By the time your entourage arrived at Town Hall, it was already late morning.
The area buzzed with activity. Everything here was being handled by MTT Studio, as evident by the presence of their vans. One group handled the lighting and other filming equipment, while another was in the process of finishing the construction of the platform.
Ah, you recognized that giant screen from the Kaiju defence incident. The town square was not very far from here, so it seems they just moved all the materials over.
Golly. The screen was so big that it had blocked out most of the Town Hall. Did Mettaton expect a huge turnout?
By the right side of the stage, Alphys and Napstablook worked together at a small makeshift desk. One handled the sound mixing, while the other handled the display. Despite their collective social awkwardness rivalling your Determination, they were able to communicate effectively enough to do their jobs.
Civil servants, studio workers, and volunteers set down rows of plastic chairs for the spectators to sit on. The frontmost seats had a soft, thin pink cushion at the bottom. That must be the VIP row.
Dad, the impostor prince, and Flowey could be found in the designated ‘backstage’ area of the place, sitting on those foldable chairs common on any film-making set. There they reviewed the notes printed or written down on their respective papers. It would be best to not distract them at the moment…
You looked around for signs of your big sister, Cenna, hoping she could update you on the situation.
Where is she? You’re not seeing anyone in a distinctive noir detective getup.
Mom pointed to the left. “Frisk, is that not her?”
Trailing her finger led you to ol’ Copman Roger. Standing next to him was a long-haired woman with dark skin, wearing a business suit and knee-high office pants. They were about as generically corporate style as they could get. Maybe she’s his secretary…?
You thought Mom was mistaken until you saw the woman’s face. You gasped; it really was her!
Obviously she was not used to the outfit. She struggled to walk in those dress shoes, and her grump could match Tsunderjudge on a regular day. Roger squinted with mild disappointment at her struggle.
“Gah!” Cenna cried out, “Do I really have to wear this?!?! I miss my old clothes already.”
Copman crossed his arms and huffed. “You’re off your trolley if you think a prissy Live Action Remake Cartoon Princess can catch a dodgy bigwigs ballot in a faux Anime-Ja-Nai noir detective’s getup. Gotta hafta dress your status now, bird. Count yer lucky stars that you could borrow some of Officer Eccleston’s old clothes.”
She let out an annoyed groan. “Never thought that I would be walking around in the same fancy shit the pompoms wear…”
Pompoms?!
Your loud and curious question startled your sister. She yelped so hard that she almost lost balance. “Ack! You scared me there, Frisky!”
Oops. Sorry.
“A-anyways, the term refers to the rich high-status people of society. Learned it from my driver friend. Man, if I knew I was gonna be forced into some weird formal situation, I would have packed my sari. It’s so much easier to walk around in than this nonsense.”
Aha. That explains her awkwardness.
Giggling, Mom commented: “You look good in formal clothes, dear. Relax, and you will feel more natural in them.”
“T-thanks…” said Cenna. Even though she was still as uncomfortable as ever, she was happy to be praised.
She soon found herself distracted by Undyne’s new look. Cue the nerding out between your two big-sister figures.
“Yoooo Captain, you look so coooooooooooool!”
“I know, right?! I feel AWESOME!”
“Bet ya do, Cap. Bet ya do.”
“By the way, Cenna… I totes agree. Formal clothes are the WORST! I would rather run around in metal like a Hotland hotplate fish than to be in that stuffy office suit!”
“I’m soooo glad someone agrees with me!…” She whimpered, pretending to cry. They then burst into cackling laughter together.
Roger facepalmed. “Talk about having the same head-cracking energy…”
Your heart snickered at his reaction. He’s really such a geezer.
While the two girls continued to nerd out, Grillby approached Roger with a question. “…Will Assistant Commissioner Eccleston be attending this event?…”
Copman widened his eyes, looking up and down. “That voice…! Crikey on a cricket stick! Is that really you, fireman?! That’s quite the dapper armour. What you’re missing now is some loud choir music, an epic fancy name tag, and a butt long red health bar. A ginormous weapon too, I guess. Anyhoo, about your question… Nah, Clem ain’t showing. He has bigger fish to fry in my stead, like grilling that blasted excuse of a mayor on a barbie. That sussy baka of a Gungnir lass coughed up some real spicy confessions about that bugger’s prior anti-herb involvement. I’m speaking Omega Sus levels of conspiracy in an amogus circus show extending back for years and years.”
Among the slurry of slang, you understood ‘sussy baka’ here to mean ‘Madina Odin’. And a corrupt plot with the mayor would certainly explain why so many things went wrong en route to your Trial of the Crimson Hall. You had spent 3 hours travelling with a bajillion detours on the way, and that was just the beginning of a wild, wild ride.
“Come to think of it…” Roger said, “I noticed you guys don’t really have any bigwigs other than King Billy. Who runs this joint at a local level?”
You thought of Politics Bear.
You decided to NOT talk about Politics Bear. Poor Roger might get a stroke listening to that fellow’s logic.
Instead, you told Roger that everyone manages themselves and each other. Only super serious matters go straight to Dad. In theory, anyway.
Mom added: “In the past, there used to be a council of advisors to help The Dreemurr Royal Family. But… they had all since fallen down. Doctor Gaster was the last to hold the position, and he combined that authority with his Royal Scientist duties.”
“‘Fallen down’? Not sure if I brain, Your Majesty. Your local slang is so bloody obtuse I don’t get a word you’re saying sometimes.”
…You explained to the obliviously hypocritical Copman that it’s the monster’s term for ‘passing away’.
After a stunned, awkward pause, the moustached cop commented: “Oh, that was a bigger tragedy than I expected. But, past tense is past tense. Your town gotta start thinking of ways to delegate soon. Whether or not it’s a baby boom or new folks moving in, your population is gonna skyrocket.”
That could be the case the moment Ebott Town opens up to the public again…
Oh, there’s one more thing you wanted to ask Copman--
But, before you would even bring up the subject, all sorts of regular folk and VIPs started trickling in. Politics Bear included, of course. Foiled again!
Straightening her sleeves, Mom commented: “Well… Looks like the real work begins here.”
Cenna responded with a nervous chuckle. Her usual confidence remained buried underneath the unfamiliar clothes.
Patting her on the arm, you reassured that she won’t be alone in facing the crowd. Should anything happen, Mom or you will help.
So you spent the time greeting and talking with people. You did your best to welcome them all. They could have stayed in their comfortable homes or offices, yet their curiosity compelled them to join the event in person. It would be way rude not to show them proper hospitality.
“Hey there,” said a Vegetoid. “How are you? Have you been eating your greens?”
You’re fine, thank you very much. And yes, you have been.
On the side, a rock grumbled as they paddled by on a skateboard. “Why do we even have an election in the first place?”
You wanted to explain, but you didn’t have time to reply.
The local Ebott Amalgamates started to shuffle in. Snowdrake accompanied his Mom while Shyren rode on Lemon Bread. Reaperbird chose to perch on a nearby tree for their own high view, and of course the famous multi-dog Endogeny claimed five whole seats for themselves.
Soon the chairs were all filled. Anyone who came in late had to stand by the sidelines. Even then, the place continued to grow more and more congested.
Another van stopped by, belonging to Muffet’s bakery this time. The spider baker herself opened the back hatch and withdrew countless trays of delicious edible wares. Does she have a licence to sell them? Ah, this town doesn’t care about bureaucracy like that.
Scooting over to you, she offered to sell you some doughnuts. “Would you like to have some, sweetie? Ahuhuhu.”
You declined, saying that you can’t eat and greet at the same time. Dirty fingers are not conducive for the job. Cenna looked like she wanted some, but alas she couldn’t get them for the same reasons.
“Aww that’s a shame. Should any leftovers remain, I’ll ask you first. Ahuhuhuhu~~”
Thanks!
A Moldbygg and their family of Moldsmals scooted up to you and jiggled. You patted them all to thank them for their support.
Then, from nearby, you heard a squeak. “h0I it’s tEM!”
oOOOOh! Even the Temmies have arrived!
Bob said, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, y’know.”
You asked if they had completed the repairs on the house and the vault. How is his vault business doing anyway?
“The repairs are all done,” he said, “And business is soaring. So many folk have come to our shop to store their valuables after the riot.”
Hearing that, Shop Tem lamented, “Tem r saddings little mons can’t g0 to cooleg anymore… But! Maybe! With big munz, Tem can hav scholarship program!”
That’s a great idea, Temmie! They’ve got your blessing.
Next, Lord Tsunderjudge himself arrived at the scene. Gossip and chatter started to stir from the crowd.
“Ooooooh, The Cool Vampire Mage has arrived.”
“The Supreme Judge… is he some kind of a criminal prosecutor?”
“I’m glad he’s on our side. Would have been a tough enemy otherwise.”
“I never knew humans were capable of such magic.”
“There’s something dark about him, but I sense no evil at all. How interesting.”
You greeted him with the best warm Dreemurr brand of welcome you could muster.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Thank you,” he said. “Have you noticed any misbehaviour in the crowd?”
Nope. Everyone was very courteous, formal, and respectful.
“I’m pleased to hear that.” Looking around, he further commented: “The situation appears stable. Keep up the good work.”
Oh praise, glorious praise. It motivated you to keep going with a smile on your face.
Not long after Tsunderjudge’s arrival, it was exactly 12 noon. The sun rose high in the sky. You sat down at your VIP spot between Mom and Cenna.
Mettaton in his pink ghost form floated up to the stage, causing some confusion.
“Who is this blanket monster?”
“Are they part of Mettaton’s new staff?”
“Hopefully the glambot is gonna swoop in soon.”
The cat was out of the bag the moment he greeted the crowd: “Beauties and Gentlebeauties, welcome to our first ever election!”
Audible gasps of surprise and disappointment filled the air.
“M-Mettaton?! Am I really hearing Mettaton?!?”
“But… but I always thought he was a robot…”
“So, is his deal just a fake show? I feel kinda cheated now.”
Despite the negative reception caused by the lack of his fabulous body, Mettaton remained plucky and professional. “Let’s first address the elephant in the room. Yes, my sweethearts, this plain pink form is my original self. And for a long, long time, I was ashamed of my rounded shape, stubby arms, and legless bottoms.”
“But not anymore!” He posed. “Body or no body, drab or fabulous, it doesn’t change who I am as a performer!”
“Ghost?” Pose!
“Robot?” Pose!
“A ghost in a machine?” Pose!
“What difference does it make? My glamorous entertaining self remains unchanged. No, it has always been there! I will always BE Mettaton, baby!!!”
His final show of glam was so bright, he shone pink with intense magic. You could even sense a hint of Determination. Was that the reason he was born pink?
The crowd’s impression flipped around in an instant. They started to smile and cheer for their pioneering celebrity.
“Kyaaaa his ghost form is so cute!”
“Being a ghost in a machine does sound super cool!”
“Wow… That’s the spirit of a true artist. He’s not depending on his looks alone.”
Mettaton had found new strength. You don’t know the exact details yet, but you were proud of him for overcoming his inner obstacles.
The glow faded, and his ghostly self returned to normal luminosity. “Now, with that out of the way… I deeply thank you wonderful beauties for coming all the way to witness this historic event live. We may never see something like this again for years to come. Before we begin, however, our lovable King Asgore has a very, very, very important announcement to make. Please come to the stage, Your Majesty.”
Dad stepped on the podium. He took a moment to collect himself before beginning his speech.
“Howdy,” he said. “As Mister Mettaton had mentioned, there is something I must first clarify before we progress. Yesterday, unrest and violence had sadly descended upon our peaceful town, despite weeks of curfews. Properties, homes, and businesses have been lost or damaged, though it was by a miracle that no one perished.”
“This tragedy proved that we monsterkind are ill-prepared to deal with the modern human world. We, as a people, still have so much to learn. Time is what we need… yet time is what we lack.”
“Therefore, with a heavy heart, I -- King Asgore -- decree the casting of The Barrier over our nation once more.”
Gasps and exclamations of panic rumbled from the seats. Your heart sank when you heard the announcement. Was your efforts in the Undertale incident all for nothing…?
“I understand the weight of my words. For a thousand years, I was the one who led you within the depths of Mount Ebott. However, this new Barrier will not be our prison. Instead, it will be our shield. We are staying here, outside of the mountain, in our current homes on The Surface. We will also have the ability to come and go whenever we please. How, you may ask? Please welcome The Great Papyrus.”
Everyone clapped to welcome your friend to the podium. You made sure to clap just a bit harder and faster to cheer on him from the VIP seat.
Papyrus stood tall and confident. Then, he started his speech. “HELLO, MY FELLOW CITIZENS! I -- THE GREAT PAPYRUS -- IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WITH THE POWER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, WE HAVE A SOLUTION TO YOUR WORRIES. ALL CONCERNS ABOUT A REPEATED IMPRISONMENT SHALL BE BANISHED INTO THE YONDER!”
He reached below the podium and raised a metal plate high above his head. You noticed that it had a white octagram embedded on its surface.
“I PRESENT TO YOU: A TELEPORTER!!! AN ANONYMOUS SCIENTIST WITHIN THE MONSTER COMMUNITY HAS GRACIOUSLY TAKEN THE TIME TO BUILD A PROTOTYPE FOR US.”
So that was the magitek project the skelebros volunteered for. You snickered a bit, knowing that the ‘Anonymous Scientist’ was definitely Sans.
Leaning closer to you, Cenna whispered a comment: “Hey, ain’t that the same pattern from that biscuit moon?”
You asked her if she had seen it before?
“Yeah, I did, when Gael and I were chasing after Paps. We arrived a bit too late. Heard from Undyne that our cinnamon roll got warped straight past The Barrier, up to the top of the tower.”
Thinking back, you recalled that Papyrus seemed to pop in out of nowhere. So that’s how he managed to arrive on time to save the day.
As expected, the crowd buzzed with scepticism.
“Teleportation?!”
“Isn’t this sci-fi stuff?”
“Are you pulling our legs?”
“YOUR DOUBTS ARE UNDERSTANDABLE, AS THIS METHOD IS STILL IN THE BABY STAGES OF ITS DEVELOPMENT. STILL, I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT IT NOT ONLY WORKS, IT IS ALSO 10,000,000,000% SAFE!!! THAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS DEMONSTRATION.”
The screen switched on, showing Anise Anise and Sans standing near a similar Arcanagram enchanted plate. You could see the Town Hall, seats, and podium on the left side of the screen.
“IF YOU LOOK AT THE BACK, YOU WILL SEE MY BROTHER SANS, ALONGSIDE A HUMAN VOLUNTEER. I’LL GIVE YOU A MINUTE TO CONFIRM THEIR PRESENCE WITH YOUR VERY OWN EYES.”
The whole crowd turned around, yourself included. Yup. Those were Sans and Anise alright. They waved back in response, and the big screen reflected their actions with a slight delay.
“FIRST… WE NEED TO SIMULATE ENTRAPMENT BY THE BARRIER.”
Papyrus ran all the way from the podium to the test site. He waited for both Sans and Anise to cram onto the plate, before ‘trapping’ them in a birdcage made out of bones. After which, he ran all the way back to the stage to resume his explanation.
Motioning his hand to the screen, he said, “AS YOU CAN SEE, MY BROTHER AND THE HUMAN ARE SQUEEZED TIGHT TOGETHER. THEY ARE JUST LIKE US DURING OUR UNDERGROUND DAYS, CRAMPED AND AWKWARD. NOW, OBSERVE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CONTRAPTION IS CHARGED WITH MAGIC!”
Sans sent a small bone down into the Arcanagram. The lines started to glow, bringing the machine to life.
Boom! A whirlwind of yellow, purple, and cyan engulfed the duo. They reappeared on the stage right next to Papyrus, almost out of thin air. The bewildered Magus pinched her own cheek to confirm that she wasn’t dreaming.
Sans and Anise were in one piece, freed from the bone cage.
Exclamations of wonder rippled through the crowd.
“Teleportation is real?!?!?!”
“Is this an illusion? A trick??”
“What if it’s not a trick?”
“I won’t believe it until I tried it myself!”
A Whimsun with an aviator hat and a pair of goggles spoke up, clearly distraught. “W-w-what if we get lost in space? Disintegrated? Or put back together wrong?!”
Papyrus immediately addressed the issues raised. “AHA! YOUR CONCERNS ARE LIMITED TO A SUB-BRANCH CALLED ‘PARTICLE TELEPORTATION’. THIS DEVICE USES ‘WORMHOLE TELEPORTATION’. TOTALLY DIFFERENT.”
The screen switched to a simplified, cartoon illustration depicting a tunnel.
“YOU SEE, DESPITE THE FANCIFUL DISPLAY OF COLOURS, WORMHOLE TELEPORTATION IS DELIGHTFULLY SIMPLE. THINK OF IT AS A SUPER FAST HORIZONTAL ELEVATOR THROUGH SPACETIME ITSELF. LIKE ONE OF THOSE BIG TUBES IN THE PLAYGROUND!”
“THE INPUT AND THE OUTPUT WILL BE EXACTLY THE SAME. NOT A SINGLE PARTICLE IS TAKEN APART TO BE REASSEMBLED. THEREFORE, YOU WILL NOT DIE FROM WRONG RESTRUCTURING.”
“That means…” The objecting monster mused, “We would just be going through a tunnel that bypasses The Barrier?”
“THAT IS INDEED CORRECT!”
“But… We didn’t have this technology back in the Underground. Why now?”
“LACK OF KNOWLEDGE PREVENTED THE ANONYMOUS SCIENTIST FROM FINALISING THEIR THEORY. THAT CHANGED ONCE WE ARRIVED ON THE SURFACE, WHERE THEY COULD STUDY WHAT THE MAGI HAD DISCOVERED! THIS IS THE FINAL RESULT.”
Papyrus continued the presentation. This time, the image changed to a map of town and the surrounding roads. “WITH THE TOWN’S APPROVAL, WE PLAN TO BUILD TWO VASTLY UPSCALED TELEPORTATION ZONES NEAR THE EDGE OF TOWN, WHERE WE HAVE SPACE TO EXPAND. THERE WOULD BE ONE FIELD TO LEAVE TOWN, AND ANOTHER FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS. IT WILL DOUBLE AS A PORT, MEANING TRADE WITH HUMANKIND CAN RESUME. WE’RE GOING TO NEED PLENTY OF SUPPLIES TO REBUILD LOST PROPERTY.”
“OF COURSE, THERE ARE DRAWBACKS. MONSTER MAGIC ALONE WON’T BE ENOUGH TO POWER AN INDUSTRIAL SIZED TELEPORTER. THE EXPONENTIAL SCALE ALSO MEANS THAT IT’S GOING TO EAT A LOT OF ENERGY. SO, IT MUST BE PLUGGED INTO THE CORE’S EXISTING POWER GRID AND OPERATED ON A TIGHT SCHEDULE.”
“FOR SAFETY REASONS, ARRIVALS WILL ALSO HAVE A SET COORDINATE. IT WOULD BE QUITE A PICKLE IF SOMEONE ACCIDENTALLY INPUTTED THE WRONG NUMBER. THEY MIGHT END UP IN A WHOLE DIFFERENT COUNTRY, OR WORSE! IT’S BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY, AFTER ALL. THIS MEANS, THE REST OF THE JOURNEY AFTER THE BARRIER CROSSING MUST BE COMPLETED IN THE NORMAL BORING WAY. BUT THOSE ARE MINOR INCONVENIENCES COMPARED TO EVERYONE BEING COMPLETELY SEALED WITHIN A BUBBLE.”
“Okay.” After a short pondering, the Whimsun asked: “Then… Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of The Barrier to begin with? Such a system would be open to attack from the outside.”
“NOT QUITE. THE OUTER TELEPORTER SHALL BE RIGGED WITH A SELF-DESTRUCT MECHANISM. IN AN EVENT OF A POSSIBLE ENEMY INVASION, AN ALARM WILL TRIGGER A DISINTEGRATING PULSE THROUGHOUT THE SITE, MAKING IT CRUMBLE INTO NOTHINGNESS. ONCE THE DANGER PASSES, WE’LL THEN SEND A TEAM TO REBUILD THAT SITE, POSSIBLY EVEN SHIFTING IT TO A SAFER PLACE ELSEWHERE.”
The Whimsun’s fear melted away. Smiling, he said: “That makes a lot of sense. I’m glad we have a solution now.”
“I’M GLAD TOO! SAY, IT SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE THERE, MISTER WHIMSUN. I RECOMMEND YOU TO SEEK A CAREER AT THE ROYAL LAB!”
“…I’ll think about it.”
You were quite astonished to see that there were more smarty brainy monsters than Sans and Alphys out there. You had grown too comfortable with the thought that only two scientists existed in their whole civilization.
So, from what you understand, this teleporter thing is completely safe? Can you ride it?!
The spectators too started to grow curious.
“If it’s not dangerous… I wanna give it a go!”
“Yeah, like I said earlier, I won’t believe it until I try it.”
“Let me! Let me!”
Papyrus set his teleportation pad down on the centre of the stage.“THEN MY FELLOW MONSTERS, YOU’RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO GIVE IT A GO. THIS PLATE IS SET TO DROP YOU NEAR THE BONE BIRD CAGE. THEN, YOU CAN ENTER THE CAGE YOURSELF AND REPEAT MY BROTHER’S TEST.”
The whole crowd started experimenting with the equipment by themselves. Every time a jump was completed, there was joyous wonder. Some even started weeping. Oh, how they wished that such a technology existed back in the Underground.
While the crowd busied themselves with the tests, Mettaton’s staff worked in the background to change the setup. They brought in two more extra podiums and pasted the candidate names for them.
Once ready, Mettaton floated back on stage with his microphone. “Beauties and Gentlebeauties, could I request everybody to return to their seats? It’s about time we formally introduce our darling candidates. Fret not, the teleporters will remain here until polls close to satisfy our most inquisitive minds!”
The crowd went back to the spectator’s side, looking at the screen with newfound anticipation. Meanwhile, the candidates stood behind their assigned stands.
“Thank you very much for your cooperation. And now, we shall formally announce the start of our election. Alphys-darling, drumroll please~~~”
Drumroll played from the speakers, and then a chart popped on screen. To your surprise, it contained… four names? You thought that only three people would be contesting for the crown?
Mettaton noticed it too. He referred to a placard in his stubby hands, his face scrunching from confusion.
“What a plot twist! Grillbz Grillenn-darling is contesting too! It’s a four way debate then!”
Confused, you faced the fire elemental under the metal. He shook his head and stayed put.
Alphys’ voice broadcasted through the microphone. “E-e-excuse me, but there shouldn’t be a fourth candidate. I d-don’t know who added that name. Must be a prank… maybe? Either way, it’s gone.”
Just like that, Grillby’s name was deleted from the chart. Awww. Oh well. Back to the regular program.
“King Asgore,” Mettaton offered, “Would you like to open up with your introduction?”
The humble King replied, “Truth to be told… Everyone knows me by now. And everyone knows what brought us to this point. I think it would be better for my sons to introduce themselves.”
“My oh my, talk about a ‘Dad move’ right there~ Who oh who wishes to step up to the plate first?”
An awkward silence followed. C’mon, what’s going on?
With no one taking action, Ralsei said: “Asriel Flowey, why don’t you go first?”
Flowey exclaimed, throwing his leaf in the air. “W-w-w-why? Why don’t YOU go first???”
“I believe you’re more familiar with our citizens than I am. It’s been decades since I’ve seen them, after all. Go ahead, speak your mind.”
“I-I guess you’re right… Um…” With his nerves catching up on him at the last minute, he struggled to speak.
Come on, Flowey! He can do this! You know he can. You encouraged him to be Determined.
Your flower sibling shot back an annoyed glare that said ‘shut up idiot, I know I can’.
Just like that, he straightened his stalk and forced a smile on his face, putting on his best show. “Howdy! I’m Flowey the Flower. Or should I say, Prince Asriel Dreemurr. Yep. I know this is not a form you’d recognise… but that doesn’t matter. All you need to know is that I’m telling the truth! I came back from the dead from my own dust. Doctor Alphys can vouch for it by showing my ‘DNA test’ thingy.”
The results of Flowey’s genetic testing were posted on the screen. The most important detail was his old child photograph, and a big green ‘MATCH’.
“Why should you vote for me? Well, to put it short… I have been with you guys since the Underground days. I’ve been observing for a long time, so I know everyone’s potential. Take Frisk, for example. I’ve always known that they would be the perfect Ambassador for our kind! And I knew Papyrus was great waaaaaay before anyone else realised it. So far, I’m spot on right? That means I can slot the right people in the right place for the right jobs.”
The crowd muttered among themselves with nods of agreement.
“He’s right. Frisk did save us.”
“If this Prince Asriel led them to our release, then he proved his point, right?”
“I noticed that the humans really love Papyrus too.”
You grinned to yourself. Take that, fake goat prince!
Then Ralsei’s turn arrived. Despite the stiff competition, he spoke with eloquent confidence. “Citizens of Ebott Town, I apologise for not having the time to properly introduce myself. Greetings, I am Prince Asriel Ralsei. Long ago, when I had first seen The Surface, my ascent as a god prevented me from completely perishing, and for a time I floated in the darkness between the veil of life and death. Ten years later, I was reborn under the blessings of the sun. In my long pilgrimage I have learned the ways and wisdom of humanity in preparation to better protect this magnificent nation.”
He transformed into his Merged God mode in front of everyone. Raising his hand, a ring of swords was summoned over his head.
“These swords, the armaments I share with my dearest Chara, are the proof of our divine authority. Vote for me, and my father shall not need to execute that heavy burden of a decree. The Barrier plan will be cancelled. My people will be free. And I shall protect this town as The Angel of Prophecy!”
The crowd burst into hopeful astonishment. The reaction to the fake prince’s proposal was more intense than Flowey had mustered.
“N-no Barrier?!? At all?!?!”
“Teleportation is cool, but I’d rather have freedom!”
“We don’t need to hide! Isn’t that the better option?”
You felt your chest tighten. Should Ralsei win, wouldn’t he start bringing in more Lemurians to aid him in his conquest? The Dreemurrs would be opening their arms to a questionable ally, all because the fake prince promised to cancel The Barrier.
Cenna seemed to share your thoughts. Worried, her fingers curled against the fabric of her skirt. “I ain’t liking the sound of this, Frisky…”
Before your eyes, the usurper’s pool of votes rose in the thousands.