Two Worlds, Two Souls

Chapter 72: Questioning

Angel's Point of View:

"So, this is how I do it?"

"Yes, you're doing well, Frisk."

"What about this one? This algebra is hard... can we go back to fractions?"

"I'm sorry Frisk, but no can do."

From my spot where I was painting, I could see Frisk and Slick-I mean, Simon, working at the dining room table with many of the studies that had lacked in the last few months due to my ever-growing business and working for the king. Having an assistant and a tutor then really helped with delegating tasks that I was unable to as I got more involved.

Even Bernie's kids were helping me out by coming over to get the cookies or sweets I'd make for their guests. Talk about five start service with a smile...

Simon had done well adapting back into society after being locked away for near eight months. While that may not have been a long time for most inmates to be locked away, it was a reality change for both him and the male that used to be known as Sly, now returned back to his original name of Samson.

The mouse man had joined the guard right after his release from jail along with Simon. He had been partnered quickly with Vinnie instead of Undyne like the captain had wanted. Vinnie kept the mouse on his toes while training him in the art of his magic and physical strength. Samson I'd seen a time or two. He'd passed by the house when on patrol with Vinnie.

Every time he saw me he bowed his head as he and Vinnie dropped off Simon on his way to work with my sister daily. He always tried to show me a friendly smile. They were becoming part of our daily life. Even Sans had seen him once or twice, to which the mouse only bowed his head and kept his distance, trying to be respectful. He knew Sans hated him for what he put us through. While I might have been willing to give the mouse a second chance, Sans had not let go of that past anger. It would still be a while as the judge of the underground watched and evaluated him.

As I finished a painting for a client that was due in a few days, I left it to dry before hurrying off to the kitchen to place out lunch for my sister and her tutor. It was worked into the rate that I was paying Simon that I would cut back on a couple pieces of gold because I provided lunch for him. Honestly, I probably still paid him too much... with twenty-five gold an hour.

With sandwiches, some vegetables and a cookie each left out for the two of them on the counter, I hurried over to the door to grab my cloak. Simon and Samson knew of my true identity, so there was no use hiding it after everything we'd gone through.

"Oh, Sis? Are you heading out?" Frisk lifted her head from her work while I quickly ate at the counter.

"Yeah, I just finished my latest painting and I'm about done for the day, so I need some inspiration for some paintings for the fair. I'll be heading out for a walk and should be back in an hour or two. Will you two be okay here alone?"

"I'll make sure she finishes the lessons and begins on the homework I have given for her." Simon informed me as he sat there beside her. He had out his laptop that he purchased after working for me for a month so he could make papers and documents for her to work on and show her progress as she learned. "I don't mind watching her if you wish. I have you number saved in my phone in case anything arises."

I really would start having to give out a babysitting fee to this kind monster too before long...

"I'd appreciate it, Simon. Thank you."

"See ya Sis!" Frisk waved at me eagerly before she returned to her work with gentle coaxing from Simon. I smiled at the scene before I turned to head out the door, bundled up in my cloak before meeting up with Grillby.

We had a teen to find.

Later that Day:

"I've seen them up ahead for at least a few days in a row."

"I'm assuming that Maria has been keeping him close? I thought he wasn't even allowed to leave the capitol?"

"Maria has not let him, no, besides school. But that has not stopped the young idiot."

"Well then, shall we give him a startle?"

Grillby and I were out on the snowy hills as we approached the spot where Will tended to spend time with his two friends often. Ignoring the orders from the capitol and his mother, he traveled there often to his normal haunts with his best friend and girlfriend. A dragon teen named Askook and his girlfriend was the tiger teen named Katarina.

We saw them a short distance away from us. Will, the ever brightly colored bear was practically hidden against the snow if it wasn't for his darker clothing. His girlfriend that perched next to him was nearly as white as him if it wasn't for her black markings in her fur. Askook was the odd one out with stunning scales of green color.

The three of them were chatting out in the field, hidden by a few trees. Though I was surprised when a homemade looking stick was passed between them and they were smoking it. It left some sort of stink in the air that had me flaring my nose in disgust.

A quick look at Grillby and he hated it too. He turned his head to avoid it.

"Should you three really be doing that?" All the teens looked up in hostility at the two of us as we approached. The stick was thrown to the ground and hidden in the snow, as if we couldn't see the smoke coming from it or smell it. "Green, remind me what the age is for smoking?"

"At least eighteen, if its medically related. Twenty-one if personal." Grillby replied quickly. "Last I knew, you three didn't even break eighteen yet. What is that you have there? It doesn't smell like a traditional cigarette, or even the crappy knock offs."

Will snarled at us, showing us a face that reminded me so much of his late father. "It's nothing. We just found it; no harm done. We didn't even smoke it."

They must have just lit it. There's no way they just found it from the agitation they were showing us. This is probably something that happened a lot more often than anyone knew.

"I see, then perhaps we can address the other 'elephant in the room', so to say?" I paused with a hand to my chin. "Should you three really be out and about with the murderer on the loose? And Will, you are supposed to be confined to the capitol besides for school. I don't believe I need to remind you that it's possible the killer could be targeting you or your family and close friends. None of you should be out and about, especially without a guard member with you."

"Well, you guys are here now." The teen snorted. "Just stand there away from us while we hang out for a bit."

"Also, not possible." Grillby noted to him quickly. "We're doing rounds and patrols at the moment, Wilbur. You and your friends will be going with Red to the capitol while I continue. Your parents all must be worried sick."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" The only girl of the group snarled, baring her teeth before she trotted up beside her boyfriend. "We're not going anywhere."

"Then we are allowed to use force." Keeping my magic to a minimum so they couldn't see it was chains that came off of me, I grabbed the three of them and restricted them. "If you do not come with us peacefully, we have no choice but to assume you're up to no good. Even as a victim of a terrible event, you cannot be allowed to just do as you please or you will end up dead. Something that none of us want. Now Wilbur, Katarina, Askook, will you coming willingly, or do I have to drag you there?"

"And do not think we will be ignoring that little cancerous stick you had." Grillby walked forward to grab the said object and hold it between his fingers. "I'm curious as to what it was that you were smoking and how addicted you may be to it. Your mother will want to know this."

"You fucker!" Will snarled, thrashing against my chains. "Don't you fuckin' dare!"

"Then a tradeoff, perhaps we could compromise?" Walking beside Grillby, I took the stick from him and held it before Will. His eyes focused on it for a few moments before he glared back at me behind it. "If you come with me peacefully, I won't tell any of your parents about this. But you were out past the boundaries you've been given. Will, you're possibly being hunted by the killer. Do you want your friends to be their victims as well?"

Will snarled, but sobbed at me. "How can you fuckin ask me that?! My sister and dad are dead!"

"Then listen to us when we're trying to keep you and the others safe." Will took a moment to glance away from me to his friends only a few feet away from me. I set them all down carefully to the ground and pulled back. "If you don't want that to happen, let us help you and work with us. If you want time to be alone and be a teen, we get it, we all were that age before. But these are dire times. No one wants anyone else to be killed. We need to be smart and stay together. Alright?"

"Fine..." He huffed but finally relented. He shoved his hands into his pockets before walking back toward Snowdin. He paused only for a moment to look back at his friends. "Let's go."

With a worried look between the two teens, they raced forward to catch up with Will. Katarina grabbed the bend of his arm so she could take his hand in hers. Askook hurried to the side of his best friend and watched him carefully as the three of them walked along the path.

With no words, I passed the watered-down cigarette to Grillby and he turn pocketed it when the teens didn't look. My partner for the day left into the woods while I walked with the teens. They followed the pathway back into town while Grillby followed from a distance away, making sure that nothing strange happened while getting the kids home safely.

Later that Early Evening:

An hour later is when we arrived back at the town. Will couldn't help but pause to stop at his home, still surrounded by guard members and caution tape to prevent others from going inside. He stayed there and paused, watching the activity for a long time until gentle coaxing from his friends pulled him away.

It was near dinner time when we arrived back at the capitol. I led the children up the stairs to where a frantic Maria was talking with Undyne who was in full armor. The two of them stood at the guard station just before the castle. Undyne looked fully ready to issue an alert out to the guard until I called out her name and the two turned to see me with the teens that had been missing.

"Mom." Maria raced to turn, seeing her son standing there and she flew to him. She yanked him into her arms and held him close.

"Where were you!?"

Will just let himself hid in her fur. "I'm sorry..."

Patting the older bear's shoulder, I brought her attention to me. "Apologies, Maria. I found him and his friends among the Snowdin woods. As soon as we found him there, we brought him back."

"Will!" The shrill that came from his mother was enough to make us all flinch. "You know how dangerous it is if you do that! What were you thinking?! And taking Kat and Kook with you?! Think a little! My God! Thank goodness you were found!"

Undyne took that moment to step up to the mother. "Want me to walk you guys home?"

"Yes, thank you Captain." Maria nodded before ushering the teens closer to her. "And Kook? Kat? Don't think you two are off the hook either! Oh, the second I get a hold of your parents you three will be grounded into the next century!"

Maria's cries could be heard as she, the captain and the teens headed away from the entrance of the castle. It was just as they turned a corner and were out of sight that Grillby emerged from where he'd hidden a short distance away and returned to my side.

"Shall we inform the king and judge?"

"Yes, let's."

Walking through the hundreds of corridors and passageways felt like nothing anymore as I passed through them. Many months ago did I memorize the floor plan of the castle. At least, the first two floors where the king gathered and allowed us to work. The third floor and beyond belonged to the royal family and no one was allowed without his expressed permission.

It was also where I heard the relics of his children were laid to rest, catacombs among a family tomb where many others of the royal family had been preserved and allowed peace should they desire. It depended on the person. Many of those of the people underground would rather have their ashes scattered among their favorite places rather then be locked in a box and buried below the ground or in a sepulcher.

Passing the many areas, the two of us ended up in the chamber where the king and Sans were working over our murder cases, it was only the two of them with a young maid in the corner bringing them some food. The second she saw us, she darted off to gather more for the two extra bodies that just entered her work area.

"Ah! Red! Green! You have returned!" Asgore greeted us warmly and Sans offered us a salute. "Did you find anything of use during your patrol?"

"Unfortunately, my king. We only have not so pleasant news."

That brought a frown to their faces while we approached. Grillby reached into the pocket of his robes to pull out the half-used bud of the cigarette that the teens had lit in the woods. It was passed quickly to Sans, who I knew would understand it more so then perhaps the king.

"What…" the king paused. "What is that?"

"A personal made cigarette that the teens were smokin'." Sans was quick to note the second he looked it over. He glanced back at us with what I could assume was worry in his brow, even if I couldn't see it. "They musta smoked 'bout half the thin' before ya caught 'em, right?"

"Correct." Grillby commented with his arms crossed. "Those kids got awful defensive when we asked about it. Probably been doing it for a while. Had to bribe them with not telling Maria about it in exchange to actually get them to willingly come back with us without a fight."

That upset the king. "Where were they?"

I sighed. "Snowdin woods. We happened upon them by accident as we were patrolling for the case."

"On their own?!" The king looked absolutely stunned and horrified at the thought. "Aren't they aware that there's a killer on the loose that could take them all out?"

"They are teens, and one of them is grieving terribly. They are not thinking rationally." Grillby noted quickly to the fretting king. "They think that they can rule the world. Little do they know that they are hardly droplets among an ocean."

"I would like to think that Will and his friends would better understand now, but this makes me worried." Pointing to the object in Sans' hands, he was smelling to see if he could place any of the chemicals he knew were in it. "Grillby noted it was not a common or uncommon brand, which led us to believe homemade. However, those kids have been on watch since the death of Milly and Robert, especially Will. There's no way that he was able to grow anything or craft them himself."

"So, what your saying is that on top of the murders we have going on, we also have another drug dealer who is taking advantage of the children in my kingdom?" Asgore could only sigh in frustration. "Why is it always that when it goes bad, it really turns horrible?"

"That's not all, Fluffybuns." Sans interrupted us while he was still looking over the cigarette. "This isn't just homemade, I'm ninety-five percent positive that it's got experimental plants from the Botanical Gardens in this thin'. I recognize the scent from when Alphys took Red and I on a private tour. Still wanna have the good doctor test it ta be sure and see all the components, but if I'm right…"

"… we have a scientist gone bad who's using the research and plants to form a business around drugs and most likely is selling to kids in the Waterfall area…" Asgore grounded loudly before he landed in the chair beside us. It squealed under his weight and forced him back a foot or so from where he landed. "It will be something we will have to deal with as soon as the killer is caught. Red, Green, good work. However, let us keep this quiet for now. With what we already have going on with the killer on the loose, I don't want to overwhelm the others while the investigation is going on. I know the two of you already have a lot on your plate, but I know your good at multitasking and doing well under pressure. Do what you can and watch the young ones, see if they accidently let you see who their buyer is and so on."

"Understood sir." Grillby and I both nodded our heads to the king.

The king moved his head in agreeance as well while he appeared to write himself a note. "Good. I will inform Undyne only of this development so she can give us updates on the teens. As part of her patrols, she is to guard the children on their way to school. She will be able to tell us when the teens leave her sight when they go home, if they make it to the building of if they head off elsewhere so you can take up and give chase. With that being said, go home. They will not try anything today and for at least the next couple of days after being caught. And Judge," Sans looked at the king. "Go with them, you've been here long enough. Get some rest and spend some time with your family, we'll start again bright and early tomorrow."

Sans sighed and gave him a tired salute. "Ya got it, Fluffybuns. Later."

With that, the three of us left to allow the king some time to rest. We were grabbed by Sans who teleported us to the woods just back outside of the town of Snowdin. We hurried back to Grillby's establishment where the fire monster led us down into his own basement below the busy restaurant. It was there that we removed our garbs and could breathe easy.

"Ready to head home, Precious?"

"Of course, Darling." With a wave to Grillby, I took the offered hand that Sans gave me. "Have a good night."

And Sans teleported us again.

But that time… I was surprised that we actually didn't land back in our house, but rather… the Snowdin woods. Sans had teleported us to the igloo where I'd had my new arm made for me as well as where Sans had many fond memories when he was a child. His father helped him make it and they often played there when his mother lived and when Papyrus was old enough.

I couldn't understand why he brought me there. I turned to look at him, but unlike before, there was no grin on his face. No attempting to smooth over the fears that we were worried about. His face was serious.

"Sans? What's wrong?"

"Sorry Angel… I… didn't wanna worry ya, but… I got a bad feelin' about what ya found today."

"A bad feeling?"

"It may be my experience talkin', or it might be my worries. But… I feel like the two thin's are connected. Ya know? The drugs and the murders?"

"Connected? Are you insinuating that maybe the drugs are leading to someone murdering others?"

"S'possible." Sans shrugged, but the worry didn't leave his brow. "Just a guess right now. No facts. Don't tell anyone… just… I'm worried that might be the case and how fucked up a chemical like that would have ta be ta mess with someone's everythin'. Ya know?"

I pondered the thought carefully before I nodded to him. "I'll be careful, and I'll keep this to myself. Now, let's head home? I'm getting cold and the longer you keep me out here, the longer it will be before dinner."

The word 'dinner' had Sans already glowing blue in anticipation to teleport. "Yer the best."

Witch's Note:

Ooooo! Oh my goodness! This chapter, tell me, does this solidify your feelings about Will? Does it change them? Does it make you think that your guess for the killer is different after seeing this? Mystic and I really want to know what you guys felt with this chapter. And of course, having Angel working more Jury stuff and working with Grillby for this chapter! So great to bring back in our favorite restaurant owner!

But anyway, let's get onto your reviews from last time!

MysticBoywastaken: Oh, my goodness! (Rolling on floor laughing.) You think your sister is the killer?! But… I guess I can't tease you too much on that guess since if she could, she would have. Wouldn't you Mystic?

Mystic Girl: (She gives me the most unamused look while sneering down at me, a hand slamming onto the wood of my desk.) Do you really have to ask?

Me: I don't know, do I?

Mystic Girl: (She sighs, but sits back while I continue to type.) My dearest brother, oh how I wish it had been me, but I can't claim that kill. You'll just have to see what sorry son of a bitch it was that actually killed the bear and Milly. And all those other people.

Me: Yeah, sadly she's right, Mystic Boy. She can't claim it, but you'll find out soon enough! And as for letting out Sly and Slick, they reformed and it was the king's decision. Since it wouldn't be kind to hold them any longer since they finished their sentence. Oooo! The tin can? Hold on, I'll ask if she's on your sister's list? (I then turn to my best friend expectantly with a bright grin waiting for her response on the matter.)

Mystic Girl: Not at the moment, no.

Me: But that means that she could down the line?

Mystic Girl: (The lovely death glare she sends me causes me to fall into a fit of giggles before turning to my work.)

Dasansi: Oh, I love your enthusiasm when it comes to the jury and the comments/references you make! The ideas you're putting out are so lovely and it absolutely frustrates me that I can't tell you if your right or not! I'm literally bouncing on my boyfriend's bed as I write this so tempted to type what I want and I can't! So bear with me, this is a exciting arc for me! Because, maybe your right? Maybe your wrong? Oh how I hate being forced to keep quiet!

Mystic Girl: Halloween! Control yourself! (My best friend hurries over to snatch the laptop from my fingers before I write something I regret.) What's wrong with you? You've never been this absolutely fucking crazy in the nine years I've known you?!

Me: Medical issues, caffeine, sugar… (Sadly can't lie, I was drooling a bit during those moments… I might have had too much cheesecake that weekend… I promise… I only had ten pieces…)

Shadow Phantom: I love the way you think! Its very realistic to be cautious about someone who caused that kind of strain and pain to a loved one, and with the way you know they work. Can we trust Sly and Slick? Do they deserve a second chance or is that going to come crashing down upon the jury, judge and king? Who knows? Do you believe the backstory that Sly and Slick gave? Who knows? You could be right, but you also could be wrong. You'll just have to keep reading to find out what happens next, my friend!

Commander: Someone has been hard at work, my friend! Can't tell you yet if your right or not like the others, so I'll keep my responses vague until then. But it won't be much longer, I promise! We've got some exciting stuff taking place very soon!

And yes, our newly reformed gents should be seen shortly around society! You'll have to tell me what you think when you see them!

Oooo! Questions! Okay, so for me, Hops and Glyde are my favorites. I love when I get to write them out since they're an absolute blast to work with and write about! Their section they had with child trafficking back in the late forties was so wonderful as Angel was revealing herself to them! They would be the ones I would say with Grillby and Whisk and second! Just gotta love the fire monster man and Whisk is very awkwardly dear to my heart!

Hey Mystic! Commander's got questions for us again!

Mystic Girl: Next on my list? Oh god… I can't honestly say just yet until more chapters come out. I don't want to reveal the murderer.

Thechaosmaster: Ooo! So you don't think that the killer is Flowey? Or at least you're not entirely convinced it is without more proof! Fair, very fair my good sir. But I'm curious as I'm sure Mystic is as well, who do you think is the killer? Any guesses with this chapter out now to either give you more details for who you do and don't think it is? We'd love to hear your guess! I promise you'll see it all come to a head soon enough!

And as for that meeting, I think Mystic already set it on every calendar she has here. Let me check-

(I cut myself off as I turn to see a maddening number of calendars, planners, and electronics out with the following Saturday highlighted, colored, marked, any similar word you could think of with massive words MEETING written there. There was a crazed look to my friend's eyes as she made every mark so meticulously, so time passing. If I didn't know any better, she took her time writing them all to pass the time until the meeting itself…)

RoseCentury: Rose, by far you have the most special man I think I've ever heard of in my life! What kind of guy do you know that spoils their partner with a garden?!

Mystic Girl: What the fuck?

Me: Now, now, no swearing! (I got a glare for that.) But regardless! That's great, let us know if there's any other updates or questions you have Rose! Or puns! We like those too!

Aqwillabee: Well, lookie here! A new reviewer! Hello! And welcome to the story! How long did it take for you to catch up? I know some of our more recent joiners spent a few days binging the chapters.

But you bring up an interesting idea! What if another human did fall into the underground at the same time as Angel and Frisk! Oh, that would be exciting! Is that going to happen? Is it not? Who knows?! And you commented specifically on Angel's best friend… Ooo… maybe? Maybe not?

Ninja Squirrel: Well, I see you caught up on the few chapters you missed! Great to see you again Ninja! I loved seeing your reaction to each chapter! So glad to see you enjoyed them! Well, as best as anyone could after what I'd done. But you're welcome to have your own opinion on who you think the murderer is. I haven't given out any details about who's right or wrong, just pointing out facts about how they could be right or wrong, and enjoying the guesses. Do you have any guesses as to who you think it is? Just curious!

Oh? What's this? (I felt something move under my desk and take a look. Surprised to see below it was a little fluffy squirrel that tried to hide behind my bare feet and a box of story ideas. I carefully set my hand down to let the little creature walk onto my hand.) Hello there, you must be Ninja Squirrel's little helper. Sorry to say you got the wrong location of where the mastermind is for this little… event. See, you wanna try over there. Mystic Girl and I just finished building it a couple chapters ago.

(Off in the distance is a terribly horrid looking castle shot right out of a horror movie. While claiming to be newly built, it seemed as it had been dilapidated and abandoned for centuries. The little squirrel in hand seemed to squirm as one of the towers literally collapsed, shaking the entire earth.)

Me: So, in order to find the mastermind, you gotta leave my office here on the northern side. They're pretty far below the surface level. You see, the castle itself is a maze, and below the castle is a labyrinth. With multiple entrances and exits. Of course, Mystic Girl and I go on walks there all the time and know the place like that back of our hand, but you my friend? I think you may have a hard time. The mastermind has been placed down there for the last month. They know about getting around as well as we do, good luck!

Mystic Girl: Is that another person trying to find the killer?

Me: Yep! What do you bet on this one Mystic?

Mystic Girl: Awe! It's a cute little squirrel! They may do well… maybe three days?

Me: Sure, if that's your guess. I'll be the mean person and guess a week. Welp, have fun little squirrel! Don't die on us! You can give up at any time!

TheSquoxQueen: That sounds fun! Your little story with Lucida in it, have you gotten much done? I'm sorry if I see eager. I just love to see everyone's take on Undertale and the characters. The story they create, its always so wonderful to see what kind of universe we imagine for them in our own minds with our own spin on it!

Okay, that's all the time we have this time around! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and can't wait for the next one! Oh! Before I forget! There were a handful of you guys who mentioned that you had discord and wanted to get in touch with me for artwork and the like. Well guess what! I have one now! I'd like to prevent posting it here in the public eye since I only have close friends and my DND group on their now (and if anyone is curious about the campaign, you can message me about that too since it's a blast! We're playing Drakkenhime! 5e!) So if you want my contact for artwork and such or further talking, PM me and I'll give it to you guys there!

Also, one final thing before this chapter is over, after discussing things with Mystic Girl, we've decided that at the end of this story, we're going to offer two options in relation to when I post the second story. I would like to take a slightly longer break then I normally would before I put out story two. This is not because of any delay in writing, in fact, I have two/thirds of the story completed. But the real reason we're going to do a longer delay, this would actually be six months instead of two, is for us to propose an idea for you guys! And if we get at least five people to agree to it, we're doing it!

And here it is! You guys send us in prompts resolving about characters and places in this story and we write short stories about them! They would be roughly three to six pages long centered around ideas you guys give me! If you guys decide to do it, each person is allowed to send in up to five ideas that I would write up during those six months. And the best part? The second I get it done and Mystic Girl approves it, it gets posted! That could mean more then one special story a week! Or it could sadly mean one every two weeks… that would depend on life and how crazy the idea is. So, there is a bit of a gamble.

What do you guys think of this idea? We're leaving it up to you guys to decide. You have until the end of the story to let us know by, so we still have twenty chapters for that! So August sixth is the deadline! Think carefully, tread lightly, and we'll be putting up a new poll to go with this on my home page! I made sure to change it the day before so everyone has a chance to vote! Now we need at least five people to say yes to this in order for it to happen!

Love you all and see you next week!

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl