Chapter Text
As you walked into Snowdin, with Papyrus and Frisk by your side, the first thing you noticed was the stillness. Some buildings were damaged from the attack, their walls cracked and roofs partially caved in. Shattered windows reflected the still-lit torches, their broken edges jagged like teeth. Wooden beams and splintered planks jutted from piles of snow, which had long lost its pristine white, now gray and muddied by debris.
The silence was unsettling. Even though you could hear the soft crunch of snow under your boots, it felt deafening. You stepped over a fallen sign, its lettering now barely readable through a claw mark. As your eyes scanned the town, they landed on a house that had been split down the middle.
A monster stood in front of it, shoulders slumped, staring at the wreckage with a distant look in their eyes. Their paws twitched, gripping onto the remnants of a family picture frame. Their gaze flickered to you briefly, and their grief shifted into something different. You could feel the anger, no, the betrayal as they stared at you.
The whispers grew louder as you ventured deeper into town. A few monsters outright glared, their arms crossed tightly over their chest. One monster muttered something under their breath, just loud enough for you to hear the bitter bite to their words. Another, a little farther back, watched you with wide, distrustful eyes, backing away with slow, cautious steps as if you were something dangerous.
You looked away, trying not to let it bother you. As you stepped over a broken wooden beam, you stole a glance at Frisk. Their face was pale, lips pressed together in a tight line. They didn't speak, though their eyes told you enough, they were just as unsettled as you were.
“I didn’t realize how bad the damage was,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, met with silence from both Papyrus and Frisk. Their faces, however, spoke volumes. The clink of armor drew your attention away from your friends as Doggo approached you, his axe resting at his side.
Dogaressa followed closely behind him, her gaze sharp but lacking the hostility you had expected to be there. Of course, her expression was guarded, but there was a glimmer of something softer in her eyes. Doggo sniffed the air as he came closer, the usual suspicion in his gaze softening, if only slightly.
You stiffened instinctively, expecting the worst. After everything that had happened, you were sure they wanted nothing to do with you. But as Doggo stared at you for a moment longer, his expression softened into concern. His white fur, speckled with hints of grey from the recent battle, bristled slightly as he let out a deep, weary sigh.
"Are you alright, bigger Pup?"
Your eyes widened, your uncertainty shifting to shock. You had braced yourself for anger or fear, expecting him to look at you with the same mistrust that others seemed to have. Yet here he was, standing there with Dogaressa at his side, not frightened or angry, but genuinely concerned. His ears flicked slightly as he waited for your answer, his grip on his axe loosening.
I-” you began, hesitating as you struggled to find the right words. “I thought… you wouldn’t want to see me.”
Doggo tilted his head, as he sniffed the air again, as if trying to sense your feelings through your scent "We all went through that battle. The Big Pup didn’t start it, didn't want it either," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. "Just... making sure you’re still in one piece." You only seemed to be able to stare, unable to find the words to answer him, but thankfully, the silence didn't last long.
"LUCKILY WE ARE ALL UNINJURED," Papyrus said suddenly, glancing around as he studied the damage. His usually bright expression seemed dull, his smile faltering as he took in the broken remnants of Snowdin. "BUT IT IS HARD TO SAY THE SAME THING ABOUT OUR TOWN." Frisk, standing beside you, glanced up at Papyrus with a quiet concern and without a word, they reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently, trying to offer comfort in the only way they knew how.
*Is there anything we can do to help?
Dogaressa turned to look at Frisk slowly nodding as her tail wagged slightly. "Of course, Pup. The royal guard is trying to build defenses," she explained. "We could use help clearing debris and rebuilding what we can." You placed a hand on Frisk's shoulder, your eyes flicking between them and Dogaressa.
“Just tell us what you need and I’ll do whatever I can to help." Dogaressa gave you a rare, toothy smile, placing a large paw on your shoulder. Her grip was firm, reassuring you in a way you hadn’t expected.
"I know you will," she said, her voice softening with something like pride and despite everything, you found yourself smiling back. But the brief peace was shattered by a sharp voice cutting through the air, freezing you in place.
"You shouldn’t be here!" You turned toward the voice, dread curling in your stomach as you locked eyes with the same monster you’d seen before, standing amidst the ruins of their home. He clutched a battered picture frame to their chest as though it were the last piece of their world. But as you met his stare the grief in his eyes had turned into something darker. He approached you with trembling paws, his voice thick with rage.
"This is all your fault!" the monster shouted, his voice cracking. "If it weren’t for you, none of this would’ve happened!" The accusation hit like a physical blow, knocking the breath from your lungs. You couldn’t bring yourself to meet his stare, your eyes dropping to the snow beneath your feet. Dogaressa’s grip on your shoulder tightened and Papyrus stepped forward, placing himself between you and the monster.
"FRIEND, PLEASE," Papyrus began softly. "THIS ISN’T ALL [NAME]’S FAULT."
"You’re defending her?" he spat, his voice rising with disbelief. "Because of her, my mate is dead." His piercing gaze shifted back to you. "If she truly wants to help, she should give up her soul. Maybe then things would get better." He snapped. Doggo growled low in his throat, taking a small step forward. His ears pinned back, and his tail lashed behind him as he bared his teeth, flashing his white fangs.
"Calm down," he growled lowly. "We aren't sacrificing anyone." The monster scoffed, his ear twitching. He turned toward the gathering crowd, his eyes blazing as he pointed at you.
"We need to protect ourselves! And if she’s the reason we’re in this mess, then she needs to make it right!" The crowd began to stir, monsters murmuring amongst themselves. Some looked conflicted, their eyes darting between you and the angry monster, while others seemed to nod in agreement, their faces hardening with the same bitter anger.
Papyrus’s skull twisted with disbelief, his gloved hands clenching into fists at his sides as if trying to contain his frustration. "VIOLENCE ISN'T THE ANSWER!" he called out, his voice rising above the crowd as he turned to face you, his sockets softening. "YOU ALL KNOW HER. SHE IS OUR FRIEND. MY FRIEND." His hand hovered near your arm as if he wanted to comfort you but wasn’t sure how, and he seemed as if he wanted to say more. But, before he could, you gently placed a hand on his arm, shaking your head slightly.
"Papyrus, it’s okay," you said quietly. "They’re right." Papyrus’s sockets widened in shock, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he stepped back, allowing you to face the crowd. You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to meet the monster’s stare, despite the sting of guilt twisting in your gut.
"I’m sorry," you began, your voice barely rising above the tense silence. "I’m so sorry for everything you’ve lost. and I know an apology won’t bring them back. And I don’t expect you to forgive me." Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward, every eye now locked onto you. You swallowed hard, feeling their anger in every corner of your being.
In the crowd, you caught sight of Liz's brother, his small figure almost lost in the sea of taller monsters. His eyes were red from crying, his face blank and empty, as if the grief had drained everything from him. Seeing him made the guilt hit you all over again like a tidal wave threatening to drag you under. But you couldn’t let it. You wouldn’t.
"I know my apology can’t bring back what you lost," you said, your voice gaining strength. "And I don’t expect you to forgive me. You’ve lost people you care about, friends, family, and I..." Your voice caught in your throat for a moment, but when you saw Papyrus give you a gentle, encouraging nod out of the corner of your eye, you felt your strength return.
"And I couldn’t save them." A ripple passed through the crowd. Some monsters lowered their eyes, while others seemed to soften just a little and the anger that had filled the air moments ago began to fade, replaced by something else.
"The Shadowbringer isn’t from this world," you continued, "This fight. It’s not yours. You don’t owe me anything. But I will fight for you," you said, your voice steady as you met their gaze, your heart hammering in your chest. "It’s selfish of me to ask," you continued, your throat tightening for a moment, "but I need you to fight. Not for me." You paused, taking another step forward.
"For each other." The silence that followed felt suffocating, pressing down on you from all sides. You could feel their hesitation, their fear, their pain; it was all there. "I can’t promise that you’ll be safe," you admitted, your voice softer now, "I can’t promise that no one else will be hurt."
"But I promise you this: I won’t give up. I will fight for you, for this town, for everyone in the Underground who needs it. I will do everything in my power to make things right." At the end of your speech, you were met with silence, and for a moment it felt like the air had stilled. That was until Doggo stepped forward, a glint in his eye that looked suspiciously like pride.
"Bigger Pup is right. We’ve all seen what she can do. We’ve fought together before, and she’s proven herself to us. She’s not perfect," he looked over at you, his tail wagging slightly. "None of us are. But she’s willing to put herself on the line for us. That’s more than most humans would do."
The crowd murmured, some monsters nodding in agreement and slowly, the anger that had filled the air began to dissipate. The monster with the picture frame seemed to hesitate, his anger softening into confusion as he looked between you and the others. And then, to everyone’s surprise, Grillby stepped forward from the back of the crowd. He adjusted his glasses as he approached, his glowing gaze locking onto yours and for a second, you were worried about what he was going to say. But quickly, you noticed there was no anger in his stare, only quiet understanding.
"She’s earned my trust," Grillby said, his voice deep and crackling like the embers of a dying fire. "She stood with us during the battle, and she’s standing with us now. That says more than words ever could." Hearing Grillby’s words brought a tightness to your throat. His voice carried a weight that seemed to settle over the crowd, shaking loose the last remnants of their hostility. The monsters who had glared at you moments ago now looked away, some with embarrassment, others with uncertainty. Even the monster from earlier seemed to relax, his grip loosening as they looked down at the snow beneath their feet.
Doggo sensing the change, stepped forward, the handle of his axe thudding against the snow. "Anyone who can, grab what wood we have left. We need to start rebuilding around the town, especially the bar, which will be the safe haven for those who can't fight.” As the crowd slowly began to disperse, you felt the weight on your chest ease, just a little. The monsters were still wary, their grief and anger far from gone, but they were willing to fight. That was enough for now. Monsters around you were starting to pick up debris, and members of the royal guard, some still battered and bruised from the fight, were rallying the others.
*I’m going to help Grillby. I heard he's going to be making space in his bar for those who don't or can't fight.
Frisk’s voice broke through your thoughts, pulling your attention away from the ruined town. You glanced over at them, their neutral expression masking what they were truly feeling. You studied their face for a moment. The childlike softness still lingered there, but beneath it lay something darker. They had been through more than anyone their age should ever have to face. And yet, here they were.
Your heart ached with a mixture of sorrow and something close to admiration. They were strong, but it wasn’t the kind of strength anyone should ever have to build at such a young age. The thought sent a wave of unease crawling down your spine. But then, a darker thought crept in, unwanted and uncomfortable:
They have been through worse. They have done worse. It was an ugly truth, one you didn’t like admitting, even to yourself. The resets, the choices, the violence… Frisk had faced it all. But every time you tried to think about it, to truly let it sink in, something twisted in your chest, and you found yourself pushing it away. Clearing your throat, you nodded at them, offering a small, strained smile.
"Alright. Just… stay safe, okay?"
Frisk’s lips curled into a faint smile, giving you a small nod before turning toward Grillby’s bar. You watched them go, your eyes lingering on their retreating figure. For all their strength, for everything they’d endured, they were still just a kid. And no matter how many times you told yourself they could handle it, that they had already proven themselves, a part of you still wanted to hide them away from all of this.
But that wasn’t possible. Not anymore.
You sighed, rubbing the back of your neck as the weight of everything settled in again. The anxiety you’d been holding at bay began to creep up on you, coiling around your chest like a snake. You stole one last glance in Frisk’s direction. They had already reached the bar, joining Grillby as he began gathering supplies. You watched as they exchanged a few words, Frisk’s small form dwarfed by the towering flame monster. With another sigh, you turned away, focusing your attention back on the task at hand. There was no telling when he would return, or what new horrors he would bring with him. But you had to be ready. You had to protect what was left, no matter the cost.
* * * * *
Underneath the machine in the C.O.R.E., Sans lay flat on his back, tools scattered around him as he adjusted the final bolt. The low hum of the machinery resonated through his bones, and despite the intense heat radiating from the metal shell above him, he worked with slow, methodical precision. Anyone else might have been cooked alive by now, but that was one of the perks of not having any skin to scorch. He grunted softly, wiping his brow. With a sigh, he shimmied out from under the machine, feeling the heaviness in his bones as he rolled onto his side, sockets narrowing against the dim, flickering light.
The heat in the room was oppressive, and the machine’s humming almost drowned out the sound of Alphys tapping away at the console nearby. She was hunched over the control panel, eyes darting from one readout to another, her fingers flying over buttons and switches as she worked to recalibrate circuits and reset power. Every few moments, she would pause, waiting for something, anything, to happen, and each time it didn’t, her frown deepened.
Sans watched her in silence for a moment, his stare softened by exhaustion and something else, something like sympathy. He could see the wear in her posture, the way her shoulders slumped a little lower each time she hit the same dead end. They’d been at this for hours, and neither of them had gotten anywhere close to a breakthrough.
“hey, al,” he rasped, his voice cracking.. He slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position, feeling every ache in his bones as he did "so. anythin' change yet?” Alphys barely glanced up from the screen, her claws fiddling nervously with the hem of her lab coat.
“N-no…” she stammered, her voice betraying her frustration. “It’s still unresponsive. I’ve reset the power twice, recalibrated the circuits, I even triple-checked the wiring… but nothing’s working. I-I just don’t understand why it’s not-" Her voice wavered, cracking with the strain of holding it together and Sans’s chest tightened at the sound. He knew she was trying her best, pushing herself far past the limit, just like he was. His hand absently scratched at the side of his skull, the familiar sensation grounding him as his mind ran in circles.
“alright, think, sans… think...” he muttered to himself, closing his sockets and trying to force his brain into gear. But before any real thought could take hold, a loud clang reverberated through the room. Sans snapped his head up just in time to see Undyne pacing like a caged beast, her movements sharp and angry. She’d kicked a stray pipe across the floor in her frustration, the metal skittering to a stop against the far wall. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her one good eye burned with barely contained rage.
“This is stupid!” she growled, her voice trembling with the need to hit something. “We should be out there, hunting that freak before he decides to strike again! Why the hell are we just sitting here, waiting?”
Sans sat up slowly, feeling his spine creak as he did. He shot her a tired look, his jaw tightening as he forced his tone to be light. “look, fish face, i get it. sittin’ around ain’t exactly my idea of a good time either. but if we go rushin' in without a plan, we’re gonna end up six feet under. that shadow guy... he ain't playin' by the rules. gotta outsmart him, not just outfight him.”
Undyne huffed, her muscles tensing beneath her armor, frustration rolling off her in waves. “I hate waiting,” she growled, her voice low and dangerous. “It feels like we’re just giving him more time to get stronger."
Sans couldn’t help but offer a weary smirk, though there wasn’t much humor in it. “sometimes the long game’s the best move, y’know? patience, as asgore always says.” He leaned back against the machine, stretching his stiff bones. “and hey, you’re a tough fish. you’ll manage.”
Undyne rolled her eye at him, clearly unsatisfied as she clicked her tongue. It wasn’t like her to sit still, and Sans didn’t blame her. They were all itching for a fight, to put an end to this nightmare once and for all. But they had a plan and charging headfirst into a battle with the Shadowbringer would only lead to more bodies, and he’d seen enough of those to last several lifetimes.
His eyelights drifted down to the scattered schematics on the floor. Blueprints, wiring diagrams, notes scribbled in the margins, all of it jumbled together in a chaotic mess. Nothing made sense anymore. They’d tried everything, tightening bolts, rerouting power, recalibrating systems, and still, nothing worked.
He scratched harder at his skull, a faint clicking sound filling the air as his bony fingers tapped against his temple. His mind felt foggy, thick with exhaustion, but through the haze, a thought began to form. Something tugged at the back of his mind, something half-forgotten, buried beneath layers of fragmented memories.
Gaster.
Sans’s jaw tightened as memories of old journals and cryptic notes flickered through his mind. Gaster had been brilliant, a genius beyond anyone he had ever known, but his work had always been a bit insane, half of it incomprehensible even to Sans. Still, if there was anyone who might have known how to fix this machine, it was him.
It was a long shot, but right now, it was the only shot they had. His attention fell back toward Alphys, who was still hunched over the console, biting her lip as she fidgeted nervously. Sans cleared his throat, drawing her attention.
"heya, alphys..." His voice, usually casual and tinged with humor, had an edge of seriousness to it now. "you still got those old journals from gaster lyin’ around?" Alphys blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question. She hesitated, her claw pausing mid-air over the console.
"Uh... y-yeah, I think so," she stammered, glancing over her shoulder at a cluttered shelf. Dusty books, tangled cables, and loose tools were stacked haphazardly on it. "But... why?" Her voice quivered slightly as she turned back to him. "They’re written in such a strange language. I’ve tried looking through them before, but they’re just... unreadable." Sans slowly pushed himself to his feet, feeling the stiffness in his bones as he straightened up. He dusted off his shorts with a lazy sweep of his hand, then shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets as his usual slouch returned.
"don’t ask me how," he said with a small, almost sheepish grin creeping across his skull. "but I can understand 'em. trust me on this." Alphys stared at him for a moment, her mouth slightly open in surprise. She looked like she wanted to ask a dozen questions but, instead, she nodded slowly and quickly shuffled over to a nearby storage cabinet. She rummaged through it, muttering to herself as she pushed aside piles of old equipment, frayed papers, and forgotten experiments.
"These are the ones I managed to keep," Alphys said after a moment, holding out a stack of dusty journals to Sans. "But... are you sure they’ll help?" Sans took the journals from her, the weight of them familiar in his hands. His grin faded as he flipped open the first one, his eye sockets narrowing as he skimmed over the strange symbols that filled the pages. They were unreadable to almost anyone else, but to him, they were like fragments of an old, half-forgotten language, something he hadn’t thought about in years.
"no guarantees," he murmured, his voice serious now. "but it’s worth a shot." As Sans buried himself in the journals, flipping through page after page of cryptic notes, crazy ramblings, and diagrams, Undyne resumed her restless pacing. Her armored boots clanked against the floor with each heavy step, the metallic sound echoing through the quiet room as the minutes dragged on and every so often, her eye flickered toward Alphys.
Alphys stood near the corner, her hands fidgeting with her lab coat, twisting the fabric in tight, nervous knots. Her tail flicked from side to side, betraying her growing anxiety despite her attempts to appear composed. Every now and then, her shoulders hunched just a little more, her eyes darting from Sans to Undyne, then back to the floor, like she was waiting for something bad to happen.
Undyne paused mid-step, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of Alphys’s trembling fingers and the way her tail twitched almost uncontrollably. The sight made something tighten in Undyne’s chest. She wasn’t used to seeing Alphys like this.
“You worried about the town too?” Undyne asked suddenly, her voice softer than usual. The words came out almost hesitant like she wasn’t sure how to approach the situation with anything but the usual loudness that came so naturally to her. Alphys looked up, startled by the break in the silence. She blinked a few times, her wide, yellow eyes darting away from Undyne's stare.
"Y-Yeah," Alphys admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She shifted on her feet, her gaze dropping again, and her tail curled around her leg. "I just... I don't know what else we can do."
Undyne watched her for a beat longer, her usual confidence tempered by something more thoughtful. She clenched her fists at her sides, the muscles in her jaw working as she tried to find the right words; not something she was particularly good at. But looking at Alphys, so clearly on edge, she knew she had to try.
“Hey, Alphys,” Undyne started, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck. "You’re the smartest monster I know. You always figure this stuff out. You’ve done it a million times before. So… I know you’ll figure this out too.” Alphys glanced up, her eyes shimmering with doubt, but the smallest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
“I-I don’t know, Undyne,” Alphys muttered. “This… this is different. What if I mess up? What if I can’t-”
“You won’t,” Undyne cut in firmly, stepping closer until she was standing right in front of her. She reached out, placing a strong but careful hand on Alphys’s shoulder. “You’re not alone in this. Right Sans?" Sans, who had been flipping through another journal, glanced up at the sound of his name. A lazy grin spread across his face as he set the journal down, leaning back in his chair.
“yeah, you’ve got this, alphys,” Sans said, shooting her a wink. “i mean, if anyone’s gonna figure this out, it’s you. you’re the brains of this operation, after all.” Alphys blinked at him, still looking unsure, but a little of the tightness in her shoulders eased.
Sans’s grin widened as he grabbed the journal again, lazily flipping a page as he scanned the text. "and besides," he continued, his sockets softening, "[name]'s down in snowdin right now. she's tough as nails. she won't let anything bad happen to anyone."
Undyne raised an eyebrow, catching the slight change in his tone. She shot a glance at Alphys, who was equally intrigued, the two exchanging a look that spoke volumes. Sans noticed, his eyelights flicking between them, feeling their eyes on him as he tried to stay focused on the journal.
"what? do you not believe me?" he asked, raising a metaphoric brow, as he flipped to another page, trying to focus. Undyne snorted, crossing her arms over her chest as her lips curled into a knowing smirk as she took a step closer.
"Oh, I believe you," she teased.. "Just never thought I'd hear you of all monsters trust a human that much, Sans." For just a split second, he stiffened. His gloved fingers hesitated on the edge of a page, and his grin faltered before he let out a slow breath, forcing himself to refocus on the journal in his lap.
"she’s proven to be a good friend... more like family, really." His voice was quieter, the usual lazy drawl replaced with something more genuine, something softer. Undyne’s smirk deepened, and with a gleam in her yellow eye, she stepped closer.
"Family, huh? That’s a big deal, coming from you, bonehead." Sans tried to keep his cool, to seem unbothered, but the corners of his mouth twitched. He huffed, flipping another page in the journal, but his concentration was clearly strained.
"yeah, well, she’s earned it. besides, she’s saved our butts a couple of times now." Undyne grinned, leaning in closer, clearly not done yet.
"Yeah, yeah, we all know that... but I’ve gotta say, Sans, the way you talk about her, it’s not just ‘family,’ is it?" She teased, wiggling her eyebrow. "Is there something you’re not telling us?" Alphys, who had been quietly observing, perked up at that, her eyes widening with excitement. She started fidgeting with her hands, her nervousness giving way to a barely contained fangirling energy.
"W-Wait, are you saying Sans likes her?" she asked, her voice a little too loud and high-pitched. Sans froze again, his fingers suddenly feeling clumsy as he tried to turn the next page. His shull flushed a deep blue, and for a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. He quickly hid his face behind the journal, hoping they wouldn’t notice. Undyne barked out a laugh, clapping a hand on his shoulder hard enough to make him wobble.
"Oh my gosh! You do! You totally like her!"
"no," Sans muttered quickly, his voice muffled by the journal. "i just... need to focus right now, alright?" But the blush creeping up his skull betrayed him, and he could feel the heat intensifying under their amused stares.
"Focus, huh?" Undyne teased, leaning in even closer, her grin turning almost wicked. "Yeah, sure, that’s what it is." Alphys couldn’t help herself, her eyes sparkling as she chimed in.
"O-Oh! Th-That’s so sweet! I never thought... I mean, I-I always thought you were more of the... y'know... um... laid-back type!" Sans buried his face even deeper into the journal, his blush deepening.
"c’mon guys," he mumbled, refusing to confirm or deny anything. "give me a break here." Undyne and Alphys shared a look, their excitement only growing. They weren’t going to let him off the hook that easily, but Sans, as flustered as he was, stayed true to form. He kept his non-existent lips sealed on the matter, even as his embarrassment became impossible to ignore. His blush might’ve said more than his words ever would, but he wasn’t about to admit anything out loud, even as they giggled.
"yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Sans grumbled, flipping another page but clearly distracted. "we’ve got bigger bones to pick right now."
Undyne smirked, satisfied for now. "Alright, alright," she conceded, stepping back with a chuckle. "But this isn’t over, bonehead. You’re gonna have to tell us eventually.
Sans rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He could take their teasing; it didn’t really bother him. But their words stirred something within him, something warm and soft that he wasn’t quite ready to face. Not now, not when there was so much at stake.
He flipped another page, determined to stay focused when something caught his attention. His eyelights expanded as he stared at a diagram, his soul seeming to hammer. This was the missing piece, one that made the scattered puzzle pieces in his mind start to come together. He tapped the page lightly, lost in thought for a moment before he broke the silence.
"Hey, guys..." he began slowly, still staring at the diagram as his thoughts raced. "i think i figured it out."
* * * * *
Snow drifted gently through the air, settling on the town’s makeshift defenses. Wooden spikes jutted out of snow, while makeshift watchtowers were scattered across the town. Monsters were everywhere, grinding blades against stone, testing their weapons and magic, and fortifying whatever they could.
You were currently in the forest, walking along the perimeter as Papyrus followed beside you. He’d insisted on joining you earlier when you said you wanted to check the outskirts, and you didn’t have the heart to refuse him. You’d spent the last few hours together, moving through the snow, pointing out any weak spots, and offering help when you could and despite everything that was about to come, the battle that was going to happen, he was still himself.
You had always admired that about him, the way he seemed to keep his head high no matter what happened. But right now, you could tell something was on his mind. The silence between you was far from awkward, but it was strange. It wasn’t like Papyrus to hold his thoughts back, especially around you, but you figured when he wanted to, he would tell you.
So when he finally broke the silence, you were surprised by what came out of his mouth. "YOU KNOW... YOU'RE PRETTY INCREDIBLE."
The words caught you off guard and you turned, startled by the sudden compliment. “Me?” you asked, your brow furrowing in disbelief. “I’m just doing what I can. I’m far from incredible.”
Papyrus suddenly stopped, staring at you with a soft smile as he shook his head. “NO. YOU ARE WRONG,” his seriousness made your breath hitch, your eyes widening as he continued to speak. “YOU ARE INCREDIBLE. BECAUSE OF YOU... I'VE GROWN STRONGER." You found yourself unable to look away from him, wondering what had made him say this, why now? His armor clinked softly as he shifted his weight, his hands balling into fists by his sides as he continued.
“I WANT TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD,” Papyrus began, his voice uncharacteristically soft as he fidgeted with his gloves. The sight of him like this, so vulnerable, caught you off guard. “ NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO PROTECT THE UNDERGROUND. I THOUGHT THAT IF I BECAME A MEMBER, I’D BE MORE...POPULAR."
Popular? The word echoed in your mind, and you felt as if you were getting stabbed. You always saw Papyrus as larger than life, always filled with so much enthusiasm and pride. But now, it was clear there was a part of him you hadn’t quite seen before, a part of him that was hurting. He glanced at you briefly before looking away again, his hands clenching at his sides.
“I THOUGHT, THAT IF I JOINED MAYBE PEOPLE WOULD LOOK AT ME THE WAY THEY LOOK AT SANS.” His voice cracked slightly, and your heart squeezed at the confession. “I KNOW I CAN OVERWHELM PEOPLE WITH MY GREATNESS, AND THAT'S OKAY.” Papyrus continued with a light chuckle, though there was an edge to his voice. “BUT I COULDN’T HELP BUT FEEL LONELY. NO ONE EVER SAW ME THE WAY I WANTED THEM TO, UNTIL...”
He trailed off, his eyes meeting yours with a softness that made your chest ache, and your face feel warm. “WITH YOU... IT'S DIFFERENT. YOU'VE NEVER TREATED ME LIKE I'M TOO MUCH. YOU'VE ALWAYS LET ME BE MYSELF. AND BECAUSE OF THAT, I DON’T FEEL SO ALONE ANYMORE.” You swallowed, taking a small step toward him. You hadn't realized how much he had come to care for you, how much you meant to him, until now.
"Papyrus..."
"YOU'VE MADE ME STRONGER,” he said, “NOT JUST IN BATTLE, BUT AS...AS A MONSTER. AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU.” The gratitude in his voice was almost overwhelming, and for a moment, you couldn’t find the words to respond. You were used to feeling like the one who had to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, the one who had to keep everyone safe. But here was Papyrus, telling you that you had been the one to help him, him, of all people, find his strength.
Your throat tightened as stared into those eyelights, a flutter of emotion swirling in your chest, rising like a wave you couldn't hold back, no matter how much you tried. The warmth in your body spread, tingling through your limbs, and you swallowed hard against the swell of feelings threatening to overwhelm you. "Papyrus," you started, your voice softer than you'd intended, "you’ve always been strong. From the moment I met you, I saw that."
The butterflies in your stomach fluttered even more intensely as you continued, eyes searching his. "Not just in your physical strength, but in the way you care; the way you show up for everyone. You’ve taught me what it means to trust someone, to rely on them." Your heart pounded, each word feeling like it carried more weight than the last. "You make me feel... safe."
Papyrus’s sockets widened, his eyelights brightening in surprise. He stared at you, a soft exhale escaping him, and then, with a tenderness that sent warmth spreading through your chest, Papyrus stepped forward, slowly wrapping his arms around you.
His embrace was nothing like you had expected it to be. While usually, his hugs are energetic, this one was different. It felt so safe, so comforting, that it took you by surprise. His armor pressed lightly against you, but underneath, you could feel the steady rhythm of his soul, and as you rested your head against his chest, your breathing slowing as the gentle thump-thump of his soul steadied your own.
Papyrus seemed to hold you like you were something fragile, precious even, as though he was afraid letting go would mean losing something important. Immediately, you hugged him back without hesitation, feeling the knots in your body melt away as your arms tightened around him, savoring the warmth. Time seemed to slow, the noise of the world fading until it was just the two of you standing there, holding on to each other.
When you finally pulled back, Papyrus reluctantly let you, his bony cheeks a lingering glow of orange. Your heart raced, but it wasn’t from fear or anxiety anymore; it was something else. Something that made your chest feel light and full all at once. You met his stare again, your eyes searching his, holding his gaze just a little longer than usual. His expression softened, and you could see something in him shift; like he was seeing you in a new light.
"Papyrus," you whispered, your voice sounding strange in the silence. "Thank you... for always being there." He blinked, and then, with a rare, almost bashful smile, Papyrus gave a small nod.
"I’LL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU," he said, his voice low and gentle. "YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT." Heat spread through your chest again, and despite everything, you found yourself smiling.
"Right back at you." Papyrus's smile widened, a soft laugh escaping him.
"I'LL HOLD YOU TO THAT!" His laugh was light and infectious, and soon, you were laughing along with him, the sound unexpectedly lifting the heavy weight that had clung to your shoulders for so long and for that brief moment, everything felt lighter; almost normal. But as the laughter faded and the two of you started walking again, the world settled back into focus.
The snow crunched beneath your boots as you moved past the last of the perimeter, silence filling the spaces where your laughter had been. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, far from it. There was something comforting in the way neither of you needed to fill the air with words, just the presence of one another was enough.
And yet, your peace, of course, didn't last long. It was subtle at first, a small prickling awareness of being watched. You tried to shake it off, tried to focus on something else, but the feeling only grew stronger. Unseen eyes seemed to follow your every move, tracking you, probing, waiting for something.
Your steps instinctively slowed, your heart quickening in response, and Papyrus, ever observant, immediately noticed. He stopped beside you, his brow furrowing with concern as he looked down at you.
"IS SOMETHING WRONG?" he asked. He leaned in slightly, his towering frame unconsciously shifting closer to you as though to shield you from whatever had you on edge. You forced a smile, but it felt tight, unnatural.
"I'm fine," you said quickly, too quickly. The clipped words hung in the air for a second too long before you caught yourself, softening your voice with a slight shake of your head. "I just... I need a moment, Papyrus. Go ahead without me, okay? I’ll catch up." His sockets widened slightly in confusion, and you could see the hesitation flash across his skull. He fidgeted, shifting his weight between his feet, clearly torn between doing as you asked and not wanting to leave you alone.
"OKAY…" he replied after a moment. He straightened himself, offering you a small smile that didn’t quite reach his eyelights. "BUT YOU BETTER CATCH UP QUICKLY, OKAY?" H smile only deepened the uneasy feeling in your chest, but you nodded all the same.
"I will," you promised. He lingers for a moment longer, searching your face one last time before he nods and turns to continue walking, his long scarf trailing behind him. You watch him go, feeling a small pang of guilt for sending him away, but you know you need to deal with this alone.
The world falls still, the quiet almost deafening save for the soft crunch of your boots as you shift your weight. Each exhale escapes in a puff of vapor, reminding you of the chill that's seeped into your bones. The familiar sound of digging draws your attention and you groan, unsurprised when a flash of yellow bursts from the ground.
"Great. It's you." You mutter sarcastically. Flowey shakes the snow on his petals as his grin stretches unnaturally wide as he stares up at you.
"Awww, isn’t this just precious?" he sneers, his mocking tone cutting through the silence like a knife. "Two ‘friends’ sharing such a tender moment. How touching, it almost makes me sick." You meet his black beady eyes, irritation bubbling in your throat as you stare hardens. Your fists clench at your sides, but you force yourself to stay calm.
"What do you want, Flowey?" you ask, your voice flat, unbothered. "And don’t even think about messing with my friends. I’ll crush you where you stand." Flowey’s grin only widens, eyes narrowing into sinister slits. You could practically feel his sick joy, but underneath it, there’s something darker.
"Oh, me?" he replies, mock innocence dripping from his words. "Just here to check in on the fun. Not here for your little NPC pals; they’re nothing but pawns in the game." Your jaw ticks, crossing your arms as you stare down at him. You know he wants you to snap, to attack him, so despite every inch of your being telling you to crush him, you suck in a calming breath.
"Then why are you here?" you gritted out. For a fleeting moment, his grin falters as if annoyed, but his mask quickly returns.
"This timeline," he murmurs, his voice lowering, eyes gleaming with something far less playful. "It’s... different. Something’s changed."
You scoff, crossing your arms. "Oh, really, what makes you think that? Maybe it has to do with the fact we are all about to fight for our lives." His smirk flickers, his amusement souring into something colder as his face darkens, eyes narrowing with an emotion you hadn’t seen before.
"No, idiot. This timeline... it's glitching," he hisses, his tone losing its playful edge. "Cracks everywhere. Moments that don’t sync, like reality’s fraying at the edges." The unease you’ve felt since the battle stirs again, but you refuse to show it. You know exactly what he’s talking about, but you don't give him the answers he wants.
"So what?" you shoot back, raising an eyebrow. "Why bring it up to me?"
Flowey's grin sharpens, his veins unearthing from the snow, like agitated snakes. "Isn’t it obvious? You’re at the center of this mess. You and that shadow-loving maniac. What do you think you’re doing? Frisk should’ve reset everything by now, wipe the slate clean, just like before. But look around you! All the destruction, all the death, and nothing's been reset!" His words cut deeper than you want to admit, but you keep your expression cool. He’s desperate for answers, desperate because something’s happening that he can’t control, and he hates it. A slow smirk tugs at your lips.
"You have no idea, do you?" For a split second, Flowey’s smug facade crumbles. His eyes flash with anger, his vines trembling with barely contained rage.
"You know something," he growls, his voice dropping as it distorts. "Tell me." Unbothered, you step forward, boots crunching softly in the snow, your eyes never leaving Flowey’s. The chill of the air nips at your skin, but you remain still, focused, the world around you fading into the background as you speak.
"Frisk can’t reset," you reveal. For a moment, Flowey is silent, staring at you as if you’ve just spoken in a foreign language. Then, slowly, the reality of what you’ve said sinks in, and his eyes widen. His wide grin falters, and his petals tremble. The sharpness in his eyes dulls, replaced with a flicker of disbelief.
“What?” he breathes out, the disbelief clear in his voice. Gone is the familiar biting sarcasm; instead, there’s something much rarer; genuine shock. You step closer still, feeling the weight of his stare but never backing down, watching as his confidence crumbles with grim satisfaction.
"Frisk won’t reset. They can’t. Not this time. Whatever happens, there’s no going back." Confusion swirls within his black eyes, mingling with fear as the implications crash down on him like a landslide. He shakes his head, his petals twitching nervously.
"You’re lying,” he mutters, though you can see the tremor in his stare, the subtle doubt that’s already taken root. Even he doesn’t believe his own words.
"No, The Shadowbringer and I... we’re anomalies. We’re screwing with the timeline, with Frisk’s powers. The resets aren’t happening because they can’t, not while we’re still here." For a moment, Flowey’s usual mask slips entirely. His grin dissolves into something more akin to a nervous twitch, his smug exterior cracking like brittle ice. He looks disturbed, but, as always, he refuses to stay vulnerable for long. His face darkens, and he slithers closer once again, vines dragging through the snow.
"Maybe for now," he hisses, his voice low and dangerous, "but what happens when Frisk figures out how to reset again?" You roll your eyes, refusing to let him get to you, and Flowey scoffs, his grin stretching unnervingly wide.
"You think they won’t?" He taunts. "You think they wouldn’t reset this whole timeline the second they get the chance?" A knot twists in your stomach at his words, doubt creeping in despite your best efforts to shove it away. You force your expression to stay calm, composed, but inside, your thoughts are racing. You stare him down, refusing to let him see the flicker of uncertainty gnawing at you.
“They wouldn’t do that.” But even you knew the words felt hollow.
“Oh, really? Are you sure?” His grin widens, stretching unnaturally across his face as his petals curl inward, shaking off the snow that had fallen on him “What if you die? Do you really think Frisk wouldn’t try to bring you back? What if they decide to rewind everything just to ensure you live?” The silence between you thickens, and Flowey begins to laugh, his voice rising into a manic cackle as the sound echoes off the snow-covered trees around you, the madness in it sending a chill down your spine.
“See? You can’t even deny it! When Frisk has the power, they’ll do anything to save you. And don’t pretend you don’t know it! Wouldn’t you do the same for them? If you had their powers, wouldn’t you reset the whole timeline to bring them back?” Your jaw tightens, teeth gritting against the emotions threatening to overtake you. His words hit closer to home than you’d like to admit. There’s a sharpness to them, a truth you don’t want to face but can’t entirely ignore, but you refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing your discomfort.
"One problem with your little theory," you snap. "I’m not going to die." Flowey’s laughter darkens, twisting into something sinister.
"Oh, but you can’t promise that, can you?" he hisses. His body shifts with a slithering grace, his vines trailing through the snow as he circles you like a predator stalking its prey, eyes locked on yours. "You can’t guarantee your survival. We both know that." He moves closer, his petals brushing against the ground with a soft rustle, the faintest sound sending a shiver up your spine. Flowey’s eyes never leaves you, his voice almost like a song.
"You’d sacrifice yourself in a heartbeat for the greater good," he continues happily. " You'd kill yourself to save everyone. And when you do…" He leans in, his words almost lost in the freezing air. "Frisk will reset. You’ll go through all of this again. You’ll never escape. None of you will."
Your fists clench instinctively, knuckles turning white as the temptation to lash out, to let your frustration boil over, is almost overwhelming. You take a deep breath instead, forcing yourself to exhale slowly, your breath visible in the cold air. You steady your thoughts, pushing back the rising anger.
"You always think you’ve got it all figured out, don’t you, Flowey?" Your tone is calm, and steady, your eyes cold. His grin falters for just a heartbeat, a flash of uncertainty flickering in his gaze before it’s gone, replaced by his usual smugness.
"I do have it figured out," he sneers, circling you once again as his petals flutter and his vines twist and coil in the snow. "You’re all just pieces on a board, and me? I’m the one who’ll win in the end. I always do."
You smile faintly, though the expression never reaches your eyes. There’s something dangerous in your stare, something that makes Flowey’s vines twitch nervously. You take a step forward, slow and deliberate, watching him as he instinctively recoils, the sneer on his face slipping for just a moment.
"Is that why you’re so fixated on this timeline?" you ask, your voice softer now, more measured. "Because deep down, you know something’s wrong. Something you can’t control." You take another step closer, your eyes never leaving his. "Face it, Flowey. You’re not as invincible as you think. Things are changing; and that terrifies you."
Flowey’s grin falters, his petals trembling. "I’m not scared of anything!" he snaps, but the waver in his voice betrays him. His words lack their usual venom, and you can see it, fear creeping in. The sharpness in his voice feels hollow, like he’s grasping at straws, desperate to maintain control. "You don’t know what you’re talking about."
You smile, taking pleasure in watching him unravel. "Don’t I?" you murmur, leaning in just enough that your breath mingles with the cold air swirling between you. "You feel it, don’t you? The timeline slipping through your fingers, the rules shifting. Frisk can’t reset any more. This timeline… it’s permanent."
For the first time, Flowey stills completely, his wide eyes flickering with something far deeper than anger. "No… you’re wrong." But there’s no conviction behind the words now. They fall flat, hanging in the air like a desperate plea. You watch him closely, savoring the moment. The way his body tenses, the way his eyes darts ever so slightly, as if searching for an escape. The silence stretches between you, heavy and oppressive, and you can see the truth sinking in. It settles over him like a suffocating weight.
"Maybe this time," you continue, your voice soft but cutting like ice, "you’re the one who’s going to be stuck. Trapped in a timeline you can’t control."
Flowey’s eyes narrow again, anger bubbling beneath his surface. He remains silent, his stare burning into you, but there’s nothing left for him to say. His power over you, over this world, has always hinged on control, on his ability to manipulate. But now, that power is slipping away, and he knows it. He’s no longer the puppet master here.
With a final, lingering glare, Flowey vanishes, disappearing into the snowy ground. But even when you are sure he is gone, you stand there a moment longer, feeling the cold bite at your skin as you take a deep, steadying breath. His taunts had struck a nerve, but you refuse to let them linger. You’ve come too far, fought too hard, to let someone like Flowey shake you now. Instead, you hold onto the satisfaction of having shaken him.
You sighed, running a hand through your hair as you tried to slow your thoughts. You have Hope. Hope that this time could be different. That maybe the monsters could finally make it to the surface for good, and that Flowey’s predictions wouldn’t come true. But deep down, you knew there was a chance Flowey could be right. That Frisk might be able to reset again, and there would be nothing you could do to stop them.
As you walked back toward Snowdin, your thoughts raced in circles, each one tumbling over the next. The sight of Grillby’s bar brought a bit of relief, and as you entered the heat hit you like a wall, nearly suffocating after the cold outside. Your eyes swept across the room until they caught the sight of a blue and purple sweatshirt.
Frisk was standing near the back, guiding an older monster to safety. You watched as their hands moved and the older monster smiled, nodding gratefully. Then as if sensing your stare, Frisk's eyes found yours, and the brief flicker of surprise on their face quickly shifted into concern. They signed something to the older monster before guiding them toward the back, and then, with hesitant steps, they approached you.
“Frisk,” you called out softly. You took a step forward, hands buried in your pockets as if they could somehow anchor you. “I need to talk to you. Privately.” The kid tilted their head, curiosity and worry dancing in their brown eyes. Frisk hesitated only for a moment before they gestured for you to lead the way, and together, you moved toward a quieter corner of the bar, away from the bustling crowd. The warm glow of the bar felt distant now, and the faint hum of conversation faded into the background as you turned to face Frisk.
“I need you to promise me something,” you began, your voice almost a whisper as the words caught in your throat. You drew in a shaky breath, trying to steady yourself. “If we defeat the Shadowbringer… no matter what happens, you can’t reset. If you can, you need to make a save point after he’s gone, so this part of the timeline is locked. So he can never come back. If you reset after that… everything we’ve done will be for nothing.”
Frisk froze, their wide eyes revealing the shock that rippled through them. Their hands twitched slightly at their sides, and you caught the flicker of guilt in their expression; an emotion you’d grown all too familiar with. Your expression softened as you reached out, gently resting your hand on their shoulder as you guided their eyes back to yours.
“I know you’ve done things,” you continued, your voice gentle but firm. “Things you’re not proud of. But this is your chance, Frisk. Your chance to make things right. Get them to the surface. Permanently, this time.” Frisk stared at you, their expression shifting from shock to something deeper, something almost desperate and you saw the question form in their eyes before they even signed it.
*Are you not coming back?
The words stopped you in your tracks, the question hanging heavy in the air between you. You hadn’t expected them to ask that, and the truth of it clawed at you in a way you hadn’t prepared for. Your hand fell limply to your side, your thoughts scrambling for something to say, anything to say. But instead of making empty promises, you reached up, gently brushing a stray lock of hair away from their face. Your fingers lingered for a moment against their cool skin as they searched your face, looking for answers. Whatever they saw made them take a step back, shaking their head.
*No I’m not leaving you behind. I’ll reset as many times as needed to bring you with me.
The defiance in their eyes hit you harder than any words could have. Frisk meant it, every word, and that terrified you more than anything else. You inhaled sharply, steeling yourself before speaking again.
“No, Frisk,” you said, locking eyes with them. “You can’t reset for me.” your voice softened, growing more tender, “I promise you, I’m not planning on going anywhere, but if something does happen, resetting won’t fix it. It won’t change what needs to be done.”
Frisk’s brow furrowed as they listened, their eyes darting between you and the window as if searching for a way to keep you near them. You knelt down, bringing yourself to their level, your hands resting gently on their shoulders. You needed them to understand. “Frisk,” you whispered, your voice almost pleading now. “You have to promise me. If the worst happens... you won’t reset. You’ll move forward. You’ll get everyone to the surface. You have to.”
Before Frisk could respond, the doors to Grillby’s burst open with a crash. You jolted, springing to your feet as your magic flared, watching a monster stumble inside, breathless and wild-eyed. “He’s here!” they gasped, panic lacing their voice. “The Shadowbringer is coming!” A cold wave of dread washed over you, and you turned back to Frisk, as your voice dropped to a near whisper.
“Promise me,” you pleaded, your eyes locking onto theirs. “Please... promise me you won’t reset.” Frisk’s eyes widened with fear, and for a moment, they didn’t respond. But then they moved forward, tightly wrapping their arms around you, burying their face into your shoulder. You didn't hesitate, holding them just as tightly. You could feel their body trembling against yours as a few muffled sniffles escaped them, and your eyes stung as you blinked away the heat building behind them. When Frisk finally pulled away, they wiped at their eyes, sniffling as they tried to pull themselves together.
*I promise.
You smiled at them, but it was small and fragile, barely touching your eyes. The hollow feeling gnawed at your insides, but you forced it down and with a gentle ruffle of their hair, you whispered,
“Good,” Without another word, you turned and bolted toward the door, the cold biting into your skin the moment you stepped outside. The wind howled through the streets, stinging your face and clawing at your clothes, but none of it mattered. Not the burn in your lungs, not the ache in your legs. The only thing that mattered now was him.
Monsters crowded the streets, gathering in clusters, and you pushed through, ignoring the sharp glances and wary looks thrown your way. Some monsters stepped aside without a word, their eyes flicking between you and the figure looming in the distance. Others clung to each other, their whispers thick with anxiety, but you kept your attention fixed ahead.
The royal guard stood rigidly at the head of the group, their weapons drawn, the edges glinting sharply in the pale light. Armor clanked as they shifted uneasily. Even from this distance, you could feel the thrum of magic in the air, buzzing around you like an invisible storm ready to break. Snow whipped around in blinding gusts, but it didn’t hide him, not from you.
The Shadowbringer stood tall, untouched by the chaos that surrounded him. His black hair was tousled by the wind, but he stood utterly still, hands clasped neatly behind his back as if this was all some grand game. His eyes flickered toward you the moment you broke through the front line of the crowd, and your breath hitched as your eyes locked with his.
Time seemed to slow, the noise of the wind and the murmuring monsters dulling to a muted roar. The ground felt unsteady beneath your feet as the world seemed to close in. The Shadowbringer’s expression barely shifted, but the cold amusement that gleamed in his eyes sent a shiver down your spine. His lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile, a smile that was anything but warm.
Your stomach twisted, but you planted your feet firmly on the ground, refusing to back down. You could feel your hands balling into fists at your sides, your nails digging into your palms, but you didn’t flinch. You couldn’t. Not now. Not with everyone watching. Not with him standing there.
The Shadowbringer tilted his head, his smile deepening. He took his time, the silence stretching painfully between you both before he finally spoke. His voice was low, almost amused, as if this whole situation was trivial, like asking about the weather.
“I take it then,” he began, his voice a cold, mocking hum, “you’re not going to take my offer.”