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I'm very happy that people are reading my story. It makes writing it even more enjoyable~

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Is That a Human?

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Walking down the snowy path to who knows where, Fearia was darn near delighted when she spotted the telltale glow of a magical floating star. Practically throwing herself into the soft light, she could feel all of her various injuries start to heat up and tingle. The large bruise on her chest took the longest time to repair but she was in no hurry because for some reason, standing within the star's glow, everything seemed warmer. This was the only place the chilly weather couldn't touch.

Unfortunately, the magical healing star could do nothing to fix her burnt and torn clothing. Both the knees in her pants were torn, her long sweater had burned holes here and there making the red and yellow fabric begin to unravel in places, and one of her too long sleeves was now notably too short. Right now, she could probably pass for a street child without much effort, and quite honestly it wouldn't be much different than what she was already used to. Still, ...it was a shame. She had really liked her new clothes.

As Fearia was busy lamenting her ruined attire, an unwelcomed voice decided to take a metaphorical jab at the touchy subject.

"Did you just take a trip to Hotlands?" Snowdrake asked. "Cause, you're looking real BURNT OUT!" Fearia's attention snapped over to the icy bird monster who was now laughing obnoxiously at his own joke. "I usually only do snow related puns, but for you, I just had to FRY!"

The little girl frowned grumpily, her cheeks puffing out in annoyance. "Stop laughing!" She demanded. "Your jokes aren't even that funny, they're just dumb."

Snowdrake stumbled slightly at the harsh critique. Getting over it quickly he pushed on. "Well, well, you really BURNED me there, I didn't expect you to have such a HOT temper!"

Fearia huffed and crossed her arms. "I don't have a hot temper! You're just really annoying and NOT funny!"

"Hey, Cappy," Snowdrake addressed his friend for added support. "looks like we've got a real FIRECRACKER here!"

"Leave me alone!" The human child hissed as she stomped away - FAR away - from the unfunny ice monster.

Snowdrake looked crushed as his audience departed. "I'm funny, aren't I, Cappy?"

Icecap shrunk back, choosing their words carefully so as not to upset their friend. "Maybe you should stick to making ice puns instead. You're way better at them."

Perking up, the bird monster puffed out his chest. "Yeah, my ice puns are pretty awesome!"

Calmed down now, Fearia strolled further down the snowy path. This was the Underground, wasn't it? So, why was there snow? Snow fell from the sky! It made no sense. Looking straight up, the small child found a dark starry night sky. But how could that be when this was all underground? Were those really stars? She had so many questions!

Bringing her out of her musings, a loud familiar voice sounded from up ahead. Turning a corner, she came within full view of the two skeletons. She hadn't seen the other one before, but now that she got a good look at him... He was really big! Way taller than Sans and he was taller than she was! Feeling suddenly exposed, Fearia froze in place. Maybe if she didn't move, he wouldn't see her.

"So, As I Was Saying About Undyne," Papyrus began before stopping abruptly. Turning, the tall skeleton looked towards the petrified human and his jawbone became slack. Sans simply grinned. He was then spun around by his brother, as Papyrus crouched next to him, their backs turned towards the child. "SANS! OH MY GOD!" The taller skeleton exclaimed loudly, defeating the purpose of the huddle. "Is That... A HUMAN!?"

Sans looked back to the child, then for some reason, past her. "uhhhh... actually, i think that's a rock."

Unable to help herself, Fearia followed the shorter skeleton's line of sight. There was a rock!

"Oh." Papyrus said, looking slightly disappointed.

"hey, what's that in front of the rock?" Sans grinned wider, making the child squirm.

"OH MY GOD!" Papyrus exclaimed once more. He then turned to his brother, uncertain this time. "Is... Is That A Human?"

"yes." Sans replied simply.

"OH MY GOD!" Papyrus nearly vibrated with excitement. "SANS! I FINALLY DID IT!" Turning back to stare at the human, he looked so unbelievably happy and at the same time, lost for words. "Undyne Will... I'm Gonna... I'll Be So... POPULAR! POPULAR! POPULAR!"

"...Ahem." Recollecting himself, Papyrus illogically squinted at the little girl. "HUMAN! YOU SHALL NOT PASS THIS AREA!"

Jumping at the taller skeleton's new tune, Fearia began to stress. Was he going to try to capture her? Should she run? What should she do?!

"I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, WILL STOP YOU!"

Stop her from what?! What did she do wrong? Taking a step back, Fearia paled.

"I WILL THEN CAPTURE YOU!" Papyrus continued, seeming not to notice the horrified look on the child's face. "YOU WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE CAPITAL!"

Sans drew his eye lights from the quivering child and up to his little brother. Wow, Paps was really selling it. If he didn't know any better, this could have sounded pretty damn intimidating. But, with the sudden uncertainty on his brother's face, he did know better.

"Then..." Papyrus hesitated for a moment before pushing onward. "THEN!" ...Faltering again, he looked to the side. "I'm Not Sure What's Next." He admitted.

"IN ANY CASE!" The taller skeleton redoubled. "Continue... ONLY IF YOU DARE!" With that, he quickly marched off down the snowy path, his loud distinct laughter trailing behind him.

"well," Sans said after a moment. "that went well." He watched as the kid fell to her knees in the snow looking very much like she had lost a few lives. Should he feel bad? Nah. He could at least be thankful she hadn't run. At one point, he was sure she was going to. "don't sweat it, kid." He said, closing an eye socket, grin still very much in place. "i'll keep an eyesocket out for ya."

Words simply failed Fearia as she watched the shorter skeleton leave as well. This time in the right direction. Though that hardly mattered right now. What should she do?! Should she go back? To where? The big skeleton, Papyrus, had told her not to pass this area. But she had to keep going forward. She had to!

Steeling her resolve, Fearia forced herself back to her feet. This was no time to be scared. She had a mission after all and that big scary skeleton wasn't going to stop her. Just let him try!

Failing miserably to hype herself up, the little girl went on her way, albeit at a much slower and more cautious pace.

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How does one "keep an eyesocket out"?

It makes zero sense.

...

In the next chapter, Sans begins to realize that looking out for a human might be more work than he had initially thought.

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Thank you for reading!

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Sheii Bae~