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

Chapter 20: Akahiro, The Prophet..? (Change Is Coming)

-THURSDAY, JANUARY 26TH, 2023.-

The snow had toned down significantly in the light world, the temperature rising to a more bearable 6 degrees. Still, we were amazed that school wasn't cancelled, especially since the roads had been impossible to navigate earlier that day.Undeterred, we entered the Dark World through the cliffs, heading towards the now-crowded entrance to Card Castle. Ralsei, Kris, Susie, Noelle, and Berdly were standing there, along with some townsfolk. Ralsei broke his hushed conversation with Kris as we approached, his expression grave. 

"Gaster has entered the Dark World," he informed us.

We were taken aback by the declaration, but before we could ask any questions, Ralsei urged us to join him and the others. Akahiro and I exchanged puzzled glances but followed anyway. As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder about Kris being the appointed prophet. It left me feeling a pang of jealousy. Why them and not me? I thought to myself.  As we entered the once-bustling Field Of Hopes And Dreams Center, we were met with chaos and destruction. Seam's shop had been devastated, the roof torn through by a meteor. The usually crowded Bake Sale was also in disarray, with toppled tables and burning food. Gaster hovered in the air, surveying the devastation below. His cold gaze swept over us as Ralsei stepped forward, attempting to question the mysterious figure. Ralsei stood firm, his voice echoing across the ruined center. "Gaster, enough is enough! Why are you doing this?" Gaster floated lower, his eyes fixed on Ralsei. The flames from the burning trees cast an eerie glow on his face. "You dare try to stop me?" he growled, a chilling smile playing on his lips. Gaster's expression darkened as he explained his grievance. "The Lighteners are invading this realm. It's supposed to be a safe haven. You and your kind pose a threat." he hissed. Ralsei tried to reason with him, but Gaster was too enraged. Suddenly, he grabbed Ralsei by the scarf and lifted him into the air, making both him and Ralsei invisible to us. We watched, dumbfounded, as our friend disappeared right before our eyes. I felt a surge of panic. What's happening? Where did they go?

Gaster tightened his grip on Ralsei's scarf, his face twisted with anger. "You think you can stop me? You're powerless."

Ralsei struggled against Gaster's grip, gasping for air. 

Thunder crashed above us as lightning flashed across the sky. Gaster's voice grew darker. "I will bring chaos and destruction to this realm. Every soul will bow before me. And I will start by eliminating you and your pathetic friends." He yanked Ralsei closer, nearly choking him. "Your world is mine to control. You're mere specks in the grand design of my plans." We watched in shock as Gaster dropped Ralsei and vanished. Kris was visibly rattled, catching Ralsei as he fell. Ralsei gave a squeak and stumbled into Kris's arms, clinging onto them for a moment. Once both had composed themselves, Ralsei stood up, his expression grave. 

Ralsei- "We can't underestimate him. Gaster is more dangerous than we thought."

Ralsei's transformation into his godly form was breathtaking. His fluffy frame glowed softly, and he hovered slightly off the ground. His new voice echoed with a deep, gentle authority. Just as everyone admired his new form, the lightning strikes from Gaster's fury continued to ravage the area, accompanied by howling winds. Ralsei's eyes gleamed before returning to their normal state, and he straightened his glasses. 

"I'm glad to be back," he said, rubbing his glasses. But his relief was short-lived as he realized something. "Wait, where's Kris?"

I felt a growing sense of unease as I walked behind the group, deep in thought. Why had Ralsei chosen Akahiro as the prophet? It didn't make sense. She was a newcomer, while I had made countless contributions to our adventure. As we entered the Scarlet Forest, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ralsei was somehow orchestrating things, using us as pawns to further his own goals.