Hell's Fire
Serifa woke up in Sans's bed. No one was there. She looked at the alarm clock that was placed on the bedside table. It was way too late, almost noon. She hugged a pillow and closed her eyes again.
-It's alright, Serifa. Everything is alright... You're alive. she mumbled to herself.
She opened her eyes and quickly got up. She couldn't waste the second chance that was given to her by being lazy. She had to do something productive. She walked out of the bedroom. As expected, no one was home yet.
-What to do, what to do...
She noticed some unwashed dishes in the kitchen. An open bottle of ketchup was next to them.
-Sans! she chuckled a little and went on to clean up.
As soon as she finished, she heard the door unlocking. Sans entered the living room, panting and sweating.
-Hey! Is Papyrus here? he asked in agony.
-No... What's wrong?
-YES! YES, YES, YES! I won! YES! Sans celebrated.
-What...?
-Oh, nothing, Paps and I just race each other home every day after work! Anyway, how are you? Did you sleep well?
-Now that you're here with me, I'm great!
Serifa ran up to Sans, wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately. Sans kissed her back.
-Wow, someone's in a good mood today!
-But I'm mad at you! You should have woken me up!
-You came home way too late last night and you were sleeping so peacefully... It felt wrong to wake you.
-Aww, you're such a sweetie! She smiled and kissed him again.
-Damn, just how much did you drink yesterday? Sans laughed.
-Do I have to be drunk to be in love with you?
-No, not at all... Speaking of which... You did mention you wanted to find and help your father the other day, right? Do you wanna start looking next weekend or something?
Serifa froze for a second.
-I...umm...
-Sorry, I made you uncomfortable. Forget it, I'll-
-N-No... It's just... I...I wanna p-put the past behind me, y-you know... L-Let's not talk ab-bout this again...please!
-Whatever you wish, darling... I only asked because you said you waned to-
-Yes, w-well, I thought about it again! No use dwelling in the past, r-right? Let's just look at the future instead!
-Which reminds me...you already have a job offer!
-Huh? How?
-Grillby called me today. He said he admired your spirit ever since he saw you at Snowdin back then... And, now that you're back, he'd love you to work in his bar!
-That's awesome! I like Grillby a lot as well! He was the first one to defend me when the Guards were looking for me back in Snowdin, after all!
-You remember this? I thought you only remembered some important parts of that time...
-W-Well... I guess I remember that one! After all, it was the first time someone other than you defended me!
-It seems to me you remember a lot more than I thought... We gotta talk about your memories one of these days...
-Sure...
-Anyway, he told me you can go and talk to him about it this afternoon. Do you remember how to go?
-No...
-Well, it was dark and you were in a car, so I guess you don't. I'll take you there on foot after lunch, so you can learn the way.
-Sans... Thanks for everything you've been doing for me...
-Don't mention it. We love each other, we support each other.
-You've done more for me that I could ever-
-Sush. You do what you can, and that's enough. Who knows? Maybe, someday, you'll do something more amazing than anything I've ever done!
-I doubt that! Serifa chuckled.
-Now, where IS Papyrus...? Sans wondered. He's usually here before me.
-Should we give him a call?
-Nah, he's probably in the car by now so he won't be able to reply. BUT, since he's late, we can order pizza for lunch without him scolding us about it! Sans winked.
-You're terrible! Serifa chuckled.
-Oh, so you don't want pizza?
-...I do!
Papyrus was in the kindergarten, drawing with his class. Today's theme was ''family''.
-Kids, we don't have much time left for today! Finish your drawings quickly!
-I'm done!
A little girl ran towards Papyrus, giving him her picture.
-This is mommy, and this is daddy!
-Your mommy is fat! a little boy commented.
-She's not fat! She has a brother for me in her belly!
-You're gonna be a sister, Eva? Papyrus smiled.
-Yes! I can't wait to be a big sister! I wanna be as great as the GREAT PAPYRUS!
-I'm sure you will be!
-Hey, I finished my picture too! the little boy said, giving his drawing to Papyrus.
-It's wonderful! But why did you draw me as well?
-Because I want a big brother!
-Don't you have one already?
-He's bad! He takes away my toys and draws with my markers! I don't like him! I want you!
-Oh, you flatter me, Michael! But I bet your brother isn't that-
Papyrus suddenly heard screaming and shouting from the class next door. Toriel was the one teaching there and the shouting was hers. But the screaming was from the children. And that's what scared him the most.
He ran to the door to go to their classroom, but the door opened before he could reach it. Three people covered in black clothing and masks appeared on the other side. He couldn't make out their faces. They were carrying some weird machines that looked like flame throwers.
-What's going-
The people pushed him aside and ran in the classroom. They turned their machines to the children and fired them. Five children caught fire immediately and everyone started screaming.
-HEY STOP! Papyrus shouted, changing the mysterious people's gravity and pushing them on the walls.
-OUT, KIDS, OUT! he shouted, but they were too panicked to listen.
The people in black got up again. Papyrus tried to push them back, but he couldn't do it. He had already lost enough energy, pushing three people at the same time. The time he lost trying cost another three children their lives.
-STOP, PLEASE! at that point, he was screaming in tears.
He summoned as many bones as he could and attacked them. The bones pierced right through them, but, even though they slowed them down, they didn't kill them. He summoned more bones and kept attacking, but, in the meantime, more children lost their lives.
In the end, he managed to kill all three of them. The smoke had become too thick already. Papyrus was unable to see around him. He ran to the windows, opening them to clear the smoke.
-KIDS! IF YOU HEAR ME, FOLLOW MY VOICE AND LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!
As the smoke cleared, he was able to see a little better. He noticed three kids crying in a corner, while Eva was crying by herself under a desk. He saw all the other kids, too. They had fallen down, burned and some still in flames. Papyrus was ready to cry, but he knew there was no time for that. He had to save the few kids that made it.
-Hey! Quickly, let's all run outside! Come on, we can make it together!
They couldn't stop crying. Papyrus needed to act.
-Hey! Don't worry everyone! I, THE GFREAT PAPYRUS...I...
His voice broke for a second, but he immediately bounced back.
-I will save you all! So, come with me!
The kids seemed a little encouraged by his words. They got up and followed him.
-Come on, let's run out of here! We can do this together!
A classroom cupboard suddenly opened. Michael came out with another r boy.
-Help us, please! Michael cried.
-Of course! Follow me, quickly!
They all ran to the corridor. It was filled with smoke and burned children. The smell was the most awful thing Papyrus had ever felt.
-D-Don't look around you, okay? Just follow me! That's our new rule!
As they ran towards the exit, more people in black emerged from the smoke, blocking it. Papyrus turned around, only to see they were surrounded. They pulled up their flamethrowers, ready to burn them. Suddenly, they caught fire themselves. Papyrus didn't lose any time. He attacked them with bones that grew out of the ground, killing them. When they fell down, he saw Toriel behind them.
-Papyrus, run over here!
-You heard Miss Toriel, kids! Run!
As they ran towards Toriel, more of these weird people showed up, blocking the way. They fired. Michael and another girl were caught in the flames.
-NOOO! Papyrus screamed, trying to reach out to them.
It was too late.
He wanted to go back. To grab them and escape with them. But he knew he couldn't. They were gone. And if he were to save the rest, he had to leave them behind. And so he did. He ran with Toriel and the four kids. Soon, they got blocked again.
-Just how many of them are there? Toriel shouted angrily.
She summoned her fireballs and attacked them, but they had too little of an effect.
-Their clothes must be fireproof. Quickly, Papyrus! Summon as many bones as possible, but don't attack yet!
Papyrus obeyed. Trying his best to summon as many attacks as he could control at the same time, he created dozens of magical bones. Toriel summoned her fireballs again and combined them with Papyrus's attacks, turning them into flaming bones.
-Fire them now.
-Yes!
Papyrus sent out his and Toriel's combined attacks. His bones tore off the enemies' fireproof clothes and burned them from the inside. The fire's effect was still lower than expected, but it did manage to slow them down a lot.
-Don't stop, keep attacking! Toriel shouted, attacking with more and more flames.
Papyrus kept attacking with bones, dealing more damage than Toriel. He was surprised by that, but this was no time for questions. They had to keep attacking to prevent these mysterious people from using their flamethrowers. The had to protect the children.
Combining their attacks again, they managed to to eliminate all the enemies around them.
-Come on kids, let's go. Toriel said, exhausted.
Papyrus noticed Eva on the ground and ran to pick her up.
-Eva? Eva, please talk to me! Are you alright? EVA!
Eva barely opened her eyes. She was struggling to breathe.
-She's suffocating by the smoke! Let's hurry out! Toriel shouted.
Papyrus grabbed Eva in his arms and ran with everyone. She was coughing, desperately trying to breathe. But every time she tried, more smoke was filling her lungs. And every time she tried, she coughed even harder.
-D-Don't worry Eva... We're getting out! We're getting out! Papyrus attempted to encourage her. Just a little longer...
-Am I...a good...big...sister...? Eva could barely speak.
-You are, sunshine! Don't talk, please! We're getting out! I can see the exit!
-Sleep...little brother...I'll sing...for you...
-Eva, don't speak! You'll tire yourself out! Just try to breathe! EVA!
-Sweet...little boy...fall...asleep...
-Eva! Stop it! Don't sing, Eva!
They managed to make it outside. Papyrus looked at Eva and shook her. She wasn't breathing anymore.
-Eva... Eva, no! NO!
Serifa had already learned her way around Grillby's bar. She was really impatient to work there, so she had started at the same day. She was washing some dishes, when she heard screams from outside. She immediately ran out of the kitchen.
-What's going on? I heard screaming...
-I don't know. Grillby replied. I hear it too. Let's go see.
Before they headed out, a man ran into the bar, panting.
-Muffet's Cafe is on fire! WE NEED HELP, PLEASE!
-WHAT? How? Grillby was shocked.
-I don't know... Please, help!
Everyone ran to Muffet's cafe. It was in the other corner of the same street. The moment they got out of the bar, they could smell the fire. They found the cafe covered in flames. Muffet, Frisk and the two customers that had managed to survive were outside, calling for help.
-GRILLBY! Muffet shouted. Is this your doing?
-Are you kidding me? Why would I do that?
-Well, it's fire and you just so happen to be my main rival!
-WHAT THE HELL? We might be antagonists, but I'd never sabotage you like that! Or endanger people so recklessly! I'm insulted you even asked!
-How did this happen anyway? Serifa asked.
-Some men in black entered without warning and, before we were able to react, they just started burning up the place with flamethrowers! We were lucky to survive!
-Those bloody jerks! Frisk shouted in anger.
Serifa looked at her for a second.
-W-Wait, what were you doing here? she asked Frisk.
-Working, what else? I told you I was working here, remember?
-I-I didn't realise it in my panic, sorry... Wait, are you hurt? What's with your arm?
-I got burned a little, but I'll be okay. Hurts like hell, though! Tch!
The fire department had already arrived on the scene. They started putting the fire out.
-You're obviously free for today. Muffet told Frisk. And...I don't know when you'll be able to come back... she sighed.
-Are you kidding? I'll stay here and help!
-Not much you can do, I'm afraid. Grillby said. Go home, you need your arm to heal. You too, Serifa.
-But-
-If you wanna help so much, come tomorrow. For now, you need to rest. Muffet and I will figure things out.
-I don't remember inviting you! I can do this by myself!
-Muffet, I just wanna help here. You don't need to play strong.
-Whatever... Muffet sighed sadly. It's not like I have a cafe to throw you away from anymore...
-Come on Muffet, cheer up! Frisk smiled. We'll start fixing up the place from tomorrow! I bet we'll be up and running by next month...no, by next week!
-Heh...thanks, Frisk... Muffet smiled. Come on, girls, go home now.
-You sure you don't need us? Serifa asked.
-Yes, I'm sure. Grillby's help will be more than enough for today.
-Stay strong, Muffet! Frisk gave her a hug. We'll get through this!
-I do hope we will...
The girls started walking, leaving Muffet and Grillby behind.
-Man, what a bunch of cowards, hiding behind masks! Frisk complained.
-Did they just run away?
-Yes, we were too busy trying to evacuate to catch them. If only I had them in front of me right now!
-This is just awful...
-By the way, what are you doing here?
-Grillby wanted me to work for him. I needed a job, so I accepted!
-That's awesome! When we fix Muffet's cafe, we'll be rivals too!
-Let's hope it'll be easy to fix...
-t will, I'll make sure of it! By the way, since we're leaving early, I'll come with you to pick up my stuff. Is that alright?
-Your stuff?
-You know, all the clothes I brought over!
-Oh, right, sorry! Serifa chucked a little. Feel free to come over!
They entered the house, finding Papyrus crying on the sofa, with Sans and Toriel trying to comfort him.
-What happened, guys? Frisk asked.
-Oh, hey there... Sans replied. Papyrus had an awful adventure today...
-What's wrong with him? Is he hurt? Serifa asked, concerned.
-The kindergarten got attacked today... Toriel replied. Some weird guys with flamethrowers just came in and set everything on fire...
-The children... They killed the children! Papyrus cried.
-Are you kidding? Some weirdos with flamethrowers attacked Muffet's about an hour ago too! I almost got burned! Frisk said in shock.
-What on earth? Sans excalimed. What the hell is going on today?
Are you both alright?
-Yes... Frisk replied. I'm alright, just a little burned in one arm… Serifa only came to the cafe after they escaped, so she's fine too.
-''Just a little burned''? Sans replied, concerned.
-Let me see this. Toriel added and stood up, walking to Frisk.
-Guys, I'm fine! Frisk complained, backing off. I work in a kitchen, I can handle some burning!
-Oh, come on kid, stop playing strong here, you aren't impressing anyone! Sans insisted.
-I said I'm fine!
-I couldn't save them...I couldn't save them! Papyrus burst into tears again.
-You saved as many as you could... Sans tried to comfort him.
-I could only save three! I'm useless! I'm so useless!
-Three is better than none! Besides, a few other kids got away too...
-Thanks to you, Toriel! And you would have saved many more if you hadn't come for the class I was responsible for!
Sans hugged him.
-Look, brother... These kids you saved would be goners without you. Now they'll live their lives, their dreams, thanks to you!
-Luke wanted to become an astronaut... James wanted to become a policeman... Mary wanted to sell flowers... What about them, Sans? What about their dreams...?
Papyrus's tears hadn't stopped falling.
-Michael told me he wanted me to be his old brother today...and, minutes after, I saw him burning alive in front of my eyes, unable to do anything! And Eva was in my arms and I still couldn't save her, either! She died on me, Sans! I failed them, I failed them all! I could do nothing!
-Eva was always asthmatic, Papyrus... Toriel sighed. It's thanks to you she even made it that far, in all that smoke...
-And what's the point? She died anyway!
-Paps...you tried your best, I'm sure... Serifa tried to make him feel better.
-I still hear their screams...their cries as they got burnt alive... I still smell their burned flesh... I can't live with this...
Papyrus was crying with his head in his hands. Toriel's phone made a noise.
-I must leave, guys... I told Asgore what happened and he came to pick me up. Papyrus, take care please, okay?
Papyrus just kept crying.
-I'll watch him, Tori. Sans assured her. You can go, you had a hard day yourself.
Toriel left, closing the door behind her. The moment she saw Asgore, he fell into his arms, bursting in tears herself.
-How many...? How many children am I gonna lose? HOW MANY?
Asgore hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead while patting her back.
-It's okay, love...you did what you could... It's alright... I'm here...
A few hours passed. Frisk had stayed at Sans's house, trying to solve the mystery with him and Serifa. Papyrus wasn't in any state to help them. He hadn't stopped crying. However, he did stay with them. He owed it to the kids to find out who did this. They had the TV on in case new clues popped up.
-Okay, so it's clearly the same team that attacked both buildings. Sans said. What do they have in common?
-Only thing I can think of, is they are ran by monsters. Frisk sighed.
-But they didn't attack Muffet, right? Serifa asked.
-No, it looked like they were only targeting the customers… Fisk replied.
-It was the same at the kindergarten..Papyrus sobbed. They only attacked the kids, not Toriel and me... It should have been us...
-Brother, please stop beating yourself over this…
''We interrupt your daily schedule for some breaking news. A few minutes ago, there was another arson in our city. The gym ''Balance and Strength'' was attacked by what seems to be the same group of people who...''
-Undyne's gym! Frisk uttered.
''It is worth noting that the above mentioned gym had also a monster involved in it. Her name is Undyne, former Head of the Royal Guard. She was not hurt by the incident herself, and the survivors mention how she bravely fought until the attackers were exterminated. However, there were 14 victims, with 9 people dead and 5 severely injured...''
-What kind of person does this...? Sans looked down sadly.
''The scientists studying the three cases found out that the fire in all of them was magic. Therefore, we can safely conclude that the arsonists were monsters. The dust their corpses left behind in both the gym and the kindergarten prove this theory further. There have been no DNA matches yet but, since the fire was magic, the main suspects are fire using monsters. Asgore Dreemurr, former King of the Underground, as well as his ex wife and director of the kindergarten, Toriel Dreemurr, were arrested this afternoon and will be questioned. Bar owner Grillby is also being questioned, as a fire monster himself, and also as one who had a motive to attack his rivalry cafe. Vulkin has been taken into custody as well. We will inform you about further news. Until then, have a nice night.''
-They arrested Toriel? TORIEL? She LIVES for her students! Frisk shouted angrily.
-This is a load of lies! Sans claimed. These four are the only fire monsters alive and we all know they wouldn't kill people like that! Oh, I know what this is! Some crazy human extremists attacked us and now the rest of them are trying to frame us for it to cover for their kind!
-But they didn't attack any monster... Serifa sighed.
-Paps, did the guys you killed turn into dust?
-I don't know, Sans... There was fire and smoke everywhere, we were running with the kids... I just saw them falling down and ran, I didn't look back…
-Are you sure you don't remember anything? Just a single detail would help! Frisk pressed.
-The only odd thing was that I was doing more damage to them than Toriel, when she usually outclasses me… But them being fire monsters would explain why Toriel's fire didn't damage them much… I'm sorry, I know this doesn't help, but it's the only thing I can think of…
-Oh, if only I had caught one of them, just one! Frisk complained. I would give them to the police and we'd find out the answers after they interrogated them… Or, better… I'd be the one to interrogate them! And they'd suffer a hell worse than what they made everyone else go through!
-Easy there, kid. Sans stopped Frisk's building rage. I actually have another mission for you, if you want to help…
-Spill it!
-I need to test that ''dust'' they found myself. Could you please go to the kindergarten or the gym tomorrow and get me some of that ''dust'', then bring it in the Lab? They can't have gotten it all, I'm sure. I'd go myself, but I bet they won't allow monsters in.
-I'm up for it! Frisk replied.
-I want to go too! Serifa exclaimed.
-No, it's dangerous. Sans replied. Frisk can handle herself in battle or escape if something happens. You, on the other hand… I don't mean to insult you, but you're barely getting used to this city. You don't have much life experience, let alone combat experience.
-But I want to help! I can't just sit here doing nothing!
-No, Serifa. I can't risk you life!
-And you can risk mine? Frisk complained. I don't matter to you?
Sans gave Frisk an eyeroll.
-Kid, I'm not stupid. We both know fully well that you are more than capable for things like this. And you DO know that I asked you not because I don't care, but because I trust that you're able to do this. You know I wouldn't ask anything that would be too risky for you. So, don't pull that manipulating crap on me, okay?
Frisk groaned, looking to Serifa for help. She caught on.
-Sans, does that mean...you don't trust me? Serifa asked.
-Sweetie.. Sans chuckled. I know what you're trying to do. You're using Frisk's ''master manipulator'' tactics, or whatever she's calling this. It doesn't suit you. And, trust me, neither you nor Frisk can fool me.
-Dude, stop being so stubborn! Frisk shouted. We're just gonna collect some dust, not fight the mafia!
-You don't know what you're going to encounter! What if his turns ugly?
-Then you ''know fully well that I am more than capable for things like this''! I can handle defending Serifa if need be! You know I can!
-And she won't have to! I'll be careful, I promise! Serifa added, passionately.
Sans knew he couldn't say no to Serifa when she got fired up like that. He sighed.
-Fine...you win. BUT! The moment something weird happens, even if it is not an enemy, even if it's just a breeze that feels wrong...You both run away. Am I understood?
-Yes! Serifa exclaimed.
-Frisk?
-Yeah, yeah, we'll be careful…
-Frisk! Sans insisted, looking into her eyes. It is not just you. You're responsible for another person, a person who has no means of defending themselves if something goes wrong. If something goes wrong, you NEED to fall back, for her sake!
-Tch...Fine, fine!
-Promise me.
-Okay Sans, I promise to keep Serifa safe and run away with her if something dangerous or weird happens. There! Happy?
-Yes, very.
-When should we go? Serifa asked.
-Let's just go now. Frisk replied.
-What did I say, Frisk? Sans stopped her. No reckless acting! It's pretty late, it's dark. You're going tomorrow, as I asked.
-Aren't we in a hurry? Frisk replied, annoyed.
-We are, but I'm not in a hurry to lose either one of you either. Sans said, firmly.
-Okay, okay. Let's go tomorrow then...