Two Worlds, Two Souls
Chapter 10: The Skeleton Brothers
Angel's Point of View
It was a few minutes later when we all calmed down enough to gather close again. Sans seemed to be thrilled beyond belief about the situation while my sister was giggling and I trying to hold in my laughter after shoving snow into her face. It felt great to start a new adventure and to know that I had a friend who'd be even partly willing to help us was amazing.
"So what's the plan now?" Frisk questioned when we all had calmed down.
"Well, we need to make our way to the town of Snowdin so we can start getting ready with befriending monsters and hopefully they'll begin to accept us." I turned to Sans. "You said that the only one hell bent on catching us was your brother, correct?"
"Yep." Sans snickered before he turned to my sister who wasn't fully aware of the situation. "I'm actually supposed ta be on watch for humans right now. But…y'know…. I don't really care about capturin' anyone. Now my brother, Papyrus, he's a human huntin' fanatic!"
The comment made my sister flinch. She quickly looked over at me worriedly, but when I didn't show as much of concern, she calmed slightly.
"Hey, I think that's him right over there." My sister and I both turned to look off in the distance as a long figure was slowly approaching, but we couldn't make out much beyond that it was very tall and skinny. "I have an idea, go through this gate thingy."
"This?" My sister pointed up at the wood that hovered over our heads.
"Yeah, go right through. My bro made the bars ta wide to stop anyone."
Sans hurried us across the bridge. Even if it looked shabby to the eye, it was actually quite steady. I placed my feet on it in confidence as we scurried across before we landed in a place where a sentry station was locational. That must have been where Sans had told us to meet up if he hadn't met us before.
Once we were in the space before the sentry station, I was surprised to see the strange lamp that sat only ten feet away from it that actually strikingly (and a bit freaky) resembled the body shape of my sister.
Sans snickered before he pointed to the strange item. "Okay, Frisk, you'll hide behind this conveniently shaped lamp-"
"What?!" my sister squealed.
"-and Angel, ya hide in the sentry stand. My brother won't look at either place." Sans carried on like he hadn't heard my sister's displeasure from where he told her to hide. I had to hide a giggle as my sister looked at me with a look that said 'you traitor'.
Frisk turned back to our monster friend. "Why can't I hide with my sister in the station?"
"Because that would be defeatin' the purpose of this." Before my sister could fight back, Sans gave us both a shove. "Now hurry up, he's comin'!"
My sister didn't understand at that moment, so she did as commanded and hide behind the lap that seemed to match her body perfectly. She hid behind it at the angle that the second monster wouldn't be able to see from while I dove into the sentry station, peaking out around the corner stealthily.
I wonder how Papyrus was in comparison to Sans?
A second skeleton soon appeared only a few feet before Sans that shared the same porcelain colored bone, the latter of the two who stood with a lazy grin on his face. The second monster was nearly double the size of Sans, and wore some interesting clothing. A white armor plate covered his chest and shoulders, but showed off the lower part of his spine before it connected to another piece of armor that covered his pelvis, this time blue in color. Red boots and boxing gloves were on his hands and feet respectably while his legs and arms were covered in black skin tight cloth. A red scarf was tied a few times around his neck that I didn't know if it was for style or warmth. His face was narrower compared to Sans' wider skull. His eye socks were also much smaller then Sans, but I could still make out the small dot for an eye in the black holes of his skull.
"Sup Bro?"
"You know what 'sup', Brother!" Papyrus narrowed his eye sockets at Sans along with pointing a boney finger covered by the boxing glove in Sans' face. "It's been eight days and you still haven't recalibrated your puzzles! You just hang around outside your station! What are you even doing?"
Sans shrugged in a bored fashion, but I could feel the humor he was hiding through his soul. "Starin' at this lamp. It's really cool. Do ya wanna look?"
I glanced over and saw my sister sweat in a bit of fear.
"No! I don't have time for that!" Papyrus was so occupied with Sans that they didn't notice an arm move from behind the lamp as my sister covered her heart before hiding it again. "What if a human comes through here? I want to be ready! I will be the one! I must be the one!"
Papyrus then almost seemed to be… throwing a tantrum? He was stomping his feet much like a child and his bones rattled in his annoyance. "I will capture a human! Then, I, the Great Papyrus, will get all the things I utterly deserve!"
Papyrus pulled back a held his fist before his chest, I could only assume was some sort of salute. As he stood there, still speaking to his brother, he held such a powerful looking image with his scarf flowing in the wind behind his head, whipping in the gusts.
"Respect… recognition… I will finally be able to join the royal guard!" Papyrus pumped his fist into the air. "People will ask to be my 'friend'! I will be bathed in a show of kisses each morning!"
I cringed at that. That sounded so gross… I wouldn't want that…
"Hmm…" Sans seemed deep in thought for a moment. "Maybe this lamp can help ya?"
"Sans!" Papyrus roared back at his brother. "You are not helping! You lazy bones! All you do is sit and boondoggle! You get lazier and lazier every day!"
Sans held up his hands in defense. "Hey, take it easy. I've gotten a ton of work done today, a skele-ton."
I snorted and quickly covered my mouth to prevent my laughter from emerging to the air. Sans I figured was picking up on it, but Papyrus was too focused on the pun that had him fuming, yet smiling.
"Sans!"
The older of the brothers grinned. "Come on, you're smilin'."
Papyrus pushed away his smile and frowned. "I am, and I hate it."
The two paused for a moment in their rut and Papyrus sighed. I could feel the atmosphere changing once more and the tone between them wasn't the same. Papyrus' soul felt so childlike, so eager to please and to grow up, yet unknowing of what truly lie on the other side once you hit the point of no return.
The younger brother shook his head. "Why does someone as great as me have to do so much just to get some recognition…"
Sans chuckled before snapping a finger. "Wow, sounds like yer really workin' yourself… down to the bone."
Papyrus groaned loudly. "Ugg! I will attend to my puzzles. As for your work? Put a little more backbone into it! Nye heh heh!"
As Papyrus left the area, I struggled to hold myself up as I was laughing too hard at the joking brothers. I held onto myself as tightly as possible and covered my mouth to avoid laughing out loud.
Sans' voice caught my attention, even if it did nothing to move me. "Okay, ya can come out now."
Once he said that, laughter poured out of me. I couldn't breathe as I rolled around in his sentry hut and pounded at the floor in my glee.
"Oh my god, you two broke her!"
"Opps?"
My chest burned from the laughter, but I struggled to stop. Sans had always been funny, but he and his brother at once? It was too much for my mind and body to handle.
"Come on Angel, do you need me to say the secret word?"
"N-ah! No! N-no please! Ha ha! Do-don't!" I was still laughing, but the dread of my sister using the secret word to stop me started to calm me down.
"Secret word?" I heard Sans slip into the conversation. "Now I gotta know."
"Oh no you don't!" My sister walked inside the station and started to pull me to my feet as I started to calm down. I struggled to catch my breath, I felt like I was on fire, and my eyes had cried so many tears of happiness.
I probably looked like such a mess…
"You okay, Sis?" I looked over to my sister and she glanced at me worriedly as I breathed heavily still from the exhaustion of the laughter.
"Yes, I'm fine, just out of breath."
"Well then, we oughta get goin'." Sans jerked his fingers in the direction Papyrus hurried off to. "He might come back. And if he does, you'll have sit through more of my hilarious jokes."
"I don't think my sister would mind that too much." Frisk smirked up at me and I flicked her forehead. She complained at that, but still grinned as she and I walked up to stand besides Sans.
"So," I leaned forward a bit to see the expression on Sans face, which was difficult to read other than he was having a good time through his soul. "Where are we heading next?"
"Well, we gotta head down over the mountain ta head to Snowdin, so we gotta go past Pap's puzzles he's got set up ta capture humans." Sans thought about it for a moment before turning to me. "Actually, hey… hate to bother ya, but can you do me a favor? I was thinkin'… my brother's been kinda down lately… he's never seen a human before and seein' you two might just make his day. Don't worry; he's not dangerous, even if he tries ta be."
Us sisters turned to look at one another from either side of Sans as he led the way. "What do you think Angel? You trust him more than I do."
"If you're sure Sans, then I don't see why it would be a problem." I smiled at my skeleton friend. "Solving some puzzles also sound like fun, so long as we're not out all day."
Sans grinned widely at that. "Thanks a million. Tell ya what, I bet that if ya can get past all of Pap's puzzles, we could convince him ta a meal at the house and some cocoa."
My sister gleamed at that information and I already knew what she was going to ask. "Can we have spaghetti?"
"Well you're in luck," Sans chuckled. "That's all Paps will cook."
Frisk's eyes glittered in happiness at the thought of her favorite meal. "Yes!"
"If you're lucky," Sans continued with a rich grin. "It might be edible."
I blinked at that comment while my sister seemed to pout at that. "Does Papyrus struggle with cooking?"
"Uh… he's been taking cookin' lessons," Sans rubbed the back of his head. "Maybe by next year he can cook somethin' that's not gonna hurt me. If he's determined, I'll take you two out ta Grillby's."
"You mentioned that place once or twice." I remembered Sans talking about it as a favorite place for him to go for his friend who ran it, Grillbz, as well as the food. "What does it serve?"
Sans shook "It ain't nothin' fancy, more of a fires and burger joint, but he serves a mean sunday and shakes."
"Sold!" Frisk quickly reached over and hugged his side, eager for the meal that would come later. Sans looked down at her in surprise as we walked, I could feel through his soul that he was surprised by her action. It only lasted a moment though, before Sans wrapped an arm around her and me, making us an awkward line of people trying to all walk together.
"Alright, much as I love this love fest we got goin' on. I gotta get so Pap doesn't know we're friends or anythin'. I'll take a short cut and meet you two up ahead."
Sans released us then, leaving my sister to hurry to my side and take my hand before he saluted us. He then turned and disappeared behind a tree before he vanished from sight completely. My sister blinked in confusion, hurrying to where he was and saw he was no longer there and gasped.
"Where'd he go?"
"I think he can teleport, he was doing it earlier when he was fooling around with us after we left the ruins." I tapped my chin. "Monsters have all different types of magic. Humans have lost the use of most types due to separations of monsters who were the ones who first taught us how to use it and that people are relying more on technology rather than magic."
My sister tilted up her head at me. "Is that why Grandma was so… pushy to have us learn magic?"
"Yes, that was part of the reason. We're one of the last families to be able to use any at all." I petted her head. "Just remember to be careful when using our family's magic."
Frisk pouted at me. "I know Angel; determination magic isn't always the safest one to use, only in dangerous situations."
"Right, but if you need to heal, that's fine."
"I know! You've told me a hundred times."
I could feel the agitation in her voice and soul as we slowly walked along the path Sans set us on. I knew she knew of what I spoke of. Our family, the Teirans, were one of the few that still could use magic of all types, as well as a type of magic that was dedicated to our family alone. Determination magic was the strength to carry on; even when our bodies were at their physical limit, the magic could push us beyond that.
But it also had drastic draw backs if used too much or too extensively at too many occasions.
"Sorry…" I pulled my sister toward me and hugged her. "I'm not trying to nag, you know."
Frisk sighed. "I know…"
"I just don't want to lose you; you're all I have left Frisky." Using my free hand as we held each other, I brushed her hair out of her eyes to see their chocolate color looking up at me sadly, knowing the same pain I was feeling from losing all of our loved ones.
"It's okay Angel, I know." She grabbed one of my hands to hold, knowing just how much I craved her hand in my own out of desperation to keep her close and just personal need for physical contact. "I know you're just worried. Maybe that will change once we get used to things here?"
"I'd like to say yes, but after all these years we've been out on our own, it's debatable."
My sister grinned deviously. "Well you look pretty comfy around you're Sans."
"Frisk!" My face flushed red in response. I was surprised for only a moment before my eyes narrowed at my sister.
She snickered. "You love me~"
"I wonder some times."
She gasped. "You didn't argue that he wasn't yours!"
An even uglier red started to stretch over me. "Frisk…"
"He he!" My sister giggled as she let go of me to escape in case I tried to pull her back. "I found something to tease you with!"
"And I found a reason to use some of those dares."
Her face flared with an ugly scowl. "You wouldn't dare…"
I reached forward and grabbed her hand roughly in my own again to keep her close. "Try me. Or perhaps, something better, I could start singing some of those dreadful songs you hate so much?"
That caused Frisk to flinch and try to pull away from me while I began moving down the path again. "No! I refuse to listen to those stupid songs! I don't wanna!"
"Well then, I believe we've come to an agreement."
As we walked, my sister continued to scowl at me, knowing she'd lost the argument. It made me quite thrilled to know just how much I still held over my sister, even when most of the time I let her get the better of me to make her happy with her devious tendencies.
Following the snowy path, we continued for quite the while until we managed to see two figures before us again. Sans stood a hundred feet away from us with his brother standing across from him, seemingly talking about something important to him. Papyrus was looking only at his brother and didn't seem to notice us as we approached. Sans did and glanced for a moment in our direction, which was what made Papyrus turn as well.
"So, as I was saying about Undyne…"
His words died off the tip of his jaw when the two skeleton brothers saw us. I saw a large grin plaster itself on Sans' face and I thought Papyrus' jaw would fall off to the snowy grown beneath him. My sister and I waved at the two of them while Papyrus whipped around to look at us and then his brother in disbelief. To keep up the act, Sans followed the same pattern. The two of them did this so much until they spun themselves right onto the ground in exhaustion. My sister laughed as they fell and I held back a giggle behind my hand.
"Sans! Oh my god! Is that… a human?"
Sans paused for a moment, thinking about it before he glanced behind us. All of us looked to see the snow covered rock only five feet away on the path.
"Uh… actually, I think that's a rock."
Papyrus instantly was heartbroken. His shoulders sagged and he almost seemed like he was pouting. "Oh…"
I almost wanted to shout at the older brother for doing that. It was so cruel.
"But hey, what's that in front of the rock?"
Sans almost redeemed himself in that moment as Papyrus focused in on us once more. His eye sockets somehow widened (most likely with the same magic that allowed him to move) and he practically squealed as he pumped his fists into the air, jumping back up to his feet. Yet, he stopped for a moment and gave his brother a deadpan look.
"Is that actually a human?"
Sans looked back at him with the most serious look he could muster.
"Yes. I think both of them are."
That made Papyrus squeal. I never seen someone so happy in a long time. Sans had definitely left out those details when he spoke to us a while back.
"Sans! I did it! Undyne will… I'm gonna…" The younger skeleton was so happy that he seemed to be unable to finish a single sentence. "I'll be so… popular!"
"Oh my…" I held a hand over my lips to hide my giggles from the obviously grateful skeleton that we'd landed before him.
"Humans! You will not pass this area! For I, the Great Papyrus, shall stop you!" Papyrus once more held our attention as he now looked at us with great determination. "I will then capture you. You will be delivered to the capital. Then… Uh…" Papyrus paused, thinking about his next words with an adorable look to his face. "I'm not sure what happens next."
That caused my sister to giggle at him. No longer did she seem worried about this skeleton, much like Sans had told us, he seemed harmless. We would still be careful, because I was certain that he could still surprise us.
"Continue… only if you dare! Nye heh heh!"
Papyrus left the area then, taking off in long, lightning fast strides that moved him away from our sight before we could even think about it. Sans looked more than pleased as he stayed in his spot next to where Papyrus had been only moments ago.
"Well, that went well." Sans chuckled to himself before he too turned to hurry after his brother. "Don't worry Precious, I'll keep an eye socket out for ya and yer sister."
I nodded to him. "We'll be along after you shortly."
Sans saluted to us before he vanished behind another tree and seemed to leave the area entirely. If he didn't have the ability to teleport, I'd be baffled. Following the same path that Papyrus sprinted down, I gestured after the two males we've met while squeezing my sister's hand to have her look at me.
"Shall we follow after them?"
She eagerly nodded, showing her excitement as she tried to drag me along. "This is gonna be fun!"
I followed after my sister quickly, not wanting her to be separated, but also just as eager to meet more people here besides the skeleton brothers who had wrapped us up into their little game.
Witch's Note:
Oh my god, what are we getting into?!
You guys ready for some insane puzzles designed by the Great Papyrus for our lovely ladies? I know I am and Mystic Girl is too. You want to know a secret? Mystic Girl hated Papyrus with a burning passion when she was first introduced to his character. It took her a few chapters to understand and love him, but now, he's one of her favorites.
And of course, Frisk. She loves Frisk. Correction, she is Frisk.
And now for comments from our reviewers!
Ceoko: Long time no hear! Great to see your still following along! We're glad to hear that you are enjoying the chapters! Hope to get your thoughts on the future ones as well!
RoseCentury: Pigs? Actual pigs? How in hell do you mix those up? Mystic Girl and I are kinda stumped at that one. But that does sound funny! Hope you think this chapters and future ones are too!
Love you all and see you next week! Don't forget to review! Mystic Girl and I absolutely love to hear from you all. Seriously, it makes our day!
Halloween Witch
