Asgore cradled his watering can in one arm, checking his phone with the other. He'd been trying to get a hold of Alphys or Undyne for a few days now, but neither of them have responded to his calls. He sighed and pocketed his phone as he approached his garden. Really, it was rude of him to expect them to always be ready to answer him. But he couldn't help but be worried. Perhaps later he'll drop by to see them and they can all have tea. He smiled to himself. That sounded nice. After he was done tending to his garden he'll be sure to drop by.
His knees kneaded into the dirt and he settled himself, pushing his cape behind him so it wouldn't get in the way. With a content but tired smile he hummed to himself, tipping his can and watering the golden flowers. It was a beautiful day today. Birds were singing, flowers were blooming…
Asgore took a long breathe in through his nose and felt himself relax even more. The air smelled nice, of flower petals and a fresh breeze. Not much wind gets in through the barrier, but the little that did was more than welcomed. And as always, his thoughts wandered to his wife, his kids. The happy days they spent in the living room, telling stories and eating pies. Asriel's smile, Chara's grin, Toriel's kindness. So much he'd lost.
He let out a wispy sigh and slouched into the flowers. He missed his family. But… There were things that must be done, an Underground to be lead. The large goat stood as his watering can emptied and he turned and walked back into the golden halls. This large hallway was always where…someone, used to give sentences. He couldn't quite remember who. It was the 'Judgment Hall', he remembered they called it.
He hummed to himself as he travelled through the towering columns. The golden light reflecting off of the glass walls and setting the entire corridor aglow. Dark shadows traced the sides of the columns and his own figure and the only sound was the soft 'pit pat' of his feet and the deep slur of him humming.
A bit of a breeze picked up. Asgore felt his hackles rise, and he looked about frantically. Something was wrong here. He knelt down slowly, placing his watering can on the ground and then stood tall. From underneath his cape, he drew a red trident. His golden armor catching fire as it caught the sun's light. Eyes narrowed and nostrils flaring, he glared about the hall. From a bit of a ways in front of him, a dark vortex snapped open like an eye. Asgore spread his feet but didn't raise his weapon. Whatever this visitor was, perhaps it could be spoken to?
From the dark hole, a blue light shot out like an array, devouring the golden light and replacing it with its own solemn glow. A series of white strings fell to the ground like discarded ropes, and it yanked a bundle of blue and black along with it. The vortex closed up and Asgore watched with wide eyes as the visitor attempted in vain to push themself to their feet. He abandoned his trident and hurried over to them, putting an arm under them for support and another one behind their back to help them up. As soon as contact was made, the visitor's gaze snapped up to him, eye sockets blazing blue and one of the strings wedged in their teeth, weighing down their jaw.
Asgore blinked, furrowing his brow a moment but then it clicked. "Sans?" he inquired.
Sans slumped into his hold, the shift of his strings framing his movements and he went limp. Asgore's heart skipped a beat. He easily lifted the small skeleton, bundling up his strings, and raced back to his home. There, he tucked Sans into his bed and hurried to make tea. His claws drummed against the countertop impatiently as he waited for it to boil, his free hand pressing the phone to his ear. Alphys wasn't picking up. He tried to call Undyne. She didn't either.
Asgore rubbed his head with one hand. Then dove into one of many junk-filled drawers and shuffled about. He grabbed a hold on a scrappy piece of paper that had a number written on it, entirely in the papyrus font. Glancing at the paper, he dialed the number into his phone and listened to the ringtone.
…
Riiiinngg, Riiiiinngg.
Papyrus jumped, startled at the combination of vibration and sound and fumbled about in his scarf. The human, Frisk, sat next to him, staring up at him with a slight tilt of their head. Toriel turned back from where she was working in the kitchen. Undyne cast him a glance but quickly turned her attention back to Alphys, who was clinging onto her silently.
The group had gathered at the skeleton brother's house, confused and grieving about the events that just occurred. Papyrus and Frisk sat on the couch, close enough to each other to comfort. Alphys hadn't let go of Undyne since Sans's soul disappeared, and the warrior didn't seem to know what to do about the small human currently in her presence, so she focused on the small scientist. Toriel had made herself busy, cleaning the house and cooking with the silence of a phantom. Overall, it had been quiet. And uneasy. But then the phone rang.
After a moment, Papyrus pulled out his phone, gave a confused click of his teeth, cleared his throat (much to Frisk's confusion), and answered.
"HELLO?" he said.
"Papyrus?" said the deep voice. Papyrus recognized it immediately and responded slowly.
"HELLO, KING ASGORE." He said. Toriel tensed up, her eyes narrowing. Frisk shot her a glare and she sighed, going back to her cooking. Papyrus ignored the exchange "I'M SORRY, KING ASGORE, BUT NOW'S NOT A GOOD TIME." He said. Frisk quickly squeezed him into a hug and he gave them a grateful pat.
"Well I'm sorry to hear that, Papyrus." Asgore said "But this is about Sans-"
"SANS!?" Papyrus yelled louder-than-usual into the phone. Attention from everyone was diverted to him. Papyrus ignored them "WHAT ABOUT SANS?"
"W-well…" Asgore started, startled by the somehow-louder skell. "He's in my home right now-"
"I'LL BE RIGHT THERE!" Papyrus declared, hanging up immediately and leaping to his feet. He took off, Frisk on his heels and quickly falling behind. Undyne sprinted after him, carrying Alphys who had just looked up from her vigil. Toriel also bolted (after turning off the stove, of course), scooping Frisk up and easily catching up to Papyrus and Undyne.
"What's going on?" Undyne snapped.
"SANS IS AT ASGORE'S CASTLE!" Papyrus explained hastily. This earned shocked stares from the rest of the group. Alphys spoke up first.
"P-papyrus, take the boat." She said.
"That sounds like a good idea." Toriel added. Frisk nodded from the goat woman's hold.
"We'll catch up." They said.
Papyrus stared at them, nodded, and sprinted to the boatmen as his friends headed toward Waterfall. They all had their doubts, but really they were desperate enough to pursue it. Papyrus raced toward the river, kicking up snow and dirt, spouting out apologies to anyone who happened to get caught in it. In reality, he was moving incredibly quickly. But to himself, he couldn't have been moving any slower even if he wanted to.
When he arrived at the river, he found the Riverperson waiting for him and quickly jumped onto the boat.
"PLEASE TAKE ME TO HOTLAND!" He spouted out, naming the port closest to Asgore's castle. The Riverperson gave a slight nod of their head, the boat grew legs, and then they were skipping across the surface of the water. Papyrus bounced anxiously, chewing on the tips of his fingers as he stared at the roaring currents. So many questions ran through his skull. So many concerns.
The Riverperson turned, looked at him, and then returned his gaze forward.
Tra La La, you shouldn't let the human near him.