One World, Many Souls

by Halloween Witch

With a quick use of Sans' magic, we had returned to our home on the surface. The lovely three-story home sat quietly among the trees under the moonlight. Sans always loved to teleport just outside the door and glance at it before walking in. He was a little less lazy since coming to the surface. So much to learn. So much to do. So much to love. SEQUEL TO "TWO WORLDS, TWO SOULS"

2. A New Dream

One World; Many Souls

Chapter 2: A New Dream

Third Person Point of View:

The human race had been far kinder than Asgore had been expecting.

Upon rising to the surface, something he'd never seen in his fifty years of living, humans flocked to help and restore their family castle with the guidance of historical records from both their archives and his own. The stone walls and magic runes were replaced and repaired. Ancient texts returned to the library and joined with ones crafted since monsters had been banished. Gardens grown and many makeshift homes made for Asgore's people throughout the walls as his people slowly began to make their way into the human society.

His people slowly began to obtain jobs and homes above in the human world. Many programs were used to assist with the transition. Angel was mostly responsible for those meetings along with her grandmother, Sans, and others from the seven houses. Angel's childhood friend Lilly was another good example of a human that gave her all for his people.

In all honestly, he was beyond grateful for the ease of the transition.

Humans had stated before that they had been working on ways to destroy the barrier from the outside, though they lacked the muscle. Very few people besides those of the seven houses had magic running through their veins. Many humans were quite... normal for lack of a better word. Asgore noted how none of them seemed particularly strong. Those that led armies or protected the weak always seemed to have at least one magic user among them that was born a human. The houses were always involved from what Asgore could recall of the teaching of his father.

It made sense with how often Asgore was before a camera with Angel, Sans, and Toriel. His wife, while he and her were still working things out, she had once more taking up her position as the queen with Asriel's return.

While Asgore was overjoyed at the news, he knew there were still many things that he had to iron out with his queen. Slowly rekindling their relationship would take many years, and perhaps there was no hope for them to be anywhere close as they were before the deaths of their children. They both had harmed each other unintentionally. After the deaths of Asriel and Chara, Asgore made plenty of ill-choices just to keep hope for his kingdom and himself alive. Toriel ran away from her responsibilities, leaving the people for many years without their kindhearted queen. There was much resentment, a lot of pain, something the two of them would overcome hopefully with time.

As Asgore walked the hallways of his new castle above the surface, he looked carefully out over into the gardens where a stone arena had been crafted in olden times for the guard to practice fighting. Down in said area could Asgore see that it was Papyrus and Undyne facing off in a friendly spar.

Asgore had always admired the optimism that Papyrus had given. He was a bright blinding light during the dark times when Asgore was alone in the castle. In a way, Sans, Undyne and Papyrus were all his adopted children during those pitiful times where he couldn't think more than a moment. They were the light that brought him out of his depression when it hit him like an unguarded attack. Watching them always made his heart flutter with a warmth as any father would feel watching his children learn and grow.

While Asriel would always be his precious son, and Chara his beloved daughter, he had to open his heart to a few others to allow himself to heal.

Slowly making his way down the steps, he allowed himself to causally sit in the courtyard while he watched them. Neither Undyne nor Papyrus had noticed him yet with all that was going on. Spears and bones were flying through the air while protection magic was used to keep the castle from falling over. Those runes had been specially placed in that instance.

Papyrus was always quick on his feet. Undyne eagerly awaiting his every move. For many years had the two of them done those practice spars. Asgore was aware it was under the illusion that Papyrus wanted to be a part of the royal guard, though Asgore and Undyne were both on the same page that it could not be. Papyrus was kind, a good soul and brave, but he refused to harm others. He had not yet learned that sometimes you must hurt others to save those that you love. That was the only thing he needed if he wished to be a part of the guard.

Something that Asgore had certainly never told him. He hoped that Undyne had, otherwise it was quite unfair to keep leading Papyrus along. The last time that he and Undyne had spoken of it was a few years go... but perhaps he should look into that?

And then the battle came to a stalemate. Undyne had pushed through the few defenses of Papyrus before the skeleton was hurled over the female's head. Papyrus' skill smacked into the stone ground and Undyne laughed above his form.

"Not this time Punk!" Undyne laughed hearty at his withering form below her. "I win!"

"Splendid job, captain." Both figures turned to see Asgore sitting there while clapping slowly. "A marvelous display of strength. Are you alright though Papyrus?"

"Of course, I am, your majesty!" The skeleton leapt back to his feet. "The Great Papyrus shall never fall before an enemy!"

"While that is good to hear, I hope that there will be very few enemies from now on." Asgore chuckled lightly at the two. "I still plan to keep a royal guard and jury for the protection of those of the royal family, though... there is very little reason for the other factions to stay open."

"O-oh... the guard will be mostly disbanded?" Papyrus faltered slightly at the news. "D-does that mean that you are not accepting any new people into the guard?"

The older male sighed. That was his worst fear. "Unfortunately, that is true. There is no reason for more as Angel and her house have easily allowed us to settle on the surface. The monster community has begun to mold into society and at the moment, things could not be better. It does not benefit to increase the size of the guard with times so peaceful in this country."

"Oh..."

"Pap..." Undyne tried to comfort the skeleton. Her webbed hand held his shoulder.

"Papyrus, I do apologize, but this had been something that Tori and I planned very long ago." The king raised his head to talk to the pouting skeleton. "Those of our people have finally been able to expand past this mountain, many of them are traveling far and wide to spread their wings and try their hands at new areas. The entire continent has so many areas for us to search and is full of opportunities for jobs. We are integrating well, so there is little reason for a large guard. If the humans knew of a large guard, it would be disastrous for us all and ruin the good work Angel has done."

"B-but... perhaps a spot will open up down the line?"

A heated breath escaped the king and his eyes glanced over to Undyne. "You did not tell him then? Undyne?"

"I'm sorry..." The gills on the fish woman deflated in her disappointment. "Didn't want to disappoint him."

"Undyne, you know that is no better than stringing him along. You fooled him into thinking that there will be a spot for him if he just gets stronger. But that is not the case." With a deep, calming breath roaming through his body, the king turned once again to the meek looking skeleton. "Papyrus, I hate that I must be the one to give you such terrible news, but I will not accept you into my guard."

"Wh-" Of course the skeleton began to cry in an instant. "Why not?! Please! Tell me what I have done wrong! Or what I must do!"

"Papyrus, it is not the fact of your strength or you character. You are a very compassionate monster who would be an amazing addition to anyone. Your strength is something I would normally seek out for my guard. However, the one thing you do lack is the ability to move past your compassion."

"I..." Papyrus hesitated then as he stared at his king. "I do not understand..."

"My boy... sometimes you must hurt others to keep those you love safe. Not always is it so easy for someone to talk themselves out of danger. The guard were in place to protect those who needed protecting, but also to take down those against us." Asgore looked at the young male with a much harsher glare. "Could you kill, Papyrus?"

"Wh-no!" The skeleton reacted quickly and adimantly. "I would never do such a thing!"

"Good, I would hope not. But that is the one thing preventing you from being allowed in my guard."

"W-why is that a requirement?!"

"It is not, but the fact that you would do no harm to another is the problem. You have not felt the dread crawl up your throat when you fear for another. You have not forced yourself to do something terrible to keep another safe. You are too pure for the life of a royal guard. I must ask that you give up on that dream not because you would not be able to do it, but for your sanity. Being a royal guard means that you are no longer like the rest. It requires you to become hardened, you must always be a leader. The work of the guard always comes first, nothing else trumps it. Surely you remember back before Will's capture and when Sans and Angel were not home for a long while?"

Asgore did not need to explain to the young skeleton how the two of them were involved in the jury. He and Frisk had figured it out long ago. The two of them often had many tasks they had to do for the king that preceded any other commitment or desire. Normally it was not an issue, but the murderer in the underground certainly had a few heads turning in worry.

"Yes..." Papyrus sighed. "I remember..."

"And you remembered just how worried you were for them?"

"Yes...?"

"Because you knew what they were facing. Could you face a killer?"

"B-but I did!" Papyrus cried. "I did face Will until help arrived! I held him off from attacking his friends or Frisk!"

"And we are grateful, you fulfilled your role in the guard. You protected a citizen of the underground, but still, you did not harm or injure Will. As wonderful as that is, not all situations turned out as luckily as that one did."

"Pap, listen to Fluffybuns." Undyne finally spoke after a few long moments. "I think it would be so cool to have ya in the guard... but... I'm worried that you're gonna get killed. The royal guard is to keep killers away from the royal family. Lot of guards have lost their lives doing so."
Papyrus stayed silent at those words. The hopeless tears began to stream down his cheekbones at the fact that his dream, something he'd been working on for years, was crashing before him. Nothing could save him from the fall. It was something so far out of his reach, just for being himself? How was that possible?

"Please Papyrus," the skeleton looked up over at his king once more. The man wore a softer expression then. "I realize that this will be hard for you, but you are an amazing young man. By golly, there's a whole new world out there with many dreams that you could look into... but please... I couldn't live with myself for allowing this one."

The skeleton's sockets widened just a fraction at that. Startled by the confession, Papyrus carefully mulled over all that had been told to him. Did Asgore not want him to join the guard simply because he treasured him? Papyrus and Sans had spent a great deal of time with the good king once their father had passed away. It was actually how Papyrus had met Undyne and eventually led to his dream of being in the royal guard. It had always been Undyne's dream to lead it just like her father had. And Papyrus, wanting to follow his friend and help others, wished the same.

But Papyrus was not always a fan of fighting. He hated it when others yelled and screamed. He remembered the one time where Angel and Sans had fought that resulted in the loss of the young woman's arm. Was being in the guard like that? Having to face that all the time?

In all honestly, Papyrus never really thought about it that far in advance. He simply wanted the fame, the attention. He wanted eyes on him. The same way that others looked to the king, to Undyne, to Sans, to his father, and even to Angel and Frisk. They adored them for what they had done, for what they could do.

But as Papyrus pondered it more, he noticed that some of the others weren't really fighters. Sure, Angel and Sans could fight, but neither of them liked to do so. While Frisk was much more of a firecracker in that regard and loved to spar, she never wished to be in the guard or anything of the sort. She was always too distracted by music she crafted that captivated others. Angel was well known for her kindness, her paintings, and also her heritage as the next head of the Terians House. But those were not fighting qualities like Undyne or the king were involved with. Hell, even Sans and his father were involved with science and medical knowledge more than anything that got them well know and looked up to.

So, what was it that Papyrus could look into and perhaps try his hand at? He knew he wanted to earn fame and recognition. It was possibly the only conceited thing about him. He loved the attention, perhaps after so many years of being ignored and laughed at. All he wanted was to be recognized for his talents.

He would need time to think about it...

"...very well." Papyrus sighed from his spot. "Perhaps I never fully listened or noticed what those of the guard truly went through on a daily basis, or what I could truly be facing. But if you feel that strongly about it, I will not pursue it."

"Oh, thank you, Papyrus." The king let out a deep sigh at the reluctant acceptance of the skeleton. "Perhaps it would be wise to speak with Angel and Sans of other ideas of what you could pursue in the world?"

"Yeah, I bet they'd have a heck of a lot more ideas." Undyne tried to be supportive of the friend she'd just crushed the dream of. While it hurt her heart, she knew it had to be done. She was also thankful it wasn't her who had to do it. Though she knew the king would echo his displeasure at her later about it.

With a slow nod, Papyrus began to head out. His friends did not stop him, knowing that his mood was likely ruined by what had transpired. The skeleton had a lot to think about, and the two friends needed to call Sans and Angel, fast.

Angel's Point of View:

"So, you see, we have finally managed to curb him away from being a royal guard member. However, his spirit I'm most certain we've hurt." Asgore was speaking to me softly while Sans and I were keeping an eye out for Papyrus when he came home.

"I'm sure, it was always his dream. But maybe he's thinking about the future a little more seriously now." I sighed. Hearing the news of Papyrus giving up on being in the royal guard was both wonderful and disheartening. None of us actually thought that he would be a part of the guard due to his kindness. He was too gentle. Papyrus had never been put in a potion where he would be forced to hurt others. He hated fighting. He hated to see others fight. Being in the guard would not be a good place for him due to those traits.

I always loved that he adored to help others. I could only hope that he would find another dream that perhaps focused on another talent rather than fighting.

"Yes, thank you for being so understanding of this Angel. I apologize for... 'dumping' this issue onto your lap."

"Its fine." I shrugged, regardless of the fact I knew that Asgore couldn't see my movement. "Sans and I knew it would happen one of these days, even before we escaped the underground. It's just come faster with us being free and you having to cut down on the size of your army."

"Yes, that is true." Asgore murmured from wherever he was in his castle. "Do you or Sans have any suggestions for him?"

"That I think will come after he's had a suitable period of time to think it over. I'd like to think that he'll bounce back quickly, but..."

The slamming of the front door caught me by surprise. It had me leaping in fright before turning to face my intruder. Papyrus stood there with a gleam to his eye lights and books in his hands.

"SISTER!" Papyrus bellowed as he rushed toward me. "I have news!"

"One second Papy!" I hurried to turn back toward my phone. "I'll update you later."

"Please do, Angel. Good luck."

"Thanks."

Hanging up the phone then, I hurried to turn to the eager skeleton that bounced like a little child on the heels of his boots. He quickly scattered the papers and books upon the counter of my kitchen that he eagerly wished to show me.

"What is it Papy?" I tilted my head at him. "What's going on?"

"Yes! Well, after my invigorating spar with Undyne, I... unfortunately had the displeasure of being told that Asgore will be shortening the size of his army. My position as a sentry will be removed, so Asgore suggested I look into other options of employment! Though... I had no idea what I wished to do!"

I blinked at him. "Okay?"

"Yes, so I then went and spoke with Alphys on my way home after mulling a few things over. She suggested that perhaps I look into the nearby colleges and see if there may be a subject that I would be interested in studying and the looking into a position while I learn or after I would get a degree! And then I saw this location and course!"

Looking to where the skeleton was pointing, a flyer was on my table for the Coralstein College of Culinarily Arts. They focused mostly on their culinary program developed by an old war veteran nearly thirty years ago. They only accepted a handful of students to that part of the program, but those that graduated were sought after as some of the best chefs in the country.

I remembered a couple of them had been hired at the estate. Gram and others of the household only ever hired from them, or other graduates would open their own restaurants. Most of them succeeded and lived a very lively and wonderful lives.

It made me smile as I looked over the program before I thought about what Papyrus would face. He would deal with racism. I knew many wouldn't treat him like I would and he would have to struggle through that. I knew the program was difficult, they would force him to make a gourmet meal out of table scraps and present it delicately. I knew he would be away from family. That worried me, as he would be one to leave the nest before my nest had even been crafted.

But it was what he wanted. It was something I knew he could do. Something I knew he would excel at.

"This looks amazing." I lifted my head to face him. "You want to be a chef?"

"I think it would be an amazing dream!" Papyrus beamed. "Even if my previous one didn't work out, what I want still hasn't changed. To help others, to see others smile, to have others be proud of what I can do. I have changed since you taught me about cooking. People love what you have shown me how to make. And in time, I have become much more adventurous in my cooking options and style compared to... my... er... spaghetti phase..."

I couldn't help but giggle just a tad. "That is true."

"Yes, so this would be a dream that everyone would be happy with me to try for and... perhaps believe that I can do it."

I tilted my head at him. "Papyrus, before we fill out anything, I want to ask you something. Do you think you would enjoy cooking for others? Every day? All day long? Perhaps even owning your own building one day?"

"I already cook daily for our entire family!" The male fired back with a pout. "Cooking for a few more hardly would bother me..."

"Okay, and is cooking something that you love to do?"

"Of course, it is!" Papyrus then blinked his eye lights at me. "Why are you asking me so many redundant questions?"

"Because, when you work toward a dream, it should be something that you will never grow tired of. Something that you can always enjoy and work hard through no matter what the challenges." Quickly did I see an application. It would be rather late to submit one, but perhaps with our family name attached, he might make it in. "Do you think you could do it for the next few decades?"

"Cooking? Of course, I can!"

"Then I will fully support you with this decision." At my words, the skeleton squealed. "What do you need help with?"

"Oh! I need to fill out the application! And then get it sent in! Oh..." Papyrus' mood flattened when he saw the date it had to be turned in by was a few weeks ago. "Will they even accept it?"

"Let me worry about that, Papy." I knew Gram had some connections with the school due to her hiring many of their students outright all the time for meals and parties. "Let's just follow all the instructions and get this in an envelope and I'll get it sent out for you, okay?"

A determined look came to his face as he fished out a pen from his back pocket. "Let's do this, Sister!"

Witch's Note:

Oooo! Now I have to ask, did anyone expect anything like this to happen at all? Or happen so soon if you thought yes? This was such a fun chapter to write to begin the new adventure of Papyrus as he moves from being an excited teen that Sans spoiled to an actual member of society who's willing to put forth even more effort then he was before. To see the changes in his reasoning, to see his conviction and eagerness to move on to another passion when one dream was shattered.

Man do I love this skeleton!

Mystic Gril: I can't lie, I had mixed feelings when you wrote this for the first time. Papy not being in the guard? I was super fucking worried that it would crush him, but I think you wrote him really well. He picked himself up fast and moved on. This is totally a Papyrus move.

Me: I'm glad you agree there Mystic! And now to see that unfold and focus on him for a bit before our next character who's gonna go through a hell of a lot of chances is revealed!

Mystic Girl: I still can't wait for the others to see that! The first leg of the story is so crazy in spots, I couldn't believe what you did!

Me: I know, so let's keep riding that momentum and let's see what happens! Now! Now, now, now! We have to do something we love doing!

Mystic Girl: (She squeals at me in excitement.) Reviews?!

Me: Hell yeah! Reviews!

Thechaosmaster: Its so good to see you too Chaos! I can't tell you how weird it was not to talk to you during the last few weeks or any of the others. Damn is good to be back. So! How's the book coming along? Any progress? Eager beaver over here just can't wait to hear about the next leg!

And yes! Lots to cover with your new… judgement seekers. Yeah, that works. I've already told your captain that once I'm done with them, she can use them how she wants, but until then, their under my protection. Oh! Speaking of, I think Mystic had some updates and new upgrades to the fortress she wanted to tell you about. Hey Mystic! You second in command is on! Oh! And I see your third too!

Mystic Girl: Yes! So, I have updated the torture devices! Next, I made a second weapon room, and its much larger then the first one. I have also made both of you an office in the torture chamber that I expect you to personalize to your hearts content. We need to make this place look like it's used!

Now then, its great to see you two again, and you better get to it. Its gonna be a bumpy ride!

Mystic Girl out!

Shadow8Phantom: So happy to see you Shadow! How have you been! I know it's only been a month, but I'm excited and so is Mystic Girl!

Isn't it so amazing to see the next leg of this all? It always made me kinda sad when you didn't see a lot of people continue on to the surface. I'm so eager to see what you think of this story where I continue from where we left off with a only month from the last story.

There is so much to see!

MysticBoywastaken: Awe! Look at you being cute with the others! Especially with Chaos! Ready for some new excitement Mystic Boy? It's also great to have you back! Hope you've been doing well!

And don't forget that order from your captain! Make sure to describe the hell out of that new lovely office of yours!

unfortunatelyriverwastaken: River! Its so good to see you too! And made it right in before I posted the next chapter! Man, cutting it close there, huh? XD

Onto your comment/question though. I don't really want to say if those will be problems or if that won't be since we still have a lot of time for this story, and its going to move at a bit of a faster place as we get through later chapters. Without saying much, by chapter… twenty for example, we'll be four to five years up on the surface world. And then a comparison would be almost the end of the story, let's say… chapter seventy, that will be at least thirty years above the surface. And trying to keep track of it all is hard! I have to leave notes for myself.

But with all those years going on, there's a lot to cover as well as a lot of struggles! Which we can't wait to share with you and the others!

Well then, that's all for now sadly, but I'm sure we'll see more of our friends and family soon! I can't wait to hear from more of you and see what you all think of the new story! Love you all and see you next week!

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl