When the Stars Die

Chapter 3

Reapertale was a very powerful AU.

It was the AU where all of the characters were made as some type of gods or powerful deities. They lived in the kingdom above the clouds, located at the top of Mt. Ebott, and watched over the world of mortal life beneath them. The major gods each had their own castle, gardens, and personalized servants. They were each embodiments of whatever it was that they represented. Each of the gods were essential to not only the stability of their own world, but the many other worlds as well.

Only a few of them knew of the existence of the other AUs. Reaper was one of those few, along with his world's Gaster and Toriel. His world's Alphys had a speculation and theory about the AUs existing, but she hadn't been able to confirm anything quite yet. Reaper was a bit excited for when she did finally make her breakthrough and confirm their existence.

Though he wasn't normally one to point out flaws, he had to admit that some AUs... were better than others. There were also a lot of AUs that were misunderstood, too. Like Underlust. Poor Lust... he was so misunderstood when he first had interactions with the other versions of Sans. Especially with Red. If you'd told him way back then that they would end up dating, he wouldn't have believed you for a second.

He was sitting on the edge of a stone fountain in one of Toriel's gardens, staring down into the reflection of the crystal clear water. Through it he was observing the mortal world. His eyes weren't necessarily sad, but they did hold the glimpse of confusion and curiosity. Toriel, noticing this about him, spoke up from the flowers she was attending to.

"What has you so down?" She asked, walking over to him. "Were you looking at an AU again?"

"No. I was looking at our mortal world," he replied. "The mortals... they aren't the brightest, huh?"

"That depends on what you mean by that." She frowned.

"Well.... they're realizing that their advancements and progression are damaging the planet," he started. "But they don't really care. They're still doing it at an alarming rate."

"If it's any consolation, they'll find out sooner or later," she offered. "I didn't think this bothered you that much."

"I should be the one offering you the consolation. They're your 'most advanced creation,'" he remarked, grinning. "I guess that's true. I mean, just look at them. They have technology."

"We had technology long before they even thought of the concept in their dreams," Toriel stated, sounding somewhat annoyed. "They only know what technology is and how to create it thanks to Alphys."

"You sounded a bit annoyed there," he pointed out. "What's the matter? Not liking how they're turning out?"

Toriel was silent for a moment. She turned her eyes to the reflection in the pool of water, observing the mortal activity. Her eyes hinted at her conflicting feelings regarding what she was seeing. Deforestation, pollution of the water and air, immoral cruelty between mortals and families, among other hideous acts. She gripped the skirt of her dress, making a face. It wasn't one of anger, but it wasn't one of pleasure either.

"They're... a bit tricky," she settled with. "Even if they don't learn, I have a few tricks up my sleeve."

"Like what?" He asked. "Don't tell me you mean total extinction."

"If it comes down to that, it comes down to that," she sighed. "At least then your name won't be damned and cursed at. At least not all the time."

Reaper snorted at her words, earning an odd glance from her. He was careful to not let his hand or entire body slip and fall into the fountain's water. Being the God of Death, he could easily end up contaminating the pristine water. He never did enjoy his job, but he was managing to not break down and scream. Still, he could really go without the insults and accusations of the mortals. Having to drag their souls to the afterlife was nowhere near easy. He had to deal with them kicking and screaming, trying to desperately cling to their lives.