Brothertale

A/N: And now...the moment you've all been waiting for. The introduction of the almighty punster, Sans. Of course, he's not the only one Alexus will meet. This is Chapter 4: Boss: The Diligent Sentry, Papyrus.


I quickly backtracked through Snowdin, making my way directly to the bar I'd seen during my earlier explorations. Opening the door and quickly slipping inside, I was greeted with a classy film noir style bar. To my left were several dog sentries playing poker, including the very helpful Lesser Dog I'd been helped by earlier. I noticed his stack of coins was much smaller than all the others, so I stepped up.

He did help me out a lot, who knows how long it would have taken me to clear the obsticles on the way here. I think I can spare some gold. Who knows, maybe Lesser Dog will help me out down the line.

"Hey. I never did get a chance to properly thank you for helping me earlier. You look like you're having a ruff time here, so let me help you out." I placed 50G on the table and slid it over to him. He glanced up, his facial expression seeming to refuse. I insisted, pushing the coins slightly closer to him.

"I won't take no for an answer. You helped me far more than those coins ever could, it's the least I can do. Please, take them." I said. He finally gave me a huge doggy grin, taking the coins and adding them to his stack, before returning to the game. I smiled.

*Gave 50G, 109G Left*

"heya. don't think i've seen you round here before, and with pun skills like yours, i think it would be im-paws-able to forget you." A voice addressed me from behind. I turned to greet what turned out to be a short skeleton in a blue hoodie, his face locked in a grin.

So you like puns do you? Dog theme...hmm...alright, I've got it!

"Well hello there. Would you happen to be one of the skeleton sentries? I've been looking for you. I would try and guess your name, but I furgot the names I was given." I replied.

"the name's Sans. if you'd like, you could have a burger while we talk. something tells me we have a lot to talk about, since you seem diffurent than everybody else around here." Sans said. My eye twitched as I tried not to laugh.

"Sound's like an offur I can't refuse. Though I hope the burgers are bark-b-q'd." I replied, snickering.

"pawsibly." He replied deadpan. I finally couldn't contain it any more, and burst out laughing, only getting it under control after we'd already sat down at the bar and he had ordered for the both of us.

"Oh man, I haven't laughed that hard in...maybe ever. So Sans, it's nice to meet you. My name's Alexus."

"it's my pleasure. so...why don't ya tell me why a human is wandering 'round snowdin looking for me and my bro? you aren't a child, surely by now you realize that the underground isn't exactly welcoming to humans." Sans asked, looking at me intently, almost as if he was...staring into my SOUL. I could have sworn his eye flashed, though it must have been a trick of the light.

...He's checking my LV, isn't he?

"Before I say anything else, I'd like to make one thing clear. I know what LV and EXP are, and I know what values my LV and EXP currently are. I gained them on the surface, and since I've fallen down here, I haven't hurt anyone, and haven't gained a single point of EXP."

"you realized what i was doing rather quickly." He said, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"I was in a similar situation earlier. The caretaker of the Ruins gave me some problems after 'CHECK'ing me, but she let me go after I swore not to hurt the innocent. You weren't subtle with what you were doing there, and I wanted to avoid a misunderstanding." Sans continued to stare at me, and I met his gaze with my own. After a moment, without any words being spoken, we both broke the impromptu staring contest.

"you don't seem like you're lying, but you still haven't answered me. why are you here?" Sans asked. As he said this our food arrived. I picked up my burger, but answered before I took a bite.

"...I'm searching for my sister. She fell before me, and I came after her when she failed to return home. Her name is Frisk...have you seen her, and if so, do you know where she went?"

"she headed out for waterfall, out past my house. don't much like going there myself unless i have to though, the dampness chills me to the bone. Paps saw her off though, made sure she was ok. Even gave her a phone. Isn't he the coolest?"

"Snrk..." I barely managed to swallow the mouthful of food through my laughter, almost choking. I managed to get it under control, and nodding at Sans question.

"That wasn't very nice, waiting until I took a bite before setting off that pun. But don't worry, I'm going tibia alright." I said after I'd recovered, cracking my own pun. I grinned and tipped my head towards Sans, who started chuckling.

"well, even if that's true...it is my job to capture humans and bring them to Asgore. i'm not sure i can justify letting two humans escape in just as many days." He said. My eyes narrowed as my entire demeanor darkened, the humor of the situation gone in an instant.

"Is this how it's going to be my entire journey? I really don't care if you're a monster or a human, it's been made abundantly clear that we're all people, regardless of our species. There's no justification for fighting or killing you...save defending my life or Frisk's. I don't want to fight anyone...but I won't let myself be killed, nor will I allow you to take Frisk's SOUL. So...is it possible for the monsters to choose a peaceful path? Or am I going to be forced to fight just to survive?" I said.

"a single human SOUL is all we need to escape this prison. i don't think anyone can stop the others now, they won't stop until they have one."

"Frisk is out there on her own. Even were I inclined to give my SOUL to help all of you, I wouldn't without ensuring her safety. So what does that make us Sans? I like your sense of humor and wouldn't mind becoming friends...but if you insist on continuing like this, then we can't be anything but enemies. The ball's in your court." I said. Sans didn't respond. I gave him another moment, hoping he was thinking it through, but when no answer was forthcoming, I let out a saddened sigh.

"I guess...that answers that. Even if that's the way it needs to be though...I did enjoy the meal, and the jokes. See you around." I said, before standing and leaving the bar. Sans turned on his stool and watched me leave. Despite his smile, he didn't look happy.


I left Grillby's deep in thought, automatically heading towards Sans and Papyrus' house, beyond which lay Waterfall and hopefully, Frisk. As I passed their house, a thick bank of fog washed over me. Suddenly, a large shadow appeared in the fog.

"NYEH-HEH-HEH...SO, ARE YOU THE ONE THE PEOPLE IN TOWN ARE TALKING ABOUT?" A very loud voice shouted from a short distance in front of me. The fog cleared enough for me to see what was blocking my path, which was a much taller skeleton than Sans, wearing a scarf and a strange torso suit that instantly made me think armor. I instantly decided that this must be Papyrus.

"That depends. What are they talking about?" I said.

"THAT A SECOND HUMAN HAS APPEARED. IF IT IS TRUE...THAN I HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD."

"And how would you do that?" I said, slowly reaching to my belt where my bat was hooked.

"BY CAPTURING THEM OF COURSE."

"...well, you found me. But I can't afford to be captured. So will you let me pass without a fight, or will you try and kill me like all the rest." I said.

"WHA-...I WOULD NEVER KILL YOU. ALL I NEED TO DO IS CAPTURE YOU AND BRING YOU TO ASGORE. THEN...ACTUALLY, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN THEN."

"What will happen is Asgore will kill me to take my SOUL, in order to break the barrier...and I can't afford to let that happen. Stand aside." I said, drawing my bat into a combat ready stance, in case he decided to attack.

"YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. KING ASGORE IS FAR TOO KIND TO EVER KILL ANYONE. I WON'T ALLOW YOU TO BADMOUTH HIM LIKE THAT...I WILL CAPTURE YOU AND SHOW YOU HOW WRONG YOU ARE!" Papyrus said. As soon as he finished talking, the battle menu appeared.

How hopelessly naive. Wait...

BGM: Bonetrousle Cover by Gooseworx


The Great Papyrus blocks the way.

Alexus LV 4 50/50 HP

Fight *Act Item Mercy


Check *Talk


"Are you the one who built all the traps and puzzles in the forest?" I asked.

"INDEED, THEY ARE SOME OF MY FINEST WORK. I REALLY AM QUITE SURPRISED YOU MADE IT THIS FAR, HAVING ENCOUNTERED THE FRUITS OF MY GENIUS!"

Without warning, a truly astonishing number of bones came flying towards me...each and every one of them light blue. I stood still and allowed the attack to phase harmlessly through me.

Well, that explains that. I don't think this guy has a malicious bone in his body...DAMMIT SANS, I'M EVEN PUNNING IN MY THOUGHTS NOW! Ahem...It defenitly feels wrong to fight him...but then...how do I proceed? Run away maybe, and draw him towards Snowdin, lose him among the buildings and leave before he returns? But...he might not follow, and if he does...I could draw more opponents. I guess...I don't have a choice. Maybe upon taking some damage he'll lose some of his bravado and let me pass out of fear. But...I need to hold back. There's no telling how combat capable he actually is, and I don't want to risk seriously injuring him.


Papyrus is preparing a bone attack.

Alexus LV 4 50/50 HP

*Fight Act Item Mercy


"They weren't all that troublesome...and I doubt you are either. Here I come!" I shouted, dashing forwards and unleashing an uppercut strike into his armor, though I deliberatly chose a poor time to attack, cutting my attack's power by about 25%. Despite this, almost half of Papyrus's HP was depleted.

*291*

Even holding back, that was a lot of damage. Toriel was right, monsters who don't really want to fight are very vulnerable. And it's clear Papyrus isn't fighting to kill me...but rather capture. Even if the end result of that would be the same...I can't go all out on him if he's trying to fight non-lethally. I...I can't risk another attack, a critical hit could kill him outright.

"NYEH-HEH-HEH...YOU'LL HAVE TO TO BETTER THAN THAT!"

Really!? One or two more strikes like that and you'd die! Is this really the time to boast? Unless...he's trying to hide his fear behind bravado. Dammit, I'm approatching this all wrong.

Again, Papyrus sent a lot of blue bones, interspersed with a few white ones, however, they were too few to make dodging them any kind of challenge. As the last bone approached, I COUNTERED it, sending it flying past Papyrus, but deliberately missing him.


Papyrus is considering his options.

Alexus LV 4 50/50 HP

Fight *Act Item Mercy


Check Talk

Praise *Pun

Insult


"You know I don't want to hurt you. Please stop trying to fight me before this becomes a bone-ified disaster." I said. Papyrus groaned as if the joke caused him physical pain.

The terrible quality of your joke lowers Papyrus's DF.

"UGH, YOU'VE MET MY BROTHER I SEE. JUST LIKE HIM NOT TO REPORT A HUMAN SIGHTING, OR TRY TO CAPTURE YOU HIMSELF."

Well that backfired, he's even more vulnerable now.

"...he actually treated me to lunch. He seems like a nice guy. It's too bad you monsters have a hangup about stealing human SOULs, we might have actually become friends otherwise."

"STEALING...I'M NOT STEALING ANYTHING!?" Papyrus actually sounded outraged.

"I know you aren't...but that makes you a minority here in the Underground. Ever since I've fallen, I've been forced to fight for my life, lest my SOUL be taken from me by force. I know you don't believe it...but it's true."

Hmm...if I can break his faith in Asgore and the Royal Guard, he may let me pass without further fighting.

Papyrus sent more bones, and again, I dodged them all. I was waiting for the attack to end after the final bone vanished behind me...when suddenly, I felt the force of gravity increase on me.

What the...

My formerly orange SOUL was now a deep blue, and my SOUL was now being dragged to the bottom of the bullet board. I jumped experimentally, and as I did so, a small white bone rushed by underneath me. Had I done nothing, it would have hit me.

Hmm...it seems there is a little more to Papyrus than meets the eye. That almost got me. But my strategy is already set, although with all of this extra weight, I don't think I can 'counter' his attacks any more. But I still need to keep going, regardless of whatever tricks he pulls out.


Papyrus looks doubtful.

Alexus LV 4 50/50 HP

Fight *Act Item Mercy


Check *Talk

Praise Pun

Insult


"It's because of those kinds of monsters that I need to get past you. My sister is already up ahead, and if my informations correct, the Royal Guard is stationed mainly in Waterfall and Hotland. If I don't hurry, they could kill her for her SOUL! You have a brother, wouldn't you do whatever it takes to protect him!?"

"...I...NO! UNDYNE WOULDN'T...SHE...SHE..." Papyrus trailed off, looking troubled. He saw the sincere concern I was showing for Frisk, and realized that I was telling the truth as I believed it.

"...SHE WOULD." Papyrus said slowly.

"...IS THIS WHY...SHE WOULDN'T LET ME JOIN? BECAUSE...SHE KNEW I WOULDN'T KILL A DEFENSELESS HUMAN? BUT WHY!? WHY WOULD THEY DO SUCH TERRIBLE THINGS? I CAN'T...I DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE THIS!"

Papyrus sounded deeply upset. His bone attacks came from both directions, but the previously crisp and clean attacks were now wavering and moving erraticcly, making jumping over them much more difficult, ironically enough. I took 4 hits before the attack ended.

*4*

*7*

*5*

*6*

Unlike any of the attacks I'd suffered before, these bones actually cut into my skin on impact, drawing blood, which quickly froze in the cold. I grit my teeth, trying not to let it bother me too much, though I found I needed to move carefully, or the wounds would crack open again.

*SPD Decreased*

It's working, and better yet it's all true...so why do I feel like scum?

I tried to ignore the doubts bubbling up in my heart and focus on the battle, but the feelings wouldn't leave me.

...I don't need to care about him at all! All I need to do is get past him! I...I...

As much as I tried to fight it, slowly I realized that I couldn't leave things like this. Frisk wouldn't approve. I didn't approve, and I was the morally greyer one.

...God dammit. I can't believe this. Am I really going to play therapist to this guy?


Papyrus looks doubtful.

Alexus LV 4 28/50 HP

Fight *Act Item Mercy


Check *Talk

Praise Pun

Insult


"Look. I understand where they're coming from. Our ancestors locked yours down here a long time ago, and you need 7 SOULs to break the barrier. I understand their anger...but taking it out on innocent kids isn't the way. I...I don't plan on fighting or killing anyone. All I want to do is make sure Frisk is safe. After that...I'll do what I can to help, hopefully without anyone getting hurt. Please..."

"HUMAN. UNLESS I CAPTURE YOU...I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO JOIN THE ROYAL GUARD. EVEN IF IT'S TRUE...WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?"

With a wave of his hand, he sent a single waves of bones at me, but I'd quickly adapted to the weight on my SOUL, and easily jumped over them, despite their erratic movement.


Papyrus is trying hard to play it cool.

Alexus LV 4 28/50 HP

Fight *Act Item Mercy


Check *Talk

Praise Pun

Insult


Why is that so important to him.

"Papyrus? Why do you want to join the guard?"

"WHY? THAT'S EASY! POWER! POPULAR! PRESTIGIOUS! THAT'S PAPYRUS! THE NEWEST MEMBER... OF THE ROYAL GUARD! PEOPLE WILL FINALLY RESPECT ME..." Papyrus slowly grew less enthused as he explained. He actually looked somewhat depressed, though he was trying desperately to hide it.

Despite his boisterous boasting...he really just wants validation and acceptance. Maybe that's why I couldn't keep going...he's not a threat...not really. Frisk would help him increase his confidence, and I think that's a good plan. Hopefully he bounces back and decides to let me go without continuing to fight...he seems nice enough, he doesn't deserve to be depressed about others actions.

Papyrus's attacks had become less erratic, allowing me to dodge them easily once again.


Papyrus looks like they're feeling insecure.

Alexus LV 4 28/50 HP

Fight *Act Item Mercy


Check Talk

*Praise Pun

Insult


"...sounds to me like you're a little lonely, and feel unappreciated. But...you don't need to feel that way. I spoke to some people in town, and they said you're very eager...but maybe just a little overwhelming. Maybe if you tried toning things down just a bit, you'd find making friends a whole lot easier, without having to have a fight with them first. On top of that...I know your brother thinks you're very cool...and honestly, isn't what family thinks most important?"

"BUT HOW CAN THAT BE? THE GREAT PAPYRUS...WAIT, WITHOUT HAVING A FIGHT FIRST? DOES THAT MEAN...?"

"You are a kind person. I think the reason why Undyne wouldn't let you join wasn't because she thought you were too weak, but rather because she didn't want you to be forced to kill someone, which seems like something that goes against your true nature. You don't have a malicious bone in your body...erm...sorry about that pun, that was unintentional. In any case, I would like to be friends, if that's ok with you."

"AAGH! EVEN IN FRIENDSHIP, SANS CORRUPTION STILL SHOWS. BUT...I WILL THINK ON WHAT YOU SAID. AS FOR NOW...THE GREAT PAPYRUS WILL THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE...BY SPARING YOU."

There we go. Made it through, kept my promise...and made a new friend...kinda. At least he's letting me go unaccosted.


Papyrus is sparing you.

Alexus LV 4 28/50 HP

Fight Act Item *Mercy


Flee *Spare


The battle screen faded away, as did the fog. Papyrus simply smiled, and walked up to me.

"I WISH I HAD ANOTHER PHONE I COULD GIVE TO YOU, BUT UNFORTUNATELY I GAVE THE ONLY OTHER PHONE I OWN TO YOUR SISTER. ONCE YOU FIND HER, YOU SHOULD BORROW IT AND GIVE ME A CALL. SHE HAS MY NUMBER. OR YOU COULD ALWAYS JUST COME BACK AND VISIT."

"I will Papyrus. Good luck." I said, reaching out my hand. Papyrus didn't hesitate, quickly grabbing my hand and shaking it, before pulling me into a hug. Startled, I simply stood there and allowed him to do so. After letting go, Papyrus smiled brightly at me and left, heading back to Snowdin. I smiled myself, glad that once again I was able to maintain my oaths to Frisk and Toriel, not to mention helping the peaceful skeleton left a warm feeling in my chest.

But...the Royal Guard...will I be able to 'spare' them too? ...I guess it doesn't matter, I can't be afraid of pushing forwards now...Frisk, I'm coming!

With that thought, I took off running down the path, which slowly grew warmer and more humid. A short time later, I noticed another shadow, this time among the trees. I recognized the shape.

"I didn't know we had anything else to talk about...unless you're here to fight me as well." I called to the shadow. Slowly, he walked forwards, revealing himself.

"nah, i'm bone tired, fighting you would be too much work." Sans said. I shook my head, even now he was cracking jokes.

"Then why are you here?" I said, my tone clearly establishing I wasn't in the mood for his shin-anigans.

'...why am I am STILL punning in my thoughts?'

Sans gave a small sigh as I refused to budge on my stance.

"i never gave you an answer to your question..." Sans gave a small shrug as he walked forwards, stopping a couple feet in front of me.

"i watched your battle against my bro. you weren't exactly nice during the first half." said Sans, seeming to go off on a tangent.

"Funny, how you don't seem to care about all the attacks he sent at me. If you're going to judge me for my actions, at least make sure you aren't a hypocrite. I didn't throw the first bone, if you recall." I said curtly.

"you mean the attacks that didn't hurt you in the slightest?"

"Only because I knew how to avoid them. He had no way of knowing that. Plus he did manage to do some rather heavy damage later in the fight. If it weren't so cold out I'd probably be bleeding out." I retorted, gesturing to the red ice clinging to several parts of my body from the blood he'd drawn. Sans shrugged again.

"i suppose that's true...but you know...something's been bugging me. you had him on the ropes twice over, first with damage, then nearly breaking his heart with words alone, until suddenly you started acting completely differently, and refused to continue fighting even when you were hurt, instead making the effort to help him out. why?"

"If you must know, I saw a little bit of myself in Papyrus. I know what it's like to feel alone and unappriciated, everything spiralling out of your control, leaving you feeling helpless...those feelings are ultimately the reason why I ended up in situations where I gained LV. I wanted to spare Papyrus that. As for before that...it was the only way I could think of to get past him without killing him. Obviously, I was mistaken, and I gladly gave up that path of attack when I realized that."

"...just keep in mind that everyone down here has reasons for acting the way they do. there's no reason to hurt them, physically or emotionally."

"...I'll try to keep that in mind, but you aren't exactly leaving me a lot of options. Not to mention that the Royal Guard isn't likely to stand down when they find me. A few scratches will be the least of my concerns."

"i think you'll find that their bark is worse than their bite."

"Did you just...seriously Sans? Is this really the time!?" I said, incrediously.

"there's always time to have a joke with a friend. by the way...despite how much i'm giving you trouble over it...your fight with my brother...could have gone a lot worse. i just don't want to see you hurt any of my friends. i guess what i'm trying to say is...thank you for showing him mercy in the end, even if it took ya a little time to figure it out." Sans said. With a sigh, my own expression softened. He was in the same position as me, looking out for their sibling. His attitude was understandable.

"Of course. Sans...is there anything you want to tell me to make it easier to deal with the Royal Guard?"

"...most monsters aren't exactly fighters, even amongst the guard, they don't really have the will to fight someone they like. try being friendly."

"If you say so Sans. I'd better get going."

With a sudden florish, Sans fired several green 'attacks' (were those hot-dogs!?) at me. With no opportunity to dodge, they struck me before I'd even thought of dodging.

*22*

I was surprised to find that the 'damage' numbers were green, rather than the red I was accustomed to, and even more surprised to find my wounds had sealed themselves up. I glanced at my menu, taking in my status.

Alexus LV 4 50/50 HP

"that should take care of any injuries you took." Sans said.

"What...why...how?" I was stunned and unable to form an articulate thought.

"just remember this...i'll be watching, and if you start down a bad path..." Sans's eyes suddenly appeared empty, and as I blinked, he was suddenly right in front of me, his right eye glowing blue.

"...you will have a very bad time." His voice, previously lighthearted and jolly, had suddenly taken on a very malevolent air. Just as suddenly as it had happened, however, Sans had returned to normal, turning away from me and walking away.

"so anyways, see you later alexus." Sans said, before disappearing back into the woods.

"Wait!" I charged after him, turning round the tree he'd ducked behind, only to find that he'd vanished.

"...Either he's lightning fast...or he can teleport. I'd believe either one honestly. There's more to that guy than meets the eye." I muttered to myself as I tried to calm down. He'd just threatened me, a literal death threat, and I felt like he had the power to back it up, though nothing he'd done indicated why. It was just a gut feeling. Slightly perturbed, I turned back to the path and continuing onward towards Waterfall.