A New Life

7- Judge

"Gaster, I'd say it's about time you retired," Asgore said as him and Gaster enjoyed lunch together.

"What makes you say that?" Gaster asked, taking a sip of his tea.

"Well, you've been doing this job for many years, long before you had Sans and Papyrus. Now that Sans and Serif are eighteen, don't you think you should retire soon to spend some time with your family? Or maybe help Sans and Serif with college level learning?" 

Gaster sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "to be honest, I have been thinking about retirement. And I want Sans and Serif to take over for me. However, I haven't spoken to them about this yet."

"Well perhaps we can do that today! I believe Undyne brought the children to the judgement hall to play," Asgore said, standing from his seat. Gaster followed.

As they walked, Gaster decided to bring up another issue. "You still haven't found a new judge yet, have you?"

Asgore sighed, "no. I can't seem to find anyone with strong enough magical abilities and a strong will." 

"Undyne hasn't done that yet?"

"Undyne has both of what I'm looking for, but she needed mental stimulation. The role of judge wouldn't have enough action for her."

"I see."

As they grew closer to the judgement hall, they heard the sound of rough playing and laughter. In order to not interrupt, Gaster and Asgore stayed in the shadows to observe.

Undyne was sparing with Papyrus, who seemed to be keeping up with her well, but with him only being fourteen, his magic wasn't advanced enough to win. He wasn't upset, nor was Roman, who seemed to have gone first.

"Sans, your turn!" Undyne said, which caused everyone to pause.

"Um, Undyne, I don't think that's a good idea. Sans and Serif only have one HP," Papyrus said.

"It'll be okay, I'll make sure my magic won't do damage. Sans, however, can do all the damage he wants. What do ya say, Mr. One Attack?" Undyne teased. 

Sans chuckled and stood from his spot, standing in front of Undyne. Gaster was worried but was ready to interfere in case anything went wrong.

"Ladies first," Sans said. Undyne attacked, and everyone expected the match to end there, but Sans did something unexpected. He dodged.

"What the-" Undyne started, but she was quickly grabbed by her soul and flung into the opposite wall. Everyone watched in amazement as Sans kept up with Undyne, and they eventually decided on a truce when Undyne was hurt, and Sans was exhausted. Undyne healed and called on Serif to try. That battle went the same way.

"Well, Asgore, I think you may have found candidates for a judge," Gaster said. 

"Are you sure? It's a dangerous job, and with their HP it might not be such a good idea."

"If they want to do it, that's their choice. They're adults now, it's out of my hands."

~☆~

"Sans, Serif, it's your choice. I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to do," Gaster said.

The two boys looked at each other, they have been thinking about this decision for weeks and were now ready to tell their dad and Asgore. Even though they do enjoy science and were looking forward to working with their dad, Asgore did seem desperate for a judge. It was a tough decision.

"We want to do both." That was a shocker for both Gaster and Asgore, but they felt like they could make that work. In the end, everyone was happy. Gaster, however, still couldn't shake the feeling that something bad would happen to them. But then again, that just could be him being a father. The natural, fatherly worries.