The snow falls in thick silence. A sharp crack splits the air—Sans teleports, landing just outside Undyne’s home.

He stands still for a moment, staring at the door. His breath fogs the air. His eye flickers faintly blue.

He knocks—three sharp raps.

Inside, Undyne’s eyes snap open. She grabs her spear and storms to the door, yanking it open mid-lunge.

Undyne: (shouting) "Who—!"

She stops inches from Sans’s face. Her spear hums with magic. Her eyes narrow.

Sans doesn’t flinch. He’s pale. Sweating. His posture is slumped, but his eye glows faintly.

Undyne: (lowering her spear) "Sans?"

He doesn’t speak. Just nods once.

Undyne steps aside, letting him in. The home is warm, but Sans doesn’t react to it. He sits heavily on the couch, staring into the fire.

Undyne: (watching him) "What happened?"

Sans: (quietly) "Papyrus is remembering things. Things Gaster buried."

Undyne: (confused) "I’m sorry… but who’s Gaster?"

Sans doesn’t look up. His voice is low, steady.

Sans: "Gaster was the royal scientist before Alphys. Before anyone remembered there was a 'before.'"

Undyne: (frowning) "I’ve never heard of him."

Sans: (nods) "That’s the point. He built the CORE. He built timelines. He built monsters. Then he vanished. Or maybe he was erased."

Undyne steps closer, her grip tightening.

Undyne: (tense) "Erased from memory?"

Sans: (softly) "From everything. But he left pieces behind. In me. In Papyrus."

Undyne: (quietly) "So he messed with Papyrus’s mind?"

Sans: (nods) "Made him into something else. A weapon. A leader. The head of the Royal Guard."

Undyne stares at him, stunned.

Undyne: (whispers) "Papyrus… was the head?"

Sans: (softly) "Before you. Before anyone remembered."

Undyne paces, her thoughts racing. Then she stops cold.

Undyne: (suddenly) "Wait. Papyrus said he locked Queen Toriel away. With bones."

Sans looks up sharply.

Undyne: (horrified) "He knew they wouldn’t hold her. He knew."

Sans: (grimly) "Then he wasn’t trying to trap her. He was trying to delay her."

Undyne grabs her spear, eyes blazing.

Undyne: (firmly) "We need to find her. Now."