"Rus?!" Papyrus jumped a bit when lanky arms hugged him tightly. He didn't hug back, too startled and confused by the random jester. The other seemed to notice and pulled away like something was wrong. "Rus? It's me Stretch." Papyrus stared at the other in complete shock, not at all expecting to see another skeleton looking just like himself. He examined his copy carefully. Stretch had dark rings under his sockets and appeared sickly. He was sporting several bandages around his hand and head, plus a plain black robe. He also had a heavy metallic collar around his neck, the seams of it glowing a soft orange colour. The others hopeful eyelights began to dim, smile dropping quickly. "You remember me right? The ashtray lazybones you with the puns? 'Lazy-me'?" None of his words triggered any memories, only serving to confuse Papyrus further.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think we've met. Perhaps you're mistaken?" Papyrus offered hoping to salvage the situation. He felt like this skeleton was familiar. Maybe? The clone grabbed his head, looking at both sockets and examining his skull for any cracks.
"Were you injured? Did Black hurt you?!" Stretch seemed to be grasping for straws, though Papyrus didn't understand what for. Nor did he know who this 'Black' fellow was, but he certainly sounded rather scary. Papyrus looked down at his muddy gloves. He doesn't like being this wet and filthy. All he really desired right now was a bath, though that didn't seem likely anytime soon. "D-did he at least say anything? Maybe about Blue or my world? Anything at all?!" Papyrus shook his head, he really had no idea what was going on.
"I apologise, but I really don't remember much at all…" Papyrus trailed off rubbing his aching skull, a bed would also be really nice right about now. Stretch looked like he had more to say, but was interrupted when a door opened. Master was standing in the doorway with a bundle of fabric in his hands. Stretch stepped in front of Papyrus, staring daggers at the shorter monster.
"What have you done?!" Stretch growled through gritted teeth. Papyrus wasn't sure what to do. For a self proclaimed "lazybones" this skeleton sure wasn't acting very lazy.
"Lie down," Master ordered. "You are clearly unwell."
"I'm unwell?! I-" Stretch suddenly went rigid. His eyelights turned to pinpricks and his body began to rattle. It took a moment for Papyrus to notice the soft blue glow around his chest.
"Yes you are." Master's grip tightened causing Stretch to gasp. "I would suggest you lie down now unless you want a worse punishment, understand?" Stretch gave a small nod, prompting Master to drop him by a door in the hallway. As soon as his magic released Stretch bolted into the room, terrified of what exactly Papyrus still wasn't sure.
Master turned to face Papyrus again, face still unreadable. "Follow me." Master walked past him farther down the hallway. Papyrus followed closely while thoroughly examining the barren walls and closed doors. It was sparse but seemed to be in relatively decent condition, and the hallway was nearly spotless of dirt. Papyrus really hoped any mudd he was tracking wouldn't be a problem. They eventually stopped in front of a door near the end of the hallway. Master opened it to reveal a small bathroom, complete with a toilet, sink and bathtub. The angrier monster prompted Papyrus to enter, which he did obediently. Master turned to face him then, watching with a blank expression.
"Take off your clothing." He ordered. Papyrus hugged himself in shock. How embarrassing, he cannot just change in front of another like this!
"P-please, could I do so in private?" Papyrus pleaded. Master seemed to think on the request before finally answering.
"Very well." The shorter monster left the bundle of clothing on the side of the sink, stepping into the hallway and reaching his arm through the slightly ajar door. "Hand me your clothes." He said when Papyrus didn't move right away. That sent him into action, quickly ripping off his muddy sweater and pants before setting them in the others hand. "Wash up and get dressed. There is more I would like to discuss." Master shut the door, leaving a bareboned Papyrus standing in relative confusion. So he only wanted Papyrus to wash up? That wasn't so bad, and he had been wanting a bath. It was even nice that Master offered a clean set of clothing too. He turned towards the mirror, a bit surprised at what he saw. He had dark rings under his own sockets and his soul was glowing a dark chocolate color through his rib cage. Has it always been that color? Papyrus didn't think so, but to be honest he wasn't sure of anything anymore.
With a sigh he turned on the shower head, waiting for the water to warm up before stepping in. He needed to be quick about this, Master seemed like he had important things to tell him. Cleaning himself quickly but thoroughly, Papyrus hopped out and dried himself before looking over at the black bundle of fabric. Gently he unfolded the clothing, revealing a robe that looked exactly like Stretch's. the fabric was thick though a bit scratchy, and it would have been nice if gloves were provided, but he supposed he should be grateful for any hospitality at this point. He gingerly slid the robes over his head, surprised by how well they actually fit him. The length was almost perfect, just an inch too short, and he always struggled finding clothes that fit his long legs! He made his way towards the door next, he really shouldn't keep Master waiting any longer. Nervously he cracked the door open. The hallway was empty, perhaps Master was waiting for him in the living room? Suddenly the door that Stretch entered earlier swiftly swung open, an irritated skeleton stepping out. He glanced at the nervous monster, looking over the black robe he wore and nodding his approval.
"Very good. Come here." Without any more promoting Papyrus stepped into place, almost compelled to obey. Master took a small box out of his inventory, opening it and carefully pulling out a jewel studded leather collar, several inches in width with intricate stitching details. "This is yours." Master pulled it around Papyrus neck, hooking the buckle and casting a very powerful ward, strong enough to make Papyrus dizzy just by being near it. "It's dangerous outside this house. Everyone out there intends to kill you. Therefore attempting to leave will be met with severe punishment, understood?" Papyrus swiftly nodded, though in all honesty he was still rather confused. Has it always been like this? He really couldn't remember anything. "You had left the house once before, along with your twin and were attacked. I suppose they made you forget everything, correct?" Papyrus gave a hesitant nod. Is that why he couldn't remember anything? He had no reason not to trust Master. He had just given him clean cloths and a beautiful neck piece, and he wasn't acting dangerous.
"Stretch is my… twin brother?" Master nodded, expression unreadable.
"The monsters that hurt you drove our brother mad. Since saving him he's started lashing out and try to hurt me. He also babbles on about all sorts of nonsense." Master stated. "It will be your job to help bring him back to sanity. Can you do that?" Papyrus was taken aback by such an important request. He didn't remember anything himself, could he honestly help his brother?
"... I will do my best." Papyrus smiled nervously. Master nodded his understanding, taking several more items from his inventory.
"The bread is for you to eat alone." Master handed him a quarter loaf of bread and some bandages. "The wraps are for your brother. I fear he had an accident and needs assistance. You two share a room." He unlocked the door with a key from his pocket and pulled the door open, allowing the younger monster to enter.
The room was fairly dark, but a figure was clearly visible by the far wall. Stretch was sitting in the corner of the room with his head hidden in his knees. He was cradling his hand carefully, holding it close to his chest and out of view.
"H-hello Stretch. Are you feeling okay?" As stupid of a question as it was, Papyrus couldn't think of anything else to say. The other tiredly looked up at him, not saying anything but giving a look that spoke volumes. Papyrus decided to step closer and kneel by the others side. "It will be just fine, please don't worry. Here, I'll wrap that wound for you!" He gingerly took the others hand, pulling it into the light and getting a better look a the multitude of broken fingers. The sight made Papyrus cringe, but he did his best to play it off as no big deal. What had Stretch been doing that would result in an injury this bad?! It almost appeared to be intentionally done… but of course that couldn't be true! Carefully Papyrus tied the last of the gauze off, admiring the neatly tied wrapping job. "See! That is much better!"
Stretch opened his mouth as if to say something, but no sound escaped his throat. He quickly grabbed the collar around his neck and looked down in frustration. A new red light was flashing on the side of the collar, though Papyrus had no clue what that meant.
"... I'm sorry? I didn't catch that." Papyrus watched carefully as Stretch tried hard to scream or shout or say anything but he remained silent. "Are you ill? It's best to rest your voice when sick." The other skeleton shook his head and pointed at the collar, though Papyrus was still rather confused by his actions. Was he trying to explain something?
"It's okay brother. Master already told me everything!" Stretch stopped his tugging at the metal band, now looking up with a forlorn expression. "He said bad monsters hurt us, and did horrible things to our memories… but don't worry! Master tasked me with helping you get better." Papyrus smiled confidently but Stretch just looked at him completely horrified. His eyelights went out and whatever hope he had seemed to drain in an instant. Papyrus grew concerned at the sight. Wasn't it good news that he brought? Perhaps brother is just tired? He did break his hand earlier.
"I think we should both get some rest. It's been a long day." Papyrus extended his hand towards the other, who simply looked at it before standing on his own. Sluggishly Stretch made his way over to the bed, posture hunched and defeat in every step. He plopped down on one of the beds, not even bothering to crawl under the covers. Stretch only curled up on his side and hugged himself tightly, facing the wall and going completely still. Papyrus couldn't help but be hurt by the sudden rejection, but he was sure his twin had a good reason for being so upset. Stretch had hurt himself quite badly after all, and was probably feeling very ill if his voice had failed him so badly. Tomorrow would certainly be better for both of them, and if he went to bed now he could save the bread for later. No sense eating it when he's not even hungry!
"... Goodnight brother." Papyrus managed to say after crawling into his own bed by the far wall. "I am sure tomorrow will be better." The skeleton smiled even though Stretch couldn't see it. His brother did respond though. Well, he curled into an even smaller ball anyway, which was a reaction nonetheless! Papyrus decided that was enough for now, pulling the covers up to his chin and staring at the dark ceiling. Today had been rough, but that just meant tomorrow could only be better! He just had to stay positive. That seemed like something he'd be good at, or at the very least felt right, so positive he would be!
XxxxxxxxxX
So the big reveal has finally come! Razz has been busy across all sorts of universes, his Papyrus collection has grown considerably since last week when he had none. He treats them both very differently already though. I wonder why that is?
*Note About Names*In case anyone gets confused why Stretch is calling Razz "Black" instead it's because Underswap hasn't contacted Undertale in a while and also had no prior knowledge of this particular Sans until he appeared. Both universes developed separate name for him, Razz in Undertale since that was what the Fellbros called him, and Black in Underswap due to the black armour.