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lucyhblack · 2 years

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When life gives you lemons...

Resume: The solution to XGaster's problems comes to him.

(my attempt to contribute to mermay)

Inspired by @skumhuu Leviathantale.

As the newly appointed chief biologist at a prestigious marine life research facility, there were high expectations for Dr. XGaster, none greater than the monster's own on itself.

Having assumed the position of his mentor, the biologist wanted not only to prove himself worthy of his mission, but to surpass it. But reality was a little different from expectations and he had no idea what he had to do to achieve them.

Oh of course, he was absolutely convinced that he would be able to fulfill to the letter everything that his new position demanded... No, it was his own ambition that was the problem, more precisely in how to achieve it.

XGaster wanted to be recognized and not only by his peers, but by the world!

He wanted to be the best and he knew he had the ability and talent for it, but the problem was how to show it. All the ideas that emerged seemed to him already explored, without creativity or an easy path.

He had several projects, both in his work and personal, that could yield him good results, including the possibility of discovering something new or unraveling a dark detail that his fellow researchers left unanswered, but that was not what he wanted.

He wanted something unique, something grand! Something that would not only get the attention of his peers, but of the world. Something new and unique to him and not something already done, whose results could be the same as those found by his colleagues or so that his discoveries were just another piece of data to be repeated in lectures to a select group of science.

It was by chance that the answer to his problems came to him, or more precisely that he came to the answer.

He'd borrowed Gerson's little dinghy (of course he had speedboats full of fancy equipment ready at his disposal, but he'd have to sign documents, give explanations, check the equipment, sign more documents... an endless hassle to just walk around the bay) that afternoon with the intention of collecting some shellfish samples from the cove.

(And if some ended up on his plate, what's the problem? He was just testing their nutritional level!)

Honestly he didn't know what went wrong. One minute he was hauling in the net and the next the sea was hauling him.

Somehow the net got caught in his hands and summoning more only ended up wrapping him more in it. He began to sink as he struggled to free himself, increasingly desperate as he watched the shape of the boat's hull shrink and its surroundings darken.

He cursed himself for his carelessness, for not warning anyone he would be there.

As he sank, he couldn't believe that his end would be that. That he would die at the bottom of the bay, out of an idiotic desire for shellfish and petty not to go to the market to buy them. Alone, without any great deeds and completely unknown to the world.

He woke up a while later, still tangled up in the net, at the bottom of the stall.

As he blinked to adjust his lights to dim lighting, he was glad he hadn't informed anyone that he was going out to sea that afternoon. How pathetic it would be if anyone found out that the cold, serious biologist had fainted from panic at the thought that he was going to drown when he was a skeleton and therefore had no lungs for it.

He realized how cold the water was as his cheeks burned with embarrassment.

A move to his left made him alert and completely forget about his embarrassing feelings and reminding him that he was still at the bottom of the sea, trapped by a stupid fishing net.

He looked at the marine flora that surrounded him carefully, trying to catch any movement that wasn't caused by the sea currents themselves.

There were no big predators in the bay, so it was probably just some fish or a crustacean among the seaweed (he told himself, trying to control the fear instinct. He'd made a fool of himself enough for his entire life).

A pair of white lights glared at him, half hidden by the aquatic plants.

It was only because he was actively telling himself not to freak out and not act like a teenager in a horror movie that he didn't scream. His entire body froze in shock and either from his total paralysis, or the creature's curiosity, the owner of the lights moved a little closer, revealing a small, round skull.

This time he couldn't contain the shock of surprise and a column of bubbles came out of his mouth. Immediately the skull disappeared. Mentally cursing himself, he started fighting the net again.

By the Angel! If that was what he thought it was, he couldn't lose sight of it! Such a discovery could be his long-awaited find in life!

He almost thanked, distracted as he was, when a small pair of hands joined his and pulled away an annoying section of the net. He paused, staring at a hand that was equal to his in constitution but on a much smaller scale. Slowly he shifted his vision and faced the owner of the tiny hand. Holding his breath (metaphorically, he hadn't been breathing in quite some time) he stared at the mermaid cub.

Its skull was almost like his, but its eye sockets were small, narrow, and devoid of any light (was he too young to manifest them, or did he not need them?). At first glance, despite their smallness, the bones looked strong and immaculate. His spine disappeared into a long, slender tail. A Alopias Vulpinus, or more popularly called thresher shark, according to that long and tapered caudal fin.

As he studied him (and was studied back) the little one smiled with tiny pointed fangs (was it a smile or a threat?)

A flutter in the seaweed beyond the baby (or is puppy a better term?) caught her attention. Another merskeleton was farther back, one hand resting on the end of the baby tail, as if ready to tug at it if XGaster showed any violent reaction.

The second's skull was larger and more rounded, with large eye sockets and simple white lights that studied him with caution and curiosity. His bones looked as robust as the first one, but the plants around him hid his tail.

(but he would bet his collection of marine fossils that it was also a fox shark)

Surprising!

Not only had he found one, but two merskeletons!

Stars! If his colleagues saw him now they would death be jealous of him!

Merskeleton were a species shrouded in mystery. Despite having known these beings for thousands of years, there was very little information (that were not wrapped in legends and fantasies) about them.

They were shady beings who actively avoided surface beings and very, very difficult to find much less studied.

Despite all the technology, until today there were only small glimpses of these creatures. Legends and tales of fishermen, blurred photos and videos from a distance. Sometimes just the image of a colored fin or a face that quickly sank, disappearing into the depths of the ocean without a trace.

(it was ridiculous, but the best images of these creatures were paintings, statues or ancient mosaics, many exaggerated by the creative mind of ancient peoples)

Finding a merskeleton was only possible by luck!

For that very reason, this was the chance of a lifetime! It was like a sign! He had to study a species with virtually no data in its own habitat!

XGaster could feel his bones vibrating with excitement at the realization.

Emboldened by its immobility and lack of reaction, the second puppy moved closer, letting go of the tail of the first one who was now patting his shirt, curious about the unfamiliar material.

After a minute of exploration, the clothes lost interest of the little one who looked at something amid the seaweed and turned to leave.

The biologist screamed and a new jet of bubbles appeared. The little cub turned in surprise and the second bared its teeth, sharp as the first (definitely a threat), backing away with a brisk flick of its tail. He grabbed the first cub, and tried to tow it away.

Without thinking about what he was doing XGaster used blue magic to keep them both still. Immediately the pups began to struggle. Still instinctively XGaster flipped them onto their backs and immediately the fight died.

(So tonic mobility also worked for “half” sharks. Fascinating!)

With his "heart" in his throat, XGaster quickly thought of what he could do. He couldn't let them go. It would be letting the chance of his life slip through his fingers. He would have to abandon the initial idea of studying them in their habitat and taking them to his laboratory.

Yes, that was the best course of action, he thought as he went back to working the net with new conjured hands.

After all, it would be a very big risk, not only could he lose them (they could be migratory!) but they could be killed (were merskeleton at the top of the food chain or would they be prey to other creatures?).

With one last tug he managed to free himself from the net and began to swim to the surface towing the pups with him.

As he watched the world around him clear, his mind filled with shadows.

If he took those babies out of the ocean he would be breaking many moral laws (and certainly some legal ones).

Merskeletons were not an protected species. There were no laws against capturing these beings (at least not that he knew of, or at least not in his country).

Maybe because they were simply so rare to find them, that no one stopped to worry about it, or maybe it was because they were considered magical beings (at least the legends let it be understood that they were. And taking into account their ability to stay hidden, the chances were high that they really were magicical, or at least possessed some kind of magic) and could fend for themselves.

(the truth was that many didn't even believe in their existence, so why create laws for creatures that couldn't even exist?)

For a moment he wondered if he would even do that. If he was really going to get them out of the sea.

There could be a family waiting for them (mermaids took care of their young? There were many sea creatures that raised their offspring, but others didn't. Sharks included), or they didn't adapt to captivity...there were so many species simply died when confined. ..

On the other hand, they could be alone, or orphans. The chances of small cubs surviving on their own in the immense blue were slim. They were more likely to survive in captivity. And if they didn't adapt, XGaster could always return them to the sea.

(and just to think what he might learn! What he would discover could be of immense importance, not only to science, but to the merskeleton themselves. It would be worth the sacrifice!)

Convinced by her logic, he pushed away his fears and pushed himself more vigorously to the surface. He now only had to climb into the raft and haul the pups inside (or drag them alongside the raft with blue magic if they couldn't be pulled out of the water) and then head back to the lab.

Taking them inside the research center would be more complicated, but he would manage (thankfully, it was a day off from the team). He already had the perfect tank in mind for the two of them.

He couldn't wait to get to the lab and get to work!

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aylish91 · 1 year

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New chapter incoming!!

Sea Of Hope Chapter 8

Previous Next SOH Master Grandmaster

This masterful piece of art was done by @aoi-kanna as a commission. They are truly talented and I appreciate all the hard work they put into making this for me. Go check them out, they are absolutely wonderful!!!

Story below or AO3 above.

~~~

While Axe checked you over, Edge grabbed Red by the back of the neck and stormed down the main hatch, loudly yelling at the rest of the crew to mind their own business as they scurried out of his way. For the most part, Red's protests went unheard as he was dragged down the steep steps. Blue, on the other hand, had hesitantly approached Papyrus, whispering something before they too turned and headed past the hatch, disappearing through a pair of doors into the upper levels of the ship.

The clearing of a throat had you tensing and pressing closer to Axe. Black had once again gotten closer than you were comfortable with, standing only a couple paces away. “AS HEARTWARMING AS THIS IS, IT IS QUICKLY BECOMING LATE AND THE LADY STILL NEEDS ADEQUATE DRESS. MY BROTHER’S COAT IS HARDLY A FITTING SUBSTITUTE.”

Rus chuckled beside him. However, when he made to comment, a look from Black had him looking down instead.

Axe narrowed his sockets. “Don’t know where you’re planning on get’n somethin. Ain’t exactly swimmin in extras and you’ve refused to mend mine so I could give it to her.”

Black scoffed. “YOU FAILED TO MENTION IT WAS FOR YOUR MARKED. YOU HAVE ALSO YET TO COMPLETE THE TASK I ASKED OF YOU. I DID NOT SEE THE POINT IN TURNING IN YOUR FAVOR WHEN MY OWN HAD BEEN UNMET.”

“Been busy.”

“AS WE’VE ALL.”

Something shifted in the air, both of their eyelights brightening. Rus glared, moving closer to his brother. It took Crooks placing a hand on Axe’s shoulder for the two to back down.

“Petty bastard.”

“WHEN IT SUITS ME.” With a flourish of a hand and a half step back, he indicated the direction of the doors, continuing to meet Axe’s gaze. “NOW, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD ATTEMPT TO FIND SOMETHING MORE SUITABLE UNTIL NEXT WE MAKE PORT. SURELY YOU CAN AGREE IT WOULD BE IN EVERYONE’S BEST INTEREST.”

“Fine, but we’re not leadin’.” You could hear the creak of Axe’s teeth.

“OF COURSE.” With a tight turn, Black nodded, marching forward with Rus trailing behind with a wink. "AS YOU WISH."

Axe refused to move at first, tugging his empty socket and prompting a sighing Crooks to nudge you both. "I Know You Don’t Like Him, But He Is Fair.”

“Bastard never does anything fer free.”

“And Yet, He Has A Point.”

Neither you nor Axe was reassured but allowed him to guide you forward regardless. Crewmen brave enough to linger eyed your group with various degrees of emotion. When a dog monster growled, another was quick to slap the back of their head, nervously hunching at a glare from both of your skeleton friends. You tried not to show your fear or your growing limp as you passed, hoping Rus' long coat hid what you couldn’t. It didn't seem like a good idea to show weakness around others. The watchful eyes and aggressive postures spoke volumes to your already heightened nerves. Entering the ship did nothing to ease your discomfort.

It felt cramped and pressing despite having more than enough space and light. Unlike the previous ship, several lanterns lit the expanse leaving no ominous shadows or darkened areas. You could easily see all the doors lining the walls as well as the beautifully carved and decorated windowed doors marking the end of the hall. Rus waited near the last door on the left.

It was calm and warm, but you couldn’t shake off the feelings of danger.

“Ya c’n go inside Darlin. Milord’s wait’n.” Rus stood to the side, motioning you inside the now open door.

You looked to your companions. While Axe kept his eyelight on Rus, Crooks’ soft smile and nod gave you enough of a boost to cautiously cross the threshold. It smelled of lavender tinted with something you couldn’t quite place, the overall size relatively small. What looked like a narrow modified canopy bed connected to the wall was on your right. In front of you, under a single window, was a rather lovely desk intricately carved with polished knobs. To your immediate left was an open decorative chest shoved in the corner. Everything was of exquisite taste and quality, from the bedding and carvings on the furniture to the upholstery on the chair at the desk. The few trinkets left out were of fine gold or silver with glistening jewels.

You jumped when the door closed behind you. Axe nor Crooks had made it inside. It had your stomach rolling with nerves. You did not anticipate having the others closed out. Having Black now between you and the only exit made it worse. His eyelights were too bright.

Didn’t Rus call him a lord...?

Your chest tightened at his approach, making sure to lower your gaze.

“TRUE TO MY WORD, THAT HORROR’S GARMENT HAS BEEN MENDED. HAD I KNOWN IT WAS FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS, I NEVER WOULD HAVE HELD ONTO IT.” In his hands was a large linen shirt, neatly folded and dark in color. Holding it out, he offered it to you. “PUT IT ON. I WILL ADJUST IT AS NEEDED AFTER.”

You froze, intently focusing on the simple article of cloth. Was he expecting you to do it here and now? In front of him? Wasn’t it bad enough you were laid bare in front of all those on the deck, or stars, when you pressed yourself against Blue? At least Axe had good reason to see you. Multiple! To willingly undress now in the presence of a man other than your husband...

By the angel, what would Axe think of all this?

Black must have noticed your silent panicked uncertainty when you didn’t immediately take it. Clearing his throat, something in his tone changed. “I SHALL, OF COURSE, REFRAIN FROM LOOKING WHILE YOU DO SO. YOU MAY LEAVE MY BROTHER’S COAT ON THE CHAIR WHEN YOU ARE READY.”

It was hard not to squirm. While that was greatly appreciated, it still felt uncomfortable. Could you trust his word? You hardly knew the man. Perhaps things may have felt different if the room wasn’t quite so stifling or the door hadn’t been shut so suddenly.

Luckily, heavy thumps in the hall distracted Black enough for him to hand you the garment himself, squinting at the door behind him. He was just about to speak again when another set of thumps sounded, this time shaking the door. Growling, he finally turned when the muffled voices following the noise got angrier.

You really didn’t want to do this right now. Not here. Not with all the uncertainties surrounding you.

Taking a slow breath in, you let it out. The sooner you changed, the sooner you could be rid of these unsettling feelings. With unsteady fingers twitching against the fabric as you took one last glance at Black’s back.

One more breath.

The sound of your rattling bones was louder without the security of the coat. Placing it on the chair, you did your best to quickly dress.

The feeling of fabric against your bones was surprisingly comforting as you pulled it over your head. True to Axe’s size, the shirt almost went to your knees. It was so large the fabric pooled on your much smaller frame and reminded you of the nightgowns you used to wear back at the manor.

If only it wasn’t so short.

Though your more private areas were covered, it was not good for a lady to show so much… leg. You tugged at the hem, the sleeves threatening to engulf your hands.

“I’m dressed, my lord.”

A calculated breath was your only answer before his eyelights found you, fuzzy with a slight warble. You had to second guess if you had seen them correctly, for the next moment they were back to their bright and sharp orbs. Getting closer, they traveled over you as he hummed, the heel of his boots clicking as he circled. If you had hair, it would have stood on end at the subtle brush of his hand against your back.

“AS I EXPECTED.”

You startled, yelping when he came around to lightly grip your hips. Instinctively, your hands came to your chest from the forwardness, sockets wide. He paid no mind, eyelights intent on the bunched fabric. He only let go to pull a satin rope from his pocket.

You squeaked again when he reached around you to wrap it around your waist.

“MUCH BETTER. HOWEVER," His gloved hands touched your elbows, slowly moving up your arms to grasp your hands for inspection. “YOUR MAGIC. IT IS MUCH TOO THIN…” He turned them over. “Hmmmmm. Knowing Him…”

Your chest clenched. He was close enough you could feel his ambient heat and wisps of breath.

Before Black could say or do anything else, his door nearly burst off its hinges, a very aggravated Axe forcing it open. Black pulled you into him with a snarl, eyelights vanishing with the click of his teeth. Stuck in a headlock was a disgruntled Rus, resigned to the hold around his neck.

You didn’t know if you could physically handle any more stress.

“BY THE ANGEL, YOU WILL REPLACE THAT LOCK IF YOU HAVE BROKEN IT!”

Axe’s voice was low, grin tight as he took in the scene. “Don’t appreciate the closed door, Black. Hell ya think yer doin’ in here?”

Black placed you behind him, grumbling a growl. “AS I STATED EARLIER, I HAVE GIVEN HER SOMETHING TO ADEQUATELY COVER HERSELF UNTIL WE CAN PROCURE SOMETHING MORE FITTING.”

Axe narrowed his sockets at Black’s squared shoulders. For a split second, you could see the red orb of his eyelight flick over the man in front of you before it focused on you.

“Sure that's all ya were doin’?”

The fabric of Black’s gloves creaked. “IF YOU MUST KNOW, I WAS INSPECTING HER MAGIC FLOW. I’M NO EXPERT, BUT EVEN I CAN TELL IT’S RUNNING LOW. A MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION WOULD BE, WHY HAVEN’T YOU—”

“I’ve been doin’ exactly what I need ta be. Don’t need ta explain myself either.” Rus stumbled into the room when Axe unceremoniously released him to motion to you. “Now, if yer done?”

With a snarl, Black pointed a finger. “NOW SEE HERE YOU–”

Instinctually, you reached out, stopping just before Black’s arm. “My lord, I!” You faltered at his abrupt attention, pulling back to dip your head in respect. “I thank you for your kindness, but I should return to my lord husband before any more misunderstandings occur.”

His eyelights stuttered. “I, I BEG YOUR PARDON?”

There was a beat of awkward silence before Axe broke into heavy laughter, the loudest and deepest you’ve heard from him. It was enough to warm your cheeks as he beckoned you out and away from the room. Black gaped, slack-jawed and sputtering as you passed. You were already being guided onto the deck by the time he was able to call out one last time from his doorway.

“AXE! YOU WILL… THAT… YOU WILL EXPLAIN YOURSELF!”

Axe only laughed harder, closing the doors behind you.

The sun had mostly set by the time you stepped out into the humid sea air. You would have done anything in the past to be able to look up, out, and around but Axe was swift in guiding you down the main hatch. You didn’t want to linger longer than necessary anyway.

You didn’t have Rus’s coat to hide under.

You were grateful for the darkness once you were under. The lanterns were farther spread, some empty of light altogether. It helped ease your mind against the wandering eyes. Most gathered under the brightest lamps, playing cards at makeshift tables, drinking, and socializing while others lounged in hammocks hanging interspersed between the canons. While some watched you pass, Axe was surprisingly good at slipping through the darkest areas to avoid the unwanted attention.

The closer you got to the front of the ship, the fewer people there were until you came upon barrels and crates stacked near and around an area quartered off by familiar heavy sheets. You could even recognize the stack you and Blue had hidden next to, the sheet on that side still halfway pulled down. Axe was kind enough to hold the flap for you to enter.

Finally, you were able to relax the tension out of your shoulders and pained joints. You wanted to climb back into the hammock and rest your aching pelvis, maybe snuggle against Axe and his warmth. The way he moved about though had you gingerly sitting on his stool, setting it upright from where it had been knocked over.

You wondered when that had occurred. What happened after you had been taken?

...

A quiet curse had you looking back at Axe as he re-fastened the makeshift wall. There were a few more rips in it than you remembered. If he had any sewing supplies, you would have to mend them. It was the least you could do as thanks.

You let out a slow breath, peering down at your clenched fists. They were cold and stiff on your lap. Black had been interested in them. The lot of them had been interested in general, but he had seemed so focused.

Your voice was soft, hesitant as you summoned the courage to speak. “Axe? I have so many questions, but I’m afraid… I don’t know if I’m allowed to ask.”

Axe chuckled. “Don’t gotta be afraid with me, Dove. It’s good ta ask questions around here. The more ya know the better, good or bad. Don’t let anyone tell ya otherwise.”

You picked at the hem of the shirt, smoothing it down as much as you could. “Is that true?" Axe simply grunted. Collecting yourself, you forced yourself to ask the questions burning your mind. "What is a Banthos? What does it mean to be one? And what did Black mean when he said my magic was too thin? I don’t have magic. I’m not… I’m not even a monster.”

It was hard not to flinch when, from your peripherals, you saw him stop. His voice had become more serious but thankfully still soft.

“The hell yer not. Listen, I don’t know what you’ve been told, where ya come from, or what ya been through. But you’re as much of a monster as the rest of us. You’re made of magic and hope just like me.” He came over to place your hand in his scarred one, taking a knee to look directly into your sockets. “We’re the same. Dust and all. It don’t matter about anything else. As fer your magic,” he rubbed his face with a frustrated sigh, “let me worry about that. Just know ya got it and I’m gonna make damn sure ta get it where it needs ta be.”

You didn’t know what to say to that, but it sent a comforting feeling to your chest. He was always so warm. It reminded you of your mother.

Nodding, you were about to ask about your first question when footsteps interrupted you. Axe stood, moving between you and the flap.

“AXE, IT IS GETTING LATE. I HAVE TAKEN THE LIBERTY OF PREPARING SANS’ ROOM FOR THE LITTLE MISS. I HOPE YOU HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN.”

Axe only slightly relaxed at the sound of Papyrus’ voice, not moving but calling out to the other skeleton. “I can take her when we’re ready. Just got a few–” he bristled when Papyrus entered and smiled down at you, hand twitching at his side –“more things ta take care of.”

“AND WHAT MIGHT THAT BE SO I MAY HELP?” When Axe only grumbled, Papyrus took it upon himself to continue. “WELL, WHILE YOU FIGURE THINGS OUT, I SHALL MAKE SURE TO GET HER SAFELY TO HER NEW LODGINGS.”

You both tensed. “Papyrus. Paps. At least let things settle before ya drag er away. You saw Sans. I don’t trust him.”

Papyrus looked a little sheepish at the accusation. “I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERN, BUT I HAVE FAITH THAT THIS WILL WORK. I MYSELF WILL KEEP AN EYE ON THINGS IF I MUST. He Means Well. NOT THAT, THAT IS AN EXCUSE FOR HIS TERRIBLE BEHAVIOR.” He came forward to place a hand on Axe’s shoulder, humble and pleading. “WON’T YOU AT LEAST TRUST ME?”

You couldn’t place the look that crossed Axe’s face from the question, the red orb of his eyelight quaking until his free hand brushed the edges of his empty socket. “That’s cheat’n…” There was a heaviness to the silence.

When Axe’s shoulders sagged, Papyrus gave him back his space. “All WILL BE WELL. I’M SURE OF IT.”

You were uncertain as to what you needed to do, but before you could stand, Axe nudged you back down. With the reluctance of a stubborn cat, he then went about gathering items he had deemed yours, going so far as draping his favored blanket over your shoulders. When all was said and done, you were left with a surprisingly intricate box full of puzzles, Axe’s blanket, and an affectionate nuzzle to your neck.

It was with a heavy heart and a glowing face that you eventually followed Papyrus back out into the darkness.

You did your best to keep up with his long strides, missing Axe’s purposely slowed gait. You could feel the grinding strain on your pelvis and lower joints with each step. You focused on the clack of your feet to keep your mind off the aching. Papyrus was already several steps ahead of you when he got to the steps.

Blessedly, he turned to wait for you.

It was embarrassing how out of breath you had become from such a short distance, especially when you knew you didn’t technically need to breathe. You were even more so when Papyrus cocked his head to look you over with a contemplative hum.

His smile was kind. “MY APOLOGIES MISS. I KNEW YOU WERE IN ROUGH SHAPE, BUT I HADN’T REALIZED…” He glanced up the steps. “PERHAPS IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR ME TO HELP.”

Without so much as a warning, he picked you up and draped you across both of his arms. You almost dropped your box, squeaking in surprise as he ascended to the deck. Your mind and tongue had stopped working from the suddenness. Though Axe had carried you once before and had moved you a few times, you didn’t quite know what to think of this stranger picking you up so nonchalantly. It was as if it was the most normal thing in the world for him, smile just as polite and kind as before.

With him carrying you, it took little time to cross the rest of the way back through the double doors and down to the end of the hall. Standing in front of the windowed doors, you were only jostled a little when he turned the knob. He used his boot to kick it open the rest of the way with a bang, making you flinch when the glass shook precariously.

You thought you saw a flash of blue, but when you looked, there was nothing there but a railed raised platform with an extravagant-looking bed, windows lining the entirety of the back wall.

You shuddered. It smelled overwhelmingly of snow and cold rain.

Scrunching his nasal ridge, Papyrus walked around a heavy round table with a scattering of papers and a lantern. Stepping onto the platform, he carefully set you down, turning to furiously rip the blankets off the bed to ball and fling them across the room with a fwump.

“FORGIVE MY IDIOT OF A BROTHER. I WILL BE HAVING A TALK WITH HIM ABOUT APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR LATER. FOR NOW, I’M AFRAID THIS WILL HAVE TO DO. AT LEAST THE BED IS EXCEPTIONALLY COMFORTABLE.” He put his hand down to pat the mattress. “IT IS A GIMBAL BED, MADE WITH LARGER MONSTERS IN MIND SO YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF SPACE AND WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE TIPPING OF THE SHIP.”

When you didn’t move, he gently ushered you to sit before making his way to the windows. It was so dark now that the light from the lamp effectively turned them into mirrors. You were grateful, too afraid to look through them. To your relief, Papyrus closed the many curtains for each once. Once done, he gently took your box and stood at the end of the bed, bowing slightly from the waist.

“I WOULD STAY TO HELP YOU SETTLE, BUT I UNFORTUNATELY HAVE OTHER DUTIES I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF AT THIS TIME. BUT DO NOT FEAR, I WILL MAKE SURE SOMEONE WILL BE BY IN THE MORNING TO BRING YOU SOME TEA AND BREAKFAST AND TO WELCOME YOU.” Walking away, he stopped to place your box on the table and extinguish the lantern. “SLEEP WELL MISS.”

With a wave, he picked up the bundle of discarded blankets and walked out the door, closing it behind him.

…

It was frightening, alone in the dark.

Previous Next SOH Master Grandmaster

#sea of hope #aoi kanna #my writing #undertale #undertale au #piratetale #multiple aus #sans x reader #papyrus x reader #horrortale #underfell #underswap #swapfell #ao3 undertale #ao3 fanfic #undertale fanfiction #skelereader #skeleton reader

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