(Tweet)
…
(Tweet) (chirp)
…
…
(chirp)
Shush damn birds.
…
…
Ugh. Seems like it's morning. Joy.
…
…
Huh… I actually feel kinda… well rested? Usually I'll wake up feeling very tired, which tends to last the rest of the day. But not today, I guess.
I suppose that's good.
…
…
Well time to up.
I get up out of bed better than yesterday. That means I'm getting stronker, yis. Azzy's not in his bed, meaning he's out and about. Better catch up to him, we've got a lot of work to do today.
To investigate… THE FORGETTENING (copyright pending). I make my way through the all-too-familiar path from our bedroom to the downstairs. There, I find a wild Mother.
"Kris! You are awake earlier than usual! Good morning, my child."
"Morning, Mom."
"I am preparing breakfast currently, so please, be patient."
"Of course."
…
"Where is Asriel?"
"He stepped outside to talk to his… 'friend' on the phone." She says with a smirk.
"… Alright."
Guess I should check out what he's doing. I walk outside and… don't… see… Azzy…
…
Must be… somewhere around…? Why is he being so… reclusive about this. It's very unlike him.
…
This… 'friend' of his…
Wanting to talk to them in private…
Mom's smirk…
…
And then, it hits me.
Azzy got a girlfriend?
…
…
Nah. No way. Azzy's too goofy. He's not gonna get some until like… after college, at least. Besides, he's got me to take care of. And he won't leave me behind like that.
…
Right?
…
I decide the best way to start looking is to circle the house, and sure enough…
"Yeah, yeah! That would be fun."
There he is, pacing around at the back of the house.
"W- what? N- no. Not now… but maybe…"
…
"Ah… I-"
"Who ya talkin' too?"
He let's out a quick, high-pitched scream.
"… I gotta go, ah… talk-to-you-soon-bye!" He presumably ends the call. "Kris! The-heck, man!"
"We got plans today."
"I know that but I-"
"Was that your… girlfriend?"
"NO-no-no-no. It… It's not like that." He says with an awkward smile. "Just… a friend."
"Of the girl variety?"
…
…
"… yes?"
…
…
"Damn, you got friend-zoned?"
"Kris! I didn't get 'friend-zoned'. We're just friends."
…
Yeah, that's what I thought.
…
…
"Breakfast's probably almost ready by now."
"Yes, let's go back inside."
After a quick breakfast, Azzy and I say bye to Mom and begin our quest. To find out what occurred last week which caused many to lose their memories of said week, leaving only a select few concerned of the events the had occurred before… THE FORGETTENING (trademark still pending).
"So… where to first?"
"Sans'."
"OK."
…
…
"You know Mom's got the hots for him, right?"
"She's… made it pretty obvious…"
…
Of course, the idea of Mom… remarrying… is something I don't like to think about. I love Dad, and want nothing more than for them to get back together. But…
Mom clearly hates Dad now. For whatever reason, not many know. All I know is that it has to do with the incident, back when Dad was the Police Chief. What exactly happened during the incident is unknown to almost everyone, as there was an obvious cover up. And… It led to…
…
Their divorce…
…
…
I do want Mom to be happy, but I… don't really want a… step-dad… I…
…
I already have a dad.
…
And this Sans guy's a real oddball so please, not him.
…
We're here. We step into the store (with a small 'ding' sound) and…
…
Huh everything's more… normal today. Not that this place is ever truly normal, what with the large stack of baskets and the odd assortment of items, like the crate that is over-filled with eggs that are just… out in the open.
…
…
Hey is that Susie? I walk up to her.
"Sussy baka."
She looks up from the magazine she was reading and looks around.
"Kris." She says with a smile. "Good to see ya, I was jus- wait, the fuck did you just call me?" She glares.
"What are you doing here? I thought you didn't like Sans?"
"I don't, but, I, gotta buy stuff from here sometimes."
"I getcha."
"Oh! Hello Susie."
"What are you two doing here?"
"Investigating."
"Coolio. Have fun with that."
"You aren't gonna join us?'
"Nah, got things to do."
"Like reading a dumb magazine."
"It's not dumb! It's… important."
"K."
"Don't 'K' me, nerd."
We leave the Suz alone.
"She's kinda mean."
"It's just her personality; it shows that she cares."
"… Whatever you say, Kris."
Now to interrogate the skel in question. We go up to the counter where he is. And… he's…
…
…
"Wake." He groggily 'opens' his eyes.
"oh… sup kiddo, watchu need?"
"We need to talk."
"oh… well, we talked so… imma just get back to my nap." He starts to close his eyes.
"Aren't you on the job?"
"hey, rest is important. 'sides, no customers yet."
"What about Susie?"
"what about sushi?"
"Susie. She's shopping. at your store."
"nah… she always just waits for me to sleep anyway."
"She… waits for you to sleep?"
"yes."
…
…
"Does she… ever pay you for stuff?"
"nope."
"You mean you… let her steal from you?"
"woah, woah! that's bold of you to assume. she's a good kid. probably wouldn't steal."
"Probably?"
"probably."
"… You don't… check… if things are ever missing?"
"nah, too much work."
He's really starting to annoy me. And we just started conversing.
…
I should just get back on topic.
"Look, there's something important we have to talk to you about."
"'we'?"
"Yes."
"you and… yourself?"
"No. Me and… where's Asriel?"
…
"Azzy?" I call out.
…
Here come dat boi.
"Oh sorry, just thought I should get some eggs while we're here." He holds up a basket with like, a dozen of two eggs.
"… You know those were sitting out in the open, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Eggs tend to be refrigerated for a reason."
"It's fine. Right, Sans?"
"correctamundo."
I slap the counter.
"We're not here to small talk! We just need to ask you a few questions."
"wasn't me."
"Do you remember last week!?"
"nope."
"Doesn't that bother you!?"
"nope."
"Why not!?"
"nope."
"GAH!"
I storm out of the store. Why is that guy so frustrating!? It's like he's trying to be funny, and just being an annoying little shit! And he's got Mom all swooning over him why? Why? WHY? He knows! He has to know. He's the goddamn culprit and he knows it! He's just trying to act all 'i dunno' to throw us off and it's fucking working! God damn… Fuck! Fuck!
…
…
I need to calm down.
Just…
Calm.
…
Asriel comes out the store.
"… Are you OK, Kris?" Concern clearly in his voice
"… not entirely…"
…
"I really don't like that guy."
"He's… OK… "
…
…
"Look, let's come back to him later…"
"Alright… but next time, I'll be the one asking questions, OK?"
…
…
"OK."
"Good (I knew you'd get into trouble without me)."
I heard that.
"Anyway, where to next."
"Carolines lair, The Town Hall."
"OK (Geez, this is just a repeat of yesterday)."
I heard that too.
Back in the town hall. Hopefully this time a fool won't be made of me, since a certain purple… reptilian(?) monster isn't here this time.
…
What is Susie anyway?
…
Imma havta ask 'er later.
"… Good day. Would you like to make an appointment?" The receptionist looks(?) sternly(again,?) at me.
"Ah… Yes." Thankfully, Azzy's with me, otherwise I might have just been kicked out.
"… With?"
"Mayor Holiday, please."
"… …"
…
"… One moment."
…
…
…
…
This is way more than one moment.
…
…
"Proceed."
…!
That word sent shivers down my spine, for some reason.
"Thank you, miss."
She doesn't respond. We go through the door and down a longish hallway.
"So… what's the plan?"
"I dunno."
"… What."
"I'll figure som'in out."
"… …"
"What?"
"You're gonna be the death of me someday…"
We step into the mayors office, and see… her… The ultimate villain…
…
Mayor Caroline Holiday (dun dun)
…
Nah she's OK. What she definitely is, is very stern, likes to talk all… fancy? Smart?… She does look a lot like Noelle (but older, obviously, and wearing the standard politician attire) which, for me, is kinda and issue. Y'know, my crush's mom.
"Ahem, Dreemurr children."
"I'm ah… an adult?"
"You are still young children of the Dreemurrs in my eyes."
Though she does think… a little highly of herself (That's sarcasm, by the way).
"To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Ah… Um… Kris?"
"Several individuals have forgotten all of the occurrences from last Monday through Friday."
"Aha, so you have realized as well."
"From my investigations, many have realized, but also do not think of their loss of memory an issue."
"I see."
"It is, in my opinion, a, very concerning issue that must be solved."
"So, you have come to the same sense as I."
"Correct, Madame."
She slams her hands hard on her desk while making a very scary smiling face.
"G- gah!"
"Finally! Someone else understands!" She quickly composes herself and goes into the same position as prior. "It has been an issue I have been attempting to solve nonstop since Saturday morning."
I get how she feels. To be bugged by a very serious issue in your eyes, and not in the eyes of others. To finally find another who shares the same concerns as you.
…
"I'm assuming that any documentation from those days has been deleted."
"In a sense, yes. The documentations still exist, however, a large majority of the finer details have been left, blank."
Hmm… not exactly what I was expecting, but close enough.
…
"So… is there a way to, somehow figure out a way to… find out any information from last week?"
"If there was, I would have personally seen it done."
"Hmm…"
"You know, I was not expecting you two, of all people, to see the potential problems this may cause."
"Actually, it is just I. Asriel here is mainly here for… support."
"Hey! I can do more than support."
"And what is in the bag?" She is referring to the plastic bag that Asriel is carrying in his left hand.
"Eggs."
"… For?"
"Oh, um… just groceries." She gives Asriel an odd glare.
…
Moving on.
"I should also mention that the only ones who seem to be afflicted with this memory loss are those who have been outdoors, specifically in Hometown."
"Hmm, I see. Unfortunately, many would call this a supernatural occurrence, meaning we are on our own to solve this issue."
"W- well we could try-"
"We would be called hysterical if we were to seek out outside help, if we wish to regain our lost knowledge, we must do this ourselves. Do you, perchance, have any potential suspects?"
"So far, only Sans ze Skeletôn."
"Hmm, he is a very suspicious individual."
"Perhaps you could have Officer Undyne bring him in for questioning."
"It cannot be done. Unless we know for sure that Sans is involved in this, there is nothing we can do."
"Perhaps… there is another way to do so?"
"His records are still fresh in my memory, and I know for a fact that they are clean. So unless you are able to witness Sans engaging in illegal activities, or he admits to editing governmental documents and somehow erasing the memories of an entire town, there is nothing I can do."
"… How about we don't arrest him; he's most likely got nothing to do with this."
"We will find the culprit whoever they are."
"O- OK."
"Kris, I would like you to continue your investigation."
"That is why we are here. You are… also a potential suspect." I can see that Asriel is looking at me like I just cursed straight to the devils face.
"Understandable."
Now he just looks shocked.
"I am, indeed, a potential suspect in your eyes. There is not much I can do to prove my innocence; I am the head of this town, with access to not only official government documentation, but also other… assets at my command."
I… don't know what she means by that. And I don't think I want to.
"All I can do is assure you that I am not the cause of this phenomena."
…
…
"Do you know anyone else who could have done this?"
"Hmm…"
It is very rare to see her so thoughtful. She is almost always prepared for any conversation, to the point she rarely pauses in her sentences.
"… Forgive me, I do not believe there to be any reason to suspect another person, even Sans. Although I am biased against him, as he has only recently become a citizen to our lovely town." Suddenly, a thought hits me.
"What about his brother?" Wait, how do I know he has a brother?
"Brother? Oh, Papyrus. No, he is far to kindhearted to ever commit so much as a felony. That much I can assure you."
"I see."
I truly did not ever believe that Caroline would be the one behind all this, but I was hoping that she could bring more insight. Oh well…
"I believe it is time for us to be bring our investigation elsewhere."
"If you need anything at all to aid you, do not hesitate to ask me."
"I will keep that in mind."
We leave the office, and the Town Hall.
"Wow, Kris… I didn't know you could handle yourself like that."
"T'was easy."
"Like, the way you talked and, weren't even scared when she did that scary thing!"
"I knew what to do." Although it definitely wasn't perfect. I did mess up my wording a few times. But it was far better than what anyone else would be able to do (also, many are terrified of her, even poor Noelle).
"How?"
"… It's… the way… they talked to her…"
"Oh."
…
…
…
"Hey Kris…"
"Ya?"
"hows about before we continue, we get some lunch?"
Well, judging by the position of the sun, it's a little past noon…
…
"Sure."
…
"Hey, you… want to drop those eggs off first? Back home?"
"Nah."
…
Of course, we went to QC's Diner. It's our usual lunch spot. Mom and Dad used to take us here all the time back before…
…
Well, anyway… We're sittin' in a booth, waiting on our lunch to be delivered.
"So… ah, where to after this?"
"… Perhaps back to Sans'?"
"Already? Are you sure?"
"It's the only lead we have."
"I know but…"
…
…
"Maybe we could question his brother?"
"… Papaya, right?"
"Papyrus."
"Y- yeah. 'S what I said."
"No."
"Here." Oh! There's Catti, delivering our food to us.
…
Hmm… Now that I think about it, Catti is interested in… dark studies. Maybe she can help? At least a little?
"… you're welcome."
"Hey, Catti."
"Hello Kris, Asriel… Is that a bag full of eggs?"
"… Yes."
…
"… So, a buncha people forgot the whole of last week."
"I know."
"Really? … Um, you… know what happened?"
"No." She leaves.
I guess not.
"Really desperate for leads, huh?"
"We could use all the help we can get."
"…"
"Something on you mind?"
"No… no. It's nothing."
Odd.
"J- just eat your food."
"Aight."
We eat our lunches without much conversation.
…
Tastes great. Haven't actually eaten here since…
…
Right before Azzy left…
…
But he's here now. And…
…
Will be going away again once his summer vacation's over…
…
Better make the most of time we have, then…
…
"… You done?"
"Almost." I slurp up the last of my soda (which Mom refuses to buy, so I only have some on special occasions like this). "Now."
"Here, let me take all your trash."
"Thanks."
…
…
"Ready?"
"Yup." We leave the diner and start on our way.
"So, uh… where is this… Papayarus?"
"Papyrus. It's not that hard to say."
"H- hey! Not for meee…"
"I'm also pretty sure it's also the name of a font."
"… Like, Sans?"
"Yes."
…
"Coulda been like a themed-name thing."
"Do parents do that?"
"Yes, ours."
"What. How?"
"Your name is literally a combination of Asgore and Toriel."
"Don't just say their names!"
"But those are their true names; not 'Mom' and 'Dad'."
"I know, but…"
"Regardless, your name is just a combination of theirs."
…
…
"Back on topic: where exactly are we going?"
"To the house that's next to Sans'."
"… They live… right next to their store?"
"Yes."
"… And… how do you know this?"
"… How do I know that?"
…
…
"Let's just get there."
"Yes."
We have made it. Time to-
"Ya want me to ask the questions?"
"Nah. I got this."
"But-"
"Are you doubting me?"
"No! It's just…"
…
"If he's anything like his brother…"
"I'm sure they're very different; like you and me!"
"… I… that's!"
Once again: (knock, knock knock)
Ze door opens.
"BROTHER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK HOME SO SO- OH… YOU'RE NOT SANS." Geez, this guys a little loud. "HELLO! WELCOME TO ZE SKELEÔN HOUSEHOLD! HOW MAY I HELP YOU!"
"Hello, are you Papyrus?"
"SPEAKING!"
"We wanted to ask you a few questions. May we come in?"
"OH. I AM SORRY, BUT MY BROTHER SPECIFICALLY TOLD ME TO BE WARY OF STRANGERS. ALSO TO NOT LET THEM IN OUR HOUSE." Makes sense.
"Sans is a close friend of ours. We're… uh… (Azzy, I could use some assistance…)"
"Oh! We're ah… Toriel's… kids?"
"(I thought you didn't call Mom by her true name?)"
"(It's only OK in… a situation like this.)"
"OHO! SO YOU TWO ARE MS. TORIEL'S CHILDREN! HMM… SHE IS QUITE CLOSE WITH SANS… SO… I GUESS THAT'S OKAY! YOU MAY COME IN!"
"(Good thinking.)"
"(Thanks!)"
We step inside and… it looks… well… it's kind of a mess. There are a lot of boxes strewn about. They've clearly not finished unpacking. But other than that, it looks… very normal. Very unlike Sans'.
"WELCOME TO MY- OUR?… MY BROTHERS AND IS HOUSE! PLEASE MAKE YOURSELVES AT HOME!… BUT UM, DON'T ACTUALLY MAKE THIS YOUR HOME."
"Of course."
"IF YOU WOULD LIKE, I CAN PUT YOUR EGGS IN THE OVEN TO KEEP THEM WARM."
"Ah, no thanks, I'll just set it down here."
What the heck is it with these eggs?
…
You know what? Forget it. Just a guy carryin' around a bag full of eggs. Nothing outta the ordinary.
Anyway, I sit on the couch. So does Azzy. Papyrus sits… criss-cross on the floor in front of us.
"SO, WHAT WAS IT THAT YOU WANTED TO QUESTION ME ABOUT?"
"Do you recall the events of last week?"
"OH! OF COURSE I DO!"
Wat.
…
"Um… And… what was it that you were doing?… If that isn't too much to ask."
"OH, NOT AT ALL! AFTER ALL, ALL I DID WAS A LOT OF HOUSEWORK; WE ARE NEW IN TOWN, AFTERALL."
"Anything… strange, that you noticed?"
"HMMM…"
…
…
…
"OH! THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE, AND EVERYTHING WENT DARK OUTSIDE. FORTUNATELY SINCE IT WAS FRIDAY, MY BROTHER DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK SO WE JUST HID IN THE KITCHEN UNTIL SANS SAID IT WAS SAFE."
…
That is… new. Very concerning. I… don't…
"Woah that's crazy! I didn't hear about an earthquake!"
"YOU DIDN'T FEEL IT!?"
"Oh, ah… I've been in the city, for college. Just got home Friday night…"
"AH! I SEE. YOU ARE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE MISSED IT; I WAS EXTREMELY SCARED. SANS HAD TO READ ME FLUFFY BUNNY FIVE TIMES SO I COULD FALL ASLEEP."
…
…
"And then?"
"NOTHING."
"N- nothing!?"
"YES. THAT WAS IT."
Oh I… thought he meant like, there was actually nothing… if that makes any sense.
…
…
"OH MY GOODNESS! I JUST REALIZED WE NEVER PROPERLY INTRODUCED OURSELVES! I'M PAPYRUS! PAPYRUS ZE SKELEÔN! (BUT YOU ALREADY KNEW THAT)"
"I'm Asriel Dreemurr. Nice to meet you!"
"Kris… Dreemurr."
"IT'S NICE TO BE PROPERLY AQUAINTED WITH YOU BOTH! MS. TORIEL HAS SAID MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT YOU TWO! ALSO SINCE MY BROTHER AND I HAVE MOVED IN HERE, WE… HAVEN'T MADE MANY FRIENDS… ESPECIALLY SINCE HE HAS WORK, LEAVING ME TO PUT OUR HOUSE TOGETHER ALL BY MYSELF… SO, IT IS GOOD TO BE ABLE TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS!"
"Oh… that sucks… Y'know, you shouldn't have to do all this by yourself. Maybe-"
I let myself zone-out to reflect on the new information I've learned.
…
Friday. Something happened on Friday.
Whatever it was, it caused almost everyone in town to completely forget the events of last week.
…
No. Not completely.
It's like… some things haven't been truly erased from our minds. Like how Susie and I have become friends. Neither of us can recall the events which led us to being friends… yet we know, without a doubt, that we are now friends. She hasn't been mean to me. (at least, nowhere near as much as she would have, more like a… friendly mean?) So, that comes to question: Why? Why do our 'souls' seem to remember… and yet our minds don't.
And that brings up another question: Why were those who were inside unaffected? Rudy and Papyrus seem to have their memory unaltered… So… is there anyone else who was stuck inside all day on Friday that is also an exception?
…
No, wait. Being inside during the earthquake on Friday CAN'T make people unaffected by The Forgettening. If that were the case… more people would have spoken up. There's no way THAT many people were outside during that time; we would have seen more exceptions. So what IS IT? What has made these two people IMMUNE to The Forgettening? What else do they have in common?
…
…
What if…
…
What if it's because they were literally stuck inside?… Rudy was in a hospital bed practically dying… And Papyrus was told by Sans to not leave this house…
Wait no.
Papyrus definitely could have left the house, but Sans was with him at the time… encouraging him not to.
Sans claims to not remember last week, and he was inside with Papyrus at the time.
Rudy…
Wait: Rudy.
He was extremely sick the past few weeks. Yet somehow, he magically gets better right after Friday, when this 'earthquake' occurred. So: how did Rudy not only recover, but also so quickly.
There's only one explanation.
Whatever happened on Friday was related to Rudy's recovery.
But how?
…
…
I think I'll need to come back to that later.
…
Sans is even more suspicious now. He should have remembered last week, at least as well as Papyrus (assuming Sans wasn't lying). Afterall, they were both not outside during the earthquake… like Rudy.
Although…
Why would an earthquake on Friday make people forget memories from Monday through Thursday? If Monday has also been forgotten, then…
It would only make sense that whatever was the cause of the Forgettening started on Monday… and ended on Friday, sometime after the earthquake (since Azzy hasn't heard about an earthquake since coming here).
…
And whatever this something is, wasn't able to affect Rudy and Papyrus because…
…
Because…
…
…
They were stuck in the same place during that week. Rudy was stuck in the hospital, and Papyrus was stuck unpacking and taking care of his house while Sans was working. But why?
Is it because they had nothing to do with the cause, or…
Maybe…
…
There was something they didn't see that everyone else did… something we weren't meant to see…
…
Whatever the case, there is still no concrete answer. The earthquake information doesn't really help much in solving the Forgettening.
…
Unless…
Maybe we can work backward?
If someone else remembers the earthquake, it can lead to more information. Information that can lead us further backwards to the start.
…
It's not much, but it's the only real lead we have…
Except of course…
Sans himself.
…
"AND THEN, WHEN WE GOT HERE, SANS DECIDED TO GET STRAIGHT INTO THIS NEW JOB. LEAVING ME HERE, ALL ALONE, TO MOVE THINGS FROM BOX TO HOUSE, AGAIN, ALL BY MY LONESOME." Papyrus says with a single tear falling down his eye… Before it just vanishes. "ANYWAY YES, I WOULD APPRECIATE THE HELP."
"… WOW… that was… a lot…"
"OH-NO-I'VE-DONE-IT-AGAIN-I'VE-RAMBLED-I'M-SO-SORRY-PLEASE-FORGIVE-ME!"
"N- no no! It's alright! It's just… that was a lot to take in, all at once. It was very interesting though; hearing your life story like that… Right Kris?"
"Riveting."
"(Kris! You weren't listening, were you…)"
"REALLY!?… HMM… MAYHAPS I COULD WRITE DOWN THE STORY OF MY LIFE! AND MAKE MANY COPIES OF IT, SELLING TO MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD! PERHAPS THEN, I COULD MAKE ENOUGH MONEY FOR BOTH ME AND SANS TO LIVE A COMFTERABLE LIFE, WITHOUT SANS HAVING TO WORK ALL THE TIME!"
"Oh, you're right! You could totally make an autobiography outta that!"
"AUTO-MA-WHAT NOW?"
Suddenly, the front door opens.
"hey bro. thought i'd get off a little early today." Enter Sans. He looks towards Papyrus (who is still sitting on the floor), then at us. "oh… uh, 'sup kiddos?"
"BROTHER LOOK!" Papyrus stands up and approaches his brother. "MISS TORIEL'S KIDS CAME OVER TO VIST ME! ASRIEL HERE EVEN OFFERED TO HELP US MOVE-IN, WHICH HE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO, YOU LAZYBONES!"
"hey come now, i told you i have to work."
"AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHILE AT WORK HMM?"
"work."
"DON'T LIE TO ME! I KNOW YOU JUST SLEEP UNTIL SOMEONE NEEDS TO CHECKOUT."
"hey, workin' the 'ster is a ton of work. A skele-ton." Not a good one.
…
The room is silent for a moment.
"YOU COULD TAKE A DAY OR TWO OFF."
"ya know, that's not a bad idea."
"AND HELP ME."
"of course."
"AND BY HELP, I MEAN NOT SLEEPING WHILE I STILL DO ALL OF THE WORK!"
"i'd rather work."
"GOOD… I MEAN NOT GOOD JUST HELP ME UNPACK!"
"ok, sheesh."
"GOOD. (YAWN) I THINK I'M GOING TO TAKE A NAP." He heads up the stairs and opens the door on the left. "PLEASE WAKE ME AROUND DINNER TIME. AND KEEP OUR GUESTS COMPANY!" He enters the room and shuts the door.
"… so… 'sup?"
"You already said that."
"i did? hm, must be tired. might as well take a nap too i guess; sounds nice."
"Wait."
"yes?"
"We still need to ask you some stuff."
"sheesh, more question? i'm being worked real hard today."
"uh-huh… so-"
"down to the bone."
…
…
"Kris."
"Yes Asriel?"
"I'm askin' the questions this time, Remember?"
"… Yeah." Although imma need to ask about the newfound revelations I've just had.
"Ahem! Sans."
"yes?"
"Do you recall anything that happened over the last week?"
"well, earlier today, you two came in askin' some q's."
"Before that."
"i was workin' m'job."
"Nothing work related."
"you 'n your ma came to see me."
"Before Saturday."
"my bro 'n i moved to this house."
"…" Asriel facepalms. "(I can see how this guy gets on your nerves.)"
"and before that, we used to live in the city, ya know th' one… y'know, I actually might have see-"
"Let me ask again. Do you remember anything between Monday and Friday?"
"hmm, well…" C'mon! Say something, dipshit. "i used to go to school between mondays and fridays."
"This last Monday and Friday."
"this is going to be the last week? that sucks."
"Grr, that's not-"
"You know what we're trying to ask you, so just cough it up."
"… look kids, why don't we-"
"Why are you trying so hard to avoid this topic?"
"… what top-"
"You do know that a lot of people forgot last week right? Just in Hometown too. The mayor practically begged for us to launch an investigation." A huge exaggeration, but it proves my point. "We came to ask you because you're being suspicious. And not just because you happened to move-in right before a town-wide, mind altering event, but also because you keep dodging our simple questions; trying to distract us, lead us off topic. You do know that your brother is one of currently two people who do remember Monday through Friday, right?"
"there's someone else?"
"Yes… wait."
"… what?"
"… So you did know."
"n- no. i…"
"Why?"
"…"
"What happened?"
"…"
I stand up.
"What did you do?"
"i told you, 'wasn't me'."
"S- Sans c'mon! Just tell-"
"look kids…" He starts talking more… somberly? Very different from his usual laid-back tone. "some things you just don't question."
…
…
…
"hey, uh…" He talks normally again. "it's gettin' kinda late. your mom's proly gettin' you guys' din-din ready about now…"
…
…
"Yeah. You're probably right. Come on Azzy, let's go." I walk towards the front door.
"Ah, but… but Kris…" He gets up and follows me.
We exit the house. But before we make it much farther…
"hey, i know you want to figure this out, but…" His permanent grin seems to drop, almost as if he's frowning. "… trust me, it's not worth it."
…
…
"OK." He closes the door.
…
Then it opens again.
"you forgot your eggs."
"Oh… whoops." He hands Azzy the bag 'o eggs and closes the door.
…
…
"Kris… I know it is getting a bit late… " The sun is starting to go down. "But… we almost had 'im! I'm sure just a little more and he would have spilled the beans!"
"I don't think he was gonna tell us anymore."
"He didn't tell us anything! Well, you did make him slip-up, so he obviously know something!"
"You're right, but…"
…
…
"… Kris?"
…
…
"He's experienced something like this before."
"Don't tell me you think he's behind this?"
"No. He's definitely innocent."
"But… if he knows something, why is he keeping it to himself?"
…
…
"The way he was talking…"
…
"Sounded to me like he also tried to solve whatever mystery he experienced, and it… didn't go well… I-… I…"
"… Kris?"
…
…
"I think we figured out as much as we will from these two… for now, at least. If they have more to share, it'll have to be on their own terms."
"So… what do we do now? Do we just… give up?"
"I thought you didn't care about our lost memories?"
"I- I didn't before, but now…"
…
…
Good to see you finally come around.
…
"We'll ask around, about the earthquake."
"How will that help? If no one remembers…"
"It seems to me that The Forgettening started on Monday, and ended at about the time of the earthquake on Friday. So if someone else remembers the earthquake, they might remember a little before it too, which may lead to more leads." That's why they're called 'leads'.
"… OK?… But that doesn't really answer…"
"Grah! Sometimes I just wish that thing was back so it can solve this for us!"
"K- K- K- Kris!?"
"… Ah, who am I kidding? It is probably the cause of the Forgettening in the first place…"
"… Kris…"
…
…
…
"We probably should start heading home now… You do have school tomorrow (I'd rather not make Mom mad by keeping you out late)."
…
Great, just great!
Not only do I have to solve this conundrum, but I still have to participate in the educational system.
…
…
…
Fuck my life.
…
…
…
Azzy's being awfully quiet, which is unusual for him. This is making the walk back home kinda… awkward? What's on his mind?
…
I think that interaction with Sans and Papyrus has gotten him to actually be concerned about everyone's lost memories. That's good for me, since literally almost everyone else isn't bothered by it.
If I were to guess, it's still processing in his mind…
…
…
…
Almost home… just one more quick blockish to walk…
…
Why does our house have to be like, the furthest point from all the shops and non-residential buildings and stuff?
…
Probably just to make things even more difficult for me…
At least we don't live on the other side of town, which would be…
…
…
Suddenly, Azzy stops walking.
"H- hey. Umm… K… Kris?"
"What is it?"
"You- you, um know… like, erm…" It's very unusual for Azzy to stutter so much, especially around me.
"… Just, spit it out dude."
…
…
"Um… You know… the… 'person' who I was talking to… earlier?"
"Your friend that happens to be of the female variety?"
"Yes. (Why'd you word it like that?)"
…
…
"Go on."
"Ah, um, right. You see… she… she, um… how do I phrase this?"
…
…
"Az-"
"She knows of your… condition."
"… Meaning?"
"Your… mind voice, friend, thing."
…
…
"What."
"Y- yeah. Um… turns out you're not the only one to experience… something like that."
I-
I mean…
…
I figured that, at least one other person in this world had a… mysterious 'being' that sometimes controls them against their will…
But…
…
…
"Your friend… had a red heart thing?"
"Erm… not, exactly… I…"
…
"I think it would be best if you talked to her yourself…"
…
…
"OK…"
"B- besides! She may be able to help with our… 'investigation'."
"… So you think they are behind all this."
"No, no! Well… actually it's a definite possibility… but…"
"… But?"
"My friend is um… she's a, umm…"
…
"Ah! she's a forensiac!"
"… What?"
"A- a forensor?"
"You mean a forensic?" He snaps his fingers.
"Yes! That!"
…
…
"I thought your college was for acting?"
"It's more of an anything-you-want kinda college."
"And… how exactly did you two… meet then?"
"Oh, we just had a few gen-ed classes together."
"… What?"
"Y'know, like, math and stuff."
"You still have to take… regular classes in college?"
"Yes. (How did you not know this?)"
…
…
"You mean I'm going to be stuck doing boring shit forever!?"
"W- what? No! Geez, Kris! I- (groan)… Look, imma give you the whole college rundown again when we get home, aight?"
"K."
We start walking again.
"… So, you gonna invite your girl friend over?"
"Kris! I told you it's not like that!"
"I said 'girl friend'; with a space in between."
"And how was I supposed to know that?"
"Read."
…
…
"Look I'm… I'll… call her and… invite her here… later…"
"Do it now."
"Nah… I will do it… later."
"No you won't."
"I will (… probably)."
…
…
"Pussy."
"Wha-"
"You scared she gon reject you."
"N- no! it's not that… it's, ah…"
"If you two are really just friends, then it shouldn't be a problem."
"W- we are…"
"You got a crush on'er."
"N- nuh uh."
…
…
It's not like I want him to actually invite her over. If he gets a girlfriend, he'll stop spending time with me…
He'll leave me, just like almost everyone else did.
But…
We need all the help we can get if we wanna solve this case (plus, I wanna know more about the heart thing).
…
I think he just needs a little motivation…
…
…
"I can see why you don't wanna tell her…"
"… What's that supposed to mean?"
"You ugly."
Boom
"And dumb."
Boom
"… And you got a small 'package'."
BOOM
…
"Wha-"
"You get no bitches and you're gonna be alone for the rest of your life."
…
…
"Kris, you need to stop watching so many memes."
"I think I need to watch more memes."
…
…
He, once again, stops walking.
"… Imma call her."
"Hoh? Azzy finally growin' some balls?"
"… Shut up."
He pulls out his phone and starts makin' some taps… and then puts it up to his ear.
"… H- heyyy! Wassup?"
…
"No, no! Just erm… just bringing Kris home; Nothing else. I also got some eggs"
Again, what the fuck is with the eggs?
"I know that, but I'd rather here your voice… when talking."
…
He blushes.
…
"Yeah, yeah!"
…
Goddammit Azzy… Gettin' cold feet. That means I'm gonna hafta…
"Of course! You too!"
…
I'm about to do what's called: a pro gamer move (Again).
"Um… anyway… that's-it-all-I-just-wanted-to-I'll-call-you-another-t-"
I quickly snatch the phone from Azzy. He stands there dumbfounded for a moment. I put the phone to my ear, and hear a feminine voice.
"Asriel? Are you still there?"
"Hello, I'm Kris."
"Oh! Kris! Azzy's told me a lot about you."
Asriel seems to have processed that I have stolen his phone, and is now staring at me with terrified eyes.
"K- Kris! D- d- don't-"
"Anyway… Did you want to tell me something?"
"Kris, please."
"… Asriel wanted to invite you over to our home, but was to scared to do it himself."
He looks at me like I just murdered someone (probably his ego).
"Hoh? Is that so."
"Yeah, I'll put him back on." I hand the phone back to Azzy.
…
He doesn't react for a while but then, slowly grabs the phone and puts it back to his ear.
"… Hey, uh…"
…
…
…
"… You, don't have to…"
…
…
…
"… Alright…"
…
…
…
"… Yeah I'll… send you the address…"
…
…
…
"… See you tomorrow…"
…
"Bye…" He puts the phone back in his pocket.
He stares daggers at me.
…
…
…
"Don't look at me like that. I just got you a date."
…
…
…
It's completely silent for the rest of the short walk home.
Oof
Well, Asriel gave me a very expansive run-down on college stuff. Probably as payback for that stunt I did earlier.
Long story short: it is now bedtime.
…
…
I know I thought earlier that I would… much prefer if Azzy never dated anyone but…
…
It's bound to happen at some point.
He's gonna hang around that person more and more as time goes on. And I…
…
I'll probably see him less and less…
…
But that's assuming he'll find the right person… Who may just be this mysterious 'girl friend'… Who… knows something about Hearty (Yes, that's what Imma start calling it. I know it's simple, but I never learned too much about them. 'Sides, they're not here anymore, so I can call them whatever I want). Hopefully, she'll also help with this memory situation as well, assuming she really is a studying forensics… Also assuming Hearty was the one who caused it.
…
Maybe there's a way to… restore everyone's lost memories?
…
…
Guess that'll have to be part of the conversation tomorrow…
After school…
…
Ugh! I hate school! (Though I suppose everyone does.)
…
"… Kris? You still awake?"
"Yis."
"Ah, good."
…
…
"What is it?"
…
…
"Thank you…"
"… For?"
"Um… 'helping me'… invite her over…"
"… Your welcome? (Also what's with the pronoun game?)"
"I- I um… I actually wanted to bring her here, when I came home Friday. But I…"
"You didn't have the balls to do it."
"… Yeah."
…
…
…
"Also I'm not dumb, or ugly… and um, about…"
"I was just saying that to hype you up."
"… Kind of a bad way to do that but OK."
"Well, you do have to prove to 'her' that you're not any of those things (especially that last one)."
"Hey, I can be dumb and ugly and still loved."
"Only by family."
…
…
"Can we… stop talking about how 'ugly and dumb' I am?"
"No."
"Mm."
…
…
Now that I think about it… I think the only crush Azzy ever had was… December… back before she…
She…
…
Um…
…
What happened to Dess again?
…
…
Oh right… The incident…
…
…
Proly best that I not think about it…
…
…
Alright! Plan for tomorrow:
School.
Meet with Azzy's new friend/crush.
Investigate.
Hopefully solve everything tomorrow (unlikely).
…
…
It doesn't sound like much but… it's… really a lot…
…
…
Wow I'm… exhausted… I suppose today was… very long…
…
…
"Maybe one day I'll he lp hoo k yo u up w ith No -"
…
…
What… was… that?… AzzzZZzzz…
Hello again.
Some parts of this chapter ended up being a lot longer than I originally planned (more specifically: I ended up adding over a thousand words to the Papyrus section).
But that just means more for you to read.
I would also like to mention that I've cleaned up the first chapter a little bit; fixed some words and punctuation, added a little extra clarity, nothing major.
Again, I'm not really a writer.
As long as everyone who reads is able to understand the story, that's all that really matters.
More to come :)
…
I'm not sure what else to say, so…
THANKS FOR READING.
(It means a lot.)