False host (undertale fanfiction)

Chapter 5: A Fractured Cause

"Finally, some peace of mind," Sans sighed, feeling Chara fade back into the shadows of his mind.

But he'd barely taken a breath when a voice boomed from outside his window.

"Sans the skeleton, come out this instant—it's time for your trial."

Sans's bones seemed to vibrate, a sudden, heavy tension settling over him. It's okay, he told himself, trying to slow his racing mind. It's going to be okay.

He glanced toward the door and found Papyrus already swinging it open.

"What business do you have with Sans?" Papyrus demanded. "He hasn't even had his dinner yet!"

One of the guards stepped forward, glancing nervously at Papyrus's eager, expectant face. "Papyrus," they said carefully, "we can't say much. But Sans needs to come with us. You're welcome to come along... if you wish."

Papyrus's eyes narrowed. "Will he be back by dinner?"

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, one finally murmuring, "We hope so."

Outside, a crowd was gathering around their home. Monsters whispered, some daring to speculate on what could possibly warrant a trial for someone as harmless as Sans. Questions bounced through the crowd—Why him? What could he have done?

Taking a deep breath, Sans stepped out of his room, hands tucked into his pockets. "Heya," he called, giving the guards a lazy grin. "Called for me?"

At the sight of him, the guards shifted, their faces tightening as they pointed their spears in his direction. Sans raised his hands, shrugging lightly. "Easy, guys. Just a bag of bones here."

The guards fell in line behind him, prodding him forward. Papyrus joined his side, looking at the gathering crowd with growing confusion.

"Bro, you're really getting popular!" Papyrus exclaimed, glancing over his shoulder. "Look at everyone. This must be something big."

Sans chuckled softly, the sound hollow. "People love watching a hero fall, Pap."

Papyrus blinked, puzzled. "I... don't know what you mean. But look! There's a stage by the town center."

As they walked toward the wooden stage, Sans heard Chara's familiar voice in the back of his mind. I used to want to save everyone too, they whispered, their tone softer than usual. I thought I could, if I just tried hard enough. But sometimes, the only way out is to let go. Do better than I did, Sans.

Sans closed his eyes for a moment. Nice pep talk, kid. But the voice had already faded.

He stepped onto the stage, facing a sea of monsters whose eyes were fixed on him with curiosity, confusion, and even hints of fear. He spotted Toriel playing with some children in the crowd, Muffet leaning forward with a strange smile on her face, and finally, Papyrus at the foot of the stage, watching with worried eyes.

Sans was led to a wooden stand in the center of the stage, facing the judge.

The judge's voice rang out, reverberating through the silent crowd. "Sans the skeleton, you stand accused of the murder of ten monsters."

A stunned silence fell over the crowd. Toriel gasped, her face paling. Papyrus's eyes grew wide with shock, and he looked up at Sans, searching for any sign this was all a mistake. Muffet, meanwhile, broke into a grin, her eyes gleaming with intrigue.

The judge's gaze pierced Sans. "Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Sans took a steadying breath. He knew what he wanted to say. Maybe, he thought, it's better if I just rip the bandage off. His eyes hardened, and he straightened.