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"

15. Think About Yourself

One World: Many Souls

Chapter 15: Think About Yourself

Angel's Point of View:

"Two hours left, Papy!"

"Oh gosh darn it! Where is the blasted thing!?"

"Come on, Pap. Ya got this Bro."

"Not with you as the game master, Brother!"

I giggled lightly in the background while the brothers bickered during the final hours of Papyrus' year to attempting to find his car title. In between all the insanity of the family, our duties, his schooling, and issues with Frisk, Papyrus had spent nearly every weekend attempting to find the title for his car so he would be allowed to pay us back. With the massive property of forty acres we had, every month he didn't find it a clue was given to him.

Eventually within the last month we had given him his final clue of the title being in the house, and Papyrus was rightfully tearing it apart in his hunting.

It was a good way to keep Papyrus distracted from his negative thoughts. He was so utterly shattered after Mettaton had left him so quickly and in such an uncaring manor. Sans and I made sure to put whatever time we could in to try and make things easier for him in the last week since it all went down. Papyrus took a week off from the school and came home to focus on tasks here with family to help settle his very out of tune nerves. That single week was able to give him time to attempt to sort out his feelings. I knew he would still be hurt and be hurting for a long time, and I'm sure he was worried since his little one would be without their mother.

But it was better with her out of it…

Regardless of our part in it, Papyrus would struggle for a long time. I know many of the emotions he was feeling in regards to Mettaton he was repressing for both his sanity and our own happiness as these children were to be born into our lives. He was putting on a brave face for those that he loved. I hoped that perhaps with the baby being born he would take a break or perhaps he may ask for help… was that rude of me to think?

I only wanted what was best for my brother, the same as Sans. We would help him in any way we could. I knew that for the first half of year I would be spending a lot of time with the kids, and Sans was planning on taking only a couple of classes so that he was home most of the time to help as well. We had many staff that would be assisting with that of the family or the children as well.

We had more hands to help then we knew what to do with…

True to her word, Mettaton never contacted Papyrus again after the confrontation. The papers that we had Mettaton sign were safely tucked up in my office with copies all over in multiple places incase she wished to come by and try to destroy them. I wouldn't put it past the woman. We knew how spiteful she could be if she could get away with it.

I dared to push back those negative thoughts at the moment as I watched my husband and brother banter. Sans was doing his best to keep Papyrus' spirits high with the competition, as we all knew our brother loved an invigorating puzzle. It made me smile at how maybe… just maybe… I was overthinking things? With being pregnant with the twins and stress levels at an all time high, maybe I was thinking too much that Papyrus couldn't overcome it when perhaps he could. He was the most positive person I knew. Even when the worst possible thing had happened, when over, he would have nearly moved passed it. Much like the time when Sans had been kidnapped near three years ago by Sampson when he went by the name 'Sly'. Papyrus had been worried and sullen in himself in his desperation to find his brother. But many of his worries were put to rest once Sans came home. I could only hope that maybe this instance would be like it now that Mettaton was out of their lives for good so she couldn't influence them negatively.

Papyrus had stopped watching her shows or looking up any articles about her since the breakup.

"Brother! Stop standing in my way! I will find that deed!"

"I ain't in yer way, Pap." Sans chuckled from his spot on the desk. Laid out against the uncomfortable wood, he watched his brother with a gleam to his eye lights. He though did cast his gaze over to me who sat in the doorway in his office chair. "Ya good there Precious?"

"I'm fine Darling." Shaking my head, I watched further more as Papyrus ripped and looked through all documents on the desk while shoving his brother out of the way. I struggled to hold back a laugh. "Perhaps I should be asking you that question?"

"Nah, m'good."

Papyrus pouted as he couldn't find anything on the desk. I could almost see the steam pouring out of the side of his skull while he struggled.

"Better get movin' fast, Bro." Sans clicked his magical tongue against his teeth. "One hour, thirty-four minutes left… whoops. Make that thirty-three."

"SANS!"

At Papyrus' screech, I struggled even further to hide my giggles. My shoulders shook in muffled laughter while Sans could only wiggle his boney brows at our brother.

"Within four walls, I shall be found. Surrounded by my work, where I am normally bound…"

Papyrus once again muttered the final clue that he had been given. It was a pretty obvious clue that it was inside the house. Though the problem was that Papyrus was limiting his search area due to him thinking that Sans hid it in his office. But that was not the case.

I carefully glanced to the side of me, see the newspaper clippings that Sans had on the walls filtered in among pictures and his prestigious awards that had been given to him by the king and his own father once upon a time. I saw the pieces that held his father's signature that I'm sure Sans treasured. He had adored and admired his father both in life and death. On rare occasions I would dream and see both my parents and Wingdings. The father of the two skeletons I held so dear. He used me as a medium to pass along information to his sons from time to time. Ones that often made my husband's day.

In a way, it was like getting his father back …

He was so proud of both of them, for their dreams, what they had done, and what was going on in their lives now. Though my eyes and being attached to me, Wingdings got to see everything. Seeing his family pass on in some way or form, it was exciting. They were thriving. Something that Wingdings never thought would happen.

My thoughts were startled at that point when I felt a powerful kick to my hip. I hissed out at the pain, not expecting it to be that harsh. Both men stopped what they were doing to watch me rub my stomach with narrowed eyes.

"Precious?"

"Sister?"

"I'm fine guys. The babies are talking." I sighed, but a few moments later another good whack came to me, in just about the exact same place. "Alright little one, you made your point. You probably want me to eat something…"

Just so I wouldn't have to miss out on such a lovely event taking place, a special tray of food had been pre-crafted and set aside for me in an area that Papyrus had already destroyed in his frustrated rampage. Filled with delicious cheeses, meats, olives, anything high calory was on that plate and my children loved it. They always calmed down when I was stuffing my face.

After taking a few careful bites while both men watched me, I rolled my eyes and looked down to my phone. It clearly showed me the timer that Sans had set up earlier in case my husband was unable to check the time.

"Papy, better hurry. Fifty-nine minutes and counting."

Papyrus took those precarious moments to screech before diving back into what he was doing only moments ago. Sans rolled his eye lights, but left his resting place on top of his desk to stand beside me. A few bites into the decadent items I was when he leaned down to nuzzle the size of my head.

"Kids givin' ya hell?"

"That they are. One of them decided to hit me pretty good. They must get their energy level from their uncle's or aunt's side of the family."

"Nah, I think they got it from their mom." Sans snickered at the annoyed look I gave him. "Think 'bout it, Precious. Ya gotta have the energy ta deal with all ya have and still got somewhat of a sane head on yer shoulders. Ya got the determination and the strength ta get through it all. That kid's all you. The quiet twin takes after me."

"Oh, shut it." He laughed at my words.

"Want me ta get that special spaghetti Pap made ya earlier? Those little bites ain't goann hold ya long."

"Please, and don't forget the veggies and the cheesy garlic bread." Some light kicking against me stopped when I said those words. "The kids are rampant."

"Ya got it."

With a flash of blue he was gone. I sat there still snacking while I waited for my dinner. Papyrus was entirely ignoring me while the counter came down to find the title. He was determined that it was there in Sans' office as more papers flew around.

Then the time got down to half an hour. My food came back piping hot at that point which I gladly ate at. The bread was delicious and the first thing I dove into while the timer continued to drop. It then became twenty minutes. Half my meal was gone by that point. I continued to nearly inhale while Papyrus struggled.

Then ten minutes came. I could see the sweat that lined our brother's boney brow. My meal was complete by that point and all dishes Sans took away. Though he did bring back a large cut of brownies that had just been cooked during this adventure, covered in a fudge sauce mind you.

"You're spoiling me. And I'm eating too much."

I took a large bite of out it anyway.

"Gotta settle down the kids ta leave ya alone. Only happens when we feed ya 'til ya burst."

His hand settled on my shoulders when the timer reached five minutes.

"It isn't here!" Papyrus' fingers were twitching in his unease of not winning the challenge. "Where else could it be?!"

"Yo Bro," Sans chuckled from beside me, though moved us out of the way a moment later. "Ya know this ain't the only office in the house. Right?"

Wide sockets looked at Sans for almost half a minute before racing past us to look into my office instead. My door was near ripped off its hinges in his rush before diving at the papers that were sitting on my desk. He starts there, looking quickly with what little time he has remaining.

"One minute, Bro!"

"Darling, stop that."

"Fifty seconds!"

"Sans, shut up! I can't concentrate!"

"Forty!"

"Oh, blast it all, where it is?!"

"Thirty!"

"Okay, now your just being rude, Sans." I narrowed my eyes at my excited husband. "Stop that."

But he couldn't be swayed. "Twenty!"

"SANS!"

"Ten!"

"The wall Papyrus!"

I figured my husband had to sweat a little as I blurted out one final clue. Our brother raced to turn and look, but ignored the space where he knew my marriage license was, but that was exactly where he needed to look.

"And… time!" Sans laughed while Papyrus pouted and fell to the floor. "Sorry Bro. But ya lost the challenge."

"No!" Papyrus wailed before he looked again at the wall, struggling to find it. "Where is it?"

"It was hidden in a terribly mean spot Papy." With careful movement, I was to my feet and moving toward where it was hidden. Inside a picture frame that looked just like that of my marriage certificate, was the title to his car, easily visible behind a pane of glass.

"No… I was so close to it the entire time?!"

Sans winked at our brother. "Knew ya'd look in m'office first, Bro. That's why we hid it in Angel's. Put it in the same spot as our marriage license so that ya wouldn't suspect anythin'."

"No…"

"I'm sorry Papyrus." I sighed. "We wanted it to be challenging and worthy of you."

With a sigh, Papyrus slowly rose to his feet. "No, it is fine Sister. I appreciate the effort you put into this puzzle just for me. While I sadly will not be able to pay back for the car in cash, I will think of another way to make it up to you!"

Both my husband and I looked at each other with a strangely happy exasperated look. It was about what we were expecting to come of this challenge should Papyrus lose.

"I know!" The male jumped in glee when an idea came to him. "How about this? A fair trade off for the car, that I will not pay off in cash. But! What about when I finish school? When I get my own business and get on my feet? You two can eat free at my restaurant or get free take out whenever you like!"

While sweet… I didn't want a lot of people taking advantage of Papyrus doing such a thing. He was easily influenceable depending on the person. I hoped that with time and taking care of his little one that his opinion might change.

The ever-critical eye of mine raised while I looked at him. "That's very sweet of you Papy, but I hope this offer isn't going to be passed out to just anyone."

"Of course not! Just the two of you! Oh! And Grandmother! But that is all! Maybe I'll give Frisk a free meal on her birthday, but I won't do this for anyone!" Papyrus grinned. "To own a good business, I need to make money so I can take care of myself and the staff I hire! You two are special for always helping me out! And besides, I could also give you some of my new dishes to try before putting them on the menu!"

"Sounds good ta me." Sans grinned at the prospect of eating his brother's delicious cooking. "No problems, right Angel?"

"Yes, that's fair."

"Oh! And how did you like that new dish, Sister?"

"Very rich, the kids settled down. But uh…" I sighed before handing over a nearly licked clean plate. "Do you have any more or anything else? I'm… still hungry."

"Of course, I do! I actually just made a layered pumpkin desert! Sadly, it's not as fresh as I would have liked it, coming from a can and all, but I would like to see what you think of the creamy blended frosting versus the pumpkin and spices! I have an assignment of seasonal flavors coming up once I go back to school!"

That brought a sad smile to my face. "Do… you think you're ready to go back?"

"Erm… Hm…" Papyrus paused as he thought about his answer. "I have many projects to do, I certainly can't put them off for long."

"But that ain't what she's askin', Pap." Sans sighed, leaning against my chair. "After the tin can messed ya up like that. Can ya focus at school? Do ya need ta stay home a bit longer? Angel 'n I don't mind."

"And I appreciate that, but staying home and sulking will only prove her right. That I am an absolute fool." A sullen look came over our brother. Downcast his eye lights went to the floor in his worry. "It hurts still… but I wish to prove her wrong. Even if only for the fact that I wish to prove that I am not a fool… and I do not wish my child to think that of me either."

"They won't. And we certainly know you're not." I motioned our younger brother closer to me, the male looking up at me to notice so I could give him a hug. "You are a kind person. You always give everyone a chance, even if they don't deserve it. Its an amazing quality, but as you grow older, you need to realize that some people you can't give second chances to. Mettaton is one of them. I hope you understand why I say that."

"I-I do understand, though I am not so pleased with it."

I pulled him back so that he could face me. "I respect that, but I need you to respect the fact that I'm not okay with her treating you terribly because of her own mistakes. She's just as much at fault that you have a spark. It was bad of her to assume that only females could get it and not worry about protection for you. I know male sparks are rare, but still. This is something that she had a hand in, and just to save face, she ran away, abandoned you. That is unacceptable."

Papyrus nodded, though I knew the words hurt more then helped him in those moments. It maybe was still too soon to talk about those things. The baby wasn't there yet, he was still so recently shattered by that… woman…

"While I wish it wasn't that way… thank you." After a long pause, Papyrus sighed. He tried to show me a small smile. "I'm glad you protected us."

"I always will, you're family."

"Sister… Brother…" tears came from his eye sockets and his voice softer than before. "Why does she not feel the same as you?"

"Ah Pap… we don't really know why the tin can did it." Sans sighed before teleporting to his brother's side to hold his shoulder. "Wish I had more info for ya Bro, but we don't. We're just as clueless as ya."

"All we can say, is that we'll be here for you." Matching eye to eye lights with my husband, we both gave a nod to each other. "I'm afraid that's all we have to offer."

"I-I am grateful… just… overwhelmed…"

The fact that Papyrus just admitted that after the period of time had me worried. To my feet I stood to pull him along toward the stairs.

"It's not going to be easy Papy, you have to take time for yourself. I think we've had enough excitement for the day. Why don't we go eat that dessert you were mentioning earlier? You need to keep up your energy as well."

And that brought a little bit of light to his sockets. With a soft smile he nodded and off to the lower floors we went. He was healing, it would take time. Sans and I both knew that. We just hoped that Papyrus would heed our advice and think about himself for a change rather than others around him that didn't matter.

Witch's Note:

Oh, that always hurts. That was painful to write, at least the end I should say. The first half was great! I enjoyed every second of writing down those details, but emotional bits like that that really hit your heartstrings? Oh yeah, that hurts.

But Papyrus as we can see is starting to change. Seeing how someone hurt him so terribly and would hurt and discard his child, this looks like it's the beginning of an eye opener for him. Perhaps he's working on his way for change, and perhaps we will see it as time passes onward? I hope we can see it together.

(I take those precarious moments as I finish typing that sentence to look back into my room, seeing my best friend not there. I carefully stepped beyond that of my own dwelling to hers to peak inside the open door.) Mystic? You've been quiet this chapter. Everything alright?

(I had to blink at the madness before myself. She had multiple weapons scattered around her along with building plans, contact details, and was currently sharpening her favorite knife Mystic Man got her for her last birthday. She didn't even acknowledge I was there as she continued to sharpen it until just tapping it with her finger caused blood to bubble on the surface.)

Okay then… I see you're gearing up for a witch hunt… Thankfully not mine it looks like… I'll see you later…

And with that, I'm moving onto reviews before this might turn into some horror movie where I am actually the target of my best friend and sister…

Thechaosmaster: Getting all geared up now are you? Welp, looking at what I just wrote about my best friend and sister. Its fair that you're gearing up to go. Mettaton won't be in my protection too much longer, and then you can do all that you wish to her!

Its sad to see what Papyrus had to lose for this to happen, especially with what he was prepared to do. Though under it all, I suppose Sans and Angel knew better of what would happen and let it play out as they thought would be best for him to learn. As cruel as that might have been.

Hopefully this chapter will have brought a smile to your face, even if only for a little while.

Shadow8Phantom: That's fair Shadow, that's incredibly fair.

As for Papyrus, its incredibly hard at times to make him that sweet person while also showing that growth. I perhaps didn't do that all the best in that chapter, and if so, I apologize. I was more trying to figure out what Papyrus thought was best for his child, as well as the feelings he had. Trying to keep in mind that he's in his young twenties. And showing off how horrible love can be to some. Papyrus IS smarter than many give him credit for, but some people cave to certain things. Perhaps I was reading too much into the pregnancy messing with his emotions, or the realism vs what Papyrus was hoping to happen.

Time will tell how Papyrus grows and learns, and hopefully I can present a better version for the future.

Dasansi: Hello you three! Ah yes, lots to discuss. But first! Take a deep breath Roland. I understand your feelings about that, and Papyrus will be very much a fantastic father. And you're are right, with Sans and Angel perhaps not saying as much as they should have. They saw it as something that needed to learned the hard way. As much as it sucked. Besides, they have hard evidence to keep Mettaton away if she tries to contact Papyrus again. Angel will be sticking to that promise.

But if you want to get in on the action once I release that character to Mystic Girl, trust me, she's always got a sign up roster ready to go!

MysticBoywastaken: Dear Mystic Boy, you'll have to fight your fellow officers and your captain for that honor. I'm not saying no, but you'll have to talk to them about it, and it seems they could use another hand preparing weapons for the assault. She's been… rather quiet over there, your captain and my sister that is. So, uh… why don't you start there?

Now we're to the end of another chapter, and hopefully this brought up some smiles for everyone. And the next one should be some more! I will say it's a happy chapter, so I hope all of you are excited for it!

But make sure to look out for little details I've hidden in there as well… XD

Love you all and see you next week!

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl