Chapter Text
Ah, mount Ebbott. You beautifully cursed place, filled to the brim with sealed off monsters.
The end of the world would come as soon as that barrier shatters.
Good thing their saviour isn't there yet.
Their angel.
Of death or mercy, who knows.
It's all up to Frisk.
What an unique name.
But they want to change it later.
It's sounds…. Risque.
Heh.
Frisk the saviour of monsters.
How many times have they worn that title?
‘As many times as I’ve RESET, I suppose.’
3 years.
It's time they pay these monsters a visit.
But not right now.
They're not ready.
Soon.
They cough up a black liquid, swirling with purple and wiped it off their mouth.
They won't fail this time.
~☆~
A golden light shines down upon us. But a shadow is cast just by them, darker than any I've ever seen.
Their clothing glistening with a white powder, most likely the dust from the monsters they’ve killed.
And expression as neutral as ever
”let’s just get to the point.”.
”it's a beautiful day outside. birds are singing, flowers are blooming…”
They took stance. I got my magic ready.
”on days like these, kids like you…”
I don’t even know why I’m still trying.
This is pointless.
My so called ”creepy face" doesn’t even amuse them anymore.
I surprise attacked them that landed a few times, but otherwise, they were pretty ready.
”here we go.”
Wonder how long I’ll keep them busy this time.
…
Ugh. I’m so…. Tired.
I just wanna sleep.
Why am I still doing this?
It’s pointless.
They’ll just reset and reset and reset and reset….
It doesn't matter anymore.
Maybe if I close my eyes, it will all go away….
9999999999 DMG
Heh.
They look surprised that I didn’t even try to dodge.
”honestly, i'm tired of this. Let me just stay dead. Please.”
Everything’s fuzzy.
My insides feel like cotton.
Hey, there’s Papyrus.
Maybe I’ll join him.
I collapsed and sat down by the pillar, looking up at him as the last of my few tears disintegrated alongside the rest of my body.
”no more.”
I closed my eyes.
It felt nice to finally be able to rest.
Until I have to fight them again.
And again, and again….
F o r e v e r .
~☆~
Sans woke up with a start and tried calming down his anxious magic.
He stared at his ceiling and remembered where he was.
’That’s right, I'm in my bedroom at the Capital.’ He thought reassuringly.
’I’m not…. In the hall with that human child.’
His memory was fuzzy, but maybe, just maybe…
They’re just a product of his imagination?
There hasn’t been a reset in years.
Maybe he was finally going crazy after overworking himself….
Whatever.
”What time is it?” He mumbled to himself and turned around in his bed.
It was 7 O'clock.
”Shit, I’m late!” He exclaimed and jumped out of bed.
Good thing that he sleeps in his work clothes, or else he’d never have time.
He took his glasses by the bedside table and his little hat and ran downstairs.
”Maybe I can have time to take a sna--- Nope”
He didn’t allow himself to think like his old self.
’If I’m late, I can take things easy. Because I’m already late, it can’t get worse’ he shook away those thoughts and zoomed by his brother, not even paying him attention.
”You’re usually not this late…” He mumbled.
”I know, goodbye.” He didn’t have time to care about Papyrus' comments.
”You know that you can teleport, right? Or did you forget?”
Sans hesitated a step in realization and Papyrus saw this.
”Have a good day.”
’Passive aggressive idiot.’ Sans thought and teleported.
’It’s not like I’m much better though.’
~■♤■~
Gold.
Golden light everywhere.
Same hall.
Same pillars.
And the ghost of his past.
He averted his eyes from the spot of where he think he died in his nightmare and rushed to the throne room.
He’s late. It’s not often that he’s late like Papyrus said.
He entered the room and saw His majesty standing with Dogamy and Dogaressa.
They appeared to be holding somebody.
”My sincerest apologies for being late, your majesty. My alarm wouldn’t work, but of course, no excuse can---"
”It’s okay, Sans. You’re overworked as it is. And no need to call me that.” Asgore reassured, smiling warmly at him, albeit a bit worriedly.
”Anyways…. Any new troublemakers?” Asgore sighed, and the dogs moved to reveal an angry Icecap.
”He was harassing a Loox for ignoring his cap.” Sans sighed and motioned the three to follow him.
Time to work his magic.
”Unless you want to be exploited, I suggest that the two of you step back.” The guard dogs did as he said, knowing better than to question him.
The Icecap looked nervous as he was face to face with the Judge.
But it is his fault so….
”Get ready.” And at that, he pulled him into a FIGHT.
But Sans would rather use the word Confrontation instead.
It’s not like he’s harming anyone with this.
Possibly.
The world got sucked out of light and he focused on the SOUL of the monster.
’Time to look into things I shouldn’t.’
Images of his past came flying by, and Sans tried to ignore this, only looking for the memory of what he did this week.
”S-stop this… please…” It’s never a good feeling to look into somebody's darkest secrets and most intimate moments.
But it must feel absolutely dreadful to be the victim to it.
Oh well.
Most think twice before doing anything after being pulled into a Confrontation with him.
’And that’s why the symbol of the Judge is an eye with a SOUL in its center.’
”No EXP….” He mumbled.
’The problem wasn’t all that big, he’s just egocentric.’ Sans thought to himself.
”I promise I won’t do that again, just please, leave my SOUL be!” the Icecap cried out.
Sans tsked and snapped his fingers.
They were out of the Confrontation to both of their relief.
”Now… Unless you want to go through this experience again, I suggest you apologize to the Loox and leave. Now.” The monster nodded and got escorted out with the dogs.
Sans let out a breath.
He’d never would’ve thought that he would look into the SOUL's of the monster for a living.
Guess you can’t predict the future after all.
He shrugged and turned around, heading of to the throne room.
He’s got the entire day left of work after all.
~☆~
”Finally, he’s gone.” Papyrus muttered out loud.
He went outside as well, but took his time.
He strolled through the Capital, not looking anyone in the eye since he didn’t want his day to get bad.
At Hotland, he went to the River Person so that he could get to probably his second favourite place faster.
Waterfall.
Maybe he should go visit Undyne while he’s there…?
Or did he really want to annoy her?
What if she’s working?
He decided to go to her later, seeing as it was very much likely she was still asleep.
For now, he was headed to Snowdin to do what he usually did.
Work with his traps and puzzles.
As he entered the cute little snowfilled town, he took in his surroundings and smiled to himself, which was rather rare.
“Heh. I'm back home again.”
‘And not in the capital’ went by unsaid by him.
Maybe while he's here, he could go to Grillby’s…?
Sure, he hasn't been there for a long time, so…
Grillby it is.
The way everyone looked at him with familiarity and friendliness didn't sit well with him.
“PAPYRUS!” All the regulars chimed simultaneously.
He cringed.
1: It was way too loud.
2: This is and will remain his place.
It feels wrong.
But it would be rude to not reply.
“Oh, hi guys.” He said quietly and shuffled over to the counter.
The flaming bartender looked his way in question.
“...... How's…. Sans…..?”
Papyrus sighed and that was all that he needed to know that things are still the same.
Nobody gets it.
Why did he suddenly decide to up and leave Snowdin?
The riverperson exists for a reason!
“I guess I could have some fries as well… a small portion please.” He used to hate Grillby’s for the fast food, but the fries are okay despite being so greasy.
And because the Judge spent time here.
“........ Is he still….. overworking himself….?”
Grillby asked quietly.
“If you mean down to the bone, then yeah.” Papyrus said with a half smile and a little chuckle.
The air grew somber between the two.
“S-sorry…. I shouldn't have…”
“It's…. Not your fault….”
God, he really couldn't do a single thing right, now could he?
Making people disappointed and upset is his thing now apparently.
He feels disgusting.
He grimaced and slapped down some gold before muttering an apology and leaving, to the confusion of the regulars.
‘Useless… pathetic…. Waste of space….’
All of these words that he continuously used on him were true.
He really was a failure.
Sniffling, he wiped his tears and went to the Judge's old stand.
At least he could do one of the only things he's good at there.
Even if it is meaningless outside of capturing non-existent humans.
He just wished that he wasn't such a bother.
Like maybe, he should just go d---
*RING* *RING*
“S-shoot!” His phone was ringing at the most inconvenient time possible.
He didn't answer and continued with his blueprints.
That should lift his spirits!
….
Except they didn't.
They never did.
Things he used to enjoy are now meaningless to him.
It's just a waste of time, and he knows this.
He's right.
Standing up, he went farther back into the forest.
Maybe a walk will clear his mind….
Who is he kidding?
This isn't doing anything.
He's just at the entrance to the ruins now!
This huge door just doesn't make sense.
Sure, the queen locked herself up in there, but how do we know if she's still alive?
Sighing, he sat down at it and just quietly started humming a little melody.
Simple, but upbeat.
“Sans….? Is that you…?” A voice behind the door asked.
Despite being muffled, it rang clear to him that it was female and awfully motherly.
Should he say something?
“N-no, sorry. I'm his brother… sorry for bothering you, I was just about to leave…”
A gasp of some sort came behind the door, almost as if the voice was surprised or shocked.
“Oh no dear, you're not bothering me!” Wait, what?
“Quite the opposite actually! I've been terribly lonely in here, so I wouldn't mind your company.” The way her voice was filled with warmth and acceptance nearly moved him to tears, but the logical part of his head started to act up.
‘Of course she's nice, you're a stranger that she hasn't heard of and she's lonely. It will only be a matter of time before she understands quite how bad of a monster you really are.’
That's not true, right?
“S-sure. If you insist that you don't mind…” He tilted his head back to the door and payed attention to what she could possibly want to tell.
“Oh, I've heard so much about you, Papyrus!”
His SOUL squeezed at the mention of his name.
“R-really? What kind of things?” He crossed his fingers that it wasn't anything too bad.
“Like that you're a helpful and kind monster who stands up for his beliefs! You're creative, smart and as Sans usually says, the coolest!”
Ah.
This must've been a long time ago then.
Poor lady must not be able to keep track of time in the ruins.
“Well, I've always been a pretty chill dude if I do say so myself.” He said before he could stop himself.
Oh well, it was a good reply.
A quiet snort could be heard behind the door, and Papyrus’ smile got a bit less strained.
“Sorry, I just couldn't miss out on the oppuntunity.” The chuckles got louder and louder and his mood just got better and better.
“That was a very ice pun that you made! Tibia honest, your puns has improved my mood. So thank you for that!”
Well, wasn't she a sweet one? And she makes puns that could rival his own.
“Snow problem. Wouldn't want you to give me the cold shoulder after all!” He felt pride surging through him since he could make so many snow related puns on the spot.
“Pfft, hahahahaha!” The lady behind the door let out an unrestrained laughter and sounded like she was having the time of her life.
“You okay there?” He was getting a little bit worried.
“Never been better! I just didn't realise how much I've missed puns!” That's good.
At least he made somebody happy today.
“Is there any type of jokes that you especially like?” He asked. Maybe he could entertain her for a bit longer?
He really didn't want to go back just yet.
“Hmmm, well, I'm rather fond of knock knock jokes…” knock knock jokes?
He could do that.
“Same here!”
~☆~
It was late.
11.36 PM to be exact.
Sans was still not home.
As usual then.
What did he exactly expect?
He's not gonna change.
Papyrus went home after chatting up with the stranger and doing a few things at the ol’ station before he left.
He had already eaten his dinner, so there wasn't much else to do than sleep.
So he changed his clothes and got into his very plain looking bed.
It's nothing like his beautiful race car bed.
Oh well.
~☆~
It's so dark.
I'm cold.
Help me.
I don't want to be here.
I can't be here.
I'm not supposed to be here.
Where are they?
They were supposed to help me.
To help us all.
Liar.
LIAR.
……
At least they're gone.
I can finally rest.
Uneasily, sure, but sleep nonetheless.
I wonder how @#%*ERROR*^$÷@ is doing…
I'm so lonely…
Zzz…
~○~
They awoke, shaken by their dream.
What is this?
Why is this still haunting them?
This isn't supposed to be their dream, how did….?
3 years.
Why hasn't the past left them yet?
3….
They need to go back.
To finish things of for good.
And then,
They'll finally be free.
~☆~
Landing on those golden flowers that once saved their life felt….
Nostalgic.
A major Deja Vu feeling despite being certain that they have already been down here.
3 years.
That's a long time of no repeats.
Of not knowing what's going to happen next.
It's uncomfortable being outside of their comfort zone for so long.
Of not having the secure sense of being in control over everyone's fate, including their own.
It's addicting.
Well, that's enough sitting around, doing nothing.
Looking around for any change, they noticed something glint in the midst of the bed of flowers.
“The true knife…”
Their most trusted companion, unavailable until the end of their little game.
“Fate must really love me then…” grinning maliciously, they took the handle of the kitchen knife and swung it around for testing.
It felt like it was made for them.
They jumped up and brushed off any dirt of their favorite red hoodie and light grey shorts before stretching.
“..... What are you doing here?” Slightly startled, Frisk looked behind them to see Chara. They looked….
Upset.
Wouldn't blame them.
It's not like they went along with Chara's little game.
“To fix things once and for all.”
So they can finally be free.
“Let's go then.” And Frisk obliged.
Once they entered the cave, the grasspatch in the center of the dark cavern wasn't the only thing there.
There was a flower, a buttercup bigger than the others. It had a face, showing only one emotion.
Shock.
Genuine surprise.
“F-Frisk! I'm surprised to see you here! W-what brings you here?” Frisk smirked and went over to the pathetic flower.
“I'm here to end your miserable life, what else?” Flowey gave out a squeak in fear and was visibly shaking.
“B-before that! Don't you want a guide…? The underground has changed since the last time you were here!”
“I think I can manage… but let me reward you for your loyalty!” The menacing glint in their wide open purple and red left eye made him think that it wasn't a good kind of reward.
All of a sudden, they swung the kitchen knife at him, and he barely plopped into the ground in time.
“THAT'S RIGHT! RUN, YOU COWARD! FEAR ME!” They dropped their face for a second before closing their eye and continuing forward into the underground, not even waiting for Toriel to come.
“Let the games, begin.”