On The Surface | An OCTale Sequel

23) Revelation

25th January

I wake up, stretching my arms up. I'm disturbed by my phone beeping from a missed voicemail, vibrating against the bedside table. Flowey still snores quietly on the windowsill. Picking up my phone, I press the screen, letting the voicemail play.

I immediately recognise the voice. The Riverperson.

"Hello, Ambassador. I'd like to meet you on the beachfront as soon as possible, if that's okay. I need to ask you for advice."

As the voicemail clicks to a stop, Flowey awakes, and groans.

"Why are you up so early?" He groans through a half-hearted yawn. I grin at him in slight pity.
"Sorry for waking you. I've got important ambassador jobs to attend to!" I chirp, Flowey rolling his eyes.

"What job would that be?" He asks, feigning intrigue. Inside, I know he hates politics. Secretly, I don't enjoy politics either, but it's my job, so I have to make do.

"I'm helping out another monster today!" I smile, smiling uncertainly. Flowey raises his head up, now actually curious.
"Is that so? Lemme guess...Another Aster...?" He grins maliciously, but I think for a second. I then nod.

"Well, its' true she knows Kristen and Impact. So maybe. Do you want to come and help me?" I shrug, picking up his plant pot to help him get downstairs.

"Sure, why not?" He smiles gleefully. However, I can see the vicious intent in his innocent facade. Sighing, I bring him with me.

|| --------------- ||

As I walk onto the sand, being careful to not trip on any rocks and fall, I spot the cloaked monster, sitting down to let the waves cascade around her. Flowey makes a groan of impatience at me. Tutting at him, I walk over tap the Riverperson on the shoulder. She jolts, but then giggles half-heartedly at seeing me. She clears her throat.

"Oh, hello Tyler, tra la. I assume you got my voicemail...?" She seems to smile, averting her attention from Flowey in my arms.
I mean, near enough everybody finds him obnoxious.

"So what did you need?" I console, assisting her to stand up, the waves still flowing - wait, through her?
I try not to show my bemusement, as she explains her condition.

"...I'm tired of this useless façade. I just want to see my family again...." She stutters, as I take a step back in confusion and worry.

"Façade? What façade?" I ask quietly. Flowey has also gotten oddly quiet, for some reason.
Does he know?

The Riverperson sighs, and faces her back towards me. Then, she does something I completely unexpected.
She takes off her hood, but....there's nothing there. No head. I steady my breathing to try not to freak out.

Then, I see a faint, orange glow, emanating from her robes. I'm blinded by a flash of light, so I shield my view.

As I open my eyes, I see a completely different person in front of me.
She looks really pretty!

Yes, she still does wear her signature hooded robe. However, she actually has her hood down, revealing her head and hands.

I can't help thinking that she looks a lot like Castellar - just like Impact described. Chancery has the same hairstyle, albeit messier, like it hasn't been groomed in years. A cute green hair bow rests on her head. Her eye shape, nose, and smile, all match Impact to a tee.