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"

23. Public Indulgence

One World: Many Souls

Chapter 23: Public Indulgence

Angel's Point of View:

"Do I look like I'm ready?"

"Of course, you do! You're so pretty! Red always has been your color!"

I couldn't help the ginger smile I had on my face while Frisk twirled around in her dress for the upcoming party that evening. Rich red coloring, sweetheart line. It came down to her knees with a snug waist to show off her beauty, yet not too showy. She wasn't ready for all eyes to be on her much just yet, but she was working her way there. "She's not wrong Frisky. Most richer colors always suited you, red being one of them. Seems to be a thing among those of us who are part of the Terians family."

"Yeah, red always was our color. It especially fit you Sis, even more so now with the white hair and red eyes you got from marrying Sans." Frisk giggled as she looked over in my direction again. "Hey… d-do you think…"

"Hm?" I blinked at her. "What is it Frisk?"

"If… I married a monster like you did… would I… change like you?"

My hands came upon her bare shoulders, rubbing them softly. "I honestly don't know. As far as I'm aware, Sans and I are the only known union between humans and monsters in… well centuries… Its highly possible, but I could be wrong too."

Sophie hurried over, her green colored dress reminded me of a forest with layers of green silk that showed off the color of her feathers and eyes. She held onto my sister's arm, gathering her attention. "Why did you ask that Frisk? I thought you swore off relationships for a long time?"

"Yeah… I did…" She quickly pouted and looked away. "I was just… curious…"

I'm sure my sister had another reason for asking about that, but wasn't comfortable to say then. It was just as fine. For her to even remotely admit what she was struggling with was a huge step in the right direction.

For months we'd been helping her with recovering from that stupid Luke fiasco. It was honestly eight months since we saw him last. Jade kept me constantly updated on the two brothers as they rotted away in jail, along when making sure their parents quickly moved from my area. The spot where they're house had been was entirely demolished and new construction going up there. Frisk would never see that house that haunted her nightmares.

Christmas was upon us then. Just honestly the next day. Hence the dressing up was for a Christmas party held by my household for those of my region and a few neighboring ones. I knew Lilly was going to attempt to make her way out for the party. Even moving to the area as she decided to go to school with the fight for head of house over with in her country. It would be nice to see her again. I honestly hadn't seen her since just after the twins were born.

Perhaps I'd be able to see more of her? It would be nice to spend time together like when we were children and things were simpler.

"Well ladies, we do need to join the party soon enough." With a sigh, I rose from my seat. A glittering silver dress came down my being while I wore silver jewelry and red stones. I would be matching Sans in a grey toned suit who would be meeting us shortly. "Is there anything else you need to grab?"

"No, I'm good." Sophia was quick to jump from around my sister. "Frisk? Are you ready?"

"Yeah, as… good as I'll ever be…"

I hesitated as I watched my sister shake lightly under our gazes. Sophia was quick to look to me in worry before back to her friend.

"Frisk? It's going to be okay. Your friends and family are all here in case you need them, and you are more than welcome to bow out early if you want. I wasn't even expecting you to go to this function. Sans and I are the only ones expected to stay."

"Y-yeah… but…" She slowly took a breath to calm her nerves. "I… need to get better. College is coming soon, a-and other strangers will walk up to me… ask questions. I-I need to get ready for that."

I had to suppress rolling my eyes at her. "Just going back to school has been a lot, you don't need to hang out with those sticks in the mud."

"Why don't we start with the snack table!" Sophia tried to change the mood quickly. "I heard Papy made a lot of the food! He helped out the staff before getting changed for the party!"

Thankfully, Sophia knew the right buttons to push to get my sister moving. Even after all that had happened, food was a thing that could drag her out of most anything. My sister shyly, but quickly, agreed. Both rushed out the door, heels clicking in their wake.

I knew Frisk's entourage of friends would keep her safe during those boring parties. The crazy politics would drowned us out most of the night thinking they were appeasing us, but honestly boring. I was honestly more excited for some of the things Grandmother had planned for, such as caroling during the event and a few gift giving to the younger children that were brought to the party.

I would hold off on bringing my own until they were at least age five, and could stay up to at least eight in the evening.

"Yo Precious? Ya still here?"

"Inside Darling, I'm dressed."

"Well damn, and here I was hopin' for a peak."

"Oh you-!"

My husband was behind me when I turned to swat him. A bright grin settled into his features, one that held no hidden worry beyond that boney brow of his. It was bright, and ready for us to celebrate the holiday the following morning.

It was our third Christmas married together, but this was the second one where we had the children. They were just over a year old then, happy little baby bones who were eager to toddle about. We were far too excited to celebrate with them as they got older.

"Ya ready ta get this over with?"

"That desperate to go home already?"

"'course." A dazed look came to him as he stared at me. "All I need is ya and the kids, house over our heads. I'm content."

Rolling my eyes, I pecked his teeth. "Oh, stop that, you flirt. We won't be here too long. I promised the maid watching the little ones we'd be back between eight and eight-thirty. You only have to deal with four hours. Okay? And if Frisk needs to leave, you can take her home first and stay, alright?"

My husband gave me a more serious look. "I ain't leavin' ya with those two-faced nut jobs out there for more than a minute."

"Yes, yes, I know." Fitting my arm against his own, I began to pull him along. "Come on, let's get this over with."

Sans willingly began the march to the ballroom in the main mansion where the party was being held. Grandmother was still Head of the Houses and still very involve with what took place between all of the countries she governed. She had delegated the party set up and material to myself with I being the Head of House then, but still allowed us to use the mansion. It would always belong to the Terians, even if it was never 'home' to Sans and I.

Someone further down the line would most likely take it over some day, hopefully when Sans and I pulled back from most events.

The large ballroom was packed with at least a hundred humans and monsters who mingled about together. In the moment I walked in, I saw Frisk off with the other three of her group. The males welcomed her quickly and practically made a shield around her as people tried to approach. They kept the unsavory folks back while Frisk herself controlled where the group traveled to and fro.

"Yo Angel! Sans!"

My attention was quickly grabbed by our dearest friend Undyne. She waved her hand pretty aggressively to catch our eye with a glowing Alphys on her arm. The smaller woman of the two just seemed to beam, and that caused my husband and I to share a look between each other.

"What'd ya wanna bet?"

I struggled not to roll my eyes at my husband. "I'm gonning be the dumb romantic that's guessing something happened relationship wise. Cleaning duties is the wager, three days."

Sans only gave me snicker. "Precious, I doubt that. I'll bet a week that it's some sort of science related item. Al would be blushin' 'n a mess if it was somethin' with their relationship."

"Oh? You're so confident." I snorted, stepping back just enough from my husband to hold out my hand to shake. "Two weeks, Darling, relationship related. And no cheating and asking the servants to do it for you when you lose."

My husband whistled at my bold choice of bet. However, a gleam to his eye lights told me he accepted my wager. A shaking of our hands was put forth just as our friends walked over.

"W-what are you g-guys doing?"

Our gazes were captured by that of our friends. The two of them watched us hesitantly before Sans and I burst out laughing at them.

"Oh, don't worry about us, Al." Trying to hide the laughter behind my hand, I once again took Sans' arm into my own. "He and I have a bet this evening about a certain set of house staff. Pay us no heed."

"O-okay then."

"But we got news!" Undyne's good mood could not be swayed by how we were that evening. "You dorks are invited to our wedding!"

I couldn't help the audible gasp that escaped me in those moments. "Oh, my goodness! Congratulations!"

"T-thank you!" Alphys actually was handling the pressure quite well. I was surprised at that, though we were in a small group at the time.

"Congrats. But come on, Gill Face, Al." Sans took his loss in stride as he kept up a good positive relation with the women. "Give us the deets."

"A-actually… I-I p-proposed to U-undyne."

"Ha ha ha!" Undyne let out a hearty laugh before grabbing up her fiancée in her arms. Alphys squeaked, but settled into them quickly. "Yeah! This total dorky babe of mine spent forever on this anime filled speech before she bent down and gave me this awesome ring! It looks so cool! But it won't get in the way of my work!"

Undyne proudly showed off the very ring that I'm sure was actually made by Alphys herself. She did tend to branch out into many scientific fields, it wouldn't surprise me if crafting parts and rings were somewhat similar. The ring was made from glowstone from the underground. It glittered on Undyne's hand from the cuts in the stone as well as the natural breaks and bends of nature's growth. It was smoothed down so that it wouldn't catching on material, like Undyne's normal armor she wore. Though it actually worked out well, even against the lovely jet-black dress Undyne wore that evening. It was short, showed far more skin than I would have ever been okay with, but the captain of the guard showed off her muscles and curves. Both of which Alphys seemed to drool over.

Alphys on the other hand had on a lovely pale red dress, sweetheart line on it and it proofed out at the end by her feet. On her finger as well I could see a beautiful ring where metal was used to hold a glittering piece of glow stone. Her's was more traditional in style compared to Undyne's wild looking one, but both rings suited them well.

"We're so happy for you two." The bright smile couldn't leave either of them as they shared their news with us. "If you don't mind me asking, when do you think you'll have your wedding?"

"A-actually… not t-to long from now." Alphys was quick to respond while Undyne returned her to the ground so she could speak properly. "W-we w-were hoping t-to h-have our wedding d-during t-this summer. W-we plan t-to have it a-at Asgore's castle… W-we j-just need to a-ask him."

"Yes, certainly check with him. But I doubt he'll have a problem with it. He adores you both too much." I giggled at their behavior. "But why get married so soon? I know you've been dating the last three years, but… oh excuse me. I'm being nosey."

"Nah, its fine." The two women shared a look between each other before Alphys nodded to her fiancée. With the approval of her partner, Undyne turned back to us with a hand near her mouth. "We've both been wantin' this for a while, but… we just found out Al's pregnant."

Sans and I shared a surprised look before looking back to our nervous friends. After the first few moments of surprise passed, only happiness remained.

"Congratulations."

"Yeah, what she said." Sans' easy grin came back after a few moments. "Al, Cap, seriously. Happy for ya. Ya two are good for each other, and'll make great parents."

I quickly nodded to my husband. "Yes, and if you need any help, don't be afraid to ask. We may not have much experience, but we can certainly do our best if you need a sitter or something of the sort."

"Shit, really?" Undyne's single eye turned bright. Alphys squealed as well behind her hands before flying forward to hug me.

"O-oh thank you! Y-you h-h-have n-no idea how m-much this m-means to u-us!"

"C'mon now, ya really think we'd hate ya for this?" Sans rolled his eye lights at our friends.

"Nah, just… we weren't expecting to be parents yet." Undyne rubbed the back of her head nervously. "So, this… caught us off guard. Plus, I gotta make sure my second and third in command of the guard can hold for the fort while I take time for the wedding and the kid."

"Oh, you know, I don't think you ever told us who was next in line after you." I tilted my head while focusing on the head of the royal guard. "Are you allowed to tell us?"

"Oh yeah, did I never tell ya Precious?" Sans nervously rubbed the back of his head. "Whoops?"

I blinked, unsure of what my husband was referencing. "What?"

"W-what S-sans means…" Alphys giggled behind her hands while Undyne struggled to hold back her laughter. "V-vinnie i-is the second i-in command. H-he's been f-for the last… s-seven years?"

It took me a couple seconds to catch onto what she was saying before I raced to turn back to my husband. "You mean to tell me the first member of the royal guard I befriended was the second in command?!"

"Yeah… kinda why I was so worried 'bout ya meetin' 'im."

"Oh my lord…"

"Heh! Yeah, I can see why Sans was worried back then." Undyne laughed loudly at us. "But Vinnie's always been a great second in command. He was always, and is, a great judge of character. So, whatever he saw that night was enough to make him trust you, and give me even the lightest bit of willingness to trust ya. I've always trusted Vinnie, even with my hesitance with our newest third in command."

"H-hesitance?"

Undyne paused for a moment before looking to her fiancée. "Sorry Al, I didn't tell ya yet either. Our new third in command is Sampson. It was just recently announced by Asgore himself. Vinnie's been training and reforming him all these years since his stunt all those years ago with Angel and Sans. He's really come around. His skills are amazing, and he's really pulled himself out of that slump he was in. I hold no more ill will toward 'im."

Was it wrong that I was proud of that? I knew Sans still held bitter will toward him, and rightfully I could see his point. Having his body snatched away from him to steal all the gold in the underground? Yeah, that would leave a bitter taste in my own mouth. But I'd spent time with those three morons. Sampson and Simon both changed. Going back to their true names and mending all that had been broken. With time, the families even spoke to them again once they were on the right path.

Harry was the only one who never made it. He currently sits in the new jail inside Asgore's castle where he can watch the sun rise and fall and see even a piece of the wonders of the above ground world, but sadly can do nothing with them as he's never attempted to reform. Perhaps he would before the end of his life, but there was no guarantee. Harry was always the bully, always in the wrong. He dragged down his two friends into the madness with him, and they were the only ones to escape.

It seemed he truly didn't care what happened one way or another…

"So, they'll take over the guard and keep things in order until you come back from either you wedding, honeymoon or maternity leave?"

"Y-yes, t-that's at least the r-rough plan." Alphys nodded quickly. Shortly after she spoke, she then gave a lovely smile to us. "A-and t-then we'll be s-starting our family… I-its s-something we've w-wanted that f-for us."

"Good. Ya earned it, Al, Cap." With a grin Sans patted the shoulder of his friend. "How long ya got until little shits start runnin' around?"

"I-I'm s-still pretty early… I-I'm only a-a month in…"

"Still-"

"A-angel?"

My attention was then grabbed from my friends as I turned to my sister. She stood behind me with her four close friends who were guarding her closely during these times where she still recovered. She hovered around nervously while she waited for my reply.

"Frisk?" I entirely turned away from my friends. "Is everything alright?"

"I-I was wondering… c-could I make an announcement to the party goers?"

I blinked at her, trying to figure out her gain. "I suppose… what about?"

"I…" She paused then, looking back to her friends who showed her positive looks before she turned back and gave a nod. "I-I… want to talk… about what I went through…"

I couldn't stop my eyes from widening in shock, looking toward the others in a slight panic, before trying to salvage the situation.

"Um… are you… sure about that Frisk?" I hurried over to my sister, eager to run my fingers over her skin to calm down the tears I knew were threatening to fall from my not so positive reaction. "Do you think you're ready to face a large crowd of people like this? Like I said, you don't have to do anything besides have fun tonight with your friends."

"B-but… everyone w-worked so hard to help me…" I could see the bubbling guilt in her eyes again. Something she still struggled with even all those months later. She tried to push away, but didn't have the strength or desire in her hands. "I-I want to do something t-to repay the kindness o-of those who helped me…"

"And that's very wonderful of you, but you don't have to announce it publicly if you don't want to."

"Yeah, Kiddo." Sans came over quickly to help me in the situation. "There's no rush."

"But… but…"

Frisk turned away from me to look at her friends. They watched on with worried looks until it was Asriel who stepped forward. He showed determination on his face that I saw burned in his soul. One that was crafted of mine. He had much more of a backbone then he did in his previous life.

"Frisk really wants to help those who showed her kindness even though she was controlled and being a terrible person. It makes her sick that she hadn't even attempted to help these people." Asriel took over talking for the girl I called sister. Frisk shook as she stood there before rushing to his side. A comforting large arm sat around her shoulders while she tried to suppress the shaking. She couldn't look at us while Asriel took over. "She wants to try. She wants to help out at the locations where she was helped unconditionally when she was finally free, and even before she was. She's been working with you guys and plans to help more, but she wants to try and help Alphys and Undyne if she can, they were a big help when she wasn't in control. She wants to volunteer at the hospital she was taken to when she could barely move. In her own words, she wants to prove that she's not a stupid self-centered teen who's riding on the high of this all."

"What in the world?!" I couldn't resist the anger I felt from those words that came from the prince's mouth. And those who felt my magic could also feel just how angry I was. Sans didn't even try to calm me, his soul radiated with just the same amount of anger. "Where in the world did you hear this?!"

"D-do you think I haven't seen the reports?" Frisk sucked in a large breath and she tried to talk again. "D-don't you think I see the news? I-I know you try to hush it, b-but… there are a-a lot of people who t-think I d-did this for attention…"

"And that's a small number of people Frisk! They don't matter. Getting you better is first priority and then we can worry about those, pardon my swear, assholes who don't know when to keep their noses out of other people's business."

"Y-you're not getting the point Sis!" Frisk nearly burst out screaming there. She struggled to keep her voice from getting too high and drawing attention, but it was failing as we had a few faces turn to us. One solid glare from me and their heads whipped away. "I-I won't get better until I do this! I-I want to publicly say it and go through with it! I want to help those people!"

I could feel the very ebbs of pain and sorrow in her soul. I had just come to terms with having it around all the time. She was healing, and it wasn't uncommon for her to feel a wave of negative emotions come crashing down on her. Frisk tried to keep it back, but I knew it was something she would need to deal with.

But the way she wished to go about it worried me. Announcing this sort of thing before so many people… I only thought it would make it worse as the public perhaps would see it as another glorified attention seeking stunt. However… Frisk looked so passionate about it. Her eyes were glowing with magic, showing off determination red. Her soul was echoing out much like my own did when I felt a bit too strongly.

I really wanted to stop her… I thought this would only make it worse. But she was nearly an adult. She'd turn eighteen in the upcoming year. I… couldn't stop her from doing everything anymore. She'd grown up and was learning, in her own way that she knew how.

I just hoped she would ask for help if she needed it.

"Okay."

That one word that came out of my mouth seemed to silence everything. The painful echo in the room faded and the Christmas atmosphere came back rushing forward. It was cheerful again as holiday music played in the background.

"Frisk, I want you to be aware that this may not make things better. But if this is what you want to do, I won't stop you."

She nodded slowly, leaving Asriel's embrace to take me in her own. She curled into me, much like when she was little and hid her face in my neck. A few tears I felt land on my skin. I held her there for a few moments, letting her feel comforted before pulling her back to look at me.

"You know you can ask me for anything, right?"

"Hey!" I heard Undyne's snarl behind us. "That goes for all of us, ya dork!"

Alphys I saw was holding her hands tightly before herself as she brought about courage to speak. "A-and i-if you'd like t-to help us… I-I have a-a lot of p-projects t-that a-are not as science f-filled that c-could use s-some help."

"Paps' been spendin' his break tryin' out new thin's and designin' his shop when he gets the money in a few years' time." Sans wiggled his boney brows. "Bet he could use a view from a foodie lover 'erself."

"You guys…"

Frisk was quickly brought to tears. Her lips wobbled while her friends were quick to gather around her, almost holding her up as she tried to calm herself.

"Take a few moments to calm yourself down, and then when you're ready, I'll gather the attention of the crowd. Okay?"

My sister took that time to nod to me while I let her take whatever time she needed. She turned back to her friends and I turned back to Undyne, Alphys and my husband. They all looked on with mixed feelings, but if it was something Frisk really wanted, then we would help her achieve it.

Witch's Note:

Wow… lots to digest here. So, to start with a four-month gap between last chapter and this. Its Christmas or right near it. Alphys and Undyne are getting married and are pregnant. AND Frisk wants to publicly speak about what she went through.

Yikes, what a chapter…

But Frisk is trying, and it looks like her friends are trying to help her a lot too, especially Asriel who appears to be speaking on her behalf while she gets her mind in order. Sophie also seems to be involved quite a bit keeping Frisk in a good mindset. Even more so since she wants to help the places and people who helped her when she wasn't well or just coming out of Luke's control.

I friggin love this so much, and I'm eager for you all to see more! So let's keep moving and let's get onto the reviews! Mystic has been busy down in the dungeon, but I'm sure I can do something to get her attention if needed. She's been having too much fun…

Thechaosmaster: Hey there! As for forms for the protection squad, I got those right here! Just sign here, and there, and don't forget there and I need a finger print at the bottom.

You're welcome to help her as much as you want! But Frisk will get better. With time and love, we know it can be done. It's just going to be a bit. Granted, she has many wonderful people by her side to help her do so.

Oh? And you have some special stuff for Mystic? Welp, don't let me stop you. You know where the door is, she's probably waiting for you.

(Following the directions I gave you; you head to Mystic Girl's side of our large castle like home before following the passages to the dungeon. At the bottom, you can see Mystic already working on her next test of her glorious buttons, and she seems to be adjusting some settings with the help of a technician.)

Mystic Girl: There you are, my second in command. Did you bring the special stuff you promised? (She noticed the vials in hand.) Excellent. I've gotten chairs ready for all of us. Would you like to do the honors of administering the first one? And then help yourself to the buttons. Just uh… be mindful when you get ready to inject. The idiot already pissed himself earlier. He reeks.

(The two of you, along with other members of the organization watch the show with glee as Luke suffers more and more at your hands.)

Shadow8Phantom: No worries, Shadow! It happens. I probably will have to post on a few upcoming Fridays anyway due to the upcoming holiday weekend and I'm moving in with my boyfriend! Jager and I got an apartment together and we move in together in less then a month, so I totally get it. I hope you enjoyed the vacation!

And hopefully I can get you as many of those wholesome moments I can for you and the others. We'll see what comes. Hopefully this will tickle your fancy!

This was a bit of a shorter chapter ending for us this time, but that's okay. I hope you all enjoyed it and I can't wait to see you all at the end of this next chapter. I find it cute. Some more special little moments with our beloved characters…

And of course, a little time jump.

Love you all and see you next week!

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl