#fall gaster

“How’s the raking going?” 

Fall turned around to see his dad. Fall!Gaster glanced at the ground and frowned. He adjusted his oversized hood and mask on his colorful jacket. He had a cocky smile and scars to scare people away. 

Fall copied his frown, realizing it looked like he got nothing done. “I-I can explain–” 

“Those darn leaves, eh?” Fall!Gaster chuckled. “Looks like they got the better of you.” 

“What? No, I made all those piles over there!” Fall pointed at the three piles more giant than him next to a circle of trees. “That took me all morning!” 

“Yet, it’s not enough,” Fall!Gaster bent his torso to meet Fall’s eyes. “You’re not going to let a tree be better at its job than you, are you?” 

“No–” 

“Didn’t think so.” 

Fall sighed, grunting at the leaves already adding to his piles. “Can you help me?” He asked. “It would get done faster…” 

“Me? Help you? Kid, raking leaves is your job. I provide a roof over your head, and I make sure you don’t die. That’s my job.” 

“But–” 

“If you care about me, you’ll continue to rake until you’re done. A good son wouldn’t ask his father to help him.” 

Fall clenched his jacket, trying not to show regret. “Yes, Dad, I’m sorry.” 

“I’ll maybe accept your apology,” Fall!Gaster altered his wrists, staring at the sun. “Well… I’m going to need you for another assignment tonight. Hurry up, you’re gonna borrow something from an old friend of mine.” 

Fall knew his dad never meant ‘borrow’ when he told him to grab something. He often associated the task with stealing but Fall!Gaster always denied that. It was simply people repaying him what he deserved, as he put it. Fall didn’t question the orders; he wanted to please his dad and not be a disappointment. 

He picked up the rake and started working again. When his dad wasn’t looking, he used magic to burn the leaves, making them disappear quickly. I wonder which house I’ll go into tonight, he asked. Hopefully, it isn’t creaky like the last one. 

“Do you understand the map?” 

Fall flipped the map around a few times before he found the house. “Yeah. What am I grabbing again?” 

“Think, Fall, I told you this already.” 

“Uhm… A key?” 

“Yes, it’ll be a large gray key that glows blue with its gem. I need this for a future mission I must complete myself,” Fall!Gaster stretched his bones back and forth, making sure he was still flexible. 

“Mkay,” Fall got up from the chair, rolling up the map and putting it in his pocket. “Do I get to use the knives this time?” 

“Yes, actually,” his father replied. He pulled back the curtain where the weapons were stored. Fall immediately spotted the knives that were made for him. They glimmered in the darkness and begged to be used again. 

Fall!Gaster picked up the knives and handed them to Fall. “The blades are sharp. Feel free to use them on anyone who gets in their way.” 

“Wouldn’t that… hurt them?” Fall asked, putting the knives in their holders around his belt. 

“That’s the point,” he confirmed. “I’m showing mercy to them by sending you. Honestly, they don’t deserve to live anymore.” 

Although he was used to his father saying such vile things, he never knew the reason why he hated the ones he stole from. “What did they do?” Fall asked. Maybe his dad was right in hating those who wronged him. 

“You’re too young to understand,” he shrugged. “Now go, I need that key as soon as possible.” 

Fall wandered in the dark alleyways of the Fall Kingdom. Most monsters would think the eerie environment would freak them out, but it brought Fall peace, as he was used to it. Anything calmer than the hostile vibes would scare him. 

He rolled across the street and snuck to the edge of the town, making sure the knives didn’t fall out of his pockets. The map wasn’t super clear on which house he was supposed to break into. Big cabin with a red roof… It was the only description of the house he had. Surely, it wouldn’t be super hard to spot—

Bingo. The large mansion with the red roof was a few hundred feet away from him. There was only one light on: the lamp out front. Smoke exited the chimney peacefully. The walls were made of round logs and cut-in windows. It truly was a beautiful house. 

Fall spotted one of the windows on the side was cracked open. Everything he was taught started to come into play. He didn’t have time to study language or math; his school was one of stealth, defense, and stealing. Fall!Gaster made it clear it would be dire to have these skills, and it was the right thing to do. 

Thankfully, the window wasn’t creaky. Fall rolled into the house with ease and started searching the drawers. 

However, the peaceful aura of the house filled Fall with fear. He felt no sense of danger or any threat nearby. The house was so quiet that one could hear a water droplet fall to the floor. The darkness wasn’t scary at all. The house was filled with an apple smell, and many family photos were across the walls. 

Fall tried to ignore everything around him as he moved swiftly through the house, opening drawer by drawer. He found nothing within the living area and the kitchen. However, when he entered the first bedroom, it stopped him dead in his tracks. 

A large picture hung on the farthest wall of a goat family. There was a mother, a father, and a young kid. They weren’t from the Fall Kingdom. In fact, they didn't seem to fit into any kingdom when Fall thought of all the seasons. They were bright like the stars and looked very powerful. 

But their smiles seemed so genuine in the photo. They seemed so happy; an emotion Fall had never felt. Fall figured they weren’t so happy now, with how the world spiraled downward. He thought he heard about a goat kid being slaughtered and the former King and Queen grieving their loss. Maybe this was the prince, Fall tilted his head. The prince who had died. Whose death had caused chaos in the world. 

The lights turned on. 

Fall spun around, grabbing his knives and facing the monster before him. His breath quickened, and his hands started to shake. No, they found me! No, no, no, no–

“Told you,” one of the goats said, smiling softly. 

Fall lowered his daggers. One of the goats he knew, Fall!Asgore. His red leafy cape hung from his sides as he adjusted his shirt. His horns were long and curly. He bowed his head respectfully before looking at the goat beside him. 

The second goat was the one Fall saw in the picture. His outfit was white and shined like the stars. He was tall and proud, and his body language showed his power. However, Fall found no fury in his eyes. He could only see kindness and patience, which the little Sans didn’t understand. 

“Thank you, Fall!Asgore. I promise you made the right choice,” the taller goat had a deep and soothing voice. 

Fall!Asgore cleared his throat. “How am I gonna deal with Fall!Gaster if he finds out? Surely, he will know I betrayed him. He will wonder where his son is.” 

“Let me deal with him,” the bigger goat responded. 

Fall!Asgore bowed low and exited the room. 

He started to curse in his head. My dad’s going to kill me… I failed the mission. Please don’t hurt me… Fall backed up as his soul pounded in fear. He held the knife in fear as a whimper escaped his throat. “G-Go away–” 

The white goat slowly sat on the ground, not breaking eye contact with Fall. His hands were open and gentle, gesturing for him to relax. “Fall!Sans, don’t worry, I won’t hurt you.” 

Fall held the dagger higher, shaking his head. 

“I’m serious, I mean you no harm,” he tried to reassure. “My name is Solstice, Solstice!Asgore.” 

“How the hell do you know my name?” 

“You’re pretty well-known as Fall!Gaster’s pet, child. You’ve been doing his evil deeds for all five years of your life.” 

When Solstice didn’t move from his spot and continued to talk to Fall slowly, he lowered his knife and took a step closer. He looked at him, then back at the photo. It’s the same person… 

“I want to help you, Fall,” Solstice continued. “I want to help all of you. I plan to free you and the other Sanses from their bondage. But I won’t force you.” 

“There are others like me?” Fall sat down in front of Solstice, looking up at him curiously. “Like, my same species?” 

“Yes, there are monsters like you. They correlate with the other seasons. Winter, Summer, Spring, you were supposed to meet each other, but others have ulterior motives…” The goat sighed, patting his fingers on his knees repeatedly. “Thanks to your friend, I’m able to be here with you today to rescue you.” 

A loud explosion sounded outside. Fall turned his head abruptly, worried. That means I need to hurry up… 

Solstice noticed it, too. “I don’t have much time,” his voice became a whisper and rushed. “This might be my only chance to rescue you from your father.” He extended his hand, concern in his eyes as he glanced toward the window once more. 

“Are you dumb? I need to prove to my dad I'm a good son!” Fall frowned, standing up. "I... need him to be proud of me."

“He’s manipulating you. There will be nothing that you can do to earn his approval. He will use you for evil, but I’m here to end that,” Solstice stood up, his hand still extended toward the kid. “I don’t want you to endure the pain you’ll face. I promise you will feel at peace and free when you come with me. I don’t have much to go by, but not enough time…” 

Fall watched as desperation filled the old goat’s eyes. He glanced behind Solstice, where Fall!Asgore was standing. 

“Trust him, kid. I do. Your father isn’t up to anything good. He will help you,” Fall!Asgore said. 

Fall heard the final explosion outside. He could return to his father and continue to try to earn his approval by obeying everything he said, only to be met with more tasks and disappointment. Deep down, he felt like his actions were wrong, and these kind strangers confirmed that. 

The goats didn’t attack him when he came in; unlike previous times, he’s broken into other places. They were kind and patient and showed no disappointment toward him. They looked like they wanted to help, and Fall believed them. 

“Okay,” Fall took Solstice’s hand. “Does this mean I don’t have to rake leaves anymore?” 

Solstice smiled, guiding Fall out of the bedroom and toward the back door. “No, you won’t have to rake leaves anymore.” He sighed in relief, yelling something to Fall!Asgore. “Thank you again, my faithful steed. Protect your house and your family!” 

Fall!Asgore nodded, smiling softly. “Thank you for rescuing him.”