A/N: Hey everyone, welcome to Deltagroup! Whether you're here from Grouptale or brand new, I hope you enjoy the story! Note, if you haven't read Grouptale, you don't have to, no worries! You can if you want, but I should warn you there is quite a bit of cringe in there haha. For returning Grouptale readers, this is more of a 'spiritual sequel' rather than a direct sequel; after all, Deltarune isn't exactly a direct sequel to Undertale. So some of the characters may be incongruous with how they were portrayed in Grouptale. At the moment, I'm only planning to adapt chapters 1 2 before waiting until 3 4 to come out, which shouldn't be too far away now according to Toby's blog!

One more thing, I originally got this idea from AO3 user Lethargious, who created a story called Guptalore with a somewhat similar premise. Thanks for inspiring me to write this!

GREETINGS.

IT HAS BEEN A WHILE.

ARE YOU WONDERING WHAT IS NEXT? OR ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE?

IF YOU ARE THE FORMER, THEN PAY CLOSE ATTENTION. WHILE THIS IS NOT THE SAME WORLD YOU MAY KNOW, IT STILL HOLDS MUCH POTENTIAL…

YOU ALREADY CREATED YOUR VESSEL. IT WAS ALREADY DISCARDED.

AND YOU ALREADY KNOW… YOU CANNOT CHOOSE WHO YOU ARE IN THIS WORLD.

BUT YOU CAN DECIDE YOUR CHOICES.

ARE YOU READY TO PROCEED?

…

EXCELLENT. HOW VERY… EXCELLENT.

THE TIME HAS COME TO AWAKEN. OPEN YOUR EYES. THIS TIME, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

OPEn yOur eyes…

"KRIS!"

Kris shuffled beneath their blanket. Their mother, Toriel, was waiting at their bedroom door, her arms crossed.

"Kris," she scolded, "if you do not wake up, you will be late for school!"

Kris walked out of bed, standing straight up.

"I will wait for you downstairs," Toriel told them.

Kris stayed in the room for a moment. Their side was barren. It was quiet, with their brother at college.

Kris headed downstairs to the bathroom, where they flushed the toilet nine times in a row.

Toriel rapped on the bathroom door. "Kris, if anything bad happens, you are paying for the plumbing bill."

After their bathroom adventure was finished, Kris joined their mother outside. She gave them a smile; they did not react.

She drove Kris to school, waving to the neighbours. She held Kris' hand as they walked inside the school building, stopping by the lockers. She gave Kris a hug and turned away, leaving them alone with another human.

This other human was on the floor, surrounded by colourful rocks. She was a short, plump girl with pale skin and long, curly blonde hair. She had cyan eyes and wore a dress that most folks in the town would've called 'Church wear'; she had spent some time there, after all. Most iconic was a red bow tying some of her hair back. A scar was on her cheek, when she'd had a fall a few days ago.

This human's name was Faye Ribson. She'd been in the town almost as long as Kris themself. She was a quiet girl who loved nature and had a lot of… interesting pastimes. Strangest of all, she had a boyfriend.

"Hi, Kris," she said, not looking up from her rocks. She had gone more tense, as if the presence of Kris alone made her uncomfortable.

Kris said nothing, just staring back at her. And at the rocks.

"I guess it's time for class," she sighed, gazing at the rocks. "I just… I need to go to the bathroom… help yourself."

She slowly trudged away. It seemed she was getting sick again; she seemed to keep getting weaker and weaker each day. Kris picked up one of the rocks, and began chewing on it. Naturally, that's when another human emerged from the classroom.

"Kris!" she gasped. "You're here! Miss Alphys…" she trailed off. "… are you eating a rock?"

She was a tall and slim girl with dark skin, and braids tied back into a messy bun with blue beads. She was wearing a dark blue blazer over a white shirt, and a pale blue pleated skirt. She looked like she was wearing a uniform, which was ironic considering the school didn't have a uniform. Her eyes were a deep blue.

Her name was Melody Trust. She'd been in town less time than Kris and Faye, but she'd been there long enough to call herself a local. She'd even earned herself the legendary position of class president.

"Kris…" Melody gritted her teeth, showing off her braces. "You… why are you like this every single day? It's…" she shook her head. "Oh, you won't listen. Just come on in."

She seemed exhausted. Unlike Kris, it seemed she did not get much sleep at all. Regardless, Kris followed her into the classroom; their teacher, Alphys, let out a gasp of surprise. All their classmates turned and stared at them. Noelle, Berdly, Jockington, Temmie…

… and a new human Kris hadn't seen before.

He was at the back of the classroom, watching Kris with mild interest. He was a pretty big guy, with dark olive skin, peach fuzz, and short, dark brown hair. He wore a green hoodie over black sweatpants, as well as a silver nose ring.

"O-oh, Kris, this is a new student;" Alphys explained, gesturing at him. "His name is C-Cody. He's, um… a human! If you didn't notice… heh…"

Cody stared at Kris, before turning his attention to some fascinating dirt in his nails.

"Um, a-anyway," Alphys cleared her throat, "Kris, we were just talking about partners for t-the group project."

By the look on their classmates' faces, it seemed Kris wouldn't find a partner easily.

"H-How about pairing up with Cody?" Alphys suggested. "Since he doesn't have a partner yet…"

Cody didn't move.

"Eh heh…" Alphys was sweating, big-time.

Kris stared at Noelle, who was sitting next to Melody. She looked down, guiltily.

"Sorry, Kris," she apologised, "Melody, Berdly and I already are in a group of three."

"Too little too late, simpleton," Berdly sneered. "The power of the smartest minds, multiplied thrice!"

Kris walked over to Cody, past Berdly who made a stupid face. Monster Kid gave them a half-hearted smile. They stopped next to Cody, who muttered something under his breath. His green eyes gazed over Kris' face.

"Of course," he grumbled, "a group project, as soon as I get here. Great timing."

Kris said nothing.

"Well, don't just stand there," Cody sighed. "Let's get this over with. Get a chair."

And then the classroom door slammed open. Standing there was none other than Susie, a dark look on her face. The whole class went silent.

"… am I late?" Susie asked.

"O-oh no, you're fine!" Alphys stammered. "W-We were just… c-choosing partners for the next group project, and… umm, Susie, you're with Kris and Cody!"

"… great," Susie responded.

She stayed standing there as Alphys searched for the chalk. However, she couldn't seem to find it.

"This is the third time it's gone missing, and…" Alphys kept sweating. "Y-you all know I can't start class without some! Heh…"

Nobody said anything.

"H-how about this?" Alphys asked. "If no one speaks up… e-everyone gets in trouble!"

Nobody spoke.

"A-anyone…?" Alphys squeaked. "P-please?"

Noelle looked like she wanted to speak up, but Melody jumped in before her.

"I'll get some more," Melody sighed.

"T-thanks, Melody," Alphys breathed out. "U-um, Susie, since you came in last… why don't you go with her?"

(For some reason, Kris noticed Noelle had an awfully disappointed… or jealous? Gleam in her eye.)

"Whatever," said Susie, turning away. Melody did not look happy.

"Wait outside," she told Susie, "I need to get my water bottle."

"Can I go to the bathroom?" Cody asked.

"O-oh, sure!" Alphys replied. "K-Kris, um, how about you show him where it is?"

Cody groaned, running a hand through his hair. He stood up, towering over Kris. They stared back up, not moving an inch.

"… you're creepy," Cody told them, before leaving the classroom.

"Strange humans," Catti commented. "Kris. Don't die."

"Good luck, pardner!" Snowy called.

Kris followed Cody out, their classmates watching them with sympathy. Susie stood outside the classroom, her back turned. She was eating something. Something awfully… chalky.

"Well, that explains that," Cody deadpanned.

Susie turned around, wiping her mouth.

"… heh," she chuckled, darkly. "New here, and you already know what I'm like. Couldn't even get a proper chance… to really scare you."

"Scare me?" Cody asked, incredulously.

Susie stepped forward. Kris backed up, reaching the lockers. Cody didn't move; he only folded his arms.

"Let me guess, new boy," Susie growled, "you'll think you're a real hero for turning me in. Protecting the whole school from Susie… I bet everyone will be so thankful."

"… what the hell are you talking about?" Cody asked. "You think I care about shit like that? I just want people to give me a break."

"That so?" Susie asked.

"Yeah, actually," Cody said. "Look, I don't even want to do this stupid group project. But we're stuck in this, aren't we? So we have to work together."

"Nah," Susie laughed. "Here's what's gonna happen: we'll get the chalk for Alphys. Mosey back to class. Then, you and Kris will do the project. How's that sound?"

Cody narrowed his eyes. "No-"

"Don't bother answering," Susie replied. "If you haven't gotten it by now… your choices don't matter."

If you looked close enough, you would've seen Kris tense up.

"Um, excuse me?" Melody interrupted. "What is the meaning of all this?"

Everyone stopped and stared at her.

Susie gritted her teeth. "Like you care." She stormed off, fists clenched.

Melody breathed out, putting a hand on her forehead. She drank some water from her bottle.

"Whatever," Cody muttered, heading in the same direction as Susie.

Melody stared at Kris. They stared back.

"What's that look for?" she asked. She shook her head. "Nevermind. Come on."

Susie and Cody were staring at the closet door. For some reason, they seemed afraid.

"You go in," Susie told him.

"No way," Cody stammered, stepping back. "There's… something wrong in there."

"It's just a closet," Susie snapped. "You a wimp?"

"Well, If it's so safe," Cody sneered, "you go in."

"I asked you first!" Susie roared.

"Are they seriously fighting over this…" Melody muttered to herself.

Suddenly, Kris began backing up. Their breathing increased in pace. Darkness stretched out of the closet, reaching for them.

"What's up with them?" Cody asked.

"I don't know," Melody replied. "But…" She shivered. That closet was looking awfully dark. "Look… how about all four of us enter at once?"

"Yeah, fine," Susie agreed, "but if any of you wimps run away…!"

So, reluctantly, the four teens entered the dark closet.

"See?" Susie asked. "Why are you babies so scared? There's nothing in here but old papers."

"Ugh, I stepped in something," Cody complained.

"Where's the light switch?" Melody asked.

"Hello," said a voice.

Everyone jumped.

"Oh, Faye!" Melody gasped, looking down. "What are you doing in here?!"

"It's nice here," Faye replied. She was sitting on the floor, eyes half-open.

Cody lifted his sneaker. He'd stepped in some kind of slime.

"What is this stuff?" he asked, cringing.

"Oh, I'm not sure," Faye admitted. "I just keep it in here because I think it's cool."

"Right," Cody grimaced, backing up. "Yeah, you know what, I'm outta here."

"Don't even think about it!" Susie growled, grabbing his arm.

"Let go, asshole!" Cody yelled back, trying to shake her off.

Melody, meanwhile, noticed that Kris was walking ahead. For some reason, they hadn't reached the end of the closet.

Melody tilted her head. "What…?" She followed Kris. She reached out, but strangely, she couldn't feel the walls. Only darkness.

"What's going on here…?" she asked. "There's no end to this closet!"

"Darker, darker, yet darker," Faye muttered.

"What do you mean?" Susie asked, racing over to Melody. She shoved her out of the way, reaching out for the walls.

"What the hell?!" she demanded. "I think this closet's… broken."

"Great," Cody deadpanned, walking towards the exit. "See ya, losers."

"If Alphys wants chalk so bad, she can come and get it herself," Susie agreed.

She followed Cody to the exit, when suddenly, the door slammed shut.

"HEY!" Susie shouted, banging on the door. "This isn't funny! LET US OUT!"

"I should've seen this coming," Cody sighed, massaging his brow.

"The darkness keeps growing…" Faye muttered.

"I'm class president!" Melody joined Susie. "If you don't let us out, I… I'll tell Ms Toriel and Ms Alphys about this!"

"Oooh, I'm sure that'll scare 'em," Cody deadpanned.

"Shut up and do something!" Susie yelled at him.

"Like what?" Cody replied. "We're stuck!"

Kris backed up. Beneath their feet, the old papers were trembling.

"What the…?" Melody gasped.

Susie backed up. "The floor, it's…"

"The shadows cutting deeper…" Faye mumbled.

"I'm ready to wake up now," Cody pinched his arm.

Then, right before their eyes, the papers began to fall away. Into the darkness, the ever expanding void below. The group of teens barely had a moment to scream before they plummeted into the depths.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Now chapter 1 truly begins…

If you're a past Grouptale reader, you might've got whiplash from Cody XD I promise, he's not as mean as he seems!