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"

30. The Next Chapter

One World: Many Souls

Chapter 30: The Next Chapter

Papyrus' Point of View:

"I really appreciate that you guys are going with me for graduation! My brother felt so bad when he couldn't go due to duties in our home country. Having you there means a lot!"

"Lilly, of course we'd go. I can't admit that it would have been more difficult in your country, because we'd have to travel. But here and within an hour of the location? That's more than doable, especially with me on bedrest for the most part."

My sister wasn't lying as she said that. Pregnant with her second set of twins, she was quite large as she carried two children in her abdomen. She was being much more cautious this time around. She was approaching her due date quickly, June twentieth. Doctors estimated that it would be within a month or so, perhaps the beginning of July if she was late again.

So, Angel was restricted from doing more of the things that she normally was doing. She stayed home with the kids, cooked when she had the energy, and took many naps when she could. The little ones were all toddlers and it was probably a dangerous thing to have so many children under the age of five all at the same time.

Thankfully my sister had the time and help in order to take care of them when she couldn't.

I knew that Grandmother loved looking after them when she was free. They were ambitious at times and her magic would help play with them more when her body was not as strong as it should have been. She was in her seventies then, and seeing her great grandchildren.

I was also able to go to this lovely event! Lilly had let me know with plenty of time to spare so that I was able to get it off from work. It also helped that her graduation celebration was delayed for some reason compared to mine that happened right after that test we both took that wintery day. Thankfully, the celebration was a weekday so we weren't too short staffed at the eatery. Gino had enough hands for the time being to cover that day. I was grateful so that I could spend it with a dear friend.

I had known of Lilly and spoken to her lightly within the last few years. However, half a year ago she and I had become good friends. She came over often on her days off to help with the children. She seemed to adore them, she often commented how she sadly couldn't have any of her own due to a medical problem. Or at least… from what she noted it was highly likely that a child she produced would be very medically handicapped. She didn't wish for any child she could create to suffer, and made the saddening decision not to have any. She planned to adopt perhaps in later years when she was ready.

I never expected her to be so honest and upfront with me about herself. Lilly was such a kind person, granted that was what her magic and soul were. She was a Charisse, a being built upon kindness. That was what her soul cared for the most and what it showed the most in her personality. Angel was kind as well, but her determination was what showed through when she was serious. They were very different people even if they were close friends and shared some traits between them.

Yet I noticed recently that my soul felt a little bit more… fulfilled as I spent time with our dear friend. I trusted her much more so then perhaps some others, and the very fact that she went with Frisk to deal with Mettaton actually said more about her then I think I ever realized.

I… felt something for her. Yet… I wasn't sure if I was ready to try my hand again at love or if it was right for Impact. My little boy was so young still, and he came first no matter how I felt. He was what I fought for all this time…

No… perhaps it wasn't time yet to think of these feelings…

Pushing them to the back of my mind, I took another look at the lovely lady who twirled in her dress for the event. A lovely Caribbean colored dress hugged her curves. The thick square straps that held it up with smooth and thick, but the second it reached her upper chest it flushed out with many layers of fabric. The dress came down to just before her knees and simple shoes graced her feet. Lilly had commented on more than one occasion that she couldn't wear heels as she felt incredible unstable. Her hair was curled. Wild waves settled down around her shoulders while a couple of beautiful silver pins kept part of it out of her face. She was quick to grab her gown and throw it over her shoulders, white in color. Her hat was placed delicately on her head and a sash was settled over the robe as well.

She had been head of her class. And what little determination the woman had in her being was preparing her for the next stage in her life. Assisting with managing a business. She wasn't sure where she would want to go yet, but I know she told me she had applied to Gino's restaurant per my suggestion to get some experience from Michelle if that was at all possible. Though it was possible she would have to help out with Missy's waitress staff and other things to prove she could handle other jobs as well. Much as I was shown.

It would be nice to work with her…

"Daddy!" My attention was taken when little Impact came running up to me. My son would be three before long in the late fall. He was getting bigger, just above my knee cap. "Pway!"

"Not now my darling son." Quickly I picked him up and held him in my arms. I pointed toward the important lady of the day and Impact took notice of how happy she appeared to be. "It's Lilly's special day, we're leaving soon to the celebration!"

"Lee? Lee! Lee! Lee! Pway!"

"Impact…"

"Did some little guy ask for me?" Impact squealed when he saw Lilly and eagerly reached out for her. She left Angel and Sans who were dealing with the twin toddlers they had, while she held out her hands eagerly. "Hey there! Wanna come with me? Does Daddy mind?"

"Lee! I want Lee!"

"E-easy Impact!"

My son nearly pushed himself out of my arms to get to the bubbly woman. She readily held her arms at the ready to catch him upon nearly catapulting himself out of mine and into her own. He happily clung to her and played with a few stray locks of hair that came within his reach.

"I got him, Papy." She held him tightly while I struggled to find the words of how my soul paused from how my own son seemed to adore her. Oh, how was I to handle this!?

I just told myself I would say and do nothing, but Impact liked her so much! Was it a sign?

No! No! I couldn't be! Do no let yourself get caught up in love so easily Papyrus…

"Alright folks!" It was Angel then who began to herd us together. "We'll be taking off shortly! Papyrus? Lilly? You guy ready?"

"You bet!" Lilly hurried up to where they were, but paused a moment to pull me along with her hand. "Come on Papy!"

"Daddy! Come!"

I didn't realize that there was air trapped in my magical lungs when they both called out to me. I attempted my best to smile and show them a blinding grin only possible by the great Papyrus. "Of course! It is time to celebrate!"

Even if I felt that I was not so great at the time…

Later That Day:

My family and I cheered loudly as Lilly received her diploma from the college staff. Frisk was on picture taking duty while each of the rest of us juggled a child in our arms. Impact especially was quite rowdy that day. He kept trying to rush out of my arms and wanting to go to Lilly as she waved on the stage to those that cheered.

"Lee! Lee! Lee!"

Oh, my darling son was not making this easy for me.

Lilly had presented a lovely speech to her graduating class of that year of how they were still growing up and learning, regardless of the background or how they came to where they were that day. Those particular words… they struck a chord with me. I always felt I never deserved what my family had been kind enough to gift me, the ability to go to school, an incredible support system after all my hardships. Yet, there they were, supporting me with all the best opportunities to make the best of my life and give me all that I could to raise Impact. He was always what mattered as I grew older.

But Lilly had become a very involved part of our lives. My son saw her multiple times a week when Angel would do dinners together or when Lilly watched all the toddlers for us. It was becoming much harder to push those raw feelings away. It wasn't fair that my son was without a mother, but Mettaton could not take that honor.

But it scared me to offer it to another.

I didn't think I was ready. But… then I'd look to my beaming child who wholeheartedly seemed to adore the redhaired woman. He cared for her so much… as did I! But…

"Papy?" My attention was grabbed by that of my elder sister. Her daughter was pawned off to Frisk while she and Sans continued to face the crowd. Only Angel faced me. "What's wrong?"

"Ah… nothing! So sorry!"

She frowned at that. Oh dear… why did she have to be able to read me so well?

"Are you thinking about Mettaton again?"

"Ah… while I did for a split-second think of her, she is not what I was focusing on…"

With seconds to spare, Angel looked to the crowd before she noticed my son crying out for Lilly. With a raised eye brow, I saw my sister's expression soften and then a gentle hand laid out on my shoulder blade.

"Papyrus… I can't tell you how to live your life. Don't force yourself if you think your not ready, but… maybe it might be good to talk about your feelings. Make her know how you feel. Who knows? Knowing Lilly, I bet she would take it very slow for you."

A sigh escaped me, I struggled not to hide my skull in the back of my son's clothed back. There was no point in denying her. "Why must you be able to read me so well?"

"I'm your sister, regardless of what anyone says. I care about you and have lived with you for seven years, almost eight. I know the way you think, you keep putting yourself down when you don't need to. But I also know you need time to heal after what's been done to you. No one expects you to bounce right back, but just talking to her might help you a lot." She paused for a moment to look back at our friend who walked off the stage and returned to her seat. "If you want my opinion, she'd be good for both of you. And I can't lie and say I wouldn't mind having her as a sister by marriage as well. She already is one to me. But don't disregard your feelings. They're important, no matter what you think."

A steady breath went in and out through my teeth. I could only assume that Angel was right, as she normally was. Yet… I still was not quite ready. I… I needed more time…

Didn't I?

But it hurt when I thought like that. Angel was right, but… I didn't want to face that yet. I just wanted a few more moments of blissful ignorance. I…

I liked Lilly…

But I wasn't ready!

But… I liked her a lot…

There was no need to rush! Calm down.

Impact adores her… She would be a lovely mother to him…

"LEE!"

"Hey there Impact!" Our friend rushed to our sides and I fumbled as Lilly raced to grab my son in her arms when he jumped out of mine. "I got ya!"

"Lee! Lee!" Impact jumped in her arms, hugging her as tightly as his little arms could do. Lilly heled him just as tightly before her gaze turned to me. So warm and bright it was as I saw her carry her hat with a free hand. I didn't even notice how the ceremony was over…

"Lilly?" My sister was quick to smile at her. "We're going to get a quick snack from that party the college is hosting for the kids, we'll meet you there, okay? And great job today! We'll celebrate more tonight!"

"You got it Angel! Do what you have to do!" Lilly waved to them before speaking to my son. "Say bye-bye to Auntie, Uncle, and your cousins!"

"Bye-bye!"

Impact was quick to mimic her and wave while the rows began to filter of people. Slowly the room began to clean and only a few handfuls of students, friends and family remained. That was when Lilly turned back to me with a less then impressed face.

"Oh dear…"

"Oh dear, is right. What's going on Papy?" Lilly looked at me very worriedly while my son played with her hair. "Are you okay? Is something wrong? She… that woman didn't try to message you again, did she?"

"Oh Lilly… I'm sorry. I never wished to ruin your lovely day…"

"That doesn't matter if you're not well." She stepped a little closer and I saw my eye lights glow at her approach. "Did she?"

"N-no… she has not."

"Okay then… do you want to talk about it?"

"I… erm…" I honestly wasn't sure if I could tell her…

"Then… can I say what I think it might be?" Lilly looked quiet upset as she stepped backward a step or so from me. "I've made you this way, haven't I?"

I felt my sockets widen at that. "H-how did you-"

"I-I've been… really forward with you in the last few months… I should have known it was tasteless! But I couldn't help getting closer to you and I bet I made you uncomfortable right?"

I couldn't speak while the woman I saw hold Impact a little tighter while my babe only hugged her again.

"Papyrus… I know now isn't a good time with all the emotional pain Mettaton put you through… but… I don't want to hide things from you… I like you. More then a friend. B-but I've been holding back my feelings because I knew I needed to talk to your first, but you were hurting. And there there's Impact, making sure he's happy and not doing anything to hurt him. But he's such a sweet boy. You did such a good job raising him… and… and…"

She couldn't seem to go on in those moments and I felt such a pang of pain in my ribs. However, in those same moments I struggled to decipher what it was she was trying to tell me. All that truly registered was that she had some kind of feelings for myself too…

The pang in my ribs just echoed louder at that realization. Both happiness and fear washed over me in those moments.

"Regardless of your own intention… you have done nothing wrong." The woman looked at me with eyes that reminded me of Angel when I would get in trouble. "Lilly, I am being truthful with you. I-I have been out of sorts myself because… I care about you. I share those same feelings… b-but… I will not lie and say I'm not fearful that I will be hurt again after what Mettaton has done to both myself and my son…"

Her gaze softened at that and she took a cautious step forward. She stood right before me with my little boy in her grasp.

"Papyrus, I can't promise that I won't ever hurt you." She carefully reached a single hand forward, her fingers tracing lightly over my own, though she hesitated to grab them. "But what I can promise, is that I will never be like that terrible woman. I could never be like that. If you want to try… we can take it slow and see how it goes. You can decide the pace, only if you want this. I won't force you."

Still there was hesitation and fear in my soul, but Lilly was right. I had to think positively for a moment while I let my long slender phalanges curl together with her fingers that touched my own. I slowly, ever so slowly, curled them together into holding hands.

"I-I do… I do want that… I feel… so peaceful when I'm with you, happy. And Impact, he's taken such a liking to you… He deserves happiness as well…"

"Still, we'll take it slow." She assured me and squeezed my hand. "Your next day off is Friday, right?"

"Yes?"

"Why don't we plan a nice picknick for the three of us? You, me and Impact. We'll go to a nice park and enjoy the sites. See if Impact wants to play."

And it made my soul swell at the notion that she wanted all three of us to go, not just myself and her. She was including my son who still held her tightly.
"Lee! Food!"

"Okay! Okay! We'll get you something to much on. I bet your getting hungry, little guy!" Lilly nuzzled the side of Impact's skull and my boy was so utterly happy at her show of affection. But she didn't move before looking back at me one more time. "Coming Papy?"

"Y-yes! We should get food for my baby bone! I'm sure he's worked up quite the apatite from how amazing he is!"

I'm sure that Lilly could hear in my voice just how nervous I was. I hated for her to see it, but I needed to be honest with myself. I wasn't sure if I was ready. Perhaps with the help of my son who adored her so much, and my slowly growing feelings, perhaps… I could find happiness with her?

I certainly had hoped so.

Third Person Point of View: (Lucas Madden in Jail)

Walls of gray surrounded him as he laid in an isolation ward by himself. Not able to communicate with people, nor anyone to talk to, the insanity would slowly begin to creep up on him. How many days had he been there? How long had it been since he'd spoken himself? Perhaps he screamed all night? Perhaps he didn't. It was hard to tell, and he ran out of little rocks to mark the days.

Did he even mark it for that day?

Meals were brought to him twice a day, but with no window or any images of the outside world, it was difficult to know what time of day it was. And the food didn't help. While perhaps it wasn't gruel, sometimes he'd get meals meant for evening, or meals meant for the morning, all day long. He had no idea how long it'd been since he'd seen a calendar or a clock.

What was even the date or time? Had part of his sentence passed at all?

He couldn't even see his brother. He was kept in another part of the prison after it was determined that Caleb had no such magical powers like he did. His brother also had such a lighter sentence than him... perhaps he was already out? It was hard to tell other than the days his parents tried to visit him.

His father wanted nothing more to do with him after everything came to light and he failed to become a part of the Terains family. He was banished from his own family and disowned. His job was affected by it and no longer could he work properly due to it all. And then his mother... she came a couple times a year on holidays, but he could never hold her, or scream his frustrations into her shoulder like he used to as a child. No, only a screen was allowed to be the window where he could see her. The only way he couldn't control anyone.

He could feel it burning under his fingers. The fact that there was nothing he could even try to control, his old friends, his targets, it was a shame honestly. It irked him that he couldn't even try.

Even his meals were brought by a robot that couldn't even show him the satisfaction of an emotion other than its leader's commands.

"Lucas Madden, your meal has arrived."

Luke could only glare as the damned thing set his food into the compartment to transport food to him. It was a two sided door, and one door could only be open at a time. Neither could be open together. And he was watched at all times with the cameras angled down into his room.

Luke could hear the lock on the other side being closed before he sighed and attempted to open the door. Inside was his meal like always, it appeared to be a roll, mixed vegetables, and some basic cooked chicken. Taking the roll and eating a bite, he struggled to hide the widening of his eyes when a note was in the back of the box. He tried to play it off like he was annoyed at the food while he munched slowly on the roll.

It was a small note from inside that Luke could feel magical energy coming from. Looking at it, it had only a couple of sentences on it.

Are you ready to let everything be over? Don't you wish to claim vengeance on those who wronged you?

Of course that was what Luke wanted. He hated how Frisk got away from him and started to heal. She was going to be normal again and he didn't have a puppet anymore to do what he wanted. He probably would never get a chance again, not with all that damage he had done being overwritten. Nor could he forget the absolute rage for the older sister for never giving into him no matter how he tried to charm them. Her magic, as well as her husband's, was too strong for him to try and penetrate. Frisk was just fucking perfect...

He already heard she was doing incredibly better, and it pissed him off.

It was like Luke's very thoughts traveled through the letter when he touched it and the old message vanished instantly on the paper. Again, he tried to keep his cool. Any sign of something wrong and his room would be shut down. He slowly munched at the food, standing for a while at the spot. That wasn't a horribly unusual thing as he stood against the wall with his face looking toward his room. He left the door to the little plate he had while he waited with the only thing that could entertain his mind that had happened in forever.

Once he finished his roll, he kicked himself off the wall to look once more at the food in the box to see new words on the note. Trying to not appear surprised, he reached for more food while quickly reading.

Then perhaps a partnership is in order? There are quite a few who wish the Terians to fall. Will you join me?

Luke couldn't resist the part of his brain that eagerly responded with a hell yeah to the query. With that, the note's words vanished once more and again he pulled back, munching on his food and that time as he ate the vegetables with his fingers, of course he didn't have a choice with no utensils offered to him. Along with a bendable plastic plate that wouldn't break no matter how much it could be bent (and trust Luke, he tried), he saw the note with a new set of words.

You've managed to get through four years already of your sentence. Act well and pretend as if you've improved. We'll get you out on early parole, with our sources to try and pull you out even sooner than your current maximum sentence of twenty years. We will also send people your way as often as we can for you to control. Be ready for when you are removed from solitary confinement soon.

Luke took a slow breath as he had to pull his head out of the door. He pulled out the rest of his food, leaving the note as he saw it vanish just out of the corner of his eye. He was eager as he struggled to keep the smile off his face.

You better watch out Frisk, I'm coming back to make you fucking regret arguing against me.

Witch's Note:

Okay… uh… Mystic? Another one broke loose! Didn't you just update the security? And this one is a really bad one… you might wanna get right on this…

Mystic Girl: Of course, I just finished it. Like this week. Why what happened?

Me: You tell me! (I point to the chapter that ended up in my lap.) Why is Luke back?!

Mystic Girl: (My best friend turns pale at the words noted before she grabs the front of my shirt and brings me nose to nose with her fiery glare.) What do you mean he's back?!

Me: Woman! Did I stutter? Look for yourself!

Mystic Girl: (Mystic Girl takes a quick glance at the small bit that was just written that didn't quite look like my style of writing. She immediately took off to investigate her dungeon, only to see Luke's cage cracked open and he was gone. No trail left behind.) EVERYONE IN MY FUCKING TEAM, CONFERENCE ROOM! NOW!

Me: Oh shit… welp… I'm gonna work on reviews while she works on that…

Thechaosmaster: Oh we knew you'd love that chapter Chaos! It was honestly one of the most fun to write! Showing off how Frisk and the others handled the situation, but also showing how Papyrus was able to recognize that she wasn't a good person for him to associate with for Impact... it really shows how he's grown.

And with that paper in your captain's hands, go for it! Help yourselves!

Shadow8Phantom: Oh man oh man, always on point Shadow! You just seem to read me like a book!

I'm glad you picked up on those special cues I wrote in there. Yep, the entire family goes nuts when it comes to their precious family. Lilly is being questioned if there's more going on with her feelings for Papyrus and Frisk letting out her inner childlike malice against an old enemy! One that she had no problem causing harm to, as per her quotes.

That was a fun chapter! And it certainly got my blood pumping to keep working!

MysticBoywastaken: Yes! I have officially handed over Mettaton to your captain and you have fun with her. Sorry about Papyrus going through that rough patch, but it shows how much he's overcome since before when he dated her and before that. He's not just that precious cinnamon roll anymore. He's an improved, glazed cinnamon roll that has some crispy edges, but still ever so soft on the inside.

Not A Shady Guy: Oh Shady, of course this isn't the end! We have much more to cover as we do have until chapter seventy-one to get to. Lots more is gonna happen, I just can't tell you yet. There's no fun in a spoiled surprise!

But I can promise you there is more hell to come. Just... we'll take a bit of a break from it for a smidge to focus on the healing process and life growing of our main cast. After all, we got babies flying all over the place and possible love interests on the horizon! So we gotta be careful!

Mystic Girl: (While Halloween is working on the end of the most recently chapter after discovering the loss of Luke from the clutches of her dungeon, Mystic rallies her crew to figure out what has happened and devise a plan.)

First of all, who was the last one to lock Luke's chamber? Cuz ya obviously didn't do it right! Second of all, who was on guard?! I'm gonna send Chaos and Mystic Boy to find Luke! Mettaton can wait! She's being pulled apart as we speak by the magnetic chamber to show her true ghostly form. So she can wait. As for everyone else, brush up on your training and be ready. The war has officially started.

(Halloween listens to the cries from below her floor boards and ponders for two seconds before ignoring it. Some things are best left alone.)

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl