken a plate after it was rattle and shattered off the shuddering table.“Undyne, what’s the matter?” You came around while Sans checked on a uncertain Papyrus.“Paps just said there was a human named Frisk at their house!!” “Ah.” You’d forgotten to ask him to keep that secret to even Undyne. When nobody gave her an immediate solution she stood directly against you. You barred her way.“Move.” “N-Now Undyne, we can explain-“ “You’re defending that human?! The last Soul we need?!” “If I’m going to be a Defender of Hope then you need to realize Frisk is the Undergrounds hope, but not as just a Soul!!” Undynes grinding teeth were inches from your face. The sheer aura radiating off of her was earning your falter.“Humans are the ones who put us down here! Don’t you realize that?!” “I know that very well, but I know Frisk is the key to saving the Underground without anymore death necessary!!” She grabbed Sans’ jacket, a bit ripping away towards her nails.“How would you know what the Underground needs?!” “Because we’ve done this before!!” You grit your own fingers into her wrist.“Maya-“ “Don’t you dare say we can’t tell her at this point! If we don’t she’s going to kill Frisk!” Undynes elbow socks you right in the cheek. Thanks to your sturdy hold of her arms you both smack onto the ground as a result.“actually I was going to warn you.” “Well thanks!!” You holler and begin to wrestle Undyne down.“Get off of me!! We might be all friendly but I’ve known you one day! You know nothing of what I’ve done for the hope of these monsters!!!” “I know day and night you are ceaselessly looking for the final human, sometimes without rest! I know you look up to Gerson as your mentor and sometimes even paternally because he was there when you were a feisty little shit! You look out for the underdog first! We would train together and I’d teach you new fighting moves, and when you finally learnt them and thought you’d use them against me I had another to counteract it!!” Your muscles strained increasingly against her physical pressure.“You-You never say no to a challenge! You know the humans are weak but you justify them being the cause of your imprisonment as they don’t deserve mercy!!” You finally wedge her into a choke-hold on the ground. Her head comes back to bash yours a few times. Your blood mixes together with her bright red hair.“UNDYNE, PLEASE STOP! TH-THE HUMAN IS OKAY! THEY WANT TO HELP!!” Undyne continued to strain even as Papyrus pleaded. You turned your gaze to Alphys.“Alphys! I know what’s under the lab!” Her eyes shrunk and she began to shiver nervously.“I-I can help you fix it! We’ve done it before, but now I have the HP to be able to undergo the risks you wanted to take! Because you want to fix your mistakes!! Please, you have to believe me!” Alphys looked terrified. Sans spoke to her about something as your wrestling with Undyne resurfaced. She managed to throw you backwards with her and slam your head into a table. Your vision blurred instantly, redness smearing over your left eye until you had to close it.“U-UNDYNE!! UNDYNE STOP!! MAYA?!” Papyrus’ shouts became echoes. Your head stung incessantly as your strength finally gave. Undyne burst free of your hold and spun about ready to bash your face in. Her expression bore horror as her fist came to press a gentle palm in your cheek. A scalding heat besides you lulled you into darkness as you winced away the headache. “—MAYA CAME RUN-“ Papyrus’ shrill voice suddenly pierced your ear as you winced. Something warm and soft was pressed against the back of your skull as you leaned into the feeling more. Papyrus’ voice was coming in and out of your awareness.“AFTER---------EXPLAINED ABOUT FR-------------SCOOPED HIM UP-----------THIS IS OUR WHIT----------AAAANNDD THAT’S THE WH------QUESTIONS?!”“Can you shut up and go to bed?!” Floweys voice was very distinctive as you shot up immediately.“Flowey-!” As you rose a stabbing pain in the back of your head riddled you with tears. Through your watery vision you saw everyone was gathered in the brothers’ living room reading over the whiteboard of far too many notes. Frisk stood and ran over to ease you back. Sans had you resting on his shoulder with a green glowing packet of sorts behind you. Once you settled back into the packet the sharp pain faded.“Maya..” Frisk was feeling your hand lovingly with bulbous tears dribbling from their eyes.“Hey…kiddo. You should go to sleep. It must be late.” Your next attempt to rise was instantly thwarted by Sans.“don’t move small fry. ye got a crater in the back of your head.” Undyne flinched on the sidewall, farthest from the entire party.“IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU COMING TO AWARENESS MAYA!! I’VE JUST FINISHED SUMMARIZING WHAT YOU ALL HAD TO SHARE!” Papyrus couldn’t resist yawning. It was certainly late then.“So the only folk who recall these ‘Resets’ are these guys?” Undyne jabbed her finger to the couch – Alphys was analyzing the entire white board more thoroughly, so she wasn’t counted.“And Flowey.” Frisk added. Undyne didn’t seem capable of meeting Frisks eyes, but if they were in the same room and neither one dead you were willing to compromise. The packets glow was diminishing slowly as you rolled your head lightly to your left. Your eyes were level with Sans chin. Awareness of the close proximity earned you a burning cheek and fin. Pulling yourself upwards with the green pack you scooted away just an inch from Sans. You kept it pressed gently as you gave him a minor smile. He stretched out his legs and mushed his hands into his parkas pocket.“in short, kiddo here befriends the underground.” “And after that?” Undynes glare fixated onto Sans. Alphys shuffled over to your side.“A-Are you fe-feeling b-b-better?” She faintly tilted your head to peek at the wound. Her scrunching face of pain was enough of a diagnosis.“What happened?” “U-Un-d-dyne didn’t d-do it on pu-purpose! Y-You hit y-your he-he-head o-o-o-on the corner o-of a ta-t-table.” She reached over and put a little fresh magic into the packet behind you. It hummed and warmed, revitalized. The others were starting up an argument but you were too fixated on Alphys and groaning with a headache to care at the instant.“Gr-Grillby t-threw us out an-and Undyne pa-p-paid for the damages. S-Sans and Pa-Papyrus brought us h-h-here w-where we of-officially me-m-m-met F-Frisk.” Frisk gave a little grin and smile. Alphys didn’t seem as hateful towards Frisk, but she wasn’t sure what to do with their excitable attitude.“And then Papyrus and Sans explained everything! Are you feeling better?” Frisk finalized for Alphys and laid their head upon your lap.“A…bit. I’m not unconscious. How long have I..?” You murmured and kept trying to rise. The pain continued to lessen steadily. Papyrus had joined into the enlarging argument.“About an h-h-hour.” Alphys checked the clock as you forced yourself to sit upwards.“It must almost be midnight then……Frisk, you should go to bed.” You noted spotting the sleep squinting their already thin almond eyes.“No no! We should talk things through this and plan out for what comes next!” Frisk enthusiastically insisted. It wasn’t a few seconds later when a yawn escaped them.“Everyone has had…..a long day.” You said in simpler terms. The life force you’d maintained was quickly dwindling for the incessantly long and busy day. You gave little prayers they weren’t all going to be this hectic.“We should all get some rest, sleep on it, and collaborate tomorrow afternoon.” You ruffle their hair and watch a little yawn escape them. Despite Papyrus’ involvement in the verbal scrap, he looked ready to collapse onto any mattress. You reached around Frisk and pushed up with your legs. After properly rising with yourself and the child you hug them close. Frisk held around your neck, nuzzling into your shoulder with a pleased hum.“You must need to do some thinking too, Alphys.” “O-Oh no—I mean, ye….yes.” Her nervousness was coming up again as you resituated Frisk within your grasp.“I’m sorry to have upset you….at dinner.” The mention really sent her into unstable shivering. You frowned but kept your eyes on her.“I’m willing to help fix them in any way I can. Just let me know if that’s what you want.” Her trembling eyes looked up, meeting yours. She gave the slightest nod while Frisk went slack. You carefully made your way over to the screeching group.“I don’t see how you are handling this so calmly!!” “I CERTAINLY WASN’T CALM IN THE BEGINNING OF THE TALE, BUT I TRUST SANS AND MAYA!!! MY BROTHER WOULDN’T LIE ABOUT THESE THINGS, AND FRISK IS A GENTLE HUMAN RIGHT NOW!” “There!! ‘Right now’ doesn’t mean shit!!! Y-You’re putting all this ridiculous trust of yours in the wrong monsters!! Sans is more likely to be lying than anyone I’ve ever known!!!” “tibia honest-“ “Shut up with the puns!!! How can you, Mr. Scientist, say your little nightmares hold any weight?! Time travel?!!? ‘Reset’s?!? This isn’t real!!!” You wish you hadn’t come over to coax Papyrus to bed. Sans’ expression had darkened considerably, but more than that he looked emotionally exhausted.“Hey, Undyne-“ “I don’t want to hear a damn word from you!! I trust you the least right now!!! You pop up out of nowhere in my home, sprint over here, and suddenly Sans and Papyrus are saying deranged crap about the human being the Angel! Humans don’t have magic!!! They can’t do this ridiculous ‘Reset’!! If there’s anybody earning my suspicions for their sudden change it’s you, ‘Maya’!!” She jabbed her finger repeatedly into your unoccupied shoulder. Your eyes filled with terror – the suspicion wasn’t applied correctly, but it was your worst nightmare. Undyne doubting your existence. She had the resources to dig deeper; to find nothing of ‘Maya’. Initially you would have diverted her attention elsewhere or simply fled like you always did. You wept. Undyne had easily become your closest friend down her in fast time. You were so open alongside her with a feeling of empowerment. Even as you’d hidden the truth away she’d never shunned you or doubted you. Even this time around she’d already stood up for you and joined you for a night out. Now, though, she seethed and accused you accordingly. Your pleas and fighting spirit evaporated as you let the tears trickle over your face. The fuming rage uncurled from hers. You didn’t dare upset her further if you could help. You turned towards Sans; the darkness had grown.“Where can I put Frisk down for bed?” You murmured behind a sniffle. Frisk had riled awake and squeezed you tightly.“I—I WOULD LIKE THE HUMAN TO SLEEP IN MY ROOM TONIGHT. I WILL BE UP SHORTLY FOR A BEDTIME STORY.” Papyrus was even docile to the growing stagnant air. You only managed to nod and cut through the group to ascend the stairs. Undyne made a few strangled sounds from behind but you didn’t turn back. You jiggled Papyrus’ doorknob and made it inside.Even in the darkness his room was a young teenage boy level of cool. You appreciated the dedication to all of the items as you carried Frisk over to an awesome car bed. As you settled Frisk down onto the mattress they refused to let you go.“Ca-Can you stay a minute?” They whispered. You nodded against their head as they finally pulled away. You used the sheets to dab away their tears.“A-Are you scared of Undyne? Be-Because you’re human?” Frisk bravely asked. You blinked through your own tears and gave a brief nod. Frisk had hold of your hand and was running their thumb over the back of it.“I was very afraid of Undyne when I first fell down. I was scared of everyone. But I learned how generous and loving everyone was.” You pushed Frisks hair aside to keep the tears from getting stuck.“Even better, everyone has great décor! Undyne has a huge buster sword. Alphys has tons of anime collectibles. Even Papyrus has a sick flaming rug- and a car bed! I wish I had asked for a car bed as a tot.” You wanted to draw the conversation from Undyne. You didn’t want to let yourself dwell on her words. Frisk blinked a bit and settled more into the pillow. They looked at you with lidded eyes.“What was your family like? Your childhood?” They suddenly asked. You weren’t sure this conversation was perchance better then one involving Undyne. You took a hefty breath to instill your courage.“My family is…small. But powerful. My mother is a corporate executive for a large branch of renowned restaurants. My father is a successful stand-alone writer. Because they both have busy work schedules but paid heavily I was……that rich kid who didn’t really have their parents around.” You found yourself shrugging. Frisk watched you with wonder and sadness.“They would give me anything I wanted as long as it didn’t make me a bother. My father tried to make time for me, but I grew up to realize I was wasting his time. My mother…we didn’t talk unless it was about my grades or extra lessons.” You sat on the bedside and thumbed over Frisks hand.“It grew to be so suffocating: piano lessons, etiquette training, a diet plan, school committee. They wanted to me to uptake all of these responsibilities that I saw as the only solution to them giving me any acknowledgement. Yet when I succeeded they pushed me harder. When I failed, I was a failure all my own. Since I had very little confidence because of that from a young age I was often bullied. My mother didn’t understand, or didn’t care, and simply knew I wasn’t worth her time.” Frisks grip was growing tighter as you went on.“The diet plan stunted my growth. My etiquette training made me seem like a snob. Piano helped for perhaps a week before I was ridiculed as a show-off. You know, the standardized ‘rich kid’ trope you see in all the movies and novels.” You snickered because you remembered reading dozens of books that made you think it was your life.“One day though I witnessed something beautiful: dance. I was brought to a musical by my father because his close friend was the theaters proprietor. And I watched with awe and amazement as forms gave physicality to emotions. It mostly consisted of ballet, but it was the first thing that had truly caught my eye. Mother listened to my plea to dance as long as nothing else on my schedule took up space. After the very first class, I was hooked.” You tapped your feet to a memorable rhythm against the rug.“Eventually, though, everything grew heavy on me. I fell into depression at a very young age. My father and mother visited me in the hospital where I was to get help. They actually looked like parents then…” You took a moment to recompose yourself.”...They discussed my regimen and schedule. My diet plan was finally cancelled, albeit too late to matter. The doctor insisted I have more time to myself…they wanted to cancel my dance classes.” “I didn’t beg – I screamed. I was the epitome of a temper tantrum and more. Their shocked faces didn’t last long; mother was red with rage. I ran away from home for the first time that day. I didn’t make it far from the house before they had the police wrangle me up. My mother cancelled my dance lessons and blamed my father for even dragging me to that musical. They fought every night afterwards to the point I wished for them to shut up and disappear…….About two weeks later they divorced under the terms my father was caught cheating with his assistant.” You sighed and rubbed your neck.“My father managed to get joint custody, but it was perhaps a few times a month. He moved away immediately after the divorce to his own personal loft condo. Whenever he visited though he’d take me to see a musical or theater show, to lift my spirits. I lived with my mother. I’m not sure why she wanted joint custody – she spoke to me perhaps twice a week at best. I saw very little of her afterwards, and when she did acknowledge me it was with clear contempt.““I became an escape artist after the divorce. Since my mother was never home she had security guards with ever-changing schedules. It didn’t work out the best so I was often out partying, wasting away under a bottle and a crowd. Alcohol…makes me a rather unpleasant person to be with.” You did not want to jump into that subject. NOPE. “But I found these side pockets of street fighting and dance parties. And that’s where I was most every night I could be.”“Once I entered highschool, my mother essentially disowned me. She knew all along I had been sneaking out so I was only given one guard to inform her when I was home or not. She ignored me every time afterwards. I realigned my schedule – I’d come to like Jason more so I cut back on a lot of my nightly outings, but I certainly didn’t stop. I took fighting and self-defense classes. I got into dance programs. I even was in theater every year of highschool with my old friend Pete.”“Overall, I had a crummy upbringing. I don’t talk to my mother at all unless she calls. She only calls if there is a formal gathering though. My dad calls a lot, talking about his story and his assistant who became his lover. I support them and have tons of love for my dad. He didn’t support me eloping with Jason, but he never thought I did it to besmirch him. He’d always tried to make things right…” You looked at the ceiling, wishing you could see the stars. Your father loved to write books about romance and they often included scenes under a vast expanse of stars. You always knew it was his favorite scene to write because he would go into depth and serene detail.“I guess the little thing I’m trying to piece together is…follow what you want to do but don’t push away the ones you love.” You finalize a sweetly smile at Frisk. They’re sniffling in tears and nodding excessively. Their other hand grips onto yours.“I-I think you are amazing as you are.” Frisk whimpers between little sucks of air. You can feel your eyes grow wet as you lean over to peck their forehead.“Sorry to give you something sad to think about. It’s in the past now. Don’t let it get to you and get some sleep.” You tuck them in and drag yourself onto your feet. Your head throbbed but you were still smiling as you left Frisk to fade into their dreams. Outside was a surprise as you’d been ready for a waking nightmare. Undyne had been pacing by the door, glaring at Flowey that was for whatever reason in a Chinese take-out container now. Papyrus looked about ready to collapse as he leaned on the whiteboards edge. Alphys and Sans were going over something but everyone froze as you creaked against the first step.“OH, MAYA. IS THE HUMAN FRISK ASLEEP?” Papyrus’ sockets were heavy and it looked like he’d dislocate his lower jaw with every yawn.“Yeah. Had to read a bedtime story for them so it…took a bit.” You summarize and finally reach the bottom of the stairs. Even Flowey had lost some of his aggressive energy to a contagious yawn. Everyone got starkly quiet except for the weary sighs. You wouldn’t stand it.“I’ll head out first.” You insist. Sans stepped gently into your path towards the door.“you’re welcome to stay the night-“ “No…..No, I’ll……I’m gonna head out.” You didn’t have the energy to fight him on the matter as you ignored the jacket he’d let you borrow besides the door to slip on Undynes spare boots.“Alphys…are you heading out with Undyne?” You ensured at least Alphys was going to be okay. She nervously let her head flick between you and Undyne and mouth gaped like she wanted to say something. You nodded to yourself; it was a dumb question.“Night then.” You muttered. The door practically banged open because a heavy flurry was still plummeting down.“ER, M-MAYA-“ You didn’t hear the remainder of Papyrus call as you had to slam the door against the persistent winds. Without the skeletons warmth you faced the utterly frigid night alone, though you knew it was a short walk to relaxing ponds. Your muscles screamed at your stupidity as you barely pulled through the onslaught. You shivered violently for a minute as you shook the snow from your hair. You hadn’t had the miserable notion of nowhere to sleep since back in your escapades of the night. A jog would warm you up, but you lacked the enthusiasm and energy. You declined the brothers merely because you felt guilt. Telling Undyne and Alphys certainly wasn’t in the initial plan, and you looked back on the fear and anger it had birthed. Perhaps Sans knew they would react this way.But you failed. He wanted to keep it hush and to himself because he’d already tried. Now you suffered the consequences. You felt a little piece of you become dull and hateful as it always had. A little hard rock of blame.“-a-“ You had reached the little connector of pools mindlessly and loomed over the water edge. The cyan water mixed and bubbled, fish passing by on their peaceful way. In Waterfall the upper ceiling was littered with gems. You could almost spot little ones that resembled stars, but you were one of the only ones who knew these couldn’t compare.“-ay-!” You blinked from your stupor, awareness returning. You heard the rivers creaking, thin veins of water dribbling down the cave walls. Heavy foot falls fast approach- “MAYA-!!” Undyne’s ferocious speed caught up to you instantly. Her inability to stop though left you knocking heads. Your skull screamed with the prior ache as you instantly squatted down and hissed. Undyne shook her head wildly to try and numb the feeling away.“Don’t walk off on your own! You’ve only been down her a couple of times, right?!” She growled as you rubbed your forehead. You didn’t have the courage to speak back to her. Your useless reminisce was forcing you to recall your often shouting mother. Her huffing eased and she began to pace again. She was biting her lip, clearly troubled. She crashed herself onto the ground and crossed her legs tightly. A box you hadn’t paid much mind rested in her lap as she leaned onto it. She glared you down as you crumpled back a bit.“They said…y-you’re an anomaly. That, previously, you probably didn’t exist.” Undyne scowled off towards the water.“You just showed up two times ago! Th-That’s ridiculous though!! You’re--! Graaah.” She bumped her head into the box as you sighed and removed the boots. You hoisted up the leggings from your still cold legs and deposited them into the flowing current. Undyne didn’t follow, but she set herself at the water’s edge alongside you. You couldn’t muster any words and just listened to the silence and babbling water trickle away.“It’s just- you’ve—NGhhh!” Undyne cut herself off again as she scratched fiercely at her scalp. You tried not to stare or think of mother berating you.“I’ve only known you for today, but it feels like I’ve known you for a long time!! Like we’re good friends and shit! But then there’s this-this time-travel bullshit and—what am I supposed to trust?! I’m not smart like Alph! I don’t have Paps optasmim!! I’ve only ever known to hunt Humans, and now you’re all saying this Human—!!” Every instance she tries to take her frustration out on the box she reels herself back in.“Optimism.” You instinctually correct. Undynes face deadpans and she squints at you.“See? That feels familiar! Aggravatingly familiar!!! But I don’t remember anything!! All I know is what you lot seem to say, so how can I trust what’s real and what maybe happened?!” Undynes fury has her kick the water. Immediately she cusses as she’d not removed her boots beforehand. She tapped the box irately, but looked at your face properly.“I’m-just—y’know?! About before?” “Her face was darkened with blush. Your eyes grew in surprise.“Apology accepted?” You questioned as her face heated further.“GOOD! ALPH SAID TO, SO I DID!” Your grin occurred with a scoff of shock. Undyne apologizing like this was very new. “Did she get home alright?” You inquire as Undyne’s embarrassment returns to hotheaded rage.“You think I left her there!? PFFTT! I paid for her river ride since walking in that storm is stupid!!!” “You could’ve rode with her. Instead you walked her to the river then came this way.” The blush returned.“It-It’s faster this way!!” “Your house is right next to the river drop off.” You found a light giggle that you kept inside. Some semblance of peace was returning. Once again she kept from inflicting harm onto the box as your curiosity finally rose.“What’s with the box?” “Huh?! Oh! Er.” She awkwardly opened it. Flowey glowered at you miserably tired.“Flowey? Why are you in there?” “I hate that damn smiley trashbag.” He growled with a withering stem.“You mean he got fed up with your sass.” You clarify and pull your legs out of the water. You noted a few cans of beer sloshing around inside as well; a trap.“Papyrus mentioned this friggin’ weed was important and had the most information so I got pegged with him.” Undyne grit her teeth and poked at Floweys petals. He hissed and formed a few spinning pellets. You watched them pelt her in the face and do relatively no damage at all. A dangerous grin crossed her cheeks as a spear emerged in her free hand.“Cocky little weed!” You immediately grip the box away from Undyne to preserve Floweys life.“He’s just a whiney brat without his nap.” You peer inside again. Floweys vines were thwarted to the size of his container apparently as his little snaps didn’t even reach past the lid. He wore himself out quickly but continued to glare at you harshly. You reached down into the water to cup a sip of water before pouring it into the back of his pot. He jolted and wriggled around with eyes screwed shut.“Sorry. I thought you might’ve needed water.” “Well warn me next time!! You dumb anomaly!!!” He chucked a spare pellet into your forehead. A little 1 popped into your vision, but you felt relatively nothing. Spears now buzzed to life in both of Undynes hands.“Give ‘im here.” She warned with a grinchy grin. You sat yourself up and carried the box away. A spear flew dangerously past you as you found the will to run. “Maya!! Give me that little shit!”“He’s still just a kid, don’t swear so much!”“Let me out of this fucking pot NOW!!”“See?! He’s already a little shit! Hand’im over!!!”As you narrowly dodged Undynes spears and dealt with the cussing onslaught and stray pellets, you found yourself smiling. You wanted to cry, but you couldn’t help but smile earnestly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Undyne looks ready to rip the fabric from the mattress. You dejectedly stand to the side with Flowey and his extra box containment. He also was unamused with her struggle.“Why do you insist on this?” You have to shout for her hearing since all that filled it was likely curses.“Because it’s a fucking sleepover!” She roared and took hold of the mattress on each side. The door frame creaked with dismay and wear.“Why can’t we both just sleep on the bed then?” Her head swiveled to you, her hair parting with the wind pressure, a gleaming eye revealed. You’re uncertain if you’re supposed to be intimidated with her sheer ferocity.“I AIN’T SLEEPING IN THE SAME BED AS YOU!! WHAT DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?!” Her barking included manly hand gestures. Your expression hollowed out with fatigue.“Is it because we’re both girls? I know you’ve got the hots for Alphys alr-“ The door frame cracks as an instantaneous surge of strength rips the mattress through a bit. Undynes face goes dark and sweaty, nervous.“Wh-Wha-What a-are you on ‘bou-“ “You already know I know things that happened before.” Her pupil shrunk as red matching her hairs hue wisped and flushed her cheeks. She goes through a series of embarrassed motions before reattaching her grip to the mattress.“I can just sleep on the floor if you’re so-“ “JUST CAN IT!! STOP TALKING!” Her demands were met with a shrug of acceptance. She was insisting to drag the mattress besides her low-ground table that she would sleep on with a batch of cushions. You didn’t inquire why she had no couch this time. Everything else was the same, the piano perhaps with a slight bit more dust accumulated over the keys. It was nearing a decade since you’d last touched the fine keys and your desires only retained dormancy if out of sight. But if someone threw you a guitar you’d snatch it up immediately.Amidst your thoughts Undyne had managed to tear the mattress halfway through the doorway. You grieved and stepped closer to the frame, a diligent crack spread upwards across its frame. You winced and considered the houses integrity.“Undyne, have you tried to bend it?” She stilled and squinted at you, bothered at your interference.“I know how to do this.” “I’m just saying that if you curled the ends towards one frame and the center towards the other side it might be easier. But hey. It’s your door.” You yawned and shimmied over towards the piano. Despite your relaxation against its back you didn’t miss her coy kick at the base in order to adjust the edge. It’s effects were nearly immediate as it wedged farther outwards.“This is ridiculous!!” Floweys teeth bared at you. It didn’t suit his sleepy expression.“Which part of it?” “All of it!! You’re just a fragmented anomaly, memories or not! You never existed before in this story so you’re unneeded!! So why are you the one screwing everything up?! If anyone’s going to mess with this place, its me!!!!” His face contorted into a nightmarish disguise. You turned away, briefly intimidated. Despite your safer status and Undynes vigilance you weren’t comfortable with the flower. But Frisk desired to save him and the mysterious man. You would support that cause, that kindness. It didn’t dissipate his past actions from your memory. The choking thorns and dastardly cackle were perhaps imprinted in your mind at the sight of yellow petals. However, his potted miniscule form dispelled his threatening aura. It may be the only reasoning you didn’t set him down and wander away.“Isn’t that more interesting then for you? The unknown of it all?” You earnestly ask and peek down. His head shook angrily as his teeth grind together.“You can just watch chaos unfold naturally. Just grab some popcorn or something.” A genuine brief smile finds itself on your lips. His tightening glare sends it back into hiding. Undyne stumbles backwards towards you. The mattress finally popped out the endangered doorframe. The top had a few bent cracks in the thin wood paneling. You felt your very energy deflate as she victoriously hurled the mattress towards the houses center. She splayed it out beside the table and her eye twinkled with accomplishment.“And you doubted me! Fuhuhuhu!!” She posed gloriously as you groaned and approached the mattress. You threw her two pillows to the table.“It’s not that I doubted you’d get the mattress through. I doubted your poor houses structural integrity.” You chose to whisper out the last half seeing as she was reveling in her little victory. She took the spare tough cushions off each stool and planted them onto the table. The table was almost perfect height to match the mattress. She clapped her hands victoriously and rushed into her bedroom.“I’m gettin’ dressed!!! NO PEEKING!!” Her demands were accompanied with the door slamming shut. You pitied the doorframe, perching yourself onto the mattress in your thought. Floweys glare is sincere yet doesn’t fit with his sleep bobbing head.“Um…I-If you’re tired-“ “I’m not tired!!!” Flowey flung a stray pellet at your cheek as it went whizzing past. It disintegrated into the wall. You picked up his pot and carried him free of the box. Once settled onto the tables wood you scooted to the opposing side and leaned on it.“I don’t know the last little kid I met that was as antagonistic as you.” You drearily murmur. Each blink had your eyes creasing shut, but you maintained a vigilance for vines or pellets. Your comment was met with silence as you inspect him; no witty remarks.“E-Everyone here has a Soul! But that gives them stupid feelings and dreams!! Only the strong survive!!” “Asgore has a Soul. Undyne does. So do Sans and Papyrus. Toriel and Alphys. As do I and Frisk. I don’t think a Soul factors into your strength.” He quakes with anger as you relax more into the table.“I also distinctly remember you trying to absorb those human Souls for that very reason.” Your fingers drum on the sleek pine table. It still had a mild smell to it. You weren’t sure the effects of completely sleeping on the still wood but your resting head was blurring with sleep.“Powers comes with responsibilities. But you’re a kid. So is Frisk. I don’t see how making them the pinnacle for monster kind is going to be a good idea..” You admit dejectedly. Floweys retort is cut off as Undyne busts out of the bedroom. She has a dragon onesie stretched over her. There is a sincere struggle as you try to not bust out laughing instantly.“Nerd!! I got this and you can use it! So CHANGE!!” Undynes screeching doesn’t help your exhaustion. With a yawn you rise and receive clothing in your face. It falls eloquently into your palms as you pad into the much emptier bedroom. Once the door shuts with a click you unravel the clothing. It’s a silky nightgown. It was clearly for more seductive purposes but your accursed height had it dangling peacefully above your knees. You lacked all energy to lecture about the skimpy garment. Your own clothing was sweat through, slathered with snow and muck. If you stayed in it any longer you’d certainly meld with the fabric. You stripped and groaned as the clock continued to tick away. The silk danced off your scales as you regretfully had to completely strip. A spare set of panties was settled on the backboard of her bed. Sincere curses spilled from your lips as you helped up the thongs slightly nicer cousin. Scantily clad you gather up a spare splayed blanket that had slipped onto the ground and robe yourself inside it.“About time! Come on I want to start the sleepover!” Undyne yanked a Funion bag from her cupboards and slid onto her table. With a light roll she wound up perfectly on the cushions she’d fashioned similar to a camping mattress.“Well?! What’re you standing there for?” She egged you forwards. Flowey had been returned to his box and struggled for consciousness.“Undyne, firstly is this really all you had?” Your words were discordance as she loudly gnawed into the Funions.“Oh! There was ah resint heavy raw-“ A heavy gulp rolls down her gullet as you carry yourself slowly towards the mattress swathed in the blanket.“We had a heavy rainfall recently, and it was right when I was doing my damn laundry! So no!” She guffawed heartily as you smoothed the sheets and crumbled into a ball. You settled into the mattress immediately with a wave of exhaustion.“Now it’s time to TALK!” “No thanks. Good night.” You yawn out most of the words and roll over in your space.“Whaa- AW COME ON!! You know shit about me, it’s only fair that it’s your turn to fess up shit!! It’s a sleepover!” Her arm leaned in to shake your shoulder. She rolled you back to her defiant smug grin. A sigh exhaled deeply as you buried your face between your arms.“Like what?” “I don’t know? You got a family?” She turned towards your side and faced you properly.“Not necessarily a good one, but yeah.” You murmur and get comfy. You hear Floweys breathing shallow and slow, Undyne quiets. Her clothing ruffles awkwardly on the tabletop.“Do you?” You iterate back at her. Her unique laughter slips through as the houses energy relaxes.“I thought you knew everything.” She heckles as you peer away. “We didn’t talk about everything. Just a handful of things. There wasn’t much time to grow close..” Uncomfortably you shuffle further underneath your blanket. Her lone eye eases with lax.“My mum. She’s a workaholic in the city. Schedules kinda clash so I don’t get to see her, but we message. Pops was a war hero. What ‘bout your folks?” You’ve bundled your legs upwards towards your chest and let the sleep naturally wash over you.“Moms a corporate lady. My dads an artist. They’ve always been hard on me since a very young age. I don’t have any memories of affection between us. Not like it matters- since moving I didn’t care.”“Seriously? You’re just exaggerating.” “Wish it. Dad tried to make up for stuff. Every action came with it’s air of professionalism and duty though..” You recalled that theatre. That lovely play that inspired your dance dreams. Amidst the finales bows and filing out, father ignored your begging enthusiasm and introduced you to the orchestrator and piano player of the orchestra set.All things came with strings, discernible or not. “UNDYNE!! WE’VE ARRI-“ “Sshh!!” You twitched and toiled on the stiff mattress. Sleep coerced you still as intentionally light footsteps came in around you. A fraction of your brain was acknowledging the brothers arriving with Frisk, but your exhaustion didn’t care. The lack of sunlight through the windows made it impossible to discern the time of day. Papyrus seemed too punctual a skeleton to allow it to be past perhaps 10 though. Your morning jog energy didn’t exist this day as you snuggled back into the blankets.“see ya ‘avin’ a late breakfast.” Sans’ drawling enunciation confirmed your concerns of that shattering plate earlier. You’d set it to the back of your dream filled mind. You still did so while curling into the blankets.“This trash fish nearly brought the house down last ni-“ Floweys insults were cut off with something plopped into his mouth.“Can it.” Sans was met with Floweys muffled screeches. Something sizzled on the stovetop.“WE SHOULD WAKE MAYA! WHISPER.” “I was lettin’ her sleep. Looked like it was nightmares all night for ‘er.” Undynes own earlier morning drawl was showing as you fumbled and flipped hoping your stirring would ensure silence.“GHASTLY MARES OF THE NIGHT CANNOT HARM MAYA IN THE PRESENCE OF PAPYRUS!!” Your body nearly bounces with the mattress as you imagine Papyrus just flopped himself beside your head. You groaned to the fleeting ambition of more rest with the brothers present. Papyrus must’ve thought the nightmares had returned as his hands are fidgeting over your head. He’s muttering a mantra or something. It’s too precious as you fake your snooze a bit longer.“you’re so awesome bro.” Sans must also plop onto the mattress as his voice had neared.“INDEED! THE SMILING JOYFUL AMAZING AURA I RADIATE WILL SOAK INTO MAYA’S SUBCONSCIOUS AND HER DREAMS WILL BE EQUALLY FULL OF SMILES, JOY, AND AMAZEMENT!!” Your suppressed snicker unfortunately escapes. There is a beat of silence. Little fingers prod and tickle the backs of your legs as you squeak.“busted.” “I was trying to keep sleeping. But I felt this loving amazing energy and I just had to wake up and welcome an incredible morning.” You immediately justify behind your closed lids. You peek through to ensure Papyrus wasn’t offended- he looked rather jubilant and honored. You caught Frisk, the leg poker, with your blanketed legs. They giggled as you kept them perfectly trapped and settled back into the hard mattress.“BUT YOU HAVE WOKEN ALREADY!! YOU MUST GREET THE DAY WITH A SMILE AND GOOD ORAL HEALTH!” Papyrus cheered practically in your eardrum. You restrained the exhausted groan from running loose and acquiesced. You rose and popped your shoulders, kicking way the hefty blankets. Bones clattered to the ground and scared you terribly. Jumping backwards towards the table you survey the noise maker. Sans had collapsed backwards onto the ground. His zipped hood had fallen back, hiding his skull but not the overwhelming blue tint encompassing his skull that radiated off like a gentle glow.“Jesus, don’t scare me! What’s wrong?” You’d been ignoring Papyrus’ odd noises in favor of Sans ridiculous reaction. Something hard and metal smacks over your head before a very cold touch encompasses and dazes you.“Ow?” You’re still stunned and confused, your arms trapped. Peeking down Papyrus has slammed his battle body armor overtop you. He now paces the living area, a bright orange hue similar to his brothers. He had a form fitting black turtleneck beneath it giving haunting visage he really is just a skeleton with his pressed ribs underneath leaving shape. Corset cinchers could eat their hearts out. After letting yourself marvel at Papyrus’ form you’d not seen you finally peek down. You were still clothed. Although the silky sleepwear was a tad revealing nothing important was out and about. Undyne got an uproarious laughter after finally turning about to see your predicament.“YO-YOU LOOK LIKE A FRIGGIN’ MOLDSMAL ON A ROCK!!!” You twisted your crazily splayed hair with your head to glare at Undyne who doubled over laughing. She leaned on the countertop to stabilize herself. You sigh as your head rests on the armor.“Sorry for the clothes. I’ll got put something else on.” You morosely grumble into the armor for the brothers.“wh-wha- what now?” Sans stuttering has you angrily glaring backwards at Undyne. She was no help, lost to another fit of giggling.“I-I-I-W-WIL-WILL FE-FETCH S-SP-SPARREESS!!” Papyrus’ voice turns into a cavernous echo once he tumbleweed vaults from the window. Frisk claps energetically to the display before crawling over to your predicament.“All of you. All of you are idiots.” Floweys amazed remarks don’t go unheard, merely ignored. You attempt to rise but falter. Despite your increased strength the armor doesn’t bend or give to your pressure. You gaped at Papyrus wearing this and moving about so freely and find terrifying new respect towards him.You squeak as Frisk takes a little gap entrance and cozies into your temporary hide. You completely just huddled into the rather spacious hut as Frisk came up to peek out. Sans seems to have regained some of his sanity. He’s bunched up his hood and is glaring from the inside.Undyne finally clatters a stack of pancakes behind you on the table with a cocky grin. You glared at her promptly and mentally measured the collars width.“Frisk, head out. I might be able to get out through the top.” You request. Frisk nods, their little hair tickling your chest and legs as they reverse out the bottom. You fumble around and get one arm out.“he-hey, don’t even think it.” Sans warns as you affix your glare to him. Undyne prods at the armor gleefully and you fumble around inside.“Just close your eyes, I’ll go to the bedroom and change!” You grumble and fidget with your other shoulder. It comes out with ease thankfully.“wha—n-no wait ya got the wrong-“ You’re ignoring him promptly so you can get to the only edible food Undynes made since you could recall. Of course your chest and other shoulder give you trouble.“I realize it’s scanty or whatever so just don’t look!” “will ya just gimme a sec to explain-“ “Go Maya go!” Frisk had interrupted him with sideline cheering as you’re now slightly stuck.“Undyne, do you care to help-“ You don’t even have to finish your sentence as her smirking expression and pancake filled cheeks watch on bemused by the countertops.“Screw you then.” You choose to brute force it and leverage with your free arm, arching your back.“hey, small fry. just wait for paps to come back.” He interjects. He’s neared now, arms raised and trying to calm you. The gesture is lost to your growling stomach and sleep crusted eyes.“I’m tired, I’m hungry, and I am not about to swelter in this armor Sans. So either help me or look away. I knew it was too small.” Self-consciously you try to adjust the fabric. You give another briefly painful push.“I don’t care ‘bout your bod, so will you just relax? you’re gonna hurt-” You pop free as Sans nears. He looked like he was going to push you back in. Your breath of freedom was short lived. Your exuberance dies down as his words quickly loop in your head with a downward spiral of negativity. Frisk is cheering despite you assuredly not making a happy expression.“Ayee, good for you-!” Undyne chokes on her food, thumping her chest profoundly hard. Sans has returned to his glowing blue hues. Frisk pounced in as you warily stepped out of the armors confines.“Ah! I like your socks!” Frisk hastily commented. Your flattened expression finally peered down. Your horribly disgusting socks from yesterday had accidentally remained on your feet amidst your late night forgetting. A toe had broken through and wriggled outside the useless pair. You feel something like a nerve pinch as you meander over towards the window. His words sarcastically ran through your head, like a joke. You ripped off both socks and hurled them through the exploded window pane. Turning back, both monsters were still incredibly tense. Heavy footfalls and the banging open doorway reveals a sweating Papyrus lugging around a set of clothes.“I—I’VE RETURNED WI-HIIEE!!” Papyrus jumps upwards like a school girl upon noticing you. He does a hasty glance over your body before immediate relief settles in his bones.“HOW IN THE UNDERGROUND DID YOU MANAGE TO ESCAPE MY AMAZING ARMOR!? YOU ARE QUITE SKILLED.” His eyes squint with mystery as you near and accept the clothes.“Thanks Papyrus..” You lightly drawl and focus only on getting to the bedroom. You keep your head trained to the floor the whole way, Papyrus’ speech in the background turning into disconnected noise. Behind the steadily shut door you find nothing but the mirror glaring at you.“I don’t care about your bod—I don’t care about your bod—I don’t care—I don’t care-“You groan with frustration, nearly collapsing onto a non-existent mattress. You didn’t know what feeling this was. You were flustered over your clothing choice as it revealed your body uncomfortably. You were effectively aware of it now in the midst of the morning! But Sans didn’t care one bit. The turmoil of embarrassment and disappointment scream curses from that mirror as you rip off the nightgown and chuck it into the dirty clothes pile. Then glaring deep into the reflection your doubts grow.Are monsters not into bodies? That would make sense, but at all? Or is it the opposite – he’s repulsed by it? Did he really kiss me spontaneously? I’m certainly the bizarre one in this scenario. Oh god what if he really is repulsed by my appearance?! Your wallowing eyes scan over your audacious chest and central core muscles. Many before had stated your constant workouts were unnecessary which incidentally weakened your positive pride. You bundled the wool clothing up and buried your face into it, shielding your eyes. You wouldn’t look, wouldn’t think. Dwelling in it was a trap of its own making.The sweater tumbled onto you with scary ease. It was exceedingly too big for you- the sleeves fell over your fingertips and the base swung openly nearly at your knees. It was the same length as the silk nightgown. You couldn’t imagine Papyrus wearing this unless skeletons had some bizarre magic that sucked the clothing to fill shape. Regarding the hefty width of the turtleneck portion that bundled up to your lips, this was Sans’. The moment that thought flit into your mind you turned back to the mirror. A vague recollection drifted into your mind, you once borrowing Jason and Petes clothes.You’d all been out partying and your drunken state wound up hobbling back to Petes for a sleepover. Jason came along as well. You wound up so drunk you insisted on stripping Jason and wearing his jacket, claiming it was a boyfriend shirt situation as it easily dwarfed your stature. Pete, not to be outdone, stripped off his trench coat and lugged that onto your shoulders. Pete was significantly taller than both of you with his six foot towering build. His trench coat came down to your ankles. It was also heavy as you had collapsed under the weight and drunk stupor. Pete claimed victory for the bigger boyfriend shirt before passing out.You grinned at the reminiscence, snuggling into the turtleneck. You’d wash it before returning it incase everything you’d imagined were true. You just wanted to enjoy this feeling. Pulled from your warring thoughts with a leg chill rolling up your spine you grabbed the pants. They were exceedingly scraggly and long tight yoga pants. You sighed and did your best – these had to be Papyrus’. Not simply because they were yoga pants but the clear benefactor of they were neon pink and leopard brown spotted white yoga pants. The day you saw Sans wearing these was the day you perhaps last lived. Even as you looked over them and brought him into your mind the two simply didn’t fit together.As a result of the extra length they came easily up to your stomach but still coiled down and over your heels. You admit you looked slightly ridiculous, but thankfully the dusty beige turtleneck didn’t make things weirder.You return from your bedroom seclusion. Papyrus is patiently awaiting that very same return while leaning atop the piano. He turns once acknowledging the doors squeak, his replaced battle body shimmering under Undynes overhead lighting.“YOU ARE VERY SMALL IN THAT SWEATER.” He blatantly states. You snuggle into the sweaters high neck.“I prefer big clothes and coverage anyways. Feel secure.” You’re murmuring through the fabric. Papyrus hums in thought before nodding to himself. Undyne is slipping on a pair of boots, grabbing your borrowed pair as well. Sans is nonchalantly relaxed at the front door, eyes dazed with slumber still. He blinks awake once you pass by Papyrus.“ye exist in there?” You can vaguely see his brows furrow in snarky question.“Sure. Are we heading out?” You address Undyne specifically. You sincerely don’t want to look nor listen to the bone man until the upsetting thoughts diminish.“We’re going for Nice Cream. Saved ya a pancake.” Undyne nods to her bizarre fridge. Your hunger has buried itself as you shrug and approach your footwear.“I’d rather get out for some air.” You admitted, accepting the boots she offered. Frisk rushed to hold your hand and guide you outside. They carried an excessively grumpy Flowey in an overdone colorful pot. You wanted to inquire if Frisk did pottery crafts in their free time down here. The vague image of not receiving a satisfactory answer keeps you mum to it all however. Frisks grip only holds sleeve for a few attempts until they just take your entire arm to coddle.“Are you okay?” “I’ll be fine.” You ruffle their hair before trying to straighten your own. Undyne ruined it again, her nails scratching your bedhead vigorously. Sans is slinking out with Papyrus before you’re all on your way.“handle ‘er with hair.” You audibly sigh and relate to Papyrus’ instantaneous turmoil. Undyne vaulted extravagantly beyond the little yellow bird. Papyrus, never outdone, goes for a full-blown running Olympic vault. He goes skidding past Undyne while tearing the soil beneath his heel. He gets a confident glint, clearly egging you to challenge him. You don’t – leisurely you ensure Frisk makes it past with the little birds assistance. Frisk seems to enjoy the instant while you panic over the short flight holding his weight. Sans blips across the way as you merely hop over the gap.“man paps ya really flew there.” Papyrus’ victorious mirth is immediately hindered with a scowl at his joking brother. Undyne forge’s forwards at the doorway. A vague memory of a blue bunny vendor down the short corridor rekindles in the back of your mind. She bars the way for everyone and folds her arms.“I’m buyin’ so you nerds can owe me next time! What’er ya buyin?” Her teeth glinted with the surrounding rocks as you raised an eyebrow. Papyrus cuts off your chance to speak.“THE GREAT PAPYRUS RELIES ON HIS OWN WALLET!! SANS!” Papyrus spun about to Sans, mitten stretched out. “MAY I HAVE MY WALLET NOW?” The brothers grin at each other as Sans digs in his pockets for a bright orange and pink wallet.“you should get some pockets bro.” “AND WHERE ON THIS INCREDIBLE ARMOR SUIT WOULD I FIT A POCKET?!” Papyrus huffs before jogging past Undyne, unable to stop his sugar high giddiness.“C-Can I have a green one?” “Paps’ll get me one.” Sans wanders past the doorway and stands beside his business joking telescope. Undyne jabbed you with her elbow as your mind wandered.“Um, I don’t know. I guess whatever is the cheapest.” You shrug, keeping your eyes from hers as you trace the floor. Undyne snags your face between her fingers and lifts your gaze aggressively. You pout under her force as she inspects your features.“I’m getting you a premium!” Her declaration is nearly an echo as she sprints into the hallway.“Undy-“ “PREMIUM!!” You groan into the neckline, Frisk gripping on tighter.“Are you alright?” They tug at your forearm as you peek down, forcing a grin.“I’m fine. I’m just tired and didn’t get a morning jog.” Frisk is either content with your answer or see’s through your admittance because they relinquish your arm and scurry over to Sans. Not without first leaving Flowey at your footing. You’d rather not handle the flora but his sneaking vines reaching downwards towards the soil has you plucking him up. He scowls intensely at you, eyes shadowed with pure anger.“Ugly fish.” “Rotten seed.” You lean onto the gemmed wall, prepared for an onslaught of anger fueled lashings. You side-eyed Frisk whispering something to Sans. The skeleton is allowing hints of confusion to crease his face and you turn away as his eyelights dart between you and the child.“Stupid scales.” “Ridiculous pansy.” Flowey stuck his tongue out viciously at you. Your eyebrows merely raised in challenge. Peeking back at the telescope was only Frisk now.“’ey?” “SHii-“ You nearly cuss while jumping in surprise. He’d ported to your opposing side as your heart raced with fright. Your free hand holds your chest, head smacking against the cool stone.“Don’t do that.” “er, right…” He fiddled with his hands inside his jacket pockets. He peeks past you and slightly straightens himself.“I, eh, meant t’tell ya earlier but uh…y-ya look good.” He had to clear his throat mid-sentence. Flowey is making gagging sounds as you pass him to the other hand, away from the skeleton.“I-I mean my bro has great fashion sense! ‘e was bone for it.” His grin grows. You feel your face flatten with your expression. Your heart had likely flat lined with its hopes. So you casually nod in agreement towards him. He briefly clams up then. He seems to be struggling to come up with words suddenly. You throw him a bone.“I’ll wash and return the sweater later.” “oh yeah? paps loves that thing, I’m surprised he lent it. he’ll ‘ppreciate that.” A dampened sigh escapes as your head leisurely lands downward. You can see Frisk hide their face in the palms of their hands. Sans takes the double dejection as a sign to scat as he blips away. Frisk immediately starts harshly whispering to Sans. He looked incredibly confused from your peripheral. Papyrus was the first out with a Bisicle. He ferociously tore it in half before confidently giving Sans his piece.“’ey, thanks bro. water I ever do without someone cool as you?” He winks and snickers, Papyrus’ cartoony googly eyes popping out. He stamps his foot and begins a loud tirade as Undyne comes tumbling out.“Catch squirt!” Undyne hurls one Nice Cream past her shoulder. Frisk does a little leap and is carried back a brief ways with the force behind it. Still they hold it high and proud. Undyne strolls to your side before handing you an outrageously large and glitzy popsicle.“Here, whatchya asked for!” She grins up to her eyes as you uncertainly accept the sugary cold treat.“I didn’t ask for this.” “Sorry was that praise that I’m an excellent host?” She leans in, hand cupped to her fin.“I. Didn’t. Ask-“ “That ain’t how you praise.” Undyne scowls briefly.“I don’t need this much-“ “Ya didn’t eat breakfast. So eat.” Her eye squints tighter as you ponder listening in more on Papyrus’ uproarious declarations.“Look, I’ll return it for a refund and get a smalle-“ She ripped the wrapper vigorously from the pop, breaking off the tip of it. Flowey flytrap snags it from the air. His petals shiver with either disgust or over-freeze as he makes a series of faces.“Undyne!” “Just eat it! You’ve been making a terrible expression.” She grumbles while chomping onto her pink treat. You don’t try to hide your bemusement as you nibble into the rainbow shining treat. It was sweet but slightly metallic. You shuddered at the perplexing taste, mouth puckering tight like sucking against a lemon.“Hey, Undyne.” You keep your voice low. You prospect if she’ll take the quieter hints as Papyrus continues his lengthy monologue of sorts regarding duress for whatever reason.“If Alphys said she had no interest in your muscles, how would you feel?” Flowey openly grieves over the situation his is tantamount to be part of regardless of his opinion. Undynes eye popped open, mouth squirming.“Di-Did she say that before?” “What? No! It’s a ‘what if’ question.” She blinks before gritting teeth wide, smiling.“I’d workout more! If they’re as large as a life each she can’t ignore them!!” “I mean if she said she disliked your muscles.” That iteration seems to have her halting in the thought process. She gapes and munches on the cream pop, nearly chomping the stick in twain.“I’d wear more jackets?” She shrugged. You wanted to collapse with exhaustion at the ridiculous option. You now deliberate the ridiculousness of getting Undyne to understand your doubts.“You’re such an idiot.” Flowey sneers openly. Undyne takes fencing jabs at his stem with the popsicle stick as you forcefully take another gross bite. Frisk is suddenly in your vision, pulling your arm.“Come with me! We can check if he is here!” Their eyes light up, insistently pulling your arm.“He?” They nod enthusiastically. Flowey is transferred to Undynes hold as Frisk leads you besides the brothers.“Papyrus, have your phone ready!” Frisk instructs. You shrug backwards at the group as Flowey is the only one waving you off. You watch as Papyrus’ jovial face goes into immediate shock.“MAYA? FRISK!?” “What the-?!” Floweys pot nearly shatters to the ground as Undyne stumbles about in stun.“What’s wrong?” You call to them. Sans’ sockets have squinted, his hand reaching for the space you were currently standing. It vanished halfway. You shrieked and fell back as Frisk was in awe. Sans’ hand was a ways behind you, feeling about an empty space.“what the hell?” “MAYA!? HUMAN FRISK?!? SANS, WHERE DID YOU SEND THEM?” Papyrus’ wrists sassily lay on his femur as he leans accusingly over Sans.“I didn’t do nothin’ bro.” “They’re in another plane.” Flowey yawns as you wave your now free hands right in front of Sans’ face.“Don’t get too close. It’ll kick you out of here and you probably won’t be able to go back.” Frisk interjects while poking keys across their cellular.“It’s when the value of the Reset hits a certain interval number that they can access him.” Flowey grumps in his pot, discontent perhaps of being left behind. Frisk finally gets through punching numbers into the phone as Papyrus’ cell rings. He picks up near instantly.“YES?” “Hi!” Frisks chipper giggle carries through over Papyrus’ speaker phone.“FRISK!!! IS MAYA THERE WITH YOU?” “Yeah, she’s right in front of Sans!” Frisk calls you out as you’re still perplexed by the entire matter.“So we are in a separate plane forever?” “No, just here. Every time I came through here before and I found this place I always tried to call Papyrus but he wouldn’t pick up.” Frisk admits. Behind you spy a light grey door with no discernable material – it wasn’t wood or stone. Not a form of metal either. You didn’t know what to make of it, but it had a cold air to it.“whatchya see in there?” “It-It’s just a grey door.” You inform as you test the knob. It clicks open and creaks to reveal a haunting black mist. You couldn’t see beyond its soupy consistency.“I can’t see anything inside. It’s all black. Will he come out, or-?” You turn to Frisk who is already ushering you in. You insist to hold their hand and nervously lead the child inside. The door gently squeaks shut behind you.“kiddo? small fry??” The phone echoes in the rather blank space. The mist coated the walls of a practically empty room. The floor was a grey mesh rug that darkened further in unto the footing of an individual. Their body consisted of a slimy tar black coat that hung over their feet should they exist. The closer you got you could note it was more along the lines of a hefty trench coat. They shared with you a turtleneck bunched beneath the chin, though theirs was pure white. A white oval shaped head had one large drooping eyesocket, the other round and untouched by a sickly black grin. Both sockets had a crack running either up or down over their face. You could recognize even from a distance it was a skeleton, or was a skeleton. The hands you could see had clear holes right through the palms.Frisk dared to approach the monster while you yanked back with hesitation.“Hello? Sir?” You cautiously called from about ten feet away. They made no movements.“He doesn’t make any moves unless we get close.” Frisk interjected knowledgably, pushing onwards. They felt your hesitation as you kept glancing back at the door.“Hey, guys! How’s it in there?!” Undyne barks through the phone.“Um, there is a monster in here? He’s got a long black coat. His face is all droopy but he looks like a skeleton??” You’ve neared until five feet. Frisk jumps as the creature moves. You jolt along with the child before dragging them to your direct side.“@hHHhh” A distorted voice like a static radio echoed through the room. There was resisting yelps of pain through the phone line. Frisk looked excited; this must be something new as well for them.“Y0v’ve BR0uGh7 m3 @ $0V1. MhaT A g-g-G0Od [h!LD.” The air grows thin. Your lungs strain for air as your heart begins to skip beats. The monster dredges closer as you take an instinctive step backwards. White lights haze into his sockets. You feel Frisk grip your side, peeking aside you note their concerned expression.“do-D0 nO7 f3@r ME $tRAug3 0Ne.” It compels to you. You give a quick squeeze to Frisk’s hand.“Frisk. Go to the door.” You instruct. Frisk waddles backwards unsurely before rushing back towards the door. The call carries away with them.“Look, mister? We want to help you but I’d appreciate you backing up—“ He’s before you in an instant. He moves with the darkness. You’re rooted in the spot with sheer fear. A palmless hand caresses your cheek before pressing against your chest. Embarrassment fuels your hand to jab the cream pop you’d barely touched into his socket. The black void within sucks the entire thing in. His frigid moldable hand grips your sleeve.“c0m3 7O wE M!l1inGlY.” He whispers lasciviously. His mouth didn’t move besides turning upwards with tar oozing glee. A heavy yank knocks the wind from your stomach. You shriek in pain as he squeezes at your Soul, trying to free it. Forcibly it’s dragged out. You gasp and sees dots of white blur your vision.“!n7er3$tIuG.” His smile grins upwards towards his hollowed sockets. Your Soul is adorned with purple threads. Immediately as they tighten their lacing your mind blanks, throat howling out your otherworldly pain. Everything was cold and jittery. Like you’d been thrown into a matrix that dissolved you away. Sensations began to drift from your consciousness. Your limbs grew heavy yet weightless. They’d have fallen off and you’d be none the wiser.“Pocket sand!!!” The creature crazily screeched suddenly, its back arching completely behind it until its head drooped to the ground. You collapsed entirely, gasps of air filling your lungs. Frisk clawed at your shoulder, rousing your awareness. Your hearing was jarred. You worked up onto your wobbling legs. Stumbling away they led you towards the door. It proved near impossible as your footing felt backwards with every step. Frisk nearly carried your semi-conscious body through the opening. Your returning vision was blinded and vanished in an instant. Your chin cracked roughly on hardground as both ends of you were yanked. Peering upwards your vision was immediately masked with a grabby hand. Shrieks echoed around you, some clearer than others. Your throat was then snared within a tight grasp. You choked blindly, not the strength or the oxygen to question what was occurring.“M!n3. $heS MlnE!!” The warbled entity whispered and screeched at the same instance. Energy crackled wildly, your hair singeing at the static. The resistance at your feet disintegrated as you skid across the soil. Shouting sounded under the strain of water. Your vision was the first to clear but your eyes remained scarcely open. You spied weakly past the heavy eyelashes. Undyne was arguing with Frisk, Papyrus seemed to be breaking it up. Sans was at your side doing something. He had your Soul in his hands. He jolted in surprise before touching your cheek.“breathe.” Your blurred senses began to achingly return to you. You could feel now your body was practically convulsing. Even Flowey looked concerned. There was a warmth steadily swelling over your limbs and chest. Your throat felt tight. Sans’ hand traced down to your throat, warmth blooming there next.“Maya, breathe.” His instructions grew clearer. Still you choked, lungs forgetting their primary function. Your throat felt like a crushed straw. His expression was growing frantic by the second. Papyrus scurried over and knelt by your opposing side. A heavy rush of warmth doused your nerves. Like you’d been dropped into a sauna to rejuvenate. Something squirmed, against your jugular. Sans immediately let your Soul be as he shoved two fingers down your throat. Immediately your gag reflex tried to force something up. Tears trickled from your eyes as Undyne screeched aggressively. A second go after he tickled your throats back resulted in a purple ball popping out of your mouth. Uncontrollable drool spilled over your lips as you coughed and gagged. Papyrus hoisted and leaned you up against the wall. You could now see rather more than from your laid out position. Nearly your entire body was washed in a green haze emitting from a tearful Papyrus. Your Soul hung around with residual black coarse lines surrounding it.Eyeing the purple ball that had sprung from your throat. It wiggled and unfurled into a palmless hand. Your choked shriek died instantly as Undyne snuffed the magic appendage dead with a downward spear. After a few seconds the air began to have taste again. People’s guards diminished naturally.“I’ve never seen him fuck someone up before.” Flowey was the first to fill the silence with his awe. Your raspy gulps of air were all the reply you could manage. The weight over your limbs was gradually dissipating. Sans dawdled back and gingerly held your Soul.“y-you okay there, small fry?” His voice was a cautious whisper. Tears boiled into your widened eyes. You unsurely nodded at him, unaware of the dribbling water down each cheek. His expression tightened as you tested lifting your arms – they existed and obeyed.“Maya!? Maya!” Frisk was then besides you, crying erratically. They gripped your forearm tight enough to cancel blood flow. Your surrounding sounds and sights came in waves of registering information. Undyne was the only one not immediately prepared to aid you, lining the wall with spear heads and rattling angrily into her cellular.“Maya, ca-can you see me? Maya?!“ Frisk sobbing hiccups were interrupting their speech. You had to watch your hand as you raise it to rub away their tears.“!w 0k@Y-!” Your hand flies back, smashing over your mouth and banging your teeth. Sans’ expression grew darker with horror.“MAYA?!” Papyrus blurted, your sight darting to him. Sans suddenly enveloped your entire vision, pressing your torso to his chest. His jacket stained with wet spots, giving away your sobbing state. Your focus was blurred but you took a painstaking instant to bring your hand to Sans jacket. The feeling wasn’t the same – your senses were whack.“d-don’t say nothin’ small fry. we-we’ll fix you up.” He had pulled you back to rub your cheeks. His hands were warm for one of the first times. Unsure, you nod at him. You find yourself seated against the rock wall as he motions for Papyrus.“i-i need you t-to hold this bro. it-i-it ain’t safe inside. keep her calm for me.” Sans seriously stated with a worrisome expression. Papyrus seemed flustered over the Soul, obviously uncomfortable. Then, his stance stiffens.“OF COURSE SANS!” Papyrus knelt down and your Soul was passed to his grasp. You could vaguely make out the black lines imprinted onto it. Papyrus’ face was incredibly focused on the security of the precious life in his literal hands. Everything was blurring again, watercolor hues and shades taking the lined edges off people. It was slightly nauseating but you firmly kept your hands across your mouth. Sans now joined Undyne, but his cellular call took place away from the noise. Leaning back the wall was too cold and you jolted away from it. Papyrus makes a strained face; his scarf is yanked off. He lays it gently around your chin and mummy wraps you all the way down to nearly your chest with its length. It’s tight but cozy, the material soft and warm.“DO YOU FEEL MORE SECURE NOW?” Papyrus asked. You felt your heart patter, remembering what you’d said earlier. You sniffled and clutched the scarf, nodding into it. It smelled like laundry detergent and felt freshener.“The guards on the way! We’ll get answers from that hiding prick!!” Undyne barked to the general group, save Sans.“Th-The guards ca-can’t do anything! The door is gone! There’s only one chance to meet him.” Frisk admitted, Undyne scowling.“Th-Then do that Reset thing! A monster like that cannot exist in-“ “n0!i” You unconsciously barked. You could feel something slick like slime coagulating in your mouth. Through your blurred vision you saw it – the lines across your Soul darken.“Maya, you can’t just forgi- holy hell where are your eyes?!?” Undyne jumped back suddenly, terror across her expression. Instantly you can feel yourself mirror her terror as you feel up your face. Feeling around, the shape hadn’t changed but everything was meshing into watercolors. Like a painter on drugs losing sight you tried to find the lines in the colors that were presumably your hand.“Ca-Can she see?” “That’s so friggin’ weird.” Flowey snickered from the sidelines. He was muffled behind something.“I-I-I don’t u-understand. He-He’s never-!” Frisk tearfully keeps exclaiming confusion and horror. You want to coddle and console the innocence but you’re vague vision makes it difficult to discern Frisks location. You finally choose to choke down that disgusting sludge in your throat, gag reflex nearly dragging it up again.“the one damn time Al ain’t by her phone.” Sans comes back, angrily muttering. There is some change in his expression when you turn to acknowledge him, but he seems to quell it.“Sans! He-He-“ “i get it kiddo. right now it ain’t on my priorities. i’m takin’er to the lab.” You think he’s kneeling down and beckoning you upwards as you fight against gravity. Your body feels like a sandbag filled with grains of lead. Your throat and jaw is clenching to keep whatever is in down in the depths. Your vision is purely abstracting water colors at this point. You try to develop a little peaceful mantra about the continuous absurdities but your brain is jumbling it up immediately.“I’LL GO WITH YOU!!” “bro, i’m takin’ her alone. i’ve gotta get that…thing off ‘er.” Hints of blue and orange mix before you’re pressed to Sans’ cloth.“I—I’LL UNDERSTAND THIS TIME ONLY SANS!!” Papyrus stuttered awkwardly. Somebody was still gripping your thigh, likely Frisk.“i’ll come right back with ‘er once this is cleared up.” “We’re changing the meet-up spot to your place!! Waterfall should quarantine this segment off!!!” Undyne declared as you get bundled into Sans’ embrace.“It-It’s okay now! That’s the only time he ca-“ The world melts away, sound and air, until a stifling stillness is hanging around you. Distorted warbles come from the side but all you can focus on is the blue you could recognize as Sans and his labored breathing.“i-i’m gonna h-hook you up kind of the same as before. you don’t need to go into the cylinder, but i—i need to focus on restoring your Soul so it’ll warn me if something is wrong.” His words are essentially passing right through both of your ears. You nod to him and his panicked voice. Gently he leans you back into your tailbone finds a stool.“wa-w-w-wait here.” You don’t have a moment to think before he’s blipped away. You hear typing and whirring around you. Nausea was swelling up again. Footsteps indicate he nears as you reach for him. If he had a heartbeat to his bones you’re certain it’d be as fast as a hummingbirds.“C@1m D0mn.” You hope he understands. One of your eyes starts to feel heavy, the colors blurring to the point of unidentifiable hues. He makes a pained noise and bustles away again. Then, something wooden clatters on the floor before you. It startles you as you jolt back. His hand grasp yours and fold your palms between his.“o-okay. thi-this is going to um, uh, b-be unpleasant.” You can still see a relaxing blue, like an aura, surrounding him. You tilt your head in question. Your right eye is shut completely, as heavy as your limbs feel.“i’m going to have to direct your Soul following the path o-of the trail so i-i can remove it. thi-this is known to cause lapses in, e-er, memory. i—it’ll be-be difficult to not, er, pry. so-so i need you to trust me. everything will remain c-confidential, of course!” He’s rattling away an array of concerns. You sincerely cannot register anything he is saying. Instead, you squeeze his hands and nod with him. You hope you’re smiling. Uncertainty is as dormant as your fear, both surprisingly absent in the wake of your bodies degradation.“a-alright i-i’m applying th-the sensors.” His words are turning into pitching echoes filled with fuzz. A brisk chill licks randomly at your body as you gasp and seize a few sudden times. It sounds like he apologizes lightly for each one. Green mingles with the blue then creating a cool ocean tide color.“okay. just tr-try and clear your mind. i-i’ll ask for y-your partners forgiveness later..” He sighed the last bit out. The colors dropped from your vision.Images were whizzing past so quickly it was worsening the nausea. The sole constant is that blue haze beside you. You feel around until your white hand fazes through it. You hear Sans gasp, like a distant echo. Looking downwards at yourself you find you’re a pure white glowing form floating about. Your hands faze between each other as you back pedal in concern.“ah, don’t worry ‘bout that.” Sans’ echo comes clearer, the blue haze now sporting a familiar white shape. Like yourself he didn’t have clothing but there was nothing to see as he too was a purely white existence.“do you feel okay? any abnormalities or nausea?” The Sans blur waves at your face. You hope your childish fumbling around isn’t as awkward as it looks. You hear him snicker then.“yeah, it looks goofy. come on.” He beckons you onwards. You seize back in embarrassment, staying a solid section between you. Space was oddly shaped though- one moment you were what felt like meters apart, the next you were upon his spine.“memory space is fickle like that. especially Soul memory space.” His arm flicks backwards, more scenes whizzing past faster than you could discern.“they’re you’re memories. i’m not going to touch anything i don’t need to.” He admits generously. A sudden tingle ran up your back, a hum whimpering in your throat. Immediately he is back at your front, inspecting.“where did you feel it? forwards or backwards?” You pause, startled. You still aren’t sure how to process everything happening in the instance but you want to help Sans so you’ll both feel better. A brief instant the blue hum swells over him before it flickers away once again. You aren’t entirely sure which direction, though you feel backwards is a better answer.“back it is then.” Immediately he flicks more memories away. You ponder as to why he knew you’d decided backwards- “explaining it would take time we don’t necessarily have, so just think of this form you see being a, uuhh, added conscience in your subconscience and that they run on the same wave matter.” You can practically feel him shrugging off your worries. The flitting worry that he can actually read your thoughts is uncomfortable.“i did say it’d be uncomfortable. bear with it.” He encouraged. You’re increasingly unsure of whether you want to go through whatever this was. A sudden pull seizes your worries, your chest burning icy hot. The memories stall, backpedaling only slightly.“seems this is the start. i’ll try to work cautious and quick.” He seems to nod while approaching the hazy image. You try to keep pace with him as your mind blanks. A vague image takes shapes and colors. Nothing is completely clear: everything with object permanence is grey while forms of supposedly people take colors. Amidst the gray tones were four little hues – a deep blue, vivid orange, a blinding yellow, and a purplish pink. The blue and yellow were meshed together while the orange and purple wandered at opposing sides.“I’ve got snow idea.” The orange one suddenly stated.“Will you just shut up?” The yellow groaned. A sense of deja-vu was festering. Sans’ white blur moved in, examining. You felt yourself harden at his immediate betrayal.“whatever worm you’ve got is infesting your memories. it’s taking them over.” He tries to stand clear of the sequence enough to not touch anything.“I-I can’t believe she said yes.” It begins to dawn onto you the familiarity. You’d mistaken Sans’ jokes in your vague piggy-back sleep to Jasons! This was the memory of that time at the ice skating incident at the pond.“oh yeah?” His tone was fairly upset.
“Ah, don’t be so koi. I’m surprised you baited that long.”
“i-i wouldn’t make that joke so distastefully.” He murmured as you recall him doing exactly that. That insight certainly shuts him up.“Nothing you say can ruin this for me.” Penelope then added in purple. You wanted to leap over and hug her; the terrible lonely ache for that dear friendship rekindled. You’d had to essentially abandon her at the insistence of Jason.“Water you sayin’? My puns are hook, line and sinkers!” Now you’re simply unentertained by Jasons comedy.“Jason, babe, shut up please.” It was your voice now, from the blue. Sans seemed to stop, perturbed.“well it’s uncommon that monsters change aura hues so suddenly. even rarer so they go from color to blank. it-it might be correlated to your bond structuring though.”“You love my humor.” Jason neared you on Pete’s back. Luckily Pete dodged away. You recall being slightly disheartened back then but now you had nothing but praise for the born brother-figure and best friend. Sans seemed to mull over something before investigating little glitches in the gray.
“Hey, back off. Whose fault is it she fell in the first place?”
“Yeah! What if she’d landed on her knee wrong??” Penelope called accusingly. Jason shrugged both of them off as merely you escaped with a headache and bruised tailbone that day.“She doesn’t want me to tickle her she shouldn’t wear such enticing clothes.” “HUUHH?!?” Penelope snapped, swinging her blades around dangerously. Jason fled for his life as Penelope quickly pursued him.“Don’t let him bully you into wearing what he wants, got it?” “Mmm.” You snuggled into Pete. Sans gasped. His magic’s hum filled your ears.“don’t move.” His warning was so sudden you immediately failed to obey. Turning about you caught glimpse of a black writhing creature squirming away. Your shriek was drowned out with the magic’s aggravating hum. The blackness cleared. Immediate relief and weight left your body.“alright. now we just follow that ones pathing all the way backwards until we find the core.” You think Sans intended to pat your back but you were fazing through each other. You were still in a slight panic over that snake-like critter in your Soul or mind or whatever this really was. How Sans even knew how to do all of this.“it’s been done before. case files i’ve been studying for years that didn’t make any sense. monsters losing reason, becoming ‘unlike themselves’, body morphing. each had unusual strands tracing the Soul. we didn’t figure out the root causes until unfortunately the fifth individual succumbed to their affliction.” His tension had a tangible taste, stale and unpleasant.“and the whole procedures risky without tons of trust.” He keeps murmuring as you carry on. There was still that residual sound of his magics hum. There was a pattering warmth over the section above your heart. It was barely noticeable but put you at slight ease.“Ooohh!!!” Another scene is already taking place amidst your conversation. Sans stalls as you look out over the sea of colors. The stage is clear as you marvel at the moment recreated. It was your first musical with your father.“musical? where are we?” He looks out over the banister, immediately overwhelmed by the masses.“th-that’s a lot of….uh..” In his confusion you flit backwards. Your father was the only one there, he was a light faded cyan.“Enjoying the-“ “YESS-“ “M-Maya!” Your father had to whisk you away from the edge as you’d begun to openly bellow outwards to the crowd. Even your vague memory showed the beauty of the ensembles dance routine.“Be respectful. The dancers can’t hear the music if you’re too loud.” “Oh!” After that you kept completely silent save some gasps of awe. You were so small back then you see yourself barely able to peer over the VIP seating. You gasped when you saw something wriggling behind the curtains. Sans pulled himself away from his curiosity. The excessively loud hum of magic swirled in your eardrum again. You’re off again in nearly the very same instant.Your eyes are easier to move about, legs regaining some lost feeling.“whatever ‘it’ is really rooted into you so this might take a whi-“ Loud music penetrates your ears. Sans appears to cover his skull and quiver back. You recognize the song starting up as ‘Get Low’.“maybe they could low the music?!” Sans is shouting and even that barely carries over the dancefloors hustle. Even in the sea of countless colors yet again you found yourself. You only recall bar partying so hard back in highschool so you’re not surprised you’re drunk grinding with another individual.“you’re what?” Sans is still covering his entire skull. Perhaps it’s for the best. Off in the distance, back towards the less populated bar, you can see that worm you’re pursuing or something. You aren’t entirely sure honestly. It exists, Sans does his magic whatever, it’s gone. When you choose to lead Sans is the one hesitating.“i—i said i wouldn’t pry. if i touch an individual in the memory the whole thing is revealed to me. i’d rather not interfere with the memory unless that’s alright!” He’s shouting again as the DJ cranks the song up due to the crowds hollers. Briefly your mind understands what the issues were as you vehemently plead him to not touch anyone.“is-is there a side way? i’m too far for a clean shot- it could escape elsewhere.” You feel a glint in your heart. You try to grab at his hands but he just holds them out instead. Gingerly you entice his form closer and closer until you’re certain in reality you’d hear each other’s heartbeats. Then you find an opening within the dancing pit of people before weaving in. Sans looks highly uncomfortable, rather sticking closer to you.“bustlin’ crowds aren’t my crowd!!” He’s still shouting over the blasting music. You can’t resist bopping along the whole time. You and Pete would always jokingly jump into the rap segments then screech the chorus. A few instances somebody went against the general flooring map most clubbers understood and cut your path. You’d quickly divert Sans the safest way.“Penelope!!” Your voice cuts through the masses as you spot a blue blur dragging something orange behind it. With haste you divert to behind them, pursuing right on their backs. Finally free of the dance floro and now closer to the barkeep you spot a purple haze surrounded by others.“Penneee, next bar!” You hollered without even awaiting her. Pete was so drunk he was flopping behind you awkwardly holding your shoulders for vague stability. You distastefully admit you loved out drinking him.“Hey, wa—look, call me.” Her seductive tones popped in, she likely offered her number, and then she rushed out after you. Sans’ sensation leaves your side- you weren’t completely aware that his vicinity was offering a deep rooting warmth. Awkwardly though it was more centralized around your feet.“’i-is normal.” He gulped up air from the sounds of it, magic buzzing irately then in your ear. Once more you were on the move. You both happen upon silence, Sans letting a hearable sigh loose.“wh-when you’ve go-got such a close proximity wi-“ “Why can’t you stop being a whore?!” He shuts up quickly. The deep blue coloration you’ve come to recognize at yourself was surely dwarfed by a raging red figure. The red figure with your mothers distinct voice.“I am not a whore! I’m not sleeping around!! A-And why should you care?!” You instinctually wanted to cover your ears and leave the room. From the sound of your personal rebellion it was likely back during your early highschool years.
“My family is one of strong-willed and strict individuals! Each time I attend formal gatherings they slander my name thanks to your little rebellious ventures! I’ve had enough of whispers of your failings for two lifetimes!!”
“Oh, so suddenly you want to care?! You have such convenient timing since I hear the Dolrays are hosting a feast next weekend! I’m not your little puppet!!”
“Then what are you?!” You shrivel down, desperate to block it out. You couldn’t find Sans’ form anywhere. Back then you hadn’t really considered how to get your anger and sadness out to your mother. So you fled.“You’ve done nothing for this family. This roof, these walls, your room are all things I’ve provided you. Yet you squander everything and fail the expectations on you over and over!! I’ve had it! So you can choose to mend your ridiculous partying and devote yourself, or cease relying on me!!” The sentence was drowning out with a low buzz of magic. You’d wanted it to kill the sound entirely, but you were stranded hearing it again. There is only a breath escaping you with the relief of silence.“you alright?” Sans arrives again. You can feel your slump stretching. Your chest is gathering a dull ache.“your Soul’s been out for too long. do you need a break?” He cautiously asks. You ponder though if it wasn’t also based on the fact you were slightly emotional.“if whatever it is wants to resist you it’d hide in the unpleasant memories. are you alright?” He stresses again. You don’t let your concerns wander as you hope you’re nodding at him. If not, he can essentially tell. So you stumble upon the next scene.“Mmm-“ You beg him to find it. You want to scream how fast you want him to find it. He doesn’t seem to understand your urgency one bit. All that remains in this tight scene of mostly grey is a deep blue and orange bundled far too closely together.“you okay?” You could cry in embarrassment. If he didn’t find that worm soon enough you’re certain you’d perhaps die of embarrassment.“A-Aaah-!” The blue is pinned down. You want to sincerely leave the uncomfortable room but the memory is staged in only this area. Beneath the creaking of the completely gray bed you saw something black writhe.“Fuck you’re beautiful babe!“ “Ja-Jason hu-hurry-!” As the memory of your honeymoon plays out you painstakingly find the farthest corner. The bed creaks are getting louder and you wish you couldn’t recall the hefty moans you made.“Couldn’t wait to yank that lace off your breas-!” You recall viciously switching him around in the heat of the moment, pinning him to the bed profoundly.“Kiss and talk later. I need you inside me!” You scream yourself away from the memory of intensity with the shriek of magic drowning it out. Color blurs into your vision. Tears are blinking in your eyes as you gasp into your hands. All lights are viciously bright as you find yourself teetering on a chair.“he-hey, hey.” One of Sans arms reaches out, hoisting you up and sturdy. Glancing around the room you discover that it’s the same room you’d done your prior testing too. Everything looked as unused and desolate as before. A dull blue hum pulled your attention downwards. Sans’ wasn’t holding your Soul – his fingers penetrated it.“Jesus fuck wh-what are you-!” You jumped back into the chair. He grew blue.“i-i-i—i’ve got to keep a-a-a-a-a ho-hold on the er, parasite-“ He began to fumble uncomfortably. You feel blood shoot to your face faster than a bolt of lightning. Your fins begin to flick and flare amidst the sudden heat storm.“Fo-Forget you sa-saw any of that!! I-I’m so sorry you had t-t-t-to b-be a part o-of that!” You grab your upper arms, curling up into the chair and hiding into Papyrus’ scarf. It was so outrageously large you probably could’ve used it as a robe. Or a cloth coffin.“li-like i said- confidentiality! unless you wa-want to, er—uh, tell you partner about this exam?” Sweat was careening past his sockets. His lone free hand snagged his handkerchief as he wiped his entire skull.“b-bo—“ He took a heavy composing moment to sigh before continuing, “bonds a-are a natural phenomena! it-it’s important when you fi-find that special someone.” Your flushed state halts as you properly face him.“of-of course i won’t even a-a-attempt to-to-t-t-to re-recollect this! thi-this is just like a, u-uh, examination! so-so i-if you’re still clo-close enough to find this a bre-breach of privacy th-then i-i’ll he-hear him out!!” He is making calming gestures as you find your mind drawing blanks. You still can’t hear past the rushing blood quite properly. Bonds and sex were two different things from your understanding of monster workings thus far. Not excessively different but certainly different enough they deserved separate names and definitions.“U-Uhm, S-Sans?” You want clarification but the man is gone in his ramblings.“—an-and if he do-doesn’t un-understand that this wa-w-was merely a-a medical examination f-for your well-being well th-t-t-then i can understand why you’re ha-h-h-having reflections of the choice now, bu-but bonds a-are a life choice!” Sans continues to go on about it. You snag his cheeks and hold his sweaty face.“Sans, I-I’m not in a bond!” His pupils shrink and dart around your expression. After a few blinks of confusion they return to their regular size.“wh-whaddya-“ He gave an audible gulp as his face grows blue and warm in your palms.“-m-mean you’re n-not in a bond? what a-about your Soul-“ “As far as I’m aware it’s always been like that!” You’re shrugging along with his confused expression.“but-but yo-you got married, like a human! it-it’s the same-“ “Just because we got married like humans do doesn’t mean we bonded!” His jawline is squirming and his smile is entirely flat.“b-b-bu-bu-but you-y—you ha-had lace!” “The wedding dress! The wedding dress had lace!! They typically do! What, do-does lace automatically mean intimacy for l-like Soul b- OH COME ON!” You cut yourself off as his entire face becomes reminiscent of a blueberry.“la-lace is co-c-considered delicate and beautiful, li-like-“ “Like a bond, I get it!! But jesus—come on!!” You had released him and returned to bundling up into the chair. Your Soul was warmer in his touch, almost dizzying.“ss-s-ss-oo…” His pupils had grown. The one eye was hazing light blue and deep in his sockets you could see hearts fluttering. “y-you’re not i-i-in a bond.” His mouth cinched shut the instant the words came out. The surprise in his tone had your heart fluttering. He suddenly froze up and rapidly glanced between you and your Soul.“u-uh, we-well er, i-i apologize for, uh-uuhh, g-getting the wrong idea!! this must, heh, be kinda rude.” He appeared wary. Your leg was the only free part that wouldn’t fit with your bundle on the chair, so you nudged him.“I-I don’t mi-mind. I trust you Sans.” You whispered through the scarf and sweater. His bones began to rattle, his face blank past the blue steam stemming off his skull. It persisted so long you worried he’d short circuited.“S-Sans?” Your chest was aching fiercely now, Soul heavy in his gentle warmth.“Sa-Sans?” You waved your hand before his sockets. His lights shrunk and regrew in a seconds time.“we-well, l-lace finish this up-!” The slightly awkward pun didn’t really catch properly in your ears before you were sucked into the darkness of whirring images. In your subconscious as he’d put it before. Sans’ form was more refined, you could make out his bones and general shape but still he remained a bright white glowing figure. There was a calming aura radiating off him. Immediately amidst the thoughts your chest warmed up. You tried to not acknowledge it, just relax into it.“we-we’re here.” The scene bleeds into view. There was a cavernous echo around you, water dripping and creaking through the halls. You tried to recall when this happened in your child. There was nobody here even.“ah-“ Sans knelt down towards what you assumed was water. You could spot the little black thing squirming under a bed of rocks.“ah jeez hold still.” He growled, trying to not bury his skull in the liquid. You continued to ponder over the location you found yourselves in. Neither of your parents would’ve let you go cave hopping. Then, a color enters your peripheral. Deep yellow, paled and blurred. It hobbles towards you as you try to warn Sans.“i gotchya but i almo-“ “-aaaaaaAAAAAAAAAA-“ Your screams come from above. Briskly your blue coloration comes shooting from a thin tunnel above the pool before dropping inside. Sans jumps back in fear as you write under the water. You now fret over his haste realizing exactly what this scene was.“He-hey! Sunshine? Hey-“ Gersons calls cut short. Your bubbled screams aren’t as crazy as the scene you’re witness to once again. The perspective change was terrifying. The blue you’d known as yourself fades into a grey before growing bright, white. Your body visually grows and distorts beneath the splashing waves. A sharp orange body comes sprinting from the other hall.“Gerson, whats-“ “Get ‘er outta there!!” Gerson strictly commanded. Undyne shed her armor away before diving in. The rescue was swift, you unconscious from the shrill pain.“the pain?” Sans’ voice was a squeak. You jumped and recalled he was right there, hearing this all.“did you go through that twice?” You’re glad he can’t see the failing poker face you just pulled. But you nod unsure if he could understand you’d lied or not. He doesn’t say anything in retrospect and reaches into the water. The parasitic worm splashed free of the water, diving for the upper hole. Sans captured it promptly as the magic thrumming grew louder. Your ears ached by the end, your breath caught in your throat.“it’s almost over. think there’s just one more round there. hold on.” There is a little squeeze on your hand despite him not being near you. You feel your heart flutter, chest growing warm again. It takes a heavy moment but eventually you find the next scene. There is a static beeping, your blue figure beneath something. Birds are chittering beyond a wall from the sounds of it. Sans doesn’t ask questions and sets about searching. There is a knock at the door behind you before it bursts open.“Maya?!” A brilliant purple figure rushes in, someone green at their side. You can hear distinct shouts that sounded like Pete down a hallway.“….Father, why-“ “Oh Maya!!” He nearly crashed into your bedridden state, instead collapsing at your side, hand snagging yours. He whimpered and cried into your palms.“My-My sweet gi-girl! W-Who did this?! Wh-Where was Jason?!?” He is an arrange of emotions as Sans tries to gingerly keep away from everyone, investigating.“Greg, stop. She isn’t well. Maya, how are you?” Your fathers assistant spoke. Roman was a great individual, undeserving of your spastic father. “………Alive.” Was eventually the reply you managed. Your chest was severely aching; Sans quickened his search. There was a knock at the door. Someone purple enters.
“Miss Rivers? Are you awake?”
“No.” Your whimper was audible, but not from the shape. Your vision was distorted back to reality. You stood. Your eyes were blinking past tears you couldn’t stop.“Maya-“ “No. No j-just pull it out.” You immediately rounded the chair, pacing.“No no no no no no no no no no no no-“ You covered your fins, blotting out anything Sans could say in retort. He grabbed you and tried to keep you still. You nerves were jittering and the tears weren’t stopping.“Maya, i-i can’t just rip it out! At best you have severe complete reaction to the whole thing wh-where your body undergoes a breakdown and at w-worst you could die. i-i’ll be right there with you-“ “I-I can’t go th-th-t-through that again Sans. I—I can’t.” Your whimpers remained muffled as he buried your face into his shoulder.“i’ll be right here. i won’t leave your side. you’re so much stronger than you think Maya. you can pull through this.” He lulled you with his baritone hum beside your ear. You quivered against him, certainly not from embarrassment. You’d thought that memory repressed. What sickening twist of fate fell upon you. Sans kept hushing your whimpers, brushing gentle streaks through your hair.“i will be here. right here. i’d take the pain if i could for you. i’d do it all for you again.” He buried himself into your shoulder. Your Soul blossomed with a new heat, a thrum of sorts. Like a heartbeat enveloping your body, blood shooting distinctly through each section of yourself. Sans’ breathing matched your own until he brought it down with his own. Your eyes screwed tightly shut and you grappled him into a hug. He didn’t stammer or falter, embracing you best he could.You were there again. You felt his breathing surround you. You forced yourself to keep there. In a single spot you painstakingly stayed, the doctor keeping his walk short.
“It’s wonderful to see you’ve made a swift recovery. I hope you wouldn’t mind if I took a…brief moment of your time.”
“Please leave her be! She’s just woken up!! These kind of things wouldn’t happen if Pete was strengthening the-“ “Father. Please leave.” Your voice was hollow. Your own throat was growing dry, all wetness running down past your eyelids.“Bu-But Ma-“ “Greg.” Roman pleaded with your father for you. His defeated expression was still branded in your brain despite your desperation to forget that day. It was only after they’d evacuated the room did the doctor draw near.“I realize you’ve just awoken and you’re surely in enough pain as it is, but I’m sure you’re more worried about something else.” You quivered impatiently. You had to think of his words as a band aid as you tried to keep the tears for any brief instant. A squeeze enveloped you tightly.“The police have the boy responsible detained. Once security releases your husband and chief of police I’m certain they’ll rush in here demanding answers.” The doctor didn’t carry any humor. It was a solemn atmosphere as you held your breath.“You’ve got one deep stab wound in your right lower torso. It’s uncertain how long the wounds will take to heal. We’d like you to visit us again in a month should you decide to take a leave after a recovery week. However..” The doctor sighed and set the clipboard down.“You’re….uterus was ruptured amidst your injuries. We…were unable to save your unborn child. I apologize.” Your breath coughs out, pained gasps stuttering out of you.“The damage done on your uterus and womb also are severe. Pregnancy may not…be a safe option anymore. The likelihood of a miscarriage is unfortunately high. We haven’t informed your fiancé or parents about this matter as you’ve disclosed your medical history from them. But if you’d like us to break this matter to them we can still uphold the confidentiality you wanted.” You feel your legs weakening. You felt sick. You aren’t sure what pressure is consoling or hateful anymore. You just feel horror boiling under your skin and tears off your eyelids.“……Can I be alone?” Your cold tones were met with a nod. The doctor left immediately, not uttering a word. You remember it – you flit your fingers over your sides, feeling the stitches. Your stomach had just begun to show a loving life blossoming forth. You audibly wallowed, collapsing into your own lap. As your tortured screams and sorrow crescendo there is a little pinch. The memory vanishes, the room swaying with your tear blurred vision. Sans has magic encasing his fist. He gives it a quick squeeze, a gibberish whisper snaking through the air.Bones press at your cheeks, interrupting the trail of tears. Your vision centers on Sans, expression taut and worried. You sniffle and hold his hand against your cheek. His chair scratches against the floor. He’s scooted close enough to embrace you gently. Your arms trail around his spine, finding a suitable contact point. Laying against his shoulder gives that warm sensation once more. Your Soul had been returned to your center, giving you a sense of peace within the pain.“I’m so tired.” You murmur against him. His bones rattle for a brief instant as he puts pressure against your back.“ye, i could go for a nap.” He chuckled. You shook your head in disagreement.“Not like that.” You turn to the side and face his chin. He was smiling once again, face out of sight.“All this….pain. This heartache. It just…looking back just makes me realize……my life was screwed up from the get go. I made every wrong choice.” Your eyes lay shut, accepting. Sans pulls you over into his lap awkwardly. You fumble but you don’t see a reason to fight him.“you’re just lost. lucky for you, these bones are made of stardust.” A hand caresses and slips through your hair.“How does that make me lucky?” “you’re the human fanatic. hear humans find their ways using the stars. used that ol’ rusty telescope and found the star you stared at the most. then i ate it.” You snickered into him, a fist tapping against his sternum.“I liked that y’know?” “then i’ll just have to hold second place.” You paused. A laughter bubbled in your sides, body shaking to keep it down. You pushed off him slightly and found his face. He was blushing wild shades of blue, eyelights like a needle in the darkness and unable to look away from your face. You’re certain the dozen tear stains, swollen red eyes, and quivering lip weren’t cute at all. But you smiled. You giggled and shoved his sternum lightly.“Th-That was fucking cheesy.” You whimpered and hiccupped out another giggle. The lights swelled up, sockets heavier.“yeah, i’m more of a joke star.” Openly you sputtered a light chuckle. “should keep a low scope.” You intentionally smacked harder at his ribs, each tap getting him to snicker.“hey, we should get up an stretch. then you’d look more like a star fish.” You clamped your hands over the majority of his mouth, a finger nearly going up his nostril.“Stop!! I’ll shut you up!!” You warned. His brow bones waggled, goading you on.“whaddewz a stair when en a compehteasion?” He continued on strongly with his brows as your tears began to crust along your cheeks. You could hear him intake air to continue the joke. You let your arms come off his mouth, replacing with your lips. It was a bizarre sensation, the sheer flatness. His bones began to clatter and rattle as he practically vibrated in the chair. You couldn’t find anywhere to kiss as it seemed he’d flat lined so you just put a few pecks across his teeth. You pulled back, lips intentionally pursed. The lights were gone, steam billowing from his sockets. The blue tint that overtook his face was extending down into his parka.“My constellation prize.” You grinned mischievously. You hoped the confident expression would result in ignoring the beet red blush stemming over your entire face. That was practically as sexually frustratingly awkward as your first kiss. Free of his pervasive interruptions in your mind you stood and pat your thighs. Bone’s weren’t meant to be directly leaned on. The inner pain wouldn’t diminish for a while, you knew it to be true. But you took the first steps of moving on. Then you realized Sans was incredibly fried, still in the chair. You turned back with concern. He let you stroll into Waterfall for fresh air and recomposing yourself. Earnestly you believe he joined you not only to ensure you were alright but also to cool himself down. He didn’t crack jokes or try to lead you away, he followed diligently one step behind. At brief instances you’d find yourself pausing, reflecting. He’d take your hand, fiddling with your fingers. It was a bizarre sensation and he stopped usually when you figured him out.At one point you branched off while bundling up your borrowed pants. You sauntered into a cluttered river. It was difficult to keep both the legs and sleeves dry, but a one arm plunge found a few branches and the cause for your wandering. The baggy filled with the wedding rings. Sans didn’t show any noticeable expression as you shuffled back to dry land.“wanna make a quick pit stop to Hotland?” As you shook off the most water you could, scales shimmering under the gemstones, you tugged at Sans sleeve. His arm was pulled out from his parka’s pocket. You took his hand and settled the bag into his hands.“Can I ask you to…hold onto this for me?” You tried to not grip and squeeze the rings. You had to let it go in his palm. He let it sit there, uncertain.“When we reach the surface, is it selfish to ask for your help? I-Is it wrong? I—I want to confront him. Properly. To put an end to it.” You held your clasped hands down in front of your pelvis. Your fingers grinded into your palms, the urge to hurdle the rings into an ocean of either water or lava. But Jason had wanted to be a responsible father so he hurried the wedding plans along. All of which came to a disastrous realization he hadn’t gotten a legitimate wedding officiator. A few weeks after the joke wedding you were robbed from behind. You were injured after trying to stop the assailant. You’d have thrown them into the sidewalk but amongst your grapple you realized it was a child barely in their teens simply fending for their life. When you hoped to let them go free they unintentionally stabbed your side.The child was taken into an orphanage. Your mother shunned your parental inadequacies. Pete had beaten Jason within an inch of his life demanding where he’d been besides at your side. Jason lamented for a few days, then considered you unfaithful to him as you’d gone off on your own that day. He accused you of cheating on him, certainly he was already up to his philandering ways. But you grieved over that child for months.You dreamt of it – its smile. You’d never met but you could clearly see it. Gums munching down unrealistic baby food. Little light blue eyes fluttering around at the wonders of life. Chunky arms with pale skin leading down to delicate fingers that could barely wrap around your thumb. The petite giggle they’d give as someone kissed their toes.Your imagination welled tears into your eyes. Sans embraced you, pulling you tight to his chest. The air was sucked away for an instant before you were surrounded by gasps and clamoring. You’d returned to the brothers housing. Everyone save Toriel and Asgore were present. Papyrus immediately abandoned his flaring cooking pot and scooped you into his grasp.“MAYA!!” He squealed, hugging your tightly to his armor. You squeaked in surprise before he gingerly put you down to inspect your face.“’Bout time you showed up! You’re looking more normal!” Undyne boasted from the sides, Papyrus inspecting you thoroughly. Finally content he relinquished your face as you rubbed your sore cheeks.“AS EXPECTED FROM MY BROTHER! EXEMPLARY WORK FOR ONCE, SANS!!” Papyrus reached past you and pat Sans skull.“woooo, effort.” Sans relaxed himself in the presence of the others. Something smashed into your side. You found Frisk, eyes welled up with brisk tears.“I—I’m so-so—so sorry! I-I didn’t- Ar-Are you okay?!” Frisk began a doting tirade as they hugged your side. Their tearful expression got your memory rekindling. The day you forgave that child, that accident. Everyone was furious with your cool expression and choice. Sincerely, you hated that child. How they took away the innocence you’d longed to let experience the world. But, in that same moment, you’d seen yourself. That child very well was like you as a kid – you ensured they were sent to a good orphanage and received help themselves.You drop to your knees, hugging Frisk to your chest. They’re shivering in your embrace as you brush over their unkempt hair.“Y-You’re not to blame.” You were breaking again, but nobody looked down on you with sympathy. They supported you and your choices. That alone had you breaking out into tears once more.“I forgive you.” It felt like you were projecting that past child unto Frisk, but at the same time you felt relief. A tiny hand rubbed your back. You caught Alphys behind you, unsure.“We-Well, I heard yo-y-you had quite the ex-e-experience. L-Lets relax for now. Th-Th-Then we-we can discuss th-t-t-t-this plan.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"We're quarantining Waterfall!!" "There's nothing else he can do. I've never seen him again in the same time." "So we don't KNOW if he can or not, just that you haven’t seen him!!" Undyne accusingly gestures towards Frisk, nestled onto your lap with their hot chocolate. You cuddled them in, cradling your own mug and glowering at Undyne."If Frisk says they haven't encountered them twice, I trust them." "Yeah you trusted them when you went in there and you came out with empty eyes! You looked like Papyrus!!" "I could still see, and Frisk apologized for that. Flowey agreed he's never done that before, so you're argument is dead." You sipped your cocoa, Undyne's face growing in red waves to match her brilliant hair."we shouldn't quarantine the whole place. just that hall. that's where he pops up only yeah?" Sans pops a bag of, as labelled, popato chisps. It makes Papyrus shiver in discomfort but he clears his throat audibly."I AGREE WITH SANS! THE HUMAN FRISK WAS ERRATICALLY CONCERNED FOR OUR DEAR FRIEND MAYA THE WHOLE WHILE WE WAITED!! THEY ARE A KIND SOUL OF DETERMINATION!!" Papyrus blushed happily, Frisk winking at Papyrus and giggling into their mug."Papyrus! Do you value the safety of the Underground citizens or the human?!" "B-BOTH!!" "We're quarantining Waterfall!!" Undyne declares, slapping the whiteboard that nearly snaps in half.You sigh and glaze your sight over the extensive planning occurring. After your return Alphys and Sans privately double-checked your Soul vitals. Upon your return to the downstairs there was a commotion where Undyne broke out a whiteboard and was making plans for the future. The quarantine suggestion was now the 18th ruling. It was becoming cluttered with Undyne and Papyrus' insane handwriting so Alphys had taken over that part. It was currently a majority voting system. Undyne didn’t seem to understand how a voting system worked.“Undyne, even if Alphys and Flowey agreed with you on the matter, it’s a 4 to 3 vote. We can quarantine that spot but we shouldn’t do that to all of Waterfall. It would cause everyone to panic, and you don’t want that with a human running around.” Undyne bites her lip as you glare her down.“We-We’re you always this disagreeable?!” “I’ve been told so.” Alphys nears a frustrated Undyne.“I-I-I ca-can se-s-s-set u-up-p se-secu-security-ty ca-cameras to-to-t-to surv-su-survey, u-u-m-um, Wa-Waterf-fa-fall.” Alphys bravely states, clearly trying to appease Undyne. She mulled it over and groaned; approval. Alphys also considered the gesture and wrote down the plan.“I’m not against her going back over! It’s something fres-!” For perhaps the 5th time tonight Sans suspended the flowers pot at the ceiling height, glaring him down. You’d helped him the first few times but you weren’t sure whether he was doing it on purpose for attention or just ignorant. Another odd development while you were deep in your thoughts: Papyrus had taken to snuggling up to you whenever you had a sad expression. As he was now. It was also the primary reason Frisk had nestled into your lap promptly upon your arrival. Papyrus had your head buried under his jaw and you had learned not to look upwards because seeing behind his maw was too peculiar. Against his bones you could feel a hum, something akin to a hand laid over a purring cat. Soft and resonating deep he’d snuggle you into his bones. The feeling wasn’t the best against bone and armor, but you couldn’t say no to the sweethearts.“DO YOU FEEL SAFE AGAIN?” “Mmm. You don’t need to do this constantly. I’m a big girl.” “HOW? YOU ARE INCREDIBLY SMALL!! YOU BARELY REACH MY SLENDER WAIST!” You cried internally at the fact you were taller than before. But you couldn’t tell him so tightly shut your lips laid.“Sans, ca-can I have Flowey back?” Frisk gestured needingly upward, yearning for the weed. Sans had been pretty quiet but conceded and hovered the flower back down to the coffee table.“ya keep causin’ problems there’ll be a hefty fine there bud.” Flowey growled as Frisk popped a large marshmellow into his mouth. It usually shut him up for a minute.“You need to control your evil meter. I’ll get you some cocoa!” “Not too much Frisk or you two won’t sleep tonight!” You holler as the child rushes to the kitchen. Undyne feverishly slapped at the whiteboard, nearly smack Alphys with it’s momentum.“Can we focus!?” “how many more ya gotta make?” Sans yawned, looking at the extensive planning laid across the whiteboard. Alphys was the one to step in, taking the whiteboard planning extremely seriously.“We-We should have a full-proof planning and understanding before we proceed.” “it’s easy. jus’ let the kid do what they usually do.” “What if they don’t?” “trust me, there’s only so much they can.” Sans grumbled to himself mostly. You hear the fridge door open and surely enough a moment later a bottle of ketchup comes whizzing out from the kitchen.“LAZY BONES! I THOUGHT WE AGREED TO ATLEAST NOT FLING FOOD AROUND THE HOUSE!!” “eh, too comfy to move.” Papyrus shivered angrily as Sans was laid out on the floor. Frisk giggled and set their cup down before laying besides him. Sans lightened up, patting their head. Not surprising to you his face morphed into hesitation a few moments with the child. It was best to keep the fact of the ‘bad resets’ from Alphys and Undyne for now. You knew it would make this entire process even harder.“Okay listen up!! Rule 19- the flower stays with either me or Sans!” “ah, I volunteer Undyne. I fish I could but I’ve got work and a kid. I’m too busy-“ Undynes spear appears overhead him by a few inches. Frisk scoots away cautiously, giggling for the skeletons predicament. Even Sans was rightfully nervous, still pretending to be goofy.“All hands soldier. The flower is your work.” “I DO NOT MIND OVERSEEING OUR FLOWER FRIEND! WE CAN BECOME RIGHT CLOSE PALS!” Papyrus giddily waves at Flowey, growling on the table and hunching down.“You’re all ridiculous! Just let Frisk do everything so we can Reset!! Th-This is out of hand!” “We’ve already discussed this Flowey. We’re not doing the Resets or anything anymore. We’re moving up and out.” You groan, rotating the flower pot. He smacks at your hand but now you understand he can do nothing to you. Even while he screeches and smacks at your hand, you find it a tad sad. Such a frustrated and lonely kid.“Papyrus!! It’s not that I don’t trust you, I don’t trust it!” “Him.” “It.” You and Undyne glared the other down. Flowey finally stopped smacking you, huffing and shuddering with rage.“I’m not working with you!! You can’t e-even break the barrier without me! SO THERE!!” “I can break it.” You sip on your cup. Undyne clatters over the coffee table with her feet. She snatches your collar and pulls you from the couch.“YOU CAN WHAT?!” “I-I—Did-Did we not mention it?!” You panicked now, dangling in her grasp.“What the fuck are we doing here then?!? We should-“ “we can’t just break the barrier without a plan. that’s why we’re doing this.” Undynes grit teeth flash towards Sans, though you still struggled in her grip. Papyrus looked terribly worried, but didn’t go against Undyne.“But-!” “we also don’t know if you can break it again. rather not risk your life on it.” Sans grunts and works his way up onto his knees, a dry erase marker floating with him towards the board. Quickly he sketches out you and Flowey on the board along with the six human souls.“Flowey in the past has always been the one t’ absorb the Souls. there’s practically no risk since he is a soulless being. but we don’t even understand your soul- it’s properly aligned but has two consistency’s. this could be a result of any of the multiple traumas you experienced to wind up here, or it could be something deeper knit. we’d have to run tests, and i’m sure you’re bone tired of ‘em by now.” Undyne finally allows gravity to plop you back onto the couch, sloshing your cocoa dangerously towards the rim. You scowl as she paces, scratching her scalp.“SANS IS CORRECT, IN MY GREAT OPINION!! FLOWEY MUST BECOME THEIR—ER?” Papyrus peeked to Frisk who giddily sat up.“The Absolute God of Hyperdeath!!” “YES!! ONLY THEN DO THEY HAVE THE GOOD POTENTIAL TO FEEL THEIR SOULS AGAIN, BE HAPPY, AND BREAK THE BARRIER!” Stars twinkled in Papyrus’ sockets.“We can also save Flowey then!” “Frisk, enough!” Flowey barked, stem shivering.“I don’t want to be with your dumb family! I don’t need a soul!! I’m perfect! The souls vanish after the barrier is broken anyways!!” “Do they?” Frisk peeked towards you, eyes filled with wonder. Sighing after submitting under their stare you hold your head and think.“If we’re talking about when I absorbed the souls, they’re a chatty bunch.” “you could hear ‘em?” “Oh, wow! Look!! More things nobody friggin’ knows!!! I’m getting coffee!” Undyne throws her hands up, stomping towards the kitchen. A brief moment of pause holds as she pokes her head back in.“Uh, A-Alphys. Yo-You want any?” “Oh!! U-Uh-Uh ye-yes p-please!” Both girls fluttered with blush as Undyne stormed into the kitchen.“Yeah? Is that normal?” “Who knows?!” “You would.” You flicks Floweys petal, the flower biting at your finger with grit teeth.“You understand we’re trying to help you, right?” You sigh and grip your cocoa, feeling it’s warmth.“Who needs it?!” “Ma-Maya. You we-w-were saying?” Alphys deems Flowey immediately as uncooperative. You give in as well, letting the petals be for the time being.“Well it was a bunch of kids. None of them knew how to take turns talking. It was a slight headache. At some point I was floating, at another point it felt like my body was on fire, and I vaguely recall my hand melting off?” A spitting of coffee in the kitchen lets you know Undyne is, at the least, listening in.“Th-T-That’s bo-bound to happen! We can’t hold onto a human soul without risk of their power overtaking our ph-physical forms! Taking six is..” Alphys scurries over towards Undyne who returns with their coffees. A little dribbles down her chin still.“It was scary but cool! You were glowing! The souls were making this, like, water bubble around you with electricity!!” Frisks eyes sparkling catches your attention.“WHAT?! THAT SOUNDS AMAZING!! CAN YOU SHOW US?” “Paps. it’s when she had the souls. it was a very dangerous situation.” Sans’ tired eyes fall on you. You try not to succumb to your bashfulness under his gaze for the time being. You still remembered you wanted to sort things out with him properly before breaking the barrier.“That sounds awesome but I don’t remember that at all. Everything eventually became colors and sounds at one point. Then I just listened to them, wished the barrier gone, and then I was kinda lost? Frisk, it was kind of like the place that guy was- just black space. The souls were there, and the longer I was there the clearer their forms became. They said that we were all in my subconscious but I can’t be sure. Eventually I felt something hitting my face and shifting me around, and after talking to the kids for a while I woke up. Undyne had me nestled in on her lap, crying over and onto my face cause she cared.” Shooting a sly glance at Undyne you watch her whole body seize tight.“I-I WOULD NEVER-!” “Aanndd you called me a mad woman and I picked on you for having tear ducts-“ Undyne clattered her coffee onto the table, nearly tripping over Frisk in her rush to grapple you. You accept the fighting spirit warily and get into a tight grab with her, elbows locking.“You guys really rile each other up!” “She started it!!” Frisk giggled as you tightened your hands with hers. Swiftly your left leg wraps the back of her right knee. With a quick tug and a hearty push forward she collapses onto her knees, nearly smacking elbows onto the coffee table. She’s startled enough that you release first from the grasp.“Looks like I’ll need to teach you take downs again..” You sigh, adjusting yourself. Undyne and Papyrus both had a terrifying expression to them as you realize the mistake you’d just made. With another step full of sloshing water in your boots you dug through another trash heap. Fishing around inside was unpleasant, and your constant searching was still proving hopeless. Prying your hand free from the garbage you groan and smack your head on the nearest water logged sofa.“HEY! You’ve got some nerve!! You only get 10 more minutes!” “I get it, I get it!” You growled at the sentient dummy, moving to the next pile.After your little combat with Undyne the final rulings were made- Undyne immediately gathered the entirety of the Royal Guard and prioritized quarantining that zone off. It was well past Frisk and Papyrus’ bedtime and Sans supposedly had business to attend. You were tasked with safely returning Alphys to Hotland which wasn’t originally a big deal as the river went right to the lab. But nobody answered the bell. On an off path that only Alphys knew you’d both wound up in the dump of the Underground. The water formed quaint pools or flowed in individual creaks down a deeper tunnel.Alphys needed a clock- an alarm clock specifically. She said it was something Frisk requested so begrudgingly you were here now, being pressured under a talking floating dummy, digging around in junk for junk. Normally you’d think this situation wouldn’t bother you but you were mentally exhausted. Undyne and Papyrus hyped up on caffeine demanding you be part of the Royal Guard was really not how you wanted this day to end. Your wish came true but mentally you were drained.With a grunt you prop yourself onto a desk and scrape through another pile : safety helmet, bike wheel, drawer of a dresser, empty box of cigarettes, a broken bracelet, a binder of soggy papers; you found everything. Peering up you don’t see overhead wholes and some of the items confuse and confound your thoughts. How was it possible that no humans ever have fallen down like you did?
You’d tried so long to play it off as a side thought but Frisk and Sans made it sound like everyone went through Toriels doors. That everyone before now has fallen in that big hole. But outside of Waterfall you hadn’t noticed any other major water channels. Where did all of this junk fall in? If it all came from the same location then surely the monsters would’ve caught on to a way out long before now. Better yet, how did everything get down here? You could chock it up to the denizens gathering the litter from the streams and gathering it into piles, but you barely even saw Papyrus or Undyne doing so.Shoving away a scratched couch cushion you find a water logged Spongebob alarm clock. You hoped it would suffice as you hopped hazardously down from your perch. Peering around, Alphys had vanished. With the clock in hand you waded along, following the streams.“Alphys? I found one!” Your call echoed in the empty space. The water was clean despite the debris and the path led creaks into straight away rivers. The path finally opened up. A cliff was the edge; water cascading down with little dry spacing. The overhead walls were a gorgeous array of crystals and geodes. Alphys rested at the pinnacle of the cliff, coat dragging and soaked in the surrounding streams. It was a proper waterfall, but there was no sound. The very stones existent hum was all you heard besides the waters flow.“Hey, Alphys.” You gently called. She didn’t respond to you, staring deep below. Carefully you approached. It was an endless pit, empty of sound or space. The water dipped down beyond the darkness and there is ceased to seemingly exist. Again your gaze strays to Alphys- she isn’t herself.“Alphys.” Clearly you call to her and she spooks. She stammers and backs away from the edge, grabbing her glasses and chest. Realizing your presence seems to ease her mind as she hunches back down within herself.“I-I’m so-so sorry a-a-ab-about th-hat. Wh-What were-were yo-y-yo-you saying?” She nervously intertwined her claws.“I was just calling to you, nothing special. What is this place? How far does this go down?” You curiously peeked over the edge again.“We-W-Well there a-are multiple u-uh th-theories. On-One is t-that it-it leads to the bo-bottom of the ocean!” You withheld a snicker. She certainly didn’t notice your concealment. It made you even more eager to show them the surface, show them the reality around them.“An-Another th-t-theory is uh-uhm it-i-i-it leads to-to another….place.” “Well I’m sure if nobodies been down there then yes I suppose it would.” “N-N-No not pre-precisely! So-Some b-believe it to be a-a-a wo-worm hole or-or another di-di-d-di—dimension.” You plopped down safely away from the edge in the water, holding the clock close so it didn’t clog anymore.“Not such a bad theory considering what’s been happening around us, eh?” “Heh—heh n-no. No-Not a bad idea in-indeed.” A far off look took residency in her eyes. She stood brazenly at the edge of the cliff, twiddling her claws together. You recognized that expression.“It—It could take you….from this existence. It-It could even give you a-a-a new…life. A new life.” You frowned, idly clutching her coat. Penelope had gone through something similar before, but you weren’t entirely sure how to console Alphys. You weren’t even sure she was aware of it herself. The eyes she made at the nothingness.“You’ve clearly thought about this before.” “Pe-P-Perhaps it-it has the po-po-p-p-potential to simply re-remake you i-into something you aren’t. A-Away from the wo-world you know. T-T-T-Th-The li-life you know.” You grip Alphys’ jacket, giving it a tug. She yelps and stumbled backwards, away.“But without proof, it’s a gamble. You don’t seem the gambling type either.” Her lip quivers up towards her teeth. She looks out at it again.“Take it from personal experience. One day I just woke up, in pain and terrified, in a land I knew nothing about. I can’t remember anything besides running from something that hurt me so bad I wished to disappear. So then I appeared here. You know what though? I might be happy now, but I was terrified and desperate. I didn’t consider those I’ve left behind, I didn’t consider the future I could’ve made for myself. Instead I’m here….living a lie.” You shudder and groan, working your way back onto your feet.“So now I move forwards. I choose to create a new path. If it connects with the past I’ve tried to leave behind then both will become my reality, and I shall face it justly. It’s all we can do. Accept what we’ve done and embrace what we can do.” You pat her shoulder, tears dotting the edge of her eyelids. Her glasses reflect the glistening stones as she gazes up at you. Your lips purse in thought but you manage a smile. It seems enough to reassure her as she notices the clock.“Wh-What is that?” “It’s an alarm clock.” Passing her the cute clock she looked over the back and a glimmer took place again in her eyes. Releasing her jacket you quietly put a hand behind her and lead her away. Even as you leave the eerie silence lingers back there.“W-Wh-W-What a p-p-p-p-pec-peculiar clock! Bu-But it-it should ha-have the necessary components I lacked a-at the lab!” “What are you planning to make?” Before leaving the dump you spotted something. Quickly you abandoned Alphys and ran for the back of a pile, toes sloshing in the boot water. A scratched up guitar case poke out of a pile. You had to give a mighty heave but the weight of it gave you hope. A loud throat clearing caught your attention- the dummy glared you down with the intensity of a drill sergeant. With a slight teeter with the extra weight you rushed back to Alphys, guiding her out. The dummy gave you a tight lipped glare without the lip to show for it as you both proceed up and out of the dumps.“We-Well the hu-human requested that we look into ot-other options i-in case the first meeting wi-with the humans goes, erm, ‘south’? So-So I had a wo-wonderful idea to blend in- I hope to-to finish the prototypes by tomorrow!” “That’s exciting! Just try and get some rest tonight though. Knowing Undyne tomorrow is going to be one hell of a day.” As you’re exiting the dumps you peer down the ways across from Undynes and spot the River Person. You frown at the tardy boatman but Alphys says her farewell to you there and takes the boat home alone. You wave her off. Once gone, the thoughts restlessly invade your unburdened mind. Seeking respite without activity you aimlessly wander back towards the yellow bird. You didn’t feel comfortable intruding on Undynes yet again. Even though you were exhausted and ready to collapse you pressed on, trying to replace your thoughts.The iridescent ponds pass your vision. Continuously soothing even with the construction. Seems already a small hut of sorts was in the making. The structure was cobbled and pressed stones into brick with wood from Snowdin or so it seemed. Reeds and lily pads calmly swayed besides the foundation as you traced it on your walk. It was slightly out of the way, nestled into the far corner, but it made everything a simple jog to reach and the quiet seclusion would perhaps be a good change of pace. Treetops from the Waterfall trees had been gathered for construction on the sidelines as well. It warmed your heart with the effort shown in such a brief span of time.Gently you crept around Onions dwelling. You saw a few bubbles and stray tentacles swaying beneath the shallow waters surface, but they either didn’t want to bother you or were properly sleeping. So quickly you snuck through, trying to not intrude. Finally, an empty space. Other than Onion residing in the corridor you don’t recall anyone living out this way. If it was easier to reach Snowdin and Hotland from this position perhaps you would’ve liked it more, but alas you were content with the soon-to-be residence.In the echoing space, where the water creaked and the stones swallowed the empty space, you felt okay to stay. Resting your guitar case by the small pond you wandered to the side. Passing the statue you snag an umbrella and gently place it into its grasp, the music box finally having a chance to play. You hum the tune and return to the emptiness, opening the case. The guitar only had a few dents to the frame and a string slipped loose. It was fairly dry and kept otherwise. Or brand new, but you didn’t hold it against it.With your bare feet dangling in the pristine water you tune the guitar. You felt a slight hint of ease as it rested on your leg, your arm draped over the body and your fingers picking at the strings. Testing the sound you finally felt content with it, strumming gently at the cords. Your scaled fingers kept catching on the strings, your larger hands proving easier to manipulate the instrument. Eventually you simply pluck out the statues lullaby echoing further beyond the hall. It was a gently melody.“We were unable to save-“ The guitars neck keeps your grip steady. The tune dies off, the echo surrounding you again. It was quiet again. Settling the guitar back into the case you strip off anything you could. With tight boxers and a workout bra you saw no problems with being dressed just so. Slipping your clothing into the guitar case you plop into the water. The echoes weren’t as loud, the music box somehow reverberating through the stones.In the sweet tune that practically vibrated against the walls, and the loneliness and space, you cried. Your huddled ball bounced on the hard rock flooring. The water was comfortable with a slight chill. Your face felt hot, eyes tight. You wailed and screamed but only bubbles carried your sorrow upwards. You clutched your side, the scar gone. All the months of agony and desensitization crashing back upon your being as a wave. It was harrowing. You felt nothing but misery as you balled up beneath the water. There nobody could see you cry or hear you wail. A silent escape. Your tired eyes took a moment to register the bizarre situation. You’d nearly forgotten you’d fallen asleep underwater. Despite the lack of overhead venting it was very bright among the hidden stones. Eyes swollen tightly together you try and balance yourself properly as you’d lulled upside down in your sleep. The water was the perfect serenity you needed. Swimming upwards to the surface you feel the weight suddenly collapse onto your shoulders. You groaned, prying yourself from the drink. Flopping out onto mossy grass filled your lungs with regret. Everything felt heavy and tired, contemplating whether a run or even a walk was a wise choice. So first you sat up.Tears kept dribbling down your face and you desperately wanted a distraction. Finding your footing you pop all the loosened bones and muscles as needed and practically drag the guitar case behind as you make for the little piano. You plopped down, head momentarily resting on the front above the keys, hair dripping everywhere. Through your warbling vision you felt out the keys and plinked simple notes to start. To drive your mind elsewhere. You didn’t know how else to cope with the feelings except for miniature bursts, yet it felt like you cried yourself to sleep more nights then you kept dreams.Eventually you were able to play a few country tunes in your head. It was only to bide time and naturally dry as you lacked towels. Once the piano hurt to look at, you stretched. Stretching and moving your circulation properly. Then the pants slipped on over your dried thighs and you felt calmer. Guitar case in hand you wandered back. Without an inkling for the time you hoped you hadn’t slept too late. Strolling into the corridor gave you an early surprising shriek. Onion-san popped free from the water, eyes glistening. You clutched your unprepared heart.“Oh! I-I don’t think I’ve met you before! I’m Onion-san! Did you see the human?” After regaining some semblance you pressed forwards, interacting with the jovial monster.“Uh, sorry, you startled me there. I’m new down here and I’m having a house built right down the way. I saw them earlier, why?” “They came running through my pond, hollering about mail? I was underwater and couldn’t catch them in time!” Onion-san sank below the waters edge, saddened.“Mail? Huh. I’m sorry to disturb your personal space out here, but would you also happen to have the time?” “Oh, nope! None of the dump pools drain here so I haven’t gotten a watch!!” Their eyes blink and you pity the large monster.“I hope we can talk again soon Onion-san but I really have to get going. I’ll see you soon?” “OH-OH YES! See you soon!” He enthusiastically waved behind as you jog off down your path. A few slimes were apparently in charge of the construction which you didn’t entirely understand but the foundation was completed and the wall planning was already underway so you didn’t bother their work. Trotting up past the iridescent streams was fairly silent. You padded off towards Gersons, eager to interact with the tortoise again. Gently, you enter. Gerson spins around, a craggily grin poking at each cheek. You felt a warmth blossom in your chest as you settled in.You repeated the motions with Gerson – asked him about the Underground, asked about him, he gave cryptic advice and continuously lost the topic. You didn’t have grandparents to your knowledge, but you wished they’d be like Gerson. Vaguely you recall only having a brief chat with Gerson once or twice, but you wanted to savor this time now.“Do you have any kids Gerson?” “This coot? Naah, not with how long I’ve lived! Lemme tell you something sunshine; don’t get kids ‘less you’re planning to age and die sunshine!! Wa ha ha ha!” Your brow furrowed, new information reaching your ears to your knowledge.“Is that literal or a joke?” “Eh? Literal! Aahh, humans are so different still, but I can feel it on ya! You’ve got Boss Monster material!” “I think you mean potential.” Graciously you pour him a glass of his crabapple tea and he waves it towards the sky.“Most monsters age naturally, though we all got different spans to this life. However, Boss Monsters only age when they choose to have a child! The new Soul takes from the parents, causing them to age!” He chugs the tea as you give it thought.“But didn’t Asgore have two children? That’s what I heard.” “Aye, but one was human and they’re both gone now. There’s nothing for his Soul to nourish, so he’s likely to stay that age forever.” Solemnly you trace your thumb along the warm ceramic cup. You felt like you had to speak with Asgore and Toriel, personally. They should know about Flowey and that they’re not alone in their grief.“Hey…Gerson?” You peer over, the old tortoise slumping back and snoring in his seat. Little bubbles drifted up from his nose. Withholding a snicker you lean across the counter, shoving his shoulder.“Gerson.” “Hrrmm…” He slowly winked his eye, regaining himself. “Mmm, ha ha, sorry ‘bout that sunshine!” His shells shudders as he stretches, scratching at his protruding adams apple. You looked to your ancient friend.“Gerson, you’re old; have you ever seen the surface?” He spits his tea abruptly, laughing heartily all the while. You shuddered as the warm drink drenched your face and torso. He sat up, still heckling, and snagged you a used towel.“Wa ha hak- sorry sunshine. Yer just an interesting human.” He snickered, refilling his cup again. He closes his eye with a hum, leaning back as you pat your hair dry.“I remember it. Looking up, being blinded by white and blue. Deep blue, ya never forget it. Our original home was deep in forests, at e’ grand lake just smothered with lily’s. Gorgeous skyward oaks as ancient as our history. Hmmmm ,yeah…” He sipped his tea, eye opening and falling to gaze downwards.“Nearby villages often were corralled, young an’ old, for fightin’. That was back in the days when talking with humans didn’t result in a sword in yer belly!! Wa ha ha ha ha!” You grimaced trying not to think how long the monsters were confined.“I’d teach some of their runts how to fight. Never saw em again. Seems only humans kill humans, now and then.” “But…there are human Souls. Asgore has six human Souls, right? So-“ “He took no joy or pride in it. He’s doing what he thinks t’ be right.” His eye lazed, expression dark. You drank the remainder of your tea and cautiously spoke up.“Do you think it’s what’s right?” He glanced over, the darkness seeping away.“I think e’s doing his best. But those kids were doing what we’re doing- surviving as well we can. Don’t think it’s right t’ be blaming maybe good people for a mistakes. But Fluffybuns is a good king.” You hummed in affirmation, nodding with his statement. He snickers, eyeing you.“You seem mighty comfortable round here. Not scared by all them bosses? Heck, back in the day I was stronger than that red haired brat!! Hucking spears willy-nilly!” You giggle, Gerson pouting a tad comedically.“I was definitely scared of you all, but even though we don’t perhaps look the same originally or even exist with the same ideas, are we seriously different? Appearances aside, you all have personalities and dreams and concerns- everyone does. So I don’t see any reason to be scared of anyone. The only thing I fear is Undyne in a kitchen.” Your remark has Gerson cackling. Suddenly, a cuckoo clock hollers in the back. You couldn’t see the time nor make out what the time truly was before Gerson perked up and ushered you out.“Alright alright now sunshine, stop eating my work hours!” Nearly missing to grab your new guitar on the way out.“Erm, o-one more question! Why do you call me sunshine? You’ve been doing that since we first met.” Shooing you out you manage to snag his attention one more time.“Because you’re from the surface, sunshine! I call all the humans that!” “Do-Don’t you think it’ll be detrimental to me if people realize that you only call me and humans sunshine?!” “Not my problem ain’t it! WA HA HA HA!” He cackled as he slipped back behind his counter, your face warming up. You weren’t sure if he was picking on you or abandoning you, but briskly you walked away.“Alright. I’ll stop by later.” Shuddering as a pass of air slips through from Snowdin you unbuckle the guitar case and whip out your shirt. You felt stick from the tea so you meandered down to the waterside opposite Gersons house. You didn’t spot nor spy River so you splash your face, rinsing it off. You can’t resist looking at your reflecting- normal now as it never had been before. You chewed your lip, thinking of the others. Guilt was swallowed down as a lump in your throat. Scrubbing at your face and neck you give a firm shake, wiping away the excess water. A light pattering comes from the tunnels canal and you respectively back off. You sit against the wall, popping open the guitar case and snagging your shirt. Briefly a couple stray threads are jumbled with the guitar strings but it gives you minimal trouble. The tip of the boat in view, you shut the case. A red boot comes flying at your face. With a shriek, you collapse flat down. Papyrus does a majestic ballerina leap right overhead you.“Jesus, Papyrus!” You gasp out, pushing yourself to a seated position. No sooner are your feet off the ground. Your brief panic is smothered in a scarf, Papyrus’ now constant idea to make you feel better.“MAYA!! WHERE IN THE UNDERGROUND HAVE YOU BEEN!? EVERYONE’S BEEN TERRIBLY WORRIED! WE SEARCHED HIGH AND LOW FOR YOU!!” “We-Well—Wait-“ You spun yourself around, awkwardly. You could now closely notice little orange tear stains dried over his bones. His sockets were like gelatin, warbling and unsteady.“I-I’m sorry? I was having a rough time last night so I just wanted some alone time. I fell asleep in a pond in Waterfall; by the statue?” “….AAAAHH!!” His jaw almost unhinged in his awe. It was comedic, but you could tell he was quite worried. You pat his torso and slip free of his cradle. The scarf was pleasantly long enough that even at average height it still hung around you with lax.“Please don’t tell me that everyone’s in a panic.” “OKAY! EVERYONE IS NOT IN A PANIC!” Immediately beads of sweat perspire along his skull. You groan, dragging tired hands down your face. He seems to recall something, whipping his phone out awkwardly from his armor.“Papyrus, what time is it?” “IT IS JUST PAST NOON!” “Ahh..” You crouch, scarf finally unable to reach. With frustration you scrub at your tired face. You can hear Papyrus getting a dial tone but you’re in your own addled mind.“SANS! I’VE FOUND MAYA!! SHE IS OKAY, I WILL BRING HER OVER RIGHT AWAY!” Glancing up you nearly snicker as Papyrus strikes his triumphant mannerism even over the phone. As quick as it began he hung up, grabbing your hand.“WE’D BEST GET YOU TO HOTLAND BEFORE UNDYNE ERUPTS!” Again you narrowly miss grabbing your guitar.“I feel like that’s going to happen anyways-!” Practically toppling off the boat you have to latch onto Papyrus for an instant. Glowering at River, they sing their little song.“Tra-la-la, I forgot my twenty eight pants today!” “Why is it I’m the only one who has to pay to ride?” You lament, Papyrus curious.“YOU PAY? BUT RIVER IS A FREE! LIKE THE RIVER!!” “Tra-la-la-la-la, Maya’s the only one~!” The heat of Hotland practically chokes you as the red dusty stone comes into sight. Papyrus wordlessly hoists you off the boat, you in relief you haven’t slipped on the upper wear as planned. With shame you stroll up towards the lab, Papyrus sprinting ahead. He doesn’t hesitate to launch himself into the laboratory, but you hang back by the door in the sweltering air assessing the situation. Sans was right in the doorway. You jump in alarm. He just stares at you. You’re certain he had his worries so all you manage to say even after your thoughts is, “I’m sorry.”His pupils become momentarily hazy. He spares a hand from his ketchup scented pockets and takes your free left hand. You watch as he feels over the scales in your palm with his thumb, tracing the back on your knuckles smoothly. After giving it a light squeeze he finally gives a sigh of hopefully relief and meets your gaze. Some pain washes away, the smile a smidge genuine.“i’s good t’ see ya.” Your heart patters against your ribs, fins feeling hotter.“Mmhmm.” Tenderly he guides you inside. A flash of blue and red whizzes towards you. Sans is the only one to quick-step away as you are forced to drop your guitar and grapple. Undyne’s face is intense.“You couldn’t of TOLD anyone you’d be fucking hiding out IN A POND?!” “You wouldn’t have let me! I just wanted some space!!” You can hear Papyrus and Frisk hollering something in the back. Your feet are slightly slippery as she manages to skid you back a tick. Her snarl is practically upon your eyes.“I don’t wanna hear your dumb excuses-!” You allow your left arm to give, elbow hitting her breast. Chancing your stability you give your right leg a swing around, snagging her calf. Head contacting fiercely with her chin, you trip her up and pin her onto the tiled ground with a thud.“I’m not making any! So get off my back; I’ve only been awake for like half an hour!!” You push off her, kneeling over her midsection. Her eye sparkles. With a grumble you step up and offer her a hand. She actually takes it; with a heave she’s standing. Sans on the sidelines lazily claps. You spare him a muffled pout.“You’re going to have to show me your techniq-“ “I really don’t want to, if it means having to spar with you constantly.” You lay the proposal flat, Undyne’s glare becoming a challenge. You’re certain you had little choice.“Ma-Maya! Thank goodness yo-y-you’re alright-t!” Alphys hobbles in finally, lemonade on a tray.“Hey Alphys. Sorry for the worry.” With a quick smile to the bustling lizard you retrieve the guitar case and stroll towards the couch. Sans was already there, laid out with his hood over his sockets.“care t’ share with the class why we’re meeting here, Alph?” Sans inquired as Frisk came jogging over to greet you. You didn’t fail to notice that Floweys container was now covered with a glass covering. He reminded you of the ‘Beauty and The Beast’ rose. He looked pissed.“You fell asleep underwater?” “Yeah, crazy huh?” “Yeah!!” Their thin eyes sparkled, your heart skipped a beat. With a big grin they guided you enthusiastically to the couch. Undyne stood on the opposing side, bashfully sipping at a glass of lemonade. Papyrus came rushing back from the sidelines with toast. Alphys clacked away at her computer, images skipping over the giant screen until eventually it found something.Frisk was standing somewhere in Hotland, somewhere higher up from the looks of things. You couldn’t see the monsters face but they seemed to be a cat, completely grey. They were presenting something round to Frisk, but the image captured was jumbled and scratchy. Perturbed, you sit back, Papyrus handing you a buttered slice of toast.“So-So as-a-as planned, Frisk went through Ho-Hotland today. They met with me and we discussed th-the entire rundown of how things usually happened in here. T-They never mentioned this individual.” Frisk, who’d sat down beside you, now cowered in behind your back.“I—I just wanted to discuss this person. I d-don’t have any files regarding them, so-so are they an anomaly?” Alphys glanced to the couch, you knew at whom.“i ain’t ever seen ‘em ‘round, so yeah-“ “N-No?” Frisk is peeking over your shoulder, hiding completely behind your back. Sans’ sockets narrowed in your direction.“kid-“ “Th-That is, I-I’ve run into them before! Multiple times, different Resets! B-But, we already encountered him so-so we weren’t supposed to find the others, so I-I didn’t know he’d show up.” Frisk grips your shoulder as you pat their fingers. Patting your lap they slowly creep out from behind and snuggle in, your arms encompassing them and head resting above.“What the hell does that mean?” Undyne scoffed from the side, swirling her lemonade.“Th-This run is already an-an anomaly. I—I don’t know what will be different.” “Considering how much has already been bounced from the usual narrative, should we even be surprised?” You offer as an argument.“I THINK WE SHOULD STAY ON OUR TOES, IN CASE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS WITHOUT US KNOWING!!” “of course Paps, but I think it’s best we confront that guy first. if e’s an anomaly, we might get more info outta him.”“He-He’s gone.” “Where?” “I-I don’t know. Sometimes I can see him after a true run, and sometimes I don’t.” Undyne clicks her tongue, pacing.“I don’t think an-anyone besides Maya might be able to-to find him. I’m surprised that you even have a picture of him. He’s one of his followers.” They bundle up in your lap. Your knit down eyebrows look up at the grey creature, at their hidden face.“WHOSE? HIS MAJESTY?” “N-N-No..um, h-him?” Frisk peeked up at you, eyes filled with fear. Something clicks in your brain looking at the faceless head.“The guy in the Waterfall room.” “THE WHAT?!?!” Undynes glass shattered in her very hand. Frisk cowered into your chest.“He-He wasn’t-“ “YOU MEAN TO SAY NOW THAT HE DOES HAVE SOME POWER OUTSIDE THAT ROOM?! NOW?!” “They-The-They—“ “Undyne. Back off.” You forcefully have to hold Undyne back, your foot pressed into her stomach.“They just said that encountering that man means they don’t encounter these other monsters.” “It doesn’t change the facts that thing has monsters on the outside!!” “You’re right, but you can’t blame Frisk! They can’t predict everything.” “EVERYONE, PLEASE, DO NOT FIGHT!” Papyrus took your side, holding Undyne back. She huffed and paced to the other side of the room. Sans’ expression was hidden behind a hoodie. Judging though from Papyrus’ expression towards his brother it wasn’t a good face.“We can’t quarantine Hotland too Undyne. It would cause unrest. What if there’s an emergency in the city and they need to transfer the monsters through Hotland? You can’t expect to transfer all those people through the elevators or across the long time consuming traps.” You reach back and ruffle Frisks hair. Undyne clearly didn’t want that response, but has no rebuttal.“Frisk could try hurrying through the remainder of the Underground. Are they dangerous monsters?” “No no. They’ve never moved or fought me before.” They escape from hiding at your back, instead sitting on the couches arm and grabbed Flowey. You’d practically forgotten his presence, but he was keeping uncharacteristically quiet on the side table.“The last time you said a monster wasn’t dangerous-!” “Was not like any other time! Frisk has, from the sound of things, never involved people in their runs. The monster in that room couldn’t utilize a human soul, they’re too strong. It reacting to another presence proves that. I don’t like that we only have Frisks word to go off of, but it’s a fact! Can nobody else see those monsters Frisk?” You turn to the child and tight lipped flower. Frisk is hesitant.“I—I don’t think so.” “Okay, so how about we run a safety test? Undyne, Sans, and Frisk can go to that monster, see if he’s still there.” You gesture towards the screen, to the hazy monster holding a head. “Sans has the science eye and Undyne is basically the strongest fish in the Underground. If you guys see him too, you can question or detain him. If not, we know he has a direct relation to that monster in the room and that Frisk, and probably myself, are the only ones who can see him.” You lean back, shrugging. Undyne paces in thought.“THAT SOUNDS LIKE A DANGEROUS IDEA.” Papyrus tenses up, sipping loudly at his lemonade.“It’s the only one I’ve got.” You peek towards Papyrus. “I don’t think we can befriend them, and Alphys going isn’t a wise idea either. I can’t go because if they do work for that guy and attack me but nobody else besides Frisk can see them I’d probably be in trouble.”“Wh-Why’s that?” “Oh, uh, I have little to no combat experience regarding monster confrontations.” “HUH?! Oh-hoh-hoh we are fixing that when we get back!!” Undyne storms towards the couch, hurling Sans over her shoulder. He only gives a groan in retort.“i’m off the clock.” “You’re a guard! Buckle up!!” “this is beyond my pay grade.” “I’m not paying you!! C’mon kid!” Undyne hollered back. Frisk got a big smile over their plump cheeks. Settling Flowey in your lap they rush behind Undyne and a depressed looking Sans. He gives you a brief glance before they disappear down the hallway.“I-I’ll follow them on the monitors then.” Alphys hops in her chair, fiddling through her camera controls. Papyrus sighs rather loud, plopping into the couch at your side.“This is all ridiculous.” “CERTAINLY NOT RIDICULOUS! I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF ALL THIS!” A glove rests under Papyrus’ chin as Flowey quivers in his pot.“If you idiots didn’t stray from the timeline we wouldn’t be wasting all this time!!” “You do realize we’re trying to help you right? Frisk wants to help you get out of the Underground, maybe even get your body back.” Floweys petals shiver for a moment, not looking at you.“Don’t talk about stuff you don’t understand, anomaly.” “We-Well it-it’s entirely possible!” Alphys swivels around, adjusting her frames.“IT IS?!” “Ye-Y-Yes! Frisk already di-discussed with me that a-as long as you have those human S-Souls th-that you retained, albeit fo-for a short amount of time, your original form. If-If I could find a way to put the willpower and str-strength their Souls have into an artificial Soul, it could very well have a similar ef-ef-effect-t!!” You spy Papyrus’ sockets literally glowing with wonder.“WOWIE!! THAT’S INCREDIBLE, DOCTOR ALPHYS!! FLOWEY, WOULDN’T THAT BE GREAT!?” “Of-Of course, that’s all hypothetical. Bu-But, we can certainly try if-if-if you’re willing.” Flowey remains weirdly silent, but you see his petals shaking.“You’re a-all too stupid for your own good. Nothing’s going to change. Everything will go back to how it was.” “You might be Soulless, but have some faith in your friends.” You hear him sniffle, a stray vine slapping at your thigh.“Shut up! Yo-You’re not my friends!” “Alright, alright.” You place him back onto the table, keenly turning him away as his stem shivers. Water plipped down into his soil as you gently smiled at the flower.“Is that why you had me digging through the dumps last night Alphys? The clock was for the artificial Soul?” “Oh-Oh! No! H-Hang on, I worked on it all night!” She hops out of her chair, quickly ascending to the second floor of the lab. Some things bang and smoke billows from somewhere, but eventually she scurries back down. In her tiny claws is a fairly big metal headband. It’s got some widgets attached around it. She pulls a remote with a screen out from her pocket after setting the headband onto the table.“Fr-Frisk gave me the idea for this, and I-I was so excited to do it I ba-barely slept!” “Ooohh, a passion project.” You scoot closer on the cushion as Alphys hands Papyrus the metal band.“Pu-Put this around your head. I’ve already te-tested it once so nothing bad should happen.” “ALRIGHT!” Papyrus picks up the band and immediately realizes it’s too big for his skull.“It’s okay, it-it’ll detect your magic and adjust to your head accordingly. “ Trusting Alphys’ words Papyrus holds the band around his head. Gently a little light scans and quickly scrunches up, closing the gap. Papyrus tries to peek up at it fitting around his skull. Next, Alphys hands him the little remote.“Okay, n-now pick four of these colors. It will give a new selection once you make a choice.” Papyrus peers at the screen for a long time, contemplating it. Once he’s taken a good minute deciding do you turn to Alphys.“What is it for?” “It-It’s for when we get to the surface. Frisk was saying we should have a fall back plan in case things don’t go over well with the humans.” “Thank you for ch-choosing the CAP. Please hold still while we frame o-over yo-your individual magic field!” The remote talks, Alphys’ voice coming out. She blushes as a light extends down. It frames around his bones, giving him form where nothing was.“What’s that doing?” “It’s out-outlining his magical field, the magic around his body. Some monsters, like the skeletons, don’t always have a certain field limit- they can adjust it naturally. It extends however far their bodies will it, but this can differ depending on mood and health.” You nod and watch Papyrus get air outlined with green graphs.“How ya feel?” “I FEEL NOTHING! BUT THIS IS FUN!” Papyrus, in lieu of the instructions, is rigidly still.“Thank-nk you fo-for your patience! We will now generate your results based on your magical make up and color choices! Please hold still with your eyes closed.” Papyrus obeys and closes his sockets, giggling in the process. Immediately from the band little bits of smoke fall down, covering some of his skeleton. Alphys picks up the remote, punching in a few buttons.“Making adjustments?” “It-It can show you an after pi-picture, and a second individual can customize certain things. It has limitations, it’s only the first model.” She blips a few things in. Suddenly, gold locks sprout from the top. The sound of almost latex and a comb combined is occurring, but you can’t pull your eyes away. Papyrus looked like he was wearing a blonde wig. It looked a tad fake, but considering it came out of the band along you’re impressed.“Your-Your CAP is ready! Estimated limit usage is : 41 HOURS AND 16 MINUTES. When yo-you wish to toggle your CAP, please clap twice and re-repeat “CAP on/off”.” “WELL? DID IT WORK?” Papyrus jolts up from the smoke encasing the couch. You’re speechless.He was human.He had skin, tan brown, like burnt honey. His face was a bit stretched but it wasn’t unnatural. His eyes were wide and blue, eyebrows thin and raised arches. With a vague widows peak he had tumbling curled blonde hair down to his shoulders, all hung back and suave. You covered your agape mouth as you looked over him. He was broad. His shoulders and biceps were intimidating, gloves filling out properly now with the artificial flesh. His waist and torso sported a muscular frame, the deep V around his pelvis formed. His legs certainly weren’t as intense as his arms, but he was absolutely built. You felt your face flushing in awe.“Y-Y-Yo-You! In-In one night-?! That’s-!!!” You were completely floored. He looked like those surfer models who’d just walked out of a magazine.“Is-Isn’t it amazing?! I’ve got to work the kinks out be-because if someone else penetrates the magic field it either dissipates or-or configures around the other individual. It does take magic to uphold, but depending on the details and such the output needed varies!! I was-was going to get Frisks opinion on what functions should be-be added, but I found plenty of human data in the dumps!!” Alphys is hastily scrawling in a notebook, glasses beaming.“WHAT? WHAT DID IT DO?” You sit up and approach Papyrus. He was intimidating and you’d lie if you weren’t slightly attracted to him. He was hot; his voice did not match him whatsoever though. You pulled off Papyrus’ glove and showed him the hand. He even had callused fingers.“Alphys…..this is a terrifying flex of scientific power. I’m stuck between awe and fear. Papyrus, you look like a human being right now.” Papyrus gazed at his human hand. Orange sweat began to bead over he forehead.“Ah. I’ll need to fix that.” Papyrus rushes over towards the bathroom, flinging the door open.“…AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-“ You have to plug your ears for the shrill scream he’s emitting. It didn’t sound like terror, more like amazement. The outer door suddenly slammed open amidst the screams.“bro?! Paps?! what’s wron-“ Papyrus come hurdling out of the bathroom, hair practically glittering behind him. Sans’ expression looked like bone cracked.“BROTHER!! BROTHER, I—I HAVE HAIR!!!” You hear Papyrus sob, Sans’ pinpoints barely visible in his skull. You weren't sure whether to laugh or be concerned.