Chapter 33

This Means War

Corbel got a call early in the morning to inform him that school would be canceled and to please make secondary calls to the parents of his students to let them know. He was also instructed to tell them that it was imperative that they keep their children indoors today. A state of emergency had been declared.

When Corbel asked why, he was only told that the staff and faculty would be meeting in two hours, after all the calls had been made, in order to discuss it. Attendance was mandatory.

Corbel acknowledged and hung up, letting out a long breath.

Well, that's one way to wake up.

He shifted to sit up. Sans, who had only fallen asleep about an hour ago, also shifted when Corbel began to stir.

"Hm . . . What's up? It's early, isn't it?"

Corbel wanted to tell Sans not to worry about it and to go back to sleep, but if it really was that serious, he should know too.

"That was the school on the phone just now." He explained, "Classes have been cancelled."

"Well, that's good, right?" Sans yawned, "That means you get to stay home with me and sleep in."

"Afraid not, Stargazer. I've got a few calls I need to make, but then I gotta go."

Sans groaned in disappointment, "Staff development day . . . Not so fun when you're the staff."

"I don't think it's that either." Corbel stood, walking over toward the closet to pick out an outfit and get changed. "They're calling it a state of emergency."

". . . What . . . ?"

That got Sans' attention immediately. In spite of his fatigue, he sat up, swinging both legs over the bed.

That was exactly what Corbel didn't want to happen. Now, no matter what he said, Sans wouldn't be able to relax. He might not even be able to sleep.

"What happened?" He asked, all signs of joking melting from his tone.

"I don't know yet. We're going to discuss it at the meeting I'm going to right now. Once I find out, I'll let you know, okay? Until then . . . Please try to rest . . . And just in case. Maybe stay inside . . . ? You might even want to call off of work tonight."

"While you're out there!? If it really is as state of emergency, you should stay inside as well, don't ya think?"

"I'll be back as soon as possible, okay? And until then, I'll be extra careful."

Sans pushed himself into a standing position and went to meet Corbel.

"You'd better be, Daydreamer." Sans hummed, "I love you."

"I love you too." Corbel responded softly, taking Sans' hand and pulling him closer, "Please try to get some rest."

Sans nodded his response. "Keep me posted, okay?"

5:00 am

Way too early to already be at work. Normally, this was when Corbel woke up to go to work. But there he was, with a tumbler full of tea, fighting to keep conscious after the initial adrenaline of the morning began to drain from him.

Finally, once all of the staff and faculty was accounted for, the meeting was called to order.

In front of the room was a member of the Royal Guard. A dragon, by the look of him. He was tall and solidly built like a boulder in his black armor with his helmet removed and nestled under his arm.

It really must have been an emergency if they sent a Royal Guardsman.

An administrator stood in front of the room with the guard and began the meeting.

"Thank you for coming in so early this morning. I regret to inform you that we have the most troubling news."

Three hours later, Sans still hadn't been able to go back to sleep. He spent the time pacing and constantly checking his phone. The meeting was supposed to have started an hour ago! How was it not over yet!? Corbel should have called back by now, if only to check in and relieve some of this anxiety!

Finally, after another half hour, something! A ping. A text message!

"Corbel!"

Once again, Sans pulled out his cell.

He didn't know what kind of news he was expecting, but when he looked at the screen of his phone, his eyes widened, and if it could have, his jaw would have hit the floor.

"Stay inside." The message said tersely, "Call out from work. If anyone knocks on the door, do. not. open it!"

"Corbel. Where are you? What happened?"

"I can't call and I can't come home right now. This information is confidential so keep it between us. There's chaos at the capital and it's all hands right now. Last night, Chara died suddenly of some kind of sickness. They don't know what could have possibly caused it. Later, they discovered that Prince Asriel took the body and disappeared. He's missing."

"Then why stay inside? I can help look for him!"

"No, Sans! I don't know who else will be out. I don't want you running into Undyne or the Royal Guard. Or Gaine or my Dad. See, Dad was called to the Capital late last night to assess the human. So he'll be nearby . . . Please, do this for me. Promise me you'll stay inside . . . Even after what I'm about to tell you."

Sans could feel it when his stomach sank and his heart jumped into his throat. He was filled with complete dread.

"Why? What else happened!?"

"Promise me first! Please, Sans. This is important! Do not go outside!"

"Okay. I promise. What happened?"

"Sans . . . Alia got really sick last night too. She's exhibiting the same symptoms Chara was showing before he died. Right now, she's barely hanging on. It's not looking very good at all right now."

Sans nearly dropped the phone when he read. Corbel was smart to have him promise before telling him . . . But even so, Sans found it difficult to stay still. He needed to be out doing something!

Another ping from the phone made Sans blink back to reality.

"Sans! Don't do it! I know how much you care about her, but you have to stay inside!"

With shaking hands, Sans typed out his reply.

"I have to see her. If she's sick with whatever Chara had . . . Then there's a chance she could . . . I can't let her die."

Immediately, the phone began ringing. Of course he couldn't ignore the call, so he picked up.

"Corbel, I-"

"Sans, you fucking idiot!" Corbel scolded in a rough whisper, "I just told you exactly why you absolutely can't go!"

"If I tell them I just wanna talk to Alia-"

"It's confidential information! I wasn't even supposed to tell you! If you go. If you tell them. If they find out that you know. If they find out I told you . . ."

"Corbel, I can't just sit here and do nothing!"

"Please, Sans, I'm begging you! Don't go! Look . . . It's not just because of who will be there . . . We don't know anything about the sickness either. So far, it's only been humans getting sick . . . If anything were to happen to you, I . . ."

Sans sighed heavily, letting a frustrated growl escape. "I can't stay here. Not when I know she's going to die alone!"

"She isn't alone!" Corbel argued, "She's got Asgore and Toriel with her. They'll do everything they can to help her! She's got their love surrounding her. Let them help her. Sans . . ."

"I'm so sorry, Corbel." Sans said quietly, his mind set, "You know I can't. "

Corbel stayed quiet for a moment.

"I shouldn't have told you . . . I knew I shouldn't have told you . . . But I thought . . . Just maybe I could . . . Maybe I could stop you . . . if I made you promise . . ."

His voice trailed off. Defeated.

"It isn't your fault, Daydreamer. I know how worried you are, and you're only trying to protect me, but I have to do this. I can't promise I'll stay inside, but I can promise I'll be careful when I'm out."

Corbel didn't respond.

"I'm sorry." Sans sighed, "Really."

Corbel hung up, wordlessly ending the phone call, and Sans was left to hold his phone tightly to his chest.

"I'm so sorry, Corbel . . ."

With that, he grabbed his jacket and his shoes to head outside.

The day wore on and everyone searched everywhere that the Prince could possibly be. If he'd taken the body, then there was a chance he wanted to bury his friend somewhere, and as small as he was, no one thought he would've been able to take it far. But still, he eluded all searching eyes.

When Corbel stopped his search to sit and rest his legs, he checked his phone. That stupid boyfriend of his . . .

There were no messages or missed calls.

Corbel huffed in his frustration, his mind running in triple time, going through all of the possible scenarios. What the heck was Sans up to!? Did he make it to the Capital? Did he reach New Home? Did he run into the Guard or his dad? If he did? What would happen?

"Hey there, punk. What are you doing down there?"

The loud clanging of armor made the announcement even before the voice. Undyne stopped right beside him.

"It's been a long day." Corbel sighed, "I'm sure I don't have to tell you?"

"You're on the search team too, then? And you're searching alone?"

"Yeah, we all branched out to cover more ground, but our shift is ending. We're all due to meet back at the school in about an hour. What about you? Any updates?"

"Yeah, actually." Undyne crossed her arms, "Still no sign of the prince, but . . . That human girl that was sick, didn't make it. She died about an hour ago. It's strange, isn't it? Both humans just happened to catch the same bug and they both died within 24 hours? I wonder what the heck happened."

Corbel looked up from his seated position. Surprise, disbelief, and a bit of acceptance on his face. He knew how bad Alia's situation was and that her life was teetering in the favor of death, so hearing that her fight was finally over and that she wasn't suffering anymore was not only somewhat expected, but a bit relieving as well.

Even so . . .

"Why are you telling me?"

"You're part of the search party, aren't'cha? Part of the team. Info should be shared among teammates right? Plus, you were the one who saved her in the first place. You got her out of the cave. I thought you'd wanna know what happened."

Corbel looked back down to his phone, his grip tightening.

Did Sans know this already? Did he make it to the Capital? Did he get to see Alia before . . .

Should he wait to tell him . . .? What would he say . . . ? How should he break the news.

"You aren't gonna tell your boyfriend? I thought for sure he'd want to know right away. After all, he was part of the rescue squad too, wasn't he? He and that human girl were friends, weren't they?"

". . . Yeah . . . It's going to crush him when he finds out. But . . . I think that's something that needs to be conveyed face-to-face. I'll tell him after my shift ends and I have a chance to meet up with him."

Undyne nodded slowly. "Sounds fair. But what about you? You were kinda fond of her too, weren't you?"

"She was a sweet girl." Corbel answered, "Definitely not what everyone told us humans were like. And now that I've had a chance to teach her alongside my own students, I can honestly say that there really wasn't much difference between her and my own kids."

Undyne hummed.

"But, I suppose you don't wanna hear that, huh?"

"I always knew you were soft, but . . . I just never thought I'd see the day you were won over by the creatures who condemned everyone to this life. My own best friend is a human sympathizer."

Corbel hummed as well, standing up and preparing to leave.

"Not all humans are the same, you know." He lectured, recalling something Sans told him when they first met Alia; something that stuck with Corbel this entire time, "And if you don't look for the differences, you won't see any. Alia was proof that not every human is inherently evil.

"Anyway . . . I should get back." He announced, slipping his phone back in his pocket, "Good luck on the search. Keep me posted, yeah?"

"You're not denying being a sympathizer?" Undyne muttered, following Corbel's movements with just her one good eye.

Corbel shrugged, "I just don't see the point in passing judgment on one kid for the mistakes so many others made way before her time. She was a good little girl and I choose to remember her that way."

"I suppose your boyfriend really is rubbing off on you, isn't he?"

"Sans has nothing to do with it." Corbel bit, the irritation becoming more evident, "This is through my own observations."

"Alright, alright. No need to get defensive. I was just saying, before him and before the rescue, there's no way you would've even thought about humans that way."

"What way? Like people?"

Undyne shrugged back.

"Maybe I was a bit narrow-minded in the past." Corbel admitted, "But that was before I had any first-hand experience. And yeah, maybe I have been influenced, but in my opinion, it was for the better. At least now, I know my decision is mine and not just something that's been force fed to me since childhood."

"Now you're being incredibly defensive. Who are you protecting? All the humans are dead already, aren't they? There's no need to stick up for them anymore."

"Whatever. Believe what you want. Even if they're dead, I can still choose to respect their memory . . . Anyway, it's time for me to head back. My shifts over. I'll see you later."

"See ya." Undyne huffed, "Give my regards to the boyfriend."

As he walked away, Corbel felt his eyes narrow. What was that supposed to mean?

Encounters like this one was exactly why he wanted Sans to stay inside. Corbel was just glad that he was the one who ran into Undyne. If Sans had, there was just no telling how that encounter would have ended.

With both hands in his pockets, Corbel took his leave to head back to the school.

It took the better part of the hour, but Corbel made it back to the school for the debriefing so he could head back home. Before arriving, he checked his phone one more time to see if there was any word from Sans. He'd received a few updates from the school, including the news about Alia, but there was nothing from Sans about what he was up to.

He didn't get any answer until he was right in front of the school. A hooded figure stood off to the side, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets.

"Sans . . . ?"

Corbel approached slowly, almost cautiously. He recognized this posture immediately. Sans was distraught. He was beyond words. Beyond consultation. Which, in a way, explained why Corbel hadn't been receiving any updates from him.

And he was here, waiting for Corbel to return.

"C'mon, Sans." Corbel said softly with an arm outstretched, "You keep skulking like that and they'll report you."

Sans didn't respond. Instead, he remained standing against the wall, his shoulders raised as he reached up to pull the hood further over his head.

Something clenched harshly at Corbel's Soul when he saw the reaction. He already knew . . . And this really was all he could do, wasn't it?

"Sans . . ." Corbel sighed, taking slow steps forward and gently taking Sans into his arms, he cradled his head and held him close, hiding his face in his chest.

"Sans, I'm so sorry . . . I'm so sorry . . ."

Sans buckled, removing both hands from his pockets now to clench tightly into Corbel's shirt. His entire body trembled as he fought to retain his composure.

Corbel held firmly onto him, trying once again to help keep him from shattering.

Finally, after several long minutes of soul-crushing sobs, Sans found it in him to force out a few words.

"I was too late. I-I tried. I got to New Home. I t-talked to the guards stationed outside. Told them that I was a friend. E-even got the okay from the family, but by the time I made it to her room . . ."

Sans drew and released a deep breath, tying to keep from breaking down again.

"I only missed her by a few minutes. I was only late by a few minutes! If I'd been running, I would have at least gotten to say goodbye . . ."

"Sans . . ."

Corbel was at a loss for words. What could he possibly say to him in a situation like this?

"They're already planning a memorial for the two human kids." Sans explained, "But they want to wait for Asriel to return first. They were his best friends after all."

Corbel nodded. "Don't worry. We'll be there."

Sans' grip tightened even more. And he silently nodded his response.

"Ummmm . . . Corbel?" Said a voice from behind him.

Corbel glared over his shoulder. How dare . . . Whoever it was for interrupting at a time like this? Couldn't they see he was busy?

"You're clear, Corbel." They said in a lowered voice, "Go home. Try to get some rest. Any updates will be sent to your phone."

Corbel nodded silently as the other monster left.

When Sans was well enough, the two of them walked slowly home.

Corbel didn't mention the conversation he'd had with Undyne or the odd way she'd ended it. He didn't speak at all unless it had to do with how far from home they were.

Later that evening, Corbel's phone suddenly went off, a message from Undyne. Then, one from his father, his mother, the Blooks, the school, other teachers, his old lab partners. For a good while, it was going off constantly.

Sans was finally sleeping after having called out from work. There's no way he would've been focused enough to do anything and he needed the time to catch up.

Taking the constantly vibrating phone, Corbel stepped out of their bedroom and walked down the hall to finally look at the messages and missed calls. When he saw, he was barely able to stay standing. He fell against the wall and slid down to sit on the floor instead. His grip was so tight around his phone that it was a wonder it didn't shatter.

No matter how many times he read it from how many sources, he still couldn't believe what he was reading.

Asriel returned home after disappearing to the surface. He was attacked while trying to return Chara's body back to his village.

He died within that same hour of returning home.

Prince Asriel was dead . . .

All three children were dead . . .

Later that night, Sans emerged from the bedroom, searching for Corbel and he found him in the same spot where he fell. Much like Sans had earlier, Corbel explained the latest development. And Sans was there to comfort a trembling Corbel, and they were there to comfort each other.

It was about two weeks later that the memorial service for all three children was held. An image of the three of them smiling in the garden was the backdrop for the ceremony. They were all so young . . . How in the world did something so catastrophic happen so suddenly!?

The mood was dour as they sat back at the park for the memorial service. The same park they'd gone to for Corbel's graduation. The air felt so dark now that it felt like a completely different place.

Corbel and Sans sat a few rows from the back along with Dr. and Mrs. Gaster. Once again, Corbel had a few reservations against them sitting around so many people, and thought that maybe it would've been better if they used the rooftops instead. But in the end, all four of them sat together to show their support for the Royal Family.

Gaster sat, staring ahead as if avoiding eye contact with everyone. His face perfectly showed the frustration of the situation and the effort it took to keep a calm demeanor. He'd been present when all three children died. He'd been called to New Home when Chara was on the verge of death and he'd stayed the entire night and into the next day all the way until Asriel succumbed. He'd failed to save even a single one of them. Just that alone was enough to put him in a bitter mood, but of course, the situation grated on what little was left of his nerves and made him even more on-edge.

To his left, his wife sat with her hand over his as it lay fisted over his knee. She could feel his anger, his frustration, and his own self doubt emanating in the tightness of his fists. Still, she hoped that being near him could help at least a little. She already knew the story as well. She'd heard it from her husband and she'd been there to talk him down when he was blaming the children's deaths on his own incompetence. If she could be there for him, even only as moral support, then she was going to stay by his side.

To her left, was her son, completely torn. He held her other hand gently as he stared down into his lap, trying to think clearly about anything. His mind was all over the place and whenever he tried to find sense in what happened, all he came to was dead end after dead end. There was no reason for any of it. None of the the children had to die. This address, this memorial service didn't need to happen. That photo up there, the symbol of what could be accomplished, didn't need to be displayed with the words "In Memoriam" beneath it.

Maybe that's what the issue was.

Those three children really were the hope of every monster in the Underground. Or the optimistic monsters anyway. Seeing how well they got along together, how well they complemented each other, it really was so uplifting to witness. Humans and monsters living together, getting along harmoniously. For some, it was a nostalgic reminder of better times, for others, it was a beacon, a glimmer of hope for the future.

Corbel tightened his grip on the hand to his left. Those children were his hope as well. His hope that he and Sans might be able to live unafraid of scrutiny as well. As of now, yes, they were living together and no one knew that their relationship was so unorthodox. What would these people think if they knew what that relationship actually entailed.

If Sans was ever able to come out and reveal who he really was without fear . . . If there was a way for him to come out of hiding . . . That would have been the most incredible thing . . .

With Alia and Chara around, the thought had come across Corbel's mind very fleetingly, to take Sans to the King and Queen in order for him to explain his situation to them. Maybe there was a way for them to help! They seemed understanding enough. They were taking care of two human children, after all. If anyone would be willing to listen, it would be them.

But now . . . That pipe dream seemed further away than ever.

Beside him, Sans sat stiff as a board. There was something incredibly foreboding about the gathering that ripped his nerves in every direction, making him feel anxious, sick, and sullen all at once. The crushing slurry of emotion was nearly enough to make him want to avoid the gathering altogether. At the same time, however, he knew he had to be there to pay his respects.

Alia had been his friend, the first human he'd seen since falling into the Underground. He and Corbel fought so hard to save her. And she'd been such a genuinely good kid. They hadn't been especially close since then, but it really was a comfort to know that she was being well taken care of. When he did see her, she was happy and healthy and . . . And . . .

What the Hell happened to her? To the other child? How in the world did both humans get so sick that they died? What happened that all three of them died in a single night!?

In a very slight way, he even felt a little betrayed. With Alia and Chara gone, he was the last human in the Underground. He was alone once again.

Despite himself, and his attempt to remain somewhat in control of himself, he could already feel the resurgence of emotion.

To his side, Corbel firmly held his hand, stroking his fingers with his thumb. It pulled Sans back to the present and reminded him of the truth.

He was never really alone. Even through his own wave of emotion, Corbel was trying his best to comfort him. Sans held back onto Corbel's hand. As much as he was going through, he still wanted Sans to know he had his full support. Sans appreciated it. He was glad for it. He was lucky to have Corbel there, who could completely understand how many layers there really were to this.

They sat together hand-in-hand as they listened to the address and to Asgore's speech. He explained the series of events, the truth that hadn't been made public yet. The truth he didn't even know until it was too late. How Chara died first of a grave illness and Asriel took his body to bury him in the flower field of his home town. Asriel absorbed Chara's Soul and crossed the barrier.

Both Sans' and Corbel's eyes widened at the news. The barrier again? Is that what the children had been testing that day when they visited. The strength of the barrier and the soul's affect on it?

When Asriel reached the town, he was ready to bury Chara when he was viciously attacked by the humans of that town. All they saw was a monster, a child transformed by the power of a human soul, and they assumed that they killed Chara in order to obtain that soul. They sprung to a murderous rage and attacked the prince mercilessly. Asriel, however, did not return their attacks. Even though he had the power to kill them all, even though he was scared for his life, he refused to fight and stumbled back home through the barrier, carrying Chara's body back with him.

During the time Asriel had been gone, Alia, fell ill as well with the same sickness Chara experienced. She'd been fighting so hard, holding on for so long hoping to see her brothers again, but she fell to the illness as well and died later that afternoon.

When Asriel returned, he learned what happened to Alia while he was away and he fell, heartbroken and embittered, to the ground, suffering from the loss of both of his siblings on top of all of his physical injuries. In the end, the pain was too much for him and he died, turning to dust right before their eyes.

Everyone listening to the address was in tears. The poor prince had been suffering so much and was in so much pain when he died. Of the three of them, his pain was the greatest.

And the most preventable.

Asgore stalled halfway through his speech. Toriel, who had been sobbing harshly but silently into her hands, reached out to lay a hand on his arm in an act of comfort and solidarity.

Asgore turned his head to her hand and laid his atop of hers. With a long breath, they both looked out over the crowd and all of the empty eyes and sunken faces. All of their people had lost every shred of hope they'd ever had.

Something had to be done.

Asgore sighed heavily, lowering his hands and arms and standing out front to address them once again.

The King recognized the despair in their faces and aimed to turn it around. He started off beginning a new speech of hope and unity. There was a certain fire and passion in his voice that sparked something within the crowd and they began to pay attention a bit more.

It wasn't long, however, until the mood shifted and Asgore turned the finger to what he felt was the most addressable and solvable issue that faced them. Something to rally the people together and coerce them to focus.

Asgore blamed the humans of that town for what happened to Asriel, for jumping to conclusions, for targeting and killing his son when he did nothing to deserve their hate and brutality. The humans had taken everything from him and his family. From all monsters! They'd broken them in ways that could never be repaired. And not just once, but repeatedly!

After all this time, it was evident that the humans hadn't changed at all, that if given a chance, they would eliminate every monster if only to be rid of them. They would be viscous and merciless and they deserved no different.

All around, the crowd of monsters were watching and listening along to Asgore's words, feeling the vitality fill them more and more with every word. The king was right. None of this would've happened if not for the humans. If not for them, Asriel would still be alive, they would still have their prince and they would still have hope for the future.

If there was a way to exact vengeance and move forward from this, if there was any way to dull this pain and quell this rage, then . . .

Asgore sighed, recalibrating himself.

Then, he started talking about the barrier . . . The team of scientists who were working so hard to break the barrier and free them. The best way was to collect seven human souls and use them to shatter the barrier. In the meantime, since they hadn't collected any yet, the scientists have been working on alternative methods, and they were still hard at work searching for that solution. But, if there really was no other way, they had to be ready with plan B.

Asgore continued, saying that more humans would inevitably fall into the Underground. Their orders were to eliminate the humans on sight and collect their souls, deliver them to the Royal Guard. The scientists would use those souls to continue their research. Perhaps they could find a way to destroy the barrier even before all seven souls could be collected. Until the day that the barrier was broken, they should show every single human who fell into their land the exact amount of mercy they showed Asriel. They would show the humans that monsters were nothing to be taken lightly!

Sans tightened. His body went stiff and his hand clenched around Corbel's like a steel trap. Tighter. Crushing. He had to hold on. He needed something solid, something real that he could hold onto.

Corbel gasped when he heard, his mouth falling open. The cheering of the crowd around him, the words of the king, even when his own father stood to applaud, it was all drowned out, muted in his disbelief.

Was the king really suggesting . . . A hunt? A human hunt? He said "eliminate on sight" didn't he . . . ? But then, what if . . .

Something held tightly to his hand, nearly crushing his fingers and Corbel had no choice but to pay attention to the cause.

"S-Sans . . . ?" He whispered.

Sans' eyes had gone completely black and his body went absolutely rigid. He was trembling so badly and he didn't look as if he were breathing. If not for the excited roar of the newly energized crowd, Corbel was certain he would've been able to hear Sans' bones clattering together in fear.

He was trapped, stuck in a world he didn't belong, filled with an entire race of creatures who wanted him and everyone like him dead, and who would actively try to kill him if they knew what he was.

Suddenly, to him, the cheers of the crowd became a war cry. Every face around him was an enemy. He was surrounded! Alone in a merciless sea that wanted nothing more than for him to drown.

Everything was too close. Everyone . . . If they got too close to him, they would . . . They would find out! He'd be dead! He couldn't let them find out!

He couldn't breathe . . . He was suffocating! He had to get out . . . He had to escape. Get away from all of these people cheering for him to die. He needed to get somewhere quiet. He had to-

"Sans!"

He blinked back, focusing on nothing but that one voice. The hand in his, holding tightly.

"I-I . . . I'm-I'm sorry." Sans stammered, "I-I'm not feelin too hot. I . . . I gotta-"

"I understand." Corbel answered softly, "Let's get out of here. Let's go home."

"N-no . . . You . . . You should stay. Stay with your family. I should be alone for now."

Corbel halted. "Sans, I don't want to stay in a place that makes you feel like this. Besides. You've tried this before, remember? You know I'm just gonna follow you either way, right? So, I'm coming with you. If you want to be left alone, I'll leave you alone . . . after I know you're safe."

Sans was still shaking, hardly able to do much else. He couldn't even argue.

"O-Okay." Was all he could manage.

Corbel leaned over, giving Sans' cheek a soft comforting kiss. "Hang on just a second, okay? We'll leave in just a second."

Sans nodded wordlessly.

Corbel turned to his right to gain his mother's attention.

"Hey, Mom. We've gotta go." Corbel informed.

"Hm?" She turned her attention away from the address and toward her son, who seemed rather bothered by what was going on. "What happened?"

"Sans isn't feeling well," He explained, "And he's got work later on. I'm gonna take him home to rest up."

"Oh, well, take care, boys. Get home safely and give me a call when you've made it there." She chanced a look past her son to the other Skeleton beside him. Sans really did look terrible. Was it because of the address? She knew he had a special connection with the little girl who died. She understood that pain. It was bothering him . . . Was he blaming himself for this too?

"Sans, honey." She addressed him soothingly, "Rest well. Don't work yourself too hard."

Sans nodded, but didn't answer verbally.

"Will you tell Dad for me?" Corbel requested, looking past her to the tall Skeleton who was smiling and applauding with the rest of the crowd, "Don't wanna bother him."

Nyala saw the thinly veiled disgust on her son's face when she looked at him and, for a second wondered why it was he could be feeling that way. Weren't the two of them on more amicable terms now? Had something else happened that she wasn't aware of yet?

She would have to ask about that later.

"I'll let him know." She assured, leaning in to give her son a parting hug and kiss before letting him go, "Stay safe, baby."

"Thanks, Mom. I will."

Corbel turned back to Sans and took his hand once again, giving him the signal to start making their way out. Sans nodded once again and shifted to stand.

Thank goodness they were sitting near the back. They would be able to slip away and make a quick escape without disturbing too many people.

As they passed, Corbel caught sight of a couple of monsters he never thought he'd see together.

Gaine stood along the outer perimeter of the park near the place the Royal Guardsmen were stationed. He was applauding with a grin on his face as he listened to the address.

Beside him a guard in full black armor stood, applauding as well and causing the metal to clang together rhythmically. Out from the top of the dark helmet, a fountain of bright red cascaded as if in celebration or like a war banner.

Undyne . . .

Gaine leaned over to address her, his smile unfaltering. Undyne nodded enthusiastically and Corbel could tell, even with her visor drawn, that she was wearing that bright smile of hers.

It gave him chills to see. He already knew exactly what they were discussing.

Sans really was in danger the longer he stayed. They had to get out now!

For a moment, he saw Gaine shift his gaze in their direction and his gaze turned into something else. Like a predator targeting in on his prey. He smirked at them and waved.

Corbel pressed on, turning his face away and ignoring them as he continued to lead Sans home.

Even once they were free of the gathering, it was impossible to relax and Sans' grip never loosened once. He kept his eyes lowered and avoided eye contact with everyone.

Corbel held him back, respecting the silence and leading him back home by touch alone. The two of them would have to be especially careful with everything they did from now on. So far, Sans had been able to blend in with everyone with very few issues. Other monsters got along with him no problem and even the children liked him! No one could tell that he wasn't a monster.

But, then there was that look Gaine gave them earlier, and there was Undyne, and there was his dad. The people closest to them were the most suspicious of him. They would have to start up those monster lessons again with a vengeance, just to make absolutely sure there was nothing that would alert others. If they couldn't find proof of his humanity, they couldn't accuse him! They couldn't take him! They couldn't kill him! They couldn't steal his soul for research!

They made a beeline for home, and didn't stop until the door was firmly shut and locked behind them.

Sans finally released a long breath, only to raise a hand to cover his face, shuddering.

Corbel turned to him, still holding his other hand and hoping that he would be able to help.

"Asriel must've been so scared." Sans muttered in a voice so quiet Corbel nearly missed it, "Just that right now was terrible . . . I can't imagine the shock and pain he must've been in. Being targeted and attacked by an entire town who wants you dead. For someone so young, Asriel showed strength I never could have. He was incredibly strong and incredibly brave to have made it back home without killing anyone."

Corbel listened, closing the distance between them to embrace Sans. He couldn't think of anything to say, but he still wanted to be there. He still wanted to support him.

"Sans . . . ?" He was finally able to whisper, "Do you still want to be left alone?"

It took Sans a few quiet moments and a few more deep breaths before he was able to give his response. He raised his arms to encircle Corbel and held him tightly once again, laying his head against his shoulder.

"No." He answered just as quietly, "Please . . . Please stay. I need you here. You're the only thing I know that . . . The only person I know I can trust. Please don't go."

Corbel released a long sigh in time with Sans, solidifying them both.

"I'm not going anywhere." He assured. "You've got me forever."

"And you've got me. I know I'm kind of a mess right now, but I know all of this is really difficult for you too. The Prince, the Underground, your dad. I'm sorry I'm kinda just adding to your stress."

"Don't." Corbel instructed, "Don't apologize. Not for this. This . . . Is some really terrifying crap, isn't it? Things just got really really real . . . And we're gonna need to figure out how to continue from here."

Corbel went quiet for a few long moments, his embrace tightening as he focused on feeling Sans in his arms. His hands fisted in Sans' suit coat.

"I love you, Sans." He breathed, "I love you so much . . . I can't . . . I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you . . . So, I'm gonna protect you. I'm gonna do everything in my power to keep you safe."

The two stayed inside the rest of the day, avoiding anyone and everyone. They stayed together, calming each other down the best they could. In this situation, however, Corbel really was the rock that held them together. Sans tended to work himself into a panic. Whenever he thought about the things the King said, he became nervous and (understandably) paranoid. Corbel had to remind Sans that he'd gone about seven years without anyone finding out the truth about him. That was no easy feat to accomplish. And the only reason Corbel knew now was because he told him outright. As far as anyone else was concerned, Sans was just another monster.

"Right now, only two people suspect you." Corbel speculated over tea. He'd been distracted, holding the hot mug in his hands for a while, staring into the liquid without drinking. His mind was focused and he couldn't do much but think out loud. "So that's kind of a plus. We just need to keep you away from them. Leaving the lab and getting away from Gaine was the best thing you could've done. He should be easy enough to avoid now, since the only time you ever crossed paths with him was while you were at work. As for the second person, I'll keep Undyne off your trail. It's good that she's never been here before, so she doesn't know where you live. Keeping her away will be absolutely essential. For now, we should carry on as if nothing is wrong. We go to work, we come home. We interact with who we have to. We avoid who we need to. As long as we keep up appearances, we should be fine."

Sans nodded blankly. He wasn't much for tea, but he had his own mug full as he contemplated everything Corbel was muttering. He was in that state where he was kinda rattling off whatever came to mind, regardless of whether or not anyone was paying attention, but Sans wasn't about to stop him. Even if he tried, he knew it wouldn't amount to much.

But there was something about what Corbel was saying that he didn't really like. He knew it was part of this partnership thing . . . but every time Corbel said the word "we," it was just a reminder of all the mess that Sans had introduced to Corbel's life because of what he was. He'd taken Corbel away from his normal life. Now, he was on awkward terms with his father, his former coworkers, and his best friend all because of what Sans did to him. He'd dragged Corbel into this mess and created this "we". But this wasn't something he ever wanted "we" to go through. If his humanity was ever brought to light, "we" shouldn't have to deal with it. It was something "he" needed to carry, something "he" needed to resolve. He wanted Corbel safe from that backlash if and when this ever came to a head . . . but the way Corbel spoke . . . The way he thoughtlessly shouldered that burden himself as if it was part of his own personal baggage . . . Sans would never be able to understand that.

How could Corbel not blame him for this . . . ? For the upheaval of his entire life . . . ? If they weren't together. If Sans had never confessed his secret, Corbel wouldn't be under so much stress now. Sans apologized repeatedly throughout the course of the day, but, of course, Corbel deflected the apology every single time, giving him that sweet smile of his. But just behind that smile, Sans could see the worry and sadness Corbel carried now as well. And Sans was the one who burdened him with that.

Finally, Corbel took a sip of his tea, letting out another in the long string of sighs he'd emitted throughout the day. It had been an extremely long and taxing day for both of them and now that it was drawing to a close, the energy was draining from the both of them and they both began to feel drowsy. Though part of that might have had to do with the chamomile in the tea Corbel chose for the evening. Something to help calm and relax their fried nerves.

It worked. They decided to call it a night soon afterward.

They slept, but neither of them slept very well.

The announcement couldn't have come at a better time. Now, not only did Gaine have Gaster's order, but the King's decree as well! All humans were to be eliminated and their Souls harvested.

He just needed the opportunity. Once they had everything in order, he and Undyne would be in position to complete this mission.

They could claim it was a raid. That Sans and Corbel were in suspicion of harboring humans . . . It wouldn't be that farfetched. After all, after the rescue in the ruins . . .

It was certainly feasible. And technically true already. Corbel was harboring a human and in doing so, he was acting against a direct order from the king. If nothing else, it was treason and Corbel could be held in contempt against the law if he resisted. Maybe he could use that angle not only to force Corbel to cooperate, but to blackmail Serif as well. Either come quietly, or Corbel goes down with him.

It was one idea. He'd keep brainstorming just in case.

They were careful. Productive, but cautious. Just like Corbel said, they did everything normally, interacted with who they needed to, avoided who they needed to. They got by. So far, a month had gone by without incident.

But even though they were able to continue, they did so with an eye constantly over their shoulders. Corbel didn't have anything to worry about himself, but he still kept watch for Sans' sake. So far, there was nothing that immediately threatened him, but that didn't mean that nothing would happen.

Sans did his best to remain his usual personable self while at work. He put on a smile for his patrons and hosted with his usual upbeat flare. But it was impossible not to hear all of the whispers and rumors circulating around. The patrons talked a lot about what happened with Asriel and how it was about time the king did something about their situation. They were excited and a bit relieved that the era of complacency was at an end and the era of action was beginning. They went off on drunken tangents about what they would do if they were ever able to find a human, how they would get revenge for a loved one they lost in the war, or for stealing their livelihood, or for putting them through Hell or whatever.

Meanwhile, Sans had to listen with a fake plaster smile as he served their drinks. At first, he tried to advocate, saying that maybe the human didn't want to fight or maybe they were just genuinely lost like Alia had been. Would they still fight a human who was defenseless? He was given strange looks and scoffs before some of the people took their drinks and left.

Sans stopped advocating and served those drinks in silence instead.

He was also able to gather that the Royal Guard was taking in new recruits. Sentries and patrol positions for those who wanted to help be the first line of defense against the humans. They would keep a lookout for humans and inform the uniformed Guard of the presence, description and location of the humans so they could swoop in and dispatch of said human. The majority of the sentries would be stationed in the snowy forest outside of Snowdin as it would be necessary for the human to pass through there in order to make it further. It was mainly uninhabited, so if a human could be caught and detained there, the citizenry would be safe.

For a fleeting moment, Sans considered that to be an opportunity for him to keep a lookout for any fallen humans himself. Maybe warn them about what was going on and encourage them to hide. But volunteering to be a sentry meant more of a chance of running into Undyne . . .

That was a hard pass.

Sans did, however, relay the information he'd been able to gather to Corbel, who thought it over.

"Just because it wouldn't be wise to volunteer for the Guard, doesn't mean you don't have a sound idea."

Sans frowned for a moment. "Wha?"

"Running our own patrols. Going out ourselves and finding the humans first before they have a chance to run into the Guard. Warning them and diverting them before anything bad happens."

"And if we get questioned by the sentries or the Guard? If we run into anyone while on patrol?"

". . . Neighborhood watch . . . ?"

Sans sighed. "Right. In a neighborhood that isn't ours."

"Hey. I'm trying. Sue me."

"I know, I know . . . And believe me, no one appreciates it more than I do. I guess I'm just a little . . . I dunno. On edge? Paranoid?"

"For perfectly good reasons. Sans, I get it. It's okay. But this is a good start. At least we know what the plan is on that side now, so we can plan around them! This is good."

"Yeah . . . I guess."

It wasn't much later that they heard a shouting voice outside.

"ATTENTION! ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS! HUMANS HAVE BEEN SIGHTED! LAST SEEN AROUND THE WATERFALL AREA! FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE REMAIN INDOORS UNTIL THE THREAT HAS BEEN NEUTRALIZED! I REPEAT. PLEASE REMAIN INDOORS UNTIL THE THREAT HAS BEEN NEUTRALIZED! ATTENTION! ATTENTION ALL CITIZENS . . ."

Corbel's eyes went wide as he snapped his attention up toward Sans, whose eyes, once again, had gone completely dark.

"I know what you're thinking, Sans," Corbel cautioned, "We can't draw attention to ourselves! I won't say not to go, because I know you . . . but Sans, please consider the danger to yourself!"

"He said 'humans'." Sans said, already shifting, "More than one. Last sighted in Waterfall . . . ? Okay."

"Sans!"

"You should stay inside, Corbel. If the humans get scared or cornered, it's possible they'll fight back. I don't want you fighting them, okay?"

"And what about you?" Corbel bit back, shifting to stand as well, "You have less HP than I do! If you do find them, they won't know you're trying to help! They'll attack you just as quickly as they'd attack me. But I can take more."

"No! If they do fight and they're looking to kill, that's the end for you! It won't do the same damage to me. It's straight damage all the way across. Plus, I'm not too shabby in a fight. I can handle myself. You stay safe, okay?"

Corbel frowned. He knew it was true. Sans was able to hold his own against Undyne and he didn't even fight back against her. Corbel knew he could back up his claims. But still . . ."

"It's better if you at least have backup. In case I have to save your ass again." Corbel smirked.

Sans released a breath, unable to hold back his own smile. "Fair point. Fine. But we gotta be careful."

Corbel nodded. Finally, Sans said "we".