Chapter Text
As you extended your hand to Sans, the tension in the room slightly lifted. The skeleton's hand was cool to the touch and held a peculiar warmth, and if your eyes were closed, you could've easily mistaken it for a human hand. While his grip was gentle, the intensity of his gaze didn't waver, almost as if he was trying to stare into your very soul with those bright white eyelights.
"Nice to meet you, Sans," you replied with a friendly nod, trying your best not to show your growing uneasiness. Sans's grin appeared to grow ever so slightly, a faint glimmer of amusement in his eye sockets. When it was obvious he wasn't going to say anything, you decided to break the ice further. "I hope I'm not intruding or anything. Papyrus and Frisk were kind enough to help me."
At the mention of his brother, Sans's expression relaxed, shifting into his normal laid-back demeanor as he released your hand. "nah, no problem. pap's got a big heart, can't resist helpin' folks in need," he explained, his grin softening slightly.
Almost as if catching himself, he straightened, his smile tightening once more. Despite his carefree tone, you knew he wanted nothing more than to throw you out, and honestly, you couldn't blame him. You would be wary, too, if the roles were reversed.
"HUMAN, DINNER IS READY! YOU'LL NOW HAVE THE HONOR OF EATING THE MOST DELICIOUS TACO SOUP MADE BY THE GREAT PAPYRUS HIMSELF!" Papyrus declared proudly, breaking the growing tension as he effortlessly balanced a large pot of soup in one hand. You relaxed at the sight of the taller skeleton, shooting him a carefree smile.
"I can't wait to try it." Papyrus beamed at your response, his tall form brimming with enthusiasm. Sans continued to watch you, his bony face contorting into something comparable to confusion, his eyelights flickering down to your chest.
"YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED, HUMAN!" With a flourish, Papyrus set the pot of soup on the dining table, your stomach already growling at the tantalizing smell of the dish wafting in the air. As everyone gathered around the table, you noticed Sans had taken the seat across from you, his grin still firmly in place, even as he continued to stare at you.
Frisk settled down next to you, excitement shining in their brown eyes. True to his word, Papyrus served you a heaping plate of soup with an elaborate, twirling motion. It was almost like watching a master chef at work; you couldn't help but be impressed by the presentation. Normally, you would've waited until everyone at the table had been served, but the smell, combined with the grumbling of your stomach, was too tempting to resist.
You took a bite, and the explosion of flavors in your mouth was beyond anything you could have expected. It was as if Papyrus had captured the essence of deliciousness itself in his cooking. You couldn't help but let out a delighted sigh.
"Wow, Papyrus, this is incredible," you exclaimed, your taste buds dancing with joy as you scooped another spoonful in your mouth. Frisk hummed in agreement beside you, stuffing another bite in their mouth.
Papyrus practically glowed with pride, a light orange bush dusting his cheeks once more. "NYEH HEH HEH, I'M GLAD YOU ENJOY IT, HUMAN! THERE'S PLENTY MORE IF YOU WANT SECONDS." The meal continued with cheerful conversation, consisting of Papyrus talking about his training with someone named Undyne, to sometimes shifting to Sans's laziness at his job.
You were content just listening to everyone else, too busy stuffing your mouth to add to the conversation. Papyrus's infectious enthusiasm remained as endearing as ever, yet Sans's watchful gaze fixed upon you throughout the meal, and a growing sense of unease began to settle within you. Despite your best efforts to appear unbothered by Sans, a sliver of anxiety broke through. It was like he was waiting for you to mess up. The lively chatter gradually faded, replaced by the clinking of utensils and a thick silence.
As you ate, Papyrus and Sans studied you with varying expressions. Papyrus seemed almost expectant, while Sans maintained a carefully neutral demeanor, something which you tried your hardest to ignore. Frisk signed something to the taller skeleton, and Papyrus responded with a resigned sigh, toying with his gloved fingers.
"NOW THAT YOU HAVE HAD SOME NOURISHMENT, HUMAN, PERHAPS YOU COULD SHARE HOW YOU GOT SUCH INJURIES?" Papyrus cautiously asked. You couldn't help but stiffen slightly, a reaction that didn't escape the keen observation of the shorter skeleton. You offered a soft, almost hesitant response, your fingers instinctively grazing the spot where your injuries once were.
"It's a bit of a long story," you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Sans's ever-present grin remained unchanged, but a spark of curiosity was dancing in the depths of his sockets.
"well, we've got time," he replied nonchalantly. "dinner's not going anywhere." Frisk and Papyrus watched you intently, eagerly waiting for you to answer. You knew you were stuck in this universe, and sooner or later, they would find out anyway, but you didn't even know where to start. As you leaned back in your chair, you took a steadying breath, hoping that they'd believe you.
"How much do you know about parallel universes or the multiverse?" you began, cautiously testing the waters. Immediately, Sans seemed more alert while the others stared at you in confusion.
"i know a bit, but as far as i know, the multiverse is only a theory," Sans stated, clearly taken aback by your out-of-pocket question. You leaned forward, a determined glint in your eye as you continued to speak.
"Well, the multiverse is real, and I know this because I am not from your universe." You allowed a moment for the weight of your words to sink in, watching as their confusion deepened. "I know it sounds crazy, but I'm begging you to keep an open mind." They slowly nodded, and you took a deep breath as you continued.
"Less than a day ago, my universe was on the brink of destruction at the hands of a man who calls himself the Shadow Bringer. A pretty cheesy name, I know, but he is incredibly powerful with the ability to manipulate shadows into whatever his dark heart desires."
You could feel eyes on you as the images of battle barely appeared, your hands clenching together to fight the oncoming wave of emotions. "Many brave people were sent to defeat him, but nothing could stop his rampage of destruction. So, I was sent to try and defeat him, and I finally managed to corner him in a small town with an army of others like myself. However, as the battle went on, his army soon overwhelmed mine, and I knew I was going to be killed." Papyrus stiffened, but you continued on, your voice hard.
You took off the pocketwatch, holding it up. "I knew that if I lost, my world would be destroyed. So, in my desperation, I resorted to using very powerful magic stored in this pocket watch to banish him to a different universe, permanently sending him away where he couldn't hurt anyone else. Unfortunately, I was also caught in the portal's energy and thrown into your universe. I woke up in the snow, and soon after, Frisk found me, and you know the rest." It was quiet when you finished, and you awkwardly fiddled with your fingers. Sans was the first to break the silence, his voice low and contemplative.
"so you're from another universe, huh?" he mused, his gaze still fixed on you. "i guess i've heard crazier things. i mean, you're not the first human to fall outta the sky." he murmured, pointedly looking at Frisk.
You nodded, running a hand through your tangly hair. "I know it's a lot to take in-" Your attempt to continue explaining was interrupted by the sound of sniffling. Your eyes widened as you saw orange tears welling up in the corners of Papyrus's sockets.
"I BELIEVE YOU. THAT SOUNDS AWFUL! I'M SORRY YOU WENT THROUGH SO MUCH," Papyrus exclaimed, his words filled with genuine sympathy. Your eyes softened at his concern, and you gently patted his back, hoping to provide some comfort to the emotional skeleton. Frisk tilted their head, brows furrowing in silent inquiry, the question clear in their eyes.
*If he was so powerful, why were you the one sent after him? The same question stirred curiosity in everyone at the table, and you met their gazes with a small, knowing smile.
"It's because I'm an elemental," you said. "Just like the Shadow Bringer, but my element is different. I have the power to manipulate water, not shadows." Their reactions varied; Papyrus and Frisk seemed genuinely curious, eager to learn more, while Sans appeared somewhat uneasy. His grin tightened, and his eyelights flickered as he asked,
"What do you mean, 'elemental'?" Rather than explaining in words, you silently demonstrated. You reached for the cup in front of you, your eyes glowing with a gentle, soothing blue light. With a subtle flick of your wrist, you commanded the liquid within the cup. It obeyed, rising and twisting like a serpentine dance. Papyrus and Frisk's eyes shimmered with amazement, entranced by the water's enchanting movements.
However, this display of power took its toll on you. A sharp pain pierced your head, and you carefully guided the water back into the cup, feeling an unexpected wave of exhaustion wash over you. You knew you were low on energy, but you didn't imagine you'd be so exhausted you couldn't handle basic tricks.
"WOWEE, THAT WAS AMAZING!" Papyrus exclaimed with genuine wonder. "I DIDN'T KNOW HUMANS COULD DO SUCH THINGS!"
Frisk shared in the fascination, their silent expression mirroring their amazement. You decided to explain more when you noticed the questions practically radiating off of them. "In my universe, some humans, known as elementals, possess unique powers. While my element is water, there are others who control lightning, fire, earth, and more."
Papyrus's enthusiasm was undeniable as he leaned closer, curiosity gleaming in his sockets. "DO ELEMENTALS HAVE A SPECIAL PURPOSE IN YOUR UNIVERSE?" You chuckled at his eagerness.
"Not exactly. Elementals are rare, and their abilities are unique to each of them. We're trained from a young age to control our powers and help those in need. I often used my water manipulation to assist in emergency situations like fires or floods. But, there wasn't a grand purpose to it; we just aimed to make the world a better place." Sans leaned back in his chair, his grin returning, though you couldn't help but notice a hint of wariness in his eye sockets.
"sounds pretty handy, especially when things get choppy." Papyrus groaned at the pun, and even Frisk rolled their eyes, but you snorted softly, feeling more and more at ease. Frisk signed to the others, and Papyrus nodded eagerly.
"I AGREE! I THINK IT'S INCREDIBLE. CAN YOU SHOW US MORE?" You hesitated, feeling the fatigue from your earlier display of power, but you couldn't bring yourself to say no. With a small nod, you focused on the cup once more. The water obediently obeyed your command, rising and forming into a glistening ball. Your eyes radiated with a soft, glow as you regulated your breath. The air around you took on a crisp, familiar chill as everyone watched in awe. The ball of water gradually transformed into pure ice, dropping onto the table with a solid thud.
Papyrus clapped his hands in delight, and even Sans couldn't help but crack a grin. "pretty impressive." He paused. " however, i can't help but notice your magic is getting depleted." You were surprised he noticed your growing fatigue. In fact, you were sure there would be no way he would've known just by looking at you.
"I'll be careful. Just thought I'd give you a glimpse of what I can do." You replied easily. Papyrus frowned slightly, quickly agreeing with his brother.
"SANS IS RIGHT; YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, AND YOU SHOULD PROBABLY BE RESTING!" Papyrus insisted, concern lacing his tone. Grabbing the ice ball you had just created, you converted it back into water, watching it cascade gently into the cup.
"I'll keep that in mind, Papyrus." The tall skeleton seemed disgruntled, but thankfully dropped the subject. With that, you went to put your dishes in the dishwasher, but your action was swiftly intercepted by Papyrus's enthusiastic "NYEH HEH HEH."
"I DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE DISHES; THE GREAT PAPYRUS WILL TAKE CARE OF THEM," he declared. You went to object, but he quickly stopped you, snatching the dish from your hold. "DON'T FRET. IT IS MY DUTY AS A HOST TO TAKE CARE OF MY GUEST. YOU SHOULD REST ON THE COUCH WHILE I FINISH CLEANING UP."
You couldn't argue with Papyrus's enthusiasm, and you obliged, slumping onto the couch with a grateful smile. The exhaustion from your recent ordeals was starting to catch up with you, and you welcomed the opportunity to rest. You were glad they believed your crazy story, but you couldn't shake the feeling that you were forgetting something important. The thought gnawed at the back of your mind as you leaned back on the couch, and you sighed, covering your eyes with your arms.
The cushions beside you dipped, and to your surprise, it was Sans who had joined you. His arm was lazily draping over the back of the couch, his sockets fixed on you, the act sending a shiver down your spine.
"Did you need something?" you asked cautiously. He chuckled, a low and almost casual sound.
"na. mostly just wanted to talk for a bit. papyrus trusts you, and for some reason, the kid's getting attached as well. so remember this." He turned to you, his eyelights vanishing from his sockets. "if you ever hurt my bro or anyone else in the underground, you're going to have a B A D T I M E." His voice lowered into a growl, a thrum of magic engulfing you as you shivered, trying your best to keep your own magic from flaring in defense.
"do i make myself clear?" He said, eyelights reappearing once more. You nodded, feeling the weight of his words suffocating you. Sans seemed to relax at that, allowing himself to melt back into the couch cushions."m'glad we can come to an understanding." Your brow furrowed, a bad taste lingering on your tongue at his assumptions.
"I don't know what kind of person you think I am, but I would never hurt an innocent being. I know my promises probably mean nothing to you, but you should know I do not make them lightly." Your gaze turned hard as you locked eyes with Sans, his sockets widening in surprise.
"Sans, I will harm none of the residents in the Underground. I give you my word." Sans studied you for a moment, his gaze heavy, and for a second, you thought you had said the wrong thing. Then, to your surprise, a small, almost unnoticeable smile played at the corners of his skeletal mouth.
"huh, you're alright, kid. guess I'll take your word for it. but ya better not make me regret it." You nodded, grateful for the slight shift in Sans's behavior and for the fact that maybe, just maybe, you were beginning to earn his trust. Frisk wandered into the room, looking at you with a questioning gaze. They signed something to you, and you smiled as they jumped onto the other side of the couch.
"Yeah, Frisk. I'm okay," you murmured. Frisk's eyes softened, and they gestured for you to come closer. It was a simple but comforting invitation, one you accepted without hesitation. You inched closer to Frisk, and they gently placed their hand on your shoulder, a reassuring touch that filled you with warmth.
"Thanks, kid." You whispered, wrapping an arm around their smaller form. If they were uncomfortable, they didn't say anything, instead, they shifted closer to you. Papyrus bustled around in the kitchen, his cooking utensils clattering, but you couldn't help but notice a faint smile on his face as he watched you both.
As the silence enveloped you once more, you allowed your thoughts to roam freely. Less than 24 hours had passed since you arrived in this unfamiliar universe. While you didn't regret the decision, the separation from your own world and your loved ones tugged at your heart, leaving a lingering ache. However, you had to keep reminding yourself it was for the best; if you didn't do what you did, your universe would've been destroyed, and now he's far away, stuck somewhere els-
You paused, a sudden thought sending shivers down your spine. Your breath hitched as you slowly untangled yourself from Frisk. If you were here, then that meant...
You sprang to your feet, the abruptness of your movement startling Frisk, who looked at you with a furrowed brow.
No... no, this can't be happening...
"you all right, bud?" Sans wondered cautiously. You nodded, frustration and dread swirling inside you as you walked over to the window, peering out at the falling snow. With clenched fists, you faced the falling snowflakes as a weight seemed to push down against your shoulders.
*[Name]? Frisk snapped you from your thoughts, and you turned, forcing a smile on your face.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just worried about my universe..." It was a terrible lie that I'm sure they didn't believe, but you didn't care, attempting to steady your breathing as your whirlwind of thoughts slowed to one.
The Shadow Bringer is here, and it's all my fault.