Earlier...
It was a daily struggle to get Sans to take an interest in things on the best of days. And this last week had been particularily dreadful. The amount of time he spent lazing about, or sitting at Grillby's had grown to a concerning degree.
Papyrus contemplated this, in contrast to his desire to go through the proper processes with the human. It was peculiar, and some part of the tall skeleton liked to imagine that it may have been his many lectures finally setting in.
It had been frustrating to see Sans lose an interest. He contemplated their earlier arguements barely a week prior. Wondering if that had instigated the shift.
He'd been making lasagna, attempting to improve the recipe beyond its present state. Which he failed to do. 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, as it ended up being far more scathing than the usual comments. The usual frustrated exchanged seemd to motivate Sans, at least a little bit. 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 stepped into the woods off the path. Taking time to listen in to the exchange between the human, and Flowey. Barely managing to hear 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 overhearing a brief bit of dialogue. Namely, the human asking why Flowey was scared.
The flower responding. "W-well it's uh, ugh." He reluctantly admitted. "I dunno...he didn't used to be so...well, him. Anxiety inducing and dangerous, sure. But not...murderous, usually."
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, as he made an internal note to have a long talk with his old friend, once all this was resolved. Slipping away while the duo continued to talk.
Papyrus traveled along, headed to go and prepare things for their eventual arrival.
Though, it 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 the monsters icy fedora. Rolling his eyes, the skeleton continued on. It wasn't like he had time to deal with that anyways.
At the next stop, he laid his eyes on the figure within the following sentry station. One of the guards presently assigned to him, within this area. Said guard lounging around, or, rather, laying with his head against hte counter. The sight was disappointing, and concerning.
"Wolfo-" The skeleton began, as the wolf glanced up. "did you rest adequately last night?"
"I uh-" Wolfo yawned. "I had a...friggen...trouble sleeping...strange dreams." He muttered, stretching out. "Why do you care?"
"It's in our best interest to obtain adequate rest." Papyrus stated plainly. "This is so we may do our job correctly...and because you look exhausted." He then asked. "Have you eaten today?"
"Na..." The wolf commented. "Haven't been to-"
Papyrus adjusted his armor, and produced 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, tail wagging in amusement. "That date got 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. Wolfo picked it up, whimpering while patting around for the fork. Papyrus picked it up and moved it so his counterpart could see it, and take it.
Wolfo cautiously took a bite of the food. Chewing, and seeming surprised by the taste. Taking another bite with a bit more curiousity in his expression.
"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, eating what remained of the food.
Despite the lack of verbilization, Papyrus couldn't be more thrilled with this encounter. He was very worried about the latest changes to his usual recipe, and the method of cooking. To the point ht had considered abandoning his efforts with Lasagna, moving to another food.
Spahgetti, Tacos, Burgers at one point. Admittedly, he still wanted to try Spahgetti. However, Lasagna was more complicated, more compelling in his heart of hearts. He imagined himself as brilliant commanding general, who was also a magnificent chef, a master of puzzles, and a figure world renowned and beloved by all.
For a moment, he even seemed to smile to himself, letting his mind indulge in this little fantasy for a time. He removed this sensation promptly after arrival at the third location, returning to a more neutral expression. He came to place with a vast patch of ice. The only paths of progression being to the left or going forward.
He wagered it'd take the Human awhile to catch up, even with Floweys help, which meant he had time to check on something. 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 present there, broken apart and damaged.
"Again, honestly?" He sighed, wandering over he knelt 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. It wasn't too long until he was successful.
Taking the frozen carrot, tossed into the snow nearby, he used 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, or die easily. So they were practicing some attacks on me."
The skeleton huffed. "I'll make an official note of it." He dug around in his jacket pocket for a pen and paper. "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 Sentry Captain of the Royal Guard 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." The Snowman said, unable to wave.
"Farewell." The Skeleton had already turned and was walking away.
It didn't take that much longer until Papyrus arrived at the first of many puzzles, the skeleton working to push the sentiment of the Snowman out of his mind. Such a concept was dangerous, and something he knew well couldn't be afforded on his watch. Time had taught him that lesson well. Instead focusing on a question, while looking over the invisible electricity maze.
"Where is Sans?" He muttered out loud. "Of course he's not here. What did I expect?"
Digging into his armor, he produced a phone, and wandered around the edge of the maze. Taking a moment, he called his brothers phone, and got no response. It rang, and rang, eventually going to voicemail.
He sent a text instead, demanding to know where his brother was. Reminding him that there were puzzles that needed to be recalibrated, if this tradition was to be taken seriously. The tall skeleton standing on the side of the maze facing the path that led there.
Taking a moment, he began to adjust aspects of the maze. Altering the path using magic. Trying to find a method of traversing through it that was both challenging, but fair.
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 after his failed, foolhardy attack. 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. Cuz Sans would be helpful in that."
"I understand the sarcasm." He groaned. "Have you seen him or not?"
"Of course. He stopped by to pick something up." She replied. "He's uh...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 after his stunt today."
Alphs was quiet for a moment. "Yeah, sure, I'll tell him I've seen 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. The taller of the two clicking off his phone, thankful to have that conversation end.
Sans greeted. "hey bro. what's up?"
"Hello brother. Where were you?" Papyrus asked, noticing paper sticking out of Sans pocket.
"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 in the woods'. Which I know for a fact is code for something." He noted, the shorter skeleton glancing to the side. "Now you're barely doing anything. Even that. And now you go to grab...what...what did you grab exactly?"
"soda, and instant noodles." Sans revealed the two items he'd brought with him.
Papyrus seemed to somehow blink, the glowing eyes in his sockets briefly losing their glow before coming back. He worked to process this suggestion. Some part of his brain swaying from being mad, to being disappointed, to simply being confused.
"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. "I mean. I'm here, aren't I?"
"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. "I'm going to throw that couch into the woods if you..." He noticed 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, before recomposing himself and turning properly to face them.
"As per our ancient customs, which you are, evidently familiar with-" Papyrus began, getting a nod from the human. "which..briefly. Fantastic job, by the way. Both in familiarity, and getting here."
"Thank you." Chara replied, seeming pleased with the praise.
"Of course." The skeleton coughed some. "Right, anyways, my brother and I have created puzzles to halt your progress and capture you." He explained. "Each one is designed to provide you a mostly fair chance to make progress. Before either your untimely demise, or capture and then subsequent demise. 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. "it was elecrtifying."
"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 armor. "this orb will administer a high voltage shock."
Chara interrupted again. "Where did you get the orb?"
There was a genuine pause, as nobody appeared to expect the inquiry. Papyrus taking a moment, glancing at the orb. Before seeming to stand a bit taller, and prouder, a smirk on his face.
"Well, you see, I made it myself." Papyrus told her.
"That's so cool!" She exclaimed, adidng. "Was it hard to do?"
"It took awhile to get the magic down, but I find a personal touch is nice to have with one's puzzles." He reasoned. "One should take pride in their work, when it's important to them. Besides, this orb is designed to last, and is far superior to store bought crap."
Chara stepped a bit closer. "So...how does it work?" She then snapped her fingers. "Oh, I'm guessing it works as a sort of activator, right?" She guessed. "If you don't have it, you could just walk through, and all it wouldn't affect you. But if you do have it, the maze registers that, and shocks you."
Sans hummed. "observant ain't ya?"
Papyrus noted. "Actually that is accurate. Have you seen this sort of puzzle before?"
Chara muttered. "I don't...think so?"
"Regardless, this is getting wildly off topic...where was I?" He asked himself. "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. "Like...the maze part?"
"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, and try to find the way through?"
"That is the idea, yes." Papyrus remarked, still holding the orb. "Just be aware, there is only one correct-"
A michevious smile appeared on her face. "What if I'm not..."
She took a curious 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 harmedm, and that her theory was accurate. 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, before groaning. "Ugh, of course you do."
Papyrus let out a pained growl. "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.
"Naturally. It's important for a warrior to have at least 3 at any given time." He said plainly. "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 entire group present watching as 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 of the others, seemed that was for two different reasons. For Sans, it was amusement, the skeleton stiffling a laugh. For Flowey, it was stunned silence that it had actually happened.
Chara examined it. "Did...did you mean to-"
"O-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."
This garned a response, the girl seeming to enthusiastically brighten up.
Chara smiled some. "Really?"
"Er...yes, of course." He replied.
Flowey sarcastically asked. "Wow. I'm so glad you're not just covering up a blunder. 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 had been patiently observing these interactions, and watched as his brother went ahead. Looking at the adventurous pair he was meant to retrieve before, he found them talking to each other quietly. Chara taking a moment to emulate his brothers second pose, poorly, but clearly enthused to attempt it.
He hadn't expected a response like that, but it gave him what he felt was a genuinely great idea.
On the other side of things, Chara had watched Papyrus leaving. A hand moving to her neck while watching his scarf swaying in the wind. Her eyes shining as he went, her imagination flickering to life.
She envisioned him as a sort of dark night. Noble and bloodthirsty, while secretly being kindhearted with a ton of friends. Maybe a bit dorky to his buddies, or, maybe as a great general who was also a master artist, or chef, protecting everyone from some great evil. Her thoughts devolving rapidly, into how cool he was.
"I literally can't with you." Flowey had 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, sure he he probably felt he had to. A-and he changed his mind." She asked. "And he was clearly conflicted about it."
"Why is Papyrus the one you find cool?" He asked, annoyed as could be. "Like...seriously?"
"Did you even hear him. He sounds like a movie villain!" She noted, visibly giddy. "But he seems really nice too, and those poses were awesome!"
Flowey stared at her blankly, an eye twitching. "Do not fangirl over Papyrus!?"
Their exchange coming to an end when a sound reached them.
"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." He then added. "didja know it has a jacket?"
"It does?" She asked curiously. "I didn't see one."
"he doesn't 'usually' wear it. he keeps it in case someone needs one." Sans told her, noting that Chara seemed pleased to hear this. "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?" She asked. "thought you were gonna go get mom?"
"wasn't home. I'll check in with her later." Sans responded. "for now, nothing to do but relax, and enjoy some puzzles." Sans remarked. "who knows, maybe you two can have fun with them to. or maybe not. guess that's up to you isn't it?" He inquired. "well you all have fun. I'll be around."
He vanished from the area. Leaving the two there. Flowey scanning around anxiously.
"I hate when he does that." The flower remarked.
Chara hardly seemed to care, instead she was considering the more important questions in life. Firsly, if she had armor what would it look like? She pondered if she even wanted armor? Maybe a cloak, or a witches hat could be neat?
Secondly, she wondered if Papyrus knew what his brother was doing? That he was probably a bad guy? She wagered he didn't, or he'd have beaten him up at this point. She was sure of it.
The encounter gave her the will to persevere, her steps marked with a shining purple light. Alongside an odd feeling of deja vu in the back of her mind for a moment there. She blinked a few times, and shook it off.
The duo setting off after the two skeletons.
