For Papyrus, it seemed a daily struggle to get his brother to take an interest in work anymore. Or generally anything, that wasn't lazing around, or hanging out at Grillby's. It was...concerning, to him.

This decrease in focus, only increased his already growing frustration with a dozen other things. Even unrelated things. He'd been making a lasagna once, or rather trying out an idea to make it taste...edible. Usually, a failure was no big deal, but Sans had left a sock on the floor...again. For the sixth day in a row, and his frustration exploded.

He still felt bad about yelling at him like he had. Recalling the comments as rather scathing. The kind of thing that sometimes-motivated Sans. Only this time, it just seemed to leave him more depressed. These thoughts and more went through his head, when he had turned to watch his brother try and attack the very human, that said brother had been so insistent on facing the puzzles.

Papyrus prepared to intervene if needed. Not that it should be necessary. He wondered if it was merely a test of the humans abilities.

It did appear they were capable of breaking from the effects of a blue soul attack. An interesting thing to witness, and not something he knew could be done, save with magic. His only real irritation came when Sans nearly got hit and fled.

The momentary panic calming, as he listened in. Hearing that the human intended only to scare him off, due to being afraid. He made a note to remind Sans to be far more careful in the future. Before hearing the Flower suggest it was a bad idea to actually 'hit' Sans.

Papyrus wasn't sure how Flowey had gotten tangled up with a Human. He certainly had a few ideas, dozens perhaps. Not that it necessarily mattered. He made an internal note to have a long talk with his old friend, once all this was resolved.

The walk up ahead had been a bit of a process. The royal guard passing a few monsters along the way. Briefly noticing someone banging at Sans's information station. He got a look at the guy doing it.

The monster by the station noticing him, only to remain utterly quiet. Papyrus waited a moment to see if a question would be thrown his way. Getting only a hesitant tip of some icy fedora. Rolling his eyes, the skeleton continued on. It wasn't like he had time to deal with that anyways.

Coming to the next, his steps came to a stop in front of the station. Inside was one of the guards assigned to him. Lounging around, or, well, laying down at least. The sight was disappointing, and a touch concerning.

"Wolfo-" The skeleton began, as the wolf glanced up. "did you rest adequately last night?"

"I uh-" Wolf yawned. "Trouble sleeping...strange dreams." He muttered. "Why do you care?"

"It's in our best interest to obtain rest." Papyrus noted. "So, we may do our job correctly...and because you look exhausted." He said. "Have you eaten today?"

"Na..." The wolf commented. "Haven't been to-"

Papyrus dug into his jackets upper pocket, producing a small container. Setting it in front of the wolf, alongside a single plastic fork, he motioned. The monster sniffing it, smirking some.

"Is that food?" Wolfo asked.

"Yes, it is. It's so-" Papyrus began.

"Awh, lookit you boss, feedin me like that." The wolf snickered. "You goin soft?"

Papyrus flicked his head. "Don't be ridiculous." He seemed offended. "It is to help restore your energy. We have a-" He declined to share the 'what' of what was coming. "vagabond coming soon. You'll need to be awake to capture them. If you can even manage that."

Wolfo rolled his glassy eyes. "As if I can't." He opened the container, and sniffed. "Wait...is this lasagna?"

"Yes. I made it." Papyrus remarked, as Wolfo began to sweat nervously. "Problem?"

"Eh, er, no?" The monster asked nervously. "It's uh...j-just uh-"

"It's a new recipe...try it." The skeleton said in a threatening tone.

Papyrus watched closely, the hound fumbling around to get the fork. He picked it up, and moved it, so his counterpart could see it, and take it. Wolfo cautiously taking a bite of the food. Chewing, and seeming surprised by the taste.

"Holy shit that's actually edible?" Wolfo seemed confused. "It's not great but uh-"

"Enjoy the food, and stay...alert." Papyrus demanded, feeling way prouder than he was letting on. "And never doubt me again."

"R-right, of course. Sorry boss." Wolfo snickered. "And uh...thanks, for the grub."

"I don't need your thanks." The skeleton remarked, walking off. "Just stay alert."

"Or...fuck you too I guess." The wolf muttered quietly.

While walking back on his path, Papyrus could not be more thrilled. He was very worried about the latest batch of food. He had considered moving to a few other potential food items. Spahgetti, Tacos, Burgers even. But Lasagna was more complicated, more compelling in his heart of hearts. He imagined himself as brilliant commanding general. Who was also a magnificent chef, world renowned and beloved by all.

For a moment, he even seemed to smile to himself. But he removed this sensation promptly after arrival, returning to a more neutral expression. Eventually he came to a space with a vast patch of ice. The only paths of progression being hooking to the left or going forward.

He wagered it'd take the Human awhile to catch up, even with Floweys help. Turning to the left, he avoided the large ice patch by simply walking around it. Heading up, he came to the riverside. A crushed-up mound of snow presents there, broken apart and damaged.

"Oh come on." He sighed, wandering over, and kneeling down. "Are you alright?"

The crushed mound muttered. "I'm okay."

"Give me a moment." The skeleton taking various pieces of snow.

He began rolling them into larger snowballs. A large base one. A more moderate central one. And a smaller head. His efforts gradually rebuilding the snowman. And it wasn't too long until he was successful. Taking the frozen carrot, tossed into the snow nearby and using it as the nose once more. With rocks for eyes, and buttons. The frozen monster letting out a sigh, somehow.

"Thank you, Papyrus." The snowman said.

"I'm guessing it was the teenagers again?" Papyrus inquired, standing back up proper.

"A bit, yeah." The snowman replied. "They know I can't really...dodge and were practicing some attacks."

The skeleton huffed. "I'll make an official note of it." He dug around in his jacket pocket for a pen and pen. "Perhaps you want to provide descriptions this time?"

"No, I don't want to make their lives tougher than they already are." The snowman replied, before asking. "Hey...you mentioned building...'a house' of sorts...once?"

"Hmm. I can see to it being done within the week." Papyrus offered. "It won't be marvelous, but-"

"You're a good person Papyrus." The snowman noted, as the skeleton paused. "Even if nobody else knows it. I do. Even if you won't accept it. Thank you, for being a good person."

The tall skeleton considered this. "I'm just...doing my job. And doing so with respect to my position." He commented. "It is my duty, as a Royal Sentry Captain to provide support, and protect the monsters of the Underground. Nothing more...nothing less."

"Sure. It's okay if you don't say it." The Snowman remarked. "But...thank you, all the same."

He groaned, glancing away. "You're...welcome. I'll get the materials together soon. Good luck until then."

"Good luck to you too. Bye." The Snowman said, unable to wave.

"Farewell." The Skeleton had already turned and was walking away.

Heading back along the path, and towards the first of many puzzles, Papyrus pushed the sentiment from the Snowman out of his mind. Such a concept was dangerous, and he'd not permit in on his watch. Instead focusing on a question, while looking over the electricity maze.

"Where is Sans?" He muttered out loud.

Taking out his phone, he wandered around the edge of the maze. Calling his brothers number, it rang, and rang. Eventually coming to the voicemail. Sighing some, he sent a text. Asking where he was at. Standing on the side of the maze, facing the path that that led there.

A few minutes passed, as he continued to try and call or text. Thinking about it, he wasn't sure where Sans may have gone off to. But he had a slight idea. He sighed, noting how much he didn't want to have a conversation with who he was about to call.

It rang and was answered. " Doctor Alphys-" He began. "Hello, this is Papyrus."

"You do know your number is saved in my phone, right?" Alphys asked him.

"I'm sure it is." He sighed. "Listen, I'm looking for my brother. He was meant to meet me for puzzle recalibration and hasn't shown up."

"Puzzle recalibration?" She asked, snickering. "Uh huh."

He groaned. "Have you seen him or not?"

"Of course. He stopped by to pick something up." She replied. "He's right over there."

"Why do you say that, like I'm able to see him?" The skeleton asked in annoyance.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did you or did you not ask if I'd seen him?" The lizard chuckled mischievously.

"Angel's sake, can you please put my brother on the phone!?" Papyrus asked loudly, and angrily. "He doesn't get to slack off and leave work. Not today."

Alphs was quiet for a moment. "Yeah, sure, I'll tell him."

"No, I-just tell him-" He heard muffled talking. "Would you stop ignoring me!?"

Alphys responded with a. "Yeah, yeah, he's on his way."

"Fantastic, why don't you-" Papyrus began.

"Don't tell me what to do you bag of bones." She interrupted.

He began to tense. Feeling a desire to yell at the good doctor. Though, thankfully, space near him distorted, and Sans appeared.

Sans greeted. "hey bro."

"Hello brother. Where were you?" The taller one asked.

"I mean, you know that right?" Sans snickered.

"Do not get smart with me Sans." Papyrus demanded. "What has gotten into you lately?" He asked. "Before you were just slinking off for an hour at a time to nap." He noted. "Now you're going to grab...what?"

"soda, and instant noodles." Sans revealed the two items he'd brought with him.

"Seriously Sans?" The tall skeleton sighed. "We have...you could just, ugh."

"ah, c'mon, I'm not bein that lazy, am I?" Sans inquired.

"You've been so lazy. You were even napping, all night!" Papyrus yelled in frustration.

Sans replied. "I think that's called...sleeping."

"Excuses, excuses." His brother replied, noticing something. "Oh...oh-ho...the human arrives."

The duo turned to face the newcomers to the area. Chara standing on the opposite side of the maze to them. Flowey looking over her shoulder at the two. Papyrus scanned the flower and glanced to the side. Before recomposing himself and turning to face them.

"As per our ancient customs, which you are, evidently familiar with-" Papyrus began, getting a nod from the human. "fantastic job, by the way."

"Thank you." Chara replied.

"Of course." The skeleton coughed some. "Right, anyways, my brother and I have created puzzles to halt your progress and stop you." He explained. "Designed to provide you a mostly fair chance, prior to capture. I believe you will find this one-" He seemed to snicker. "quite shocking."

Sans glanced at him. "was that a pun?"

"Shut up Sans." Papyrus replied instinctively.

"so proud of you." Sans chuckled, noticing the human letting out a small chuckle at his brother's joke.

"For your first puzzle, you will be facing the invisible electricity maze." Papyrus ignored Sans. "When you touch the walls of the maze-" He pulled an orb from his jacket. "this orb will administer a high voltage shock."

Chara interrupted again. "Where did you get the orb?"

"Huh, oh, well I made it myself." Papyrus told her, as she smiled. "It took awhile to get the magic down, but I find a personal touch is nice to have with one's puzzles. Rather than store bought crap." He paused. "Err, this is off topic...where was I?" He hummed. "Oh yes, I remember, does the puzzle sound fun human?" He chuckled to himself. "I imagine you may not find it as much fun, as it was to come up with." She held up her hand. "Er...yes human?"

"Did you come up with it yourself?" She asked.

"Well not myself specifically. It was a collaborative effort between my brother and I." He then shot Sans a look. "Not that he was very helpful in its construction."

"I was bone-tired." Sans replied.

"It took five days to build Sans!" Papyrus replied.

"a shocking amount of time, if you ask me." Sans grinned wider.

"Ughhhhhhhhh, you're impossible." His taller sibling sighed tiredly, as Chara snickered absently.

She examined the space before her. "So, I just...step somewhere?"

"That is the idea, yes." Papyrus remarked, still holding the orb. "Just be aware, there is only one correct-"

She hesitantly took a step forward. As soon as she did, there was a sound of electricity. Making her jump, and wince instinctively, only to note she wasn't harmed. Looking up, she could see Papyrus smoking.

"Are uh...you okay?" She asked.

Flowey whispered. "Do not be concerned about the enemy right now."

Chara examined Papyrus and whispered back. "But he seems so cool."

"You think he's cool?" Flowey asked, remembering her outfit. "Ugh, of course you do."

Papyrus let out a pained groaned. "Forgot about the orb...didn't I?"

Sans nodded. "yup. you okay boss?"

"I'm fine." He replied, hearing Charas comment of concern. "Er..." He stood upright and posed. "I'm perfectly fine human. Such a measly voltage couldn't injure me."

Chara looked him over, tilting her head, before copying his pose. Standing upright, while placing a fist over her heart. Which, for him, contained a dangerous orb. Papyrus watched this and felt a bit confused.

"What are...you doing?" Papyrus asked.

Chara blinked, stopping quickly. "E-er, just, trying out your uh...pose?"

"Oh...well that makes sense, my poses are quite fantastic. Even if that was merely-" He rolled his hand, while thinking. "a lesser pose."

"You have other poses!?" She asked, sounding oddly excited.

"Of course. It's important for a warrior to have at least 3 at any given time. You never know when you'll need to invigorate your allies, or strike fear into the hearts of your enemies." His dramatic comment coming with him squeezing his hand, the force causing a breaking sound.

The pieces of the orb fell to the ground. Having been crushed by the the grasp from his dramatic pose. Sans and Flowey watching the exchange, with two notably different responses. For Sans, it was amusement. For Flowey, it was stunned silence.

Chara examined it. "Did...did you mean to-"

"Of course, I did human." Papyrus remarked, while striking a more dignified pose, conjuring a bone sword at his side. "For I, the Great Papyrus deemed this puzzle as...a lacking test of your abilities." He heard Sans snicker. "Shut it Sans."

Sans whispered. "so proud of you."

Papyrus growled, before adding. "Obviously, if you have a respect for the fine art of battlefield poses, this would have proven...insignificant."

Chara smiled some. "Really?"

"Er...yes, of course." He replied.

Flowey smirked some. "You sure it wasn't accidental?"

"I do not accidentally spare people Flowey." Papyrus said, sounding like the flower touched a nerve. "Now, uh...on to the next challenge Human. I shall see you up ahead." He motioned. "Good luck."

Sans watched his brother go, waiting in the area for a moment. Glancing over to see the two talking about something. Noticing the human trying out his brothers second pose. He hadn't expected her response but had an idea.

Chara watched Papyrus leave. His scarf swaying in the wind. Her eyes shining some as he went. In her mind, she envisioned him as a sort of dark knight. Noble, and bloodthirsty. Who was secretly a really nice dork, with tons of friends. Or, a great general who was also like a master chef, protecting everyone or something. Her thoughts quickly devolving into noting how cool he was internally.

Flowey noticed her look, and excited little giggles, remarking. "You do realize, this is the same guy, you were just commenting was trying to kill us?"

"H-huh, well, I mean, you said he wasn't gonna right?" She asked. "And he was clearly conflicted about it."

"Why is Papyrus the one you find cool?" He asked, annoyed as could be.

"Did you even hear him. He sounds like a movie villain!" She noted, adding. "But he seems really nice too, and those poses were awesome!"

Flowey stared at her blankly. "Do not fangirl over Papyrus!?"

"hey kid-" Sans butted in, from a safe distance. "you see that oufit of his-" Charas immediate glare turned to curiosity. "he put all that together a couple weeks ago. calls it his battle armor."

Chara gasped. "Really?" She hurried along the edge, getting nearer. "Where'd he get it?"

"here and there. no spoilers." Sans chuckled. "he won't wear any other stuff when he's on patrol. says it's an 'iconic' outfit."

"Well, duh." She replied, frankly. "Did you even see it?"

He noticed her enthusiasm. "yeah kid, I saw it. man, isn't my brother cool?"

She was about to respond, when Flowey asked. "What are you up to Sans?"

Charas brief moment of being overly enthused began to vanish, as she recalled who was in front of her. Feeling a little dumb for having forgotten that. Or, looking past it at least.

"Y-yeah-" She began. "what's your angle, numbskull?"

"just relaxing, enjoying some puzzles." Sans remarked. "who knows, maybe you two can have fun with them to. or maybe not. who knows...well you all have fun."

He vanished from the area. Leaving the two there. Flowey scanning around some.

"I hate when he does that." The flower remarked.

Chara meanwhile, was considering the more important questions in life. Namely, she wondered if Papyrus knew what his brother was doing? That he was a bad guy? No, she wagered, or he'd beat him up. She was sure of it.

The encounter gave her the will to persevere, and the duo set off after the two skeletons.