On the beginning of Thursday, you turned on the TV to catch Mettaton’s channel. He might have some vital news about the current events.

There he is, in all his flamboyant glam-bot glory. Looks like he’s not going to use the box form this time around.

“Good Mooooorning, darlings!”

Ah. It’s so good to see him doing his Mettaton business as if nothing happened.

“Today, I bring you some wonderful news! More so for my lovely fans in Ebott Town.

Curfews and uncertainty getting you down? Fret not! This will turn your gloomy day right side up in no time!”

“We’re on the first day of Spring! Yes, it’s official! Approved and signed by the National Weather Council themselves!”

Mettaton clapped his hands.

“Do you know what this calls for?” Pose! “A CELEBRATION! Humans of this region celebrate the arrival of Spring by having a dance session with the ones they love most. I think that’s an EXCELLENT idea!”

“So go out there, hold a hand, and have some fun! If you’re dancing outside, please remember to return home by sundown. Curfews are there to protect you from unwanted incidents. Don’t wander alone and always walk in groups~~~”

“There’s no limit for a private session at home though. So, if you’re a nightbird or prefer a more quiet setting, no one can stop you from breaking out the moves in the comforts of indoors.”

“That is all for now, darlings! Tune in to my channel at noon for more hot news. Oh, don’t forget to stock up on groceries. Mornings are the best time to shop for the freshest goods~”

“Toodles~”

“This news was brought to you by MTT Brand Glam-Soda, filled with pizzaz to sparkle your day!”

Okay. You really expected something more… nevermind. Monsters have different priorities.

Dad almost dropped his cup of tea. “S-Spring? Now?! W-who can I dance with?! M-maybe Undyne, but…”

You told Dad outright that he wants to dance with Mom.

“O-of course! This is the first time in aeons that she had opened her heart. I-I-I can’t let this chance slip by! Think of all the anniversaries and festivals that I have to make up to her.”

Your phone buzzed. It’s the group chat.

HotAndSpicy

Okay I think I have a little cultural shock but.

Why is everyone setting up for a public dance?!?

In the middle of a curfew??!?!?!

StrongFish91

Sigh.

It’s Mettaton. He just announced it’s the first day of Spring and told everyone to celebrate.

HotAndSpicy

Are you bloody serious?!?

I'm doubling patrols!

FabulousMTT

Oh beauties, why so glum?

Things had been peaceful other than the usurping Linda lady.

So why can’t everyone just forget their worries for a while and let loose?

Same goes to my fabulous Magi soon-to-be fans~~

HotAndSpicy

I don’t think I can relax knowing the lightning-heads might be lurking at the edge of town.

Actual bombings do happen.

And the more crowded the place, the more people are gonna get hurt.

sans

nah

it’s too spontaneous

terrorist acts need a certain level of premeditation

considering how ignorant they are about monsters in general, i don’t think they expected the sudden dance club.

safety measures are always a plus of course.

just don’t sweat too much, kay?

Sans is awake super early for his standards. Strange.

sans

besides, tori thought having a dance would be a good idea.

hope you guys are ready because she wants that to happen tonight.

……………

………………………………………

What.

You can’t believe it, but the Ebott gang ended up preparing for a small dance night. Anyone who’s not Mom or Dad had an early dinner. That way, the team could focus on the couple without a growling stomach.

Undyne managed to haul her piano all the way from her home. Why? Because she can. Bits of cobwebs stuck around the feet and underside. Apparently, Muffet was the guard-for-hire. Her idea of protecting the place involved a bajillion webs - everywhere.

She set down on the chair and began practicing the music sheets provided by Mettaton. They’re sent via the almighty wonder of the internet.

The glam bot had made sure the scores were within Undyne’s level of skill. She plays piano as a hobby, not a career. You shouldn’t expect grand concertos from her. Still, she's determined.

As far as you knew, Mettaton did receive the unedited footage of Papyrus’ vision-diving adventures. Though… you’re not sure if he had viewed them yet. Even if he did, he might not want to comment.

Dad and Cenna meanwhile moved the furniture aside to make some dance space. Arguably, Dad did most of the heavy-duty lifting without much help. Your sister concentrated on moving the smaller objects aside to speed things up.

Alphys tried her best to help by vacuuming the place. There was no time for fancy decorations.

Doctor Gaster got conscripted into cooking duty. It’s a task the skeleparents willingly accepted.

You were in charge of helping Mom dress up. With Sans’ help. That’s because you roped him into it.

It’s still a bit early, so you took the time to catch up. You invited him to your temporary bedroom, took a deep breath, and asked:

‘How the heck will a dance help us?’

He snorted and chuckled. “Jeez, kid. You don’t trust me?”

You told Sans that you do. But isn’t this a waste of time?

“Not at all. Tori still isn’t convinced yet. She tries to act strong, but I know she’s a nervous wreck inside. You really need her to feel secure if you want to get in the Crimson Hall.”

You pointed at yourself.

“Sorry kid,” Sans shrugged. “You can’t be her support this time. She’d be way more worried than comforted with you alone.”

“So. That’s why we’re gonna put our two lovebird fluffybuns together. Mend their relationship as much as we can. That way, Tori will let Asgore accompany her for your big exam.”

The family shattered because of the death of their children.

Now, you as their child, will reunite them as husband and wife.

It had come to a full circle.

“Fitting, isn’t it?” Sans said. “Hey, let me ask you something… this is the first timeline they ever got together, right?”

You thought about it….

Yes. You nodded. This would be the only timeline that Mom didn’t chew out Dad on sight.

Did anything happen while you went out travelling? Sans got his badass powers back. Surely he remembers something.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Sans shook his head. “Frisk, you’re overestimating me way too much. Purples have memory retention, but it’s not universal. I only recall the important bits. Provided I have a dejavu trigger. Most of the recollections feel impersonal anyway. Like, viewing a recording with amnesia.”

……………

A personal question comes to mind.

“Curious as ever, huh? Welp. Shoot.”

You asked Sans if he ever fell in love.

He closed his eyes and lowered his head for a moment. When he looked at you again, he answered: “Nah. I’m too lazy anyway.”

Glare mode, on. This is not the time to joke, Sans! If he pairs Mom and Dad together, he’ll lose all chances of becoming your new ‘Dad’.

“Kid, I’m flattered that you want me as a parent. But, really. I don’t love Tori like Asgore loves her. You can say that I’m all cold bones you know. Not exactly capable of romance.”

He nudged you with a friendly smack on the arm. “Aww, no need to look so sad. I can always be that slacking uncle. Or your lazy buddy. Whichever makes you happier.”

If… if he’s a hundred and one percent okay with this.

“I’m fine, kid.” Sans winked. “C’mon, I think it’s time to start the dressup game. Let’s go meet Tori.”

Into a shortcut you go. It’s been a while since you slept in your own home. You skipped all the way upstairs and knocked on Mom’s door. Said hello to let her know it’s you.

“Please hang on a moment, my child.”

When Mom opened the door, she’s in a stunning purple gown. You never knew she had this!

“Dang,” said Sans. “You’re beautiful, Tori. Gonna knock out the heavyweights in a beauty pageant.”

Mom chuckled at the reactions. “I understand that you two are here for the finishing touches?”

Yup!

Mom pulled out a stool and sat down in front of the mirror. You grabbed the brush and began running the bristles through her fur. Gotta make it super silky and well-groomed for the dance night ahead. She handled the rest of the makeup herself.

Where’s Sans?

You find him standing around in complete silence. Frankly, you don’t know why you think he’d do anything. Papyrus and Mettaton are the fashion nerds.

Oh.

Right.

It’s hard to believe that Papyrus isn’t around. You’re so used to his loud presence, you kept thinking that he’s participating somewhere: ever enthusiastic.

…He’s strangely invisible for someone who leaves such a strong impression.

Was he really that forgettable?

“Sans, any news about your brother?” asked Mom.

“Nope,” he answered. “No news is good news though. It means that he’s not dying.”

“Hmm… Is it me or you seem a little too cheerful?”

“Welp, thought it’s best to take it easy, y’know. There’s nothing I can do to speed up his recovery. Those things take time.”

“I suppose.”

You wanted to lighten the mood. You offered your brush to Sans and asked if he wants to try.

“Nah kid. Never brushed hair or fur before. I mean, I’m as bald as a bone. Where do I even get the practice?”

You puffed up your cheeks. Told him that he needs to earn his keep! Besides, you’re here to help if he makes any mistakes.

Sans snickered. “If you insist.”

You switched positions and placed the brush in his hand. He worked, you directed. Overall, he’s doing a good job for a first-timer.

Maybe this was a huge mistake. If he ever had a romantic slant towards Mom, this is huge temptation fuel.

But, this could be the first and last time Sans would have any chance to brush her fur.

You want to give him that golden opportunity. That’s the least you could do to compensate for all the trouble.

His expression softened. You tried your darndest to decipher the hidden subtleties on his face.

…Sans cares about Mom more than he’d like to admit, but you’re not certain if it’s romance or something more platonic.

No goat jokes?

No fur jokes?

No plush jokes?

None?

Somehow, you imagined a melancholic note-running Romantic Era piano piece rolling in the air. It’s somewhat tragic.

“Good enough, Frisk?” Sans asked.

His question snapped you out it. You inspected his handiwork and gave him a thumbs up. Sure he’s a first-timer?

“Well, I learn through observation.”

Mom stood up and turned away from the mirror. She faced the both of you as a woman fit to be a queen. As the kid you are, you clapped with happy squeals.

You told Mom she looks BE-A-U-TI-‘FULL’! With emphasis on the pun!

“Yeah, Tori,” said Sans. “The kid’s right.”

However, his words just… stopped there. You frowned and asked if he’s okay.

“I’m trying to think of a joke,” he said. “But I can’t see anything. You know. Blinded by Tori’s ‘radiant’ beauty.” Wink.

That’s totally a joke! Here you thought he’s acting too ‘OOC’, as the internet calls it.

Mom laughed at the antics. “Now, now. As much fun as it is to goat around, I don’t want to keep the rest waiting. A mother needs to set a good example for the future generation.”

Yes! No tardiness. Let’s move on to the main show!

Sans sent you back to Dad’s home. Showing his phone, he said: “Text me when the other side’s ready for the big event.”

Okay! Then you watched him vanish.

You checked up on Dad. Let him know that Mom’s all ready for the grand entry.

To your relief, it seems that Team Asgore managed to suit him up just in time. They had given him Frisk-approved brushing on his glorious golden mane too.

You told Dad he looks awesome in his three-piece suit. All the money invested into it wasn’t for waste. He bought it for the school opening and you’ve not seen it since. He had to get it custom-made because no human matched his size, and thus he can’t just rent a set.

“W-well. I-if you say so…”

Cenna patted him on the back, “C’mon, you can do it sir! Just act natural and it’ll all be A-OK.”

“Yeah!” Alphys chirped in. “Y-your Majesty, I-I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it!”

Undyne said nothing. She’s practicing so furiously, she ignored anything that didn’t involve the piano. You could tell that she’s putting a thousand percent of effort into this. Seeing her father-figure reunite with his rightful wife was a small dream fulfilled.

“I just wish Gerson is here,” Dad sighed. “He’s one of my closest friends, yet he can’t witness this moment.”

The old turtle? How is he doing?

“Oh. He’s well and healthy. His contract ended yesterday, but… as you can see, the town isn’t quite ready to welcome him back. Besides, the cold weather won’t be kind to his old joints. So I told him to take a well-earned vacation in the sun.”

What was he supposed to do again?

“Historians of that university wanted to hear monsterkind’s side of the pre-Sealing days. And also to double check their records for accuracy.”

Dad smiled at the thought of a funny story. “Apparently, they didn’t know that one of the human princes switched with a lookalike and fled the country. Gerson knew the truth because he witnessed the exchange.”

Wow! You’re more amazed that no one noticed that in the first place.

Doctor Gaster slid out to inform the good news: “Preparations are complete, Your Majesty. We’ll begin upon your signal.”

Dad breathed in deep. “I… I am ready.”

You buzzed Sans. He soon showed up with with Mom.

It’s like a wedding all over again. Mom as the bride, Dad as the groom, and Sans the escort. The bride’s father usually takes up escorting role. But, well, Mom’s parents are long gone.

You watched the short guy lead the first lady closer and closer to her husband. For every step Sans took closer to Dad, it’s another mile away from a dream life with Mom.

The two giant fluffy hands met under a comedian’s approval. After giving some pats, Sans retreated to let the two be.

It’s kinda bittersweet: sweet that your goat-parents will be on the road to a proper reconciliation, bitter that it meant the end of a different relationship.

Sure, Mom and Sans could still be friends. By theory. But, if TV and anime are anything to go by… you wonder if it’s still possible for Sans to maintain the status quo.

There are consequences to everything.

Time went on. The air itself was a little too formal for your taste, but these were two old royalties rekindling their love - or at least trying to rekindle it.

They had a romantic candlelight dinner together.

They talked.

They tried to pun and joke, though Dad was way out of practice to get anywhere.

They danced to the gentle waltz of the piano.

Today filled all the checkboxes of the perfect romantic evening: from staring each other in the eyes, to the gentle sways around the makeshift ballroom space.

At last, the impossible happened: Mom and Dad nuzzled their noses together for the first time since their children’s deaths.

Alphys squealed, trying so hard not to interrupt the moment. She’s the one who thought Mom and Dad are the ‘OTP’. In a way, her fanfic became reality.

Any celebration can come later, Al. Chill.

Sans scooted up to your side. Whispering into your ear, he said: “My job here is done. I’m gonna go catch some Zs back home. It’s been a long day after all. Don’t interrupt Tori, ‘kay?”

You nodded and wished him goodnight.

“Night. Sleep tight, kid.”

After the dance session came to a close, you helped shift the furniture back. Undyne and Doctor Gaster handled the heavy stuff, while the rest of the inhabitants rearranged the deco.

Soon after, it’s bedtime.

You did your nightly routine, practiced on your heirloom watch, then tucked yourself to bed. It’s still nice to have your parents tuck you in, but you’re a big kid now.

You placed the phone right under your pillow so it’ll buzz without waking the rest of the house. No one should peek on what you plan to do next morning.

……………

Right on schedule, the alarm buzzed at four in the morning. You managed to squeeze in six hours of sleep. That should be enough.

Down to the kitchen you went. First, some water. Hydration is important for a fleshy human such as yourself.

Then…

You opened the kitchen drawer. This is where Dad keeps his knives. Whenever they’re not used, they’re in their cardboard sleeves.

There’s this secret that you’ve kept to yourself for a long, long while. It’s a bloody, dusty one that you’d rather not face. If you had a choice, you’d bury it forever.

Except, the Trial of the Crimson Hall may turn ugly.

Without the power to RESET, you need to cover all your bases.

Under Chara’s possession, you had become the unwitting Persona. Thanks to Papyrus, you now understand the logic behind their system: those who call upon the name of their haunting predecessor will inherit all their combat skill. If the host had the physical fitness to execute them, it would mean skipping years of training to achieve that same level of mastery.

You yourself had called upon Chara’s name once, it gave you the knowledge to select the right weapon, to take the proper stance, and to perform the deadliest of moves.

Suitable knife, found. It’s time to start practicing. You admit that it’s a last-minute idea, but it’s better than nothing.

You snuck into the backyard and locked the door. Stretched your arm and your core muscles for a warm-up. Getting a sprain or pulling a nerve now could cost you too much. Better be safe than sorry.

Now to start with some basic eight-directional swipes. There’s no Chara to badger you on what you did wrong, so you had to be self-critical and evaluate the quality of your attacks.

Afterward, you moved on to dodges. Blocks. Arching blows. Stabs.

With a sharpened piece of steel in hand, you danced.

You’ve got a hunch that if you put your mind to it, your skills might end up better than the DEMON who had once possessed you.

After all…

…It’s you, not Chara, who ended the lives of the Underground’s greatest.