Boom!

The sound reverberated through your ears, causing for a consistent ringing noise to take over your head. Hearing young Papyrus's cries and wails, you hugged him close as your eyes closed in hopes that this nightmare would end.

The war had finally arrived, and you were currently hidden in the basement belonging to one of the monsters' homes.

Sans's younger brother was left to your care, with the only resources being monster food, water, and a small mattress big enough for the young one.

Everything was dark, except for a faint glow provided by the small, blue bone Papyrus had managed to wield out in his bony hand. He was still getting the hang on controlling his powers, yet — on this occasion — they turned out to be immensely useful. The soft light allowed you to walk and take hold of things without tumbling around too much.

"It'll be over soon. . ." You thought to yourself, patting Papyrus's skull in a comforting manner.

"Sa. . . Sasns?" The young one questioned, leading you to assume that 'Sasns' was meant to question over where his older brother was.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to understand sign language — and much less whatever you wrote over the notebook you usually kept in your hold — you offered him a sympathetic smile and gestured him to lay down on the spread bed sheets nearby. You closed your eyes afterwards and pretended to be asleep, hoping the young one would eventually catch on as to what these actions meant.

Boom!

The loud noise caused for your eyes to snap open.

You ran towards the small window the cramped up basement provided you with. You peaked carefully, eyes squinting due to the bright light that shone outside the walls.

A small group of monsters were in a circle, some with tear-stained eyes and others with angered frowns. One of their citizens had fallen, and their body was slowly fading away into ashes.

"Don't die on me!" One of them yelled, their voice somewhat familiar to you. "You can't leave us yet!"

Though you weren't able to distinguish their face, the short figure and attire led you to assume this was the eldest of the two skeleton brothers.

A sympathetic smile slowly appeared over your face as you witnessed how he continued to kneel on the dusty grounds, despite the monster's body not being there anymore. A sudden shiver took over your spine, remembering what race you were and the risky situation you were currently in.

Your mind began to reminiscence, back when everything was tranquil — when the two villages were peaceful and the two races didn't dislike each other as strongly as they did today. . .

"Sasns!" Papyrus cried out, a merry smile visible on his face.

"He can speak now?" You signed towards Sans, a shocked expression and curious eyes replacing your previously calm expression.

"Only my name." He explained, an honest chuckle escaping his teeth. "Still. . . I'm workin' on it."

He returned his attention back on his younger brother, an idea taking over his mind. Then, he placed the toddler in front of you and pointed at you with his index phalange.

"This is _______." He explained, though Papyrus remained silent. "_______." He repeated.

"__. . . __. . ." The young skeleton babbled, attempting to pronounce your name correctly. "Nyeh!"

With that exclamation, the young one gave up, slamming his hands down on the ground in what appeared to be frustration. His beady irises were now furrowed in disappointment and he'd crossed his arms in a stubborn manner.

"Heh. . . You'll get the hang of it soon."

You smiled at the scene before you.

Reaching out for the little one, you caressed his skull in a soothing pace, wanting to let him know you were proud of his efforts.

The older brother continued to practice speech with him, occasionally taking a break by conversing about different topics with you, as well as by strolling from his village to yours, with the faint chatter of people nearby adding to the calm atmosphere that surrounded the two villages. . .

You were snapped out of your thoughts by a tug on the sleeve of your shirt.

Papyrus was standing in front of you, not yet convinced with going to sleep. With a soft flare of your nostrils, you carried him in your arms and began to rock him around in a slow and steady motion.

Boom!

That noise accompanied by a haunting chorus of screams and lamentation undoubtedly meant another life had been lost.

"It'll be over soon. . ." You repeated inside your head, biting your lip as hard as you could to prevent any tears from escaping your watery eyes. "It'll be over soon. . ."