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Kris walks through the portal. Apparently, it functioned as a stand in for a door, as they walk out of a mechanical sliding door and into a room. It’s all very sci-fi. There are people sitting in chairs, with their heads in some sort of headset.
Kris: They look kinda like blow dryers.
Haarc walks over. They’re carrying a clipboard. They sound all business, like a secretary.
Haarc: Ah, hello. You must be Kris. Our final contestant. Right this way. We’ll get you registered.
Haarc briskly walks over to a desk. Kris follows, still kind of in awe of the room.
Haarc: Right, you know what you’re getting into, don’t you?
Kris snaps out of their trance.
Kris: Huh? Uh, yeah, what’s going on?
Haarc sighs.
Haarc: Really now. Do you know the Hunger Games?
Kris: Uh, the book? I’ve never read it before, but I know a couple of things. Uh, not a lot though.
Haarc: Well, this is like the Hunger Games.
Kris looks taken off guard, and concerned.
Kris: Wait, what?
Haarc rolls their eyes.
Haarc: Oh relax! It’s a video game based off the hunger games. A simulation.
They look down at their clipboard, checking something.
Haarc: Hack couldn’t handle the REAL hunger games. They’d get too choked up watching all their friends die. And probably something about not wanting to psychologically torment you. They just don’t have the guts for that sort of thing.
Kris’s eyes widen.
Kris: Hack? How do they know about Hack? No one’s supposed to know about Hack!
Haarc: Oh, and just so you know, no one here knows each other. That means your parents won’t know you, or even each other.
They sigh again.
Haarc: Honestly, Hack needs to tell you these things before you get here. Context is important, especially when traveling between AUs.
Kris is shaking ever so slightly. They speak with determination, but their voice wavers.
Kris: H-how do you know about Hack?
Haarc waves their hand dismissively.
Haarc: Oh, that’s not important.
Kris: Uh, yeah, kinda is!
Haarc looks at them dismissivly, and gives another sigh.
Haarc: Look, let’s just leave it as I know things.
Kris: What things?
Haarc mutters, annoyed.
Haarc: Honestly…
They snap, clearly annoyed.
Haarc: Look, let’s just say I’m an AU traveler like you. Or…whatever. The point is, I know things, and my memories transfer between AUs.
They massage their forehead.
Haarc: Look, will you just get in the chair? The game’s about to start.
*Buzz!*
They’ve got a point.
Kris hisses under their breath.
Kris: Who are they? How do they know you?
Haarc: Oh, quit talking to them.
They usher Kris into a chair.
Haarc: The prize is a million dollars. Good luck.
Kris glares.
Kris: We aren’t finished talking about this.
Haarc sighs, tired.
Haarc: No, I suppose not. Ta ta, and best of luck.
The helmet lowers, and Kris spawns in.
Asriel exclaims, relieved yet sassy.
Asriel: Finally, the last player!
Susie grumbles.
Susie: Took you long enough.
Ralsei: Alright everybody! Best of luck!
3…2…1…START!
The barriers drop down, and everyone spawns into the cornucopia.
Kris: Guess this is where the Hunger Games started in the book?
*Buzz!*
Get running!
Kris: Right!
Kris starts running. They aren’t really sure where they’re going. An announcement pops up in front of them. They are in a simulation, after all.
*A Player has died*
They hear an elated voice calling out.
Voice: First kill of the game, baby!
Kris: Who’s that? I don’t recognize them.
Kris ducks behind a rock.
Kris: Hey Hack, who all’s in this game?
You know most people here. There are a couple you don’t. They all live in your world though.
Well, that’s what I assume.
Kris: You assume?
Like I said earlier, we only have 2 out of 7 chapters out so far. I don’t know everything.
Kris notices Alphys running past, holding something. A shield.
Kris: A shield? That could be useful.
They peek out from behind the rock.
Kris: There’s lots of stuff there. I should get some.
They stand up and start running towards the center. As they run, they trip over Sans.
Kris: Ah!
He snaps grumpily at them.
Sans: Hey! Watch it, kid.
But before they know what’s happening, something nearby explodes. The explosion kills them.
Asgore: Ha ha!
Kris’s helmet lifts off them. They blink, adjusting back to the brightness of the real world.
Sans: Oh, come on!
Queen: You have got to be kidding me.
Kris stands up, seeing a grumbling Queen and Sans sitting in their chairs, with their helmets raised too.
Sans sighs, and stands up with a smile. He looks like he’s accepted it.
Sans: Welp. I gave it my best shot.
Queen gets up, still sulking.
Queen: Who killed me? I want to make sure they lose.
Haarc walks over, clipboard in hand.
Haarc: You three were killed by Asgore setting off an explosion. Come with me to get your viewing tablets.
They look at Kris.
Haarc: To monitor other people in the match.
The three follow Haarc and receive their tablets. They take a seat in the lobby, and Kris notices Lancer already sitting there.
Kris: Hey, we all have nametags. Well, that’s pretty handy.
Kris starts up a conversation.
Kris: Hey Lancer.
Lancer looks up.
Lancer: Huh?
Kris: Who killed you?
He looks back down at his tablet.
Lancer: Oh. Papyrus. I was the first kill of the run.
He sticks his tongue out, like Kris has seen him do so many times. He looks down.
Kris tries to be reassuring.
Kris: Well, I’m sorry you didn’t win.
Lancer: That’s alright.
He starts speaking more expressively.
Lancer: I just wish I wasn’t the first one to die. So embarrassing.
Queen: Kris, you joining in the betting?
Kris: What?
Sans: We’re betting on who’s gonna win.
Kris: Like, with money?
Queen: Tournament entry tokens.
*Buzz!*
You need those in order to get into the games. You win them by winning at other video games.
It’s a whole worldbuilding thing.
Kris: Oh. Neat.
Sans: So? You in?
Kris: Uh….I think I’ll sit this one out, thanks. My mom told me not to gamble.
They give a small and polite smile. But it’s still awkward and a little forced.
Queen shrugs.
Queen: Suit yourself. Lancer, how about you?
Lancer: Uhhhhhh.
He looks thoughtful.
Lancer: Maybe later.
Jockington slithers into view.
Jockington: So not fair.
Kris grins.
Kris: Hey Jockington. How about you? Who did you in?
Jockington: Spamton. Threw a knife into my head when I wasn’t looking.
Lancer: Papyrus strangled me!
Jockington nods sympathetically.
Jockington: First blood, huh?
He turns to Kris.
Jockington: How about you?
Sans interrupts.
Asgore killed all three of us with an explosion.
Jockington: That was you guys?
He grins.
Jockington: Sick. Explosive deaths are the coolest.
He flops down on the couch.
Jockington: Have we started betting?
Sans: We’re waiting till after the bloodbath.
Jockington nods.
Jockington: Always a smart move.
Kris: Is there a way I can bet without actually gambling?
Kris mutters to themself, but Jockington hears them.
Jockington: Yeah, dude. You can say whatever you want. Making predictions without the means to back it up. Nothing illegal bout that.
Kris: Oh.
Kris: I wasn’t really talking to him. I was talking to Hack.
Kris smiles politely.
Kris: Uh, thanks!
Jockington: No prob.
Noelle walks into view, along with another man who Kris doesn’t recognize. He’s a tall skeleton monster, with cracks in his skull and holes in his hand. His name tag reads ‘Gaster’.
Noelle smiles cheerily. She seems to be taking the defeat well.
Noelle: Man, Catti’s one tough fighter!
Gaster: Agreed. I can’t believe she took both of us out.
She smiles sympathetically.
Noelle: Maybe we would have had better luck if we teamed up.
Gaster: Perhaps.
He beams.
Gaster: At least we get to gamble now! That’s my favorite part.
Noelle gives him a weird look.
Noelle: Really?
Gaster sits on the couch and leans in excitedly.
Gaster: Oh yes, and we’ve got quite a roster here too. So many previous champions. And so many promising newcomers, too!
Gaster: Like Catti! Killing us both. Very impressive.
Jockington: Yeah, I’ve played some games with Catti before. She’s pretty good.
Kris: Wait, some people have already won this game before?
Gaster nods enthusiastically.
Gaster: Oh yes! I always do research on my fellow players. I know all about this industry.
He rambles excitedly.
Gaster: For example, Sans over there has won the hunger game twice before! And donated money to charity both times.
Kris: Donated money?
Gaster: Yes, we have quite a few donators in this group. Jockington and Noelle here pledged to donate as well. And so did Sans.
Kris: Donate to what?
Gaster: Well, Sans wanted to donate to various food pantries, Noelle wanted to help fight climate change, and Jockington was going to donate to a charity about sports for kids with physical disabilities.
Kris is impressed, and looks at the others, chatting.
Kris: Oh. Oh, wow. That’s really cool of them.
Gaster: Queen and Lancer were going to keep the money if they won.
Kris tries to say something, but are caught off guard by someone walking in through the door.
Kris: ….A-asriel?
He rubs his neck and grumbles.
Asriel: Stupid Berdly….
Noelle perks up, and looks thoughtful.
Noelle: Berdly…I recognize that name….
She snaps her fingers and smiles.
Noelle: Oh! Yeah, I’ve played some games with him before. I killed him in the last Hunger Games I did.
Asriel slumps down on the couch, sulking.
Asriel: He got me with a poison dart. Me! And I couldn’t find a stinkin cure.
Gaster gestures to Asriel and says knowingly.
Gaster: This is Asriel. He’s had 3 victories, and tied once. He was going to donate his money to a game studio.
Asriel glares. He’s still sore from his loss.
Asriel: And how’d you die?
Gaster: Me and Noelle were killed fighting Catti.
Jevil skips into the room.
Jevil: Ho ho hello everybody!
He sits on the couch. He carries himself flamboyantly, and seems proud that he got killed.
Jevil: King and Ralsei worked together to drown me! I was killed by two people at once because they thought I was a threat!
He sighs dreamily.
Jevil: Ah, that feels nice.
Gaster: Jevil’s never won, and he probably wouldn’t donate the money.
Jevil claps his hands.
Jevil: I gave you my death, now you give me yours!
Lancer: Strangled by Papyrus as first blood.
Sans: Me and Queen and Kris got taken out by Asgore’s explosive.
Gaster: Oh, me and Noelle were killed when fighting Catti, and Asriel got shot with a poison dart by Berdly.
Jevil cheers and laughs carefreely.
Jevil: Wonderful, wonderful! Have we started the gambling?
Queen rolls her eyes. This guy clearly annoys her.
Queen: The bloodbath isn’t even over yet.
Lancer: Actually, it looks like they’re clearing out.
Queen grabs for her tablet impatiently.
Queen: Oh, finally!
She gives a devious and sinister smile.
Queen: Now, things get really good.
Everyone eagerly watches their tablets. Kris pulls up theirs as well.
Kris: Can’t hurt, I guess.
Ralsei: Fuck!
Kris: Was that Ralsei?!
Kris switches over to Ralsei’s tab. He’s sucking on one of his fingers, standing next to a thorny berry bush.
Kris: I didn’t know he could swear.
Jockington: Catti, watch your back!
Kris: Huh?
Sans: Toriel’s stalking her. She might go in for the kill.
Jevil cries enthusiastically.
Jevil: Oh, I hope so!
Asriel seems a little annoyed still, but he keeps his frustration to just a grumble. He seems much calmer. And he speaks like he knows what he’s talking about.
Asriel: It looks more like she’s biding her time.
Noelle chews on her finger.
Noelle: How’s everyone’s supplies? We should start taking notice so we can start gambling.
Queen: Napstablook is just now leaving the Cornucopia. I guess they hid there while everyone was fighting earlier.
Sans: Smart. They get some extra supplies that way.
Noelle: Alphys has a shield.
Lancer: Undyne has a shovel.
Jevil: Roulx took a pair of sais.
Lancer: What’s a sai?
Jevil: It’s like a knife.
Gaster: MK ran away before he could get anything. And from what I saw, it seems Susie scared off Toriel.
Jockington: Hey, hey! We got a kill!
Queen: What? Who?
Jockington: Undyne is strangling MK!
Lancer: Another strangulation? It’s real popular this game.
Kris stares as MK struggles to get out of Undyne’s grasp, eventually falling limp.
Jockington: Annnnnnd they’re down!
Jevil: Oh, goody!
Kris: Is it…wrong to get excited about this stuff?
Kris: Hack, is it wrong to get excited about this stuff?
Hack: No. It’s just a game, Kris.
Kris: Oh. Yeah…
They still look a bit hesitant. MK joins everyone sitting in the room as Gaster goes over how they all died. Kris notices the name ‘Papyrus’.
Kris: Isn’t that the guy who killed Lancer? Huh, never heard of him before. Let’s take a look….
They switch over to his tab and see him fishing, peaceful and carefree.
Kris: Huh. He doesn’t look like much. Not someone who would get the first kill.
Gaster leans over to Kris. He speaks quietly.’
Gaster: Hey-
Kris: Agh!
Kris jerks back in surprise.
Gaster quickly apologizes.
Gaster: Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to tell you that MK has won before, and he’s not donating the money this time either.
Kris: Um….okay?
Kris: Why does he keep telling me all this?
Kris gives him a weird and confused yet thankful look.
*Buzz!*
Kris glances at their phone.
You game for a time skip?
Kris: Yeah, I’m down.
Time skip to the end of night one. Asgore and Spamton are now here.
Noelle: Alphys’s reaction when she found that river was priceless!
Gaster: Well, she won her last game because of a river.
Lancer: Papyrus sure has some guts, fishing in the middle of all this.
Queen: Hey, don’t doubt the fishing strats.
Queen: They connected him with Alphys, and they got a safe night.
Lancer: Well I guess…
On the other side, Asriel is dying laughing.
Asriel: Oh man, and you thought begging to be killed would help you win?
Asgore pouts.
Asgore: Reverse psychology works, you know. It worked with Roulx and King!
Asriel: I can’t tell if King is smarter or dumber than Susie to not kill him.
Kris: So, Susie killed dad? Cause he asked her to? Why would he ask her to? I don’t see what reverse psychology would do here.
Spamton: So, how’d you die?
Kris turns and notices Spamton sitting next to them.
Kris: Oh, uh, Asgore had a bomb. You?
Spamton: Napstablook took me out with sais. That ghost is brutal.
He shudders.
Spamton: They just went ham on me!
Kris: He looks….better. He’s not insane here.
Kris frowns slightly, reminded of their home.
Kris: I’m happy for him, really. I just wish…I could be back home where he is insane. At least my friends and family are there.
Jevil walks back into the room, waving the tablet above their head triumphantly.
Jevil: I clipped Berdly’s monolouge!
The room erupts in cheers.
Kris: Monolouge?
Spamton: Yeah, the one where he questioned his sanity? Weren’t you listening?
Spamton gives Kris a puzzled look.
Kris: Uh…
Kris: Guess that happened during the timeskip.
Kris: ….I musta missed it.
Spamton: Well, it was pretty funny. We have it clipped if you wanna take it home.
Kris: Yeah, sure, I’ll do that.
Kris says absentmindedly.
Haarc walks to the front of the room cheerfully.
Haarc: Alright, alright, everyone, settle down.
The room quiets.
Haarc: Let’s start the betting!
Haarc: First off, Lancer. You in or not?
Lancer shakes his head.
Lancer: I, uh, don’t have a lot of coins.
Haarc: So nothing for you? Alright!
Haarc jots that down on their tablet clipboard.
Haarc: Sans, how about you? What can I put you down for?
Sans: Put me down for 5 on Toriel.
Haarc: 5 on Toriel, got it.
They look down and record it on their board, then look back up.
Haarc: Kris?
Kris: Huh? Oh…
Haarc: Ah, I see you don’t have any extra. That’s alright. Better luck next time!
Kris: They obviously knew that. Why would they even ask?
Kris grumbled.
Queen: Oh you know I’m in. 8 on Ralsei!
Haarc: Yes ma'am! Jockington?
Jockington: I’m gonna hold off for now. It’s too early to tell.
Haarc: Gaster?
Gaster: I’ll pass on this round too.
Haarc: Noelle?
Noelle: Ah, I’m not gambling this time.
Haarc: Understandable. Asriel?
Asriel: Yeah, I’m holding off too.
Haarc: Jevil?
Jevil: Same. No one’s stood out to me this far.
Haarc: MK, how about you?
MK: Uh….well….
Everyone looks at MK. They gulp nervously, and then speak out in confidence.
MK: You know what, screw it! I’ll bet on King! And I’ll say….12 coins!
Haarc: Very nice!
Haarc beams.
Haarc: Asgore? You holding off this round too?
Asgore: Yes, I don’t think it’s time yet.
Asgore says sheepishly.
Haarc: And last but not least…Spamton! You in, buddy?
Spamton: Can’t. I’m broke.
Haarc: Ooh, what a shame! Now, that’s everyone for today. I’ll go put the results in as they finish the night cycle.
Haarc saunters out of the room.
Lancer turns to Kris excitedly. So, who do you think is gonna win?
Kris: What? Uh….
Spamton chimes in.
Spamton: Or who are you gunning for?
Lancer: I’m hoping for Alphys! She seems cool. She’s not using very aggressive tactics either.
Lancer: How about you…
He glances down at Kris’s nametag.
Lancer: …Kris?
Kris glances away, a bit uncomfortable. They do have social anxiety, after all.
Kris: Ah, I really can’t say.
Lancer: Come on! You’ve gotta have someone!
Kris: Well, if I had to pick, I’d say…..
Kris looks down at their tablet. While Alphys and Papyrus are chatting away, Toriel, Roulx, Susie, Ralsei, and Berdly are all sleeping in shifts. Berdly just gave his turn over to Ralsei.
Kris: Um…I think Catti has a good chance of winning. She seems pretty tough.
Noelle slides over in a rolly chair.
Noelle: Tough? Catti? I don’t know. She’s certainly aggressive, but she couldn’t get close to Undyne’s fire even with Napstablook and King helping her out.
Spamton leans over, frowning.
Spamton: Well they weren’t a united front.
Noelle: Still…
Kris: So, do you think Undyne’s gonna win then?
Noelle: What? No. That probably took a lot out of her. Personally, I’m cheering for Napstablook. I actually follow them on SoundCloud.
Lancer: How cool!
Spamton: I want Ralsei to win, but you really shouldn’t place your bets based on your feelings. That’s how I lost a bunch of coins.
Noelle: Hahaha!
The next day in game starts.Time is moving fast.
MK: I can’t believe those 4 raided Undyne’s camp! Teaming up? How rude!
Queen: I don’t know why you’re upset. You bet on King, and I bet on Ralsei. Both of our people got ahead this way.
MK: Still….
They sigh.
MK: I’ve had my camp raided before, and it sucks.
MK: Plus, what did Undyne even do to Toriel, Roulx, and Ralsei?! I get King, he was there last night, but why those other three? How did they even manage to find her camp?!
They huff angrily.
Sans: Hey, Susie got water from a sponsor!
The room murmurs.
Jevil: What? Water?
Jockington: Can’t believe they got a water sponsor on day two. Lucky.
Jevil shows his tablet to Gaster.
Jevil: So? What do you think of Berdly’s homemade wooden spear?
Gaster: Not the worst I’ve seen, but I’ve seen better. Napstablook’s shack, on the other hand….
Noelle: I know! They’re so handy, aren’t they?
Asriel: Looks like everyone but you has mastered the ‘begging to be killed’ tactic, old man.
Asgore: Oh come on! Papyrus and Alphys. Sigh. Maybe that guy’s smarter than I thought.
Asriel: Well, I don’t have high hopes for anyone who uses that strat, or anyone who falls for it.
Asriel smirks rudely.
Asriel: Just look at you!
Lancer talks to Kris.
Lancer: So what’s your pick up to?
Kris: Huh? Catti? Oh, uh…
They check their tablet.
Kris: Exploring the arena.
Kris: You know, that’s actually a smart move. She might win this.
Gaster nods.
Gaster: It would be her first win.
Kris: Seriously, why is this guy talking to me?
After a big enough timeskip to where it’s night, Jevil and Spamton are yelling at each other.
Spamton: She’s trying her best!
Jevil: So? She still sounds stupid! I’m clipping it!
Spamton: Don’t you dare!
He grabs Jevil and the two start wrestling.
Kris is totally taken by surprise by all this.
Kris: Wait, what’s happening? What did I miss?
Sans is sitting next to them, filming the fight, and answers. He has a dumb grin on his face.
Sans: Alphys tried singing herself to sleep, but she’s not very good at it. Jevil wants to clip it, but Spamton says it would be mean.
Kris: Ah. Thanks.
Jevil yells.
Jevil: I bet you’re mad cause you sing even worse than her!
Spamton: Take that back right now!
Spamton starts strangling Jevil. Haarc bursts into the room.
Haarc: Alright, alright, that’s enough!
They push them apart and scold.
Haarc: No hurting each other.This is a public establishment. Don’t make me disqualify you.
They sigh and shake their head.
Haarc: Aren’t you adults? Act like it.
Haarc leaves, and time continues. The two send each other dirty looks.
Noelle: Toriel and Napstablook are talking about the other survivors. I wonder if they’ll team up.
Jevil: There’s always a chance. But sometimes it’s just nice to bounce ideas off of each other.
Jockington grumbles to Kris.
Jockington: Great, MORE shift sleepers.
Kris tries to be polite and respond.
Kris: Who?
Jockington: Undyne and Berdly, and Ralsei, Papyrus, King, and Catti.
Haarc walks in the room, with Susie on their heels.
Kris: Oh, Susie died?
Haarc: Alrighty, now it’s time to start the betting once again! And we’ve got a new death here.
Lancer asks cheerily.
Lancer: How’d you go?
Susie is clearly annoyed by her loss.
Susie: Got hurt when fighting Roulx, and he ‘put me out of my misery.’
She slinks down in a chair, arms crossed.
Susie: Stupid Roulx.
Haarc: Now, first off, we have….well, actually, if any of you, and by that I mean Lancer, Kris, Noelle, or Spamton, if any of you change your mind and want to bet, let me know now.
Spamton: I wish I could, but I don’t have the #$%@ing money!
Lancer: Hey, watch your language! But yeah, I uh, I don’t have a lot either. And I’m not really good at gambling anyway.
He frowns and sticks out his tongue sadly.
Kris just looks at Haarc.
Noelle: I really don’t like betting….Oh but maybe I’ll hold off on it for now.
Haarc: Got it. Lemme write that down….
Haarc: Okay! Jockington, you’re up first.
Jockington: Actually, I think I might not bet at all this game.
Haarc: Well, let me know if you change your mind.Gaster?
Gaster: I’m still going to have to hold off for now.
Queen: Boo! Boring!
Haarc: Now, now, Queen, don’t be mean.
Haarc: Asriel, my man! What can I put you down for?
Asriel: Nothing. Still waiting for this crowd to thin.
Haarc: Gotcha. Jevil?
Jevil: Might seem boring, but I’m gonna have to wait.
Haarc: Wow, everyone’s waiting! You can’t make as much if you wait, you know.
Haarc: Asgore, you’re up next.
Asgore: Well, you’ll be pleased to know I am betting.
Haarc: Excellent! On who?
Asgore: I’ll put one on Berdly.
Queen: Wow, just one? You expect to make any profit like that?
Haarc: Everyone bets differently Queen. Some people like going for the decimal stats.
Haarc mumbles.
Haarc: Don’t know why though.
They grin.
Haarc: But it does really piss off managment, and that’s awesome!
Haarc: That just leaves….Susie! I’ll cut you some slack and let you gamble tonight.
Susie: Oh, thanks.
Susie straightens up slightly.
Susie: Let’s go….13 on Catti.
Lancer: 13 on Catti?!
Noelle: Hey, Kris also thinks Catti will win.
Susie: Really?
She turns to them.
Susie: Guess you’ve got good taste.
Kris: Susie….
Kris’s gaze falters Then they give a smile, deciding not to worry about it.
Kris: Yeah.
Noelle: You still think she’s gonna win?
Kris: Even more now!
Kris agrees cheerfully, and Haarc discreetly exits the room.
Susie: Who do you think, Noelle?
Noelle: Who, me? Well…
Lancer: I have no idea anymore!
Lancer interrupts.
Lancer: I was rooting for Alphys earlier, but now I’m not so sure.
Susie: Hey, it’s rude to interupt.
She flicks his forehaed.
Lancer: Ouch!
Noelle: I-it’s fine. Truth be told, I’m not rooting for Napstablook as much anymore. I still would say I’m cheering them on, but not as much as yesterday.
Spamton walks over.
Spamton: Are we talking about who it’s gonna be? Cause I think Papyrus has a good shot.
Jockington, who also approached, chimes in.
Jockington: Papyrus? Why?
Spamton: I just got a good feeling!
Lancer: That explains how you lost all your money!
Spamton: Why, you….
Time speeds up. Kris is feeling a bit more encouraged because of the conversation.
Jevil: My my, so while King was hunting meat, Napstablook was hunting Undyne!
Asriel scoffs.
Asriel: I’d hardly call that a hunt. Napstablook just attacked her and she managed to escape. They didn’t have the fierceness of a hunter.
Spamton: I knew I was right to put my bets on Papyrus! Clean water from a sponsor already!
He turns to Susie.
Spamton: You were pretty lucky to get that fresh water sponsor on day two.
Susie: Yeah, they normally don’t start till day 3. It was a nice surprise.
Noelle: I can’t believe Roulx escaped from Alphys though. I’m sorry your killer got away.
Susie: It’s no big deal, I guess.
Susie shrugs and glances at the ground awkwardly.
At some point after a timeskip, Toriel enters. She’s having a conversation with Queen and Sans.
Toriel: So who poisoned my drink?
Queen: Ralsei. My guy.
Toriel: And how much did you bet on me?
Sans: Five coins. First round.
Toriel looks apologetic.
Toriel: I’m sorry you lost your money because of me.
Sans shrugs nonchalantly.
Sans: Eh, win some, lose some.
Lancer chats with Kris.
Lancer: So, between Berdly’s camouflage, and Catti’s sponsored hatchet, who do you think has the better advantage?
Kris: What? Uh…Catti, for sure.
They nod.
Kris: Berdly’s camo isn’t that good. And it’s homemade. Meanwhile, a sponsored hatchet is a sponsored hatchet. She can definitely get some kills with that.
Gaster: Well, that would work if Undyne didn’t just destroy all of Catti’s supplies.
Susie yells from the distance.
Susie: Oh, come on!
Asgore: I just feel like Papyrus shouldn’t let Roulx into his shelter.
Jockington: But Papyrus does have a pretty good track record. He’s stayed alive this long.
Asgore: Are you thinking of betting on him?
Jockington: Maybe….
Noelle: Poor Ralsei. I remember when I got the ‘awoken by nightmares effect’. It sucks.
Gaster nods sympathetically.
Gaster: Those do indeed suck.
MK: Nooooo! Whyyyyyy?!
MK’s head drops after a devastated yell. People give them glances, but they don’t approach. Some even chuckle.
Kris: Rude….
Hack: Then why don’t you say hi?
Kris: I…okay I will!
Kris cautiously approaches MK.
Kris: Hey, uh…you okay?
MK sits up looking crestfallen and close to tears.
MK: No! Berdly just died!
Kris: Uh, a-and…..why is that bad?
MK: I bet 12 coins on him!
MK yells angrily. Kris backs up.
Kris: Oh, okay, um.
Kris: ….I’m sorry for your loss? Better luck next time?
MK: Ugh! So frustrating!
Kris glances around.
Kris: This is so uncomfortable. I don’t know what to do.
Just then Haarc brings Berdly in.
Haarc: Hey, everything alright in here?
MK sighs.
MK: Yes-
Then they notice Berdly.
MK: You!
They sound somewhat angry, but somewhat unsure.
Berdly approaches them.
Berdly: Hey, I’m just as upset as you are. Getting caught off guard by that Napstablook character really bugged me. But that’s just what happens in this game.
He puts his hand around their shoulder.
Berdly: Lemme guess, first time betting.
MK: ….Yeah.
MK mutters sadly.
Berdly: Hey, it happens to all of us! Lighten up!
He playfully nudges his shoulder.
Berdly: How much did you lose?
MK sniffs.
MK: 12.
Berdly: Ah, that’s too bad. But you know what? It coulda been worse. Besides, what is life without a little risk?
As Berdly keeps talking to MK, Kris heads back to a couch.
Kris: Berdly seems so mature here.
Gaster: That’s Berdly. He’s a veteran at these games.
Gaster pops out of nowhere and scares Kris half out of their skin.
Kris: Jesus!
They glare.
Kris: Don’t sneak up on me like that!
Gaster: Sorry, sorry.
Asgore: Well, I’d consider myself a veteran too.
Asriel: Yeah, right. All you know is psychology tricks.
Asgore: No, really!
Asgore: Look at King and Alphys. Both of them are thinking about winning.
Asriel rolls his eyes.
Asriel: Whatever, ‘Mr. Psychologist.’
Kris: Wow, this Asriel is really rude and disrespectful. Especially to dad.
They look down frowning, conflicted.
Kris: I’m not sure how to feel about that.
They’re different from the people you know.
Kris: Yeah, I know…
Kris mumbles.
Haarc: Lancer, still a no?
Lancer: Yep!
Haarc: Kris, you’re obviously out.
Haarc: Jockington, decided to participate yet?
Jockington: Actually, yeah. I’m placing my bet.
Haarc: Excellent! Who and how much?
Jockington: 3 on Alphys.
Haarc: You got it! Gaster?
Gaster: Ahem. Alright, this might seem a little controversial….
Gaster: But 20 on Papyrus!
Lancer: Wow! All 20!
Susie: Now that’s impressive.
Sans: Really putting all your eggs in one basket, huh?
Gaster shrugs.
Gaster: If I lose, I lose.
Haarc: A controversial choice. I love it.
They give a mischievous grin.
Haarc: Noelle, how about you?
Noelle: Well….
Noelle shakes her head.
Noelle: N-no, not right now. Maybe later…or maybe not. We’ll see.
Haarc: Mkay. Asriel?
Asriel: Nah. I’ll see what they do at the feast tomorrow. They’ve all been playing it safe so far.
Haarc: Jevil?
Jevil: Honestly, unless someone catches my eye tomorrow, I’ll just give up on betting this game.
Haarc: Well, your choice. Susie, you’re up.
Susie: I’ll wait till the feast too.
Haarc: Toriel?
Toriel: Oh, I never bet.
Haarc: If you’re sure. And finally, Berdly.
Berdly: You kidding? I love betting! I’ll throw 13 on Papyrus.
Haarc: My my! Papyrus certainly seems to be the popular choice. If that’s all for tonight, I’ll be heading out.
Noelle: Whoa. I didn’t take you for the betting kind, Berdly.
Berdly: Are you kidding? I love it. It’s great. And I love hearing people’s predictions. It’s so fun.
Berdly grins and addresses the group around Kris.
Berdly: Who do you all think is gonna win?
Lancer: I’m thinkin Catti! Kris has been on the Catti train this whole time, and she’s still in the game!
Berdly: Really? So you think Catti’s got a chance?
Kris: Well, yeah. And at this point I want her to win.
Kris: It’d be pretty cool if I was right.
Berdly: How about you, Noelle?
Noelle: I think it might be Alphys. She’s been in the game a long time too.
Noelle: Ah, I’m not confident enough to bet on it though!
Spamton butts in.
Spamton: Well, -I’m- rooting for Papyrus. At this point, there’s so much money on him!
Kris: Wait, didn’t you say you thought he would win last night? What, now you’re not certain?
Spamton: Correct! I’m certainly cheering for him though!
Spamton turns to Toriel, who is nearby.
Spamton: How about you, ma’am? Any wishes or hunches on who’ll take home the crown?
Kris: Mom…
Kris mutters. They feel a pang of homesickness, but brush it off.
Toriel: Ah, I don’t bet.
She says sheepishly.
Noelle: It’s not betting. Just sharing how you feel.
Toriel: Well, in that case…. I think Catti has a good chance of winning.
Lancer: Yeah! All aboard the Catti train!
Berdly: You got any hunches since your first pick lost, MK?
MK: ….
MK: No.
Kris: They still seem kinda upset.
Time passes. It’s time for the feast.
Noelle: Aw, Napstablook just threw a knife straight into Alphys’s head. Guess I’m glad I didn’t bet on her, fahaha.
Jockington groans.
Jockington: Aw, man! There go my 3 coins.
MK: Wow, Ralsei’s certainly stuffing that bag of food full. It’s almost impressive.
Sans: So, how’d you die?
King: You couldn’t tell?
Sans: It’s the feast. A lot is going on.
King: Fair enough. I was strangled by Papyrus.
Sans: Really? Interesting. Lancer was too.
King: Huh. Guess he likes that method.
Sans: Guess so.
Berdly: Kris, look at this.
Kris: Huh?
Bedly shows them their tablet.
Berdly: Look at Catti’s ‘memoir’.
Kris: That’s….just anime pictures.
Berdly: I know right? Why are they crying over it?
Kris: Uh….maybe it’s an act? Didn’t you do something like that earlier? With a monologue?
Berdly rolls his eyes.
Berdly: Please. A monologue is not the same as actually crying. Crying impairs your vision.
Berdly: Plus, this means she can cry on cue, which is impressive.
Kris blinks and looks slightly interested.
Kris: Yeah, I guess it is.
Berdly: And Undyne stole Roulx’s personal pictures.
Kris: Well that’s-
Kris: ….Wait, why would she do that.
Berdly: No idea. There’s no strategy behind that. Look, she’s teasing him with it.
Berdly pauses, looking confused but enlightened.
Berdly: Wait, do you think she’s….flirting with him?
Say sike right now.
Ew no
Never
wtf
Kris puts their phone back in their pocket.
Kris: Uh….no.
Kris: She’s gay, Berdly.
Berdly: She is?
Kris: Yeah.
Berdly: How can you tell?
Kris: Cause….gaydar?
Berdly: Oh. Well, I guess not everything can be explained with science. I suppose I’ll have to trust you on that.
He shrugs and walks away.
Lancer: Whoop whoop! Catti is totally taking this home! Look at her. Teaming up to hunt the others.
Jevil: Napstablook, Roulx, and Undyne are there too. Do they even know there are only two other tributes left?
Lancer: Maybe they think they’re a big enough deal to hunt them down.
The room erupts in noise.
Spamton: No, NOOOOOOOOO!
Gaster throws down his tablet and covers his face with his hands.
Gaster: Damnit!
Queen: Hahahahaha! In your faces!
Kris: Wh-what happened?
Berdly looks over at them. He’s slumped forward with a look of defeat on his face.
Berdly: Ralsei ambushed Papyrus. He’s dead.
Kris. Ohhhhhh.
Kris: That sucks, man. I’m sorry.
Berdly sighs halfheartedly.
Berdly: It’s alright. I’m used to it.
Queen taunts Gaster.
Queen: My tribute’s better~ my tribute’s better~!
Gaster: Damn you, woman!
Spamton: Papyrus, why?!?!?!
Papyrus steps in the doorway of the room, notices the situation, and turns around and leaves.
Kris: Why is Spamton upset though? He didn’t bet anything.
Berdly sighs.
Berdly: I don’t know, man. Maybe cause he was cheering for him. You know how competitive some people can get.
After another timeskip, things seem to have settled down. Papyrus is in the room now, and is chatting with Asgore.
Papyrus: So you lost money on Berdly too?
Asgore: Sure did.
Asgore: Oh dear. There goes Undyne’s supplies.
Papyrus: Ralsei certainly is brutal. And he came out of nowhere, too!
Asgore: Yes. But Queen’s had her money on him since the beginning.
Papyrus: She must have good intuition.
Susie sighs.
Susie: Hey Catti.
Catti: Hey.
Catti: How much did you bet?
Susie: 13 coins.
Catti gives a low whistle.
Catti: That’s rough.
Susie: Yeah, and you’ve had a bunch of people on your side.
Catti: Oh? Who?
Susie: Well, Lancer and Toriel recently started cheering for you as of last round.
She points to them as she speaks.
Susie: And Kris has been on your side since the beginning.
Catti nods.
Catti: Hey.
Kris nods back.
Kris: Hey.
Catti: Thanks for cheering for me.
Kris: No problem.
Kris: Who got you, anyway? Sorry, I wasn’t really paying attention.
Catti: It’s chill. Roulx got me for my supplies.
Kris: That’s rough.
Catti: Yeah.
Alphys: Seriously, how did they even get infected?
Asriel: Ugh, I don’t know. I haven’t been watching them.
Alphys: Seriously? I’m trying to see if this could be a lethal infection or not. Nobody’s noticed a thing?
Alphys: You’ve been here since the beginning.
Asriel: Yeah, whatever.
Alphys: Did you even bet on anyone?
Asriel: No. And I’m probably not gonna bet on this Napstablook. They don’t look strong enough. Plus they might not even be able to treat this infection.
Alphys: Well, then who are you gonna bet on?
At that moment, Haarc walked in.
Haarc: Let’s get started on tonight’s betting! I’m expecting a big turnout!
Kris: They’re acting like a gameshow host.
Lol.
Haarc: Who do we have?
Haarc: Let’s see, Jockington, Gaster…ah, Noelle! Have you made your decision yet?
Noelle: Actually….yeah! 25% chance, right? I’ll pick……Undyne!
Haarc: Right, and how much?
Noelle: Uh….6.
Noelle: (Eep! This is so exciting!)
Haarc: Let me check my list, annnnd….Asriel. In or out?
Asriel: Out. Nobody worth staking my money on.
Haarc: Ah, that’s a shame. Jevil?
Jevil: I have to agree with Asriel.
Haarc: You too, huh? Toriel?
Toriel: Oh no, I’m not betting.
Haarc: Aw, at least keep it in mind for later!
Haarc: Alright then, Alphys.
Alphys: I’ve barely seen anyone. I’m not placing any bets yet.
Haarc: Well, hurry up, cause with only 4 more candidates, you’re running out of time.
Haarc: King, can I put you down for something?
King: Oh, I’m definitely waiting too. Who bets on their first chance?
Haarc: Bah! Papyrus?
Papyrus: Sorry, but waiting is the smart thing to do.
Haarc: Okay, okay, I get it. You’re waiting too, Catti?
Catti: No, I’m actually betting. 11 on Ralsei.
Haarc: Oh, goody! That’s everyone. Ciao!
Gaster: Well, who does everyone think is going to win? We’re almost all here now.
Berdly: Or who are you cheering for? It’s the homestretch, you know.
Catti: I don’t have a clue. Could be Ralsei, could not be Ralsei. I don’t care that much.
Berdly: Ah, you’re a hardcore gamer, huh? Leaving it up to rnJesus?
Catti: You know it.
Queen: Seriously? You aren’t cheering for Ralsei? Well, I am. I bet 8 coins on him! He better win!
Papyrus: I don’t know much, but if I had to pick….. I’d say Napstablook looks like a winner.
Asriel: Seriously? They really don’t
Papyrus: Well that’s a little rude.
Alphys: Yeah, ignore him, he’s rude.
Asgore: Can confirm.
Asriel: Oh, shut up.
King jumps in to redirect the conversation.
King: I think Roulx Kaard will win.
Alphys: It’s really impossible to tell with all the information I have.
Berdly: But who’s your favorite?
Alphys shrugs.
Alphys: Don’t have one. Sorry. Do you?
Berdly: I actually have a guess as to who will win.
Berdly: Ralsei’s looking pretty good right now.
Toriel: I agree with Alphys. I really can’t pick favorites.
Susie: Yeah, me neither. All the cool people are gone.
Papyrus: Okay, that’s really very rude!
Spamton: I’m cheering for Ralsei, but my judgment is not known to be the best.
Noelle: You change who you’re cheering for really quickly.
Spamton: Well, who are you cheering for?
Noelle: Seriously? Take a guess.
Noelle: I voted for Undyne, and I know she can win. I hope…
Noelle: No, she will!
Asgore: Well, I think Ralsei will win.
MK: Yeah! The winner is clearly gonna be Ralsei!
Jevil: I’ve got a feeling that Roulx will take home the crown.
Asriel: Seriously?
Papyrus: Well, who do YOU think will win?
Papyrus frowns at him.
Asriel: Don’t know, don’t care.
Papyrus: Then stop being so negative!
Sans: Papyrus, just let it go. Don’t get riled up by him, it’s just what he wants.
Asriel: Hmph! Speak for yourself.
Sans sighs. Gaster intervenes, directing the conversation back to the subject.
Gaster: I think Undyne will win too, Noelle.
Noelle: THANK you. Glad to know someone’s on my side here.
Jockington: I’m rooting for Ralsei.
Noelle: Oh, not you too!
Noelle: What do you think, Kris?
Kris: Uh….
Kris: Sorry, Noelle, the Ralsei supporters have a good point.
Noelle groans.
Noelle: Maybe I should have bet on Ralsei.
Sans: Nope. Stick to your guns, kid. What;s done is done.
Noelle: Does that mean you support Undyne too?
Sans: Ah, no. I’m cheering for Roulx. But who knows what’ll happen.
Lancer: The Catti train was disbanded, so I have no idea who to side with anymore.
Cue Timeskip.
Ralsei and Roulx are in the room.The room seems excitable. Chatter buzzes in the air.
Kris whispers to Gaster, sitting next to them.
Kris: Hey, what’d I miss?
Gaster: Napstablook killed Ralsei for his supplies and Undyne snuck up on Roulx and snapped his neck. Now she’s lost, and they’re singing themself to sleep. They’re actually pretty good at it.
Haarc: Okay! Rapid fire!
Haarc: Toriel, you think I could change your mind about betting?
Toriel: No means no.
Haarc: Okay. Alphys?
Alphys: 1 on Undyne.
Haarc: Gotcha. King?
King: None for me.
Haarc: Papyrus? Last chance.
Papyrus: 9 for Napstablook.
Haarc: Alright!
Haarc: And now, for each of you to pick a side for who you think will win.Not for gambling, just for fun. And yes, it’s mandatory.
A popup appears on everyone’s tablets.
Haarc: Please select who you vote for!
Kris: Napstablook, I guess.
A moment passes as everyone taps away on their tablets.
Haarc: The final results!
Haarc flashes a hologram on the wall, listing who everyone voted for.
Napstablook - Papyrus, Kris, Sans, Asgore, Catti, MK, King,
Undyne - Alphys, Noelle, Gaster, Susie, Ralsei, Berdly, Toriel, Asriel, Jockington, Lancer, Queen, Jevil, Spamton, Roulx.
Haarc: And so, Undyne takes an overwhelming majority! See you at the end!
Time starts skipping.
Papyrus: I just don’t understand why Napstablook would steal Undyne’s memoirs.
Lancer: I mean, they’re probably setting up a trap.
Papyrus: But that’s just too mean!
Alphys: Papyrus, it’s a game about fighting to the death. Ethics aren’t really in play here.
Papyrus: That’s no excuse for poor sportsmanship.
Asgore: Undyne actually stole Roulx’s memoirs at the last feast.
Papyrus: What?! That’s so rude!
Sans: It’s just a game, Papyrus. It’s not like anything important actually went missing.
Alphys: Yeah, and isn’t it like when you asked me to kill you? It doesn’t really matter.
Papyrus: Ah-.
Lancer: Or when you killed me!
Papyrus: Well, that’s-
Papyrus: No, you’re right. And I’m sorry.
Alphys: It’s just a game. No hard feelings.
Lancer: That’s what it says in the NDA we have to sign to play this! No hard feelings allowed!
Queen: I’m just saying it’s kinda pathetic for Undyne to be running from Napstablook. Is this really champion behavior?
Jockington gestures to Queen, who is talking to a very confused and exasperated Spamton. Well, she’s talking to Roulx, but Spamton joined in the conversation.
Jockington; See what I mean?
Gaster: Yeah, that is weird.
Queen: Seriously, how could you let yourself be killed be someone like that?
Queen: And you fell for her taunting with your memoirs? Pathetic.
Gaster and Jockington approach.
Gaster: So…what exactly is going on here?
Jockington: Hell if I know, man.
Spamton: Queen’s spouting nonsense, is what’s happening! Old bat’s gone off the deep end!
Roulx: Em, I think she’s trying to bully me for dying to Undyne, and also backing her as champion.
Gaster stares in confusion.
Gaster: But…..she died first. In an attack that wasn’t specifically directed at her.
Gaster: And she voted for Undyne too????
Roulx: I know, I am very confused.
Gaster turns to Queen.
Gaster: Queen….you know he did better than you in the game, right? And that you voted for Undyne too?
Queen: Pah! So what? It’s still pathetic.
Jockington: Should we just….leave?
Gaster: Yeah, go. I’ll try to talk some sense into her.
Berdly: How do you even climb a tree with no legs?
Catti: Dude, that’s racist.
Berdly: No it’s not! I am asking a genuine question here!
MK: Sure, what’s next, are you going to comment on my lack of arms?
Berdly: ….How do you do things with no arms?
Noelle: Berdly!
Catti: Come on, man!
MK: Oh my god…
Berdly: What? I am just asking questions!
Noelle: Maybe a better question to ask would be, how do you fall asleep in a tree?
Berdly: Well, if you don’t roll around, it’s not hard. But back to the no legs thing-
MK: You don’t have feet. How do you wear pants?
Berdly: What? I…I just don’t. I don’t need to.
MK: Right, everyone has different standards of what they can and can’t do. That doesn’t make us any worse or better.
Berdly: I wasn’t saying that. That’s not even related to my question-
Asriel: Oh my god!
An annoyed Asriel marches over.
Asriel: Just shut up! Napstablook climbed the tree cause it’s a video game, okay? Just leave it. I do NOT want to have these discussions. I am too tired.
Catti: You weren’t even in the discussion…
King: But why would anyone cry themselves to sleep?
Ralsei: Hey, sometimes you just want to.
Jevil: But even in a video game? What’s she even crying about?
Toriel: The trauma of the killing, maybe?
Susie: Nah. Undyne wouldn’t be bothered by that. It’s just a game.
Timeskip. Kris is now in some back hallway somewhere. Haarc leans against the wall, holding a candy cigarette like a real one. They nod nonchalantly.
Haarc: Hey.
Kris: Hey..? Why am I-
Haarc: Undyne won. Everyone’s getting their money now.
Kris: Just like that? It’s kind of-
Haarc huffs.
Haarc: Yeah, now get lost! The game is done, and I don’t want to keep babysitting you.
They leave without looking back.
….rude.
Kris: Yeah.