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"

32. Summer Rush

One World: Many Souls

Chapter 32: Summer Rush

Papyrus' Point of View:

"Hey Pap! I got the dishes ready for you!"

"Why thank you Reggie! I'll take those please!"

Carefully I grabbed the stack of clean dishes that Regina had just cleaned so that I could take care of them for when the lunch rush would hit later. It was a Saturday, already a busy day with it being a weekend as families had come out for breakfast. Gino's Eatery was growing in popularity which made us all the busier.

I worked as I was needed. I had been upgraded to a cook. I worked on the line and made food, but during our down time I could see how Regina was swamped once more with dishes. While Bennie was out sick with the flu, I was helping to make things smoother for later that day. Regina and I had worked many times together in the past, she and I had no issues with working alongside one another once more.

During the summer we were open just a tad later due to how intense the summer rush was, causing us to close closer to four. Though Gino was not unkind to our feelings and our lives. He closed the entire eatery for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the very reason of making sure we had time to restock, rest, and were prepared for the four days where we stayed open later and maximized on our square footage for parties and smaller groups of the like.

Many of us would do jobs normally we didn't do during those times, just simply to help out and make the work day run a tad more smoothly so we could go home sooner to our loved ones. Though… I was saddened to admit that not all of us followed those rules. Some were only there for the paycheck, only carrying out the duties assigned as per their contract. Other line cooks such as myself that Gino hired so we had a full staff to handle the rush.

"Hey Papyrus, you missed a spot!"

A sigh I tried to hide while facing that of the other line cooks I worked with. Most weren't much that I had to worry about. Many were just fascinated by the fact that there was a monster among their ranks. A skeleton, and someone so closely related to that of the Terians family.

However… one sadly loved to be a tad more… froward in their feelings.

The woman that was before me was a lovely looking lady, Cecilia was her name. Her beauty was stunning in that of appearances. However, her looks were more of a means to allure and control the people around her. When I first met her, I wondered if it was skill or magic that she was able to use to allow most of the other line cooks to follow her every command. Even the wait staff struggled with her.

Though I was saddened by the fact that Gino nor Michelle noticed her less then wonderful behavior… she was their niece. She was also a part of my graduating class. It was not hard to think that because of their love for her that things were missed. They were kind to her and she knew how to put up a front before others.

"My apologies Cecilia, may I have the plate to clean? We should have as much taken care of before the rush happens in an hour."

"Of course, Papyrus." The plate was handed to me and I noticed how there was a piece of gum stuck to the back side, under the lip. Still wet, warm and malleable. Showing me it had just come from her lips only moments prior. I struggled not to let my eye lights glow in my mild irritation. I allowed the woman to pick on myself so she wouldn't focus on others. I knew the others were grateful, but hurt how they could not do anything.

What could you say against the niece of a company? And I refused to involve Sans or Angel into this, nor Gram or Lilly. None of them needed to be involved and use house policies or money for a tiny squabble of a girl who just wanted attention.

No, I wished to handle those recent issues on my own.

Back to the dishwashing area I went were Regina looked to me with a quick glance before she hissed out. She was short from making a biting remark at the young lady that I quick waved at her not to. Regina was a hard worker and had been at her job for years. Gino had treated her very well, but I'd never seen her so feral looking when Cecilia was involved.

"I don't care who she is Paps." The woman told me under a hushed voice. Her eyes burned as she set down the dish she nearly ripped from my hands to yank off the gum. "Pieces of scum like her never know how good they have it until its gone. And she needs to lose it."

"Please don't Reggie…" A quick hand to her should I set, but she shoved it off quickly. Her pricing look reminded me of Angel… "Please, I don't wish to see you bothered. I don't mind! Honest. I can handle it."

"Why don't you understand it isn't about whether you can 'handle it' or not!?" The amber coloring in her eyes glowed brighter in those moments. Did Regina have magic that I wasn't aware of? "That bitch doesn't care. She thinks she's top dog just because she's related to Gino and Michelle."

All I could do was sigh at how right she was. But there was little use fighting against the young woman we weren't overly caring of.

"Will you be alright if I take my break now Reggie? I want to check in on Impact and Lilly."

"Of course, isn't that little one of yours not feeling so good?"

"Yes… it seems a flu bug has managed to make it around to him. Lilly has been the brave soul to watch him for me."

And conveniently when she's not there is when Cecilia was taking more advances against us at the restaurant.

"Go ahead Paps, I'm almost done and we gotta break before the lunch rush happens."

"Thank you, Reggie."

I hurried out to the break area where a couple other of my coworkers were already eating their lunch quickly. I didn't have much time, so I wanted to use it wisely to see how Impact was feeling. He was quite unwell beforehand. I knew that Lilly said she was worried about how high his fever was the last she checked it…

The poor little boy of mine had been ill for the last few days. It had seemed a summer time flu perhaps had hit him. During the time he was ill, Lilly was taking care of him at her place so the other children wouldn't become sick at the time. Lilly had been kind enough to prepare a room for the two of us while we kept away from Angel and Sans. While I loved my siblings terribly, I also didn't want to get anyone ill. There were two toddlers and two infants in their home. They had to keep their little ones safe, no differently then I had to get my little one better.

I quickly pulled out my phone to see a handful of messages from my family. Texts and missed calls. That… honestly made me quite worried as I hurried to listen into them while inhaling the lunch I had on hand.

"Papy, I'm so sorry to bother you at work, but I'm really worried… Impact… his temperature has gone up more and I had to take him to Alphys. Please… when you get this… call me."

My eye lights widened. I dropped the fork I was using when I heard that. I couldn't even think as I rushed back to the kitchen, forgetting my lunch in the process while I ran to find either Gino or Michelle.

I was thankful the two of them were in the back office. Both were eating quickly before they knew that the next rush would start. I could hardly notice as the two of them jumped at my sudden entrance, panting in the doorway.

"M-my son… fever… hospital…"

Michelle was the first one to move at the rambling words that barely made it out of my mouth. She hurried over and shoved me from the room. "Go, we've got this."

"T-thank you! I-I'll make up for it! I promise!"

"Don't you even think about coming back here until that little one is better!"

And there I had permission to leave and be with Impact and Lilly. I hurried away, rushing on long legs to my vehicle. I had to hurry. I had to call Lilly.

I had made it to the kitchen before everything 'went to shit' and Frisk would often say.

I didn't notice it at first. I only noticed when I passed halfway through the cleaned kitchen that I wasn't able to move forward at the pace I was moving. Something was stopping me. It was only then that I noticed that there was a pressure on my arm.

No, let me rephrase. Through my arm.

Very few people are aware of the fact of the two bones that run through the lower half of a person's arm. Most humans and monsters had skin or muscle that covered those bones, so if a person was to grab you, it would just be say your wrist or entire arm. But as a skeleton who was wearing a short-sleeved shirt that day, I could feel the fingers wrapping between the radius and ulna bones.

The smaller of those two bones were wrapped around by the slim fingers of Cecilia.

I hadn't even noticed her approach… what in the world did she want during such an important time where I needed to be away?!

"Please release me, Cecilia."

"Where in the world are you going?"

Her fingers curled tighter around my bones, and I hated how I twitched in pain. I'd never been grabbed in such a personal and intimate way. I couldn't even express how horrified that made me, as well as upset.

It was no different than when I delt with Mettaton…

I attempted to tug my arm away from her. I was trying to keep myself calm and level headed even in those troubling moments. "Please release me, I have to leave."

The woman narrowed her eyes and I felt pressure on my bones. I struggled not to hiss out at the increased pain I felt on the sensitive bones.

"You can't leave. Lunch rush is starting soon."

"I don't owe you an explanation, Cecilia. I have permission to leave. Now please, let go."

"You didn't get my permission."

"I do not need that of yours. We are fellow co-workers of the same level. You are not above me." Against my better judgement, I pulled harder to free my arm, even as it ached. "Release me."

"No!"

And that was when she yanked on my bones and pulled me right toward her. I cried out in pain from the tender area she pulled as I was before her. Even if she was two feet smaller then myself, her demonic eyes captured all that glared at me.

"You don't get to leave without my permission! I'm Gino and Michelle's niece! This business will one day be mine so I'm the up-and-coming boss! You're just a lowly monster who should keep working below me! Do as I say and get back to your station! Nothing is more important than making money for my company!"

And that was when I felt that metaphorical snap in the back of my mind. For months I'd let her push myself around, and why if it was just myself that was being hurt, I would have let it go.

But Impact… my son…!

"GET OFF OF ME!"

The screech that came out of me had dishes smashing and instant silence after it echoed off the walls. Cecilia's eyes widened. She took the tiniest of steps back, but my arm wasn't released yet.

"What in the world gives you the authority to tell me what I can and can't do?! You are not my superior and I will sooner leave this establishment then deal with a woman who interferes with my work and personal life! My son is very ill! He has been taken to the hospital you horrendous woman! He may not survive with how ill he is and how high his temperature is! He's only three! And if you have any common sense in your being then you will realize that grabbing me is assault, I could have you arrested by the very house I am apart of! NOW LET ME GO!"

"Papyrus!" A new voice came into play as Reggie came along with her phone out, recording the ordeal. Her grin was malicious as her eyes narrowed in on Cecilia. "I got it all on camera. Think uncle and auntie are gonna like this little clip, Cecilia."

The sharp gasp that escaped her was high pitched, like nails against a chalk board. I watched her face contort in anger, her being shake. Yet she still didn't release her hold.

Another hand came into view then and that's what forced the vice grip of Cecilia's off of my bones. Michelle eyes were glowing like the crystals in Hotland as she looked over both of us before I watched her snap her fingers upward and pinch at the ear of her niece. Cecilia howled in pain while trying to have her aunt release her. The aunt and my boss took one more mellowed look at me before she used her free hand to gesture to the door.

"Go, we'll talk later. Impact needs you."

Finally, it was over and I rushed out. I hesitated not a moment. I was hardly surprised when I saw my brother standing outside the restaurant waiting for me. Wordlessly he held out his hand for me to take. I didn't even hesitate before my brother teleported us away.

I had to see my son…

A Few Days Later:

It was three days later when I arrived back at the restaurant.

I had to take off the entire long weekend in order to care for Impact. I made it to where he was kept in Alphys' make shift hospital area for family members where Olivia had been called. She cared for Impact, giving him medicine to help with the flu that he'd managed to catch perhaps from us. Within twenty-four hours, he was finally resting well. His appetite had finally come back and he was much more like his normal self. Lilly and I were thrilled, and took over looking after him from the kind doctor before calling Gino and Michelle to let them know I was set to come back to work.

I was called in on a Tuesday, one of the days we had guaranteed off. I could only assume it was for the shouting I'd done the last time I'd been there before running out to assist my son and… dare I say it… girlfriend…

Granted, even with that title, Lilly was being ever so kind and going incredibly slowly for me. While we had been on a few dates, she didn't truly ask me out until this weekend. Seeing how she cared for Impact all that time and included him so often, I couldn't help but say yes. Finally settling my fears.

I pushed those memories from the front of my mind as I approached the employee entrance at the back. The door I could see was already unlocked, though I was surprised to see that Regina's car was there as well, and Cecilia's.

I couldn't resist swallowing hard as my nerves became a bit shaky.

The door hardly made a chime as I walked inside. There I was in the breakroom that was open to the bright sunlight where Regina sat at the table. I could see the ever so pleased look on her face while some sort of noise went on in the background. She didn't even notice myself as her attention was occupied by the sounds.

Paying more closer attention, I could hear that the noises were, in fact, shouting. Muffled cries echoed off the walls, and even wailing could be heard. The softest of crying. Was that perhaps… Cecilia?

"Um… Reggie?"

"Shit!" The woman jumped in her seat before she turned to face me. Her eyes were wide at my sudden appearance, though she quickly regained herself and jumped up to greet me. "Pap! The little guy okay?"

"Yes, Impact is much better now. The fever has finally broken and we are able to feed him. My lord he's been eating me out of house and home." The relief in my voice must have been evident as she seemed to calm down. "Though… I am not sure why we have been called here. Do you have any idea why? Michelle was very vague other then that we needed to have a meeting. My only guess is that it revolves around what happened last week."

"Papyrus, you have no idea." Whatever she knew made her laugh while she stood beside me. "Don't worry, Michelle and Gino got everything under control and you're good. I showed them the video of what she did to you, and the other times she was disrespecting you."

"What?!" I was so surprised by that. I couldn't believe what was happening. "How did you-?"

She winked at me. "There's a reason I made sure to stick close to you. I put a camera on myself and you. Hid it in the folds of your hat with that pin your son made you."

"Oh my…"

"You've been a good friend and co-worker Pap. You work harder then I've seen anyone work." Regina sighed, crossing her arms before giving me a pointed look. "She was being rude, racist, power hungry. When those things happen its not good to hide that. Didn't you notice how things didn't go so smoothly since she joined us?"

"Ah… yes… I suppose your right." Clearly I was so worried about keeping my own family and others safe and out of my own problems that I never noticed I was putting more stress on those that I held dear. "I am sorry about that. For upsetting you and making you worry."

"That's not the only problem Pap." The woman carefully set a warm hand on my arm. She was careful of not touching where Cecilia had the previous time. "You want to own a business like this, right? Run your own restaurant one day when you get your experience? This, it can't happen. Or do you want others to go through what you went through?"

That… was something that I was not thinking of at the time. Her words truly hit deep. She was right, running a business like Gino and Michelle's… I couldn't let a terrible person like that work amongst my work place. It would create a hostile setting that would cause others to leave. Or perhaps ruin our business…

"No, your entirely right Reggie." Taking it all in, I lifted my gaze to match with hers. "I won't act the same way next time. I promise."

And I meant it. Sans was often weary with his promises because of how often people failed to adhere to them. It was something he and father taught me from a young age. Only make promises you know you can keep.

I just hoped that the same could be said about those that I associated with above the underground…

"You better." Her words were caring, but sharp. "I can't believe that right off the bat, so you're going to have to pay much more attention and prove that to me. You got it?"

"Yes Ma'am!"

"Good, you're both here." Our attention was taken then when Michelle marched into the room with a much meeker looking Cecilia standing behind her. "Take a seat, won't you? We have much to discuss."

Gino walked in shortly after and sat at one of the break tables. Michelle gave a glare to her niece before the woman carefully sat at the table as well. Seeing that as a sign I sat down along with Regina on the opposite side of the table. Michelle was the last to sit before I could see the woman rubbing her temples to settle a migraine.

"Papyrus." Gino was the first to speak once we were all settled. "Reggie showed me the footage she grabbed and it dates back to earlier last month. How long has this been going on?"

"Well…" One look to Cecilia, and she worriedly looked to me. Perhaps so that I would change my statement. With a disappointed look back to her, I looked to my employer. "Roughly two weeks after she started in early May. It was once she was settling into her position on the line when small comments would begin toward those that were not of the same level as herself. I drew her attention to myself so she would leave the others alone, but with Reggie's help, I now realize that I was just making things worse instead of reporting to you sooner."

"I see." It was Michelle who took special interest in that statement. "Would you agree with that Reggie?"

"If Papyrus is anything, he's a quick study, skilled, and will own up to his mistakes." Reggie was honest as she answered Michelle's questions. "He made me a promise that it won't happen again, and from what I've been monitoring for the last five months since his hire, I believe him."

"Hm…" Gino nodded before he gave a glance to his niece. "And you already gave us a detailed report on Cecilia, so let's cut to the chase. Ceci, we can't have anyone treating staff as you have been and I've got enough evidence to write you up at least eleven times. This is going on your record. And you have two options right now for what you can do. Either you suck up you attitude and work under Reggie until you can prove yourself worthy enough to be a line cook again, or you can leave right now. Quit."

"What?!" The girl squeaked in her surprise. "No! Please!"

"Those are the only options you have." Michelle hot reminded her kin. "Pick carefully."

"Please Cecilia, can we not start anew?" I wanted to at least try with the woman. She frustrated me yes, and I was still angry at her for what she'd done. Though mostly I was upset at my own frustrations. I still was going to try. One last outstretch of my hand for her to grab and try anew. "Let us start over, can't we?"

I wasn't sure exactly why, perhaps the frustration from her family angry with her, but Cecilia scoffed at me. "Piss off!"

"Out."

Michelle's command was swift and her niece looked at her in absolute astonishment. Her fury curbed quickly as she resorted to begging. "No! Please! Aunt Michelle!"

"You're fired."

The short comments were getting to the young woman as she pleaded otherwise. Her aunt however, was not kind and quickly marched to the door and opened.

"You have ten seconds to leave before I throw you out."

And that was where Cecilia lost all will to fight. With a skittish look to her as she walked, she made her way to the door at an agonizing pace. When she was just outside the doorframe, Michelle slammed the door behind her. Crying could be heard from the other side.

"We do have to apologize to you Papyrus." Gino quickly told me before his wife sat beside him. "We're sorry we didn't notice her behavior earlier. Granted, you should have told us."

I nodded quickly. It wouldn't happen again. "Yes, Reggie made that very clear. I will be much more careful in the future."

"Good. And with that said, its time to catch you up to speed." Michelle spoke then as I sat under her critical eye. "You've only been with us a short time Papyrus, but you're a reliable worker who does all and beyond what he has to do. Reggie has been keeping an eye on you the last few months since you joined to evaluate your fit, as well as those that are new in the company. Reggie helps us snuff out the bad and good ones, like Marc and Levi back when you first started."

"Truly?" My eye light glittered over to my friend and fellow dishwasher. "You're like a secret agent?!"

"Focus Pap." But she smiled anyway, regardless of her tone.

"So, I had her watching you especially since you had such high remarks on your resume from the college." Michelle drew us back in with her comments. "She also was looking into Ceci as well. We were trying to see which one of you would be a better fit for our vacant sous chef spot."

"W-what?! Really?!"

The second in command of the kitchen… how in the world was I so fortunate?!

Gino laughed at the look I must have given him. "Reggie in all honestly has been with me since we both graduated from the college. She's an excellent judge of character, as well as our amazing baker."

"You?!" I was so elated I finally knew who made the delectable dishes we had out on display every day. "Do you make them before anyone arrives at the bakery? They are amazing! Would you be kind enough to teach me?!"

"Well Gino? Michelle?" Reggie only lifted a raised eye brow with a wide grin. "Its your call, but I'd be happy to take him under my wing and get him ready for that position. I need to harden him up a bit, but other then that, he's over qualified and excellent for a candidate."

"I'm all for it." Gino turned to his wife. "Michelle?"

"I adore him, and he's been doing amazing." Michelle gave me a tired smile before she rose from the seat. "I have some papers to run, I'll see you later. But don't you dare slack off on me Papyrus."

"I would never dream of such a thing!"

"Good, then Reggie here will be your instructor to teach you some more skills. You're gonna get here earlier, three in the morning. But you'll leave earlier. You think you can handle it?"

"Oh of course!" Turning to Reggie, I gave her a wide smile. "I'm incredibly eager to work with you again Reggie!"

"Good, you're gonna need that energy to bake a shit tone of stuff before we open. Be ready, I won't go easy on you. You'll have to work your damndest to get that sous chef position."

"You got it!"

Witch's Note:

Oh my! What a change from the pace we've been at! Finally a chapter away from those crazy badies who got away and a little more focusing on the family… Is it bad that I'm okay with that for a little bit? XD

Afterall, this is quite the chapter with growth for Papyrus for you all, what did you all think? To see him actually scream and shout? Or to see him say something negative about anyone? Do you chalk it up to the aggressive emotions running high as Impact was unwell? Do you chalk that up to the growth that he'd already gone through? To the fact that maybe he's made a vow to himself that he would make sure to keep his son safe?

So many reasons, and so many possibilities…

Anyway, while Mystic is busy doing so many things down below and I'm enjoying some cake for my upcoming birthday with Jager, let's hop over to reviews, shall we?

Thechaosmaster: Well, I see you already wound up and ready to go Chaos! I'm glad you enjoyed the extra kids, but I see your on quite the manhunt along with River, your new partner I believe? So have at it and I'll check in later.

Shadow8Phantom: Haha! Very true Shadow, very true. Kids and kids, and more kids! Trying to cover all the tropes perhaps, but who knows! I don't want to spoil much, and we'll see, but we may see more of a struggle with Angel and Sans and having more children department.

Ah, worried about what you said? (I giggle) Keep in mind that the story is prewritten, so your prediction was just a well-placed guess of what way I was writing the story. We still have many chapters written ahead to keep you and the others on your toes! That I promise you, and while the ending isn't complete yet, I still have most of it planned out and am working on it as we speak.

unfortunatlyriverwastaken: I see your right in the mindset of going along with your work. I'll leave you to it while you work with the others. But have your fun with manhunt and hopefully you get an update at some point!

MysticBoywastaken: Okay… I was not expecting this?! What the hell?!

Okay then… welp… I guess Mystic Girl has her work cut out for her if you're on the opposite side of this… game? Would that be the appropriate word?

Also, if it means anything, I'm sorry that things are rough for you Mystic Boy. Time heals all wounds, but you need to take that time for yourself to do so. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Try to think of what you have vs what you don't. Don't let it eat away at you. Please try, okay?

Okay, I think that's it! I gotta go with a rush in my step folks. Love you all and see you next week!

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl

Papyrus is discriminated by his co-workers, boss overhears conversation, they fired, Papyrus promoted to sous chef, second in command. Summer Rush 7/4/04