Confrontation
Sans slammed the door behind him as he entered his house. Frisk had managed to anger him enough. Papyrus, hearing him, walked out of the kitchen.
-You alright?
-Yes, why?
-You aren't looking so cool.
-Never mind that. How's Serifa?
-She's better. She insisted on helping me cook, but I persuaded her to go to sleep instead.
-Thanks.
-Oh, by the way, the police called me.
-The police? Why?
-Remember when they wanted to question me about the kindergarten incident, but I couldn't go because I was too shocked and depressed? Well, since I'm a little better now, they asked me to finally go.
-Are you sure this isn't a trap? You saw what happened with Toriel.
-Actually, they told me that they'll probably release her soon. With what the kids said about how she protected them, they do believe she wasn't involved. But, as a witness myself, I need to tell them my story before they make the final decision.
-Sounds fair. Don't tell them we did a DNA analysis though, because we illegally collected our evidence. And it IS gonna work against us.
-Of course I won't.
-When are you going?
-Tomorrow at 12. I'll train a little with you guys and then I'll go.
-I'm...not sure I want to do more training with Serifa to be honest.
-Why is that?
-It feels like...it's destroying her. And I don't just mean her body. I've noticed a change in her mentality as well.
-What do you mean?
-She wants to fight. Don't get me wrong, she always tried her best to defend herself and me. But, she now wants to be the attacker. She was ready to just run in Lionnite and kill those arsonists. Who? Serifa, who never wanted to hurt a soul!
-You don't believe they deserve to be killed, after taking so many lives, Sans? After killing all those kids?
-I do. But that's not Serifa. Serifa was never that...aggressive.
-If it wasn't for her, we'd be dead meat by now! She inherited your powers, so it's her responsibility to use them...It's actually a sign of maturity to see her understand that, sometimes, you have no choice but to kill.
-Maybe...but I don't know, I feel like it's all gonna take a toll on her, eventually. Even if she doesn't understand it right now.
-Do you believe in her?
-I'd trust her with my life...
-Then, you don't have to worry. She'll be alright, you'll see!
The bedroom's door opened. Serifa came out, yawning.
-Hey, you're back! she smiled and wrapped her arms around Sans, kissing his cheek.
-Hey, sweetheart! Are you sure you should be up?
-Yes, I'm feeling fine! How did the thing with Frisk go?
-Ugh, you just HAD TO remind me of that, didn't you? Sans sighed.
-Yes, Sans, why did they call you? Papyrus asked.
-Well...It turned out that Frisk hit her classmate. It was in self defense, but it's her word against his. And, since he's the one with the black eye, he has proof for his story and she doesn't. On top of that, his mother showed up, both of them shouting and provoking...It was chaos, basically. And then boom! Frisk decides it's a good idea to hit that boy again, in front of the principal, and run away! Oh, and then she also blamed me for not taking her side when I was literally trying to calm things down for her own sake!
-I mean, she was right to get pissed off if she was blamed after getting attacked... Serifa replied.
-Yes, but she needs to have some diplomacy in these cases, and, of course, not blame the ones who come to help her! But of course, she's not the patience soul, she's the freaking determination one!
-Okay, brother, relax... I'm sure she'll think about it and apologise by tomorrow!
-As if you don't know her, Paps!
-I, too, believe she'll apologise in time! Serifa added.
-Oh, you have no idea how stubborn she can get...But anyway, enough of this. What's for lunch today?
-I cooked spaghetti! Papyrus proudly exclaimed.
-Man, what a surprise!
Serifa was sitting at the balcony, staring at the full moon. She could barely see any stars -the city lights were too bright.
-Can't sleep? Sans asked, sitting beside her.
-Hey...it's a beautiful night, isn't it?
-Yes, indeed it is.
-Sans... Do you love me?
-What kind of question is that? Of course I do!
-And, would you still love me...if I wasn't a good person?
-I don't know what you mean by ''not a good person'', but I don't know if I'd love you if you were a different person. I love you for who you are right now. And you ARE good.
-You really think you know what I am?
-I have a pretty good picture. But I learn more every day.
Serifa took a deep breath.
-I...I need to tell you something.
Sans looked at her. She seemed quite nervous.
-Well...you can't just say that and then stay silent. Go on...
-Today, when you said you had a fight with Frisk...I was actually happy.
Sans said nothing.
-I mean, I know you're just friends and I'm only being stupidly jealous, but... I don't know. It felt good, in some twisted way.
Serifa looked at Sans, expecting a reply. He kept being silent.
-And...and you know how you left me to run to Frisk today? For a second, I thought...I thought that you two fighting was her karma for taking you away for me! I know it's idiotic, but, for just a split second...I had those stupid thoughts!
Serifa was tearing up. Sans looked at her, saying nothing.
-Damn, what kind of friend am I? If I can't trust my best friend with my boyfriend, I'm just...!
Sans kept looking at her.
-Come on, say something... Serifa was ready to start crying.
-I think you're figuring your answer out by yourself quite well. You don't really need my input on this. You have already resolved it in your head, haven't you?
-I have only resolved what kind of trash I am.
-You aren't trash.
-But I am! I'm mindlessly jealous and selfish and-
-Who is perfect, Serifa? No one is! You're only human, and you're 17! You're allowed to be selfish, you're allowed to be jealous, you're even allowed to be immature!
-But, this isn't the girl you fell in love with, is it?
-I never said I fell in love with an angel, Serifa. Well, maybe I did think that for a time... he chuckled. But, back then, I was young too. I'm now fully aware that no one, not even Papyrus, is completely pure. We all have our demons inside us and, sometimes, we let them out. And, then, it's up to us to learn from our mistakes, to learn to control these demons and not let them affect the people around us. It's nothing too big if you feel some negative emotions from time to time, it's natural. And, as long as you don't take it out on others, it doesn't make you a bad friend either, so don't worry about that. I'm sure Frisk has plenty of reasons to be jealous of you, too. That doesn't mean that you don't love or care for each other.
Serifa looked down.
-Say...do you think I'm evil?
-No. Do you think you are?
-I don't know what to think anymore.
-Then believe in me that believes in you!
Serifa looked at Sans. She was smiling, and she had finally let her tears drop.
-I love you, Sans.
-Me too, sweetheart.
Papyrus summoned his magical bones. He pushed them forward, targeting Serifa. She summoned a small wall of bones in front of her, countering them. She started running towards Papyrus. A bone suddenly popped up from the ground in front of her. She stopped and turned just in time to avoid it. She summoned her own bones, attacking Papyrus. He avoided them all except for one that hit his leg. He fell on his knee. This was her chance. She ran towards him finding no obstacles. When she got close, he suddenly summoned a dozen bones, ready to fire them at her. She turned around to run, only to find a wall of bones summoned behind her.
-Sorry little sister, but it looks like I win again!
-Damn... You tricked me!
-Tricking your opponent is one of the most important thing in battles! Sans commented. The battle isn't just physical! It's a battle of the mind as well!
-Anyway guys, I have to leave you for now. Gotta be in the police station in half an hour. I'll see you later! Papyrus said after checking his watch.
-See you Paps! Do your best! Serifa waved.
-And don't forget to be careful! Sans added. The attacks haven't stopped!
-Don't worry, THE GREAT PAPYRUS is up to it!
Papyrus left, leaving Sans and Serifa alone.
-He seems to have cheered up a lot! Serifa commented.
-Yes, indeed he does... I'm so, so glad!
-I mean, maybe it's because I'm letting him win-
-You're NOT letting him win, Serifa.
-Ha! How do you know?
-Come on, I can see the way you battle! You're as inexperienced as it gets!
-Damn, I was found out! she laughed.
-So, yesterday we didn't have time to check whether you can control people's gravity...wanna try that now?
-Yes! And then, the Gaster Blaster.
-No Gaster Blasters today.
-What? Why?
-We agreed on something yesterday.
-Oh, come on!
-We agreed!
-Fine...whatever you say! she sighed.
-So, let's check your gravity powers. Try to push me to that wall over there.
Serifa concentrated. She shifted her arm forward, trying to focus on Sans. Sans got pushed just a little.
-Good job! Can you keep it up?
-I'm trying, but...it's hard...
-Try a little more and, if you see that you can't do it, stop immediately.
She kept focusing. She had already failed with the Gaster Blasters. She couldn't fail again.
The bell rang, interrupting her concentration.
-I'll get it! Sans offered. You stay here. Maybe practice pushing some smaller objects.
-Okay!
Sans ran and opened the door. He didn't expect to see the one he saw.
-Clorifa...? S-Sorry, I mean...
-It's fine...
She was looking awful. She had bruises all over her body and her clothes were old and dirty. Her voice sounded tired as well.
-A-Are you alright? Did someone hurt you? Was it those fire attackers?
-Fire attackers...?
-Never mind, what the hell happened to you?
-I'm alright... Tell me, is she here?
-Serifa? Yes, she's in the backyard.
-Good. I need to speak with her in private.
-What's wrong? Tell me, please!
-I'll tell you everything soon, just please, let me have a word with her first...this is too important. And urgent.
She looked dead serious.
-Alright...but at least let me treat your wounds first...
-Later, Sans... I have to talk to her now.
She walked to the backyard. When Serifa saw her, she froze in shock.
-You...
-I'll give you ONE chance to end this peacefully.
Several minutes had passed. Sans didn't want to eavesdrop on the girls, but he was worried. Both about Clorifa and about that ''urgent and important'' thing she had to discuss with Serifa. Suddenly, Serifa barged into the house, running towards him. Her nose was bleeding again.
-HELP, SHE'S TRYING TO KILL ME, HELP!
-What?
She ran into his arms, seeking protection. Clorifa walked into the house, right behind her.
-What the HELL did you do? Sans yelled at her.
-Since when can SHE summon Gaster Blasters?
-You did it again? I told you, no Gaster Blasters!
-I had no choice, she was gonna kill me!
-What? I never tried to kill you!
Clorifa walked towards them, but Sans stopped her in her tracks.
-You have some explaining to do.
-Do you seriously believe that I'm in ANY state to attack her? Come on, look at me!
-Apparently, you are! Serifa said, hiding behind Sans.
-I should have expected this. I shouldn't have even tried talking to you… Clorifa sighed.
-Clorifa, what do you want? Sans firmly said.
-''Clorifa'' is right behind you.
There was a second of silence.
-What? Sans and Serifa both replied in one voice.
-It's exactly as I said. I'm the real Serifa.
-Sans, she's obviously lost it! I bet she even bruised herself on purpose just to make us believe her! You want to have him for yourself, don't you?
-You're being ridiculous… Clorifa dismissed her.
-Girls, this is all flattering, but also really annoying. You, new Serifa. Tell me just ONE reason why I should believe you. Because face it, you're making a big claim over here!
-That...that thing hiding behind you kidnapped me! The night I was coming back from Grillby's, someone attacked me. When I woke up, do you know where I was? I was CHAINED at my father's house! She didn't just want to get rid of me, she wanted me to suffer as well!
-You have no proof of that! Right, Sans? You aren't gonna believe her, are you?
-I agree, this is way too far-fetched. How did you even escape if you were chained, as you claim?
-Someone did a reset or a reload yesterday, around this hour. Am I right?
-Yes, Frisk did... How did you know...?
-Because it saved me. You, yourself told me that with every reload or reset, a clone of mine gets created. Well, that's what happened. My clone came all the way over here to tell you what had happened to me, but saw Clorifa with you. And, since there's no way Clorifa would know when to approach you and take my place unless she was involved, she put 2 and 2 together. My clone understood what was going on, went back and freed me while explaining everything and then melted into blue liquid, like you had mentioned she would if she interacted with anyone.
-I have a simpler explanation for this! Sans, you know how I got your powers except the ones concerning time tampering? What if SHE got these powers when you revived us? That's how she would know the timeline changed!
-That does sound more logical. Sans admitted.
-Why are you so keen on believing HER?
-Because, whichever one of you Clorifa is, "Clorifa" is the one who saved me from madness. That girl can't be so cruel as you claim!
-I see. You prefer me as Clorifa. You'd rather think that ''Clorifa'' is me, a "liar", than think she's a cruel torturer. I understand this. But, I'm sorry to bleak it to you...I'm telling the truth.
-You just created a fake story to separate him from me!
-Tell me Sans, when ''Serifa'' returned from that ''girl's night'', was she wearing make-up? She can steal my clothes, but she can't paint my face, like Frisk did. We do share the same skills on that one.
-It was late at night...I didn't see her that well.
-Then ask us both questions before the night at Grillby's. See who knows the right answers.
-Alright.
-Wait, you're actually doubting me? You're listening to her? Serifa complained.
-It's the only way to prove her wrong once and for all. If you're the one telling the truth, you shouldn't be afraid. You'll know the answers.
-She won't, that's why she's freaking out like that. On the other hand, I'm calm. Clorifa said, firmly.
-Okay, okay, both of you, stop! Question time! So...after Serifa got revived...who did we meet first?
-Papyrus! they both said in one voice.
-See? I'm the real Serifa! She's trying to fool you! Serifa exclaimed.
-Sans, you asked something way too easy to guess. Ask something else. Clorifa insisted.
-Alright...In Alphys's party, we talked to someone through Skype. Who was it?
None of the girls replied.
-Come on, ''Serifa'', answer him! If I'm a liar, you should be the one to know that! Clorifa provoked her.
Sans turned and desperately looked at the girl behind him. He was really hoping to hear the right answer from her.
-Please...please tell me you know...
-I-I don't remember the name! I remember that call though!
-Shall I reply then? Clorifa interrupted them. Shall I say it was a robot called Mettaton? He's the one we used to watch on TV back in Snowdin… He was preparing for his next movie and even told me to become an actress. Then, his director called him and he had to leave.
Sans looked at the girl in front of him. He was panicked. Could she be telling the truth? Had he been fooled the whole time?
-So, Sans, do you believe me now?
-I...I don't know. If what you say is true, the girl behind me is Clorifa, a monster. But, monsters don't bleed... Unless...
He quickly put his hand over Serifa's bleeding nose and tasted the red liquid.
-This...this isn't blood...this is determination!
He walked to the girl in front of him.
-Say...are you afraid of needles?
-What? No, where did that come from?
-I see...another lie from Clorifa, huh?
Sans turned and looked at the girl behind him, realising that she, indeed was Clorifa.
-W-What are you talking about, Sans? I'm Serifa... Clorifa said in a desperate voice.
-YOU'RE A LIAR! Sans shouted. I can't believe you actually did this!
Clorifa glared at Serifa.
-I should have killed you... she mumbled. I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU! I shouldn't have been so weak! I shouldn't have hesitated!
-What you did was worse than killing me! Just...how...? How could you do this to another girl? You know what my dad...our dad...you know what he is! What he would do to me!
-You took something of mine!
-I'm not property, Clorifa! Sans stopped her. And I was never yours.
-Heh... Look at yourself, Serifa... Just when he said that, you actually looked happy. You felt important, didn't you? Truth is...you aren't. You and I aren't ANY different!
-I'm not kidnapping girls and sending them to a future of abuse because I want to steal their boyfriend! Serifa complained.
-Then tell me...if you're so different...why couldn't your so-called boyfriend tell the difference between us? I'll tell you why. It's because we're the same! And, if I had found him first after we got revived, he'd pick me! You were just lucky!
-You...!
-Oh, and, for the record, I have more memories with him than you will EVER have! I suffered with him, I even saved him! And, last night, we've had a conversation more meaningful that ANY you had in your miserable life! Face it, Serifa! Compared to me, you're NOTHING!
-I'LL FREAKING KILL YOU!
Serifa tried to attack Clorifa in rage, but Sans stopped her.
-But- Sans…!
-Calm down, please.
-Ha! Clorifa smirked. Even your boyfriend is on my-
-AS FOR YOU... Sans interrupted her. You will leave RIGHT NOW. And, if I EVER see you even remotely close to us or our friends... I ' .
Clorifa's smile wore off.
-You defend her, huh? Well, it's not like you can do much to me without your powers anyway… Clorifa said, glaring at both of them.
-Trust me, I can hurt you pretty badly without them... I don't need magic to beat you to death. Now. GET. OUT.
It was evident from Sans's face that his threat was serious. Clorifa backed off, changing her tone.
-Come on, Sans, I'm basically her! What does she have that I don't?
-What do I need to say to make you realise that YOU AREN'T WELCOME HERE?
-Sans, please! We're both monsters, we are a better match-
Sans slapped her.
-GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! GET OUT AND NEVER COME BACK!
Clorifa, holding her cheek, looked at Sans, and then glared at Serifa. She looked sad, shocked and angry at the same time.
-You WILL regret this! she screamed, then ran to the door and slammed it behind her as she left.
The moment she was out, Serifa fell on the floor and curled up, sobbing. Sans ran to comfort her. He knelt beside her and caressed her.
-I'm sorry, Serifa... I'm so, so sorry...
Serifa tried to speak but her sobs took over.
-D-Did your father...?
-OF COURSE HE DID! She cried out loudly. And he hit me too! I'm so scared, Sans! My clone killed him, but I'm still so scared of him!
-Don't worry... I'm here, and I'll never let anyone take you away again...anyone!
Papyrus entered the house.
-Hey, Sans! What's up with Serifa? I ran into her outside and she cursed at me! Did you two have a fight?
Papyrus suddenly noticed Serifa bursting in tears in Sans's embrace.
-Wait, what? I just saw her outside!
-Not now Paps, please.
-What happened? Serifa, are you alright...?
-Drop it...please.