Cage Of Bones

Chapter 20: Spar

Author's Note- A lot happened last chapter, so let's see how Pap is doing shall we?

Trigger warning(s)- Uncensored language and training violence between two characters

(Updated Edits On 12/28/22)

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BAM BAM BAM!

Papyrus breathed heavily while Chara facepalmed.

"Okay, what WAS that? You won't be able to defend yourself from behind if you go full force forward like that! And that stance! I mean...what even IS that stance?!" they critiqued.

Papyrus cast a glare their way as he wiped his forehead.

"Well PARDON ME your highness but who here has had actual guard training for several years from one of the best? I think I have a good idea of what I'm doing." he said sarcastically as he sent another hit at the punching bag hanging outside.

Chara grimaced.

"You'd do best to watch your mouth Papyrus. Don't forget that I'm inside your brain. You wouldn't BELIEVE the kind of power that could give a person." they threatened.

Papyrus gave a slight scoff, but proceeded to silence himself as he got back to work; teeth gritted as he kept training.

For the past three hours or so, he had been working himself to the bone to strengthen his Attack and Defense. Chara had insisted on it; saying he needed to get stronger in order to reach their goal. For the most part, it seemed to be working. He could already feel the wonderful burn in his soul he had missed so much from this vigorous exercise. It had been so long since he had been able to work out like this. It felt refreshing. Therapeutic even. As if all of his original angst was being expelled with every punch. And despite Chara's many critiques, he could tell that they were impressed; which made him that much happier.

He was so deep in the zone, he didn't even register another person had come outside until the punching bag was stopped by another body when he punched it.

Papyrus raised an eyebrow.

"What the-"

"Heya punk." Undyne greeted, revealing her smiling face when Papyrus pushed the punching bag aside.

Papyrus couldn't help but smile slightly at the sight of his friend despite Chara's angry noises in his head.

"Hey Undyne." he greeted, his oddly calm demeanor causing Undyne's smile to shrink only slightly.

"God you look exhausted. Been out here awhile?" She asked.

Papyrus gave a shrug.

"Long enough I suppose. Just needed to blow off some steam."

One look at him and Undyne could tell that it was more than that. She bit her lip slightly in thought, trying to think of the best way to approach this.

"Huh...well...if you still have some steam to blow off...up for a spar? For old time's sake?" she asked.

Chara grimaced.

"Papyrus she's trying to manipulate you somehow I KNOW it! Don't do it!"

As if to spite them, Papyrus nodded with a smile.

"Sure Undyne. Sounds good."

Undyne grinned and allowed a laugh to escape as she picked up a training sword, Papyrus doing the same. As they both got into a fighting stance, Undyne was able to get a better look at her friend...and what she saw made her eyebrows crease in worry. The slight cracks in his bones seemed to have been deepened slightly from the hard workout and the bags in his eyes were so dark they stood out clearly on his boney face. His eyes seemed unfocused and his usual smile was non-existent. It was as if he had relapsed back to how he was in high school.