Chapter Text
Her back slammed into the ground, the breath knocked out of her as she collided with sand. With a grunt, she shifted, trying to reach the weapon that had flown out of her hand. Sand scraped against her skin as she extended her arm, fingers stretching toward the weapon just inches away.
Just as her fingertips brushed against the hilt, cold steel met her throat, the sharp edge of a blade pressing against her skin. With a sharp intake of breath, she looked up at her closest friend.
"I win," Caz stood above her, his dark eyes flashing with amusement as he stared down at her. He pulled back with a grin, skillfully sheathing his sword with a flick of his wrist before extending a hand out to her. She let out a breath, eyeing it briefly, before taking his hand and slowly getting to her feet with a wince. Every muscle in her body protested, unsurprising as they'd been training all morning.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't get too cocky about it," she muttered, brushing the dirt from her clothes as she straightened.
Caz chuckled, leaning forward he ran a hand through his short messy head of hair, his sweat flying in the air. [Name] cringed, nose wrinkling in disgust as she stepped back. "You know I can't help it," he replied, his smirk widening. She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite herself.
"You know," she said, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfying pop. "one of these days, I’m going to beat you, Caz. And when I do, you’ll never hear the end of it." He laughed, a deep, genuine sound as he leaned closer to her.
"Sure maybe in your dreams." She smacked his arm and he flinched, holding his hands up in surrender with a laugh. He adjusted the straps on his armor, his giggles fading as his smiles softened. "Though you have been getting better. I can see it." He amended. She smirked, picking up her discarded weapon and giving it a few practice swings.
"Flattery won’t get you anywhere. But thanks." She paused, looking around at the other trainees winding down their training sessions. The training ground of the lodge was a short walk from the main building, nestled within a natural clearing in the dense pine forest.
The central area was a large, flat expanse of packed dirt and grass, with various sections designated for different types of training. To one side, an array of wooden and straw dummies stood in rows, some already showing signs of heavy use with nicks and cuts from swords and other weapons.
Nearby, a series of stationary and moving targets were set up for arrows and elemental use, their bullseyes marked with the scars of arrows and remnants of elemental power. A set of wooden beams and ropes formed an obstacle course to one side of the clearing, specifically designed to test agility, strength, and endurance.
She could practically do the course with her eyes closed, from how many times she was forced to do it and it was one of the few things she was better at than Caz. They were currently adjacent to the obstacle course, standing in the large sand pit that was mostly used for sparring without the risk of serious injury.
"How about another round?" she suggested, smirking as she gently knocked the back of Caz's head with the flat of her blade. He grinned, rubbing the back of his skull.
"You’re on. This time, I promise not to go easy on you." He teased. Rolling her eyes she stood across from him, twisting the blade with a flick of her wrist. Just as they squared off, ready to begin, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Caz!" They both turned, [Name]'s heart sinking as she recognized the voice. Caz's knuckles turned white as his grip on his sword tightened, the smile on his face immediately dropping. As the newcomer moved through the crowd, people instinctively gave him a wide berth, and the laughter that once rang through the air disappeared instantly.
He was tall and imposing man, his long black hair pulled back into a tight bun as a few rebellious strands framed his face. A deep, diagonal scar ran from his left eyebrow down to his cheek, its edges ragged and discolored with age and despite his somewhat attractive features, something was unsettling about him.
His eyes, devoid of any warmth, scrutinized everything with a chilling intensity, missing nothing and tolerating even less. This was William Blackthorn, co-owner of the lodge, notorious for his harsh punishments and in charge of all non-elemental training.
"Of course, I find you here, wasting your time," he snapped, coming to a stop. Cursing under his breath, Caz turned, a brief flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "I told you that continually training with someone below your level is not going to help you improve." Blackthorn's gaze shifted to the girl, his lip curling in disgust.
Caz's fists clenched at his sides, and he took a step forward, his muscles taut with barely restrained anger. She quickly grabbed Caz's shoulder, subtly shaking her head. His eyes flicked to hers, and the storm within them began to calm, dissipating with a sigh. She waited, heart pounding, until she was certain he wouldn't attack before turning her attention back to the unwelcome visitor.
"Sir. He's been training all day," she tried to explain, her voice wavering as Blackthorn's flicked toward her, annoyance flashing across his face. She forced herself to continue, struggling to keep her voice steady despite the hammering in her chest. "It's just a bit of fun."
The man scoffed, his expression twisting into something ugly. "Caz doesn’t have time for fun. He’s special, destined for greatness. He doesn’t need to waste his time with-" His eyes narrowed as they raked over her, the contempt in them unmistakable. "-someone like you."
The words hit her like a slap, her cheeks flushing. It was like she could feel the sting of the insult, her muscles tensing in response.
"Come with me," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument as he started walking back toward the main lodge. Caz’s didn't move and Blackthorn slowed, not even looking back.
"Now, Son," he said, the words cutting through the air like a blade. "I won't repeat myself." Caz's eyes flicked between her and his father, his jaw ticking as he stood straighter.
"Why can't I train with [Name], she's strong and capable and one of the few people I like to train with. I need this. I need her."
His father’s face hardened further, if that was even possible, his lips pressing into a thin line as he turned back toward the duo. "What you need," he repeated, each word enunciated as he stepped closer.
Caz shrank, his breath hitching as he instinctively moved in front of [Name]. "is to focus on your real training, not these pointless exercises. Every minute here is a minute wasted."
"He's not wasting time. We're pushing each other, growing stronger together. Just because he's the 'chosen one' doesn't mean-"
"Enough!" His father’s voice thundered, cutting her off sharply. She flinched at the intensity of his anger, instinctively taking a step back as he advanced, his presence overwhelming. "You don't understand what it takes to reach the top. Caz does. Or at least he should."
Caz’s shoulders tensed, and he squared his jaw, meeting his father's stare. For a moment, they locked eyes, Caz growing tenser and more ridged by the second.
"Father, please," he began again, his tone softer now, practically pleading. "Just let me-"
"You’ll come now," his father interrupted once more, his voice a low growl. "Or I'll make sure you never lay eyes on your little friend again." Caz's body stiffened as the full force of his father's threat hit him, his breath catching in his throat. His hands, which had been clenched into fists at his sides, slowly unfurled as the fight drained out of him.
His lower lip trembled slightly, and he swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. His father’s face remained impassive as he watches Caz grit his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he forced himself to nod.
"Yes, Father," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His palms glowed faintly with a soft white light as his grip loosened, his sword falling into the sand with a muted thump. She could only watch as they left, disappearing into the woods as her gaze fell to the lone sword in front of her.
Her jaw tightened, her breaths growing shallow and rapid as she tsked. Her fists were clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her nails digging into her palms. With a furious snarl, she kicked the sword, sending it skittering uselessly a few feet away.
Without a moment's hesitation, she turned and stormed over to a training dummy. She gripped her sword so tightly that her palm turned an angry red, the blade trembling in her hand as if it too felt her rage. With a savage cry, she stabbed the dummy in the chest, the sound of metal clashing against wood echoing loudly in the training yard.
Her chest heaved, her breathing ragged and uneven. Her eyes, usually soft and calm, now glowed a bright blue, an icy fierce color. The magic in her chest contracted, her fingertips tingling as the air around her turned cold.
Her arm shot out, and with it, a torrent of water surged toward the target. In an instant, the water froze into sharp, black ice, crashing into the dummy and splintering it into countless pieces as the shards scattered across the yard, clattering onto the ground like glass.
She stopped, breathless and drained as sweat trickled down her forehead, her chest rising and falling with exertion. Her grip on the sword loosened, the weapon slipping from her numb fingers to the ground. Shakily, she raised her hands to her face, eyes widening. Her fingertips were purplish blue, the color slowly traveling down her fingers to her palms.
Claps sounded behind her and she spun around, stiffening as she recognized who stood there. Lily Whitlock, the second co-owner of the lodge and the one in charge of all elemental training. The woman tilted her head to survey the damage, the small pocket watch around her neck slipping out from underneath her shirt as she leaned forward.
"Impressive. I can tell you've improved, though perhaps you can learn not to make such a mess," Lily teased, her long white hair bouncing as she approached the teenager. Immediately, [Name] bowed, pressing her hands together, her heart pounding in her chest. Of course, Lily quickly waved off her gesture, her amber eyes gleaming with pride.
[Name] felt a surge of conflicting emotions: embarrassment, frustration, and a lingering trace of anger. She straightened slowly, her eyes darting to the shattered remains of the target, and scoffed, her glare intensifying. "It was a fluke. I was just... angry," she muttered, her hands trembled slightly as she clenched them into fists, trying to steady herself.
Lily’s expression softened as she stepped closer, bending down to pick up a small piece of the remaining ice from the ground.
"Even so, your control has improved. But that power... it can be dangerous if not tempered." The girl shook her head, a sense of shame washing over her as she crossed her arms, pressing them closer to her body as if trying to contain the raw energy still swirling within her chest.
"Why didn't you stop me?" the girl asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Lily sighed, her gaze gentle as she reached out, placing a reassuring hand on [Name]'s shoulder.
"Because you needed to let it out. Holding back your emotions, your power, only makes it harder to control. You needed this moment to see your own strength, and to understand the responsibility that comes with it."
"I'm sorry," she whispered. Guilt crawled up her spine, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Lily pulled back, her expression lighting up, as she waved for the girl to follow.
"Come, let's walk," Lily said gently. They began to stroll along a quiet path, the soft crunch of their footsteps blending with the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. The sun filtered through the canopy above, casting shadows on the ground as they traveled further and further into nature.
Lily seemed content to walk in silence, her fingertips lightly brushing against the leaves of the underbrush as they passed. The girl watched, captivated, as a wilting flower straightened under Lily's touch, the vibrant color of its petals returning to a beautiful blue. Magic seemed so natural to Lily, so ingrained in her being, while [Name] still continued to struggle.
Blackthorn's words from earlier echoed in her mind, haunting her thoughts once more. She clenched her fists at her sides, forcing her thoughts to shift. And shift they did, the fear in Caz's eyes, the way his shoulders slumped under the weight of his father's expectations. As much as she wished she was special the way Caz was treated wasn't fair.
"Why didn't you do anything to stop Caz's dad?" The words escaped her before she could stop them, the sound breaking the silence around them. "He's pushing him too hard." Lily paused mid-step, an emotion [Name] couldn't quite place flickering across her mentor's face before it dissipated.
"[Name]. It's not as simple as you think it is."
"Why not?" [Name] demanded, her frustration bubbling over like a pot about to boil. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill. "Caz is miserable. His father's expectations are crushing him. I feel so helpless watching it happen, knowing I can't do anything to make it better."
Lily took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she looked ahead, her gaze fixed on a point far beyond the trees. "Caz has a great responsibility as a Light Elemental," she began. "It's his duty to protect our world from the Shadows that threaten to engulf it."
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing. "His father believes in preparing him for that responsibility, even if it means pushing him beyond what seems fair or reasonable."
The girl scoffed, her foot connecting with a stone as she watched it roll down the path. "That's stupid." She immediately regretted her choice of words at the sharp look her mentor shot her.
The girl's shoulders slumped, and she bit her lip, trying to hold back the anger growing inside her. "I just wish things were different for him," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lily nodded, reaching out as she placed a comforting hand on [Name]'s shoulder, the warmth of her touch seeping through the girl's thin shirt. "Life is seldom fair," Lily said gently. "But we can choose how we respond to its challenges. Caz will need support, but he must also find his own strength."
"Do you think Caz will be okay?" [Name] asked, her voice tinged with worry. Lily's almost golden eyes softened, and she gave a small, reassuring smile.
"Caz is strong, stronger than he knows. But strength is not just about power or endurance. It's also about resilience, about the ability to bend without breaking. He will face many challenges, but he is not alone. He has you, and he has others who care about him. [Name] nodded, though the knot of worry in her chest didn't loosen. She didn't fully agree with Lily's perspective but kept her mouth shut, knowing there was no use in arguing any further.
As Lily turned to leave, her fingers brushed against another flower, bringing it back to life with a touch. [Name] watched her mentor walk away, left alone with a once-wilted flower and her swirling thoughts, [Name] tried to take comfort in Lily's words. Yet, the weight of her worries about Caz and her own struggles with magic pressed heavily on her heart.
Kneeling beside the newly revived flower, she traced the delicate petals with her fingers. "If only it were that easy."
* * * * *
The snow crunched softly beneath your boots as you walked through the forest, each step sinking slightly into the thick, powdery layer that blanketed the ground. The trees stood tall and silent around you, their branches heavy with fresh snow that drifted lazily down like tiny, glittering feathers.
Your breath formed small clouds in the frigid air, which nipped at your cheeks and turned them a rosy pink, though the cold barely registered in your mind.
As you walked, your thoughts swirled and twisted like snowflakes in the gentle breeze. "If you want answers, you'll have to talk to the oldest brother." Flowey's voice, dripping with mockery, echoed in your mind, each word a sharp needle pricking at your thoughts. "Though, I highly doubt he'll tell you."
You shook your head, trying to forget Flowey's nagging voice, but the sentences continued to run circles in your mind. A part of you wished you could forget the conversation entirely, to move on. But the image of Frisk's lifeless body flashed before your eyes, stopping you in your tracks. You let out a sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose as you force yourself to continue walking.
Curse that psychopathic flower, you thought, shaking off the unsettling memory as you trudged forward. It wasn't long before you arrived at Sans' sentry station, not even attempting to be quiet as you walked up to the small structure. The worn wood of the station creaked slightly as you drew nearer, and you could see Sans slouched over, asleep as usual. His blue sweatshirt rose and fell with his deep, steady snores, his skeletal form relaxed and completely oblivious to your presence.
"Hey, Sans," you called out softly, leaning against the booth as you stuffed your hands into your pockets to ward off the chill. "Enjoying another nap on the job?" Sans stirred at the sound of your voice, his sockets opening slightly as his snores abruptly stopped. He lifted his head, a lazy grin spreading across his skull as he stared at you, his sockets half-lidded and droopy with sleep.
"heh, you know me," he replied, his voice a slow drawl. "always bone tired."
A chuckle escaped your lips at his pun, and you couldn't help but roll your eyes. "You never change, do you?" You shook your head, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth, but it didn't quite reach your eyes. Sans straightened up a bit, his movements slow and exaggerated as he yawned and stretched his arms above his head, before resting his skull in his hand.
"so, what brings you out here during my shift? ya miss me that much?" Sans quipped, sending you a wink. Normally, you would've teased him right back, but your fake smile faded as you tensed. He seemed to notice the shift as his smile twitched, his sockets narrowing slightly as he studied you with a newfound intensity. Awkwardly you shifted under his stare, rubbing the back of your neck.
"I was just... thinking," you began tentatively, your voice almost lost in the gentle breeze that stirred the branches above. "About the day I first fought Undyne." Sans's grin faltered subtly, a fleeting shadow passing over his skull before he masked it with practiced ease. As if nothing happened, his eye sockets crinkled faintly as he tilted his head encouraging you to continue.
"oh yeah?" he replied casually, though his voice was heavier this time, almost strained. "that was a pretty intense day, huh?"
"Yeah," you agreed softly, your nerves beginning to creep in as you recounted the unsettling memories. Clearing your throat, you try and get your thoughts in order. "I don't know how to say this. But I have these...memories of events that never happened that day. It felt like the day kept repeating. Like I was stuck in a time loop."
Sans's eye sockets widened almost unnoticeably, a brief flicker of surprise and what seemed like horror crossing his skull before he smoothed it away with a nonchalant shrug.
"weird stuff happens sometimes," he offered casually, his tone meant to reassure but falling slightly short. "maybe you were just tired or something."
Sans's response was almost too quick, too dismissive. The easygoing facade had cracked for just a moment, and your brows furrowed as you straightened.
His usual lazy smile appeared strained, and his eyelights shifted to the side as he avoided meeting your gaze, instead staring out into the forest.
He's hiding something.
"I don't think so." you persisted. "Because it felt so real like it was actually happening. Nothing like a dream." Placing a hand on the table you lean closer, your eyes narrowing as your voice lowers. Sans's grin faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his skull his eyelights lifted to meet your stare.
"And I have a feeling," you continued, your voice barely above a whisper now, "you know exactly what I'm talking about." Sans didn't respond immediately, his expression unreadable as he stared at you, his eyelights turning into pinpricks. The air between you both thickened as he shifted in his seat, his phalanges tapping against the tabletop.
"ya must've been dreaming, bud," he repeated, his smile tightening as he intentionally leaned back, putting distance between the both of you. "if i were you i'd just forget about it." Shaking your head, you let out a breath, frustration building up inside you.
"Sans-" you began, but before you could get any further, a sudden wave of magic washed over you. Instinctively, your own magic flared in response, and you stiffened, feeling your blood turn to ice. The world around you seemed to blur, the sensation of dissociation creeping in as your mind struggled to process the sudden shift.
You're not in danger. You're not in danger. You're not in danger. It's just Sans, you repeated to yourself, trying to anchor your thoughts. Despite your mantra, your panic grew, the edges of reality becoming fuzzy. The Shadowbringer isn't here, no one is attacking me. Sans's grin vanished, replaced by a fleeting flicker of confusion that was quickly overshadowed by what you recognized as guilt.
In less than a second, his figure glitched and he disappeared, leaving you standing alone amidst the gently falling snow. The cold air stung your skin, bringing you back to the present as his magic faded, and finally, you were able to breath again. You blinked rapidly, trying to clear the haze from your mind as you ran your hand through your hair. Once you come to, you stare in disbelief and you pull back from the table, scoffing softly as you stare at the now-empty seat.
"Great," you muttered. Not only had you experienced a random panic attack, but San's behavior was more then suspicious. As much as you didn't want to admit it, Flowey was right. Sans knew about the weird memories, and he was determined not to tell you.
Perhaps you had been foolish to think your friendship with Sans meant more than just him not sending you death glares every five seconds. The more you thought about it, the more you realized how little you actually knew about him. Sans never exposed anything personal, always deflecting with jokes and lazy grins. With a resolute shake of your head, you turned away from the empty guard station.
Your thoughts churned as you made your way back into the forest, retracing the path toward town. The trees around you blurred into indistinct shapes, your focus inward as you wrestled with your thoughts.
After all this time he still doesn't trust me. You sighed, ducking under a tree branch as Flowey's smug smile came to mind, and you grimaced, cursing under your breath. Flowey had warned you, albeit for his amusement, but he did tell you this was going to happen.
I'm done being kept in the dark. Screw Sans and his secrets. I'm going to find out the truth, one way or another. With renewed determination, you strode into town, the familiar streets seeming colder and less inviting as you made your way toward Grillby's, the one place you knew Sans would likely be.
As you stepped into the bar, the door creaked open, the bell above it jingling softly. The bar was as always, warm, Grillby immediately waving at you from a patron's table as you entered. Forcing a smile to your face you wave back, your smile dropping the instant the fire monster turned away from you.
It wasn't hard to find Sans. He was slumped over at the bar, a bottle of ketchup in hand, as he took a quick sip. As if sensing your presence, he turned slightly at the sound of the door opening, and he visibly stiffened.
"Hey there, buddy," he started, as if nothing had happened. His attempt to act normal was almost convincing, but you could sense the underlying tension in his voice. You approached him, a quiet huff escaping your lips as you stood beside him, your eyes locked onto his. The room seemed to quiet around you, the chatter of monsters fading into the background as your focus narrowed solely on Sans.
"Cut the act, Sans," you said, your voice low and steady. "We need to talk." His grin flickered again, and he shifted uncomfortably on his stool,
"sure thing, bud," he replied, trying to maintain his usual demeanor. "what's on your mind?" His skull lifted in a almost genuine way, but you could see the strain in his posture, and the way his fingers drummed lightly on the counter. You shook your head slowly, taking a seat on the barstool beside him.
"You know exactly what's on my mind," you shot back, your eyes boring into his. "That day restarted three times. I want to know why.
His grip on the ketchup bottle tightened, and his eyelights flickered, betraying a flicker of annoyance or perhaps something deeper. The room felt even more oppressive, the tension between you both almost suffocating.
"you're making a big deal outta nothing," he muttered. His fingers continued their nervous drumming, and his grin seemed forced, as if he was struggling to keep up his normal behavior.
"Sans stop lying. I know you know what happened."
"it's not that simple," he murmured, his voice so soft it was almost lost in the quiet room. His eyes were downcast, the usual spark replaced by a dull, weary glimmer. "there's... a lot ya don't understand. And it's better that way."
You could feel your heart tighten at his words, a sharp pang of hurt twisting through you. Anger flared, and you clenched your fists, your nails digging into your palms.
"Better for who?" you demanded, your voice trembling with the force of your emotion. "For you? For me? You can't just decide what's best for me, Sans."
Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet yours. His expression was unreadable, a mix of emotions flickered across his skull-sadness, regret, and something else you couldn't quite place. He sighed, a long, drawn-out breath. "it's not about deciding," he said softly, almost apologetically. "it's about protecting."
Your anger, fierce and burning just moments ago, began to wane, replaced by a creeping confusion. You'd been ready to fight, to argue your point until he saw reason, but now uncertainty clouded your mind.
Sans stood there, his posture slightly slumped, shoulders heavy as if carrying an invisible burden. He wasn't meeting your eyes anymore, instead staring somewhere past you, lost in thought. You noticed the way his hands fidgeted at his sides, fingers twitching as though they wanted to reach out toward you but was forcing themselves to stay put.
Your voice softened, the edge of anger now dulled by bewilderment. "Protecting me from what?
Sans sighed heavily, "once you know, you can't forget," he murmured, "you'll lose hope. you'd stop being yourself." Sans, a skeleton who had often seemed indifferent or even dismissive toward you during your time in the underground, now admitted that he wanted to protect you. Sans watched you intently, his eye sockets following your every move as you stood there in thoughtful silence. After a moment a rueful smile tugged at your lips as you turned to face him.
"You don't know what's going to happen," you countered softly. Sans's eyelights widened fractionally, a glimmer of something akin to hope flickering briefly in his sockets. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then hesitated, his gaze dropping to the wooden floorboards beneath his feet.
He shook his head, the vulnerability that had briefly surfaced now masked by a forced grin. "for your sake, try and forget. otherwise, you'll drive yourself crazy." With that cryptic warning, he disappeared in his characteristic blip, leaving behind only his abandoned ketchup bottle. Standing up, you roll your eyes, childishly knocking over the condiment.
"Really wish he would stop doing that." you muttered, frustration simmering beneath the surface as you trudged through the snowy paths of Snowdin. You weren't sure how long you searched for before you were trudging back to Sans's and Papyrus's house.
The sharp creak of the wooden door echoed in the quiet living room as you pushed it open with a sharp creak. Immediately, you kicked off your boots and shrugged out of your coat, the weight of the day settling on your shoulders. Rubbing your eyes wearily, you made your way toward the small red couch.
However before you could take more than a couple of steps, you froze your eye twitching in annoyance. Sans was laying sprawled across the small furniture, one leg casually hanging off the edge as his pink slipper barely hung onto his foot. His usual grin was notably absent, replaced by a weary frown.
As you drew closer, you noticed his eyelights, usually bright was now dulled to a faint gray. Not to mention the dark circles under his sockets more pronounced than ever, betraying the toll his frequent teleportations were taking on him. Despite his obvious fatigue, he perked up slightly as you entered, his sockets flickering with a mix of surprise and resignation.
"you're like a dog with a bone, huh? not gonna give up asking, are ya?" he remarked dryly, rubbing his hand across the front of his skull. Settling beside him on the couch, you noticed how his shoulders tensed, as if he bracing himself for another round of questioning.
"No, I'm not," you replied firmly. Sans sighed, his body somehow getting sucked further into the couch cushions.
”alright.” Magic flared in the air once more, and without another thought, you lunged forward, wrapping your arms tightly around the skeleton as he started to fade from view.
The air around you crackled with energy, a strange, almost electric sensation. The world began to blur, the colors and shapes around you twisting and melding together in a dizzying whirl. It was as if you were being pulled through a tunnel of light and shadow, the sensation both exhilarating and terrifying.
As the teleportation took hold, your stomach dropped, the ground seemed to vanish beneath you. The feeling was akin to being caught in a powerful whirlwind, your body weightless and spinning uncontrollably. You could feel the skeleton's presence beside you, his bones cool and firm against your skin.
Then, just as suddenly as it began, it was over. You felt solid ground beneath your feet again, the abrupt change leaving your stomach churning and your head spinning. The world around you was still spinning, your vision blurred and dark. You struggled to regain your balance, the ground feeling unsteady beneath your feet.
Hands gently cupped your cheeks, their touch surprisingly gentle yet firm. Disoriented, you instinctively tried to push them away, only to find that they refused to budge. As your vision slowly cleared, you realized you were seated on the ground, face-to-face with Sans who knelt before you, his eyelights reduced to pinpricks of concern as he held your face tenderly in his hands.
You flinched backward slightly, heat rising to your cheeks in embarrassment at the unexpected closeness. Instead of looking offended, Sans visibly relaxed, shifting to sit on the ground beside you with a heavy sigh of relief.
"oh, thank the stars," he murmured under his breath, his voice laced with genuine concern. His expression sharpened as he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "that was reckless," he gently scolded, though there was no bite behind his words, and he seemed to give up. "are you okay?"
You nodded weakly, taking deep breaths to settle your stomach and regain your composure. "Yeah, just... didn't expect that," you admitted quietly, still catching your breath from the unexpected teleportation.
Sans sighed again, his expression softening with relief as he gave you a once-over to ensure you were truly unharmed. His skeletal features relaxed into an easy smile, though a hint of concern lingered in his eye lights.
"ya shouldn't have done that. teleporting isn't exactly a joyride for most people," he remarked. At his reminder, you turned trying to figure out where he had teleported you. As your gaze swept over your surroundings, your mouth gently opened in awe.
Before you was a magnificent waterfall, its shimmering blue waters cascading down in a graceful, endless stream. The sound of the water was a gentle roar, soothing yet powerful, filling your ears so much so, that you wondered how you didn't notice it before.
The air was cool as faint mist from the water lightly brushed against your cheeks. Lazily your fingertips danced across the damp ground beneath you, the dirt covered in a layer of fine, velvety moss that cushioned your feet. Sans seemed to notice your awe, a low chuckle escaping him.
"welcome to waterfall. it’s my favorite place down here." With that, he stood and extended a bony hand toward you. His eyelights, though often weary, now seemed inviting, almost comforting in their soft white glow.
You stared at his hand for a moment, hesitating as you took in the warmth in his gaze. Then, you reached out and grabbed it. With a gentle tug, he pulled you up, a faint smirk playing on his face.
"come on," He didn't wait for you, already trudging ahead of you in the dark. You followed him, the cool, damp air brushing against you, carrying the scent of moss and fresh water. As you walked, the soft crunch of your footsteps on the mossy ground mixed with the distant trickle of water. Suddenly, the path opened up into a small, secluded grove, and there, scattered along the edge of the stream, were clusters of vibrant blue flowers, their petals glowing softly in the dim light.
You gasped, stepping closer as you gently held one of the petals between your fingertips, the petals cool under your touch.
"these are echo Flowers," Sans explained gently. He was standing behind you, his breath tickling the back of your neck. "they're special. they have the ability to repeat any sound they hear."
"They're beautiful," you whispered, captivated as you brought your hand up the small plant, your smile widening as your palm was engulfed in a soft blue light.
Sans' eyelights dilated as he watched you, his cheekbones a soft cerulean as you continued to admire the field of flowers. If you were looking, you would've noticed the way his smile fell, instead replaced by one of shock as he watched you.
"yeah. it is." You turned toward him, your eyes meeting his. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. The soft glow of the Echo Flowers cast a gentle light over Sans' face, highlighting the subtle blue blush on his cheekbones. There was something in his stare that made your breath hitch, your heart skipping a beat.
You both stared at each other, the tension between you thickening as you both unconsciously drew closer to each other. The sounds of the Underground faded into the background, leaving only the soft echo of your own heartbeat, as you swallowed, your mouth suddenly feeling dry. The moment felt fragile, like a delicate bubble that could burst with the slightest touch.
Sans' eyelights flickered down to your lips and then back up to your eyes, the motion almost unnoticeable but enough to send a shiver down your spine. Suddenly Sans cleared his throat, the sound abrupt in the stillness, startling you as you pulled back.
"watch this," he said, though this time his voice seemed a little more strained as he leaned down to the nearest Echo Flower. "hello," he whispered. A moment later, the flower echoed back, “hello," in a perfect mimic of Sans' voice.
It was like a domino effect, the other flowers nearby following suit. You laughed softly, the sound pulling you from whatever stupor you were in.
"This place is amazing," you said, turning to Sans with a genuine smile. "I can see why you like it here." You moved to sit on the soft, mossy ground, leaning against the cool stone of a nearby rock. For a moment, you sat in comfortable silence, listening to the gentle trickle of the underground stream and the soft whispers of the Echo Flowers.
As you watch the shimmering water, your thoughts began to drift, images from that day flashing though your mind once more. You glanced at Sans, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, his eyelights reflecting the soft glow of the flowers.
"Sans," you began, your voice barely above a whisper. You took a deep breath, gathering your thoughts. "I need you to understand... I feel like I’m going crazy. These memories, these repeating days... it’s like I’m trapped in a nightmare.”
You let out a strained laugh, the sound swallowed by the gentle rustling of the echo flowers swaying in the soft breeze around you. Folding your legs tightly against your chest, you buried your head in your hands, fingers tangling in your hair.
You didn't look at the skeleton, but you could tell he was uncomfortable by the way he shifted his weight from one foot to the other before finally lowering himself onto the cool grass beside you. Sans hesitated, his eyelights flickering towards you before settling on a distant point in the field.
"i know it feels like you're alone in this, but... you're not." You lifted your head from your lap, staring at him in disbelief.
"Then help me understand, Sans." His sigh was heavy, and he hesitated, the corners of his mouth twitching momentarily before his smile vanished completely. His phalanges scraped the top of his skull, an unsettling sound as the bone-on-bone noise made you wince, before his hand dropped back to his side.
"what you're experiencing... it's called a reset." Your brows furrowed as you straightened up, trying to process his words. Sans seemed lost in thought now, his eyelights unfocused and distant, not quite looking at you anymore.
"it's an ability that Frisk has, the power to reset time back to a certain point," he continued, his voice betraying a hint of bitterness. "usually, they reset when things go wrong, when they die, or when they get bored."
Wait, that means... Your chest tightened, and you instinctively hugged your knees tighter, a cold shiver running down your spine. "The resets that day... it was because Undyne killed them, isn't it?" you whispered. Sans nodded silently, his expression grave, and a sinking feeling settled in your chest like a stone. You searched his face for any sign of hesitation, any flicker of doubt, for any sign of a lie, but Sans' sockets remained steady.
"it's not even the first time Frisk has fallen into the underground,"
"That's not possible." He shifted, his eye sockets narrowing slightly, a rare seriousness settling across his skull as he finally turned to face you.
"the kid... they've killed monsters. dusting them, we call it," Sans explained. His eyelights wavered, flickering as his fists clenched almost imperceptibly. "they've even dusted Papyrus. and then they reset time like nothing happened. they've done it countless times, too many to count."
What. That can't be true. The kid couldn't have... Your face paled, the blood seeming to drain from your veins as a chill gripped your spine. You released your grip on yourself, hands trembling as you stared at Sans in disbelief. You studied his expression, searching desperately for any trace of a lie. But there was nothing.
"But why would Frisk do that?" you wondered aloud, barely above a whisper. "They seem to care so much about everyone." Sans shrugged wearily, a dry laugh escaping him.
"the kid once told me they felt weird, like someone else was influencing them," he admitted. "but they promised this time would be different. they promised that we would all make it to the surface for good." He paused, his eye sockets narrowing slightly.
"heh, of course i don't believe them," Sans admitted. "i've seen this play out too many times. every run ends the same. i wake up back in the Underground, and it all starts over. The air grew heavy with silence as Sans's words sank in and your mind couldn't help but drift to Frisk.
About how determined and kind they had always been. They were like family to you, so the idea that they could harm anyone, especially someone like Papyrus, was just... baffling.
How could someone who showed so much care and kindness also have the ability to do such terrible things? It didn't make sense. It felt like a betrayal of everything you believed about them, like a crack in the foundation of your friendship.
The questions raced through your mind, each one more unsettling than the last. A deep unease settled over you, making your chest feel tight.
Can I even trust them anymore? You shook your head, trying to dispel the growing sense of dread, and looked toward Sans once more, your face softening with empathy.
"I'm sorry, Sans," you murmured. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for you." Your throat tightened as you spoke, the weight of the revelation bearing down on you. Sans didn't respond; he seemed to retreat further into himself, his fingers twisting the grass below him absentmindedly. His usually sharp eye sockets were dull and distant, lost in some dark corner of his mind.
"Does anyone else remember? Besides you and Frisk?" You avoided mentioning Flowey, not wanting to dredge up memories of the troublesome flower. Sans's smile returned, but it was strained and hollow. He plucked at the grass, twirling it between his phalanges as if it were the only thing grounding him to the present moment.
"no. sometimes paps gets flashes, but he never truly remembers." There was a heaviness in his white eyelights, a profound sadness that spoke volumes more than words ever could. It was a look you recognized all too well, one of someone who had lost hope.
Without a second thought, you closed the distance between you and Sans. You reached out and wrapped your arms around him, his coat balled up in your hands. Immediately he stiffened, a sound of surprise escaping his non-existent throat, his body feeling cold and rigid against you.
"Sans," you whispered, your voice barely audible. The skeleton's shoulders tensed slightly at your touch, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he let out a shaky breath, his fingers momentarily pausing in their movements.
"I remember," you continued, your voice steadier now. "And this time is different because I'm here. I promise you, with all my heart and soul, I will do everything in my power to bring everyone back to the surface." For a heartbeat, neither of you moved, and the silence between you was deafening.
What am I doing? You tense, your lungs tightening in realization. However, before you could pull away, he slowly, almost hesitantly, wrapped his bony arms around you. His fingers brushed lightly against your back, his touch tentative and uncertain as he began to relax into your embrace.
"[name]," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "don't make promises you can't keep."
You pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze as your hands moved up to his shoulders. "I would never," you replied firmly "I mean it, Sans."
He let out another shaky breath, his expression softening as he looked at you. The weight of his sadness seemed to lift, if only slightly, replaced by a flicker of growing hope. Reluctantly, he pulled away from you, his grip loosening but not completely letting go.
"alright," he finally said, his voice quiet but filled with a newfound determination. "alright, bud." You stared at each other for a moment longer before he stood, dusting off his shorts as he shot you a lazy wink.
"ya know," he started pointing back to the cave where you both had came from. "this place is nice and all, but I bet things will really fall into place once we're back home." You rolled your eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth.
"You never miss a chance for a pun, do you?"
Sans shrugged, leaning toward you as you stood, crossing your arms. "what can i say? it's a 'skele-ton' of fun."
You chuckled, feeling the tension ease from your shoulders as you walked past him. "Alright, Mr. Funnybones. We should head back. Papyrus is probably waiting for us to come back for dinner."
Sans nodded, brushing lingering pieces of grass off his coat as he followed you. "yeah, you know how he gets when dinner's late. he'd probably have a bone to chew with us." You laughed, rolling your eyes as he chuckled, moving to walk beside you. Together, you started walking back through the cave, falling back into small talk.
It was strange, really. Moments ago, it felt like the weight of the world was pressing down on you, but now, walking beside Sans, the pressure seemed to lift slightly.
His puns, though often groan-worthy, brought you more comfort than you'd ever admit and while there were still so many unanswered questions about Frisk, so many things that gnawed at the back of your mind, for now, you allowed yourself to relax.
Just as you both finally excited the cave, you stopped in your tracks, your eyes widening in confusion. Billowing over the treetops, in the distance, looked to be smoke. Sans seemed to notice it as well, his eye sockets narrowing as he tilted his skull.
"looks like someone's burning the midnight oil... or maybe just burning something," Sans quipped lightly, but you didn't react, realization hitting you like a bullet
No... Your heart seemed to stop as you froze in place, your soul slowly filling with an overwhelming sense of dread. The air around you thickened with a scent that stank of hatred and burnt ash. It was a scent you recognized. One that you could never forget.
Your steps slowed involuntarily as you stared ahead, eyes fixed on the distant smoke, unable to tear your gaze away. A knot tightened in your chest, and your magic stirred restlessly within you, begging to be released.
"Sans," you finally managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper, "He's here." The skeleton's expression hardened his skull furrowing.
"who's here? what are you talking about?" You turned to him, eyes wide with horror. You barely even registered the words that escaped your mouth as Sans stiffened, his eyelights disappearing in an instant.
"The Shadowbringer. He's here in the Underground."