One World: Many Souls

Chapter 69: Succession of the Family

Angel's Point of View:

When the holidays and the festives over with, it was the beginning of the new year and many new beginnings for that of my family. My children all were off with their own lives, their own jobs, and their own partners and children. I was happy for them, truly I was. It was a dream come true to see all of them living their lives to the fullest.

I was still rather young, but there was still the order of business that was needed to choose the next head of house to take over for me when I was ready to step down. And it all honesty? I would've loved to have done that soon. Dedicating myself to the houses for the last two decades was tiring, and especially when trying to be there for my children. Now that I had grandchildren and my own grandmother was incredibly elderly and retired from being head of houses herself, I wanted to spend what time I could with her before she passed on her own terms. And I needed to make sure that someone would be able to take over in the case something happened to me.

I highly doubted that would happen any time soon since I was barely fifty years old at the time, but Sans and I were getting to the point where we wanted to retire and spend time with family and friends who were approaching the ends of their own working lives as well. Tori and Asgore had been out of royal duties for a while, and Frisk and Asriel were preparing their eldest daughter, Rosalie, for taking over in another decade or so once she'd done more schooling, learned about the world, and found a partner. Undyne would be required to retire from the guard, but could offer teachings to those much younger and able if she wanted. Alphys was looking forward to bingeing on anime and doing more side projects or personalized theories after she finished training her replacement as the next royal scientist. It also didn't help that my husband and all our friends were much older in age than myself and others. Sans was older than myself by five years, Undyne and Alphys were closer to seven or eight older than myself. They were closer to that sixty mark than I was. Tori and Asgore were actually in their seventies... the age gap when Asriel was truly born, and then brought back to life... it made that there was a large gap between them and their son who was only in his young forties.

They were all preparing for the next state in their lives, what was to happen when they left the workforce? Sans said he'd still probably volunteer at the school, since he only worked a couple days a week, and he loved the kids, but he did want to cut down on house duties to spend time with Gram and our family.

The only one of our close family still going strong was Papyrus. He wasn't ready to retire yet, but that was just in his nature. He and Lily still planned to work hard for another decade or two, but planned to prepare Impact and Eras for them to take over and run the two locations he had, and the few others that were coming up in other countries they'd be managing. Papyrus was always the type to keep busy. And Lily would stay by his side. The two were always inseparable.

So that day was important. I called all my children to the family home with these thoughts in mind, and asked that their partners and children not come so that we could have a serious conversation about the house. I was hoping that what I had planned would go smoothly and easily. But I wasn't sure... especially with the way my children could be...

It was in the afternoon when our children began to come home, same with Sans after work. The six children came in one at a time, saying their hellos, greeting me, and heading inside to the old dining room table we all sat around together when we were younger. The large meals we had together, or celebrated on the holidays, and it was so hard not to just see their young faces as if they were children.

But they weren't, they were adults. Some of them already almost thirty years old as they sat before me.

"Alright Mom." It was Arial who spoke first as she sat next to me and her father by the head of the table. "You wouldn't call us out here for nothing, so what's going on?"

"It is a serious conversation, one that I've spent a lot of time thinking about before I presented it to you all." Looking between them, I sighed. "I haven't yet chosen a dedicated heir to the house after I retire. So that is what we will be discussing together and deciding on today if possible."

"Wait what?!" Pristina tried to hold back a squeal as she sat next to her father. "We're seriously talking about that? But you're still so young Mom!"

"While true, that doesn't mean I want to do this for my entire life. I'd like to take a back burner seat and help out on occasion, spend time with your great grandmother before she passes, and help out with my grandchildren. I know you all are busy with your new lives and are working on your own careers, so this is a decision I wanted to have made before you became too settled... though it got delayed for a long time due to the issues with the side branch and recovery from that."

"Yer mom 'n I have been thinkin' bout this a while." Sans pipped in where he relaxed against his chair, shrugging at them. "Anyone of ya would be a good fit in yer own way. But... let's hear what ya gotta say about it."

"What's there to say?" Eras shrugged back at his father, leaning his head into a hand. "I'm busy with the multiple restaurants and Uncle Papy, I wouldn't be able to unless I left my job."

"I just started my landscape business..." Pristina pouted. "And I hate political crap. I don't wanna do it."

"We just bought our home here, but we're heading back out on tour soon." Connie worriedly looked to her twin while Cali nodded.

"We couldn't do it. Unless one of us left the band, and our dynamic doesn't work that way."

"We can't do it... sorry Mom..."

"And I just got a big gig for my comedy to the northern coast." Joker sighed, letting his head fall to the table. "And my wedding is coming up. Reina would be pretty upset with me if I gave up my dream..."

"Then... that leaves me." Arial let out a hot breath as she sat there. "And I make the most sense in all of this."

"You do." I noted softly to her, tilting my head. "But that doesn't mean we wanted to assume. We still wanted to hear from everyone. And I knew that of everyone, you had the dream to help people."

"I did..." I could see Arial thinking back to the last mission she'd had when she lost the love her life, the other mother of her child, and her best friend. "It was always what I wanted to do. Help so many people and make them happy, feel safe. I never thought I'd be pulled from the front lines so early..."

"It was legally what the company had to do, even if you were fine. Most people wouldn't. This is a gray area for them." I reached forward to give my daughter some comfort as she sat there. My hands landed on her shoulders. "I can't promise you'd be in the field again, but you could be involved in helping others like I did for the last few decades. Even if you're not physically on the lines, think of some of the things I did. Like helping Hannah get the help she and her father needed? Or that family you helped as a child, making sure they wouldn't be hurt again, and getting help for that woman who attacked them. Or when you saved their children and their mothers, they needed a lot of help once they were free. I was involved, if not spearheading those efforts to help them. And there are many other programs that I'm involved in to help."

"Maybe... this is the way you still get to do what you love, Ari?" Pristina was the one to softly speak up from her spot. "It may not be the same, but you wouldn't be a retired army commander, you'd be head of the house! Involved with issues in our country and others, helping lots of people. It may not be like you always envisioned, but at least you could still help. I... I know it bothers you. You're happy with that job Eras gave you, but it's not what you want to do... we all see it when we check on you."

"I figured you would be around just long enough to catch your breath." Eras shrugged at his twin and gave her a smile. "Do what you want to do. It won't hurt us."

"You're probably goin' ta hate the paperwork, yer mom always did." Sans chuckled before teleporting to her and ruffling her hair. "But she was always happy when the work was done 'n she knew that people were taken care of."

"But... do you even want to do it, Sis?" Joker was the one to tentatively ask the question as we all sat there, looking at our family member who had half her arm and leg exposed. It was bone material after losing it to the explosion. It sat there, reminding us of the trauma she went through when losing Lexi... and yet, she never lost her.

"I... I don't know..." Arial commented softly, her eyes cast over the table as she thought about it slowly. "I mean... maybe? But what about Alundra?"

"You can stay with us, and we'd be helping with her." I commented quickly to her. "You've been staying here, and its not a problem for your father or I at all. And if you were to take over my position, then we'd be watching her. It would be as simple as that. Or if you wanted more space, your great-grandmother plans to give the next head of house the mansion."

"W-what?"

"Are you serious?"

"That's so cool!"

"Fucking damn!"

"Alright, alright. Come on now," I gave my kids a look as they settled down. "Like you all honestly didn't know that the next person taking over the house wouldn't live there? Just because your great grandmother lives there, doesn't mean that the next head of house wouldn't be able. She'd welcome you, and be more than happy to spend time with her great great grand baby before her passing. Family means the world to her. She'd make sure you're taken care of so long as you work hard."

Arial's eyes widened at that. "You're serious?"

"Of course. The Terians family always take care of their own. G.G. and I were even taking care of Silke before everything happened. Not a single one of you would ever go without. Now don't take that as a means of being lazy, but if you ever need help, you'll always have it." Pausing on that, I raised an eyebrow at my daughter. "I know being the head of the family comes with many perks, but it also is a very busy job. I know all you kids got frustrated as I sometimes had to put your life marks on hold in order to work. So keep that in mind, but at least this time, I could help. Both your father and I could if you desire this. If not... then we'd have to keep having discussions until someone agrees to it. Unfortunately, I can't just let you all do exactly as you want. Someone does have to be prepared to take over for me. And the same thing will happen with the next generation after that. If Alundra chooses not to follow in your footsteps, one of her cousins would then be seen about taking over and preparing. It's the role our family plays. The only benefit I see is that it's not locked to the eldest or anyone in particular. If the one willing, and the one who shows the best effort. Putting someone in that position who didn't want it wouldn't be a good role model."

"Yer Mom always planned to be head o' house when she was young, and never wanted that life for yer aunt, even if she ended up in a positon o' power anyway." Sans chuckled at the kids, shaking his skull. "She had ta adapt when she ran from home, found other ways to help others... 'n then came back ta this life when we broke free of the underground."

Most of our kids turned to look at me. "Really Mom?"

"Of course. I was a helper to the king and a painter down there, no ruler or high figure head to anyone. The biggest concern was survival and coexistence. But we're getting off topic." Trying to bring us all back to center, I pulled my hand back from my eldest daughter so she wouldn't feel pressure from me. "I wish I didn't have to ask this of you, baby bone. Or any of you. But I do have to have one of you be prepared, and I do think you would be the best fit, Arial."

"No... I want to do it." Arial spoke softly before I watched her look around to all of her siblings. Their surprised faces at her decision before she looked over to myself and Sans. "I miss helping others. And you're right, the job Eras gave me was just to get me on my feet and learn how to be... a person again. I'm okay now... and my mentality has settled too. I think I can handle it now. The training, and preparing for a job like that. And having Alundra with you guys instead of a sitter makes me feel better after all that's happened..."

"Yer sure baby bone?" Sans questioned softly.

Arial nodded slowly. She lifted her head from where she took a moment to stare at the ring on her finger from Lexi before looking back to him and I. "Yeah, Dad. I'm sure."

"Okay. Then we'll begin your training once you're ready. It will be busy and a lot to learn, so you should take some time to get things squared away at your job with Eras first and leave on a positive note." I let my gaze turn to my eldest son. "You do whatever you need to as she is currently employed by you, Impact, your uncle and aunt. I can certainly wait. I still have plenty of years left in me, but I have to make announcements to the people and prepare a lot of things for her. So just try to keep me updated."

"It's not a problem Mom, we're slow right now and there's a girl we were having Arial train for the days she wasn't in anyway. This actually works out well since she wanted to increase her hours." Eras pulled out his phone and quickly began to call one of the other parties. "I'll call them and we can give Arial a week's notice, and let her have some time with her kid before she starts."

"I think we can handle that." With a smile, I turned back to my eldest daughter. "You ready for the biggest change in your life?"

My daughter nervously gave me a shrug with a nervous grin. "I guess so?"

Witch's Note:

Sorry I couldn't post yesterday you guys, did you see the website down? I couldn't get on it until this morning from my phone or my computer…

There is so much excitement brimming in my chest as we see the steps of Angel and Sans coming to an end here, with them knowing the future of the Terians family is in good hands of their eldest daughter Arial, the country will be in safe hands of the daughter who always strived for that safety of others, helping of others, and the dedication to follow it through. Angel and Sans won't have to worry, will they?

But another thing… their story draws closer as we come to the final chapter… A point where most of you will be excited, sad, and perhaps a bit lonely once this is done… I know it feels strange once I stop posting for an extended period of time, and our break is coming up sooner then I feel it should, but in the same breath… its needed. A break never hurts anyone. And Mystic and I have been so busy with our lives, that taking a small break while we work on future stories in the background never hurts.

Mystic Girl: Damn right… I'm so exhausted…. I swear we never get a break sometimes.

Me: But this is worth the wait and you know it.

Mystic Girl: Duh… still kinda sad with the next chapter… I wonder how the others will take it?

Me: It's meant to be a means to an end. I'm sure there will be some mixed emotions, we have those ourselves. The end is coming, in more ways then one.

Mystic Girl: I know… Its always just weird… and this is different then you've done with stories before.

Me: I suppose so, but we'll just have to see how the readers take it. Anyway, enough rambling from us, let's move over to reviews… I can't believe how closer we are to the last of this story…

Thechaosmaster: I'm glad you enjoy the tree Chaos… I was honestly pretty worried for a minute there since I wasn't sure what your preference was. I've met plenty of men and woman who love flowers, and a magnolia just seemed like the right fit. I'm so happy you enjoy it. One of the first flowering trees to emerge in the spring with their blooms, like the first signs of life after death.

Our base is mostly back to normal, and the only little tunning up here is me and my plant network. It takes time for the plants to get established, their roots to connect physically. While I can manipulate them to grow and get them established, some need more love and care to link. Some need particular settings, less or more light, and I sure as hell am not brining back those stupid light figures Silke brought in when she had control.

So those will be little projects I'll be working on while we send the workers to help you. Get our bases together, established, and a secondary location should anything happen like this again… or if I need to give Mystic Girl a chance of scenery before she loses her temper… XD

Mystic Girl: I heard that!

Shadow8Phantom: Hopefully you have internet this time Shadow! I'm very eager to see the discussion you have about all of our abilities that you illuded to last time we spoke together. Plants over time will link their roots together, share nutrition and information between each other.

This actually is a true fact in the real world too. Its how forests stay up and together for so many years, its due to their roots linking together. They actually do try to help one another, especially once a tree dies, that's a weak spot in the network, like a broken switch on an electrical panel.

The tree that dies leaves an empty space, and once the roots rot enough, other trees can no longer hook onto it, causing a chain reaction. Other trees may loose enough of their footing to fall if the right conditions are met. Too wet so the soil is soft and malleable. Too strong of wind to knock it over or rip it apart. Snow and ice too heavy to snap, exploded or shred.

Sorry, my inner plant geek kinda just leaked out a bit… but it is my passion, I love plants, and I work in a field where I help take care of them from diseases and insects that infest them. So, it does speak volumes to me.

MysticBoywastaken: I'm glad your excited for the last chapter Mystic Boy. I'm very eager to see your response especially, we actually have a lot to talk about probably once you read my passages in the next chapter, and our final talk up coming about Chara, and the next story.

But that can wait until then. I wanted to let you know as well that your office was just finished with repairs. There was some mess some people made in here prior, so it took a tad longer to finish up, but its done now… and I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty to put some plants in your office as well. Instead of a tree… I opted for two clematis vines. They currently are growing in and over a set of trellis' I put in either corner of your office. And I couldn't help myself, I wanted to give you two colors… to help you grow from what has happened. To help you move forward. Never forget, but grow from it.

The first is a firework clematis, its dark purple color is rich on the petals with the center of them like a hot red streak. Like a firework in the dark sky. To represent the ending of tough times and what is not longer in front of you, what you have made it past. The second, is a bright orange clematis, representing the dawn of a new day, and new part of your life. To guide you forward.

These two will eventually mingle together as they grow, and that's true with any part of us. We never forget what's happened, but we have to keep moving forward and trying again. Never give up, and keep growing, learning. To know that we'll be okay.

Sorry everyone, I think I got a little too emotionally invested for a moment… but flowers are one of those bright little things that bring a smile to my day. Something beautiful to show the world isn't as horrible as sometimes it makes it out to be. Because we all know it can be like that…

Sorry… now I'm really getting emotional now…

I'll leave this comment as it is for now… We only have one final chapter to get through together, and then, our final talk. I'm… a little worried for it, but you guys have always been there for us, for me… so let's see what happens then. Shall we?

Love you all and see you next week.

Halloween Witch and Mystic Girl