DELTAREI: A Deltarune AU. [16+] (NOW COMPLETED)

Chapter 17: Back With Noelle Again

-MONDAY, JANUARY 23RD, 2023.-

It was Monday and after school me and Noelle went to the Dark World and explored on our own as usual. Leaving Seam's Shop, we stepped out into the Field of Hopes and Dreams. The bustling activity around us seemed to drown out our presence. Noelle stood beside me, our attention turning to the new shield I had just acquired. Its silver surface glistened in the light as I held it up for her to see. 

Jack- "What do you think?"

Noelle- "It's uh... pretty neat I guess!

I nodded in agreement with Noelle. "Yeah, it's pretty cool," I said, stashing the shield away in my inventory. As we ventured into the Scarlet Forest, Noelle confessed her unease with the area's emptiness. "I've always found this place kind of creepy," she admitted.

I tried to reassure her, giving her a tight hug. "Don't worry, I've got your back."

But just as the comforting moment ended, I heard a noise, like someone... or something... was watching us. My eyes widened as I dropped my wooden sword, fear taking hold. It was him. Gaster, the infamous figure Ralsei had talked about. Fear washed over me, and I dropped to the ground, my heart sinking. Noelle stood beside me, her own terror mirrored on her face. We were frozen in place, helpless as Gaster moved closer, stopping just out of reach. I remembered Ralsei's warning. Gaster was the one who created the Vessel, and that's why he was so dangerous. Gaster's distorted face remained eerily still as he spoke, the sound of his deep, dark voice cutting through the silence. 

Gaster- "I've been watching you, Jack," he said, his eyes fixed on me. "for quite some time now. Ever since the first day you entered the Dark World."

With every ounce of courage I could muster, I tried to stand up and protect Noelle, my wooden sword still next to me on the ground, as I was stumbling and stuttering as I attempted to speak. "I-" I began to say, my voice shaking. But before I could say anything more, Gaster's dark laughter cut me off. He mocked my attempt at bravery before launching a debilitating attack with one of his magic hands, striking me square in the chest. The pain was excruciating. I gasped for air, struggling to breathe. My vision started to blur as I fell to the ground, my body weakening, and on top of that, my asthma that I had didn't make things any easier. In my weakened state, my lungs felt like they were on fire. Noelle called my name, her voice filled with panic as she knelt down beside me. I slowly opened my eyes after I then fainted, the light world coming back into focus. Noelle hovered over me, her face etched with worry. "Jack! Wake up, please!" she pleaded, her voice shaky. As I gradually came to my senses, I found myself sprawled out on the cold pavement outside of my school at 9 PM on a Monday night. Snowflakes gently fell around us, landing on my skin and melting immediately. I tried to speak, but my breath came out in raspy gasps. Noelle wrapped her arms around me tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Thank goodness you're awake." she whispered. My vision adjusted slowly, my eyes blinking against the brightness of the street light above us. Noelle's familiar face came into view. Trying to speak, I opened my mouth, but instead of words, only a strangled gasp escaped. Just as I was about to say something, Noelle pulled me into a tight embrace. I felt her tears dampen my clothes as she held me close. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling the weight of her relief as she buried her face in my chest. "You scared me.." she whispered. Once again, Noelle was the hero of the day, and thankfully, I made it out alive with her help, thankfully.