Thanks to the unfortunate destruction of the lounge’s sofas, your most comfortable corner was now a side table in the lab’s lobby. Not long ago, this was where you handed over The Six’s belongings to Copman Roger.
Taking your job as the Royal Ambassador seriously, you kept a close watch on the ebbs and flow of the election on your phone. Despite your status as Dreemurr royalty, you still owned only a Striped Child Account. No special posting privileges for you. At least you could still read them.
MTT Studio’s public discussion page had a constant stream of citizens debating about the best candidate. Favour tended to shift between Dad, Ralsei and Flowey, based on whoever made the most compelling argument in the heat of the moment.
Around this hour, the legend that was Politics Bear posted his analytical commentary in a new thread.
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
Oh boy, where do I even start with this election? Back in my day -- before politics came to The Surface -- things were easy peasy lemon squeezy. But nowadays? It's all a total mess! Prince Asriel Ralsei and Asriel Flowey, two complete opposites, are both proclaiming the same thing: that they’re the Asrealest Prince Asriel Asriel. I don’t even. 1/3
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
On one hand, Ralsei seems like a pretty good choice. He’s kind-hearted, charismatic, and genuinely cares about his constituents. He also has a clear vision for the future and a solid plan to achieve it, provided his story of reincarnation checks out. On the other hand, we have Flowey, who is -- to be frank -- a total wildcard. He’s unpredictable, a jerk, and rather rude. He doesn’t even look like a goat! However, I have been seeing some monsters so swayed by his dazzling display of friendliness, they’re starting to believe his take. The hearts of the Dreemurr Nation were truly touched by his emotional sincerity. 2/3
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
Honestly, I’m torn. I think both candidates have their strengths and weaknesses. However, they can’t both be genuine. That is why we need to do our research, listen to both sides, and make an informed decision. Post about King Asgore coming next… as soon as I review what his speech was about. 3/3
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
It is my pleasure to share my thoughts on our (ex?)-esteemed king, Asgore Dreemurr. Asgore is a true leader and a determined public servant. With an unwavering commitment, he has dedicated a millennium to the betterment of his underlings’ lives. 4/3
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
Asgore has always put monsterkind first. This is evident in his policies and actions. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives to support small monster businesses, promote education, and provide services to every region of the kingdom during our lengthy time underground. He has led us since before the sealing, through food shortages and countless internal issues. Therefore he has the most leadership experience. 5/3
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
My biggest concern with King Asgore is this: does he even want to lead anymore? Personally, I get the impression that he just wants to make a garden somewhere and retire, yet circumstances keep calling him back. That can’t be good for one’s mental state. At this rate, he’ll be at it for another thousand years. But that’s exactly why he’s got my vote. What can I say? Thaaaaat’s politics! 6/3
Wow. That was surprisingly insightful. Once upon a time in Snowdin, every issue could be resolved by skeleton-talks-to-fish-isms. Guess he stepped up his game when complexity increased a hundredfold. You wonder if it’s the same for other monsters?
Slime, (@JustSliming)
As a slime, I am intrigued.
Froggit, (@smollest_froggit)
Ribbit, ribbit.
Lesser Dog, (@LESSER_DOG)
(bark)
Uhhh…
Madjick, (@wands4life009)
Alakazam! This Ralsei guy looks really magical! I like him!
Shyren, (@ShyrenPersonal)
Ohhhhh, Ralsei seems nice! He has such a soothing voice too; much better than mine…
Maybe not?…
sweetdreamssleeptight, (@knightknight)
i dont care about the politics i just think prince asriel is the cutest fr fr UwU
…Yeaaah. Definitely not. You facepalmed from secondhand embarrassment.
Catty, (@CoolestCatty)
OMG!!!! Ralsei is like, Prince Asriel returned???
Bratty, (@BestBratty)
Maybe he was raised by humans? Won’t that like, make him THE best candidate for the future???
Catty, (@CoolestCatty)
Totes would. Totes would.
Dress Lion, (@Dandylion)
Ralsei could be a great new king for us. I love King Fluffybuns, but Ralsei really does have a way with words. And he’s so well-educated. He is just too perfect!!
Father Alvin, (@AlvinBoom)
If I may give my thoughts, the legends speak of The One Who Has Seen the Surface: the saviour who would set us free. Does Prince Asriel Ralsei not fit every description? I know many of you have testified to seeing a similar divine goat in your dreams right before The Barrier broke. Could they not be one and the same monster? And could our freedom not be accredited to his name? We’ve already witnessed one of Ralsei’s miracles during the riots, many more will undoubtedly follow should he become king.
Que Sera Sera, (@wateverwillbewillbe)
Father Alvin is right! Are we really forgetting the legends so soon? Praise the Prophecy! Praise King Asriel Ralsei!
Manju Devotee, (@red_manju)
Count me in. I dreamt of him too. The divine goat. Prince Ralsei is our holy saviour, I just know it! Did you see how he healed Sans? It was MIRACULOUS!
Harry Pattern, (@HairyHarryHa)
I’ve received his healing in person! A sincere kindness flowed through me. Don’t actions speak louder than words? 60 years is too long for most people to remember things perfectly, especially after going through a second childhood. We shouldn’t betray our prince over a flower’s accusation.
i dunno what name to use, (@T56hnumo)
With Asriel Ralsei as our new king, we won’t need to cast another Barrier. Does that also mean that our dear former king Asgore has to stay home? I don’t want our Number One Dad to die…
Pin Number, (@pinpinpinpin)
I’m baffled by how we’re still arguing about the validity of a living god at this point. Everything was caught on screen, witnessed by everyone, and filled with first-hand testimonies. Like, how?!
Ruko Skye Ver.5, (@Model-11006)
Prince Asriel Ralsei is merged with his human friend Chara, right? Prince Asriel Flowey said they tried to kill the human villagers. I don’t want to vote for a killer. But if I choose Prince Asriel Ralsei, then that negates that story. So… I could vote for the killer who’s not a killer and have a clear conscience?
Ungol, (@Webbed_truth_555)
bruh are you kidding me with this garbage?! this goat guy just came from nowhere with a super convenient backstory and you all think this isn’t some enemy psy op????? i feel like i’m taking crazy pills.
WDGaster, (@Gaster666)
[Redacted]
Huh? What is this troll account? Gaster’s gone. You saw it on TV.
WDGaster, (@Gaster666)
[Redacted]
WDGaster, (@Gaster666)
[R3d4ct$d]
WDGaster, (@Gaster666)
[r#&4(?!D]
WDGaster, (@Gaster666)
Egads, for heaven’s sake! I know you can read this, you witless beings that exist in this mortal plane. I know all that troubles you, for I have seen the stars of the void and the chaos of reality. A change that will benefit me and my kindred spirits will come to this world, mark my words!
WDGaster, (@Gaster666)
[[[Hyperlink Blocked]]]
Okay. You had just about enough of this. Using a dead man’s name to fight people on the internet? How shameless!
REPORTED!!!
YKGonanza, (@YKGonanza)
Okay, so, hear me out. I don’t think Ralsei and his friends are from Ebott. Remember the giant skeleton wolf? That thing used to be a girl! A monster girl! When did we have room down in the underground for anyone that big??? If there are other skeletons out there besides Sans and Papyrus, maybe we’re not the last monsters on the planet after all.
Fi fi fo fum, (@999000999)
wasn’t there also this really strong mysterious skel who wrestled with aaron? the one with the cool black markings? odd fellow, rowdy yet spirited, funky accent
Monsieur Moustache, (@Monsieur_Moustache)
Why yes I do recall. That dapper gentlehorse said that our kind ambassador’s new skeleton friend lives on the West side of town. Except, I live right there and I’ve never ever seen him before. Could we really have someone so unrefined living in our esteemed neighbourhood without anyone knowing?
YKGonanza, (@YKGonanza)
Okay, so, hear me out. Just imagine, wherever Ralsei’s from, they might have their own Jerry there.
Fi fi fo fum, (@999000999)
why did you have to bring up jerry, for star’s sake???
jerry, (@moderatorjerry)
hey it’s me jerry
no off-topic plz
ps @Gaster666 has been banned for trying to post NSFW spam in a stripe-friendly channel
Ah, good riddance. You felt proud of yourself for keeping the community clean.
Monsieur Moustache, (@Monsieur_Moustache)
Personally, I do not want to live under that dreadful Barrier! Just the thought shivers my moustache. Furthermore, His Majesty Asriel Ralsei already has a whole government term planned ahead in his mind. Then again… I’m not so cold as to trample on the floral prince. He’s still young, and it’s the young who learn the fastest. We should give him a chance. He might yet grow some facial hair.
Candle Lily, (@yu878rhj34)
Asriel Flowey’s backstory is just too tragic! Can you imagine suffering through all of what he confessed and nobody believing you? I’m certain he’s telling the truth. Nobody would lie about that.
Big Foodie Plant, (@BFP)
I voted for Asriel Flowey too. My reasoning is simple: his friendliness pellets are super tasty. Finger-licking good!
Wimbly Quimbleton, (@woshusoul)
FLOWER POWER FOR LIFE! King Asgore is old hat and the GOAT-WHO-IS-A-ROBOT-CLONE ARE PART OF THE EBOTT ESTABLISHMENT! We need new leadership to KEEP US SAFE AND SOUND!
Scarf Mouse, (@FluffyScarf)
I am committed to Asriel Flowey winning this. I feel like there needs to be a fresh wind in our kingdom. Asriel Ralsei could be that too, but I don’t like him coming out of nowhere and using big words. Asriel Flowey isn’t as eloquent as Asriel Ralsei, but that might be one of the reasons why he’s more relatable. He’d make a good change of pace from King Asgore.
LeanMeanGotYourSpleen (@Fey_Rasdyn_54)
Yeah, Asgore's worked well since forever but we’re not underground anymore. Things aren’t gonna work the same as they did back then. And for everyone still swooning over that Asriel Ralsei guy, I dunno what you see in him. He’s already been caught in one lie, who knows how many he’s actually selling us. Seriously, Asriel or Fakeriel Ralsei, where has he even been all these years???
LeanMeanGotYourSpleen (@Fey_Rasdyn_54)
Say what you will about Asriel Flowey, but he’s bonafide based. He’s looking like our best bet out of this big mess. We’re gonna need someone on our level when it comes to the problems headed our way, especially with that band of anime wind-up toy mages who are gonna be staying in the New Barrier with us for however long it lasts.
spiralbunny, (@spiralbunny)
Whoa there, aren’t you getting a bit too spicy? Why are you dragging The Magi into this? They’re just trying their best to help us.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
FINAL LEGACY III, (@FINALFROGGIT)
Us Froggits stand by Asgore, ribbit; we choose to trust the dude who, although not the best, was not the worst either. Ol’ steady faithful. The rest is Hit or Miss.
Nacarat Jester, (@Nacarat_Jester)
Indeed, Asgore has always been a source of light, smiles and laughs for our people. He has always lovingly done his best by his people. I don’t see that ever changing. He is a great kind king, and an even better person. My vote goes to our gentle giant. :)
Delicia Goldsberry - The Winter Rose, (@MadamGoldsbery {MTT PREMIUM})
This whole debacle is being controlled by feelings, and not rational thought. I -- contrary to the majority -- will try and be as objective as possible.
I shall start off by stating that I value tradition (defined by a set of historical social codes) above all else, as it has kept our society functioning since the middle ages. Although tradition dictates that the ruler of our people should always be of royal lineage, I do expect everyone to choose our Dreemurr king based on merit and not prophecy. Talks about who has the slightly greater claim to the throne should not be factored in.
That said, as it is, Prince Asriel Flowey is too inexperienced to take the crown. If his story is to be believed, his education does not go much further than that of a child. It shows in his conduct. Outbursts of aggression, low-brow accusations, and a lack of forward-thinking are all signs that he is simply not ready for the complicated maze of diplomacy. Does he have the potential? Perhaps. However, he has yet to demonstrate any qualities of the extraordinary leader we require.
Moving on to Prince Asriel Ralsei. He is a well-educated man who addressed many geopolitical, bureaucratic, and economic issues in his speech. Still, ignoring the debate surrounding his identity, I cannot overlook that he is unwilling to put his life on the line. Despite his show of force, his no-Barrier stance rings hollow without him properly joining the defence. For someone from a knight’s family such as myself, this unrealistic pacifism borders on insult. He does not inspire confidence in me.
On the other hand, King Asgore -- our beloved Fluffybuns -- has an unmatched track record. He has remained steadfast ever since he ascended to his throne, trained by his father, who was trained by his father, and his father before him. An unbroken chain of kings, fostering wisdom and strength since ancient times.
Together with his wife Queen Toriel, he has shaped and nurtured the wonderful society we know today. They have proven Determined to put the needs of the Kingdom above themselves in every facet of their rule. Naysayers criticise their apparent breakup after the death of their son, but could anyone blame two grieving parents for growing apart? What matters is that they’re together again.
As for King Asgore’s controversial Barrier idea, I ask if you have anything better. Unless you’re willing to pick up arms for yourself, then fortifying Ebott Town is our best chance of survival. The on-going teleportation research promises we will not be as confined as we would think. If need be, we could mount our own offensive from behind enemy lines.
Remember The Sealing War. King Asgore will not hesitate to march into battle, trident at the ready. And when he does so again, I will not hesitate to follow him, waving his banner high into the skies of freedom. For him to promote another Barrier is not an act of cowardice for his own protection, rather it is so that none of you share his bloodstained hands.
My vote goes to King Asgore. And so should yours.
Wooooow, someone actually paid MTT Studio a premium for no text limits! Not even Politics Bear had that special privilege! That was quite the post too. You were honestly a little overwhelmed.
Let’s check the rest of the reactions.
PizzaPizzaro, (@pizzafest)
I don’t get why our next King must be a Dreemurr. Why not just elect someone else fit for the job? We stuck to traditions to a fault only because we were in the Underground. Now we’re on The Surface, people. Pineapple pizza is a thing up here. Ruminate on that!
Not Red Lady Bird, (@RedBirdGuy)
It would have been nice if we could vote for Grillby. I’d love to translate for him in an official capacity.
Croquette, (@Croquette_Lover_12)
Yeah, he would have been a neutral party in the picture. Not being related to The Dreemurr Family is a good thing in my book. Plus, he looks so, so, so fricken cool.
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
There’s always the option to elect him as a Prime Minister, if he’s willing. 0/0
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
BTW, that reminds me about an important detail. If we are crowning a King through election, our nation will be classified as an ‘Elective Monarchy’. Should we ever develop into a ‘Constitutional Monarchy’, we would also require a ‘Prime Minister’ (Read: not ‘President’). I will be running for that post the moment the applications open up! 1/0
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
Also, who in their right mind pays 8 gold a month for MTT PREMIUM? 2/0
Politics Bear, (@TheRealPoliticsBear)
What can I say? Thaaaaat’s politics! 3/0
The removal of the old Barrier had allowed the monsters to grow more Determined in general, and it really showed in their posts. What does this mean for the future? You couldn’t help but wonder.
Not to mention… they’re starting to wise up about the Surface survivors. The numbers were still small for now. Though, you don’t know how long before everyone in town realises the truth.
You crossed fingers on both hands, hoping hard that nothing would go wrong on the election side before the day is over. Tsunderjudge’s mission was dangerous enough.
Mom, ever observant, noticed your increased anxiety. “My child, be honest with me. What dire happenings are on your mind?”
You glanced left and right to make sure that there were no eavesdroppers. Then, you beckoned Mom to lean closer. Once she was near, you lifted her floppy ears to tell her that Tsunderjudge is confronting The Handler as we speak. He was also very cautious about using the Keys of Fate unnecessarily.
“Oh dear,” Mom frowned. “I hope it all goes well.”
You hope so too.
“Do you want to take a break? Not much will happen on the election front until the clock runs out.”
A break does sound like a good idea. You don’t want to overextend yourself and crash before the final announcement.
Both you and Mom retreated into the calm quiet of the kitchen. Judging from the freshly washed plastic cups, many people have come and gone for their own refreshments.
You thought of having a hot drink. Goldenflower tea? Coffee? Chocolate? Nope. You were in the mood for something sour and fruity.
You spotted a half-eaten jar of strawberry jam on the table. Time to make an old classic from your foster home days: jam water. Just scoop some jam into a cup and mix it with hot water. Instant yummy!
Mom raised her eyebrows in curiosity. “That is a rather unusual way of utilising jam. Is this part of human culture?”
You heard that it came from the north-eastern part of the world, although you don’t know
the history.
“I do think it is quite a creative way to enjoy fruit preserves. Let me try some.”
Mom mixed a cup for herself and took a sip. Her face contorted, trying to process the new flavours. “Hmmm… That is much more sour than I expected. It gave me quite a kick.”
You tell Mom that it’s even better with red tea.
“Is that so?” she smiled. “We should try that some other time.”
When you were almost done with your drink, you spotted something soft and slimy crawling on the floor. It was only for a moment – and in the corner of your eye – but you’re sure you saw it.
Was that a slug? A snail? Could it be one of Ebott’s many citizens, trying to hide from the busy crowd in Alphys’ Lab?
Ah! You spotted it again. This time it was on the table.
Looking there, you realised that the ‘snail’ was actually a gooey eyeball. That was a monster alright, but you don’t remember encountering them during your Undertale adventure.
They shouldn't be here. This building has become a military HQ with a lot of confidential confidentialities lying about. No unrelated parties allowed, sorry.
The monster blinked at you several times. And then… its iris lit up in yellow fire. With the voice of a man, it said: “Greetings, Little Ambassador.”
WAS THAT A TALKING SEER’S EYE???!!!
That had to be The Handler! There was absolutely definitely certainly no doubt about it!
Sensing great danger, Mom’s motherly instincts kicked into their highest gear. She grabbed the jam lid, scooped the eyeball slug straight into the jar, and screwed it on tight.
Capture, success! The Queen of Monsters glared at the intruder.
“Hmmm,” said the creature. “What an unusual welcome. I might even say that it was a little rough.”
Mom replied: “Would you be more satisfied if I called the Royal Guard?”
“Oh, there’s no need for these hostilities. After all, I have come with a proposal to solve all of the little Ambassador’s problems.”
You expressed your doubts. Those were the words of a scammy salesman, and you already dealt with one in the form of cursed computer virus.
“That pitiful creature tried to sell you what it thinks you want. I, on the other hand, know exactly what it is you truly need.”
And what would that be?
“Power.”
That didn’t make sense. You have enough power. Maybe even too much, considering your position as both a Royal Child and a Crimson Keeper.
“They’re nothing more than lofty titles. You remain bound by laws and agreements. Inevitably the web of politics shall entangle you. Ebott’s election is but a taste of the trials and tribulations to come.”
That’s no problem for you. You’re Determined, after all.
“Determination has its limits. Especially The Keys of Fate. Turning back time? Reversing entropy? Breaking the laws of thermodynamics? Know that you are restricted to your immediate scope and finite knowledge. Today’s victory can easily become tomorrow’s defeat.”
Then you’ll just have to turn tomorrow’s defeat into victory again. You have friends you can trust to help you save the day. They’re smart. Strong. AND TOTALLY AWESOME!!!
“Friendship? Trust? Such naivete. Countless many have been betrayed by their kin. What makes you think you’re any better than those who came before you? Forget about saving others: you can’t even save yourself.”
At first, you wanted to yell that he’s wrong. But then… you remembered Sans and his insane gambit on that mad Megalovania moon. Words failed you as your inner fire waned.
Mom gave the strawberry jam jar a good, hard shake to punish The Handler for his indiscretion. The white gooey eyeball sloshed around with the rest of the jelly, turning the contents from red to pink.
“Frisk, do not listen,” she said with a stern tone. “He is playing mind-games with you.”
The Amalgamate substance separated from the jam. Dizzy, the coalesced form wobbled back and forth within his glass prison.
He accused: “So sayeth the immortal Boss Monster! Your overprotectiveness is as vile as the rumours claim. You know that you will outlive your human child a hundredfold, and thus you attempt to shelter them from the harshness of reality. ”
“You cretin–!”
Mom tried to shake him again. This time, however, The Handler clung to the inside of the jar. Doing so reduced the impact to almost nothing.
“Tell me, Little Ambassador! What will you do in seventy years, when you are old and grey? Reset as often as you like, no one can beat the clock. Not even you. Time inevitably moves forward. Second by second. Minute by minute. Hour by hour. Until your era comes to a close. Will you become a DEMON, desperately clinging to life’s shadow? Or will you convert into a Lich, forfeiting your divine authority? Surely, you’re not Determined to crumble into dust.”
“Then again, at this rate, you won’t even last two weeks. I know The End rapidly approaches. And then you must choose between saving your sister or the world.”
THAT was the final straw. Dreadful helplessness threatened to drag you down into a hopeless muddy quagmire.
The eyeball added: “Your lack of rebuttal proves my words ring true. However, thanks to Doctor Gaster’s great sacrifice, we now find ourselves at a crossroad. I believe true power to be within our grasp. I speak of transcendence, evolution: breaking the cycle of life and death. Should you accept my terms, I will push to improve the technology used to resurrect The Six. Your wishes will be my top priority.”
With tears in your eyes, you asked The Handler if he could really cure your sister’s degenerative disease.
Amused by your question, the slug laughed: “If it all goes well, she will have a healthy body and a mighty SOUL, returned to its prime.”
Mom, notably panicked and disgusted, pleaded to you. “Frisk, do not consider this in the slightest! His proposal is too good to be true. It is… unnatural. Sinister, even.”
“You dare to speak to me of nature? I consider death itself to be but a disease awaiting treatment. Are you so steeped in superstition to consider progress a heresy? You would let your loved ones die in vain when the outcome is perfectly avoidable?”
“Your son.” he continued. “That flower prince. He may also be able to return to his rightful form. Little Ambassador, he too is your sibling. You must have tried to save him from his dismal fate at least once, only to realise your own folly in the face of futility. Have you not?”
He… was not wrong. You had used The Keys over and over and over again. Could this be your final chance? You can’t help but shake that feeling. Still, this eyeball slug before you was way, way, way, waaaaaaaaay too shady for your liking.
Narrowing your gaze, you ask him what he wants in return.
His answer: “Diplomatic immunity, Little Ambassador. Out of everyone in this town, you -- Frisk Wanderstar -- know best of humanity’s fickle hearts. Cutting edge research of this magnitude will inevitably attract all kinds of meddlesome nonsense from small-minded folk. I would like to work in peace.”
Huh? What about funding? Patent rights? You don’t believe that he’ll settle purely on protection. Is that all?
“Protection is indeed all I need.”
That… sounds reasonable. Giving him a quiet space to work should not be a problem.
But, before you could seal the deal, the jam jar exploded in Mom’s hand! Red strawberry jelly spilled everywhere, mixed together with dangerous glass shards.
Startled, you immediately tried to check her hand for any injuries.
Mom shook her head, dissuading you from further action. “Do not move, my child. It is for your safety.”
But she is the one not wearing shoes. She might have already stepped on a shard without realising it.
“I am fine. Do not worry about me. You should instead focus your attention over there.”
She turned her head to the side, and you followed her direction.
Standing before you was a familiar skeleton in the raggard remains of a light blue hoodie. His right sleeve was long gone, exposing a strange magitek bracer fixed to a mechanical arm.
On its surface, the device looked like a simple metal casing. Yet, its very existence exuded an otherworldly aura that you couldn’t quite put into words.
That thing had to be none other than The Seraph System: remade, reborn, reinforced into a form you no longer recognise.
Sans…?
“Stay put, kid,” he said.
He had the eyeball slug in his grip. It hardened into dull stone and crumbled between his fingers.
Sans huffed. “I knew it. That’s just a piece of him. Dirty coward.”
W-what happened to the goopiness?! Why did he turn into stone?
“Huh. Come to think of it, I don’t think you have ever seen this happen before. Anyhow, this is what happens to Amalgamates when they’re drained of their DT. If this was his true body, you would be seeing a solidified SOUL drop on the ground.”
But… there was nothing.
“Ahuh. That’s how I know we’re dealing with extensions. Disposable.”
You saw how his eyes darted to the drying rack. Another slug crawled between the half-wet cups.
Sans pointed The Seraph System in that direction. A silvery blade attached to a crimson chain shot out from the underside, piercing the eyeball slug in a blink.
The chains reeled the catch like a fishing line, knocking over the cups everywhere. They bounced instead of shattering. Thank goodness they were made out of plastic and not glass.
The captured Amalgamate once again crumbled between Sans’ bones, devoid of a SOUL. “That’s not it either,” he grumbled.
You felt something soft and slimy crawl on your shoulders. From the way your mother gasped in horror, it had to be yet another eyeball slug.
Sans aimed The Seraph System at The Handler and fired it. But, in that moment, you made the snap decision to protect the slug with your Mark.
A loud chime resonated upon the blade’s impact. Looking closer, you saw that the tip of the blade had managed to cling on the top surface of your Mark. It was a sign of technological progress catching up to your raw strength.
And then, the machine began to siphon your Determination. Your will coursed down the links in a wavy ebb of crimson glow. From the resonance of the chains, you heard the whispers of a song: beautiful and eldritch at the same time.
Unnerved by the outcome, you dispelled the Mark to shake off The Seraph System’s blade. The chains reeled back to its owner upon command.
W-what the heck was that? Was The Seraph System singing?!
Sans didn’t answer your questions.
Your confusion was interrupted by a very baffled mother. “Frisk!” said Mom, “Why did you protect That Handler?!”
You don’t quite know either. It was kind of a gut instinct fuelled by hope. You were the only child in the Dreemurr Royal Family to have a healthy body. Two of your siblings were flowers with an unknown lifespan, and your big sister was outright dying. This guy, as controversial as it sounds, may have the answer you’ve been searching for.
“Ah,” said Sans, “The old classic of pulling the heartstrings. Let me guess, he asked you for diplomatic immunity.”
Did he eavesdrop?
“Nah. Didn’t need to do so. It’s because I know how that slug operates. What if I told you that Mister Handler here makes Doctor Gaster look like an adorable earnest uncle?”
You were shocked by that comparison, more so with Sans’ bitter history with the misguided doctor.
“That look on your face tells me you don’t quite believe me. Not that I blame ya, as you only knew Doctor Gaster for a few short weeks. See, my old mentor may have zero ethics, but he always worked for the sake of others. Convince him of the right path and he’ll turn around. Or at least try.”
Pointing his blade towards The Handler, Sans continued: “That dude on the other hand, he’s a real piece of work. I got the scoop from Lil’ Miss Lucy herself. He’d go about robbing graves and kidnapping humans to turn them into Liches. From there, he’d breed those Liches into a whole village of magic-engineered Seers. A eugenics masterclass if there ever was one. The success stories? Turned into more breeding stock or harvested for his ever-growing personal collection. Those who didn’t make the cut? Compressed into Philosopher’s Stones for sale on the black market.”
T-then, Malaya…
“She’s the lucky one. Somehow, our madman here thought she’s more useful as a weapon than another bottled harvest. Is that the kind of research you wanna support, Frisk?”
A chill shivered down your spine. You had just protected a terrible man and became an unwitting hostage.
Sans readied his weapon and shifted his body to the side. “C’mon, let me finish him.”
What?! No! Sans, you and him have been down this road before, and agreed to do things the merciful way. This is not the time to let him discard all his character development over one bad bone! A jerk like that is not worth staining his hands over.
“No can do. Not when there’s hostages at stake.”
If that’s the case, a negotiation would be the better choice. Let you handle The Handler!
“Can’t trust ya there. You bought into his previous deal hook, line, and sinker.”
Fine! Then Sans should do the handling. He’s a real smooth talker, right? Papyrus would want us to take the dustless path.
The mention of the cool skeleton’s name stirred a response from The Handler. “Ah… so the Little Ambassador was the other fool in the equation. Here I wondered why the Champions of Ebott all insisted on acting as helpless as a lamb.”
Fool? Did he call Papyrus a fool?! Take that back!
“Hmm. It is a shame. It seems your mind has long been infected by peaceful trite. I have no reason to play nice anymore.”
“Sans Serif,” he continued, “I’m expecting you at your finest. Become the greatest assassin history would ever know… And fill me with a parent’s pride!”
Sans seethed. “Don’t you fucking dare.”
“Dare? Hah hah hah hah!!! Too late. They’re already a part of me. Been so before we even met.”
…Oh no. The hostages Tsunderjudge talked about had to be the skeleparents, Times Roman and Helvetica… And The Handler has absorbed them???
It was then that The Handler terminated his sluggy extension, causing goop to melt and the Eye to crumble into dust.
Sans’ killing intent shot through the roof. His gaze darted around, analysing. Every gear in his mind churched at top speed with no holds barred. “Alright,” he muttered, “You do your part, and let me do mine. I’ll be going now.”
Before he made his jump, you cried out to him.
Wait! What does he plan to do?
“Assassinate the main body,” answered Sans. “The sooner the target is eliminated, the better.”
The language he used was as cold as ice. Sans spoke like a professional killer, resolved and unwavering.
Is he really gonna go down the dark dusty path again?...
The would-be assassin remained silent: a grim warning sign.
In a desperate attempt to preserve the remainder of his innocence, you reached your pinkie finger out to him. Return to the roots that started this adventure.
Please, promise that he won’t kill anyone. Mercy for mercy. It will be hard and almost impossible, but he had to try.
Sans’ brows furrowed from internal conflict. You knew how much he treasured Papyrus and his ways. Deep down, you know he wants to follow them to the very end.
While looking down, he raised his pinkie finger ever so slowly. Did he finally muster enough faith?
You stretched out towards him. Almost. There.
…But at the very last moment, he withdrew from you and vanished right before your eyes.
NO!!! You lunged forward towards a figure no longer present, forgetting about the sharp glass on the floor. Mom caught you before you fell.
Holding you tight, she said: “Let him go, my child.”
But. But. You have to chase him! Call for backup! Do something! Anything!
“Sans… has chosen to protect us as a soldier of the Dreemurr Nation. Back during The Sealing Wars, many monsters marched out into the battlefield with that same expression. They knew that they would never again be who they once were. It was a sacrifice they made for their loved ones.”
…………
Mom added: “Keeping a level head and resuming your duties is the best thing you can do as our Ambassador. Judge Thyme is depending on us to keep an eye on the election. We do not want to make their job more difficult than it already is. Being reckless now will only worsen the situation.”
That… was a difficult pill to swallow.
“Indeed it is. Still, you have to try.” Mom wiped your tears away in an effort to comfort you. “Stay still while I clean up this mess. If I had not stopped your fall, a shard might have pierced your skin.”
Oh right, the glass… Thinking about it, the remnants of the broken jar reflected your current predicament more than you’d want to admit. The correct answer was to stay put and wait.
You’re determined to try being patient for the sake of others.