Invitation
Serifa had been lying in the bed since Frisk left the room. She tried to fall asleep again in order to avoid talking to Sans and Papyrus -it would be really awkward speaking with them after the way she had treated them. Yet, she couldn't sleep. After all, she had been sleeping the whole day.
She stood up and walked to the mirror, looking at her reflection. She looked awful. Her hair was messed up and her eyes were red from the tears.
-I'll get through this... she sighed.
Trying to persuade herself, she firmly looked into her own eyes in the mirror.
-I WILL GET THROUGH THIS.
Trying to feel determined, she walked to the door and opened it abruptly. The sound woke Sans up. Surprised, he looked at Serifa.
-H-Hey... he greeted her. How are you doing...?
-I'm...I'm trying. I promise, I'll...do my best... she replied, reluctantly.
-G-Good to hear. That's...great.
Meanwhile, Papyrus and Frisk had been peeking at them through the kitchen door.
-Boy, that's awkward... Frisk commented.
-I know. Let's intervene!
-Shouldn't we leave them alone?
-Trust, me, I know what I'm doing! Just follow along.
-Okay.
Papyrus suddenly busted out of the kitchen, with Frisk behind him.
-Hello, hello! Since you two sleepyheads FINALLY managed to wake up, I must inform you, that I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, along with my exquisite assistant, Frisk, have cooked my specialty!
-What did you make? Serifa asked.
-I am glad to hear you ask! It's spaghetti, of course! Delicious spaghetti! Excellent spaghetti! Marvelous spaghetti!
-Okay bro, you can relax now. We'll eat it, no worries! Sans chuckled.
-Come on Serifa! You must be hungry! Frisk smiled, pulling Serifa along with her to the kitchen.
They all sat at the table together. Papyrus started serving them, but Frisk stopped him, and served in his place.
-So, you, too, know how to cook? Serifa asked Frisk.
-I mean, I'm just following instructions... It's not like it takes a special talent or anything.
-Oh, you're so wrong, Frisk! Papyrus replied. Cooking isn't just instructions and ingredients! It's also feelings! The love you put in while making a dish for someone special to you!
Frisk finished serving and sat with everyone at the table.
-That's not very scientific, Paps. Sans commented. Are you telling me that the same ingredients and the same cooking method will produce a different result if the same person uses them for two different people?
-Yes!
-And what if that person is cooking for a lot of people he has different feelings about at the same time? Or what if two people with different feelings cooperate to cook? Or what if-
-You're a giant nerd Sans, you know that? Papyrus interrupted him.
Serifa laughed a little.
-Anyway, we can debate later! Papyrus exclaimed. You two must be really hungry. Right, Serifa?
-Y-Yeah...
They started eating. A weird silence filled the room. Sans tried to break the ice.
-Feelings or not, the spaghetti is great.
-Why, thank you! Papyrus smiled.
Awkward silence again. Sans was just eating normally and Frisk was looking down at her plate, trying to avoid eye contact with him. As for Serifa, she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts. Papyrus had to lighten the mood again.
-Hey, Frisk!
-Yeah...?
-Don't you have something to say?
-I..umm...I mean...
Everyone looked at Fisk, as she blushed a little.
-Okay, okay, I'm sorry Sans! I treated you unfairly, I shouldn't have been so mean when you only wanted to help, I was bad, I'm sorry! Happy?
Silence.
-The end! Show's over! Frisk shouted and hid her face in shame.
Sans burst out laughing. Serifa laughed a little too.
-That was the most hilarious way you could have possibly said that! Sans teased Frisk. What a tsundere!
-Shut up! Idiot!
-Aaaannd, there she goes again. We all know you're blushing, Frisk. Sans smirked.
-Come on, stop mocking her. Papyrus replied. It's hard for her to even apologise in the first place.
-You're both making me embarrassed! Serifa, help me out here!
-Ummm...you're...cute when you blush? Does that help?
Frisk facepalmed.
-I sincerely hate you all. Hope this translates into the spaghetti I cooked!
-Too late for that Frisk, you cooked it with all your heart! Papyrus smiled.
-I'm legitimately gonna die if this goes on.
-Hey, Frisk! Sans called her. Look at me.
Frisk turned her eyes to him.
-What?
-I forgive you. You're young and impulsive. I know you'll go over the line from time to time. It's okay.
-Thanks... Can we drop this now? Like, PLEASE?
-Oh, come on. Hard words break no , Frisk!
-I'll kill you.
Frisk stared at the paper. She thought and thought. She was determined to win. She WOULD win!
-You know, intensely looking at the exercise won't solve it. Sans teased her.
-I'm concentrating!
-What's there to concentrate about? It's the same formula I just taught you.
-I'll solve it, I'll solve it!
-You can do it! Serifa cheered Frisk on from the other side of the living room. Fight, fight!
-Hey you, don't get distracted! Papyrus scolded her. Focus on our own lesson!
-Sorry!
-I envy you! Frisk commented. History is so much better than math!
-Serifa is gonna do math and physics too, Frisk. Sans replied.
-I think we should have our lessons in separate rooms! Papyrus exclaimed. You guys can't focus and end up bothering us!
-Excuse me, it's Serifa that started it! No wonder, though, history can be really boring. Sans chuckled.
-WHAT DID YOU SAY YOU BONEHEAD!
A paper plane landed on Papyrus's head.
-FRIIIIIIISK!
-AHAHAHAHAHA YOU LOOK SO FUNNY! Frisk laughed.
-Was that the exercise you were just solving? Sans inquired.
-Whoopsie! Frisk smiled.
-That's it, we're going to the kitchen.
Sans grabbed Frisk's hand and pulled her to the kitchen, bringing along her books.
-NOOOOOO, SAVE ME, SERIFA!
-Sorry, I'm studying right now!
-YOU TREACHEROUS SNAKE!
Sans closed the door behind him.
-And now, the three of us. You, me...and math!
-Hear no evil! See no evil!
-Come on, let's try that exercise again. I'm sure you can solve it.
Frisk stared at the paper again.
-I'm sure I can't.
-Then maybe your school can teach you better.
-I'm NOT talking about this again.
-You need to start going to school again at some point, Frisk.
-I'm never returning to that place. Besides, I was expelled, remember?
-You can go to another school.
-Yes, and everyone will know why I left my previous school. And, most likely, there will be bullies there too. I'll lose my composure, fight them all and have more drama. No thanks!
-You can't stay in your house forever.
-I go out to work and visit you, Toriel and Undyne. That's enough.
-You need friends in your age.
-I have Serifa. And Monster Kid.
-Look, Frisk-
-No, no, no, and again, NO! I'm fine as I am! Besides, if I was going to school, I wouldn't be able to keep company to Serifa all these days! And we both know she needs it.
Sans sighed.
-You're right about that... Without you, I don't think Serifa would have made so much progress in just four days... Heck, you can do a much better job than me at helping her, I give you that.
-It's not about me doing a better job, it's just that I'm a girl of her age. I can understand some things better.
-Either way, you've been a great help. Thank you for that.
-No need. Serifa is my friend.
Sans's mobile phone rang, interrupting them.
-Phones during class? Tsk tsk! Frisk smirked.
-You solve the exercise until I'm done!
Sans picked up.
-Hey Undyne, what's up?
-Where's Serifa right now?
-In the living room, studying history with Papyrus. Why?
-Turn the TV on.
-What? Why, what happened?
-Just turn it on!
-Okay, if you insist...
Sans went back to the living room and switched the TV on. Frisk followed him.
-Really? Papyrus complained. We are studying here!
-Something happened. Sans replied.
''The police are currently investigating where this video was recorded. We highly recommend that, whoever the video is referring to, does not comply with the terrorist's wishes and goes straight to the police with all the information they have. As for the rest of our viewers, please refrain from using public transport and going to crowded places, as the terrorist will be more likely to attack there. For more information, call...''
-Undyne? What exactly happened? It seems I missed it.
-There was a terrorist attack at a subway station. Over 20 people are dead. It was the same arsonists from a few days ago.
-Oh, god, they strike again! I thought we were over this!
-However, this time, it was different. They didn't attack a place run by a monster and there is also a video they left behind.
-What does it say?
-Search it online and see for yourself. It's everywhere.
Undyne hang up.
-These terrorists again? Frisk asked.
-What terrorists? Serifa asked, confused.
Sans booted up his laptop.
-There have been several arsons lately... Frisk sighed. They destroyed the place Sans worked at, the kindergarten Toriel was running... Sadly, they've killed many people as well…
Papyrus looked down, filled with awful memories. Sans, noticing his reaction, intervened.
-Guys, I found the video the arsonists left behind.
-What are you waiting for? Play it! Frisk replied.
The moment the video started they realised that this was not going to end well. In the centre of the video, there was the person they wanted to see the least: Clorifa.
''Greetings, humans! I am the leader of the group that keeps attacking you, you worthless mortals! Only one person can stop me! Yes, you, ''Mr. S''! You know it's you! I expect you to meet me tomorrow morning at the place we first met! Don't wanna come? Oh, too bad, then I'm gonna keep attacking places until you do! And, you have to come alone, of course! No police, no friends or relatives of yours, no one else! Everyone you bring along, we will tear into little pieces with no regrets. That's all. See you!''
Everyone had been rendered speechless. Undyne called again.
-Did you see it?
-Yes... I did.
-Is it safe to assume that this ''Mr. S'' is you?
-Yes.
-I knew we couldn't trust her...
-No, no, that isn't Serifa.
-Are you kidding me? It's definitely her!
-Trust me, it isn't. I'll go meet up with her, see what she wants, and then explain everything. Promise.
-It's dangerous to go by yourself.
-I know she won't hurt me. I also know she won't hesitate hurting others to get what she wants. I MUST go.
-At least let me give you a ride, then. I'll stay close, but far enough so she won't notice.
-No, Undyne. Let me handle this by myself, please.
-But it's dangerous!
-I know her better than you! She is dangerous indeed, but not to me. Trust me, please!
-You're really stubborn you know! But fine. If you need my help, call. And you owe everyone a really BIG explanation for this.
-I promise, I'll explain everything when I can.
-Good luck buddy. You'll need it.
They hang up. Sans noticed that Frisk and Papyrus were looking at him angrily.
-Really now, Sans? You're going there alone? Papyrus asked.
-Yeah, it's as if you're succumbing to her! As if you're her toy to play with! Frisk added.
-I don't want anyone else to get hurt. You saw what she and her group did to innocent people, even kids, just to force me to go there!
-And she won't hesitate doing the same to you! Frisk shouted.
-She's obsessed with me! She won't hurt me, I'm sure!
-W-What if she takes you prisoner...? What if she doesn't let you go...? What if you never come back from this...? Serifa said in a sad tone.
Only then did Sans realise how Serifa must have felt about this. He immediately hugged her, stroking her hair.
-I'll come back... I promise on my life, I'll come back to you...
-I'm scared, Sans... Every time, she tries to separate us!
-I won't ever let her do that again! I promise! But you know I have to do this, right? She has already claimed enough innocent lives...
-I know it's what you have to do, but...but still...
Serifa was crying. Frisk realised there was no way to change Sans's mind.
-Hey, Serifa. Frisk tried to comfort her. Papyrus and I will keep you company tomorrow while Sans is gone. I don't think he'll be away for too long, so you don't have to be afraid. Right, Sans?
-Absolutely. I'll just go see what she wants and that's it.
-It's obvious what she wants... Papyrus sighed. And you can't use your magic anymore, remember? But she can...
-Then I'll talk some sense into her. She's head over hills for me, so she will listen.
-But if she doesn't, you're coming straight back! I'm serious! Papyrus said.
-Will do. Promise.
The next morning, Sans woke up early. He hadn't managed to sleep at all because of the anxiety. Serifa hadn't slept either.
-Sans... I know you have to do this... I really, really understand you have to...
-I'm glad.
-But...! I still don't want you to go! I just can't help it! I know it's the right thing to do, and yet... I'm scared! What if she takes me away again? What if she tricks you into thinking she is me again?
-I know you're you. And she won't find any chance to replace you, not as long as Frisk and Papyrus are with you!
-But you don't know what she has in mind!
Sans sighed and started searching in his drawer. He took out a little box and stared at it.
-What's that?
-That...that is our password. Gimme a sec.
Sans searched more and found a piece of black rope.
-There it is...
He opened a box and took out a silver ring. He showed it to Serifa.
-Do you see this ring? Can you read what it says inside?
-I see some symbols... I can't make them out.
-Of course you can't. These symbols are called ''wingdings''. They are some kind of code my father always used to write in.
-So, what does this say?
-It says ''Arial''. It's my mother's name. This is her engagement ring.
-What are you getting at?
-Simple.
Sans got up and tied the ring around Serifa's neck with the black rope.
-Never take this off. If Clorifa tries to take your place again, she'll most probably take this as well. But, if I ask her about the story of this ring...she won't know. But you will. Therefore, if I ask and you give me the right answer, I'll know it's definitely you.
-But what if Clorifa asks Papyrus about it?
-Hmmmm...good point. Alright, then I'll tell you something about it that even Papyrus doesn't know. See, this ring, apart from being an engagement ring, is also a magical item.
-Really? And what does it do?
-If you concentrate on the person you love, the most important person to you... It will point you towards them. It will lead you to them.
-That's really romantic for an engagement ring.
-Do you realise what this means? It means that, whenever I use it, it will point me towards you...Towards the REAL you.
-Alright... That kinda makes me feel safer... But I'm still worried about you, I can't help it!
-Don't be. I'll return, you'll see.
The bell rang. Frisk had arrived. Papyrus opened the door and Sans got ready to leave.
-So, Sans, are you ready for this? Frisk asked.
-Not yet.
Sans suddenly turned back, and gave Serifa a big kiss.
-Now I am.
-Don't forget to call us right before you enter Mt. Ebott and right after you leave! Papyrus reminded him.
-Don't worry, I'll keep in touch.
-Sans...take care... Serifa waved at him.
-Alright... I'm off.