Reaching the top of the stairs, the small human could hear the muffled sound of rain from beyond the cave ceiling. Jasper looked upon the large structure that stood before him. On what could pass as a normal apartment duplex, was decorated in numerous neon lights and decor featuring Mettaton. As much as he would like to comment on it, he found he couldn't, for all he could do was smile. Smile at the thought that he was that much closer towards reaching the end. So much so, that he could almost swear that he could feel his sister nearby. Taking a step closer, he noticed a shadowed figure leaning against the building.
"Sans?" Jasper wondered what he was doing there, but seeing that he wasn't moving, decided to read the letter that was on the floor. After reading the note, he did as instructed and went into the dark alley. As much as that would have sounded sketchy on any other day, he wanted to be fully packed with monster food before entering the Core. If the Core was the soul provider of energy for the whole underground, then it should be heavily guarded. Right?
Walking away from Sans, the hoodie skeleton's eye followed after the small boy as he disregarded him. This small action left him feeling a bit hurt. That the small child would prefer to follow some note then to say greet to him. But as much as he would like to follow the kid, he stayed leaning against the building. Waiting until, the young boy left the dark alley, knowing that if Jasper was really hoping to reach the Core, then he would have to go through the front door of the resort. After a short while, Jasper stumble out from the alley wiping off lipstick residue from his cheek.
"Ughh...so gross-"
"heya, squirt." Jasper stumbles back when Sans stood in front of him, blocking the entrance towards the resort. Sans rather not make a big deal that the kid was planning to enter the building without even saying hello to him. Nope, didn't bother him even a bit that Jasper would ignore him like that. Seeing the kid with an annoyed expression, Sans crouched to be in the kid's eye level. "something wrong squirt?" Turning a blind eye on the child's new set of eyewear, he noticed faint bruising on his cheeks. "what happened..." before Sans could touch the bruise, Jasper crossed his arms and looked away.
"It's nothing, just..." he let out an annoyed sigh, "I just don't like it when people pinch my cheeks. Saying 'ooh look how cute he is'." He said in a mocking manner, "why don't they get that it hurts when they do that..." While Jasper continued to mumble his annoyance, Sans could feel his soul pulse out waves of anger.
they did what!? how dare they -
"Whatever, it's my fault anyway. It's the price I have to pay for being charming I guess. So...what's with your eye?"
"w-what?" Jasper comment snapped Sans out of whatever spell he was under.
"It was doing some weird magic build up or...something." Sans regained his composure, clearing his throat, he said to forget about it and ruffled Jasper's hair before getting up.
"so, heading towards the core huh?"
"That's the plan. So, if you don't mind stepping to the side..." Jasper said as he tried squeezing pass him. But Sans kept blocking him.
"why not grab something to eat before you go?"
"I'm good, thanks."
"c'mon, what's having a drink gonna hurt?" Taking no for an answer, Sans lifted Jasper by his thin coat. "i know a shortcut." Giving a wink, he walked towards the left side of the building before stepping into the void. Landing inside of the restaurant, he placed the kid down onto the chair before sitting himself. "kinda short there squirt. need a boost?"
"I'm not short, I'm fun sized." Sans let out a chuckle before waving towards the waiter to bring over a black plastic booster seat. Able to see Jasper's whole face and not just his eyes, Sans could now get straight to the point.
"okay, before you...leave. there's a couple of things i would like to talk about."
"Is that why the restaurant's empty?"
"huh?" Sans looked away from the kid and noticed that the restaurant was indeed empty. The usual characters were no where to be seen. He told Jasper that he didn't know why the restaurant was empty. That it wasn't his doing.
"So what's so important that you had to take me out into this little detour of yours?"
Sans let out a sigh before rubbing behind his neck. After so many timelines he had with you he found it hard to jar away from his usual line. "look, squirt...there's just so much i wanted to discuss. that i can't find the right words..." It embarrassed him to say it but it was true. Having this opportunity, he wasn't sure what he should ask first. Who was he? Where did he come from? Why does he feel so drawn to him? He doubted the kid would be able to answer the last question. But if he could just find out more about him, he was sure he would be able to figure out the reason why.
"Can I ask you something while you figure out what you want to say?" Sans eyesockets widen, surprised that Jasper had questions as well. Giving him a slight nod, Jasper began. "Are you and Papyrus the only skeletons?"
"i suppose we are, why?"
"Hmm...just speculating." Sans watched as the young boy's face began to pounder. The same look he would get himself when he used to work at the lab. The face his brother showed whenever he was figuring out his own puzzles. "Would you call your brother a hero?"
"the coolest..." he said softly, mindlessly voicing the answer as he kept staring at the boy.
"And...you're smart right? Smart enough to be a scientist?"
"i...guess..." After a small moment, Jasper's face lit up before quickly disappearing into a sad smile.
"Alright..." Jasper looked up at Sans face, eyes filled with resolute. "So, did you figure what you wanted to ask?"
"...who are you?" His voice came out softer and without a second thought. Just the look on the boy's face, the question just came out of him.
"Jasper Daniels! Older twin of Bonbon and son of mommy dearest! Ah-ha-ha-ha!" The young boy proclaimed proudly. The smile on his face told Sans, that he wasn't going to elaborate any more than that. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, with a sigh, his eyes wondered towards the weirdly familiar looking pair of glasses Jasper was wearing. He wasn't sure why they looked familiar but it did spark something inside him. Almost as if he remembered seeing the design somewhere before, but couldn't recall from where.
"squirt, what's with the glasses? i haven't seen ya wear them since you walked through through those Ruin doors."
"Oh these?" Jasper took his glasses off, turning them around his small fingers. "Mommy bought them for me when she saw that I was slowly going blind." Since this small journey had started, the tiny human always felt something within the underground. A hidden past that he felt he could unravel. He wasn't sure at first where he was but after all the small bits of information he gathered, he noticed that the question wasn't where he was, but when. He wished he could explore more on what he figured out but that's for another time. For right at this moment, one of the pieces of the puzzle he wished to uncover was sitting in front of him. Noticing Sans' face filled with worry and something else he couldn't put, Jasper hurried on. "Don't worry though, after a while, my eyes are back to normal and I don't have to put them on again. Well, not after a few days. Just when I start losing the sight to look at souls and then everything starts turning gray." Jasper explained before putting back on the eye wear.
Sans felt miserable at the thought of anyone...specially someone as small as Jasper having to worry about going blind at a regular basis. To not be able to see anything around them but...darkness, utter darkness. But there a small detail that caused him to tune out Jasper voice as he continued to talk. Not listening as he talked of how his sister had a similar problem regarding her hearing. Something about how it sometimes appeared as if she was lost in her own thoughts or was mostly confused. All mainly because she had lost her hearing for that moment only to regain it back after a short while and she would pretend as if nothing happened.
No, he didn't catch how Jasper's mother would leave for long periods of time to work at various places, just to pay for a secluded house so that others wouldn't bother them. Or how Jasper and his sister couldn't set foot outside their home without hurting themselves. Not even tunning in when Jasper told how he doesn't know anyone but his mother or sister. Except for random visits from his aunt, who mainly stopped by to check on everyone, and an uncle who would only drop by with any repairs that was made on the glasses or hearing aid.
No, Sans didn't catch any of that. For the only thing that truly caught his attention, the only thing that perplexed him more then anything was the small detail Jasper had said. He had said that the glasses he has on at this very moment, the glasses that seemed so familiar to him, was capable in aiding him in seeing souls. "magic enhancers..."
"Eh? Yeah, that's what they're called, how-"
"why..." Sans soul trembled as he looked into the eyes of the young boy in front of him. "why would any human child need magic enhancers?" His hands tighten as they gripped onto the cloth of the table. "a magical device that was created to help children monsters as they... start to fall?" Sans found himself struggling to explain, as the child continue to sit in silence, never looking away.
"kid, what happened to your eyes? they're...duller than I remembered."
"It's nothing!"
"after the war that sealed us all inside ended, many children lost their parents in the process. but even after centuries since the war, children continued to fall. their parents losing all hope of ever seeing the outside world again had begun dusting away. leaving their children all alone. i wasn't born yet so i wasn't part of the team that created the enhancers." He wasn't sure why he was telling the small human this, except for the fact that he had to know why a human would have such an item let alone need them .
Sans told Jasper of how at the very beginning of conception of a monster child's life, they are in need of a consent flow of magic from their parents. Even after they are born, a parent must continue to nurture them with their magic. just until they reach an age were they are able to maintain and produce their own flow of magic.
The hodded skeleton wasn't sure if he found it comforting or unnerving that Jasper has yet to make any comment during the whole story telling. Unnerving because the kid almost looked like a doll just staring at him, comforting just for the fact that if the child did say anything, that it would only cause him to stop. To wound up to continue the story. But he went on, "if the parents are gone before the child is ready to control their own magic, that's when it starts. the child's magic becomes unstable and begins to dwindle. we monster's are mostly made up of magic, without it we..." flashes of dust in the wind in an abandoned Snowdin flashed through his mine. "the children start to lose their senses. the ability to see, to hear, to speak...to move. the scientist at the time, created the magic enhancers to help them. by helping the monster's soul gain some stability, even if it's just a little, just so they wouldn't be filled with so much fear before falling."
Still Jasper has yet to say anything.
"Jasper? why...why would-"
"Sans?" Jasper adrumpt voice stopped him. "Is it true you can see souls? You know, without needing to be in a confrontation or having the other to pull it out?" Sans' mind was so conflicted at the moment that he didn't care how the kid would know such a thing, that he just let out a small nod. "Right now, can you see mine?" Sans was caught of guard by the sudden question. Looking away from the child's face, he stared at the spot were the soul usually reside, but...he couldn't see anything. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't even catch a small glimpse of light. Resigning, he shook his head which made Jasper smile wide. "I didn't think I could do it, but I guess I can. If I ever see mommy...I hope this makes her happy. Even if only a little..."
So many things were going through his mind. That Sans couldn't find the right thing to say, for all he found himself wanting to do was comfort the small child. Anything to stop that sad look in his face. Jasper probably seeing how Sans looked so conflicted, faced him with a large smile. "Hey Sans! Cheer up! If you give me that weird goofy smile of yours, I'll show you something." His comment left Sans chuckling at how ironic it was to be in this position. To be the one that needed cheering up... "Much better. Ok, I'll show you!"
"show me?"
"Yup! Just, promise me you won't laugh...okay?" Confused, Sans nodded as Jasper had his hand cupped to his chest. As light began to illuminate through the boy's shirt, Sans could feel his soul pound painfully in his chest. Small latches of light appeared from the source. Sans eyesocket widen, his whole body shook both in awe, fear and anticipation. When Jasper had successfully pulled out the light from his chest, it took everything in Sans to keep himself rooted to his seat. For his own soul begged him...pleading him to go forth. The lonely restaurant glowed with a soft hue of light, all coming from the small light in Jasper's hand.
The light, illuminated Jasper's sad expression. For in his cupped hand floated a small soul. A soul that trembled in his hand as it lashed out small sparks of lights. The soul made of blue, orange and red light, all clashing against each other. Almost as if each light where fighting to cover the soul into one color. "Pretty pathetic huh." Jasper's voice echoed through Sans' mind as blue tears streamed down his face. "No matter how strong I try to be, I can't stop my soul from shaking." The hooded skeleton, with his hand gripping tightly over his shirt, fought desperately against his soul from leaping out. For even in its unstable state, Sans has never seen a more beautiful soul. But the more he saw the small fragile soul as it continued to beg for help, the more he read the faint stats that floated near it. Faint words that broke his very own soul into pieces.
"So...weak...that even the slightest touch can ripple it away into nothing..." Jasper's words brought dread into his soul...dread that drowned him.
"J-Jaspe-" He stuttered through his soft sobs. He didn't know what to say or do, everything was just happening so fast. The small boy returned his soul back into his body.
"Nice chatting, but I really have to go."
"w-wait!" Jasper jumped out of his seat as Sans struggled out of his.
"Tell Papyrus I said hi, okay?"
"...please..d-don't-"
"There's something important I have to do. So, I'll see you guys next time...maybe." Desperation pounded itself inside Sans as he watched the kid start to walk away. Those fading words floating through his head, cementing him to keep the young boy from leaving. But before he could even reach out towards him, Jasper turned around with his socket devoide of his eyes and replaced with a piercing blue and orange light. With a swift wave of his hand, Jasper summoned a wall of bones, stopping Sans from getting closer. The sudden magic attack caused a momentary shock before shaking himself out of it and shortcutting to the other side of it.
Sans quickly spotted Jasper as he ran towards the end of the restaurant. Sans shortcuted infront of him, he blocked his path. "Jasper i said wai- what!?" Before Sans could grab the small human, Jasper had dodged away from his reach and shortcutted behind him. No time to reflect on how alarming it was that Jasper knew such a move, he used his own shortcut to try to catch up.
The two continued to run throughout the resort, in and out of shortcuts causing alarm amongst the residence. No matter how close Sans ended up, Jasper always shortcutted away from him. "Jasper!" With no other option, Sans launched numerous blue bones at the young boy, hoping that the boy knew better then to move during such attacks. Jasper noticing the bones, only smerked before standing his ground. Blocking his face with his arms, the blue attack fazed through him. Just like with the battle with Papyrus, his soul felt heavy and his body fell against the ground. "squirt...i'm...i'm sorry for doing this but...i can't let you leave." Kneeling down, he placing his hand against the small boy's back. Sans own soul jumped out along with a large surge of magic. Lifting the boy's body into an embrace, he could feel his magic pour into the small body. Lifting away the weight of the blue magic, he readied himself to shortcut his way home.
"Heh." Sans looked down as he heard the small chuckle. Pulling away from the boy, he saw a sly smile on the child's face. "Now you're blue!"
"w-what!?" Jasper's hand was placed over Sans' chest. The small boy's eyes grew brighter as a small pulse of magic left his palm, turning Sans' soul blue.
"Sorry Sans."
Jasper jumping out of the way, Sans desperately tried to take grab of him. "J...Jas...per..." But soon the magic took full effect on him, leaving Sans struggling to keep his body from crushing down onto the ground. "w-wait...d-don't leave..." He gasped out with his arms trembling to keep his body from crushing down onto the floor.
"Ah-ha-ha-ha-ha! No one can catch Jasper Daniels!" He cheered as he disappeared from his spot only to reappear near the exit. "Bye bye Sans..." Taking his chance, Jasper rushed towards the exit, shortcutting every other feet to gain more distance.
{Fuck! Did you see that! That was coolest shit I've seen in a long time!}
《Language Chara.》
{Screw that! You know as much as I do that that was something else! Piece of shit, I don't know what you are but whatever it is, I definitely want it!}
《Of course you do...》
You let out a long sigh because now that Jasper had showed how much he can go toe to toe with Sans, Chara was itching with even more determination to find out how much the kid's body can withstand. Not that you were willing to let it happened. You were unable to stop the disaster of the previous timeline, but that only fuelled your own determination to stop anything Chara had in store for the small human.
Having left the restaurant, Jasper came face to face with the entrance of the Core. Having a small boost of magic from Sans (not as much as with Papyrus but enough to feel strong enough), Jasper summoned his bone sword. Wasting no time, he ran through the building. Stepping inside, he instantly felt a small thump in his soul. Abruptly stopping, his soul sensed another, his sister's soul. "Bonbon!?" He quickly looked around but found no signs of her. Gripping tightly onto his sword, he squashed the small disappointment and he faced on ahead. Filled with hope, he rushed on through, sparing as quickly as possible all those who tried to stop him. "I'm almost there! I know I am!"
Hanging up her phone, Bonbon hooked it on the side of the pocket of her hoodie. She knew by calling Alphys that she had cut her chance to further herself away, before Sans and Papyrus would find her. But she was tired of hurting them. If it wasn't for the glitches she had started to cause or that you might be in danger from fading out of existence, she wouldn't mind staying for a bit. But she didn't want to put her new friends in danger and the thought that you might disappear without her trying everything she could do to help, left her with an unpleasant feeling. Securing that Flowey was still safely on top of her head. She entered the Core building. But as she set foot onto the building, she felt a strange feeling in her soul.
"Bonbon!?"
A distant voice echoed through out the building. She quickly turned around, searching her current area. Her eyes looking at every corner. Disregarding the tiny patches of glitches she had left behind, she couldn't find the source of the voice she heard.
"Jasper?"
"Who?" Flowey asked, bending over to see her face.
"Flowey, did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Seeing no one in sight, she continued on without noticing the shadow of a hooded figure. The hodded figure followed ever so quietly, watching over her, making sure to ward any potential danger that might cross her way.
The twins entering the Core, a building with power coursing through its metal panels, could feel their souls start to resonate with each other. Surrounded with power and magic, the smell of ozone filled the air. With every step they took, their soul pulsed, calling for each other. The pulse giving them hope and the strength to face whatever danger that waited for them.
Having wasted enough time recuperating his strength, the tall skeleton was finally able to maneuver around without the help of his bone staff. He wasn't at full strength yet, but he will make do. "Papyrus! Do you really think you're up for it?" Undyne quickly followed after Papyrus as he marched away from the house.
"UNDYNE, AS MUCH AS I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCERN. I CAN'T WASTE ANY MORE TIME. NOT WHEN HE MIGHT BE IN DANGER."
"Look, I get it. But your not fully healed."
"I'M HEALED ENOUGH! UNDYNE..." Papyrus turned around and faced Undyne. His face showing no signs of backing away, stopped his friend from moving any closer. "IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRY TO STOP ME. THEN TRY YOUR BEST. FOR I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY SOUL TO BEST YOU."
"Papyrus..." Undyne's shoulder slumped in defeat. There was nothing she could say or do to stop him from going. But she couldn't fault him for it, for if it was her in his position, she would probably do the same. It still didn't help her from worrying about him. If only she could get a hold on better information on what's happening at the resort. All she was able to find out from Alphys' update, was that the kid was closing in to the Core. There was other random posts of a battle having broken out in the middle of the resort. There was no signs of anyone being hurt besides a few damages on the building.
"I WILL DO ANYTHING TO PROTECT HIM."
Sans struggled to get up from the ground. Even after the magic effect had worn off, he found it difficult to even move. He cursed himself for having given that small amount of magic to Jasper. He couldn't help it though. His main objective was to take Jasper away from the crowd of monsters, somewhere safe where he can put his thoughts in order. But he guessed his soul had other plans at that moment. Nearby monster began worrying about him, but as they neared him, his magic flared up. Numerous bones raised from the ground, keeping them from getting any closer. For the only thing that he wanted to do was to find him. Those faint words that kept running through his mind, that caused him to lose any rational reasoning...completely throwing them out the window, where now imbedded in his soul.
Sans and Papyrus faced the world in front of them. Both of them ready to face anyone who would try to stop them. For those dreaded words that floated around Jasper's soul would drive the brothers to face head on any obstacle that would stand in their way. The mere light of the young boy's soul was all they needed to know who he was to them. But those fading words only reinforced it. That...
He is your son...
