Papyrus was back fairly quickly after running out. He gave Kaitlyn a cup of water as well as a few comforting pats on the back. Gaster was sitting quietly in the corner, making the least amount of movement and noise as possible. He was trying to be patient but Kaitlyn could tell he was getting antsy.
"Thanks Paps. Hey, do you happen to know where everyone else is right now?" Kaitlyn sipped the water nonchalantly.
"Oh yes! Alphys and Undyne actually came in earlier to see you but you had fallen asleep by then." His voice had come down to a normal volume after another patient complained about the noise. "I believe Alphys is being escorted home by Undyne since it's almost nightfall."
It was already almost dark out? She must have been asleep for quite a while… Her window was closed so she hadn't even noticed when the moon began to rise.
"Anyway," Papyrus continued, "Sans is… somewhere around here. I'm not sure why he's wondering around now. He hardly left your side before but all of the sudden he came out and said he needed to be alone for a bit."
Kaitlyn stole a side glance to Gaster who shrugged, thinking Sans probably just wasn't in the mood to be in the same room while they talked just yet. She hoped he wasn't having second thoughts about talking to him again.
"He hasn't left the hospital though, right?"
Papyrus shook his head. "No, I don't think so. I doubt he'd leave both of us alone, even if it is in a hospital."
Kaitlyn smiled. Papyrus was definitely sharper than he looked. She hadn't thought about it much, but with as protective as Sans can be, Paps was probably right. The only reason he would leave them both would be if it was an absolute emergency.
"Okay, I think I'd like to take a little walk around to stretch my legs. You want to come with me and see if we can find him together?"
Papyrus grinned widely. "It would be my honor Kate! Here, let me get a nurse and we'll help you out of the bed." And he was out the door again.
Kaitlyn turned to Gaster with an apologetic look. "Let me talk to him first. Do you think you'll still be able to hear me if I call out to you?" She wasn't entirely sure how his mind-reading, or whatever it was, worked.
"I'm not too sure... I'll be around though. For now, I think I'm going to-" Gaster stopped mid-sentence. Kaitlyn was about to ask what was up but he held up a hand and pointed toward the door. A second went by, then Papyrus walked back through the threshold with a nurse in tow.
After the grueling eternity it took to sit up then stand, Kaitlyn was finally walking on her own. Well, sort of… She had to lean on Papyrus for support and she hobbled along with a slow limp, but she managed. The nurse was actually pretty shocked that she could stand and move around at all. Kaitlyn didn't really get it, but she was glad she could stretch her legs, even just a little none the less. She noticed Gaster melt into the shadows as they left the room.
Guess he can still do that neat little trick, she thought to herself, wondering if he could possibly be following the two or if he went somewhere else. Where does he go when he's invisible? He couldn't just be silently watching over me all the time… I don't think he would go back into the void with that child still there. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.
"So, um, Kate…" She glanced up at Papyrus. "Has Sans, um, said anything about possibly, ah, leaving…?" He was fidgeting around nervously. Kaitlyn nearly toppled over but he caught her arm just as she began to fall.
"Sorry, why don't we take a break and sit down somewhere." She smiled to show him she was okay and his worried expression shifted over to some seats across the hall. It was a slow process and Kaitlyn could feel her limbs crying out in protest as she moved to sit beside Papyrus, but she ignored the pain so he wouldn't worry.
"So has he said anything?" The skeleton asked again once she was settled.
"Yeah, he had said something about leaving earlier to me. Why didn't you ask him about it when he came out of my room earlier?"
"I was scared, I guess. I don't really want to leave. I understand now why he wants to go. Sans had brought it up before all of this happened, saying it was too dangerous here, but I didn't really know why he thought that. I still don't understand completely. I mean, I've seen the news and I know the stories about these humans who-" he shivered, "who do terrible things, but I couldn't conceive of someone doing such awful things or any of my friends getting hurt. How could... w-why would anyone hurt someone as kind as you? I just don't understand..." He looked down at his hands and clenched them into fists. "I wish I had been there to protect you. I wish I was strong enough to keep my friends safe. I wish... I-I wish I hadn't told him I wanted to stay back then, maybe none of this would've happened and you'd be okay…"
Kaitlyn held tightly to Papyrus' hand. "Don't blame yourself Paps. None of this is your fault, it was all my stupid idea. I didn't want any of you there because I didn't want anyone getting caught up in my dumb plan and getting hurt. You staying might've saved me from a much worse fate. I don't think I would've gone with you if you'd left anyway and even if I had, think about what could've happened to Grillby. If you two weren't here and I'd done the same thing, Sans wouldn't have come. I'd be-" She stopped, not really wanting to think about what could've happened if Sans hadn't been there. "Everything that happened was because of my decision to go. It was no one else's fault, especially not yours." She reassured him.
He sighed and looked down. Kaitlyn felt his guilt fade away but his sadness remained.
"What's wrong, Paps?"
"Well, about the conversation you and Sans had about leaving. Are you… Can you come with us?"
So that's why he had been scared. He obviously wasn't thrilled about leaving town, but he was scared she wouldn't come.
"It's just that Undyne already said she had to stay here which means Alphys is staying too. I know it's selfish to want to take them with me and it's selfish to want you to come with me and Sans instead of staying here, but…" His eyes filled with tears. "I'm scared you'll stay here and something bad might happen again and Sans won't be there to protect you next time!" He was sobbing now.
"Of course I'm coming with you Paps!" She hugged him and patted his back, trying to soothe him. "It's okay, it's okay. I won't leave you guys, I'm here."
He wiped away his tears and wrapped his long bony arms around her gently. He sniffled and gave a small, relieved smiled. They stayed like that until he was completely calmed down, Kaitlyn absorbing just a bit of his sadness so it would fade away a little faster.
He stood up, back to his happy-go-lucky self. "Now, let us continue our search for Sans! Nyeh heh!"
They search around for a while longer until the two spotted Sans sprawled across a bench, fast asleep. Papyrus wasted no time in going over and lifting his brother into the air. "Hooray! We have found you at last Sans! Though I guess I should've known you'd be somewhere sleeping." He squinted at Sans but was smiling anyway.
"hey Pap, good to see you too. i was starting to feel a little-"
"Sans. No." He placed his brother back on the ground, arms crossed.
"-bonely."
"SAAAAANSSSS!" Papyrus began stomping his foot in mock-furious. "You know how I can't stand your puns and you use that one too much anyway!"
Sans shrugged. "sorry bro, i guess i just like to get under your skin." He gave a cheeky look as Papyrus proceeded to have an internal meltdown. Kaitlyn laughed at the brothers' antics. Sans peered around Papyrus and finally saw her leaned up against the wall. He walked over to help give her some support as she limped over to the bench.
"you're awake, good." He nodded. "did you have any, uh, alone time to talk?"
"Kate was talking to herself?" Papyrus looked concerned for a moment. "Oh! Is that what I heard when I went to your room, Kate? But…" The tall skeleton scratched his head. "I still could've sworn I heard another voice."
Sans raised an eyebrow and Kaitlyn did her best to explain. "Yep, I had a nice chat with myself. Just some reflection on everything that's happened. I-I guess I was having a pretend conversation with one of you because I felt lonely too so I was... uh, using a deeper voice and Papyrus heard him." Sans' eyes widened while poor Papyrus just looked confused. She looked to Paps and smiled saying, "Sorry, I meant to say me."
"Ah, yes, I see!" Papyrus nodded thoughtfully. Meanwhile Sans also looked deep in thought. Kaitlyn wondered what he could be thinking. His emotions didn't seem any different than a few minutes before, but there was the possibility he was somehow blocking her again… She hated when he did that, though she had to admit she had an unfair advantage with her ability.
"hm. well we can talk more later, for now you look tired." Sans had her wrap and arm around his shoulders to keep her steady. "c'mon Pap, why don't you lead the way?"
"Oh yes, I am the best at leadershipping!" He proudly marched ahead of the pair. Just as they began their slow walk back, a sound similar to an angry dog growling filled the space between the group. Kaitlyn's face was hot instantly as the two skeletons stared wide-eyed at the human between them.
"Uh, s-sorry… I'm, um, kinda hungry so... Ha..." She paused to look at her friends. "What? Haven't you guys ever had your stomach- Oh..." She laughed slightly. "I guess I sometimes forget you guys are skeletons and don't really have, uh, intestines."
"So that sound came from here?" Papyrus gently poked Kaitlyn's belly. She flinched but quickly hid her slight discomfort with a patient smile.
"Yeah Paps, it means that I'm hungry. Do other monsters' stomachs not growl when they get hungry?"
"well, our food doesn't work the same way as human food does," Sans interjected, "so nope, we've never heard… that before." Kaitlyn's face felt even hotter, which she could tell made Sans somewhat amused. She scowled at the bonehead for a brief moment before sighing and moving on.
"Ugh, let's just get some food! Monster or human is fine, I'll take anything."
"DO NOT FRET KATE! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS-" A nurse poked his head around the corner and gave a quick hushing motion to the tall skeleton. "Oops, sorry!" The nurse nodded and slipped away. "Anyway, I, the great and wonderful Papyrus, shall find you something nourishing to make the weird tummy sounds go away!" He began to take off down the hall.
"be careful bro! we'll go back to the bench so she can rest." Sans called after him and Papyrus gave a big thumbs up, jogging away.
"Gaster can speak out loud now, huh?" Sans said as he turned back to face Kaitlyn and begin walking.
"Yeah, it's just what I thought! I knew he just needed to forgive himself." Kaitlyn nodded, then paused. "Well, I didn't know it'd bring another part of him back to reality, but I knew it couldn't hurt!"
Sans laughed. "heh, i guess that counts, sure. where is he now?"
"Gone... somewhere. I'm not sure where he goes when he's not with me, but wherever he is, he's keeping quiet."
"ears hoping he does."
Kaitlyn snorted. "Good one!"
Sans grinned. "i try," he shrugged, "but not too hard."
She smiled but then went quiet, staring at her hands. "So, now what?"
"what'd ya mean? i thought we talked about that earlier." He sat her down gently before taking his place next to her, guiding her to lean on him for support.
"Not that," she blushed slightly, "I mean Gaster, and leaving town. What do we do?"
"we do what we always do: take things one step at a time. next time he comes around, i'll be ready to talk. promise."
"And when are we leaving?"
"when you get well enough to walk on your own. why bring it up?"
"Papyrus and I talked about it…"
"oh…?"
"I think me getting hurt really scared him. I can tell he doesn't want to leave but at the same time he's… more aware of the danger. I guess I feel guilty. Has he even left the hospital since I've been here?"
Sans looked away. "not much, and never at night…"
Her brows furrowed together in a melancholy frown. "That's not like him at all. Did you know? That he blamed himself for what happened." She shook her head.
"i suspected. most people like to point fingers and find a scapegoat when something goes wrong, but Paps has always blamed himself when someone he knows gets hurt. of course, i've tried talking to him but... it's just, ya know, in his nature."
"I'm such an idiot."
"that's not true Kat. i can't say i agree with your decisions, but you only did what you thought would protect your friends. caring doesn't make you an idiot."
"Then why do I feel so crummy?"
"maybe the broken bones?" Kaitlyn eyed Sans skeptically. "what? it's pretty uncomfortable for me when i break 'em." He smiled weakly.
"I'm being serious, Sans."
"i know, i'm just... not sure how to help. i think if you hadn't done it alone then you wouldn't feel as bad, but maybe the consequences would've been worse. i don't know." He glanced over until his eyes met hers. "what i do know is i'm thankful things turned out the way they did and that everyone's okay. Kat, you saved Grillby and those refugees he was housing. why waste time regretting something like that? i'm not trying to encourage you to pull the same stunt again, but if there's anything you've taught me, it's that you can't let your past weigh you down. don't sit and agonize over your mistakes, learn from them." His voice was firm but there was still love behind the words. It definitely made Kaitlyn feel a little better.
She leaned her head on his shoulder and gave him a light peck on the cheek. "Thanks, Sans. You're the best." He was glad she couldn't see the flushed expression on his face from the angle she was at.
"o-of course. i'll always be here for you Kat."
She hummed contentedly before suddenly sitting up and withdrawing her hands from Sans' just as Papyrus rounded the corner with enough food for a few Kaitlyns, though most of it was spaghetti.
The three laughed and ate before taking her back to her room to rest. She insisted they go home to rest in their own beds, only convincing Sans when she mentioned how tired Papyrus looked. Sans assured her Undyne would be there to check in on her soon. The two paranoid skelebros still refused to leave until Kaitlyn promised she would call or text them every so often just to give occasional updates or if anything even kind of off happened.
Sans used one of his 'shortcuts,' and once they were gone, Kaitlyn sighed. She was extremely tired herself but would be able to rest a little easier knowing Sans and Papyrus were safe in their own beds and getting some well deserved rest.
I hope my body heals up soon. She yawned, her heavy eyelids drooping further down. It wasn't long until exhaustion completely overwhelmed her and she slipped into a dreamless slumber.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The hospital deemed Kaitlyn healthy enough to leave two days later. Sil questioned her abnormally quick recovery time but Sans convinced her it must've been the magic inside of monster food as well as the initial magic treatment given to her via IV. Sil agreed that humans tended to take to magical treatments differently, some better than others, so she decided to let it go without too much of a fuss.
"So, why did I heal so fast?" Kaitlyn whispered to Sans as they walked out of the hospital. She was able to walk on her own though she still needed crutches. Regardless, even she had to admit it was odd how good she felt only a few days after the incident. All she had left were a few scraps and bruises along with a very minimal ankle sprain.
"it's true enough that all humans take to the healing effects of monster food and magic differently, you especially since you can actually use magic." Sans nodded to himself. "you've been using it enough at this point to become pretty skilled. i'm almost positive you're magic is in the Special Class. it's what makes the most since based on what we know about your magic so far."
"What are you dorks talking about?" Undyne asked as she broke away from the group walking in front of the two. She and Alphys had come with Sans and Papyrus to see Kaitlyn out of the hospital.
Sans shrugged nonchalantly. "not much. Kat's just glad to be out and about now." With everything that's happened, they hadn't really had time to talk to the others about Kaitlyn's magic, and now that they were about to leave town, Sans didn't really feel up to going into it.
"Ah I see!" Undyne put a strong arm around Kaitlyn's neck and pulled her close in a friendly gesture. "We're glad you're out too, ya know! You had us all pretty worried for a minute there."
"Yeah, sorry about that…"
The blue monster grinned and shook her head once before saying, "As long as you're okay, that's what matters. Gotta say, what you did took guts and I can respect that." She playfully punched Kaitlyn's arm, taking care to be more gentle than usual. "So ah," Undyne's smile melted away as she looked down at the human beside her and lowered her voice a bit, "when are you guys planning on leaving town?"
"soon. very soon." Sans interjected.
Undyne shot him a side glance. "I wish I could go with you guys but-" she looked to Alphys. "Alphys wants to stay here for her research and to watch over her lab, and the MPD needs me… I can't let those scummy humans get away with everything they've done." She clenched her fists.
"It's okay Undyne, I understand, and I'm sure Paps does too." Kaitlyn stealthily and slowly absorbed her friend's doubts and sorrow as soon as she felt it surface. "Just stay safe and remember to smile. For both of their sakes." She nodded towards the two monsters chatting happily in from of them. Undyne blinked as if trying to remember why she felt insecure in the first place before smiling again.
"Of course, protecting others is what I do best, and I can't do that if I don't stay safe!" She gave a thumbs up before laughing and running up to join Papyrus and Alphys again.
"You sure they'll be okay?" Kaitlyn could feel Undyne's uncertainties weighing on her shoulders.
Sans took her hand and squeezed reassuringly. "i'm sure they'll be fine. Undyne is strong and Alphys is smart. if anyone could figure out and catch the MEO it's those two."
"Right." She shook off the fear and sadness, knowing it'd be a bit before she got over the absorbed emotions completely, but it was worth it if it helped Undyne feel better. "Where are we going again by the way?"
"north, to the capital."
"Capital? You know, I've never been one for geography but I'm pretty sure the capital is east from here."
Sans grinned. "i mean the monster capital."
"Monster capital? What's that?"
"it's the place where the Underground's entrance is. well, the city is actually right outside of where the entrance is. it's mostly a city of monsters because we built it and it's the safest place for us right now. a couple of human-monster relationship activists have even moved there now, i think. how have you not heard of this before?" He squinted over to Kaitlyn who just shrugged in a very Sans-like fashion.
"I haven't really had time to catch up on what's going on in the news. I think I remember hearing about a monster city though a long time ago now that you mention it. Anyway, where are we staying?"
"we'll be in a friend's guest cottage. it's not too big, but it's got enough room for the three of us."
"The three of us? Together?" Kaitlyn furrowed her brow.
"yeah, you, me and Paps. is something wrong?"
"No, it's just…" She hadn't been expecting to stay under the same roof as Sans and Papyrus. Something about the thought of sleeping only a few rooms away from Sans made her heart beat a little faster. It's not like she was expecting him to do anything, but…
He gripped her shoulder and smiled. "don't worry so much. we've stayed in the same house before, remember?" That's right, they had both slept in Sophie's house but... She shook her head.
"Who's the mind-reader here again?"
" 'i don't read minds i read emotions.' " Sans mimicked her a high-pitched tone and they laughed before she continued.
"That was different back then. There were more people and feelings were not," she paused, considering her words carefully, "defined back then."
Sans shrugged. "we'll work through it. besides, i would never do anything you didn't want me to. i was prepared for that before i even told you how i felt."
"I know."
"and there's Paps. i especially wouldn't do anything as long as he's there."
Kaitlyn nodded. "That's true, but it's not so much I think you'd do anything as it's just- I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous because the last few people I've lived with the outcomes were… less than desirable." Her heart still hurt to think about Luce or the way everything ended with Sam. She was terrified something bad would happen and the repercussions it could have on her relationship with either of the skelebros. "What if I'm just bad luck?" She grumbled.
"you're one of the best things that's ever walked into my life, so you're not bad luck, Kat. besides, everything will be fine. things are different now." He brushed away some stray hair that had found its way in front of her face. She smiled and looked over to him.
"You're right. I'm probably just overthinking things."
Sans knew her concern wasn't completely unwarranted, though he also knew he was right in saying there wasn't anything to worry about. Magic was a fickle thing at times, and if it went unchecked for too long, it could have various effects on others, especially non-magic users. It was very likely that after the monsters had surfaced, whatever seal that had been placed on Kaitlyn's magic was broken. This caused her magic to be able to flow more freely and affect those closest to her, specifically her aunt and Sam. And because her magic was based on emotions... well, it wasn't a stretch to think her magic didn't effect those around her mentally or emotionally. Humans were, after all, very fragile beings.
Sans simply couldn't believe that the monster's surfacing and her aunt's sudden illness and memory loss had nothing to do with one another. It could even be that Luce also inherited some magic, assuming it was from that side of the family of course, and her magic simply wasn't compatible with Kaitlyn's. As a result, Sans assumed both of their magic built up because it wasn't being used and created Luce's illness not to mention emotional instability in Kaitlyn. That was likely why she felt Luce's illness became worse every time she would go around her.
Then there was Sam. Because Kaitlyn's magic could effect emotions and feelings and was quite possibly part of the Special Class, the build up of magic may have caused him to become overly stimulated with unconscious outflows of her magic. Sans didn't want to admit it, and he certainly never had any intention of telling Kaitlyn, but it was probably her own magic that drove Sam away from her and worsened her aunt's condition.
Monsters are taught how to wield and displace their magic in a healthy fashion basically right after birth because magic buildup can have so many negative outcomes. He knew she would wholly blame herself for everything that had happened if she found out, even though she didn't really have any control over it. How could she have known what to do? Kaitlyn was a human, not a monster, so no one had taught her. Sans planned to do everything in his power to make sure she never found out.
"You okay, Sans?" She was looking over at him with concern.
"y-yeah, just got a lot on my mind. what, with the move and Gaster and the MEO, i guess i'm just a little stressed."
"You? Stressed? I never thought I'd hear that word come out of you." Kaitlyn chuckled. "You're the most relaxed person I've ever seen." Even as she said it, she knew it wasn't entirely true. Sans actually had a lot of worries, he just hid them well with an expertly crafted outward facade. At this thought she looked to him and said, "You know, you can always come and talk to me about anything you're worried about. I want to be able to help you without just absorbing emotions or reading how you're feeling. I want you to be able to talk with me openly."
Sans nodded. "i know, i feel the same way. i'll try and learn how to open up more, i promise. first things first though, i need to teach you how to control your magic."
"What do you mean? I thought you said was getting pretty good." Kaitlyn sulked slightly.
"don't get me wrong, you're absolutely excellent at using it, but controlling it is something else entirely. right now, you're kinda like a faucet that just spews out magic 24/7, but that's not always good. for example, you say you can't really control feeling other peoples' emotions, right?" Kaitlyn nodded slowly, now fully absorbed in what he was saying. "well, you can actually learn to essentially turn 'off' your magic. that way you aren't forced to feel an onslaught of emotions every time you're in a crowd."
"How does it work? Does than mean you can turn your magic off and on?"
"i can but it's a little hard to explain how quickly. basically, my magic is 'on' when my left eye changes color and when i turn it 'off' they're normal. all monsters learn how to do this before they can even walk and all monsters' magic manifests itself in different ways so there are different ways of turning it off and on."
God, did that sound nice. Kaitlyn could hardly go out in public anymore because of the rush of different emotions that would flood her brain. The trip to the mall with Sans was the last time she'd gone out to a large public area, and afterwards she'd felt drained. She also found herself getting headaches when there were too many conflicting emotions fighting for her attention. Her magic was odd and she admitted she didn't know everything about it, but it seemed that depending on the person and the emotion, it was as though some feelings 'shouted' at her. Essentially, feelings were kind of like pillows being tossed around her but these 'shouted' feelings were more like rocks that lodged themselves into her head by force. The stronger the emotion, the harder it hit.
One of the things she liked about Sans was, ironically, his ability to mask his emotions. He naturally had quieter emotions, and she didn't feel pulled into confusing moods that weren't her own when she was with him. Plus, being around him even in a crowd lessened the effect of the 'louder' emotions around her. It was soothing when he was with her, like a walking aspirin that made puns.
"When can we start?" A look of determined readiness was set on Kaitlyn's face and Sans chortled at the seriousness she took on at his suggestion.
"after the move. i figured you might be interested, especially with your magic. seems like it might be a little mentally exhausting."
"You have no idea." She sighed. "Anyway, when exactly are you planning on meeting Gaster?" She eyed him curiously and felt a spike of nervousness come from him before calming down again.
"also probably, maybe after the move." Sans exhaled. "i don't know what i'm gonna say to him though."
"You don't have to have a plan for everything ya know. Some things are good to just improvise."
"i usually don't have a plan for anything, Kat, but i'm so damn nervous about seeing him. once nearly caused me to have a panic attack."
Kaitlyn smiled softly. "I'll be right there with you." She had a mischievous look overcome her features. "I know you've got the guts for it!"
Sans snickered at the pun and her look of pride, as if she had just won a competition. "hey, don't have to patella me twice."
"Oh wow, that was a pretty good one!" Kaitlyn threw her head back in laughter. The three ahead of them looked back in confusion until Sans waved a hand as if to say, 'it's okay, you probably don't want to hear it.'
And so, the unlikely group of friends continued forward, all of them nervous for the future but ready to take on the impending challenges together.
Hey again dear readers! I know this update was waaayy faster than usual but I'll be leaving for vacation soon so I wanted to get as much out as possible before leaving. The Gaster portion of the story is coming to a close so it'd be nice to have that finished so I can take a small breather. I need to collect my ideas for the story and pull them together into something intelligible before launching into the next character arc. I think you'll like it... Well I HOPE you'll like it anyway :3
Hopefully, I'll be able to post the next chapter in a day or so. If not, that will be the first thing I do when I get back from vacation! Thank you so much for all your support!