Or, you can check me out at my main page, @bacchusbasil
Please note, I do NOT use a screenreader, so if you do PLEASE tell me anything I can do to make this masterpost, or the transcriptions, or my blog as a whole more accessible!
Here's a link to the AO3 version: archiveofourown.org/handplatestranscription
This is a common misconception because they’re such similar environments, but you should be aware that dads are native to Home Depot, while lesbians are actually native to Lowe’s. At this point, however, both dads and lesbians have made themselves at home in both Home Depot and Lowe’s to the point that trying to separate them back into their original ranges would probably do more harm than good to the delicate ecosystem of large chain hardware stores.
A properly raised and socialized Dad will be perfectly comfortable cohabiting with Lesbians. Its not really “encroaching on another’s territory”. You wouldn’t say that about foxes in a forest that also homes bobcats, would you? No. It’s just two different species that have both evolved to live in similar/the same environment. As long as they recognize each other as equals, Dads and Lesbians are more than capable of cohabitation.
Now, if you were to release a pack of Lumberjacks into a Lowes or Home Depot, that’s where chaos will reign. Being adapted to a far harsher and more demanding environment, the Lumberjacks would simply push Dads and Lesbians both out and also consume far more than a sustainable amount of resources. It would be like releasing bears at a country club.
As a former timber-harvester… I feel this is potentially accurate in theory. But highly improbable in actuality.
Lumberjacks, like most megafauna species generally require more space than the average hardware store, even a big box store could provide. The misconception is that Lumberjacks are a social species because of how they often work and live together.
This is a matter of necessity, not preference, and a survival technique for thriving under the LogBoss.
A “pack” of Lumberjacks, if not under the environmental pressure of a LogBoss will naturally disperse until they each have a wide territory.
Lumberjacks rarely fight for territory.
One on one, a Lumberjack could drive out a Dad or Lesbian, however the latter tend to travel in social packs.
Lumberjacks will passively retreat on the presence of large numbers of people. Kind of like Sasquatch.
Getting a “pack” of Lumberjacks assembled would be hard enough unless they were forced into a Hardware Store by a LogBoss. In that case, they would already be in a heightened and potentially agitated state far above their natural behavior. This artificial scenario can be likened to a circus animal running amok. If it had been in the wild, the incident would not have occurred.
Free-roaming Lumberjacks are the cryptids of the Hardware ecosystem. They are surprisingly quiet and unobtrusive.
Please stop labeling Lumberjacks as dangerous roving social predators. They are intermediate level omnivores and remarkably peaceful unless threatened.
question where does the “art student” or “DIYer” “crafter” or “soap maker” or “miniaturist“ etc. who has ventured into the store for supplies fall into the ecosystem/what is their impact of said ecosystem?
Most of the above are native to craft and hobby stores (art students, historically, are native to museums, but having been introduced to hobby stores, have found a niche for themselves and thrived), but all can be seen in hardware stores on occasion due to territorial overlap. They are generally low-impact, as they tend to stick to specific small areas and primarily utilize different resources. While a large group of any of them can be disruptive (art students, in particular, are known to travel in packs), in general, they are more likely to have territorial disputes with one another than with the local fauna.
A point of clarity -“crafter” is a bit misleading; while it conjures a specific image, much like ‘fish’ or ‘reptile’ it actually covers a broad array of wildly disparate species, and in general, more descriptive nomenclature is preferred. Fiber artists in particular are a genus to watch out for, particularly in groups. Beware a roving pack of domesticated quilters. They fear nothing, will go anywhere, and due to their social nature, will often seek interaction from other species that thrive best in solitude. They are quite friendly, and will happily adopt members of other species; the concern is that their adoptees do not always wish to be adopted.
I can say as a former craft store worker that if you wish to see true fear, look into the eyes of a Dad who must venture into a craft store. Despite the overlap of familiar beings known to him from his native hardware store habitat, Dads are instinctively aware that craft stores are not for them; they contain unfamiliar perils and even the seemingly familiar may have strange variances and unnerving secrets. (”Why is this airbrush so small? What do you mean nails, why would you… WUT!!”)
Only experienced silverbacks or the boldest young Dads dare venture into a craft store for long without his mate or offspring to keep roving Craft Ladies at bay and guide him in this strange ecosystem. If a Dad enters with his mate and is separated from her, he will often scuttle for the seeming familiarity of Woodcrafts, Models, or Paints (the latter not to be confused with Fine Arts, unquestioned territory of art students), but he eyes Scrapbooking and Jewelry with trepidation and will usually venture into those exotic areas only in the company of females of his pack.
Lumberjacks are rarely spotted entering craft stores of their own volition, for while they do not fear it as Dads do, they know it is an environment unsuited for megafauna such as themselves.
Hardware store Lesbians generally adapt more easily to craft stores, although they may enlist another Lesbian of a subspecies more adapted to that environment to guide them until they find their niche. Lesbians have even been known to seek the aid of a Craft Lady, a native fauna that share similarities with Lesbians but are usually smaller and nimbler to suit their chosen habitat. Dads who witness this are often awed by the Lesbians’ temerity, for although larger, Dads are generally wary of the cunning and dexterous Craft Ladies and may mistake their enthusiastic pack greetings as predatory swarming.
Craft Ladies, secure in their ecological niche, have no fear of interlopers and take the presence of non-native beings in stride, although they may become territorial about scarcer resources.
The only truly invasive species that threaten craft stores are Brides-to-Be, who are mere annoyances individually, but like locusts may descend in hordes and lay waste, leaving swathes of destruction in their wake. Fortunately for the Craft Ladies, Brides-to-Be are seasonal and usually only a threat in the spring and early summer.
Is anybody going to address the newly invasive species of BuJo enthusiasts into the craft store/art supply store environment? Why aren’t we talking about the dangerous proliferation of Leuchtturm 1917s and the growing threat of Dotted Moleskins? I had to liberate a Dad from a tangle of washi tape in the art supply store the other day and it wasn’t pretty.
The natural habitat of journalers was stationary stores, which have been replaced by office supplies stores, not the same. Journalers invade the craft stores and art supplies stores to get the markers and washi tape and Sakura pens they require for survival.
Another thing to note is all of those habitats must adapt to the seasonal migration of goths. As soon as the faintest hint of spooky can be detected at those stores, goths will arrive in packs. A small pack of goths determined to forage can strip the shelves of a seasonal section bare in 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, my laptop decided to up and stop charging on me. It's going to be at least another week before I get it back so unfortunately, it's going to be at least another week...
But! I can't make up for that, but I've been focusing on other projects! Check my main blog @bacchusbasil for my newest project, coming out real soon!
The hiatus is almost over! Uploads will resume either tomorrow or Thursday, and, as promised, I will upload every page I missed during this hiatus, plus extra!
To be precise, I will be uploading all the way up to page 30 tomorrow.
(I'm also thinking I may switch up *how* I upload and may be doing AO3 updates a day early; we'll see)
I'm also hoping to set up a Patreon soon; If I do the tier rewards would be early transcribed pages and maybe some sneak-previews of fanfictions I'm working on!
Thank you so much for your patience, and I'm so sorry I had to take a break so early. Happy Pride Month, everyone!
This is the end of this little eye miniarc for now, but definitely not the last (or first, actually…) of this plot-thread. There may be a few one-shots here and there before we return to it though.
Panel 1: [We’re in the cell once again, though the lights are off. It must be nighttime.]
2-P: WHAT DO YOU THINK HE MEANT? HE SAID ‘SEE’ LIKE IT MEANT SOMETHING MORE THAN JUST NORMAL SEEING.
1-S: i dunno… he didn’t say that to me.
Panel 2: [2-P’s eyes are still bandaged, but he seems to be interacting with 1-S normally. 1-S is bitterly looking off to the side.]
2-P: HE SAID HE’D FIXED THE… UH, LASER THING, SINCE THE LAST TIME WHEN HE… UH, DID YOU. DID HE TELL YOU WHAT HE WAS DOING?
1-S: …i don’t really remember. i passed out pretty fast.
Panel 3: [2-P draws into himself a bit. 1-S is still looking away.]
2-P: OH.
Panel 4: [2-P holds his finger up as if making a point. 1-S contemplatively looks up at him.]
2-P: BUT UH… HE SAID I COULD STILL GLOW! SO, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THAT.
1-S: that’s not what i’m worried about.
Panel 5: [2-P gestures to his bandages. 1-S still doesn’t seem at ease.]
2-P: OH, UH, HE SAID I’M NOT BLIND EITHER! HE’S GOING TO TAKE THEM OFF IN A FEW DAYS! I’M FINE!
1-S: that’s not it either.
Panel 6: [2-P tilts his head. 1-S rubs his own scalp dismissively.]
2-P: ?
1-S: …don’t worry about it. it’s probably nothing.
Panel 7: [blank panel; serves as a few hours’ timeskip]
Panel 8: [2-P is holding 1-S while they sleep curled up as usual. 1-S is slowly waking up.]
Panel 9: [1-S seemingly seems something. His eyes are still half-lidded in sleepiness, but his slowly sits up while looking beyond the doorway.]
Panel 10: [In the doorway, we see two skeletons. One is tall and strongly resembles an older version of 2-P. His back is too the door way, his hand at his head as if either a salute or as if looking far away. He wears an orange sweater, light jeans, and a red scarf around his neck. Behind him is what seems to be an older version of 1-S, who wears a light grey graphic hoodie with a dark grey pants. The hoodie has “Black Mesa” written on it, with the corresponding logo above. This version of 1-S is seemingly staring right at the current 1-S with dark sockets.]
Panel 11: [Our version of 1-S just stares in stupor, eyesockets dark, lacking on what to do.]
Panel 12: [Looking back at the doorway, it’s empty. It had just been a hallucination, or a vision.l]
Panel 13: [1-S excitedly shakes 2-P awake, his eyelights just small pinpricks. 2-P is still mostly asleep.]
1-S: bro! bro, wake up! wake up!!!
2-P: MNNH
1-S: wake up! wake up, i saw something!
Panel 14: [2-P attempts to rub the sleep from his eyes, but the bandages block it. 1-S is still excitedly grabbing him by the arm.]
2-P: WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
1-S: i saw something! i saw something outside the beams!
Panel 15: [2-P slowly lowers his hand. 1-S seams to have calmed down, if only slightly.]
2-P: MMPH, WHAT’D YOU SEE?
1-S: i saw… i think i saw us.
Panel 16: [2-P is awake now. 1-S suspiciously eyes the doorway.]
2-P: US?
1-S: yeah, but… we looked different.
2-P: DIFFERENT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN? DIFFERENT HOW?
1-S: …different.
Panel 17: [2-P looks away for a moment. 1-S keeps staring at the doorway.]
2-P: CAN YOU STILL SEE US? MAYBE HE PUT A MIRROR THERE. MAYBE HE’S TESTING US.
1-S: no… it’s gone now. i just saw it for a second.
Panel 18: [2-P is facing 1-S again. 1-S has his hand to his chin contemplatively.]
2-P: THAT’S WEIRD… DO YOU THINK THAT’S WHAT HE MEANT ABOUT SEEING?
1-S: …is that what he meant…? but, what does that mean…?
Panel 19: [2-P covers his mouth in a yawn. 1-S is looking at him, only now apologetic for waking him.]
2-P: (YAWN) ARE YOU SURE YOU WEREN’T DREAMING?
Panel 20: [2-P leans back against the wall again to go back to sleep. 1-S immediately leans into him, slowly closing his eyes again.]
Hey, Gaster was right, Papyrus is fine! For now, anyway.
One of the first times that Papyrus tries to reason with him but definitely not the last. He never stops trying to get through to him, no matter how hopeless it seems. This is also when Gaster begins to realize what’s happening to his ability to heal. So many chances to turn back, and yet…
Gaster: The magic overflowed into your other socket during the procedure.
Panel 2: [Flash back: 2-P is in the chair, his spine arched in presumably pain, while dazzling green and yellow lights and energy pour from his eyesockets around and above his skull in an incredible display. Gaster watches from a few feet away, writing down notes on a clipboard.]
Gaster: It was a rather spectacular light show, actually.
2-P: D… DOES THAT MEAN-
Gaster: You are not blind, if that’s what you’re afraid of.
Panel 3: [2-P is sitting up in a bed, the covers around his waist, and bandages are wrapped tightly around his skull, covering his eyesockets.]
Gaster: You can’t see because of the bandages. It will probably take you a day or two for you to recover.
Panel 4: [Gaster sets down a blue mug on the nightstand next to the bed that is on 2-P’s left. He sits in a chair, his right leg crossed over the left, and is resting a clipboard there, possibly to take notes while monitoring 2-P’s recovery. 2-P faces the direction of Gaster’s voice.]
2-P: DOES… THAT MEAN I CAN STILL GLOW…?
Panel 5: [Gaster writes a few notes on the clipboard.]
Gaster: …Yes, it shouldn’t have affected that ability in any way.
Panel 6: [2-P tilts his head slightly.]
2-P: THEN… WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?
Panel 7: [Gaster looks down at his notes.]
Gaster: …When the bandages are off, and your eyes have healed…
Panel 8: [Gaster looks back up at 2-P.]
Gaster: you will see.
Panel 9: [2-P tilts his head again.]
2-P: SEE…? YOU MEAN, BECAUSE MY EYES WILL BE OPEN?
Panel 10: [Gaster stands up from the chair and extends his hand forward, using blue magic to levitate 2-P out of the bed. The clipboard is in his other hand.]
Gaster: In a sense. Come on.
Panel 11: [Gaster brings his hand in front of himself, using the blue magic to help steady 2-P to his feet.]
Gaster: If you’re awake, then you can go back to your cell, Subject 1 can keep an eye on you. I have to get back to work.
Panel 12: [Gaster summons a blue hand to carry the clipboard as he begins to guide 2-P back to the cell. 2-P blindly puts his hands forward, trying to feel his way along.]
2-P: UH… YOU AREN’T GOING TO CARRY ME? BECAUSE, I CAN’T REALLY SEE…
Gaster: … I’ve….
Panel 13: [Flash back: 2-P is unconscious and in the bed, his eyes yet to be bandaged. Gaster is sitting above him, a hand each placed on 2-P’s forehead and chest, both hands enveloped in bright green healing aura.]
Panel 14: [Flash back, continued: Gaster looks at his hands, as if his healing was not as effective as he’d expected it to be.]
Panel 15: [Gaster looks away, as if self-conscious. Not that 2-P could see it anyways.]
Gaster: expended a lot of magical energy lately. I’m tired. You can walk.
Panel 16: [Gaster looks back, only to realise 2-P is lagging behind. 2-P’s arms are still up.]
2-P: UM…
Panel 17: [Gaster instinctively reaches for 2-P’s outreached arm…]
Panel 18: [But instead draws away at the last second.]
Panel 19: [Gaster grabs 2-P’s wrist, and guides it to his sleeve, just above the elbow. 2-P looks mildly surprised but appreciative of the gesture.]
Gaster: Here. Hold onto m- this.
Panel 20: [Gaster guides 2-P through the hallways, though 2-P has moved his grip down to just above Gaster’s cuff. Gaster does not correct this.]
2-P: … CAN I ASK YOU SOMETHING?
Gaster: …
2-P: YOU SAID, BEFORE, THAT YOU WEREN’T GOING TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AGAIN.
Gaster: Yes, and I did not. You will be able to see just fine.
2-P: BUT, THAT MEANS YOU HURT MY BROTHER BY MISTAKE, DOESN’T IT? THAT YOU DIDN’T MEAN TO?
Gaster: …Breaking his eye was not in my plans, no.
Panel 21: [Gaster continues leading 2-P]
2-P: SO… YOU DIDN’T WANT TO HURT HIM.
Gaster: …Subject 1 is too delicate to hurt carelessly.
Panel 22: [Still holding on to Gaster’s sleeve, 2-P presses a hand to his chest in relief.]
2-P: SO, DOES THAT MEAN YOU WON’T HURT US ANYMORE? OH, THAT’S SUCH A RELIEF! I KNEW-
Gaster: I will do
Panel 23: [Gaster turns abruptly, and 2-P shrinks back slightly.]
Gaster: what I have to.
Panel 24: [Gaster turns back ahead. 2-P is quiet.]
Gaster: …And what people need me to. If that requires hurting either of you, then so be it. I will see this through to the end.
Panel 25: [Gaster puts his head down just a bit.]
Gaster: It’s already too late to turn back.
Panel 26: [2-P looks up at Gaster, who has already continued walking.]
2-P: BUT… ISN’T THERE SOME OTHER WAY? MAYBE WE CAN HELP YOU… IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS.
Panel 27: [Gaster suddenly pulls his arm away from 2-P, again thrusting him into guidelines blindness. Gaster seems almost defensive.]
Gaster: If you want to help me, you will be silent and obedient.
Panel 28: [2-P helplessly faces Gaster, his arms up once again up to make sure he won’t run into walls. Gaster just stares at him.}
Panel 29: [Gaster summons a blue hand and uses it to grab 2-P by the wrist before continuing to lead him on.]
Gaster: … I don’t have time for this.
Panel 30: [2-P looks up at Gaster, his hand still resting on his chest.]
2-P: DO YOU… HATE US?
Panel 31: [Gaster contemplates silently. In the back of his head, he holds a visual of a completely different outcome: One that involves giving the brothers actual clothes and names. One where he holds 1-S in his lap, and 2-P sits in front of them as they review notes. Notes that don’t involve hurting either of them.]
Panel 32: [Gaster shakes the thought and looks forward.]
Gaster: …I don’t feel anything for you.
Panel 33: [Gaster continues leading 2-P along the corridors.]
2-P: …I’M GOING TO TELL MY BROTHER YOU DID IT BY ACCIDENT. I’M GOING TO TELL HIM YOU DIDN’T MEAN TO HURT HIM.
Panel 34: [Gaster pulls 2-P along less than gently, causing him to stumble for a moment.]
Gaster: …Tell him whatever you like. Come on.
Panel 35: [Gaster refuses to speak anymore. 2-P looks back for a moment despite the bandages.]
Hey, Gaster was right, Papyrus is fine! For now, anyway.
One of the first times that Papyrus tries to reason with him but definitely not the last. He never stops trying to get through to him, no matter how hopeless it seems. This is also when Gaster begins to realize what’s happening to his ability to heal. So many chances to turn back, and yet…
Gaster: The magic overflowed into your other socket during the procedure.
Panel 2: [Flash back: 2-P is in the chair, his spine arched in presumably pain, while dazzling green and yellow lights and energy pour from his eyesockets around and above his skull in an incredible display. Gaster watches from a few feet away, writing down notes on a clipboard.]
Gaster: It was a rather spectacular light show, actually.
2-P: D… DOES THAT MEAN-
Gaster: You are not blind, if that’s what you’re afraid of.
Panel 3: [2-P is sitting up in a bed, the covers around his waist, and bandages are wrapped tightly around his skull, covering his eyesockets.]
Gaster: You can’t see because of the bandages. It will probably take you a day or two for you to recover.
Panel 4: [Gaster sets down a blue mug on the nightstand next to the bed that is on 2-P’s left. He sits in a chair, his right leg crossed over the left, and is resting a clipboard there, possibly to take notes while monitoring 2-P’s recovery. 2-P faces the direction of Gaster’s voice.]
2-P: DOES… THAT MEAN I CAN STILL GLOW…?
Panel 5: [Gaster writes a few notes on the clipboard.]
Gaster: …Yes, it shouldn’t have affected that ability in any way.
Panel 6: [2-P tilts his head slightly.]
2-P: THEN… WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?
Panel 7: [Gaster looks down at his notes.]
Gaster: …When the bandages are off, and your eyes have healed…
Panel 8: [Gaster looks back up at 2-P.]
Gaster: you will see.
Panel 9: [2-P tilts his head again.]
2-P: SEE…? YOU MEAN, BECAUSE MY EYES WILL BE OPEN?
Panel 10: [Gaster stands up from the chair and extends his hand forward, using blue magic to levitate 2-P out of the bed. The clipboard is in his other hand.]
Gaster: In a sense. Come on.
Panel 11: [Gaster brings his hand in front of himself, using the blue magic to help steady 2-P to his feet.]
Gaster: If you’re awake, then you can go back to your cell, Subject 1 can keep an eye on you. I have to get back to work.
Panel 12: [Gaster summons a blue hand to carry the clipboard as he begins to guide 2-P back to the cell. 2-P blindly puts his hands forward, trying to feel his way along.]
2-P: UH… YOU AREN’T GOING TO CARRY ME? BECAUSE, I CAN’T REALLY SEE…
Gaster: … I’ve….
Panel 13: [Flash back: 2-P is unconscious and in the bed, his eyes yet to be bandaged. Gaster is sitting above him, a hand each placed on 2-P’s forehead and chest, both hands enveloped in bright green healing aura.]
Panel 14: [Flash back, continued: Gaster looks at his hands, as if his healing was not as effective as he’d expected it to be.]
Panel 15: [Gaster looks away, as if self-conscious. Not that 2-P could see it anyways.]
Gaster: expended a lot of magical energy lately. I’m tired. You can walk.
Panel 16: [Gaster looks back, only to realise 2-P is lagging behind. 2-P’s arms are still up.]
2-P: UM…
Panel 17: [Gaster instinctively reaches for 2-P’s outreached arm…]
Panel 18: [But instead draws away at the last second.]
Panel 19: [Gaster grabs 2-P’s wrist, and guides it to his sleeve, just above the elbow. 2-P looks mildly surprised but appreciative of the gesture.]
Gaster: Here. Hold onto m- this.
Panel 20: [Gaster guides 2-P through the hallways, though 2-P has moved his grip down to just above Gaster’s cuff. Gaster does not correct this.]
2-P: … CAN I ASK YOU SOMETHING?
Gaster: …
2-P: YOU SAID, BEFORE, THAT YOU WEREN’T GOING TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AGAIN.
Gaster: Yes, and I did not. You will be able to see just fine.
2-P: BUT, THAT MEANS YOU HURT MY BROTHER BY MISTAKE, DOESN’T IT? THAT YOU DIDN’T MEAN TO?
Gaster: …Breaking his eye was not in my plans, no.
Panel 21: [Gaster continues leading 2-P]
2-P: SO… YOU DIDN’T WANT TO HURT HIM.
Gaster: …Subject 1 is too delicate to hurt carelessly.
Panel 22: [Still holding on to Gaster’s sleeve, 2-P presses a hand to his chest in relief.]
2-P: SO, DOES THAT MEAN YOU WON’T HURT US ANYMORE? OH, THAT’S SUCH A RELIEF! I KNEW-
Gaster: I will do
Panel 23: [Gaster turns abruptly, and 2-P shrinks back slightly.]
Gaster: what I have to.
Panel 24: [Gaster turns back ahead. 2-P is quiet.]
Gaster: …And what people need me to. If that requires hurting either of you, then so be it. I will see this through to the end.
Panel 25: [Gaster puts his head down just a bit.]
Gaster: It’s already too late to turn back.
Panel 26: [2-P looks up at Gaster, who has already continued walking.]
2-P: BUT… ISN’T THERE SOME OTHER WAY? MAYBE WE CAN HELP YOU… IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS.
Panel 27: [Gaster suddenly pulls his arm away from 2-P, again thrusting him into guidelines blindness. Gaster seems almost defensive.]
Gaster: If you want to help me, you will be silent and obedient.
Panel 28: [2-P helplessly faces Gaster, his arms up once again up to make sure he won’t run into walls. Gaster just stares at him.}
Panel 29: [Gaster summons a blue hand and uses it to grab 2-P by the wrist before continuing to lead him on.]
Gaster: … I don’t have time for this.
Panel 30: [2-P looks up at Gaster, his hand still resting on his chest.]
2-P: DO YOU… HATE US?
Panel 31: [Gaster contemplates silently. In the back of his head, he holds a visual of a completely different outcome: One that involves giving the brothers actual clothes and names. One where he holds 1-S in his lap, and 2-P sits in front of them as they review notes. Notes that don’t involve hurting either of them.]
Panel 32: [Gaster shakes the thought and looks forward.]
Gaster: …I don’t feel anything for you.
Panel 33: [Gaster continues leading 2-P along the corridors.]
2-P: …I’M GOING TO TELL MY BROTHER YOU DID IT BY ACCIDENT. I’M GOING TO TELL HIM YOU DIDN’T MEAN TO HURT HIM.
Panel 34: [Gaster pulls 2-P along less than gently, causing him to stumble for a moment.]
Gaster: …Tell him whatever you like. Come on.
Panel 35: [Gaster refuses to speak anymore. 2-P moves looks back for a moment despite the bandages.]
The script for this one got kinda long so I ended up splitting it in two. The other half will come eventually. What could Gaster be up to, hmm!
Papyrus is actually rapidly flickering though eyecolors at points in this since he’s freaking out pretty hard, but he’s mostly glowing purple and yellow for stress and fear.
Panel 1: [We start in the hallway outside of a room.]
Gaster: Stay still.
2-P: ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?! YOU BROKE HIS EYE! YOU BROKE MY BROTHER’S EYE! HE NEEDED THAT TO GLOW!
Panel 2: [Gaster is strapping 2-P into a chair of types, similar to what you might find in a dentists’ office. The straps go around his wrists and neck. 2-P is indignantly arguing while Gaster works on securing him.]
Gaster: (sigh) Yes, that was unfortunate… He’s weaker than I thought.
2-P: HOW COULD YOU?? HOW COULD YOU, HE NEEDED THAT EYE!!
Panel 3: [With 2-P properly secured, Gaster heads over to his control panel, but 2-P is frustrated with him still.]
Gaster: He’ll just have to deal with it. The damage is already done, it’s too late now.
Panel 4: [2-P speaks adamantly from his spot in the chair. ]
2-P: WHY??? WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM???
Gaster: The same thing I’m going to do to you. Stop squirming, you do not want to be out of alignment when the emitter is on.
Panel 5: [2-P’s eyes flash yellow in panic, and he pulls against his restraints a bit. Gaster continues talking to him while adjusting a machine that is just off-panel.]
2-P: WHAT, NO!! NO, NO!! STOP!! WHAT IF YOU BREAK MY EYE TOO???
Gaster: Then we’ll have just three between us all, I suppose.But I don’t intend to make the same mistake again. I’ve adjusted the output, and you’re much stronger than Subject 1. I think this time, I’m going to make a breakthrough.
Panel 6: [Tears have begun welling up in 2-P’s eyes as Gaster heads back to the control panel. 2-P pleads with Gaster as he fiddles with the controls and sensors. The screen in front of Gaster displays a small blue heart, seemingly meant to be 2-P’s. The SOULwave monitor readings are erratic, very likely as a result of 2-P’s desperation.]
2-P: NO! NO, DON’T!! DON’T!! PLEASE, STOP!!
Gaster: What did I say about squirming?
Panel 7: [2-P is turned towards Gaster, his eyes ringed with both purple for fear and yellow for anxiety, and the tears have begun falling.]
2-P: PLEASE, DON’T!! I NEED MY EYES! I NEED BOTH OF THEM, I NEED THEM SO I CAN GLOW FOR HIM!
Panel 8: [Gaster seems entirely unbothered as he keeps setting up the machine. 2-P struggles against his bonds, the chair thumping and clacking under his efforts. He’s having a full-blown meltdown at this point.]
2-P: PLEASE!! PLEASE, I HAVE TO!! I HAVE TO!!
Gaster: I already told you, I have no intention of blinding you.
Panel 9: [Gaster looks at 2-P, his shoulders lowered in disapproval.]
Gaster: In fact, quite the opposite. But if you don’t follow my directions very carefully,
Panel 10: [2-P goes still as Gaster continues talking. 2-P is still crying as his eyes are tinted yellow and purple, and he’s almost hyperventilating again.]
Gaster: you may blind yourself regardless. Do you understand?
Panel 11: [2-P closes his eyes in defeat. He’s still trembling and crying.]
2-P: PLEASE… PLEASE, DON’T, HE NEEDS ME TO… HE NEEDS ME…
Panel 12: [Gaster directs 2-P while adjusting a slider upwards, powering up the machine.]
Gaster: Now, eye sockets forward. Don’t move.
[2-P looks forward and opens his sockets, tears spilling down his jawbones. His eyes are the self-soothing color of orange.]
Panel 13: [The machine powers up with a loud whirring noise. It looks reminiscent of a reptilian skull, perhaps designed after a dragon or the like. Protruding from its “jaws” is a bright pole with metal loosely coiled around it, and a sharp-looking point conjoining at the tip. It is pouring off a lot of light and energy, and would likely seem beautiful if not for its purpose. It is pointed directly at 2-P’s eyesockets. 2-P is struggling to stay still against his nerves.]
[Previously, kind of? It’s not directly connected]
Gaster talks a big game about doing this for the good of all monsters and such, but a lot of his experiments are motivated out of self-interest or personal curiousity.
This puts that one line in that silly comic a while back about Papyrus glowing enough for the both of them in kind of a sad light, doesn’t it? As for why Sans still has a pupil in his dead eye, he can manifest one but he can’t see out of it. Sort of like a glass eye.
Papyrus isn’t healing him, he’s just trying really hard to soothe him. He doesn’t know how to heal yet, and it’s not really something that can be fixed anyway.
Panel 1: [Gaster sits at his desk, typing out notes and sipping a cup of coffee from a mug that simply reads “NIMH”.]
Gaster’s Notes: ENTRY NUMBER XXX: I HAVE A THEORY.
Panel 2: [Cut away to the cell, where 2-P is holding 1-S in his lap on the cot. They’re curled up together and staring at the floor, trembling while their eyes glow. Orange for 2-P, blue for 1-S.]
Gaster’s Notes: BOTH SUBJECTS GLOW NATURALLY AND POWERFULLY- UNUSUALLY SO FOR OUR SPECIES.
Panel 3: [Cut back to Gaster, who continues writing his notes.]
Gaster’s Notes: ALTHOUGH ADMITTEDLY… THERE AREN’T MANY OF US LEFT TO COMPARE.
Panel 4: [Cut back to the brothers, where we see 1-S facing 2-P. His eyes are glowing strongly.]
Gaster’s Notes: I SUSPECT THE UNIQUE NATURE OF THEIR SOULS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT, BUT IT NEEDS PROPER INVESTIGATION. 1-S’S EYE SOCKETS ARE LARGE, AND THE AURA OF HIS GLOW IS VERY STRONG. HE SEEMS THE BEST CANDIDATE, IF THE HEALING TINGE I SENSED IS TRULY PRESENT, AND CAN BE REPLICATED OR EVEN ENHANCED…
Panel 5: Cut back to Gaster, where he is subconsciously reaching for his damaged eye.]
Gaster’s Notes: MAYBE THERE’S HOPE FOR MY EYE AFTER ALL…
Panel 6: [Blank panel, there is no notes]
Panel 7: [1-S is sitting in the corner of the cell, bandages wrapped loosely around the right side of his skull. Both his eyes are visible, but likely because he pulled the bandages off his right eye.]
Gaster’s Notes: ENTRY NUMBER XXX:
Panel 8: [1-S begins crying, holding his hands up in a frustrated and confused position, trying and failing to do… something.]
Gaster’s Notes: FAILURE.
Panel 9: [Gaster drops 2-P off in the cell, reactivating the forcefield behind him. 2-P immediately takes notice of 1-S.]
Panel 10: [2-P immediately runs over to 1-S, reaching for him. 1-S looks up helplessly.]
Panel 11: [2-P touches 1-S’s shoulders and face, as if asking what’s wrong. 1-S’s eyesockets are dark.]
Gaster’s Notes: 1-S IS MORE FRAGILE THAN I ANTICIPATED.
Panel 12: [1-S pushes 2-P away by his left arm, covering his right eye with the other.]
Panel 13: [2-P insistently grabs 1-S’s head, forcing him to make eye contact.]
Panel 14: [2-P glows his eyes orange.]
Panel 15: [1-S looks hesitant for a moment…]
Panel 16: [But glows his eye in return… only his left eye lights up, the right eyesocket being dark and empty. It can no longer glow.]
Panel 17: [1-S covers his eye again and pushes 2-P away to arm’s length. 2-P covers his mouth, his eyes wide in horror.]
Gaster’s Notes: THE RIGHT EYE IS BROKEN.
Panel 18: [1-S curls into himself, covering his eyes. 2-P reaches for him again, his eyes softly glowing orange.]
Gaster’s Notes: PRELIMINARY TESTS INDICATE PERMANENT BLINDNESS. I SUPPOSE NOW WE’RE A MATCHING SET.
Panel 19: [ 2-P reaches for 1-S’s face again, a stern look on his face. 1-S grabs 2-P’s arms, as if trying to remove them, but 2-P isn’t having it.]
Gaster’s Notes: KNOWLEDGE ALWAYS COMES AT A PRICE. SOMETIMES THAT IS THE NATURE OF THINGS- ONE CANNOT ALWAYS EXPECT PERFECT ANSWERS.
Panel 20: [2-P presses his forehead to 1-S’s, and closes his eyes in concentration. 1-S stops resisting and looks surprised.]
Gaster’s Notes: I WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND AND ISOLATE THE HEALING ASPECT AS I’D HOPED, BUT I BELIEVE I MAY INSTEAD BE ONTO SOMETHING VERY, VERY INTERESTING.
Panel 21: [1-S looks at 2-P as 2-P’s eyes start glowing brightly, the orange aura expanding beyond his eyesockets.]
Gaster’s Notes: I WILL NEED TO OBSERVE HIM CAREFULLY WHILE HE RECOVERS… AND IF I’M CORRECT, WELL. IT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING. AS FOR THE DAMAGE…
Panel 22: [1-S looks depressed as 2-P’s eyes glow even brighter, almost appearing as if his eyes are being consumed by a fire of orange magic.]
Gaster’s Notes: EYEGLOWING IS ESSENTIAL TO A SKELETON’S EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING. WITHOUT FULL ACCESS TO THE ABILITY, 1-S MAY DEVELOP… PROBLEMS.
Panel 23: [The brothers become fully enveloped in 2-P’s orange magic. It appears 2-P is insistent on attempting to glow enough for the both of them. It’s a dazzling light show, and a vulnerable moment between the two. They hold each other closely.]
Gaster’s Notes: WELL… THAT’S WHY I MADE TWO OF THEM.
Horseshoes and hand grenades, Sans. This one falls sometime after the plate aftermath, though it’s not a direct continuation, exactly.
The WD Alphys app is something that Alphys and Gaster have been working on together to let them communicate via phone, since Alphys can’t speak Wingdings (I’m starting to think that only font skeletons can speak wingdings, actually). Once it keys into Gaster’s magical signature, it follows the movements of the magic hands he creates and transmits it to her phone, along with an attempt at a translation. It’s still in beta and hasn’t been released yet, but they’re hoping once they iron out the bugs and refine it that it can come in handy for other monsters who use sign language. I figure if Alphys can turn phones into functioning jetpacks then something like this wouldn’t be impossible, haha.
He talks while he signs because he likes the sound of his own voice, the egomaniac. The little sprites were Alphys’s idea.
Gaster is tired and stressed out, thus why he’s not paying a lot of attention. Also why his coat’s unbuttoned and he left his phone on and why he’s trying to do work while Sans is doing an IQ test (IQ days are kind of “free” days for the three of them to recover from previous experiments).
Author’s note: From here on, Subject 1 will be referred to as “1-S” and Subject 2 will be referred to as “2-P”. Gaster refers to each with both names, but for the sake of simplicity, I will refer to them as 1-S and 2-P.
Panel 1: [Gaster and 1-S are sitting at a table. 1-S is working on a stack of worksheets while Gaster reviews multiple charts, graphs, and notes while drinking from a mug that reads “World’s Best Dad Scientist. Gaster has 1-S’s SOUL locked in blue magic once again. Gaster seems generally disinterested, with one leg crossed over the other and his other arm resting on the table. 1-S looks at him accusatorily.]
1-S: why did you do that to him? he never did anything to you. he didn't deserve that.
Gaster: And you did? Does only his suffering matter to you? Interesting.
1-S: why did you make us? why are you doing this to us?
Panel 2: [1-S makes a doubtful and confused face.]
1-S: ...is someone /making/ you do this? is that it?
Panel 3: [Gaster simply observes as 1-S makes his musings.]
1-S: do you not have a choice?
Panel 4: [Gaster suddenly jumps in surprise as his phone starts buzzing from his pocket. In his surprise, he seems to have released the blue magic keeping 1-S at the table.]
Panel 5: [Gaster sets his cup of coffee on the table while he pulls a blue flip-phone from his pocket. 1-S stares in confusion. It’s likely he’s never seen a phone before.]
Gaster: ...I thought I turned this off-
Panel 6: [We get to see Gaster’s phone screen. It reads: INCOMING CALL: ALPHYS. Below is a small line: loading wdalphys.exe…]
Panel 7: [The phone loads the WDAlphys program. The screen says: W D ALPHYS! VER 0.34 waiwai!! On either side of the graphic is a pixel art of Gaster on the left and Alphys on the right. They’re smiling with their arms held up, and a heart floats above their heads. Below the pictures says: Scanning for magical signature… Please touch your phone now, Dr. Gaster! =^.^=]
Panel 8-9: [Gaster stands up and presses a few buttons on his phone, which makes a few digital beeps and dits. He conjures three magical hands, one to hold the phone, and two more to sign for the phone. The program reads the magic signature of his hands while he uses sign language to translate it over on Alphys’ side of the line. This way, he can communicate using a telephone. Meanwhile, 1-S’s mind is blown.]
Gaster (signing): Yes, Dr. Alphys, what is it?
Panel 10: [Gaster turns his back to 1-S, still looking very confused, and continues his conversation with his colleague.]
Gaster: ...Yes, I'm fine. Is something wrong?
Gaster: ...Late? Late for what?
Panel 11: [1-S stares for a bit, watching.]
Gaster: Yes, but that's tomorrow, isn't it?
Panel 12: [1-S carefully eyes the doorway…]
Gaster: ...is it really...? Are you sure?
Panel 13: [1-S slowly stands up. Gaster is still looking away from him, pressing his hand to his head in frustration as he keeps talking to Alphys over the phone.]
Gaster: ...I... I must have lost track of time...
Gaster: ...I know, it's not like me, but I... I haven't gotten much sleep lately.
Panel 14: [1-S runs down the hallway and away from Gaster. Gaster doesn’t notice.]
Gaster: No, I'm alright, don't worry. I'm fine. I've just... had a lot on my mind…
Panel 15: [We see 2-P by himself in the cell. He seems to have been crying, either from pain from the handplate, or separation anxiety from 1-S, or perhaps both.]
1-S: bro! bro!
Panel 16: [2-P jumps to his feet excitedly, looking at 1-S on the outside of the forcefield.]
2-P: BROTHER!! HOW DID YOU GET OUTSIDE?
[1-S is excitedly gesticulating back towards the other room.]
1-S: i snuck away while he wasn't looking- i'm gonna get you out, okay? then we're gonna get out of here!
2-P: OH, YAY! BUT... HOW?
Panel 17: [1-S touches a hand to his chin, trying to come up with a plan.]
1-S: um... i'm still working on that part. maybe-
1-S: uh... he does something to the wall when he opens it, doesn't he?
Panel 18: [2-P gestures to the electric panel on the wall to the right of the forcefield.]
2-P: YEAH, HE TOUCHES THAT THING OVER THERE, I THINK. MAYBE PUT YOUR HAND ON IT!
Panel 19: [2-P watches excitedly as 1-S puts his right hand on the wall and reaches up to touch the panel with his left hand. But, only one of the three lights come on, and the forcefield does not deactivate.]
1-S: ok... mmph! ...it's not working, only one of the lights went on!
2-P: TRY USING TWO HANDS!
Panel 20: [1-S looks confused at the suggestion, pulling his hand away from the panel briefly.]
1-S: he only uses one though.
2-P: WELL HIS HANDS ARE BIG! YOU HAVE LITTLE BABY HANDS.
Panel 21: [2-P holds both of his hands up placatingly. 1-S looks offended at the insinuation of him having baby hands.]
1-S: i do not have baby hands!
Panel 22: [2-P smirks a little, wiggling his fingers mockingly.]
2-P: YOU HAVE THE MOST ITTY-BITTY HANDS, BROTHER, LIKE TINY LITTLE-
Panel 23: [2-P becomes shocked, looking past 1-S. His eyes glow purple a bit, indicating a sudden bolt of fear.]
2-P: AAAAHH!!
Panel 24: [1-S’s SOUL has been turned blue and he’s magically pulled away from the doorway into the air. His eyes light up into sudden rings of purple. 2-P watches in horror.]
1-S: hgh- no!!!
Gaster: Apparently I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on you. You're slipperier than I thought.
Panel 25: [Gaster appears in the hallway and levitates 1-S a few feet off the ground. 1-S reaches desperately for his brother but to no avail.
1-S: no- no i was so close-!
Panel 26: [2-P looks up fearfully, clutching his right hand. Gaster looks down at him. 1-S is still being levitated and is kicking while clutching his chest, as if struggling will loosen Gaster’s magical hold on him. His face is screwed up in concentration.]
2-P: ARE... ARE WE IN TROUBLE...?
Panel 27: [1-S angrily looks at Gaster, still struggling in mid-air.]
Gaster: Yes. Under other circumstances, it'd be sufficient to punish only you, Subject 1, but your frailty makes it difficult. So…
Panel 28: [2-P looks up at Gaster fearfully.]
Gaster: You BOTH will be coming with me.
Panel 29: [Gaster places his hand on the panel. All three lights easily light up and deactivate the forcefield. 1-S desperately reaches towards Gaster, trying to stop him.]
1-S: don't- don't hurt him!!
1-S: he didn't even do anything- he didn't DO ANYTHING!!
Panel 30: [Gaster turns towards 1-S and looks him in the eye.]
Gaster: Think about that the next time you try to run from me.
Panel 31: [Gaster escorts 2-P out of the cell and leads him down the hallway, still carrying 1-S by magic. 2-P’s head is hung low but he complies. 1-S has curled into the fetal position, defeated.]
Gaster: Come on.
This would probably be the first time the two of them have seriously fought about something or raised their voices at each other. They’re both scared and in pain and aren’t really handling this well. No one is happy with this.
If you really want to feel bad, a lot of their conversation still works if they were talking about you the Player, haha.
Gaster’s Notes: IT IS DONE. THEY ASKED ME, BEGGED ME, SCREAMED AT ME TO STOP. WHEN I DID NOT, THEY CALLED OUT FOR THEIR “BROTHER” TO SAVE THEM. WHEN THEY DID NOT, THEY CALLED OUT FOR SOMEONE, ANYONE, TO HELP THEM. BUT NOBODY CAME.
Panel 2: [Gaster is sitting on the ground, in his dark grey sweater but sans the labcoat. His knees are up, with his right arm resting on his right knee, and with his left hand he is smoking a cigarette. His hand and shoulders are trembling slightly. There is a piece of paper laying next to him, and discarded used cigarettes are littered around his feet. He’s been smoking for a while.]
Gaster’s Notes: A LESSON WE MUST ALL LEARN AT SOME POINT…
Gaster’s Notes: IT IS DONE, AND I MUST ADMIT, A PART OF ME IS CURIOUS NOW WHAT THEY WILL DO. THEIR LIMITED WORLDVIEW MUST BE COMPLETELY SHATTERED. WHAT WILL THEY BUILD OUT OF THE PIECES?
Panel 3: [It’s the children’s drawing from earlier, the one Subject 2 drew on a worksheet. There is a hole burned right above Gaster’s head, and is overlapping his drawn face a bit.]
Gaster’s Notes: CAN THEY EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT JUST HAPPENED TO THEM? HOW WILL THEY ADAPT TO THIS NEW PARADIGM? WHAT WILL CHANGE?
Panel 4: [Blank panel]
Subject 2: NNGH-! MY HAND HURTS, I CAN’T GET IT OFF- I HATE IT! I HATE IT, WHY DID HE DO THIS TO US???
Subject 1: i knew it, i knew it, i knew we shouldn’t- i knew we couldn’t trust him-
Subject 2: WHAT DID WE DO WRONG??? I DON’T UNDERSTAND, WE… WE WERE GOOD, WEREN’T WE?
Panel 5: [Subject 2 is sitting on a cot in the background, holding his injured hand in front of him. He’s clearly been crying for a while. Subject 1 is angrily pacing around the room, his skull also stained with tears.]
Subject 1: it wasn’t us, WE didn’t do anything wrong. it was HIM, he wanted to- to do this to us-
Panel 6: [Subject 2 is leaning against the wall, cradling the hand with the handplate and staring in disbelief]
Subject 2: MAYBE… MAYBE HE WAS WORRIED WE’D GET LOST, OR, OR, THEY’RE MAGIC AND WILL PROTECT US FROM SOMETHING OR-
Panel 7: [Subject 1 turns around and throws his hands up angrily.]
Subject 1: are you serious?! how can you even say that?! how long were you screaming while he drilled that into you?!
[Subject 2 grips his hand and yells back.]
Subject 2: MAYBE HE HAD TO DO IT THAT WAY!!
Panel 8: [Subject 1 turns away, his eyesockets dark.]
Subject 1: yeah, but not for the reason you think. we’re just things to him… he’s always said that.
[Subject 2 looks somewhat defeated.]
Panel 9: [Subject 1 throws his hands up again in emphasis.]
Subject 1: he doesn’t care about us- he’s never cared about us. he can do whatever he wants to us, and who’s going to stop him? no one even knows we’re down here, and it’s not like we can get out-
Panel 10: [Subject 1 comes to a shocking realisation. His eye lights shrink down and he presses his right hand to his skull, his other hand suspended in front of his chest.]
Subject 1: …god, oh my god… what is he going to do to us?
Panel 10: [Subject 2 brings his trembling hands up to his face. His eyes are wide in horror, and he’s still crying.]
Subject 1: this is just the beginning, isn’t it? this isn’t going to stop, it’s just- it’s just going to get worse-
Panel 11: [Subject 1 keeps talking until Subject 2 interrupts him, balling his hands into fists and starts yelling adamantly.]
Subject 1: oh god-
Subject 2: NO… NO, NO, HE WON’T! HE WON’T, HE’S NOT LIKE THAT! HE’S NOT- HE’S NOT GOING TO-
Panel 12: [Subject 1 throws his arms apart in frustration.]
Subject 1: look at your hand, for god’s sake!! don’t you get what’s going on here?! don’t you get what we ARE to him??
[Subject 2 yells defensively.]
Subject 2: THAT’S NOT- THAT’S NOT WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN- HE’S NOT GOING TO HURT US ANYMORE!
Panel 13: [Subject 1 gesticulates wildly in the general direction of the doorway. Subject 2 is clutching his skull tightly and his eyes are screwed shut.]
Subject 1: are you JOKING?? what do you think just happened!!! what on earth do you think is going to make him STOP??
Subject 2: HE’S NOT- HE’S NOT GOING TO HURT US ANYMORE, I KNOW IT! I KNOW IT, HE HELPED ME ONCE, HE’S NOT A BAD PERSON, HE’S-
Panel 14: [Subject 1 points angrily to his handplate, his eyesockets again going dark.]
Subject 1: not a bad person except for these. open your eyes!! can’t you tell, he’s not going to stop, why would he? what has he ever done for us except-
Panel 15: [Subject 2 doesn’t even seem to be listening anymore, he’s crying again and clutching his skull]
Panel 16: [Subject 2 gasps suddenly and clutches his chest as if he’s having a heart attack. His eyes open wide as he begins having a panic attack. 1 looks very caught off-guard.]
Subject 2: ggHHHHHHHHHHHH
Panel 17: [Subject 1 rushes to 2’s side and grabs his right hand. He looks apologetic. Subject 2 is still clutching his chest and starts hyperventilating, and his eyes light up their default warm orange color as his eyes pour more tears.]
Subject 1: woah, woah, woah, hey, are you okay? jeez- calm down, calm down, hey, can you hear me?
Panel 18: [Subject 1 pulls 2 into his chest, and Subject 2 leans into him, desperately clutching his arms. Subject 1 gets onto the cot with 2, and begins glowing his eyes blue to help calm him. Subject 1 strokes Subject 2’s skull. Subject 2 is still hyperventilating.]
Subject 1: hey, shhh, shh. calm down, come on. deep breaths, okay? i’m scared too, alright? but we’re okay, we’re both okay. i’ll figure something out, don’t worry. calm down.
Panel 19: [Subject 2 is still panicking but has managed to calm down, just a bit. Subject 1 envelops him in his arms, their eyes closing and still glowing.]
Subject 2: IT CAN’T, HE CAN’T… THERE HAS TO BE GOOD IN HIM. THERE HAS TO BE, THERE JUST HAS TO BE…
Subject 1: shhh, shhhhh, breathe, okay? just try to breathe.
Subject 2: HE HAS TO STOP, HE HAS TO STOP, HE HAS TO, HE… HE…
Gaster has multiple reasons for taking on his whole terrible secret project, and here’s one of them! Gaster this is the exact opposite of what Asgore would have wanted.
(Cool motive, still murder)
Gaster is very emotionally invested in Asgore (and Toriel as well, although he currently thinks she’s dead) and completely unobjective when it comes to either of them. A bit similar to how the brothers just refuse to hear insults, haha.
Could this conversation have played a part in Gaster deciding not to choose Mercy? Hmm!
Panel 1: [A black panel, with a few scattered golden petals]
Asgore: Gaster! Are you alright???
Panel 2: [A large pair of furry white hands are picking Gaster up from a small field of golden flowers. Gaster seems a bit dazed.]
Asgore: You passed out…
Panel 3: [Agore, a large white goat monster with large, slightly curved horns, and long golden hair and beard, is wearing his usual garb of golden pauldrons and a purple cape, with his crown. He picks up Gaster by the shoulders and inspects him like an injured child.Gaster has a few scattered petals on him. They are in the throne room, its high walls a warm goldenrod color, standing among a field of golden flowers. Gaster is signing with his magic hands.]
Gaster (signing): Unh… I’m alright… I must have gotten dizzy…
Panel 4: [Asgore brushes some golden petals off Gaster’s lab coat. Asgore looks quite concerned about Gaster’s wellbeing. Gaster rubs his temple and gently pushes against Asgore.]
Asgore: Gaster, I’m really starting to worry about you. You’re working too hard, it’s taking a toll on your health. Whatever it is can’t be that important…
Panel 5: [Asgore sets Gaster down, an empathetic look on his face as Gaster adjusts his glasses and avoids eye contact.]
Gaster (signing): I’m very close to a breakthrough, I’m sure of it… I’m going to get us all out of here, you’ll see… I’m alright, I just need more time…
Panel 6: [Asgore has taken Gaster’s hand, pointing out the massive holes from Gaster’s “accident”. His other hand cradles Gaster’s shoulder. Asgore looks nearly heartbroken over how little Gaster takes care of himself. Gaster is caught off-guard by the King’s touches.]
Asgore: Look at your poor hands…
Panel 7: [A close-up of Gaster’s hole-punched hand within Asgore’s massive furry palm.]
Asgore: They look worse every time I see them.
Panel 8: [Gaster pulls away and clutches his hands close to his chest defensively. Asgore looks slightly hurt.]
Asgore: Are they giving you trouble? I know you said it was an accident, but…
Gaster (signing): Please, I’ve asked that we not talk about this.
Panel 9: [Gaster clutches his hands to his chest and has moved away from Asgore]
Asgore: I’m not sure I believe you.
Panel 10: [Asgore looks intently at his longest friend. Gaster is still avoiding eye contact.]
Asgore: I understand that you want to get us out of here, but it’s not worth tearing yourself to pieces. This isn’t your burden to bear.
Panel 11: [Asgore looks away depressedly.]
Asgore: When the time comes and the last soul falls,
Panel 12: [Asgore looks away dramatically, his hair shadowing over his eyes.]
Asgore: I will break the barrier and do what has to be done.
Panel 13: [Gaster doesn’t seem too happy, his shoulders are slumped.]
Asgore: That is my duty as king.
Panel 14: [Asgore takes Gaster’s face by the chin into his massive left hand. Gaster doesn’t pull away and looks up at Asgore.]
Asgore: But my duty is also to my people, and my friends, and you wellbeing is more important to me than anything you’re working on.
Panel 15: [Asgore looks stern and desperate.]
Asgore: I don’t want you hurting yourself, not for any reason. I can’t lose you too.
Panel 16: [Asgore approaches Gaster again, giving him physical reassurance through back rubs]
Asgore: Stop pushing yourself so hard. It’s not your responsibility.
Panel 17: [Asgore gently holds Gaster by the shoulders, as if in a desperate plea.]
Asgore: Take care of yourself, and I will take care of the barrier.
Panel 18: [Gaster looks nervously to the ground on his right.]
Panel 19: [Asgore attempts to lighten the mood, moving his hand to Gaster’s back and his other hand in front of him emphatically.]
Asgore: Come on… some tea will help you relax. You can go back to work after you unwind a little, alright?
Panel 20: [Gaster bows his head. Asgore looks pleased.]
Gaster (signing): If you insist.
Panel 21: [Asgore begins walking out of the room with Gaster. Gaster looks up at him admirably.]
Gaster (Internal Monologue): You’ve always been too gentle, and too kind.
Panel 22: [Asgore and Gaster continue towards the door, Gaster now looking down and lost in thought.]
Gaster (IM): You don’t have the same darkness inside that I have.
Panel 23: [Asgore and Gaster have almost left the room.]
Gaster (IM): If anyone should make such sacrifices, it will be me. I will get us out of here, no matter what the cost.
Panel 24: [The throne room with golden walls and golden flowers is now empty.]
Gaster (IM): And you will never have to kill anyone again. I’ll make sure of it.
