Turning Point Dilemma
-Here you are again...
The hooded figure turned around, looking at him.
-Don't you like finding me in your dreams, Sans?
-It's confusing... I'm not sure why you're haunting me again.
-''Haunting''...?
-As much as I love seeing you...yes. Your presence haunts me.
-If you tell me to leave, I will. I don't want to be a burden to you.
-You aren't. I just... I just don't understand why you're here after so long.
-Well... I actually have a question to ask.
-Go on...
Serifa looked away.
-Say... If, hypothetically speaking, there was a way to bring me back to life... Would you want to know?
Sans stood skeptical for a second.
-If it meant sacrificing another life...no. I wouldn't. I wouldn't because I'd be so tempted to do it whenever I saw a criminal or someone else who deserves their life far less than you do. I would want to punish them and bring you back in their place... But this isn't the right thing to do. And it would torture me forever to know.
-I agree, Sans. You shouldn't trade lives because you feel it's right. However...bringing me back doesn't require such a sacrifice.
-So there IS a way to do it...
Serifa looked down.
-Yes.
-Then tell me.
-I...I'm not sure if I should... It's too much to ask for.
-Is it something you wouldn't do for me?
-No...I'd do everything for you.
-Then how can you think that I won't do the same?
-That's exactly what I'm afraid of! she raised her voice without realising it.
-So...if you don't want me to do it, why are you even here?
-I'm...not sure... I want you to do it, but, at the same time, I don't! Because I know it's unfair! I know I shouldn't tell you, but...but...
Sans thought for a bit.
-I don't understand... If I don't have to sacrifice someone else...what could be so much to ask for? So ''unfair''?
Serifa took a big breath.
-Your magic. All of it. All of your powers would have to be sacrificed. You'd never be able to use magic again.
Sans looked at her, startled.
-Y-You don't have to... Serifa looked down.
-How...? How exactly would this work...? I'm a scientist, you know. I've never even gotten close to reviving someone using magic...
-I...I don't know the details myself...
-Then someone told you, didn't they? If you didn't discover this...someone told you!
-Indeed...
-Who was that? And why do you trust that person?
-I don't know who he is...
-So, you don't know if you can trust him, but you listen to him and tell me to sacrifice my powers anyway. Sorry sweetheart, but that's naive. Why would he want to help us anyway? What does HE have to gain from this?
-I'm not stupid, Sans...! I did ask these questions...
-So?
-He said that, because of all the resets you did back then, you gained way more power than you should have... The balance of the universe is in danger because of that. So, he wants to nullify your power. But, since he can't take it from you without your consent...he had to give you something in return. He said he'll use it to bring me back! That way he turns your power into me and makes it disappear!
-Look...all these things do sound good...possible, even...but...
-But...?
-I'll...I'll need to think about this, okay?
-Of course...take your time. I won't interfere anymore.
Sans woke up covered in sweat. What on earth was that? Was it even real? Part of him still thought that this was his conscience trying to tell him something. But no, his conscience wouldn't have created a whole theory about the universe's balance.
-I'm too tired for this... he mumbled.
He tried to sleep again, but soon realised it was in vain. He decided to get up and go to the kitchen instead. This was serious. He needed to think carefully.
He prepared some coffee and sat on the table, lost in thought. What Serifa had proposed felt like a deal with the devil. But what if it was true? What if the universe was indeed in danger because of him? And, moreover, he had the chance to bring her back. Others would kill for such an opportunity. Was he just gonna let it fly?
-Why aren't you sleeping, Sans? Papyrus walked in and sat beside him.
-Oh...hey...sorry if I woke you...
-I asked you a question... Is something bothering you, brother?
-Nothing at all! I'm fine, don't worry! Sans faked a smile that Papyrus saw right through.
-It really annoys me when you do that, Sans. Papyrus sounded mad.
-Do what...?
-Hide the truth from me. Do you think I can't see through your lies? Do you think I haven't realised that something's wrong with you since yesterday? DO YOU THINK I'M THAT STUPID?
Sans looked down.
-You aren't stupid Paps... I just...don't wanna worry you...
Papyrus looked down as well.
-Is it my fault...?
-What?
-Is it because of me that you're feeling down? I've been too harsh on you lately... I keep judging you, thinking it's for your own good... But maybe's it's too much... Have I gone too far?
Sans was surprised to hear that.
-No! Of course not! How could you get that idea? We've always been like this Paps... I know you care for me! It isn't your fault, I promise!
-Then tell me... I'm your brother, Sans... I need to know...
Sans sighed.
-The last two nights... I saw her in my dreams.
-''Her''?
Sans blushed a little.
-You...know who...
Papyrus looked down sadly, holding his head in his hands.
-I thought...you were over this...
-I am.
-You clearly aren't... But it's okay. I'll be here for you, like I've always been.
-You don't need to console me... I'm alright.
-You see her in your dreams once and you are distracted for a whole day. You clearly aren't alright.
-Listen, Paps. I'm not just dreaming about her like I used to. It IS her. The real her. Her spirit is visiting me.
-How do you know?
-Because, in my old dreams of her, we would only dance and be happy together. It was a little escape from reality. This time...we TALK about reality.
-And why does she visit you? She sure wants revenge for her death! You should be careful!
-She doesn't. She isn't that kind of person.
-Oh please, give me a break! I know how you feel for her, but she hypnotised you into it! She hypnotised us both!
-She...didn't.
-Sans, how can you still say that?
-Listen... I said she hypnotised us because it was easier. Because everyone believed that. The truth is...humans can't hypnotise anyone.
-But Undyne-
-Undyne was wrong. I know I wasn't hypnotised. And, in fact, I never wanted to kill her, either. I just did it to end her suffering. She... She had already been hit by the Royal Guards and was dying slowly.
Sans realised his eyes were getting teary.
-When were you planning to tell me all this...?
-Well...
-Never. You were never gonna tell me.
-Sorry... I didn't want to trouble you... You loved her too... Wouldn't you have felt guilty for her death if I had told you the truth?
-I feel more guilty right now for nor carrying the weight of this secret with you! For letting you carry it alone!
Sans looked down. Papyrus lowered his voice.
-I feel so bad for believing she was evil...
-Do you miss her...?
-Well...not like you do, obviously. But she was...she was my sister. And now that I know she meant no harm... I wish she was here...
-She...she can come back.
-What do you mean...?
-Her spirit told me...that if I sacrifice all my magic powers...I can bring her back.
Papyrus was shocked.
-And...you plan to do it...?
-I'm not sure yet, Paps. What do you think I should do?
-I... I'm at a loss here. I never thought about this... On the one hand, you'll get stripped of your powers... On the other hand, you don't really need them anymore... There is no war to fight... And you'll have the love of your life back... Honestly, Sans, I don't know. I'm sorry. I can't be of any help here. It's your decision to make. Whatever you end up choosing, I'll respect it and support you.
-It's alright, Paps... Sans smiled, for real this time. Your input has been valuable. Thank you!
-Please, now... Get some sleep. You can't make such an important decision when you're tired, after all.
-You're right. Thank god you're here for me, brother!
Asgore was watering his roses while chanting his favourite song. He was really happy. He wanted to offer them to Toriel in their date tonight, like he used to do when they were young. Then maybe Toriel would remember their good times. Maybe she would forgive him. Maybe...
The bell rang, interrupting his thoughts. He opened the door.
-Howdy, Sans! Long time no see!
-Hey Asgore! Sorry, I've been a bit busy lately! How have you been?
-So-so... I know, let's have some tea! Come inside!
-I'll take you up on your offer! Sans smiled. I need to talk to you about something...
They walked in. Asgore prepared his favourite tea and they sat in a small table at the centre of his enormous garden.
-Wow, you've really done a great job with the place!
-Ah, thank you! Asgore smiled proudly. Are you coming straight from work?
-Yes!
-How's Alphys? I know she's a bit shy... Is she doing alright?
-She's making a lot of progress! Speaking of Alphys, you're coming to her party, right?
-Of course I am!
-Are you coming with Toriel?
-Ah...I do hope so! We have a date tonight and I'm gonna ask her! I really, really hope she says yes!
-She will, don't worry... She's acting tough but we know she loves you! I'm sure she's expecting you to invite her! Sans winked.
-I do hope so, or I'm gonna look like a big fool! Asgore laughed. So, what did you want to talk about?
-I just wanna ask you something... I don't mean to make you sad or remind you of depressing things, especially before your date, but... What would you be willing to do to bring your kids back...? How far would you go?
Asgore looked away with a nostalgic smile.
-The kids... Asriel and Chara...Oh, what you just reminded me of...
-I'm sorry...
-You know...they'd love this garden. Back then, they were outside all day, playing in the flowers... I could hear their laughs from the Throne Room... Those times... Those sweet, peaceful times, when my family hadn't been torn apart... Don't ask me what I'd give to get them back. I'd give everything in the world. Everything and nothing less.
-I see... But isn't it a mistake to cling to the past?
-I don't care, Sans. They were my family, the people I loved the most. Call me immature, call me weak... But my love for them will always come first.
-I understand...sorry for asking you such a weird question out of the blue.
-If you're okay with an old fool giving you his opinion, I'm sure the old fool can handle your questions... Asgore smiled.
-I didn't want to ruin your mood... Come on, let's change the subject! Tell me about tonight's date!
Frisk was solving her physics exercises with Sans's help as usual. However, from the moment she stepped in the house, she could tell something was off. On the previous day it was just Sans. This day, Papyrus seemed weird too.
-So, Sans, for he fifth time... What's on your mind?
-Are you here for my help in physics or for chit-chat? Sans scolded her.
-Physics can wait! Frisk shouted, looking into Sans's eyes. You're more important, Sans!
Sans sighed. He knew this was a bad idea.
-Well... Long story short... I have the option to revive Serifa, with a certain cost.
-Serifa? You mean your girlfriend that...
-Yes. Her.
-Well...what's the cost?
-My powers.
-All of them?
-Yes, all of them. I won't be able to use magic anymore.
-And you're actually thinking of doing this? Frisk asked angrily.
-I'm still considering it.
-There's NOTHING to consider! Frisk was infuriated. You won't just give up your powers for a dead girl! What are you, a desperate guy looking for company?
-Frisk! Sans shouted, slamming his hand on the table. Don't talk about her like that again!
-I'm not disrespecting her! But, fact is, she IS dead! She's part of the past! You should have moved on by now! You should have-
-And because she's in the past, she doesn't deserve a second chance if we can get her one?
-At what cost Sans? Your life? Do you realise you only have 1HP and 1DEF? What if someone attacks you? You won't be able to defend yourself, you won't be able to teleport and dodge it! You'll just die! And heck, I don't wanna see that! NOBODY wants to see that!
-We don't have enemies anymore, Frisk! I'm not going to die. And I haven't even made up my mind yet!
Frisk sighed, trying to calm down.
-I hope you aren't dumb enough to do this. I really hope so.
-I shouldn't have told you. You always like getting into other people's business and decide for things that don't concern you!
-Really? My friends' well-being doesn't concern me? You know what, you can just go to hell for all I care!
Frisk got up angrily, grabbing her bag. She ran to the door, but Sans grabbed her arm and stopped her. Frisk looked at him, pissed off.
-Hey, hey, look, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken like that. I sometimes forget that you're a kid. Of course you're gonna go over the line from time to time.
-I'm NOT a kid!
-Okay, okay, you're a teen, whatever. You're still young, impulsive, rebellious. I should have cut you some slack.
-Heh... I guess that part of me isn't gonna change for a long time... Sorry, for being so rude, Sans. I am indeed a bit impulsive at times.
-And I know you care for me. I really appreciate it. But, rest assured, I'll be fine. I know how to take care of myself.
Frisk suddenly hugged Sans tightly.
-Please promise me you won't die...
Sans hugged her back.
-I promise... I promise.
-Hey Serifa... I knew you'd be here again tonight.
-I guess I've made a bad habit of messing your dreams up, huh?
-Heh...maybe. Sans chuckled. Serifa...listen.
Serifa looked into his eyes, worried.
-What is it...?
-I've made my decision.