False host (undertale fanfiction)

Chapter 10: Broken Bonds, Unbroken Vows

Asgore stood in his garden, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the blooms at his feet. The air was crisp, calm, and filled with the gentle rustle of leaves, each movement delicate, like the steady pulse of life itself. He held a watering can in his hand, watching the droplets fall softly over the soil, nurturing the garden he’d tended with such care. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to be at peace, away from the demands of kingship.

But his solitude was interrupted by the soft patter of hurried footsteps. Asgore turned to see a young wolf monster, barely more than a child, clad in armor that seemed a touch too big for him. The young soldier’s expression was a mix of duty and nervousness as he approached.

“Your Majesty,” the boy said, his voice a bit shaky but determined. He bowed quickly before delivering his message. “Undyne sent a message: ‘I’ll handle Sans myself.’”

Asgore’s brow furrowed slightly. He set down the watering can, glancing down at the blossoms, and sighed as if reluctant to leave this small sanctuary of peace.

“Didn’t we send a judge to take care of that?” he asked, his voice calm, though a shadow of worry flickered in his eyes.

The young wolf shifted his weight, his hands clenched tightly. “There are rumors… that he killed him, Your Majesty. And… he may have even targeted some villagers.” The boy’s voice quivered, but he straightened up, visibly trying to hold onto his courage.

Noticing the youth’s unease, Asgore softened his expression, gently placing a hand on the boy’s head, patting him in a reassuring gesture. “Are you a new recruit?” he asked, his tone light, a faint smile lifting the corners of his mouth.

The boy nodded, clearly flustered by the attention. “Y-yes, sir. I joined yesterday.”

“What an unfortunate time to join, hm?” Asgore murmured, his voice thoughtful. After a pause, he looked the young soldier in the eye. “Tell me, what do you think of Undyne?”

The wolf’s face lit up, his tail beginning to wag at the mention of his general. “She’s… she’s incredible, Your Majesty! So strong, so fearless! She always leads us with that confident grin of hers. I’d follow her anywhere.”

Asgore chuckled softly, genuinely moved by the boy’s admiration. “A fine answer, young one.” He looked up, his gaze distant for a moment, as if seeing beyond the walls of his garden. “And… do you think Undyne will lose?”

The boy’s tail wagged faster, his voice now ringing with renewed confidence. “No way, Your Majesty! She’s too strong for that. She’ll come back and organize a grand celebration for us recruits—I know it!”

Asgore’s smile grew, but there was a heaviness behind it, a hint of sadness he kept hidden from the boy. “Yes… that’s the spirit. Having hope in your comrades is important.” He nodded thoughtfully, letting the words settle. After a moment, he continued, “What’s your name, young soldier?”

“Albert, sir.” The boy saluted with a bright grin, standing a little straighter.

“I’ll remember that, Albert.” Asgore gave him a gentle wave. “You’re dismissed. Go, rest up. You’ve done well.”

As Albert strolled off, tail still wagging with pride, Asgore’s gaze lingered on the flowers around him, his fingers brushing a petal, his thoughts heavy. He looked back at the empty path Albert had taken and allowed his fingers to curl into a fist. His heart felt a weight he couldn’t quite place. Despite his reassurances, he felt the faintest tremor of unease.

The boy’s words of faith echoed in his mind, but he felt a hollow ache in his chest, a sense of foreboding that clung like a shadow. Slowly, he picked up his watering can once more, pouring water over the flowers, but the peaceful feeling from earlier had slipped away, leaving only the quiet and the sense of something precious slipping beyond his reach.