[The following audio transcript was made available for access with the cooperation of Times Roman, Helvetica, and W. D. Gaster.]

[In Roman and Helvetica’s house in New Home. His wife Helvetica had just put the young ten-year-old Sans Serif to sleep.]

ROMAN

Oh, Helvi? Do you have a moment?

HELVETICA

Yes?

ROMAN

Um, first I need to know if Sans is asleep. I mean, really, really asleep. Not pretend-sleep like last time.

HELVETICA

Nyeh hee hee, are you still wary from the vintage ketchup incident?

ROMAN

Stars, Helvi! Please don’t remind me about that!

I kept that ketchup in the most complicated puzzle box I could find! And I hid that puzzle box inside a puzzle box that’s inside another puzzle box, with seven puzzle locks, placed in the most secret part of the house. Yet Sans got his hands on it because he overheard me telling you about its existence!

That cheeky cheekiest of cheeksters… What am I to do with him?

HELVETICA

He’s going to need all that cheek when we get to the Surface one day.

……………

Anyhow, what did you want to talk about?

ROMAN

Um. It’s… it’s about the hotdog stand. I’m thinking of selling it off to Quentin.

HELVETICA

What?! But that hotdog stand is one of your most prized possessions!

ROMAN

Yes. It is. But Helvi, since we took up the school cafeteria job, I just haven't had the time or energy to keep it running.

It’s been gathering cobwebs for a while. Quite literally so. A village of spiders took up residence, and I just received a telegram from them that they had migrated to a better home, which was what prompted my thoughts.

Besides… we’ll need the money for our incoming baby boy. Being a powerful future Seer, I’m sure The Great Papyrus will need all the milk he could drink.

HELVETICA

I see. If you’re ready to let it go, then I’ll support you.

ROMAN

Thank you. Maybe one day we can take the kids to Quentin’s instead.

HELVETICA

What did he want to sell anyway?

ROMAN

I hear it’s these things called ‘pizzas’. Think of a flat bread baked with any toppings you can think of. Usually it’s tomato sauce and cheese.

HELVETICA

Oh boy, Sans would love that! Tomatoes are just his favourite of favourites!

* * *

[The next weekend, when Roman had time to visit Hotland.]

ROMAN

Huh? There’s some weird commotion going on. That's… quite a long queue of monsters. And… do I smell… hotdogs?

TURRI

Oh Roman, it’s you!

ROMAN

Hello Turri. W-what’s going on?

TURRI

I think the whole ‘apprentice’ idea is going great. Why didn’t you do this sooner?

ROMAN

A-a-a-apprentice?!? Who told you that?

TURRI

Quentin. You know, the purple bunny with a big appetite and even bigger dreams! He said that this young chap is going to be the up-and-coming apprentice of the Great Times Roman!

ROMAN

What in tarnation??? Excuse me, I need to hurry!

[Roman rushed to the front of the line. There are sounds of cooking and sizzling. People who recognize Roman called out to him, and he quickly greeted back.]

Quentin

Hellooooo there Roman!

ROMAN

Quentin? What's going on--

QUENTIN

Your apprentice is doing a mighty fine job whipping up them hotdogs! Look at him. In a few days, he’s going to be our new head chef for the franchise. I can imagine it now: Quentin’s Diner: the best place to get your fix! Hmm I think I need to work on the slogan. And a better name...

ROMAN

Is… isn’t that a child? You know we don’t condone child labour.

QUENTIN

A child? Absolutely not! He’s not wearing a striped shirt at all, you see.

ROMAN

…I was about that height when I was a child. And Gaster said that--

[Quentin whisks Roman to the side and whispers.]

QUENTIN

Um, Roman, can we talk about this later? I can’t have a misunderstanding mark the beginning of my career. And please don’t mention the doctor's name at all. That man is insufferable to a T.

I promise I’ll explain everything. But first, we need to feed the customers. Now is not the right time to talk.

ROMAN

…If you insist. You must let me help you, though. This line is quite a long stretch and it’s unfair for the newbie to do all the work.

[Time passes until items sell out. Roman closes shop, leaving them alone in the middle of Hotland.]

ROMAN

I think we’re in the clear. Alright Quentin, please explain.

QUENTIN

Okay, okay. It all started a few days ago. I was doing some ‘test pizzas’ based on the recipes that survived The Dump. I handed out samples for people to try, and that’s when I met this fellow.

I asked for his opinion and… well… I think he’s mute. He tried to do some hand signs but I couldn’t understand. That’s when he showed me his personal frying pan. A person who walks around with a cooking utensil must be some kind of a chef. So I thought: maybe he has an idea on how to make a pizza?

And you know what? He did! He took over my test kitchen like he owned the place, man. We’ve made a whole bunch of different pizzas. Each one a million times better than I ever could. They’re great I tell you! Love love looove ‘em!

But… we soon ran out of money to buy more ingredients. And our friend here doesn’t have a single coin on him either.

That’s why I thought to, uh, ‘borrow’ your hotdog stand. Please, Roman! It’s all good intentions!

ROMAN

…Helvi will slap you flat if she finds out that you’ve used my name without permission.

QUENTIN

I’m sorry...

ROMAN

Also have you tried asking our friend if he’s an adult or a child? Like I said, striped shirts are not enough to tell the difference.

QUENTIN

Really? I mean, striped clothes for children have been tradition since the kingdom’s founding. I’d say waaaay before that.

ROMAN

Remember Sans?

QUENTIN

Your genius punster son?

ROMAN

Yes. That Sans. Did you know that he had managed to fool every adult into selling him not-so-child-friendly items by wearing non-striped shirts? One day I came home from work to find a bag full of booze, cigs, and scandalous socks. A ‘proof of concept’ he called it.

QUENTIN

…Oh my god.

ROMAN

That’s why we can’t make assumptions based on fashion sense alone. You said he tried speaking in hands, right? Maybe I can understand him.

[Roman approaches the newcomer.]

ROMAN

Can you understand my signs?

Oh! You can? That’s great! Now, I’m going to ask a question and you must be honest. Are you an adult or a child?

………

I see. That’s a more complicated situation than I thought. Don’t worry, the secret is safe with us.

QUENTIN

Uh… Roman? You alright? You look so serious.

ROMAN

Quentin. Listen closely. First, he’s a male child. Not an adult!

Second… He's far from home, alone, and in dire need of food and shelter. I think you should take them in. A child like this won't last long on their own.

Third… he wants to further his culinary studies. As you know, running a successful food business takes more than just learning how to cook. Sounds like you could both benefit from each other.

QUENTIN

W-wha… really?! My very first student before I even opened a business??? I-I mean, this is a huge responsibility. But at the same time I’m so stoked. Think of all the stuff we can learn from each other!

ROMAN

Yes. He teaches you recipes, and in turn you provide for all their basic needs. Teach him how to budget while you're at it. I know you’re more aware of money matters than I am.

Since he’s a child, you’re not allowed to make him do the real kitchen work, okay? Child labour is illegal. Which means you, as an adult, must train hard! Train until you get it right!

QUENTIN

Y-yes captain! Gosh, I’m getting some school cafeteria flashbacks. You and your wife run a tight ship. Especially the missus.

ROMAN

That experience is going to help speed you up.

Oh, and one more thing. You should also try to survey other places for potential markets. Try Hotland today. Try Snowdin next week.

QUENTIN

Snowdin? You serious? Caroline lives there. That place is like the boonies of the boonies. I’m trying to get my fiancée out of that boring ol’ snowmound, not the other way round!

ROMAN

Um, well. You’ll never know if they’ll appreciate the extra toastiness.

Anyway, I’ll give you my hotdog stand. I originally wanted to sell it to you as we had agreed… but I think now it’s better to loan it to you first. You can always pay me back after you’ve made your profits.

QUENTIN

WOW!!! You’re the best, Roman. I won’t waste this opportunity. Thank you so much for your wisdom! I knew I could count on you.

Okay kid, what’s your name? Wait, I keep forgetting I can’t understand hand signs...

How about Green? Just like your shirt! Ah, I see you like that very much. Let’s go and do some shopping. First clothes, then food! You can never have enough food!

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

[Quentin and Green left to pick up the necessary goods. Roman sighs sadly.]

ROMAN

I hope I've done enough…

* * *

[Back in Roman’s residence. Sans Serif and Helvetica spend some time together with the unborn baby.]

SANS

I can hear Papyrus. This is soooooo cool!

HELVETICA

He’s also a super active boy. Did you know he kept bouncing around this morning? It was a complete bonetrousle!

SANS

Heh heh heh. That sounds like an Orange alright. Do you think he’ll accidentally crack a hole in his skeleshell?

HELVETICA

Saaaaaaaaaaans…! Did you forget what Mommy told you about jinxes?

SANS

No, Mom. Heh. Sorry about that.

Alright, Papyrus. ‘Bee’-good, okay?

HELVETICA

Oof! THAT was a real kick!

SANS

Hey, maybe he likes my pun.

HELVETICA

Too soon, son. We’ll only know once he comes out.

ROMAN

Hahaha! Having fun without me, my sweetlings?

SANS

‘Sup, Dad? Did you rake in the ‘dough’? Maybe ‘knead’ some help to make it rise? All you need to say is ‘yeast’.

ROMAN

No, actually. Quentin had found an apprentice. I wanted to help them get a leg-up in the business so I loaned the stand instead.

Nice chain of puns there, by the way. High-five!

[Father and son high-five. Helvetica groans.]

HELVETICA

Papy dear, you agree with Mommy, right? Those puns are too silly. Maybe one day you’ll give up on reacting to them too.

Hm? Is something wrong, dear? You don’t look happy at all. Were you forced into that deal?

ROMAN

Oh, no. Not at all. It’s... complicated.

You see, his apprentice is a kid from The Ruins. Most likely a runaway.

HELVETICA

Oh dear! I had heard that the living conditions in the old capital degraded over the years, but was it that bad? Enough to make a child run all the way here? By themselves?

ROMAN

I don’t know. For whatever reason, he also insists on wearing non-striped clothing to make himself look more grownup than he is.

SANS

Heh. Relatable. I like this kid already.

ROMAN

I think he comes from a cooking background. Quentin said the kid knew his way around the kitchen like a pro. And I confirmed it with my own eyes! That kid was cooking up a storm with his personal frying pan! As a fellow career kitchen-skel, I know experience when I see it.

SANS

You gonna ask for Gaster’s help?

ROMAN

No. Not yet. You know how extreme he can get. I'd rather quietly reconcile the child with his family without alerting the Royal Guard.

SANS

Good idea, Dad.

HELVETICA

Now Sans, you don’t go looking for that kid behind your father’s back, alright?

SANS

Nah, I won’t. Especially if Dad doesn’t want to get Gaster involved. I know how ‘he’ uses his Eyes to keep tabs on me.

The further I stay away, the better. It means I shouldn’t be here either. Welp. Time to do my physics homework. See y'all at dinnertime.

[Sans leaves. His slippers audibly shuffle their way out.]

HELVETICA

…I wish Sans could have gone to a normal school. Whenever I see the other children of his age eating in the canteen, I’m reminded of how much he’s missing out.

ROMAN

Wouldn’t he end up being bored out of his mind? He’s already tackling stuff that I didn’t even know existed.

HELVETICA

Being bored might be better than facing Gaster’s cruelty day in and day out. As the years go by, I’m having deeper and deeper doubts about this grand plan of his.

I hate what he’s doing to Sans. Yet, I can’t deny the need for someone to lead the final charge onto The Surface.

…I’m a terrible mother, aren’t I?

ROMAN

Helvi… No, that’s not true. We…

I………

[Roman could not find any words to comfort his wife.]

ROMAN

Honey... Let’s forget about it for now. I’ll cook dinner today, so you and the baby can take it easy. How about that?

HELVETICA

At least let me help wash the vegetables. If I stay idle, I’ll spiral downwards into despair.

ROMAN

Alright, alright. You can do that.

…Hey, why don’t we visit Quentin tomorrow? The two of us, together. I’m sure you want to see the kid too, right?

* * *

[The next day, when Roman and Helvetica visit Quentin at his apartment.]

HELVETICA

So, you're Green? Why, you’re quite a handsome chap. It’s not often that I meet someone who speaks in hands, you know. I thought only us skeletons could converse that way.

Oh? You want to say hello to my baby boy? His name is Papyrus. He’ll be out of his little shell in a couple of months.

[Green pats the woman’s belly.]

HELVETICA

That’s a nice Green Magic you have there. I can feel your Kindness very much.

ROMAN

What kind of monster is he anyway? I don’t remember ever seeing anyone who looks like that.

QUENTIN

Your guess is as good as mine! I thought you’ll know more, serving hotdogs to all kinds of folk.

ROMAN

I can’t help but to think he’s very similar to us skeletons.

QUENTIN

Long lost cousins, perhaps? Like the Mimics and Ghosts.

ROMAN

Hmm… maybe.

[A timer chimes.]

QUENTIN

Whoops! That’s the pizza calling. Let’s have lunch, everyone!

[The pizza is served at the table for consumption.]

HELVETICA

This ‘pizza’ dish… why didn’t we think of it sooner? It’s a wonderful way to flavour the bread!

QUENTIN

Isn’t that right? Green told me that it’s one of the most popular dishes on the Surface.

HELVETICA

Can we bring some home for Sans? I’m sure he’ll love it.

QUENTIN

Sure! Give it a toast and it’s as good as new. Almost. Cold pizzas are a shadow of their former glory.

HELVETICA

Wait. Did you just say that… Pizzas are popular on The Surface?

QUENTIN

Yep! What’s wrong?

HELVETICA

How does Green know that?

QUENTIN

From all the advertisements that flowed down the river, I guess…?

[An awkward silence hung over the room.]

QUENTIN

Ha… hahahaha! There’s no way that Green came from the Surface! If he did, he would be a human. And we know humans are the number one enemy of the nation!

Yeah. He definitely is not a human. I mean, look. Green is using magic. Humans can’t use magic. Absolutely impossible by any statistic.

Oh my, the pizza is getting cold. C’mon, don’t be shy. There’s plenty to go around.

* * *

[A few days pass. In the evening on a weekday, while Sans is out training, Roman prepares to leave his house.]

HELVETICA

Roman, where are you going?

ROMAN

I… need to talk to Green and Quentin.

HELVETICA

Is it about the fact that the child is human?

ROMAN

W-when did you--

HELVETICA

Dear, I DO read my son’s homework. The old Council stated that humans are like us skeletonkind, except with flesh and skin. That child’s skull-shape is exactly the same as ours.

…You’ve long suspected the truth, didn’t you? Otherwise you wouldn’t have been so worried to hear that the boy came from the Ruins.

ROMAN

Yes. I… I still remember The Waterfall Incident.

HELVETICA

Will you demand Quentin to hand Green over to Gaster?

ROMAN

I don’t know. That’s why I want to talk to them.

HELVETICA

Do hurry, Roman. Before our son returns.

ROMAN

I will.

[Later, Roman arrives at Quentin’s apartment. However there was no one at home. He waits until Quentin and Green finally arrive.]

QUENTIN

I can imagine it now: a humongous harvest, only a few months down the line!

Why are you looking so embarrassed? It’s nothing to be ashamed of, y’know. If anyone asks, I’ll just say it’s store-bought fertilizer for my next gardening project.

ROMAN

Are those… digging tools?

QUENTIN

WHOA! You scared me there!

Y-yes, they are. Gotta put the smelly stuff nice and deep to avoid fertilizer burn. You neeeeever want to apply it too close to the plant. I mean, I learned that from my gran, who learned it from my great-great gran, who learned it from my great-great-great-gran, who learned it from King Asgore himself! Yeah. That’s right.

ROMAN

Let’s talk inside.

[The three enter Quentin’s apartment. Doors locked, and curtains drawn.]

ROMAN

Green. I… I need you to be honest with me. Are you a human?

…So you are. Well. That explains where Quentin got his ‘fertilizer’ from.

QUENTIN

Hey, hey, hey, no dissing biology! Green can’t help it, okay?

And so what if Green is human? He’s a good kid. I promise that I’ll raise him as my own son!

ROMAN

I do agree he’s a good kid. But what about his family? Adoption without consent is the same as kidnapping. We have to send him beyond the Barrier. As a human, he has a strong SOUL. He should have no problem getting him home.

QUENTIN

Ha. Hahahaha. Very funny. Did you think it’s that easy to sneak past Gaster and his merry men? If it’s not the Royal Guard, there’s always King Asgore!

KING ASGORE! The Boss Monster who survived the Sealing War! It’s impossible!

ROMAN

Then what? Are you planning to hide him in plain sight forever? Only to give his SOUL to the kingdom in Green’s old age?

QUENTIN

…Roman. I’m going to level with you because we’re pals. So don’t get too shocked, alright?

Here’s the kicker: I think the whole Surface dream is stupid.

ROMAN

W-wha?!

QUENTIN

Yep. You heard me. Stupid. S-T-U-P-I-D! I’m never gonna see The Surface in my lifetime, so why should I care???

Why obsess over an impossible dream? Why should I stare at the ceiling until I fall down? Why? Because of freedom? Because of sunlight? Bah! Overrated nonsense.

I started this diner idea because I want something achievable. Why should I be sad like other people when I can make them happy with a tasty meal and a full belly?

The Underground would be in a ton better condition if us monsters stop wishing for the impossible. Don’t you think it’s better that we put all our energy into improving our current lives? That’s what our ancestors did!

Why does that have to change because a human once fell into the Underground? It’s been decades, Roman. DECADES! And it’s going to take decades more!

All Green wants is to make everyone happy with good food. Just like me.

ROMAN

I… I’m sorry. I didn’t know that’s how you felt.

QUENTIN

Now you do.

Please, Roman. I’m begging you. Let me have my dream. Green will never hurt anyone. I promise!

ROMAN

I do trust you. It’s just… I don’t know how long you could keep this a secret. Green would be the fifth, you know. Gaster will hunt him to the ends of the Underground! The Royal Lab is in Hotland itself, while his house is at the edges of New Home. You’re lucky that he didn’t run to my store from the smell of those hotdogs.

QUENTIN

Well, that’s for me and Green to figure out. I just need you to turn a blind eye.

ROMAN

…Alright then. There’s just one more thing I need to ask from Green.

Young boy, why did you leave The Ruins? That is the safest place you can hide. The entrance was sealed from the inside long ago.

…You weren’t allowed to use the kitchen? Nor leave the house to search for ingredients? You were being held back by an overprotective mother? She didn’t even have knives?!?!?!?!

Heh… You prefer to be treated as a grownup, huh? Well, you are very much like my older son. I wish you two could meet.

Quentin, I think you must leave by tonight. You should get to packing.

QUENTIN

Hang on. Won’t Gaster, uh, interrogate you?

ROMAN

What do I know? I’m just a cook for a school cafeteria. I’m no expert. I can guess that Green is a human, and Green can claim to be one, but I don’t have the knowledge to confirm or deny the truth.

[Quentin gasps.]

QUENTIN

Maaaan… I didn’t know you had it in you.

ROMAN

Just a few tricks I learned from my son. Goodbye and good luck.

* * *

[Ten days pass. At midnight, a sudden siren rings across New Home.]

ROMAN

Is that the megaphones?

HELVETICA

Sigh… it must be another false alarm. Let’s just go back to sleep.

MEGAPHONE

Attention, squak!

A human has been spotted at the Hotland docks. Squak! I repeat, a human has been spotted at the Hotland docks! Squak!

All citizens must stay indoors, squak! I repeat, all citizens must stay indoors! Squak!!!

ROMAN

Quentin…! I-I have to find him!

HELVETICA

Honey, don’t! If you go now, Gaster will find out you’re involved in this!

ROMAN

I can’t leave my friend alone!

HELVETICA

You can’t leave your family behind either!

ROMAN

I’m not! I-I just need to distract the guards somehow. Pots and pans? Maybe some bone magic? Don’t worry honey, I’ll be back in a jiffy--

[A loud, bony slap across the cheek stops Roman in his tracks. Helvetica then starts to cry.]

ROMAN

…Helvi?

HELVETICA

WAKE UP!!!

Those are the ROYAL GUARDS! The nation’s best warriors, the cream of the crop, the strongest of the strong, the mightiest of the mighty!

Our! Champions!

And you want to go up against THEM?!?! Us normal monsters don’t stand a chance!!!

ROMAN

Helvi… I… I…

HELVETICA

Roman, I need you. Sans needs you. Our baby needs you too.

You’ve already done so much, dear. Enough is enough. There’s nothing more you can do.

So please… don’t go.

* * *

[Next morning, Doctor Gaster summons Roman to the Royal Guard’s headquarters at King Asgore’s castle.]

GASTER

Roman! Thank goodness you’re alright!

ROMAN

What’s going on, Gaster?

GASTER

Quentin, that annoying purple rabbit, testified that he had ‘borrowed’ your hotdog stand. That’s why I called you here for verification.

ROMAN

Yes, he did. Actually… I wanted to sell it to him. Um, we should have a scribe record the testimony, no?

GASTER

Oh, yes indeed. Good call. Ah, I was so worried about you, I had completely forgotten the official procedures.

[Roman testifies what was requested, but he did not reveal Green was human. Doctor Gaster didn’t push his questioning.]

GASTER

That’s all?

ROMAN

Yes…

GASTER

Well, that makes Quentin an accomplice of our human enemy. Ugh, what was he thinking? Was he trying to hoard the SOUL for a solo escape to the Surface? Such selfishness.

ROMAN

Can I see him?

GASTER

He may be your friend, but he has proven himself to be quite dangerous. You should see how that criminal attacked the Royal Guard! His magic wasn’t great, but he was a crafty bugger. Fast on his feet too!

It took a whole hour before we finally managed to corner him. Ugh, how could someone so plump be so nimble? It defies all logic!

ROMAN

He’s behind bars now. It shouldn’t be a problem, right?

GASTER

I suppose the guards can take care of any issues. Nonetheless, I will join you for safety’s sake.

[On the way to the prison cell, the two have a chat.]

GASTER

Say, Roman. How did you become friends with such rabble?

ROMAN

We used to be co-workers. And, he was also a fan of my hotdogs.

GASTER

Aha! I see, I see. Shame things turned out this way.

ROMAN

What will happen to him now?

GASTER

According to the law, absconding a SOUL is grounds for treason… but we don’t really have the means to enforce the proper punishment. We can’t exile him from the kingdom while we’re trapped Underground, and I doubt the kind King Asgore will want to issue an execution.

The most likely outcome will be a banishment to a different part of the Underground. In addition to that, his current property will be confiscated. I’m betting that King Asgore will let Quentin choose his new location.

ROMAN

That’s… harsh.

GASTER

It could have been worse. Hold on, we’re reaching the prison.

[Gaster tells the guard to let them in. Quentin is the only resident in lockup.]

GASTER

Prisoner, your friend has come to visit you. Be grateful that you still have friends.

QUENTIN

Where’s Green?

GASTER

Hmph. Why should I bother telling you?

QUENTIN

Heh. That means the kid escaped, right? He’s fast like me. And smart too.

GASTER

Now that’s just asking to have your bubble to be popped. We found the human dead in one of the Hotland caves. He had accidentally baked himself to death while trying to hide from us. His SOUL is now in our possession.

Survivors of The Waterfall Incident are still alive, mind you. Did you two really think you could hide forever?

QUENTIN

You…

YOU!!!!

[Clashes of magic slam against the iron bars. Defensive systems activate to prevent the attacks from escaping through the gaps.]

QUENTIN

Give me back my dreams! All I wanted was to build a diner. And you won’t even let me have THAT???

I don’t give a DAMN about your masterplan, Gaster! NOT A DAMN BIT!

ROMAN

Quentin! Stop! You’re going to hurt yourself!

QUENTIN

UWAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!

I HATE YOU!

I HATE ALL OF YOU!!!

[More magic smashes against the prison bars. The rest of Quentin’s words became incomprehensible gibberish.]

GASTER

I’m afraid he’s beyond reason, Roman. We should leave him be.

[Gaster signals the Royal Guards to put Quentin to sleep. He then escorts Roman outside to a more quiet spot.]

GASTER

This is what happens to traitors, Roman. Remember that.

ROMAN

……………

I feel so sad.

GASTER

You would be sadder if you’re the one who’s behind bars.

ROMAN

Huh? W-wait. You…

GASTER

I know you, Roman. You’re softhearted. Yet an excellent, observant friend. I know… I know you wouldn’t have the heart to expose the human.

Just as monsters are weak to violence, we’re also easily swayed by kindness. It’s a double edged sword that has kept our society functioning. However, war demands us to separate the person from personhood. We can’t surrender simply because we pity the enemy. That’s why a person like Sans is required.

Regarding our bunny chap… Quentin’s true crime is emotionally manipulating your good heart to further his selfish dream. Hence, he shall be the one to bear the full penalty for his actions.

ROMAN

I--

GASTER

Hush, friend. Speak no more.

Remember: your children are destined for a greater future. Please don’t destroy that for the sake of sentimentality.

…You should return home. Good day to you.

ROMAN

Alright… See you around, Gaster.

* * *

[Several days later, at Hotland’s river dock. Quentin boards the boat to Snowdin with what little he could carry. The Royal Guard keeps the curious and concerned crowd at a distance.]

TURRI

I can’t believe Quentin would be a traitor! I guess there’s always a problem with dreams too big.

ROMAN

All he wanted was to learn how to cook…

HELVETICA

He could have just asked us. But no, he just had to go and commit high treason with a human.

TURRI

Is… the missus alright? She sounds a bit cranky.

ROMAN

Oh, uh. I apologize. It’s hard to sleep with the baby bonetrousling in the middle of the night. Kid’s waaaaay too active!

TURRI

Dear me! That is indeed quite a pickle. Looks like you’re going to have an energetic one on your hands.

Poor Quentin. Those in Waterfall won’t welcome him. He can’t stay in Hotland, or New Home either. And The Ruins are definitely out of the question.

…Won’t this make Snowdin this thing called an ‘exile colony’? Hey Sansy boy, you’re Doctor Gaster’s student, right?

SANS

Huh? Me? Ayup.

TURRI

What does the law say? I’m sure he taught you something.

SANS

Hmm. Keeping one banished dude doesn’t turn an existing town into a prison.

Then again, Snowdin was never a popular place to settle to begin with. It’s cold. Icy cold. Unless you fill the thick-fur niche, or were born with the right element, it’s kinda miserable.

TURRI

Oh, this is so heartbreaking! I don’t want to rub salt into Quentin’s wound any longer.

Sans, be a good boy alright? You have to set an example for your future little brother.

SANS

Welp. Sure.

[The boat sails. With the object of their curiosity gone, the crowd disperses until only Roman’s direct family remains.]

SANS

Still not going home yet, Dad? The guard is giving us funny looks.

ROMAN

Just a bit longer, son. Sorry.

SANS

It’s cool. You two were friends after all.

HELVETICA

Come to think of it, did you manage to say goodbye?

ROMAN

No. Quentin refused to see anyone after that day. I just hope that his fiancée will accept him. It would be far too cruel to dump him at his lowest point.

...Do you think we’ve failed him, dear? If only I made a different decision… or gave different advice…

HELVETICA

Who knows, dear? Who knows. If it’s any consolation, I hear Snowdin’s cozy hospitality makes up for their dour weather.

SANS

Dad, you can always visit him y’know. He can’t leave Snowdin, but that doesn’t mean we can’t go there.

ROMAN

Well. You’re right, son. But we‘ll have to wait and see if he’s ready first.

I just hope he’ll find his peace someday… The same goes for us.

[TRANSCRIPT END]