Secrets Are Ba(n)d

Chapter 1: Origins

The Snow fell slowly on the often trodden path, monsters were cuddled up in their homes, not a footprint could be seen until Hotlands at this hour.

Papyrus loved days like these, days where he didn't have to use his inside voice, or always have his scarf wrapped ever so neatly, and he could say anything he'd like without ruining his so called 'reputation'. Could practically shout it, as he often chose to do to vent out his daily frustrations.

He left earlier than usual that day, quietly so his brother could get (even more) rest before his shift. He'd gotten complaints about his most recently set up puzzle, something about it 'causing a commotion,' so he set his alarm for an hour before the usual time to identify the problem and avoid getting in trouble with the town again. The fines piled up quickly when he didn't, it was safer for his wallet to at least try.

And anyways, Papyrus had an idea of what the problem could be, it wasn't the first time he'd gotten these complaints. It likely wouldn't be the last.

As he walked the familiar path, he felt something hit the back of his head, the feeling of freezing cold water down his scarf becoming all too apparent. He tried to keep walking with his head down, clenching his fists to avoid any sort of reaction to the ice-cold liguid on his bones, but to little result.

"Ignoring me wont make me go away, scaredy bones!" the faun-like monster called from behind him, throwing another snowball before he could continue walking.

As it hit his head he couldn't help but turn around to face her, his frustration barely visible through his ever-so cheery persona.

"Sorry friend, but I don't have time for a snowball fight today!" He said in a plea for peace as he shook the snow from his now soaked scarf, careful not to show how dreadful he found the situation.

"Is that so? Last I checked, you aren't popular enough to have a full schedule," she said as she grabbed another mound of snow, her grin getting bigger and bigger as she prepared the attack. As she stepped closer, however, a blur of green something seemed to move from under her, causing her to tumble down to the icy pathway below them with a surprised screech.

Papyrus wasted no time in running now, this stroke of supposed luck too good to waste. He held back his laughter until far enough that he couldn't hear her cussing and promises of violence, he'd never hear the end of it later, but a peaceful morning was just what he deserved.

His giggling slowed as he eventually stumbled along his latest patterned tiles puzzle. Some of the lights seemed to fizzle as he got closer, while others remained unlit entirely.

'Of course,' he sighed to himself, the situation being all too familiar by now.
One quick look towards the control panel and the 'mystery' was solved, as it was covered in scratches and dents.

"When will those monsters learn some respect for others property? This is unbelievable!" He scolded to no one, his talk echoing through the trees surrounding him. He examined the damage for a bit longer, triumphant mood soured, before coming to the decision to fix it later. After his unplanned run he didn't have the energy or materials. A trip to the dump would only add insult to injury.

The slow, sneaky walk back seemed colder, as if the snow knew what the morning had been like and wanted to make sure that the usually cheerful skeleton would be miserable for as long as possible.

"This could be worse" he grumbled to himself, Re-wrapping his scarf to cover him the best he could with his battle body freezing together.

The buzzing of his phone caused him to stumble a bit, fiddling with the buttons till finally responding.