Previously

I open my eyes ever so slightly to find my feathery wings wrapped around my body, Like a forcefield, if you will.

The noises seem to die down a bit as soon as my wings protect me.

"I'm safe...I'm safe, it's fine," I try reassuring myself, using the 4, 7, 8 technique to calm myself.

I take my hands away from my face and reposition myself to sit cross-legged on the "floor."

I very slowly open up by wings...

But quickly close them back after being startled by the haunting echos again.

So all I can do is it around and wait? I'm real useless, aren't I..?

Now

Over the course of the time I've been in the black space, I haven't really noticed how draining magic can be. I must've been here for at least a few days or something, judging by the way my wings are glowing dimer and dimer.

Heck, I don't even know if time existed in this space. For all I know, time could've stopped and I wouldn't have any idea.

My muscles are aching from the magic continuously running through my system without stopping for a break. But I know that if I were to uncover myself, the echos would get to me.

"I'm trapped in a dilemma..." I murmur to myself, picking at my nails out of the nervous habit.

I've also noticed how the scars on my arms from those few nights of unintentional cutting turned into faint scabs. I would often pick on them in addition to my nails.

Without my control nor a warning, my wings fold back up onto my back and disappear. It happened so fast that my brain couldn't proudly register that action. However, I soon recognized the problem when the dreaded echos ring through my ears.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

"No! Wait, stop!" I scream, pleading, and begging.

I cover my ears in an attempt to block out the sound but they only seem to get louder, more distorted, and more static-y each second.

"Stop. Stop. Stop." I repeat over and over again, my voice breaking at the end.

* * * * * *

"Ha..ha..h..hah..."

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

I'm going to go insane and that's not an exaggeration.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

The voices have not stopped for at least a few days. There is no possible way to get some rest to recharge my magic and I can barely hear myself think.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

Not to mention, remember the entrance to the afterlife? Yeah, that seems to be getting dimmer. My speculation is that I'm recovering slowly. But that means that soon, I'll be stuck in pitch-black darkness with whatever else lurks in this empty abyss-like place.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

This place is so incredibly empty and vacant, it's the first time I've really been alone. When I was "alive", even if I felt alone, I knew that I was always surrounded by loving monsters and people. But, now, I'm alone and lonely.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

I wish someone were here. Someone not like Inverse. Someone not like those voices. Someone not like whatever is stalking me.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

I wish someone were here. Someone like Mom, Dad, or Ms. Avery. Someone like the friends and boyfriend that they mentioned. Someone from the real world to verify if I'm even still alive.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

Everyone around me is so overwhelming. I am physically unable to get up from the "floor."

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

But, really, what am I meant to do? There's not much that can be done to improve my situation.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

The only thing I can do is stay patient and try to hang onto the last strand of sanity I have.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

So I wait and try to stay sane.

* * * * * *

The entrance to the afterlife is no brighter than a worn-out glow stick.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

It's getting darker by the minute and I can't see three feet in front of my face.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

I've basically given up at this point. I've already accepted that I'm going to go insane here.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

If I do manage to get out of here someday, I'll most probably be put into some sort of mental hospital.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

Even as I try to think, the static around me jams my brain, causing my train of thought to fall off its tracks.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

As I slowly open my eyes, blinking a few times, I realized that I've plunged into complete darkness. I wave my hand in front of my face, unable to see a thing.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

I'm so lost...

* * * * * *

I bet death feels better than this vacant state I'm in right now. Ever since the darkness swallowed me whole, I've been restless and uneasy.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

After many attempts, I managed to get up from my curled up position to sitting up. I would constantly fiddle my fingers, pick at my skin, or just straight up hurt myself in one way or another.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

The inability to feel pain and physically hurt me is driving me even more over the edge. At least if I feel something, I'd know that I'm still conscious. But, now, I'm like an empty husk.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

If I could hurt myself, I would have injuries and indents littered on my arms and wrists from biting myself, ankles from scratching, and palms of my hands from digging my fingernails into my flesh. I've also tried to punch myself in the head, but it seems I'm too thick-skulled. Literally and figuratively.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

There's no hope in a place like this. None at all.

* * * * * *

One minute, I could be in a totally euphoric mood, and the next, I could continue to sulk and brood. Then, I would start laughing like a maniac and proceeding to cry my eyes out. I'm holding on to the edge of a cliff and I'm slipping fast.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

The voices have escalated, becoming almost deafening. Other factors started to show up too. Little noises such as irregular footsteps and echo-y murmurs whispering my name cloud the space around me, making me paranoid at every new sound.

'No escape. No escape. No escape.'

The fact that the footsteps seem to approach me doesn't make my situation any better. Even Inverse's echoes are drowned out by them.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

"Hello?" A male voice asks, no longer whispering. I can hear him more clearly than ever.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

'Is someone else here? I won't be so alone on my head anymore!'

But that thought was cut short by a wave of panic crashing down on me.

'Oh my God, if I'm alone in my head, who the hell is he!?'

Thump. Thump. Thump.

I scramble to get up from my sitting position and start running in the opposite direction of the sound, stumbling and tripping every few steps. It's a miracle I'm even able to get up at all when I couldn't before.

"Who's there!?" The male shouts in alarm, stopping his steps.

I continue to sprint away, not thinking of the possibility that the male could hear me running loud and clear.

"Hey!"

I look towards the noise to see a dimly figure, glowing a faint magenta, standing far from me. I can't quite make out his face or any distinguishable features from my distance. All I know is that he's tall, dark, and absolutely terrifying.

"Do you know where this is?" He starts jogging towards me.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

I start running again. I am not about to find out who this guy is. I don't know how dangerous he is!

After running for about what I can only assume is a minute, I have made a conclusion. There's no denying that he's a good runner. The distance between us is getting shorter and shorter. He's catching up too quickly!

There's only one last option if I want to have a chance at escaping. This could either go in my favor or it could go terribly wrong.

I take a deep breath and gather up all my magic, attempting to spread my wings.

A pain shoots through my body, causing me to collapse on the ground and bringing me to a full stop.

I mutter a curse word under my breath and curl up into a ball. I almost immediately forget about the person chasing me. The pain felt like an electric shock that, luckily, is quickly subsiding.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Despite that, there's no use in running anymore. The figure is kneeling down right next to me. I can feel him.

"Are you okay?" He asks, concern in his voice. However, I can't tell if it's genuine or not.

I don't dare lift my head up from my knees.

"Did I startle you?" I can hear his clothes shuffle, signaling that he probably sat down.

"I'm sorry if I did," he mumbles sheepishly.

'Why does he seem more terrified of me than I do?'

He lets out a sad-sounding chuckle, "You remind me of someone who I used to know."

He pauses and sighs.

"Really sweet girl but so incredibly shy. Even so, she had the biggest heart and everyone could see that."

He takes in a deep breath and lets out a small exhale as if he was struggling to compose himself.

"Too bad she doesn't love me anymore..."

'Poor guy...should I face him?'

He takes a minute to regain composure before leaving up again.

"I'm sorry for the rambling."

I suddenly feel his eyes on me, causing me to freeze up.

"Still not much of a talker? That's fine."

The silence is killing me, but I'm way too scared to break it myself.

"I should've probably asked questions first, huh?"

I give no response.

"Do you know where this place is? I think I fell asleep not so long ago but this doesn't exactly feel like a dream."

I would've answered if I knew, but, unfortunately, I'm just as clueless as he is.

"If we're gonna be stuck here for a bit, I should at least introduce myself."

He clears his throat.

"I'm Paperjam."

'Okay, who is this guy and why is he here? His name doesn't ring any bells in my head.'

"I-I'm (Y/N)..." I softly mumble.

"I'm sorry, repeat that again?"

I take a deep breath and gather up all my courage.

"My n-name is (Y/N)," I push myself up into a sitting position, still hugging my knees.

"(Y/N). You said your name is (Y/N). (Y/N) (L/N)!?"

"Y-Yes...?" His sudden rise in volume sends shivers down my spine.

I turn my head to look at him more clearly.

A black skeleton who looks like your typical jock, letterman jacket and all. His blue and white letterman has the letters "PJ" embroidered on it. He wears navy blue sweatpants that look pretty comfortable and black sneakers.

I look up to see that elation and joy are spread across his face. His starry eyes look so pretty when he's happy.

He practically tackle hugs me, causing me to wobble a bit. But I couldn't return the favor. I let my arms hang by my sides while he hugs me like a koala clinging onto a tree branch.

'Okay, weird reaction from someone I don't know.'

"Do...do I-I know you?"

He immediately loosens his grip on me. He pulls back but still keeps his hands on my shoulders.

"You don't...recognize me?" He asks, clearly hurt and in shock.

'Okay, someone I don't know says they know me. This looks like a kidnapping situation.'

"N-No...?" I stare at his odd behavior and take one of his hands off my shoulder.

"You really don't remember me...?" His voice is filled with despair and pain. He lets go of my shoulders, feeling betrayed, while I could only look at him as a stranger.

"I thought..." He doesn't finish his sentence as he is trying to choke back the tears.

And just like that, glimpses of my life started flashing before my eyes.

The initial resentment in his eyes, then seeing it soften over time. The love and fondness on his face followed by passion and adoration. And then there were deaths and came next, the note I received. The way I felt my soul shattered into a million tiny fragments that day. The sorrowful tears and the anger like a raging fire that came after.

All these memories were only in small segments, but they seem to fit together like puzzle pieces.

"No. I do know you," I state, clenching my fist as to not lash out at him in that second.

"You do? Do you remember now!?" His expression changes quickly. Something hopeful.

"You're the cheating boyfriend who left me when I needed you most," I stare at him accusingly.

His smile quickly turns back upside down. He looks at me with fear in his eyes. It looks so familiar. Perhaps I had scared him once before like this.

"You hurt me!" I start raising my voice, putting an emphasis on 'hurt.'

"I didn't do th-" His voice starts shaking a bit.

"No! You don't just get to pretend that nothing happened in between us!" I continue. I can feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes, "I thought you loved me! And you repaid me back by cheating on me!?"

"Please calm down and let me explain!" He tries his best to reason with me.

"Give me one good reason why I should listen to you!" I scream, blinded by my rage. I can feel my blood boil and hot tears running down my face.

"Because the letter I supposedly wrote to you was forged!"

That's not a response I would have expected. I force myself to take a few deep breaths to calm down and comprehend his words.

"And why should I believe you? You lied to me once and you won't hesitate to do it again," I scoff, lowering my volume by several decibels but still maintaining the anger in my voice.

"Let me tell you everything from my perspective first, okay?"

"...Enlighten me."

"That morning you weren't feeling well and everyone could see that. Skate even asked me about it but I told her that it wasn't my place to say.

I made a plan to take you someplace after school to clear your mind. I wanted to take you to a cafe near the school and a little clearing on the outskirts of town. It looked a lot like the rivers and cherry blossom tree painting you made a few months back.

So, during lunch, I asked you and you said yes. I was going to put that note in your locker just as the last bell rang. I had the note in my hand and I taped it on your locker.

I waited outside the cafe for almost an hour and called you multiple times, but you didn't pick up. The last call I made went straight to voicemail without any rings. Did you...did you block me?"

"Yes. Yes, I did."

"Oh..that explains it. Back on topic. I went home thinking that you weren't feeling well only to find out that you moved out without a warning. You didn't say anything, only upped and left. I found your note at my door ending things.

I thought you were the one who made the first move in breaking up. So, naturally, I was upset.

I went to school the next day just to find out that Undyne and BP-"

"Who are they?"

"They um they're my friends. Those two reverted to their old habits... They picked on Frisk-"

"Who's Frisk?"

"You...don't remember Frisk...?"

"Who is he?"

"He was your best friend before all this."

"Best...friend..."

Memories of Frisk flood back into my mind. The absolute kindness on the first day I met him. He was naturally the quiet boy with a big heart. We grew up and he disappeared for three years before we coincidentally convened in high school. He really was my best friend. Until the rumors floated around and I got him dragged into my mess. I wrote an apology note for him, but he didn't want to forgive me.

"Oh...Frisk..."

"You remember?"

"...They were the reason Frisk had bruises all over him?"

"Yeah..."

"Frisk can hate me all he wants but I will not allow anyone to hurt him!" I snarl.

"They won't hurt him again. I made sure out it." he says firmly, "And what are you talking about him hating you?"

"He got dragged into the mess because of me. I gave him an apology note but he said that 'a simple sorry doesn't cut it.'"

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Not your fault. Continue the story."

"And you know what happened after school."

"What happened?"

"You don't remember that either?"

"Tell me."

He averts his eyes sheepishly.

"What did you do?" I cross my arms and eye him suspiciously.

"We...got into a fight because I pushed your limit. And...if I'm being honest, it was my fault. I'm sorry."

That memory, too, comes back to me. The frustration in his face mixed with raw emotions is enough to make anyone feel sympathy for his case. But I just couldn't that day. I didn't want to deal with him at the moment. I begged him to leave me be, but he only kept pushing my buttons and ignoring my pleas. In the end, I snapped and threatened him to stop following me. I had to use my magic to scare-

Magic...

The whole school knows my secret.

I'm so so so screwed...

"I see..."

"And to think that that was the last interaction you had with me before you decided to kick the bucket... Again, I'm so so sorry."

"It's fine."

If I were to be completely honest, it's not fine. He pushed me to the point where I felt that magic was the only option to keep him away. But what can I do now? What's done is done.

"And when you finally did what you did, the detective gave me the letter you had with you. I definitely did not write that letter to you and that is a promise."

"Mhm..."

"Be truthful with me."

"What?"

"Do you believe anything that I said?"

My mind says no. Someone faking a note seems so farfetched. It doesn't seem likely at all. Seriously, what are the odds of that really happening?

However, on the other hand, my heart says yes. Even if I don't remember him much except those small memory fragments, he strikes me as someone very familiar. After all, he is supposedly someone I used to love.

But why do I feel drawn to him now again? My stomach is in knots and everything feels sort of mellow high. No matter how angry I try to be, it feels as if I'm going to drop my act at any second.

No no no. I can't let my emotions get the best of me!

"I don't really know."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. Like a forged note? It seems a bit unconvincing. How often do these things happen?"

"Is your answer a no then...?" He asks, sounding dejected.

"It's not a no. You haven't lost me. I'm just...uncertain."

He gives me a pleading look.

"I'll think about it some more. I don't have a sure decision yet."

"Can...can I give you a hug...?" He asks meekly.

I glance over to the side for a second, then proceed to open up my arms. Who am I to deny a hug for someone who really needs one?

I can see a small twinkling in his eye as he practically throws himself towards me. It was a desperate hug to which he was squeezing me tightly, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was sort of helpless like he was in need of protecting. But it doesn't matter. A hug is a hug.

"Please come back to me, (Y/N)," he chokes out, burying his face in my hair.

I pat his back gently and close my eyes.

The hug felt nice. Not only for him but for me too. I guess I haven't noticed how much physical contact I craved or how much I yearned for a long hug. I could stay like this forever.

After a while of being lost in my thoughts, I finally open my eyes...

To see that he has disappeared?

There's no trace of him anywhere like he just vanished into thin air. Just poof! And he's gone. I whip around, trying to find any sign of him. There's absolutely nothing except darkness and the, now, eerie stillness.

"Paperjam?"

Only silence met my question.

'Was that a hallucination? Maybe an illusion? No, no. It seemed too real. He can't be fake! Then again... I'm not in the most sane state of mind.'

"Paperjam?" I call out again, this time a little more desperate.

Still nothing.

'I don't want to be alone again!'

"W-Where'd you go!?" I stand up and do a few 360s.

Darkness all around.

My breath quickens and sweat starts running down my head. The silence is suffocating and if Paperjam could appear, who knows what else is lurking about!?

I bite my lip and sit down again, nervously picking at the hem of my shirt.

"Calm down, (Y/N). All you have to do is wait for him. He'll be back soon!" I reassure myself with little to no avail, "Just sit still and don't get swallowed by the darkness...or think about what could be creeping up behind you...or listen to the unsettling silence..."

~A/N~
Are things starting to look up for (Y/N)?
Maybe...

Word count: 3734 words (including A/N)

*nopes out*