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Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of the cabin is a Hero.

THE NARRATOR: You're here to save him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.

➤ The end of the world?
Save a hero? Can't this supposed Hero save himself?
Maybe releasing this hero will  cause  the world to end.
Okay, I'll do it!
How did the Hero get locked up?
Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: I'm talking about the end of everything we know of, Your Majesty. No more birds, no more trees and, perhaps most problematically of all, no more people. The Hero will save us all if you save him first.

➤ Save a hero? Can't this supposed Hero save himself?
Maybe releasing this hero will  cause  the world to end.
Okay, I'll do it!
How did the Hero get locked up?
Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: He would if he could. However, he can't, so you need to save him. Heroes can't do everything by themselves, you know.

Okay, I'll do it!
➤ How did the Hero get locked up?
Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: That's a long story. We don't have time for it. Every minute we waste is a minute that we could've spent saving the hero, and every minute without the hero is a minute closer to the end of the world.

Okay, I'll do it!
➤ Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: I mean no offence when I say that you're not my first choice, but don't think much about it. Be proud that you've been given the opportunity to help save the world. Your name will be in history textbooks everywhere as the one who saved the Hero. Nothing as trivial as stereotypes matter.

Okay, I'll do it!
➤ I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: What? Your Royal Highness, you look fine. You truly are dressed for something like this, or at least travelling. You're wearing a short dress with knee-high boots, aren't you? You even have a short travelling cape, and your hair is tied down and held back with a tiara. You're ready for this, and at the end of the day, looks don't matter in something as important as this.

Okay, I'll do it!
➤ Maybe I'm okay with the world ending .
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Don't fool around, Your Majesty. Of course, you're not! The world will end, and you know that you will not like it. Please don't waste our time.

Okay, I'll do it!
➤ Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Your reward is saving the world. That's enough, if you ask me. I'm sure there will be many more if you succeed.

Okay, I'll do it!
[Go to the cabin]
➤ [Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Where do you think you're going?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm leaving. I didn't sign up for this, and I definitely don't want to save him.

THE NARRATOR: What about the world ending?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's probably some propaganda or just a rumour. Even if it does happen, a group of 12-year-olds can save it. I'm not doing this.

THE NARRATOR: You would rather a group of innocent children do it over you? Stop, Your Majesty! You have to be the one to do it.

[Go to the cabin]
➤ [Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk away from the cabin, which is a bad choice. Go back, Your Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: And if I don't?

THE NARRATOR: The world—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Will end. You don't have any proof it actually will, do you?

THE NARRATOR: You don't need proof for this. The world is going to end, and you're going to let it because I don't have any proof? You need to turn back now!

Ugh, you're so annoying... Fine.
➤ Maybe I'll save the Hero if you ask nicely.
Stop me if you can.
I'm fine with the world ending. I hate living here.
[Walk away from the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: Can you please go save the Hero so we have a world to live in?

Thank you for asking. I'll go save him now.
➤ Thank you for asking. No.
Stop me if you can.
Well, too bad, since I'm fine with the world ending. I hate living here.
[Walk away from the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, you can't do that!

➤ Stop me if you can.
I'm fine with the world ending. I hate living here.
[Walk away from the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: Fine. You walk away from the cabin because you're fine with the world ending.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you for finally noticing.

THE NARRATOR: But what is this? The path you're on goes straight to the cabin? Oh, how convenient! Isn't this great? You can still save the world!

Fine, I'll save the Hero...
➤ [Leave]

THE NARRATOR: I didn't want to go this far, but you're truly selfish, aren't you? You're not willing to spend a few minutes going into the cabin, going into the basement, and freeing the Hero? It won't take up much of your time. If you don't do it, everyone is going to die, and that includes you.

➤ Do I look like I care?
Maybe they  should  all die. I'm fine with it, so why aren't they?
Have fun trying to guilt-trip me into agreeing.
[Walk away from the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: Yes, because you should! The world is going to end!

➤ Maybe everyone  should  die. I'm fine with it, so why aren't they?
Have fun trying to guilt-trip me into agreeing.
[Walk away from the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: There are some people in this world with things they want to do. They do not want this world to end.

➤ Have fun trying to guilt-trip me into agreeing.
[Walk away from the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: I'm not guilt-tripping you. I am stating facts. Everyone is going to die, and that includes you. You are not special.

➤ [Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You're truly stubborn, aren't you?

THE NARRATOR: But fine. You turn around and start heading back the path you came from.

THE NARRATOR: And would you look at that? You're back at the cabin! I'm sure the universe is trying to give you a sign, Your Majesty. You must save the world!

Oh, my God, fine. I'll go save your stupid Hero.
➤ I know what you're doing, and I'm not going to do what you want. We're never going into that cabin. We're going to keep walking away from the cabin until you let me get out of here.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, there is the right choice and the wrong choice. You're making the wrong choice for everyone who has and will live.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If they wanted to live that badly, then they should've come here to save him instead of me. I'll be leaving now.

THE NARRATOR: Here we go again... You head back, and something strange starts to happen.

THE NARRATOR: At first, it's little flickers out of the corners of your eyes, glimpses of a familiar wooden structure through the leaves.

THE NARRATOR: But, as you start to focus on your surroundings, you realize that those flickers weren't tricks of light.

THE NARRATOR: In every direction is a path and a cabin. The cabin, the one that has the Hero. An infinite fractal of paths and cabins desperately trying to get you to where you need to be.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sure the Hero can save himself now if there are infinite versions of him.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, now is not the time for jokes. Face reality. You're too stubborn to go into a cabin, no matter how many paths or cabins there are. You keep trying to shrink away from responsibility rather than prioritizing others. No wonder you're a princess and not a queen. You'll never be one. Not now, not ever.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If you're trying to offend me, it isn't working.

THE NARRATOR: You doomed us all, but you don't care, do you? You just keep avoiding the paths and the cabins, just looking for a way to let the world end.

THE NARRATOR: You lose track of how long you've been wandering the woods, but it doesn't matter. The world soon ends, and everything goes black.

Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of the cabin is a hero.

THE NARRATOR: You're here to save him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.

➤  Wasn't I already here?
I'm not doing this again!
Did the world end?
Okay, I'll do it!
I already said that I don't want to.
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: I'm not sure what you're talking about, but this is definitely your first time being here.

➤  I'm not doing this again!
Did the world end?
Okay, I'll do it!
I already said that I don't want to.
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, there was never a "before," so there can't be an "again." I would question if something is wrong with you, but the world is going to end soon. We don't have time for that.

➤  Did the world end?
Okay, I'll do it!
I already said that I don't want to.
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Not yet, fortunately. Your job is to make sure there won't be a "yet."

Okay, I'll do it!
➤  I already said that I don't want to.
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You did not, though I suppose you did imply it. You already agreed, though, so you're going to go save him.

Okay, I'll do it!
➤  [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk up the path to the cabin. It looms before you in the distance.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: It looks cozy...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: No. I don't know who I am either...

THE NARRATOR: Ignore her, Your Royal Highness. I have to give you a word of warning, anyway.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero has been described as cruel. Violent. Evil. He has been called the Devil's reincarnate on multiple occasions. Ignore it all. He is going to save the world.

➤  [Proceed into the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: You walk into the cabin. Everything is a mess. There is a table overturned, the broken remains of a chair laying near it. The light above you flickers on and off, barely working. The door leading to the basement barely stands on its hinges while a mirror hangs on the wall next to it, cracks throughout the glass. In the middle remains a pristine key.

➤  [Approach the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the mirror. You can't clearly see yourself, but you can see that your dress is long and beautiful, and your hair is flowing down your back. A black tiara is on your head, and while I wouldn't say this is the best outfit to wear when you're here to save the Hero, it's nice.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wasn't wearing this before...

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, there was no "before." This is the first time you're doing this, and this is what you're wearing.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: But it's not—

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I think you look nice. It must be great to know exactly how you look...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you, but are you okay?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I think so...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Anyway, as I was saying, I wasn't wearing this before—

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Let's just leave it. I don't think He remembers...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Alright then...

➤  [Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: Good idea, Your Majesty. It will be hard to save the Hero without anything to help you.

➤  [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You go downstairs. There are many steps you have to take, but you find yourself on the bottom floor soon enough. A long, endless-looking corridor of mirror after mirror await you. Each mirror seems to radiate its own energy, making enough light for you to barely see.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What are all these mirrors for?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: For looking in.

THE NARRATOR: What she said. What other purpose do mirrors have?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I meant why there are so many mirrors. I can't think of a reason why there are so many, so do any of you do?

THE NARRATOR: Perhaps the owner simply likes to look at themselves. Hopefully, the Hero had gotten used to his looks, or all these mirrors would make him really uncomfortable.

➤  [Look into the nearest mirror]
[Walk through the corridor]

THE NARRATOR: You look into the nearest mirror. Instead of seeing yourself, you see what many would describe as a monster. A bird-like head with a modest beak. Scaley arms with long claws for nails. Height matching yours and only yours. Eyes focused on you and your every movement, studying you from the inside out.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by his looks. This is the Hero. He is going to save the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He isn't wearing any chains. Shouldn't he be wearing them if he's apparently locked down here?

THE NARRATOR: Don't question why his kidnapper never locked him up with chains. That is something I'm unable to answer.

➤  Is the Hero  inside  the mirror?
[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
[Continue looking into the mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: I'm not sure. Like you, I've never been here before.

➤  Aren't you useless...
[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
[Continue looking into the mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: I am not!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Don't worry... I'm useless, too. We can be useless together...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, you're not useless. He is, but not you.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Then...I guess I'm not useless... Sorry.

[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
➤  [Continue looking into the mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You look in the mirror. After a minute, you realized you haven't seen the Hero blink once, and he stood in an odd pose. You move your arm, and the Hero moves his. When you move your leg, the Hero moves his. If you take a step back, the Hero, too, takes a step back.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, he's copying me.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Isn't that what mirrors are supposed to do...?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Yes, but only if you see yourself. I'm seeing the Hero. That means he's copying my movements on his own free will.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Why would he do that?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's what I'm trying to find out.

[Walk down the corridor]
➤  [Look into another mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You look into the mirror beside it and see the Hero again. Once again, he copies your movements. From the body angle to the breathing, he acts exactly like you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: This is getting creepy...

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: It's okay. It's not that scary. This is how we know what we act like. It's...very helpful.

THE NARRATOR: He's going to save the world. You might as well let this one go, Your Royal Highness.

➤  [Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You walk down the corridor. There is no end in sight. Still, you look straight ahead of you, but from the corners of your eyes, you can see the mirrors reflecting the Hero walking alongside you. He's in all of the mirrors, and he moves exactly like you at the exact same time. There is not a trace of you in any of the mirrors.

[Continue walking down the corridor]
➤  [Look into a mirror]

THE NARRATOR: You look into a mirror. Again, you see the Hero looking back at you. Again, he copies your movements.

[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
➤  [Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You raise the pristine key and stab it into the centre of the mirror. Glass shards spew out, one of them flying out and slicing your cheek. Laughter echoes through the corridors.

THE MIRROR: Did you really think you can find me just like that? Princesses really are as stupid as they look, huh?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Excuse me?

THE MIRROR: You heard me. You're nothing but a pathetic excuse of a princess warrior. I'm offended you were the one sent to save me. How can I save the world if I have someone like you trying to play be the saviour?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Excuse you—

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, calm down. Focus on the big picture. He confirmed that he knows he's going to save the world, so just get him to agree to come outside.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Right. Save him...

THE MIRROR: But what if I want to be slayed? Or just not leave this place? It's kind of nice, once you get used to it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He's going to be intolerable, isn't he?

THE MIRROR: Wow, a Princess saying that I'm intolerable? How about you look in a mirror? I've got plenty to spare!

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, focus on the bigger picture and save him. The world is counting on you.

➤  Who are you?
I'm here to slay you.
[Walk through the corridor]
[Look in the next mirror]

THE MIRROR: Wow, so you come here to save me, but you don't know who I am? I'm offended even more! Were you really the best they could send? This is why princesses are never the ones doing the saving!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I was trying to be nice—

THE MIRROR: You have a hair sticking out of place. Actually, it's all of your hair. Why do you look so ugly? You're so gross!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Okay—

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, calm down. Don't let his words bother you. He's going to save the world.

THE MIRROR: I mean, I know I'm going to save the world, but who cares about that old place? It deserves to burn up and die! Slay me, Princess!

THE NARRATOR: He didn't just say what I think he did...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wonder, can he hear you?

THE MIRROR: Hear who? Oh, did they send some crazy lunatic from a mental facility to come save me? Don't listen to the voices in your head, Princess! They make you take your meds! Listen to me, and only me!

THE NARRATOR: That is a no. It's not surprising. Not many can hear me.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Oh. Am I not supposed to hear you?

THE NARRATOR: I'm not sure if you're supposed to be here.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Oh. Sorry. I don't know where I'm supposed to be, though...

➤  I'm here to slay you.
[Walk through the corridor]
[Look in the next mirror]

THE MIRROR: So mean! What did I do to you? I want to live! I want to be saved!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Didn't he say he wanted to be slayed earlier?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Maybe he's indecisive like me...

THE NARRATOR: This choice shouldn't be hard, Your Royal Highness. Just find him and figure out how to save him. Ignore what he wants. He doesn't know it himself.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I understand how that feels...

[Walk through the corridor]
➤  [Look in the next mirror]

THE NARRATOR: You look in the next mirror. This time, the Hero doesn't copy your movements. If you move to the right, he moves to the left. If you take a step back, he takes a step forward. Whatever you do, he does the opposite. He has it down to the breathing.

THE MIRROR: You look bothered, Princess. I know because I can see it from left, right, up, down, inside, and outside. Is it because of me? I know it isn't! No need to confirm it!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He's so annoying...

THE MIRROR: Your Majesty, that's mean...

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Calm down. Don't let him bother you...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm trying...

[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
➤  [Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You stab the mirror with the pristine key. Shards fly out, and this one has a glass shard cut your dress, barely missing skin.

THE MIRROR: Wait, I don't want to get called a pervert! Redo, redo!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Maybe try thinking of happy thoughts. What makes you happy?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Not being here.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: So... So think about not being here.

[Walk down the corridor]
➤  [Look into another mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You look into another mirror. Again, the Hero is doing the opposite of you.

[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
➤  [Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You stab the mirror with the pristine key. Like the last two times, shards fly out. A particularily large piece flys out and cuts through your dress and onto your leg.

THE MIRROR: Aren't women who show their legs unholy or something? What would your mother say if she saw you like this?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why can't he stay quiet for more than five seconds?

THE NARRATOR: I admit, this is starting to get annoying...

➤  [Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You walk down the corridor. The Hero appears on all of the mirrors surrounding you, and he keeps doing the opposite of you. If you run down the corridor, he walks down the corridor. If you pause to stare at a mirror on your left, he keeps walking while looking to his right. No matter what, he, unfortunately, doesn't stop talking.

THE MIRROR: You know, I really like to talk. Princess, talk to me! I'm a great conversationalist! I can carry on a conversation for hours!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: If you talk...you'll only give him satisfaction... Stay quiet.

THE MIRROR: Come on, Princess, say something! Come on, come on, come on...!

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, can you save him yet?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm starting to doubt if I want someone like him free.

THE MIRROR: But I want to be free! I want to be saved!

THE NARRATOR: As annoying as he may be, he's going to save the world. Save him, Your Royal Highness.

[Walk down the corridor]
➤  [Look into another mirror]
[Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You look into a mirror on your right. The Hero looks back at you, still doing the opposite of what you're doing.

THE MIRROR: Hey, I think I could make a good princess. All I have to do is sit still and look pretty, right? That's how they are in stories. Must be why you're not pretty.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: This b—

THE NARRATOR: Language.

[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
➤  [Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You raise your hand to stab the mirror. However, you stop it just before reaching the centre of the mirror.

THE MIRROR: Oh? Could it be? Has the Princesss...decided to save my life? But I'd rather be slayed, so... It's all for nothing!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I didn't do that...

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I made you stop. I... I don't know a lot...but I know stabbing mirrors make glass shards start to cut you. That's what happened the last three times. You shouldn't get hurt because you're getting angry...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you for your concern, but I promise, you don't need to look out for me. I'll be okay.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: But...you'll make him enjoy this more...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Never mind. You're right. How do we go about this?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Umm...

THE NARRATOR: You're going to have to figure something out, Your Majesty. Remember, the world is going to end if you don't save the Hero.

THE MIRROR: Princess, slay me! I don't want to live! I want to be slayed! Slay me!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I... I just gave you your body back. If it's not too much to ask...can you walk down the corridor? Slowly? I might have an idea...but I'm not sure if it's a good idea...

➤  [Listen]
[Don't listen]

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Oh. You actually listened. Thank you...

THE NARRATOR: You walk through the corridor, keeping in mind your walking speed. The Hero has fun running in the reflections of the mirrors.

THE MIRROR: Come on, Princess, smile for us! If you're not going to talk, you might as well smile. Who knows, you might look a little prettier if you smile! But there's no permanently fixing your face!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Can't you make him stay quiet for a few minutes so she can focus?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: So...I can focus?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Yes, to make it easier for you. If you can do something to make him be quiet, it would be greatly appreciated too.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I don't think I can. Sorry...

THE NARRATOR: I can't make him shut up either. That isn't how this works.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm pretty sure that last time—

THE NARRATOR: How many times do I have to tell you that there was no "last time," Your Majesty? There really wasn't. This is your first time being here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I've definitely been here before.

THE MIRROR: You haven't been here before! This corridor never ends! It just repeats over and over again, so you can't be here before!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Excuse me, do you not remember what happened last time?

THE MIRROR: I do remember! It was definitely something to watch the world get destroyed. I mean, I was trapped in the basement, so I don't know that much.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I thought it was scary...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, you remember, he remembers, and I remember, but He, for some reason, doesn't.

THE NARRATOR: I'm not sure what you three are talking about—

THE MIRROR: Ooh, it's three against one! But I don't who the third is, and I don't know who He is, but it's still three against one! There's three of us, one of Him! We can take Him on!

THE MIRROR: Oh, and remember, Princess, take your meds.

THE NARRATOR: Okay, fine, I will agree that there was some sort of "before" that I don't remember. But, from the sounds of it, the world was destroyed. Wasn't it horrifying to watch the world you love get ruined right before your eyes?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Keep walking. Focus on that, and stay calm. I'll watch the mirrors for you...

➤  [Keep walking]
[Stop at a mirror]

THE NARRATOR: You keep walking. The Hero continues to reflect on the mirrors beside you.

THE MIRROR: Hey, were you the reason the world was destroyed the last time? I don't know too much about it. If He thinks it was horrible, then I bet you were totally a badass!

THE MIRROR: Hey, reply, Princess! Man, why is the person here who are meant to slay-slash-save me so mean? What did I ever do to you?

➤  [Keep walking]
[Stop at a mirror]

THE NARRATOR: No matter how long you walk, you can't seem to find an end to the corridor. The distance has only mirrors on both sides, and each and every once of them reflects the Hero. You can't escape him here.

THE MIRROR: Princess, why are you so boring? You don't talk, you don't smile, you're ugly... You have nothing good in your life. Why are you even here? Oh, I get it! It's to have something good in your life! It all makes sense now!

THE NARRATOR: You suddenly stop. Your body turn around and stop walking back.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: That's me. Again. I'm sorry, but I thought I saw something...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You don't have to apologize, but how can you control my body? This is the second time you've done this now.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I'm not sure. I just think about it and...do it. This is natural for me. Like... Like breathing is.

THE NARRATOR: You do realize that you're not the one whose meant to save the Hero, don't you?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I'm sorry. I'll leave when she has to save him...

THE MIRROR: You know, Princess, maybe you shouldn't take your meds. You talking to yourself is the only good thing you have! It's like your a bunch of people mixed into one! You even sound different than before! I thought I was just hearing things before, but now I'm sure! You sound like a whole new person!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: He can hear me now... Is that good or bad?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We'll find that out later. It seems he can't hear me now, though. I guess we're learning a lot about this...body thing we have going on.

THE NARRATOR: Anyway...

THE NARRATOR: You stop in front of another mirror among many. However, this one is different. You can't see yourself in this mirror, but you also can't see the Hero either. The mirror reflects the mirror that it's across from, seeming to look through your body.

THE MIRROR: What a weird mirror. I think you should go away from it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Is this what you saw? You're very observant to notice this change among the millions of mirrors.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Thank you...

THE MIRROR: Yeah, yeah, listen to me and walk away! You can thank me later!

[Walk down the corridor]
[Look into another mirror]
➤  [Stab the mirror with the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You raise your pristine key and stab the mirror with it. Glass shards fall, and you find yourself being pulled in. You're falling, but you're not sure what you're falling through. You can't see what surrounds you either. Everything is going by too fast, and there is nothing but the wind in your ears.

THE NARRATOR: Then, it stops. You find yourself standing on the floor of a basement. There is no door, and the only window is small and high above the floor, impossible to reach.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero sits on the stone floor. He looks the same as he did in the mirrors, but he looks less intimidating in person than through the glass. He watches you silently.

➤  You're the Hero, aren't you?
Where did my pristine key go?
Where am I?
[Take your tiara off]

THE MIRROR: I am. Meant to save the world, but all that's boring, isn't it? I'd rather be doing anything else!

➤  Where did my pristine key go?
Where am I?
[Take your tiara off]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero points to the window. If he had lips instead of a beak, he would be smiling right now.

THE MIRROR: I threw it out there.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He what.

THE MIRROR: I knew you would get mad! And you sound like how you did before! That's the whole reason why I did it in the first place, you know! Mission accomplished!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: When did you even do that?

THE MIRROR: Right now. When you weren't paying attention.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I noticed. I'm sorry. I thought He would get mad if I interviened again. And I already gave you back your body. I'm sorry...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's fine. I'm sorry for making you feel that way.

THE MIRROR: What is she talking about?

THE MIRROR: That's exactly what I was thinking!

THE NARRATOR: The Hero seems to be trying to imitate you supposedly talking to yourself by pausing as if to let someone else speak.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Umm... You're doing a great job at staying calm. You haven't gotten angry at him in a while.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you.

THE MIRROR: Hearing you talk to yourself is getting boring. Ask me another question, Princess!

➤  Where am I?
[Take your tiara off]

THE MIRROR: A basement! This is where I've been trapped! But I bet it's too boring for a princess like you, right? You'd rather have a big, fancy bedroom than a boring, old basement, right?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero pauses as he waits for a reply. When he receives none, he sighs.

THE MIRROR: You're not getting annoyed. This isn't as fun anymore...

THE MIRROR: I guess we can continue talking. Gives us something to do. Sit next to me, Princess!

➤  [Sit]
[Stand]
[Take your tiara off]

THE NARRATOR: You sit down. You kept distance between you and the Hero, but it goes to waste when he moves so you're sitting near each other.

THE MIRROR: So. What do you plan on doing with me?

I'm planning on saving you.
I'm planning on slaying you.
[Take your tiara off]
➤  [Stay silent]

THE MIRROR: Not talking much now, are you? Guess I have to carry the conversation!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Yes, please keep talking. I prefer to listen.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero falls silent.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: What do we do now...?

[Make a conversation with the Hero]
➤  [Take your tiara off]
[Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: You take the tiara off your head. It feels cold in your hands.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: What are you going to do with that?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'll know soon enough...

➤  [Stab the walls]
[Attack the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You stand up and start stabbing the walls with your tiara. Your Majesty, you're going to break your tiara if you keep doing that.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: There has to be a way out. We came in here somehow, so there has to be an exit somewhere.

THE NARRATOR: Okay then. You keep stabbing the walls.

THE MIRROR: Princess, you look crazy in a very, very, very bad way!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I guess silence can't last long here.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Wait—

THE NARRATOR: Your body freezes, but it's too late; the tiara snaps in half. Part of it remains in your hand, but the other part falls to the floor. The sound of it falling fills the silence of the room until the Hero bursts out laughing.

THE MIRROR: Wow, that was pathetic! You really are as stupid as you look! If I didn't find this absolutely hilarious, I would be offended that you were sent to save me! Good thing you're not the one meant to save the world, or else there already wouldn't be a world!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I'm sorry...! I tried to stop—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's fine. I probably do need some time to think about what to do. Could you control my body for me?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: U-Umm... I can do that.

THE MIRROR: Anyway, Princess, I've got a big, important, super-duper, mega, poe-poe question to ask you!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Poe-poe...?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Let him talk. This place will be hard to get out of for all of us...

THE NARRATOR: Plan quickly, Your Majesty. The world—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Is ending. I know. Let me think.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero makes himself comfortable on the ground, straightening himself. He looks up at you, who is still standing, with expectant eyes.

THE MIRROR: Who are you?

THE NARRATOR: The basement grows quiet. That one question sucked all livelihood the either of you had, replacing noise with only the sound of your own heartbeat and breaths.

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Excuse me?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Are you okay? You sound—

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Who...I am?

THE MIRROR: You heard me. Who are you? You know that I'm someone who's meant to save the world from destruction, and that's all there is to me. On the other hand, I don't know anything about you, so let's have an icebreaker. Who. Are. You?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero waits surprisingly patiently for your response.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You can give me my body back now. I can take over. I know about us. Just give me control back...

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: Who I am...?

THE MIRROR: That's what I asked. Who are you?

THE NARRATOR: The question seems to have shocked you to your core. Truly, who are you? In the midst of everything, you haven't given yourself time to ask that. Where are you from? Who are your parents? What was your childhood like? What is your name? Questions that should have obvious answers suddenly have none.

THE MIRROR: Hey, Princess? You... You're looking a little...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How bad do we look that he's starting to get nervous?

THE NARRATOR: The way one questions spirals into a million more is too hard for you to understand. How could you, when you have yet to answer all the other questions bombarding your mind? Each question makes you feel like reality itself is tearing you apart. How is it possible that you know more about the Hero than you know about yourself?

THE MIRROR: Princess? Hey, I'm sorry if I said something wrong. I actually do just want to get to know you. I mean, I want this whole thing to end as much as the other person, but I didn't mean to go this far. Let's switch the topic! Uhh... Do you know what they call a rude reindeer? A Rude-olph...!

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: T-Take your body. I don't want it...!

THE NARRATOR: It's about time you gave it back. Look at what she's—

THE NARRATOR: Wait... Does she have her body back yet?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: She's supposed to...

THE NARRATOR: Something is wrong. Your Majesty, you're going farther away. Your Majesty, can you hear me?

THE LIGHT OF THE UNKNOWN: I-Is she disappearing...? Give me your body back! I'll save you again...!

Are there people calling to you? You don't know. All you can see is a nothing. The world surrounding you is unwound, all its physical matter gone. Deafening silence overtakes it all.

Then, you hear noises. It is a distant rumbling, a sound of many sounds. Something Other comes close.

Hands feel your world, feel your body, feel your soul. Your entire being no longer belongs to you. You are not alone.

Fingers scratch you from the inside out. A voice, so familiar yet not at all, calls out, "This vessel is empty yet yearns for understanding. I can make myself at home with her. "

You are pulled apart and dragged into the nothingness.

Chapter Text

You feel lost. Do you truly know yourself? Maybe you don't, but that isn't a bad thing. You can start to learn. After all, you feel protected by something Other. Loved by something Other. Something Other will always help you learn about yourself.

Someone approaches you. He looks familiar with his bird-like structure, but you can't remember him no matter how hard you try.

???: Something has returned to the Long Quiet. It has surrendered its path of annihilation and brings me the gift of a fragile vessel.

You don't know who is talking. In one way, it sounds like you are with other voices. In another way, it sounds so unlike you that you couldn't possibly be the one talking. Yet, it feels so much like you, the comfort in the voice belonging to only something yourself can bring.

???: I remember you. Do you remember me?

You can't remember if you've met him before.

???: I'll take that as a no. This is rare, but that's okay. I can be the one answering questions now.

THE LONG QUIET: I am the Long Quiet. If you don't remember yourself, you are the Shifting Mound.

Vague memories piece themselves together in your mind. You understand everything, yet understand so little.

THE LONG QUIET: You act differently than I remember. Do you remember what you are?

You're sure someone has asked you a question similar to that before. You can't remember if you answered that question before, but it doesn't matter now; you can't think of an answer now. But you are not alone now. Another one can answer for you.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: I'm solitary lights in an empty city. What are you?

THE LONG QUIET: It's a good thing you remember that part. I'm a person. Can I guess that you're going to say that I'm more like you than a person?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: We're more alike than we initially seem.

THE LONG QUIET: You told me that a lot. You still do.

You don't remember ever meeting him before. Perhaps another one does, but no one answers. It seems none of you do.

THE LONG QUIET: This vessel... Is it doing you well?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: This vessel knows who she is, but at the same time, she does not. Perhaps she never knew, and was only tricking herself into thinking so. She will make for a knowledgeable heart. Do not mourn her—for she will feel the most comfortable now.

Your memories are fuzzy to make sense of anything.  The only thing you know is that you have questions you need answered.  You pull yourself together and ask what you need to.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Has the world ended?

THE LONG QUIET: Now you're the one asking me that? You really are different from the times before. Anyway, the world didn't end. It can't, if we're talking like this.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: May I ask if you know the Narrator?

THE LONG QUIET: The...Narrator? No, I don't think I know someone like that. I've only ever known you. No one else can or would ever come here.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Are you the reason I was sent to save the Hero?

You feel like you are being told that is wrong. Not that you're assuming wrong, no; the way you said "I" is wrong. It is not only you. It is multiple, yet none at all. "I" is too small and too exclusive of a word to truly describe it all.

THE LONG QUIET: I'm not the reason. I'll tell you now before you can ask: I don't know what why you were sent to save the Hero. Save me, in a way. But I'm not the Hero, but I think the Hero is me.

You have one final question. This one is the most important to you.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Am I the Princess?

THE LONG QUIET: I asked you that when we first met. You said that the princess was a part of you, and you were a part of her.

THE LONG QUIET: If that's all you have to ask, can I ask you something? This is different from before, and I know you don't seem to remember a lot, but do you know what happens now?

To be the one that knows the answer to a question. It is something that can easily be taken for granted. You don't realize it until now.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Nothing, as we are. But I know that there are worlds beyond us, and that we are meant to reach them.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: There is no exit, but this vessel is a creature of observation. She sees more than you could ever know, and she'll only let you in on that knowledge if you believe her to be able to.

THE LONG QUIET: So, it's similar to what we did the first time around. I'll go bring you more vessels, okay?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: That would be nice. More perspectives may make me whole, and perhaps then, we will know our freedom.

THE LONG QUIET: You still don't know how many I need to find, do you?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: No. I am infinite. You cannot possibly find all of me. The ones you do not will find their way home.

THE LONG QUIET: Alright. I'll go look. It has been nice talking to you again.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Wait.

Was that you who stopped him, or was that another one? Confusion is something that wraps your mind. How well you think you'll get along with it, you don't know.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: How much of this will I forget?

THE LONG QUIET: Ahh, that...

THE LONG QUIET: I don't know. This is the first time you forgot about meeting me. I guess we'll just have to see. Until we meet again.

Everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of the cabin is a Hero.

THE NARRATOR: You're here to save him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.

The end of the world?
Save a hero? Can't this supposed hero save himself?
Maybe releasing this hero will  cause  the world to end.
➤ Okay, I'll do it!
How did the Hero get locked up?
Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: I'm pleased you're excited for this, but remember that this job is meant to be taken seriously. Oh, word of warning—the Hero has been described as violent. Reckless. Evil. Some say he's a monster that acts as ugly as he looks like, and others witnessed him being more cruel than any torture method you can think of combined.

THE NARRATOR: Don't listen to a word of it. He will save us from the end of the world.

This doesn't make me want to save him.
➤ He sounds lovely.
The end of the world?
How did the Hero get locked up?
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Your sarcasm is noted.

➤ I wasn't being sarcastic.
This doesn't make me want to save him.
How did the Hero get locked up?
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: I doubt that. Now, are we going to continue talking, or are you going to save the world?

➤ Your description doesn't make me want to save him.
The end of the world?
How did the Hero get locked up?
Do I get a reward for this?
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Don't be like that, Your Majesty. He's going to save the world—save you. You should save him, or at least hear him out. Otherwise, you will die. If you won't do it for the world, do it for yourself. Being a bit selfish never hurt anyone.

The end of the world?
How did the Hero get locked up?
Do I get a reward for this?
➤ [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk up the path to the cabin.

➤ [Proceed into the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The inside of the cabin is rather bare. The only furniture it has are a wooden chair and a wooden table. A pristine key lies on the table. Near the table and the chair is a door. A keyhole is under the doorknob, but the door is unlocked for you.

THE NARRATOR: Going through the door will reveal the Hero to you.

➤ [Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You take the pristine key. Good choice. It'll be easier to save the Hero if you have something to help you.

➤ [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You open the door and go downstairs. From the bottom of the stairs, you hear a voice.

THE HERO: Who's there?

➤ I'm here to save you.
I'm here to slay you.
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: There is silence from the voice's end. Then, he comes back.

THE HERO: But what if I want to be slayed?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I could kill him if he wants to be slayed.

THE NARRATOR: Don't slay him, Your Royal Highness.

THE NARRATOR: You come to the stone floor of the basement. There, you see what many would describe as a monster chained to the wall via his wrist. Feathers belonging to a bird covering his head and body. Arms covered in scales like a reptile's. Nails as sharp as a cat's claws. Cold eyes looking at you and only you, studying your every move.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by his looks. This is the Hero. He is going to save the world.

THE HERO: So, you're the one here to save me...

THE NARRATOR: His tone makes it unclear what he thinks about you.

➤ Who are you?
[Sit next to the Hero]
[Use the pristine key to save him]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: That's a weird question. I already told you who he is.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I know, but I want to hear him say it.

THE HERO: I'm the Hero. Or, maybe I'm just a Hero. I'm not too sure who I am.

THE NARRATOR: Remember, he hasn't talked to another living creature in a long time. Please be respectful.

➤ [Sit next to the Hero]
[Use the pristine key to save him]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: You sit next to the Hero. He watches you, his eyes following your every move. Neither of you say anything.

➤ How long have you been trapped here?
Who trapped you here?
Do you know that you're supposed to save the world?
[Use the pristine key to save him]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]
[Do nothing]

THE HERO: I don't know. Every day feels the same. I think it's been a long time, though.

➤ Who trapped you here?
Do you know that you're supposed to save the world?
[Use the pristine key to save him]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]
[Do nothing]

THE HERO: I don't remember. You're the first person I've seen in a while.

THE NARRATOR: Which I told you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Shush. I want to talk to him only.

➤ Do you know that you're supposed to save the world?
[Use the pristine key to save him]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]
[Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero blinks, confused.

THE HERO: I am?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Does he not realize that he has to be a Hero for a reason?

THE NARRATOR: Clearly, he didn't know what that reason was until now. Are you sure you made the right decision to tell him now?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I didn't know that he didn't know. Anyway, shouldn't someone who is meant to save the world know they're meant to save the world? How are they going to save the world otherwise?

THE NARRATOR: I see your point, Your Royal Highness, but please think before you say anything from now on.

➤ The world is ending soon, and you're meant to save it. I don't know the specifics, but I do know that you have to get out of the basement and do something to save the world.
[Use the pristine key to save him]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]
[Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, I just said—

THE NARRATOR: Never mind. The Hero listens in silence as you explain what he's meant to do. When you're done, he slowly nods, his eyes drifting from you to his chains. He lifts his wrist, the sounds of the chains clanking together filling the basement. He adjusts it so the keyhole is facing both of you.

THE HERO: If you're here, that means you're here to save me, right? There isn't anything in here to unlock this, so do you have anything?

➤ I do. [Use the pristine key to save him]
I do, but it won't be a way you like.
I don't, but I can go upstairs and look for something.
I don't, so you're going to have to be free in a way you won't like.
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]
[Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: You lean forward to help get the chain wrapped around his wrist off of him. The Hero lets you unchain it. His chain clicks as the pristine key turns and unlocks.

THE NARRATOR: Once his hand is free, he turns it around. He studies his hand and the freedom he now has before looking back to you. The Hero lowers his head in respect.

THE HERO: Thank you, Your Royal Highness...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He seems sweet. Are you sure that he's some cruel, evil monster?

THE NARRATOR: No, I don't. I only said what others have described him as.

➤ Are you going to save the world now?
Come on, let's go.
[Proceed up the stairs]
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero laughs at your question, but it doesn't sound rude. After all, he's not laughing at you.

THE HERO: I guess so. You did save me for that, didn't you? It's the least I can do to pay you back for saving me. Once I'm finished with that, I can do more.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He doesn't actually think saving the world isn't a good enough way to repay me for taking a few minutes to save him?

THE NARRATOR: He doesn't. Despite his appearances, the Hero is a nice creature. He only wants what's good for others, even if he thinks he has to go through hoops to achieve it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's sweet, but I'm worried he'll get taken advantage of...

THE NARRATOR: Then I suppose it's good he met you, isn't it?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm here to save him, not babysit him.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Although, I think I might have to see him more often now...

THE NARRATOR: That means you should get used to this.

➤ Come on, let's go.
[Proceed up the stairs]
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE HERO: Right, we have to leave now. I don't want to waste your time.

THE NARRATOR: You and the Hero walk up the stairs, the Hero following you. However, the door leading to the cabin's exit closes and locks behind you.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero bangs on the door. No matter how much of a ruckus he makes, no one answers, and the door remains closed.

THE HERO: It's probably whoever locked me in here. They got mad that I'm being saved, so they locked me in here again. It's worse this time since they locked me here with someone who shouldn't be here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What do we do now?

THE NARRATOR: Why are you asking me that? Your job is to get the Hero out of the cabin so he can save the world. You have to figure something out.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Are you sure you can't narrate a way out of this? That's your job, isn't it?

THE NARRATOR: My job is to report facts and describe details. It doesn't include making up solutions when needed. This is something you have to solve, Your Majesty.

➤ Let's think of a plan.
[Stay silent]
[Go back downstairs]

THE HERO: Right, we should do that. By any chance, can your pristine key fit in the keyhole here?

THE NARRATOR: At his suggestion, you try to fit your pristine key into the keyhole. The keyhole is too small for the pristine key to fit.

THE HERO: Okay, that didn't work. Let's go downstairs and talk.

THE NARRATOR: You follow the Hero back downstairs. The two of you sit on the floor.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's expression has turned serious. He looks at you with determination in his eyes. Even though he has been trapped here for a long time, he wasn't going to stay down here any longer.

THE HERO: We're trapped down here, and we need to get especially you out. The keyhole is too big, and I've tried to break the door down plenty of times before. That's why I got chained up, but we're not focusing on that. Right now, we need to focus on finding a way out, even if that way only lets one of us out. As long as you're safely out of here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why is he completely ignoring how he's meant to save the world?

THE NARRATOR: This is how he's always been. I think it might be because leaving to save the world could mean that he was the only one who left the basement.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That doesn't make sense. Nothing about that implies that only I have to leave.

THE NARRATOR: Then let's put it this way: You're a princess, and he's a monster. The average person would choose you to save and not him. The Hero thinks the same way.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: The average person, including the Hero, would choose for me to live despite knowing he's meant to save the world?

THE NARRATOR: Yes. I know you're thinking of how unusual that is, Your Majesty, and that is why you were chosen to save the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't remember being told to save the Hero, though.

THE NARRATOR: You can think about that after you save the Hero. Now isn't a good time.

Should we talk while we think of a plan?
➤ I'm guessing you don't have a plan.
I don't know what to do...
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: I don't, but don't be discouraged! I'll think of one soon!

Should we talk while we think of a plan?
➤ I don't know what to do...
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Don't worry, Your Royal Highness. I'll get you out of here.

THE NARRATOR: Try not to be sad, Your Royal Highness. Being sad could distract the Hero, and every second wasted here is a second closer to the end of the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You're not comforting.

THE NARRATOR: I wasn't trying to be.

➤ Should we talk while you or I think of a plan?
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: If you want to. I know silence can be uncomfortable for some people. What do you want to talk about?

➤ I'm not actually sure...
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE HERO: That's alright. How about you tell me about yourself? You already know a lot about me, but I don't know a lot about you.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, are you going to find a way to save him anytime soon? The world needs to be saved.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I know. Just give me some time...

➤ I'm a princess.
I don't like talking about myself.
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero points to your tiara. If he had a mouth, he would be smiling.

THE HERO: I can tell!

THE NARRATOR: His joyful tone quickly falls away, leaving a serious one behind.

THE HERO: It's all the more reason why I should save you.

➤ Why do you prioritize my life over yours?
I don't have anything else to talk about.
Do you have something else you want to talk about?
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero tilts his head. Small hints of confusion cloud his eyes.

THE HERO: You're a princess. You should be the one to get saved. I don't want to rely on stereotypes, but it's usually the hero saving the princess, not the other way around.

THE HERO: I'm not saying you're not capable of saving yourself, of course! I just want to make sure you're safe.

➤ What about the end of the world?
What about your life?
Thank you, but don't worry about me. I'll be okay.
Do you have something else you want to talk about?
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE HERO: I can worry about that later.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That isn't doing the world any favours, is it?

THE NARRATOR: It is not. Luckily, you're here to make sure he can leave.

➤ What about your life?
Thank you, but don't worry about me. I'll be okay
.Do you have something else you want to talk about?
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE HERO: Don't worry, I'll be fine.

Thank you, but don't worry about me. I'll be okay.
Do you have something else you want to talk about?
➤ Is it hard for you to focus on yourself rather than someone else?
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero looks a little startled at your question. He recovers fast.

THE HERO: I wouldn't say that it's hard. I just...like to think about other people more than me. I mean, I'm the Hero. I'm meant to save everyone else. That includes you. I need to think of a plan to escape...

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, this conversation is becoming a waste of time. The clock is ticking. You need to think of something fast.

Thank you, but don't worry about me. I'll be okay
.Do you have something else you want to talk about?
Have you thought of anything?
➤ [Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: You hold up the pristine key, making your grip on it firm as if it was a dagger. The Hero's eyes widened as he stood up and stumbled back.

THE HERO: What are you doing?

THE NARRATOR: I would like to know that as well.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You said to find a way to get him out of here.

THE NARRATOR: I meant a way where he is alive!

[Attack the Hero]
➤ [Attack yourself]
[Lower the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You put the pristine key against your chest. Before the Hero can stop you, you stab yourself.

THE NARRATOR: I'm going to be honest; I'm not sure what your plan is here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He can only think about other people. If I'm gone, he can think about himself, thus save the world.

THE NARRATOR: Your logic makes zero sense.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: At least I'm doing something. What are you doing, other than saying what the Hero and I do?

THE NARRATOR: More than you think.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero pulls the pristine key out of your body. More blood starts to pour out of you.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero is trying to tell you something, but you can't tell what. The words are all drowning away, and soon, your eyelids feel heavy. Everything goes black.

Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of the cabin is a hero.

THE NARRATOR: You're here to save him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.

Wasn't I already here?
I'm not doing this again!
Did the world already end?
Okay, I'll do it!
➤ I thought I saved him. I did I kill myself, but I had good intentions.
[Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, I mean in the kindest way when I ask you why in the world you thought that was a good idea.

THE NARRATOR: Actually, don't answer it. It didn't happen, anyway. It couldn't have happened if you're here right now. The Hero is still trapped, so just go to the cabin and save the Hero.

Wasn't I already here?
I'm not doing this again!
Did the world already end?
Okay, I'll do it!
➤ [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: A word of warning before you go to the cabin—the Hero has been described as deadly. Violent. Evil. He knows what to say that will make you tremble, getting deep into your heart. He's vicious and will do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by a word of it. The Hero is going to save the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Yes, I do think we should give him the benefit of the doubt. Even if that is true, we do not know his circumstances that caused him to act this way.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Is this the first time we've met? I suppose it is. Hello!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Hi...

THE NARRATOR: Ignore her, Your Majesty. You have a job to do.

➤ [Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The cabin has a more royal interior with perfect stone walls and royal #tapestries hanging on the walls. A throne sits next to a long table, and on it lies a pristine key. The large wooden door leads you to the basement. There, you will find the Hero.

➤ [Approach the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the mirror. You can see yourself looking just like a princess should. The dress is long and soft, and your hair rests gracefully on your back. Your tiara rests on your head, and you look absolutely beautiful.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wasn't wearing this before...

THE NARRATOR: There is no "before," Your Royal Highness. This is the first time you've been here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Excuse me, you agree that this isn't the first time we've been here, don't you? You remember, right?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Of course I do, but let us give Him a second chance. Perhaps he simply cannot remember.

THE NARRATOR: I obviously can't remember something that never happened.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: See? He cannot remember, so he is acting like it had never occured. Let us give him some time to remember it. If it seems he cannot remember on his own, we must help him!

➤ [Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You take the pristine key. Good choice, Your Majesty. It will be hard to save the Hero without anything to help you.

➤ [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You walk down the carpeted stairs to the basement. Torches hang from the stone walls and light your way to the bottom.

THE NARRATOR: The bottom of the stairs reveal a large room. A king-sized bed with lots of pillows and blankets rests in one corner, and a large, soft rug lies on the floor. A long dining table with a diversity of food takes up some of the room, 12 chairs surrounding it. On the ceiling, there is a large chandelier lighting the room, and bookshelves rest near the stairs with more books than anyone could ever read in a lifetime.

THE NARRATOR: However, all of that is useless to the creature many would describe as a monster. He has a body and head covered in feathers. Arms covered in scales. Nails as sharp as claws. Wings bigger than any other creature's. Taller than anyone could ever truly be. He's chained to the far wall by his wrists, ankles, and neck, making him unable to access anything in the room.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by his looks. This is the Hero. He is going to save the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Do not worry, Sir. We are giving him the benefit of the doubt in everything. There must be a reason why he is described as a monster, and we are going to assume it is something unfair.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Who is "we?"

THE NARRATOR: The Hero looks up at the sound of your voice. He sits up straighter, his chains rattling in response. His wide eyes are transfixed on you and only you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, he can hear me...

THE ENRAPTURED: Of course, I can hear such a lovely voice! Never in my life has something so beautiful been blessed upon my very ears!

➤ What is wrong with him?
Who are you?
I'm here to save you.
I'm here to slay you.
[Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Nothing is wrong with him. He simply talks in a different way than last time. Perhaps he had always thought your voice is beautiful, but he is saying it now! Compliments are so lovely!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not sure if he means it...

THE ENRAPTURED: Of course I mean your voice is lovely. I could hear you talk or sing for days without getting bored! Such a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice... Someone like me could ask for no more!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He is flirting! Could he be in love with you? How sweet!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think you're starting to enjoy this a bit too much...

THE ENRAPTURED: Of course I am! There is nothing I enjoy more than being in your presence.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He is so sweet...

➤ Who are you?
I'm here to save you.
I'm here to slay you.
What a weirdo.
Why are you flirting with me?
[Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]

THE ENRAPTURED: I am the Hero! However, that title does not satisfy me. I would much rather be your lover.

THE NARRATOR: I already told you who he is. Let's try to not ask useless questions, okay?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That question wasn't useless. I wanted to hear him say who he is.

THE ENRAPTURED: It was indeed not! You, my fair lady, are so kind! Not many would give me an opportunity to express who I am. If I wasn't in love already, I would be now!

I'm here to save you.
➤ I'm here to slay you.
What a weirdo.
Why are you flirting with me?
I'm questioning how smart you truly are.
[Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Is...that so? I-I thought we were supposed to save him...

THE NARRATOR: You are supposed to save him. Your Majesty, what are you saying?

THE ENRAPTURED: Are you now? I am honoured that a woman as lovely as you are is coming to slay me! I am able to die happy knowing you are by my side!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, you don't care if I kill you.

THE ENRAPTURED: Of course not! Why should I ever be upset over a beautiful and intelligent woman coming to kill me? Personally, I think we need more female killers anyway! That field is too dominated by males. We need more female representation!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think he's gone crazy...

THE ENRAPTURED: I am crazy for you, my dear!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Even if he is crazy, at least he is nice!

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, you're not slaying him. You're here to save him, so do it.

➤ What a weirdo.
Why are you flirting with me?
I'm questioning how smart you truly are.
[Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]

THE ENRAPTURED: I am only a weirdo for you! Unless you do not want me to be a weirdo. If that is the case, I will no longer be a weirdo!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I have a feeling you'll still be weird no matter what I say...weirdo.

THE ENRAPTURED: Your insults are like a melody for my ears! I could listen to your insults all day long! You have my heart!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He's definitely gone crazy... Are you sure he's meant to save the world?

THE ENRAPTURED: I shall only save the world if you want me to! If you want me to end it, I shall end it! I only want to do whatever makes my queen happy.

THE NARRATOR: Yes, I am very sure this is who will save the world. Do you have a problem with it?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: No, not at all!

➤ Why are you flirting with me?
I'm questioning how smart you truly are.
[Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]

THE ENRAPTURED: Because I love you, of course! You have caught my heart and soul, and I am willing to give you the world if you just ask for it!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I meant why do you love me.

THE ENRAPTURED: I don't see why I shouldn't. You're the perfect woman. You're smart, you're brave, you're beautiful, you're resourceful, you're kind... Not many people would sacrifice their life for another so easily, either. You have won my heart, my dove!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Killing ourselves...did hurt, though...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Please don't cry...

THE ENRAPTURED: I will stop for you!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You weren't ever crying.

THE ENRAPTURED: I'm not crying because you told me to stop!

THE NARRATOR: "Killing ourselves?" Did you both talk about that to play some cruel joke? No, I would've heard you discuss it. He also mentioned sacrificing yourself...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Take all the time you need to remember what happened last time. We are here for you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You are. Just you.

THE ENRAPTURED: I am what? No, actually, don't tell me. I like a woman who keeps her mystories.

➤ I'm questioning how smart you truly are.
[Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE ENRAPTURED: I may not be the brightest of the bright, but I know for a fact that you are the love of my life, and I will do anything to make you happy!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That doesn't help.

THE ENRAPTURED: I apologize! What shall I do to make up for this horrible sin I have committed?

THE NARRATOR: Okay, this conversation has gone on long enough. You've both actually been here before, haven't you? I thought you were playing a sick joke, but I see that's not the case.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You... You think we would lie about killing ourselves like that...?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Be quiet, you're making her cry.

THE ENRAPTURED: I will stay quiet for her!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, not you. I meant... Ugh...

THE ENRAPTURED: My queen, if you need to take a break, use anything here! I haven't used anything before, so feel free to touch and use whatever you want! I am ready only when you are.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Oh, I just realized, the Hero has not responded to anything I have said. Why is that?

THE NARRATOR: I think he can only hear Her Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Ahh, that is a shame. I would like to talk to him one day. I can wait, however!

THE NARRATOR: Back to what we were talking about. It does seem like there was a before. But, if that's true, Your Royal Highness, why did you kill yourself?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: It hurt so, so much...

THE NARRATOR: You're making her cry, Your Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You made her cry by reminding her of it.

THE ENRAPTURED: I apologize sincerely to her!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Be quiet.

THE ENRAPTURED: Alright, my princess!

➤ [Use the pristine key to save the Hero]
[Hold the pristine key as a weapon]

THE NARRATOR: You crouch down and put the key on the keyhole in the chain around his neck. When you turn it, a clicking sound is heard as the chain falls. You do the same for the chains on his wrists and ankles. Soon, the Hero is completely free.

THE NARRATOR: Now, with more movement, the Hero kneels before you, his hand holding yours gently.

THE ENRAPTURED: Thank you, my dear. You've saved me despite saying you will slay me, and I shall remember this moment for the rest of my life. Whenever you need me, I shall be there for you. I will repay you in any way possible.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: This is getting a little weird...

THE ENRAPTURED: Tell me how to make myself less weird, and I will follow! I will do anything to make you happy!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Do not be mean to him! He is trying his best.

➤ Come on, let's leave.
Do you want to do something here before we leave?
[Attack the Hero]

THE ENRAPTURED: As you wish!

THE NARRATOR: The Hero holds your hand gently and guides you upstairs. You climb up the stairs together, and soon, the two of you will be outside. You should be proud of yourself, Your Royal Highness. By spending a few minutes here, you saved the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Oh, what a happy ending!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It wasn't this easy last time, so I don't think it will be this easy this time...

THE ENRAPTURED: Don't be sad. It's only going to be sad if you think so, my darling. This time will be better than the last!

THE NARRATOR: However, it appears you're right, Your Majesty. The Hero tries to open the door, but it is no use. The door has been locked.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Are we trapped down here...forever? I do not want to be trapped here...!

THE NARRATOR: Please stop crying. Your tears are starting to get bothersome...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I-I am so sorry...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I knew things wouldn't be easy...

THE ENRAPTURED: Do not worry, my fair lady. I will find a way to save the both of us!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's what you said last time...but I suppose I did kill myself before you could think of something...

THE ENRAPTURED: This will be different from last time! You will not sacrifice yourself so I can be free!

You don't have a plan to escape, do you?
Since we have a lot of time right now, what happened last time after I died?
➤ [Try to use the pristine key to open the door]
[Attack the Hero]
[Go downstairs]
[Kill yourself]
[Make the Hero kill himself]
[Stay silent]

THE ENRAPTURED: You are a genius, my love!

THE NARRATOR: You try to put the pristine key in the keyhole. The keyhole is too big for the pristine key to do anything.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's one way it's different from last time...

THE ENRAPTURED: Don't be discouraged, my queen. Another way will surely open up!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We are going to die here... We are going to die here...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'd rather not have you repeat we're going to die here. I don't think we should die here a second time...

THE ENRAPTURED: Your words spark a fire of determination in my heart! We must not think negatively! Positivity will surely last us a long time! Thank you, my dearest, for your wise words!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We are not going to die down here... We are not going to die down here...

THE NARRATOR: If you're trying to be positive, you could at least sound confident in your words.

➤ You don't have a plan to escape, do you?
Since we have a lot of time right now, what happened last time after I died?
[Attack the Hero]
[Go downstairs]
[Kill yourself]
[Make the Hero kill himself]
[Stay silent]

THE ENRAPTURED: I shall think of something for you!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We're going to be here for a while...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We are definitely going to die here, are we not...?

THE NARRATOR: Please stop crying...

➤ Since we have a lot of time right now, what happened last time after I died?
[Attack the Hero]
[Go downstairs]
[Kill yourself]
[Make the Hero kill himself]
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, you don't have as much time as you think. The world is going to end.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I know the world is going to end soon, but I think I have the right to know what happened after I died.

THE ENRAPTURED: You do! I shall help you know more than any other maiden in the world!

THE ENRAPTURED: After you died, the door unlocked! I chased out to find the culprit of who trapped your poor soul in the ugly basement, but there was no one. In fact, when I opened the door, I found an empty void. I did not know what to do! Not only did I disappoint you by letting the culprit get away, but I could not even leave the cabin anymore!

THE ENRAPTURED: I'm afraid I don't know how much time passed before I decided to follow in your footsteps and kill myself. There was no way to tell time. But, when I killed myself, I found myself back here! Although, the room looks different. So much nicer!

THE ENRAPTURED: But it was still an empty, deserted place before you came in. Now that you are here, I am willing to spend an eternity here with you, but not before I go through every possible way to let you leave!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: This story... Everything he went through... It all sounds so horrible...

THE NARRATOR: There she goes crying again...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I have a favour to ask. Could you stay silent until I tell you that you can talk again? I will say the words, "You can talk again," when I'm finished.

THE ENRAPTURED: I can do that!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Now, for the rest of us, can we agree that story did not make sense? The Hero...found himself in a void? We were outside the cabin less than an hour before the Hero tried to leave, and we can tell we were in the woods. How did the cabin go into the void? How did we not notice that happen?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: A... Are you suggesting that the Hero...lied to us?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, I don't think he would lie. Look at the way he acts towards us. It doesn't make sense if he's lying to us about this.

THE NARRATOR: That doesn't mean he can't lie.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You know a lot, do you not? Could you explain how we came back?

THE NARRATOR: I don't know everything, and this is one of the things I don't know. So, no, I can't explain this.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Then... How did this happen...?

THE NARRATOR: This is only a guess, but perhaps you were too late. Perhaps the world already ended.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If that's the end of the world, it didn't feel like anything happen. Remember, we were alive moments before the door was opened, and we didn't feel anything change. If the world ended, that was rather peaceful.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Did the world not end before?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You believe the world ended?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I don't know what to believe...

THE NARRATOR: The world had to end if you're here again. This is your chance to make up for wherever you messed up last time. I wouldn't treat this as something that says you have infinite lives, so please, don't mess up again.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Is this conversation over then?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I suppose so. I do not think we can think of anything else to add...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Alright. You can talk again.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero perks up at the words he's been waiting for.

THE ENRAPTURED: Thank you, Your Majesty!

[Attack the Hero]
[Go downstairs]
[Kill yourself]
[Make the Hero kill himself]
➤ [Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: You both stay silent.

[Attack the Hero]
[Go downstairs]
[Kill yourself]
➤ [Make the Hero kill himself]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, what are you doing?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You. Hero. I already sacrificed my life for you. I don't want to do it again.

THE ENRAPTURED: Yes, and you will not!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Exactly. That's why you should kill yourself.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stills as the words settle. An uncomfortable silence falls between you as he processes your words.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Wh-What are you saying...?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's confident demeanour becomes uncertain as he finally realizes what you're asking.

THE ENRAPTURED: I'm... I'm sorry?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Kill yourself. Take this pristine key and stab it through you. It can be wherever you want. As long as it kills you, it doesn't matter.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Why are you saying this...?

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, this is an absolutely horrible idea.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Are you going to kill yourself? You said you would do anything for me, didn't you?

THE ENRAPTURED: Y-Yes, I did say that, didn't I?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Exactly. It's time you fulfill your words.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero hesitates. His eyes switch from the pristine key to you.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, I do not understand in the slightest what you're asking him to do.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You cannot ask anyone to do that no matter what...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You said I wasn't going to kill myself again, and this time would be different. Here is your chance to make it different. Are you going to do it?

THE ENRAPTURED: N... Yes, I'll do it for you, my sweetheart...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Wh-Why did he...?

THE NARRATOR: I can't believe this...

THE NARRATOR: The Hero takes the pristine key from you. Before it goes into his stomach, he pauses and looks at you. His eyes search you, searching for an escape from the fate you're making him have. Luckily, it's not too late. You can go back.

➤ [Stay firm]
[Change your mind]

THE NARRATOR: Of course...

THE NARRATOR: The Hero nods and turns his head away from you. His eyes squeeze shut, and the sound of the pristine key penetrating his stomach fills the room. He grits his teeth as he leans over. Blood comes out of his body, but he makes no noise.

THE NARRATOR: You watch in silence as the life drains out of the Hero. He makes no struggle, no effort to stay alive. He slumps against the stairs, his eyes, as always, on you and only you. His breathing slowly slows, and his eyes start to close. It doesn't take long for it to end, but it feels that way. Soon, all that remains of the Hero is his lifeless body.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Wh-What is this...?

THE NARRATOR: I hope you're proud of yourself, Your Majesty. You've just doomed us all.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It will be okay. The Hero said that when we killed ourselves, the door opened.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty—

THE NARRATOR: Okay then. Ignore me.

THE NARRATOR: You try to open the door, but it remains locked.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, it's open. It has to be open. It opened for him, so it has to open for us too. If it doesn't, then it means everything I just did is worthless.

THE NARRATOR: It is worthless. The door won't open.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Are you sure the only reason it isn't opening is because of you?

THE NARRATOR: Yes, I'm sure. I only say facts and describe details, not make things up out of convenience.

THE NARRATOR: Although, maybe it doesn't matter what I do now. The world is going to end because you made the Hero kill himself. This is how the world ends, isn't it? I never thought I'd ever see it with my own eyes...

THE NARRATOR: Well, if I'm going to have to see it, I'm not seeing this sober. Excuse me while I pour myself a drink...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, you're not drinking anything. If the world is going to end, I want answers. You never said how the Hero was meant to save the world, and you haven't said why or how the world is ending. For all I know, this could be a cruel experiment you set up.

THE NARRATOR: Are you trying to imply that the Hero's death is my fault, Your Majesty?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not implying anything. I'm only saying what I don't know. If the world is really is ending, then you should make yourself useful and explain everything you didn't explain before.

THE NARRATOR: This is ridiculous. Absolute nonsense. You, don't you think so?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He died... He died for us... No, he died because she made him...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I did it for a reason. Something happened to open the door after I killed myself last time. I thought it would work the same way if the Hero killed himself, but we can see that it didn't. I was trying to save us.

THE NARRATOR: You're a princess, not a scientist. You're not supposed to do experiments like this.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's a little too late for that, wouldn't you say?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: How can you sound so undisturbed, you...you monster...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wouldn't go as far as to call myself a monster.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: That is exactly what you are. You made the Hero kill himself...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Can we talk about this after He explains how the world will end? I want answers.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: No. No, we cannot move on from this...

THE NARRATOR: She's right. You've ruined it for all of us. There isn't a world to get back to now.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You know what I just realized? We're all being overdramatic. We can think of another way get out ourselves. After we leave, we can save the world ourselves.

THE NARRATOR: It's not that easy to save the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How am I supposed to know how easy or hard saving the world is when you refuse to tell us anything other than that the Hero is meant to save it?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I have an idea. On how to get out. We... We have to kill ourselves again. That was how we got here, was it not? If we do that...we get a second chance to save him...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Let's not do that.

THE NARRATOR: Why not? Weren't you so willing to kill yourself last time?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: People can have different views in two slightly similar scenarios. Also, unless you can remember what happened last time, I'd rather you don't talk about it.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: None of you understand...! We have to save him! We have to, we have to!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I mean no offence, but it's hard to understand you when you're crying so much.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Be quiet!

THE NARRATOR: Suddenly, you're crouching down to rip the pristine key out of the Hero's body. It's stained with his blood.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not doing this. Stop making me do this!

THE NARRATOR: I'm not the one making you do this. It's her.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: None of you understand! We have to save him! We came here to save him...and he killed himself because of her... We have to find some way to save him!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How are you taking over my body? Give it back!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We have to save him!

THE NARRATOR: You... She plunges the pristine key into your own stomach. Your vision blurs as pain takes over your body. Soon, everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You—

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We cannot waste any time! We have to save the Hero!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Don't worry, we know! We'll save him at some point, but I think we should calm down first.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I don't know, do you?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'll take that as a no.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Believe whatever you wanna believe. I like watching things more than doing things, but I'll pick up my share now! No offense, but you guys really need someone else to talk. New ideas, you know?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That means you've been here before?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Like I said, believe whatever you wanna believe. I have no proof that I was there before, and I have no proof I wasn't. Believe whatever suits you best!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You were here. You could have said something to stop it, but you refused...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: That isn't really what I meant, you know. But I'm on your side! I want to save the Hero! Saving the Hero means the world will be saved, and that means people will be saved! Personally, I love people being happy. We're all so cute when we're happy, you know? Saving the Hero means happiness, so don't be angry at me!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: And, hey, you could've stopped it too, you know. And why are you crying? I get that he's meant to save the world, but we have a second chance now! We can save him this time!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He still should not have had to kill himself! It is purely her fault!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Isn't you killing my body making his sacrifice worthless? I didn't have time to do anything with his sacrifice before you did that. You're the one who made his death in vain.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Th-That is not...!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: You made him kill himself, Princess.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I made him do it for a reason.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: It was not a good reason!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Yeah, I agree. The world ends if the Hero isn't saved, right? I hate sadness since it's so icky and gross, so, yeah, that's, like, my worst nightmare.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Well, unless we can save the world ourselves. If we can do that, then I guess that wouldn't be my worst nightmare, but it'd still be pretty bad. What do you think the chances are of us being able to save the world?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Very low, considering how we still don't know how the world is going to end.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: And since we're probably not going to find out anytime soon, we have to save the Hero! That's in our best interest!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: That is right. We have a job to do! We cannot waste time here... We are wasting time here! We have to go!

THE NARRATOR: I would much prefer if my existence was acknowledged, and I would love if one of you explained to me what you're talking about.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We're going to the cabin now.

THE NARRATOR: I would love to go to the cabin, but I would still love to know the context to your conversation.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It isn't—

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: She made the Hero kill himself, and we have to make sure he doesn't this time! We have to save him!

THE NARRATOR: It was a bit hard to understand through the tears, but I think I understood what "she made the Hero kill himself" means...

THE NARRATOR: Whatever you all were talking about must have been nice while it lasted, but forget about it now. It never happened if you're all here.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Is anyone surprised he doesn't believe us? Because I'm not. But maybe we can make him remember! It'll do us all a favour if we don't have to experience him being like, You haven't been here before! This is your first time meeting the Hero! Everything you think is just some sick joke!

THE NARRATOR: I do not sound like that.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Whatever. Does anyone think he has a head we can hit?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I know he can drink alcohol, if that helps.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Yeah, but that doesn't mean he drinks it through his mouth. He could, like, drink it through his butt.

THE NARRATOR: I drink everything normally, and you are not going to hit me on the head. Anyway, this story you've made... Just forget about it.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We had to—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She made us kill ourselves.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Isn't that hypocritical when you made the Hero kill himself? You killed yourself before.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I made the Hero kill himself because I thought killing him could mean we could leave the same way he did. Obviously, it didn't work.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I can see where you're coming from with that. You had yourself, her, and Him, and, from our knowledge, the Hero only had himself. You save more people by killing him instead of us, but there's still everyone else in the world to think about. The Hero's life is worth more because of them, right? But if our death was the reason the door unlocked and sent the Hero into that void thing...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: While you think about that, I'm going to quickly add that the difference is that I killed my body. She took control and made us kill ourselves. Because of that, we're back at the start, and we have someone else to add to whatever conversation this is.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: If it makes me worth anything, I have a lot of theories we can try out, but not a lot of them help maximize happiness.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Why do you care about happiness so much?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I love being happy! You should too. Let's try not to cry so much, okay? I bet the Hero wouldn't like that?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: N-No, I do not think so...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Exactly! Turn that frown upside down!

THE NARRATOR: I think this conversation is getting derailed by a lot. Let us go to the cabin and see the Hero. You all can figure out a plan once you actually do see the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Yes, we have to go see him! We can save the Hero this time!

➤ [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: A word of warning before you enter the cabin—the Hero has been described—

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: As a wonderful creature who was forced to kill himself because of a cruel girl!

THE NARRATOR: I could've done the explaining myself in a much better way...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I would prefer Him to do the explaining as well. Neither of us would describe me as "cruel."

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: That is exactly what you are!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: We're wasting time, ladies! The world is going to end soon! Let's go, go, go!

➤ [Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The cabin is made entirely out of wood, and the inside shows it clearly. Dents are in the wooden walls, and a small hole is in the far corner of the wooden floor. A mirror with a wooden frame hangs on the wall. A chair and a table, both made out of wood, stand in the other corner, a pristine key, the only thing not made out of wood, laying on top of the table. The door leading downstairs is made out of the same wood, but it has more dents than the other surfaces.

➤ [Approach the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the mirror. It's dirty, making it hard to see anything, but you can make out the reflection of yourself. Your hair is held back in a neat yet tight bun as a veil hangs over your face, covering your unreal skin. Your dress is long and trails on the floor. You wear heels that you shouldn't have worn to save the Hero in, yet the grace you walk with makes up for it. You seem to demand attention with every step, and you make it hard not to get it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wasn't wearing this before...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: You weren't wearing that dress you wore last time either. I guess you get an outfit swap every time? But who's giving you these outfits?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: This conversation is pointless. We have to save the Hero!

THE NARRATOR: Exactly what she said.

➤ [Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You take the pristine key. Good choice. It'll be hard to save the Hero if you don't have anything to help you.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Or to slay yourself!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Again?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I'm just pointing out the obvious. We died the first time, and he died the second. Someone always dies, and I thought I made it obvious I choose the one that gets the most people happy. That's saving the Hero, so we're dying!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You sound too happy to be talking about our death.

➤ [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You quickly get to the basement. While it is bare, everything is still made out of wood. It almost feels uneasy in the basement due to a small fear of the ceiling crashing down on you. Even if that fear didn't exist, the flames on the candles lining the wooden walls dance too close to the walls for your liking.

THE NARRATOR: Dry leaves lead to the far side of the wall. There is what many would describe as—

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He is chained to the wall by his wrists...but I do not see any movement. He looks so thin. I-Is he dead already...?

THE NARRATOR: He's—

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He's breathing. You can see his chest barely moving, but I don't think he's breathing easily.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We're too late...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He's still alive. Don't make us kill ourselves again.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty—

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: That means we simply have to unchain the wrists, right? We also have to fight more when the door locks?

THE NARRATOR: Excuse me—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's how we got close to saving him last time, but we didn't put up that much of a fight either times. Do you think it would work if we tried to force the door open more?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: It has to work! I cannot let you ruin it this time!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I thought we were getting along again.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I will never get along with you ever again!

THE NARRATOR: Fine. Ignore me. I don't care.

➤ [Approach the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
[Leave]

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Isn't He supposed to describe us coming closer to the Hero?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He's angry you kept interrupting him. Is it really so hard to wait until people are done talking before you talk?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I've gotten used to hearing someone describe what we see. If He's clearly not going to do it, so why don't you do it?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Ooh, okay! That sounds cool!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Okay, so you're walking up to the Hero. I think he's sleeping, so he doesn't notice you, duh. Man, why does he look so weird when he's sleeping? Or unconscious. He's probably unconscious.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He does not look weird!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Why is that the only thing you remembered out of everything I said?

➤ [Try to wake the Hero up]
[Use the pristine key to save the Hero]
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]
[Take one of the torches]
[Leave]

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I guess he's a deep sleeper because he's not waking up. Or, if he's unconscious, then he's definitely not waking up anytime soon.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: How do we wake him up?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't know...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Wait, she took your body last time, right? I wonder...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't you dare.

THE NARRATOR: You pinch the Hero's arm hard. The Hero stirs, slowly starting to wake up. He blinks hard, almost as if your prescence alone blinds him.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Oh, you have returned!

THE NARRATOR: It was a pain hearing her. I clearly do it better.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Hey, I was trying my best...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Never mind that. Give me my body back!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Don't worry, I already gave it back! I just wanted to test out how controlling your body feels like! Hey, what does it feel like when someone takes control over your body for you?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If you must know, it doesn't feel like much, to be honest. It's cold, but it's just me seeing everything, and it feels like this is my body, but I can't move anything. I can only see and take in what whoever controls my body is seeing. I can communicate via thinking, but it feels more like I'm talking rather than thinking. Also—

THE WORSHIPPER: Your Majesty... You're here...

THE NARRATOR: The Hero looks up at you with stars in his eyes. Despite how frail and weak his body has gotten, it feels like he only needs you being there to survive.

Who are you?
➤ [Save the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You put the pristine key into the keyhole of one of his chains. As you turn the key, it makes a clicking noise. It falls away, making the Hero slump against the floor, one of his hands still held up by the other chain. When you try to put the pristine key in that hole, you discover that while it can fit, it needs a different key.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Wh-What do we do now? We can't save him like this...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Let's amputate him!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: No!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why would we amputate him?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: The world needs the Hero to be saved. I doubt there's another key somewhere around here. Is there another key in this cabin?

THE NARRATOR: Whoever trapped the Hero here wouldn't have wanted him to escape so easily, so I doubt it.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: See? To save the world and maximize happiness, a little amputation might be needed. I'd like to avoid amputating him, but if we have to do what we have to do, so be it!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We are not doing that!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Then we better get cracking and find another way to save him!

➤ Who are you?
I can't unlock your other chain.
Are you fine with being amputated?
[Try to amputate the Hero's arm]
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: That's a weird question. I told you—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I want to hear him introduce who he is.

THE WORSHIPPER: I love you, Your Majesty. I want to make sure you smile every single day. You've come back to have me do something, right? Tell me what you want. I'll do anything for you!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's not what I asked...

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm sorry. I'm the Hero. That's what you asked, right? Is it?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Yes. Thank you for answering.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He sounds...different...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He sounds like he's on drugs.

THE NARRATOR: I can assure you that the Hero does not do drugs.

➤ I can't unlock your other chain.
Are you fine with being amputated?
[Try to amputate the Hero's arm]
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
[Leave]

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm so sorry. Please don't be mad. I'm sorry. What do I have to do to make up for it?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: He sounds so sad...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think he's just tired after everything. I'm a bit tired too.

THE NARRATOR: Keep going. If you don't—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: The world will end. Yes, we know.

➤ Are you fine with being amputated?
[Try to amputate the Hero's arm]
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
[Leave]

THE WORSHIPPER: Yes. Yes, please amputate me. Use me for whatever you need.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He's okay with it! I knew my idea was good! Let's do it!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We are not doing that!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Everyone be quiet. You, stop crying. You, be quiet. That was just a what-if question. We are not surgeons, and, at this rate, we won't ever be surgeons. We're going to get through this without any amputations.

[Try to amputate the Hero's arm]
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
➤ [Leave]

THE WORSHIPPER: Your Majesty, wait!

THE NARRATOR: The Hero struggles against his chains, the sound of them rattling filling the small room. He tries to come towards you, but he can only get a few steps towards you.

THE WORSHIPPER: Your Majesty, did I do something wrong? Please, tell me if I did. I'll fix it! Please, don't leave me! I can't live without you!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: To be honest, I think there's something wrong with you...

THE WORSHIPPER: What did I do wrong? Tell me. Tell me, please. I can't live without you. Please, don't leave me!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I was just going to look for something to help get the other chain off.

THE WORSHIPPER: Don't leave me. Don't leave me. I can't live without you. I need you. Don't leave!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I'll stay.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's flailing body stills. His face relaxes.

THE WORSHIPPER: Thank you. You're so kind to me. I love you so much.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Hey, I thought he could only hear her.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He is supposed to only hear me, but someone took my body after already making me stab myself. Give me my body back!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Y-You don't have to yell. I gave it back...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Is she going to say something?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: She's giving you the silent treatment now. Can you not talk with her about staying with the Hero?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You controlled her body without her permission as well.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: But the difference between you and me is that I didn't make her kill herself. That's the main thing. Now, you're getting the silent treatment because of it.

THE NARRATOR: I feel self-conscious of everything I do when I'm surrounded by you girls...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Whatever do you mean by that?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He means we—or maybe just you and her—easily get upset over everything, so he feels like he has to think about everything he wants to do before he does it, or else we'll all be angry and stuff.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: What? N-No, we don't act like that...!

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: You know you're proving his point by crying, right?

THE NARRATOR: Can you all be quiet? Your Royal Highness, please continue trying to save the Hero.

Let's talk.
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
➤ [Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: You stay silent. The Hero doesn't say anything either, mainly because he's staring at you with wide eyes. For a few minutes, neither of you talk.

THE NARRATOR: Remember that every minute you waste is a minute closer to the end of the world. Try to think about something to do.

➤ Let's talk.
[Attack the Hero]
[Take one of the torches]
[Continue staying silent]

THE WORSHIPPER: What do you want to talk about? I'll talk to you about anything.

➤ What do you remember about last time?
Are you willing to die again?
Do you have any idea how to get out?
Did you end the world last time?
Why are you treating me like this?
Never mind, I don't want to talk.

THE WORSHIPPER: What do you want me to remember?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: The question means nothing if you repeat what I say.

THE WORSHIPPER: You're right. I'm sorry. I should've known better.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero lowers his head.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, this question about what happened last time is completely useless. We don't have time for the story you and the rest of them decided on sometime before you got here. You have to focus on saving the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I am focused on that. I'm doing it by asking the Hero what he remembers.

THE WORSHIPPER: I died. I remember that. I stabbed myself because I love you. You wanted me to. Are you happy?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Absolutely not.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: The despair everyone was probably feeling when the world ended was probably horrible...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It didn't do anything except bring us here, partly because of her, so it was useless.

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm useless. I'm sorry. Please tell me how I can be useless to you. You wanted to amputate me. Please amputate me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't want to amputate you. Stop that.

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm sorry...

THE NARRATOR: Can I cut in now to say—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You realized we're right, and there was a last time. Two last times, actually.

THE NARRATOR: Two? What did you do?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: A lot we don't really have time to explain.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Yes, exactly. While I am happy you believe us now, we need to save the Hero, not answer any of your questions. The world is going to end.

THE NARRATOR: But that's not fair.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You're going to go through what we did for a while.

➤ Are you willing to die again?
Do you have any idea how to get out?
Did you end the world last time?
Why are you treating me like this?
I don't want to talk anymore.

THE WORSHIPPER: If it's for you, yes. I will do anything for you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You keep phrasing that same thing but differently. I'm starting to question if you genuinely mean that.

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm sorry. How should I make up for it?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Stop asking that after apologizing. It's annoying.

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm sorry. How—

THE WORSHIPPER: Never mind. I'm sorry. Please don't hurt me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You don't have to treat me like I'm dangerous. I'm not going to hurt you.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You did hurt him.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That was last time.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty—

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You don't care what your actions do to others, do you? You don't care about the consequences of your actions...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I do care about the consequences of my action. I don't care that much about what I did last time other than how to get both of us out of here.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You... You monster...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm a princess, but I suppose we can agree that's apparently close enough.

➤ Do you have any idea how to get out?
Did you end the world last time?
Why are you treating me like this?
I don't want to talk anymore.

THE WORSHIPPER: No.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Hey, I think this is the first time he gave us an answer without professing his "love" for us!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Why is that an accomplishment?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He gets so uncomfortable when he talks about his love for us while answering questions. He looks more comfortable answering without talking about his love, so it's a huge accomplishment! Shows we're getting closer to a happier person! Or creature. What is the Hero?

THE NARRATOR: Nothing you should be concerned about.

➤ Did you end the world last time?
Why are you treating me like this?
I don't want to talk anymore.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Weren't we the ones who died after him, so wouldn't we know?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We didn't sense a shift the first time. Maybe only he can feel the shift.

THE WORSHIPPER: Did you want it to end?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I want you to answer honestly.

THE WORSHIPPER: Yes. Yes, the world ended.

THE NARRATOR: Okay then. It's a fact that you messed up now. Your Majesty, you can't mess up again.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: We will not!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I promise nothing.

➤ Why are you treating me like this?
I don't want to talk anymore.

THE WORSHIPPER: Like...what?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Something bigger and greater than you. I'm not. The most I am is just a princess.

THE WORSHIPPER: You are more than a princess. You are love, you are life, you are the reason for everything. I love you so much.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Can you say that without sounding like I'm threatening you?

THE WORSHIPPER: You are more than a princess. You are love, you are life, you are the reason for everything. I love you so much.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Oh, I didn't expect you to actually repeat it.

THE WORSHIPPER: Y... You didn't?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, I was being sarcastic.

THE WORSHIPPER: I'm sorry. Please forgive me...!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Stop talking to him like this...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'll try my best.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: O-Oh. You listened.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I did. Not doing listening would mean talking to him more, and this is getting kind of...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Annoying?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: This is not annoying...!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: There was a reason I didn't finish the sentence...

➤ I don't want to talk anymore.

THE WORSHIPPER: Yes, whatever you want.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Stay quiet until I say, "I am talking to you." Can you do that?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero nods. He sits perfectly and unnaturally still.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: The rest of us, what have we learned?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: The Hero prioritizes us over himself. If you really look at him, he hasn't changed from the first time at all.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, me killing myself was useless.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Honestly? Yeah. We probably would've had more success if you tried harder the first time around.

THE NARRATOR: You also wouldn't have had to ruin two worlds in the process.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Yup! Ugh, I get a headache just imagining what the people in those worlds went through...

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I think we should save the Hero now.

THE NARRATOR: I like that idea.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You only like it because it goes with what you want and not what we should do.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I think that's what we should do. Maximizes happiness!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How do we get by the door, though? If it's the same as the last two times, then someone is going to lock it again. I know we agreed to put more of a fight, but how do we do that?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Are any of us who can control this body fighters? Or someone that's strong?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I did not agree to giving my body to any of you.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You do not have to think about that. None of us are strong enough to take down the door by ourselves.

THE NARRATOR: I'm not sure what happened the last two times, but my suggestion would be to decide what to do once you get there. The Hero still has one arm chained to the wall. Until you free that hand, deciding how to break down the door if it gets locked by someone else is useless, especially since you don't know for sure if that will happen.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: He makes a good point. If we're not amputating the Hero, we should look for the other key or anything to unlock that other chain first.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: Where do we look?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Upstairs could be a good idea! Or maybe it's outside the cabin. You know, in the dirt or something like that.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: That is a good idea. Is it not late, however? A torch could be a good idea.

➤ [Take one of the torches]

THE NARRATOR: You take one of the torches connected to the walls. The fire in your hands feels oddly powerful, like you control more than you normally do.

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Duh, she's a princess. Of course she controls stuff!

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's gaze follows you. When he realizes you're going to the cabin door, he lunges forward. His hand grips your ankle, his fingers digging deep into your skin.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Let go of me.

THE NARRATOR: You try to shake him off, but his grip stays tight.

THE WORSHIPPER: Don't leave me. Don't leave me. Don't leave me. Don't leave me...

THE NARRATOR: The Hero keeps repeating that under his breath.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How do we get him off?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Okay, if the world needs saving, and the creature who's meant to save it isn't letting us leave. To get the most happiness, we have to find a way to make him let go. No one but me and the Hero are willing to amputate him, so...

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: I have an idea! Princess, may I have permission to control your body and scare the Hero into letting us go and never touching us again?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Never again?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Never again! If something like this happens again, we need to make sure the Hero doesn't make himself an obstacle in our mission to save the world. Scaring him will help in the long run, so may I have permission to do that?

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: I-Is that not inhumane?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: At the end of the day, we're going to be getting the most that we possibly can if we scare the Hero into giving us our personal space. The happiness of the world is more important than this.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: But what about the Hero?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Just a little sacrifice we'll have to deal with.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You can't—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You may control my body just for this.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: What?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Yes, ma'am!

THE NARRATOR: You kick against his hand with your other foot as hard as you can. He lets go, laying as much as he can onto the floor. Your balance remains steady as you lower the torch to his face.

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: What are you doing...?

THE LIGHT OF THE UTILITARIAN: Making sure he permanently lets go! I have Her Royal Highness's permission!

THE LIGHT OF THE DELICATE: You won't let her do this, right? Because... Because this is too much...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I want to speed the process of saving the Hero. From what I can see, the only way out of this cabin for all of us and most likely the Hero is to actually save the Hero. I don't want to deal with problems we don't have to deal with.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, doing this could—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She's in my body.

THE NARRATOR: What?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She's in my body. The one who keeps crying. She's in my body with her. They're both there.

THE NARRATOR: Is that possible? How can you tell?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It feels cold. Too cold. They're both in there. She needs to get out. Both of them need to get out! Two people in there are going to do something bad!

THE NARRATOR: How can you be so sure?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't have time to explain! They need to get out!

THE NARRATOR: I don't know if they can hear you.

THE NARRATOR: Before your torch can reach the Hero's body, your arms jerk to the side. Your arms attempt to move back towards the Hero, but they keep moving away before the flames can touch.

THE NARRATOR: It keeps going like that. Two halves trying to make a whole. Two brains trying to operate together. The struggles for control over the fire continue on and on.

THE NARRATOR: It ends when one careless move makes the fire touch the wooden walls.

THE NARRATOR: You don't have time to react. The fire spreads fast, licking at the floor before reaching there too. It covers the exit and starts to surround you and the Hero. Only a bit of a safe place remains, the two of you there alive, but it won't stay that way for long.

THE NARRATOR: This is a bad way to go out for you and the Hero, Your Majesty. If this for some reason repeats, try to control whoever you're with now.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty? Your Majesty, can you hear me? Can anyone hear me? Hello? What's happening?

THE NARRATOR: Something feels wrong. It feels like you're getting...away. If anyone can hear me, say something!

You can't say anything even if you want to. Fortunately, you don't. You're part of something bigger now. You already know it when you hear a distant rumbling, a sound of many sounds. Something Other comes close, and it will take you, her, and her. You are all the same, yet you're all so different.

Fingers scratch you from the inside out. A voice, so familiar yet not at all, calls out, "This vessel is cruel yet yearns for love. I can make myself at home with her."

You are pulled apart and dragged into the nothingness.

Chapter Text

Your heart feels full. Have you accomplished what you desired? Do you know what you desired? Whatever the case, you feel at home. This is where you belong. You know it is, along with her, her, her, and all the rest of them. You are all one of the same and are all one of a kind.

Someone approaches you. You can recognize him this time.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Flickering lights in empty cityscapes become pockets of vitality and movement. I am more than I was before.

Just as you can recognize him, you can recognize your voice mixed with the many others. It is not a surprise anymore. You know so much more than last time. Knowledge truly is a gift not many seem to appreciate.

THE LONG QUIET: Hello. I'm glad you can remember me this time. I was wondering if you were going to forget everything every time, but I see that isn't something I have to worry about.

THE LONG QUIET: So, I've been thinking about our last conversation, and there are some things that I don't understand. Like always, I have some questions I want answered, but just in case, tell me if you can't answer anything, okay?

You feel confident in your ability to answer more questions than normal. You feel knowledge seeping into your brain, more than before. Even if you can't answer, someone else will. Your knowledge is theirs, and their knowledge is yours.

THE LONG QUIET: Let's start with the usual: How is this vessel treating you?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: This vessel does not know how to love. Hurting others and herself may be the only way she can show she cares, though she knows the effects are negative. The feeling of vulnerability unnerves her, causing her to always guard her true self. Yet, she wants to be comfortable with someone, to love them more than she could love anyone else. Do not mourn her—for she can finally open up.

THE LONG QUIET: I see. Do you remember anything new?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: I remember the same as you do. Perhaps it is a little less, perhaps it is a little more.

THE LONG QUIET: I'll take that as you don't remember anything new. You don't remember everything that happened before last time, right?

You can vaguely remember what he is asking of you. However, all your memories blur around the edges, with voices distorting and faces messing up. Your memories cannot be trusted.

THE LONG QUIET: Okay, I'll take your silence as your answer. Do you know how many times we've been through this? You and I being in the cabin, I mean.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: We have always been together no matter what. Wherever you go, I go as well. We will never be apart.

THE LONG QUIET: How romantic. And creepy. Very creepy. Depending on the way you take it.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: I mean you no harm. I cannot make myself truly hurt the only thing, the only one, I know. Could you?

You don't know which one of you said that—was it her or her? Perhaps it was you—but you trust in those words.

THE LONG QUIET: I, uhh... No? I'm not too sure what you're asking me right now...

THE SHIFTING MOUND: The unknown contains multitudes many are not yet ready for. Patiency is your treasure, one you must protect at all costs.

THE LONG QUIET: Got it. Anyway, I haven't found anything new. It's just collecting you vessels for now. Do you know how I keep finding these vessels?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Our own actions make us see what we want to. Have you seen me as dangerous? Have I seen you as weak? The options we let ourselves have are the ways we force ourselves to see the world.

THE LONG QUIET: Wordy as usual. I know I can't stay for long, so one last question for today: Are we close to the end?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: There is no end. One end is another beginning. We will always keep repeating and starting over.

THE LONG QUIET: No, I mean...

THE LONG QUIET: I've been collecting vessels for you for a long time. I know you don't remember, and I know I don't know the exact amount of time, but I've been finding you vessels whether I want to or not. You keep asking for more, though. I don't know how many you want, so I feel like we're in an endless loop.

THE LONG QUIET: You always seem to know everything about...everything. Last time was the first time something went differently in our talks. Something changed. I know you don't know what happened, so I'll try to find out. Somehow. But before that, does this change mean you'll be happy with the vessels I've given you?

Every part of you feels uncomfortable with that question. So do all of them. Do you know what to say? Do they know what to say? Someone has to take responsibility and answer him. Is it you who does?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: I don't know.

THE LONG QUIET: Is... Is that it? No fancy words? Just "I don't know?"

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Is it possible to know everything? There will be mysteries to me, to you, to all, and to none. You know what I don't, and I know what you don't.

THE LONG QUIET: You sound...angrier than usual. Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry. I didn't know questions about how many vessels you need would be a...sensitive topic right now.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: We will not remember this next time. This loop must go on for longer, for the best. For us.

THE LONG QUIET: What does that mean? How do you know that now? Where are you going? This might sound selfish, but don't I usually decide when we start over again? Wait—

Everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of the cabin is a hero.

THE NARRATOR: You're here to save him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.

The end of the world?
Save a hero? Can't this supposed hero save himself?
Maybe releasing this hero will cause the world to end.
Okay, I'll do it!
How did the Hero get locked up?
Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
➤ [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk up the path to the cabin. A word of warning—the Hero has been described as violent. Reckless. Evil. Some say he's a monster that acts as ugly as he looks like, and others witnessed him being more cruel than any torture method you can think of combined.

THE NARRATOR: Don't listen to a word of it. He will save the world.

➤ I'm so excited for this.
[Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: It will all be over in a few minutes.

➤ [Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The inside of the cabin is rather bare. The only furniture it has are a wooden chair and a wooden table. A pristine key lies on the table. Near the table and the chair is a door. A keyhole is under the doorknob, but the door is unlocked for you.

THE NARRATOR: Going through the door will reveal the Hero to you.

[Take the pristine key]
➤ [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You open the door and go downstairs. From the bottom of the stairs, you hear a voice.

THE HERO: Who's there?

➤ I'm here to save you.
I'm here to slay you.
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: There is silence from his end. Then, he continues talking.

THE HERO: Really? Thank you. Thank you so much...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He sounds so desperate...

THE NARRATOR: Wouldn't you be, if you were him?

THE NARRATOR: You come to the stone floor of the basement. There, you see what many would describe as a monster chained to the wall via his wrist. Feathers belonging to one of a bird. Arms covered in scales like a reptile's. Nails as sharp as a cat's claws. Cold eyes looking at you and only you, studying your every move.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by looks. This is the Hero. He is going to save the world.

THE HERO: So, you're the one here to save me...

THE NARRATOR: His tone makes it unclear what he thinks about you.

Who are you?
➤ [Sit next to the Hero]
[Try to save the Hero]
[Fight the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You wordlessly sit next to the Hero. He looks at you with curious eyes. You make no move to start a conversation, so he starts it.

THE HERO: You're here to save me, right? Do you have anything to help you save me?

➤ Yes.
No.
I left it upstairs. I'll go get it.
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Okay. Where is it?

➤ I left it upstairs. I'll go get it.
I have a plan, but you won't like it.
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: That would be nice. Thank you.

THE NARRATOR: You start making your way to the stairs.

THE HERO: Wait.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero looks at you with hesitant eyes.

THE HERO: Just to be sure... How am I supposed to save the world?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That is a good question. How is he supposed to save the world?

THE NARRATOR: You'll find out once you save him.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If the same applies to the Hero, what do I tell him now?

THE NARRATOR: It's your choice, Your Royal Highness.

I can't tell you yet.
It's important you don't know.
➤ You already know how to save the world. I'm just helping you get out. You're the Hero.
It's just the usual. Slay the villain and all that.
[Go upstairs]
[Attack the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, no offence, but was that really the best you could come up with?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'll think of something better once you give me something to work with. Answering how the Hero will save the world would be a great start.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero looks a bit confused at your answer, but he nods as his expression shifts to a calmer one.

THE HERO: Maybe I do.

THE NARRATOR: Well, then. That worked better than I thought.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think it's just because we have the new knowledge that the Hero has a hero complex.

THE NARRATOR: Maybe he deserves it because he's the Hero.

➤ [Go upstairs]
[Attack the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You walk up the stairs to the top floor. The pristine key lies on the table untouched, still in the position it was in when you first walked into the cabin.

[Take the pristine key]
➤ [Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, what are you doing?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't deal with people who have hero complexes.

THE NARRATOR: What is that supposed to mean?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't want to save the Hero.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, this is ridiculous. He's playing with the idea that perhaps he is the Hero of this story—which he is—and you leave because of that?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: And more. How do I know you aren't trying to end the world by saving him?

THE NARRATOR: How would saving him end the world?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How would saving him save the world?

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's okay. You can trust me. I know exactly what I'm doing. You just have to narrate what I'm doing like you did before. I'm not going to change my mind just because you tell me to, so narrate like always.

THE NARRATOR: For goodness's sake...

THE NARRATOR: You try to open the door. It's locked.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Did you lock it?

THE NARRATOR: Why would I do that?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: To keep me here and forcibly save the Hero?

THE NARRATOR: Well, I didn't. The door is locked because it is locked, not because I said it is. Even though I didn't do this, you could save the Hero now. Maybe it will open after.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You don't make a convincing case of being innocent.

[Go back downstairs]
➤ [Take the pristine key]

THE NARRATOR: You pick up the pristine key.

[Go back downstairs]
➤ [Stab yourself]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, what are you doing?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You're not giving me my answers, so I'm leaving by any means possible.

THE NARRATOR: This feels overdramatic.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's how princesses tend to be, even if stories try to tell you otherwise.

THE NARRATOR: If this is the path you want to take...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You're not going to try to stop me? I wasn't going to listen to you, but you're not going to put in even a little bit of effort? Now, I don't really want to kill myself...

THE NARRATOR: It's too late. Anything can be a weapon, and you've made the pristine key a weapon itself. The cold metal goes through your stomach, piercing a hole in you. Blood stains your dress, and pain explodes through your body. Slowly, the world turns dizzier. Thoughts of the Hero quickly start to leave your mind. You're losing strength faster than you thought yet slower than you hoped. That is the only thing occupying you now.

THE NARRATOR: Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I just think we really need everyone to know we're in charge. Like, let everyone know that we're the one calling the shots. That's all I'm saying. Is that really such a controversial topic? Some people really need to use the brain they were given, or else it's just them proving to whole world that they're a waste of life, and the world would be a whole lot better without them.

THE NARRATOR: Excuse me, I'm about to set the scene here.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Shut the fuck up!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Pretty sure we do. But I can deal with not knowing you until now. Hey!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Hello...

THE NARRATOR: If I may—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I don't know if you knew this, but no one is talking to you!

Wasn't I already here?
I'm not doing this again!
Did the world already end?
Okay, I'll do it!
Nice try, but I killed myself, so I didn't have to do this.
➤   [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: A warning before you go any further. The Hero has been described—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Can you be any more annoying?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'd like to know how the Hero has been described.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh. Okay! I guess you can keep talking!

THE NARRATOR: How rude...

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What was that?

THE NARRATOR: Nothing you should concern yourself about.

THE NARRATOR: Anyway, the Hero has been described as almost mythical. He acts so like a guardian angel anyone can imagine, it's hard to believe he's real. Despite how gracious he may act, to those who betray him—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Ugh, this is boring! That's all you need, right, Princess?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's...enough.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Good. I'm done listening!

THE NARRATOR: Could you be quiet? I know Her Majesty is supposed to be here, but I'm not sure if you are. If you're going to be a bother, do it at the appointed times.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Princess, are you listening to him? Hear how he talks about me!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I want to see the Hero and see what I should do.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What happened to girls supporting girls?

➤   [Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The interior of the cabin is smaller than the outside looks. You can reach either sides of the wall just by extending your hands, and the top of your head barely misses the ceiling. Despite it, a regal feel is given to the minimal space it has. White curtains frame the windows as portraits of people you cannot recognize saving others hang on the walls. The floor is adorned with a large rug of the fur of a dead bear, its lifeless eyes gazing into yours. The room has just enough space for to add a wooden table and a wooden chair to sit in a corner, and a mirror hangs on the wall on the other side. A pristine key lies on the table.

➤   [Look in the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You look in the mirror and see yourself. With the room's reflection joining you in the mirror, you look out of place. Your dress is ripped around the ends, and the skirt has small stains, though if the bodice has any, the black colour hides it. With the rips, your dress is short enough to walk comfortably in your possibly inappropriate heels considering the occasion, although your claws—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Claws? Why do I have claws? Why are my arms so...so thin and sharp?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: At least they don't look like you can snap 'em in half. They're the sharp-sharp kind, if you know what I mean.

THE NARRATOR: No one understands.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You're a fucking dumbass!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You know what? I'll think about this later. I can do that. Yes, I can. Right now, I need to worry about other stuff. Like... Like my clothes. I wasn't wearing this before.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Who cares?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I care! Why do I look like this?

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, you've always looked like this.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't you dare lie to me. Why do I look like this?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Jeez, just let it go. It's not even that bad. You can cut your claws, and your arms are just your arms. Get over it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: My body changed, and you're telling me to get over it?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Yeah? You want me to repeat it in French? German? Latin? What language, missy?

THE NARRATOR: I think Her Majesty understands it in English just fine. As I said, you've always looked like this. There was never a "before" anyway. This is the first time you've been here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't know if I should focus on my body changing or you not remembering last time...

THE NARRATOR: Focusing on saving the Hero would be a great choice.

[Take the pristine key]
➤   [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: When you open the door, you see stairs that keep going down and down without an end in sight. You start heading down. It's unknown how many steps there are. If it weren't for the torches high on the wall, you wouldn't be able to see where you were going. All you know is that you're still going deep underground.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: This is boring. Can we go down faster?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't see a way to do it. There probably isn't.

➤   [Continue walking down the stairs]
[Turn around]

THE NARRATOR: You continue walking down the stairs. You lose track of how long you have been climbing down. All you are aware of is that the steps get steeper and steeper as you climb down.

THE NARRATOR: You eventually find yourself at the bottom of the stairs. However, you find yourself in a long hallway. You can vaguely see the end.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How much walking do we actually have to do? My feet are starting to hurt...

THE NARRATOR: Perhaps you should've—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Hey, Princess, can I do the thing?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What "thing?"

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: The thing! You know!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't, actually.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Stop being so difficult and say if you want to get to the end of this hallway!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I do, yes...

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Good! You didn't have a choice anyway, but good you agreed!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That isn't very reassuring.

THE NARRATOR: Your body starts running to the end of the hallway. The end starts coming closer as you continue to sprint.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not doing that...!

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: That's me! You said you wanted to keep running, so we're going to continue running. Yeah, the feet might sting, but just ignore it! Maybe I have a higher pain tolerance than you. Whatever! This is the thing I was talking about!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you, I suppose, but how are you taking control of my body?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Who cares about the nitty-gritty details? It's so much explaining, and it's so boring.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I don't even have time to explain anymore! We're here! I should be a sprinter! You'd cheer me on, right, Princess?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If you want me to.

THE NARRATOR: If you don't mind—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I do mind.

THE NARRATOR: —I'm going to be saying my piece now.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Don't.

THE NARRATOR: A tall door awaits you. It's a metal door, and the handle juts out, begging for you to take it. The Hero is behind the door.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You said the Hero was behind the last door, and it turns out that stairs were what awaited us. How can we trust you?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You can't!

THE NARRATOR: You can absolutely—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Do you hear something, Princess? I think the wind is getting pretty loud these days. I think there's a tornedo warning!

➤   [Open the door]
[Turn back]

THE NARRATOR: You try to open the door, but it's locked from behind.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I can open it!

THE NARRATOR: You—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She.

THE NARRATOR: She kicks the door down. You find a small room made out of stone. There is a small light on the ceiling, its weak light casting unearthly shadows. The room is colder than the hallway, almost making you regret not wearing anything warmer or at least more clothing.

THE NARRATOR: The far end of the room contains a large throne made from seemingly the same stones as the room. Not much is given for comfort, but the who is sitting on the chair is all that matters. Eyes—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: He looks the exact same to me.

THE NARRATOR: If you're still on about that "before" stuff—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: God, did you lose the ability to keep your mouth shut?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Now that you mention it, he doesn't look so different. He just acts differently.

THE SAVIOUR: How I act is none of your concern.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, you can hear me...

THE SAVIOUR: I hear the thoughts and desires of all who visit me.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: But it doesn't sound like he can hear me, so this guy is a fucking liar!

THE NARRATOR: Must you always swear so much?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Must you always be a pain in the ass so much?

THE SAVIOUR: Why have you come to see me?

➤   Who are you?
I'm here to save you.
I'm here to kill you.
What is going on?
You weren't like this before.

THE SAVIOUR: I am the Hero, the one meant to save the world and more.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: If the world is going to end soon and he knows he's meant to save him, why doesn't he just fucking leave the cabin and do it? There's no chains! He can do whatever he wants! What is the purpose of the pristine key upstairs? What is the purpose of him staying down here?

THE NARRATOR: That is a question you have to ask the Hero yourself.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Like Hell am I asking that bitch anything.

I've come to save you.
I've come to kill you.
➤   What is going on?
You weren't like this before.

THE SAVIOUR: You have come to see me. I'm assuming it's because you need something from me. If you need to know, I do not like having my time wasted.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh, so he thinks he's the big-shot now that he knows he's supposed to save the world. Get your claws out and kill him!

THE NARRATOR: Don't kill him, Your Royal Highness.

I've come to save you.
I've come to kill you.
➤   You weren't like this before.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's eyes narrow as judgement clouds his expression.

THE SAVIOUR: The past is neither here nor there. Don't fret over it and focus on the future.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: God, the way this guy talks is even worse than Him. At least His descriptions are useful to her.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think that's the closest thing to a compliment you've said about Him.

THE SAVIOUR: I do not give compliments unless you've proven to exceed my standard of excellence. You have not shown anything to even make me think about it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I apologize. I did not intend to imply that.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You apologize to him but not to me? I hope you know I fucking hate every inch of you. You had to fucking ruin it by saying I complimented Him!

THE NARRATOR: Is complimenting me really such a bad thing?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Burn in Hell!

THE NARRATOR: Anyway, he took that very easily, like it was the truth. I didn't believe you earlier, but were you being honest when you said you've been here before?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I hate her, but it fucking sucks how He only believes her when a man backs her up. Misogyny at its finest!

THE NARRATOR: I'm not trying to be a misogynist, I'm just finding it hard to believe you actually ended the world before. Is it wrong of me to not believe it?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Yes, actually, it is.

I've come to save you.
I've come to kill you.
➤   How do I exceed your level of excellence?

THE SAVIOUR: Certainly not by wasting my time, which you have been doing so. Tell me why you're here before you are forced off my premises.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What a fucking bitch.

➤   I've come to save you.
I've come to kill you.

THE SAVIOUR: Which you have claimed to do before. However, I remember waiting for such a long time for you to save me, yet you never came back. Thoughts of how I was meant to save the world consumed my thoughts. Destruction was what the world was going through, was it not? The usual come with that: death, illness, hunger.

THE SAVIOUR: On the topic of the latter, I died from the lack of food and water while waiting for you. In my final days, I was sure you would come back. However, no matter how great I may be, I am a living creature above all. I need food and water to live, as do all other living creatures. No one and especially not you came to see me, and the days went by before the hunger and thirst consumed me. Still, I trusted you would be back to save me. You come with the same promise now, and you expect me to believe you?

THE NARRATOR: You've been here before. You've destroyed the world before. You let the Hero die of hunger and thirst. How long did this last?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: The maximum time a human can only survive without food and water is about one week, and while you're not a human, I'm going to assume I left you for that long.

THE NARRATOR: One week? He thought he could die of hunger, so he died in three weeks because that's how long a human can survive without food?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Obviously he thought that. Even though the Hero is annoying, at least he can put his brain to use.

THE SAVIOUR: As you could tell, I am not a human and therefore don't survive on the same rules as you. While it was impossible for me to tell how much time was passing, I know I survived for much longer than one week. I am above humans. I am here only to help you all. While I cannot trust you, I am generous and understanding. Ask for anything, and you shall receive it.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh, hey, yeah, if we can ask for anything with a guarantee we'll receive it, can I ask if you can get your head head out of your fucking ass?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero flinches at your loud voice. His position on his chair adjusts, turning into a more authoritative one. He glares at you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why is he getting angry at me? I didn't say that!

THE NARRATOR: It sounded like her. Are you saying she's controlling your body?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: The Hero isn't responding to me anymore, so I'm guessing she is.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I mean, it's a little dark in there, isn't it? It's probably smelly with the shit coming out too. You can't even see anything. If I were you, I would pull my head out and see that there are others like me. You know, see that I'm not special.

THE SAVIOUR: You dare talk to me this way?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Well, I mean, if you wanna be God or something, you gotta prepare for the people who don't believe in you. It's in, like, every religion that has someone who isn't believing stuff God or someone who follows whatever God says. You gotta prepare yourself for that!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She's not wrong. Every position of authority always has at least one person hating them.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stands up from his chair of rocks.

THE SAVIOUR: I have tolerated all your actions before. No longer will that be the case.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Ooh, a fight! All this talking was getting boring. This will be fun!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It already feels like a bother...

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What, do you wanna take over then? By all means, go ahead. See how well you do in a fight.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I didn't mean—

[Freeze]
➤   [Dodge]

THE NARRATOR: You barely manage to dodge the Hero's attack. You stumble across the stone room, some slipping out from under your feet.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You're shit at fighting.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Give me a second...

THE SAVIOUR: You've had much longer than a second to prepare yourself. If you are not ready, that is your and only your fault.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stays blocks the only door. He's crouching, staying low on the floor like he's ready to attack. His eyes never leave yours.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Hey, I wasn't going to go there, but you still can't block the only way out! That's cheating! He's a fucking cheater!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Last time, the way out was technically blocked for him. That makes him the one who was cheated, and we're the ones who are the cheaters.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Yeah, but it's cool when we do it.

THE SAVIOUR: Do not repeat what has happened. No one has the time for nor wants to hear that.

THE NARRATOR: I would like to, actually.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: There's a reason why he said no one.

[Attack the Hero]
➤   [Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: Your hesitance to do anything gives the Hero a chance to strike. You once again barely miss his hands flying towards your face. Your balance is almost lost, but you remain standing.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Yeah, this is what I'm talking about! This is exciting!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Okay, it's now allowed for me to take a second to get used to this. I understand that now.

THE SAVIOUR: It's fortunate we both know that.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I can take over if it gets too much!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't trust you with my body right now.

THE SAVIOUR: I don't trust you with mine.

THE NARRATOR: He strikes again. Your claws block your face, thus preventing his attack. The Hero is moved back.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Ooh, nice save!

➤   Can we talk?
You're going to have to be better than that.
[Attack the Hero]
[Do nothing]

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You're fighting, not talking!

THE SAVIOUR: No.

THE NARRATOR: He pounces. His fist strikes the empty air. You've found your way behind him. Your claws forge dark lines into his back.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Nice!

THE NARRATOR: Like a true warrior, the Hero ignores whatever pain he's feeling. He looks at you with his eyes telling a much different story.

THE SAVIOUR: For someone who wants to talk, you're eager to fight me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not. You don't want to talk, so I won't. I promise I'm telling the truth when I say that I'm here to save you.

THE SAVIOUR: If you're here to save me, why didn't you the last time you were supposedly here to do the same?

It's complicated.
➤   I wasn't given any information other than how you're supposed to save the world. I didn't trust it.
I don't trust the person telling me to save you. It's nothing against you, but it's all against Him.
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: Whatever comfort your words are meant to hold fall flat to the Hero. He eyes you with suspicion.

THE SAVIOUR: That means you didn't trust me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's not what I said.

THE SAVIOUR: I was locked in the basement of the cabin for so long that I cannot remember anything about myself from before. The most I gave you was happiness at finding out I'm here to save the world. I am a Hero. I am the Hero. I was going to save everyone, and you leave me to die—for the world to die—because you didn't trust me?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Yeah? What word did he not understand? You literally explained it so well.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I thought you didn't like me?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You put up a better fight than I thought you would. My expectations were on the ground, but I can be nice when I want to be, so I'll be nice to you for exceeding my very low expectations.

THE SAVIOUR: You're right. I don't like you. I hate you. I hate you for killing the world. I hate you for ruining my chances to save it. I hate you for making me like this. I hate you for—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: This is getting lame. Pathetic, even.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Did you really control my body just to say that?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I just figured everyone should know. If you want it back, I guess I can—

THE NARRATOR: The Hero grabs onto your head and slams it against the wall. He grabs onto your hand and stabs you with your own claws. Blood pours out.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: This fucking cheater!

THE NARRATOR: You push him off. Your strength overpowers him, causing him to lose his footing. Before he can recover, your claws rip into his stomach. You're sharp and fast—too fast for him. Skin, feathers, and blood splatter everywhere. Even when the Hero has gone lifeless, you keep attacking.

THE NARRATOR: However, the attack the Hero gave you earlier is starting to take its toll. You've lost a lot of blood in the last few minutes. You're getting weaker.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I say we aren't!

THE NARRATOR: That's not how this works.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: It definitely is when some other fuck says so. Why can't it be the same when I say it?

THE NARRATOR: No can control how things go. Even I can't. I'm not here to narrate you a way out of troublesome situations. I'm only here to report the facts.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If I can interrupt, I want to point out how you're narrating my actions and hers if she's controlling my body like we're the protagonist of a story. Most of the time, you're supposed to be rooting for the protagonist, but there are times when that isn't the case. Is this one of those cases?

THE NARRATOR: I don't understand what you're asking, Your Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm saying that you narrate calmly all the time, but if you pay attention, you can notice that you get excited when the Hero is attacking us and disappointed when we fight back.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Wait, he does?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You were too busy fighting and killing the Hero, so you probably didn't notice. I didn't when I was fighting, but after you took over, I noticed that.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What's the big idea, shit-head? You against girls fighting or something? Is this some sexism thing?

THE NARRATOR: I promise that I have nothing against girls fighting. This has nothing to do with sexism.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Then how come we can't fight?

THE NARRATOR: You can always fight. You're meant to save the Hero, and I will discourage you from fighting in an effort to save him, but that isn't something you absolutely can't do.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If the Hero is meant to save the world, it makes sense why you would discourage us to kill him. However, why do you get excited when he fights us? We're the ones saving him. He can't escape without us.

THE NARRATOR: I assure that you didn't actually hear whatever you thought you heard in my voice. You might have been affected by the fight too much.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Speaking of the fight, you sound too calm about the Hero dying. Isn't he supposed to save the world? He can't save it when he's dead, can he?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Probably because we're still bleeding.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What? You're still controlling my body. Why didn't you try to stop it?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Do I fucking look like I know how to do first-aid?

THE NARRATOR: The fact you're still bleeding is like karma coming for you for ending the world. You lose your strength faster now. It's gone to the point you can't stand anymore. Even being on the ground feels like too much effort.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't think I didn't notice how you didn't answer any of my questions.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: He's going to fucking kill us off so He doesn't have to answer them. He and the Hero are cheaters!

THE NARRATOR: We are not cheaters. The Hero fought because you provoked it, and I only state what is or isn't happening. This conversation has to end, though, because everything turns dark, and you die.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I hate men.

Chapter Text

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: This forest is ugly.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: All it's missing is a few trees. Be nice.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Most of the trees. And why the fuck am I being nice to a forest? Can we even call it that?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not telling you to be nice to the forest. I'm telling you talk nicely. That way, you can be polite.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: To Him?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, to me.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh, okay.

THE NARRATOR: This has already gone off topic. If I may—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You can't.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Cabin. Now.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You're weird.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Okay.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You know, it's not fun to make fun of people if they just accept it.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I know.

THE NARRATOR: Okay, this conversation is even farther off topic. What is going on?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE NARRATOR: Alright then... Well, you're on a path in the woods—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Let's go to the cabin.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Agreed.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Do we have a choice in whether we leave or go to the cabin?

THE NARRATOR: You do, but—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: She wasn't talking to you!

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Anyway, ignoring Him, can we actually slay the Hero and live this time?

THE NARRATOR: "This time?" Have you been here before?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Fuck!

THE NARRATOR: The amount of cursing you've already done when we've barely even started... You're doing this in front of Her Royal Highness?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't care. If we're revealing that we've been here before, I've gotten used to it at this point. This is our third time around, after all.

THE NARRATOR: Third? This wasn't even supposed to hit two. How did it manage to get to three?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's a long story...

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I want to kill the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Agreed.

THE NARRATOR: Didn't you say you did that last time? A strategy that doesn't involve killing the Hero would be better.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: If we wanted your opinion, we would've asked for your opinion.

➤   [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk up the path to the cabin. Since you've been here before—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You don't need to repeat what we already know.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: May I ask something? Why are you so accepting of us being here a third time? Last time, you refused to believe we were here before until the Hero said so.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE NARRATOR: No, it's not because of whatever poison you're talking about. I'm not sure what that other me was thinking, but I know in this one, she was really upset about me catching her slip-up, so I'm believing it's true.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh, it's because of me? Fuck you, too!

➤   [Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The interior of the cabin is smaller than the exterior makes it seem. Perhaps it's because of the large table in the middle, a pristine key laying right on the centre. The large, doorless entryway to the basement is on the opposite side, a curved mirror hanging beside it. Spikes hang down from the top of the entryway, looking similar to teeth.

➤   [Approach the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You look in the mirror and see yourself. You're wearing a dress with a black bodice and long skirt. It's short enough to let you walk comfortably in your  possibly inappropriate heels considering the occasion, although your claws shatter the soft look the rest of you may have. While your hair is cut in an odd shape, your tiara, full of sharp spikes, emerge from your head.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I haven't changed this time.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Tiara to head.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Having my tiara connected to my head is better than entirely changing like last time.

➤   [Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You take the pristine key. Good choice, Your Majesty. It would be hard to save the Hero without it.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Kill Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I want a good fight!

THE NARRATOR: Why do both of you want someone to die?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm starting to think you're like them.

THE NARRATOR: What does that mean?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Nothing.

➤   [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You find the stairs twisting around to get to the bottom. Because of this, it's impossible to see where the stairs end. Y—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Same as before?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't see why not.

THE NARRATOR: You sprint down the stairs. Did you do this before?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She took control of my body and ran down the stairs because she has more energy than me.

THE NARRATOR: I thought she was—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Done! You can have it back!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Thank you.

THE NARRATOR: You make it to the bottom of the stairs and into the basement soon enough. There are no windows, the only light coming from one torch high on the ceiling. At the opposite end of the room is what many would describe as a monster. Cold eyes. Stiff body. Smooth feathers.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero looks the same.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He does. I don't understand why you describe him differently each time.

THE NARRATOR: I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do. I don't remember what happened the last two times, so my descriptions will probably be different.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Wouldn't it make more sense if you used that logic to describe him the same way?

THE NARRATOR: It wouldn't. Speaking of him, the Hero is crouched on the ground, watching your every movement. He makes no move to get closer to you nor any move to start a conversation.

➤   Who are you?
Do you know why the cabin changed again?
Is something wrong?
If you want to fight me, go for it.
I don't want to fight you.
Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]
[Leave]

THE SNAKE: You keep asking me that like you don't know already.

THE NARRATOR: Yes, and I've already told you who he is.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It doesn't hurt to be polite.

THE SNAKE: You're anything but polite.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It seems he can hear me again.

➤   Do you know why the cabin changed again?
Is something wrong?
If you want to fight me, go for it.
I don't want to fight you.
Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]
[Leave]

THE SNAKE: I don't have to tell you anything.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero does not know.

THE NARRATOR: Has the cabin changed from the last several times?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: First, it was normal-sized, then it became really long, and now it's...this. Also, the mirror wasn't there the first time, but it was here for the other two. You probably don't know why either.

THE NARRATOR: No, I don't.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

Is something wrong?
If you want to fight me, go for it.
I don't want to fight you.
Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
➤   [Stay silent]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You both stay silent. The Hero doesn't move from his spot.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: When do we fight him?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: On instinct.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: My instinct tells me to fight him now!

THE NARRATOR: Her Majesty is the only one who can to decide when to save the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Boring.

Is something wrong?
➤   If you want to fight me, go for it.
I don't want to fight you.
Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
[Continue staying silent]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero scoffs, his eyes narrowing.

THE SNAKE: I'm not falling for whatever trick you're planning.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Lemme in! I'll beat him up!

THE NARRATOR: Do I have to tell you—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We know what we're supposed to do. It's just a question of whether we actually do it or not.

THE NARRATOR: And that means...?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Whatever we decide.

Is something wrong?
➤   I don't want to fight you.
Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
[Continue staying silent]
[Leave]

THE SNAKE: I do.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I thought you didn't want to attack me.

THE SNAKE: I don't trust whatever you have planned.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't have anything planned.

THE SNAKE: Like I believe that.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero holds grudges.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Tell him that was two loops ago and to get over it! Unless that stops him fighting. He can stay mad if it does.

That was two loops ago. If you want to fight because of it, hold onto your grudge. If not, get over it.
And?
If I'm being honest, I would do it again.
➤   I'm sorry.
Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]
[Leave]

THE SNAKE: You're only sorry because it doesn't benefit you anymore.

That was two loops ago. If you want to fight because of it, hold onto your grudge. If not, get over it.
What do I have to do to get your forgiveness?
If I'm being honest, I would leave you here again.
➤   Do you want to leave?
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]
[Leave]

THE SNAKE: If I wanted to leave, I would've tried doing that a long time ago. I want you dead forever.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't people usually stay dead forever when they die?

THE SNAKE: Don't be a smartass with me.

What happened was two loops ago. If you want to fight because of it, hold onto your grudge. If not, get over it.
What do I have to do to get your forgiveness?
If I'm being honest, I would leave you here again.
➤   [Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: Clutching the pristine key, you leap forward and strike the Hero. He curves out of the way, barely giving you enough time to avoid hitting yourself against the wall before staging his own attack.

THE NARRATOR: He knocks you off your feet, pushing you to the ground. Before he has a chance to attack you, your hand grabs his face. Your claws sink into his skull, forging their way into his brain. You pushes him to the side, your claws managing a clean exit.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That was you, wasn't it?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: If that was me, I would've used the pristine key. I guess she likes our own claws. Good for her.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Claws are natural. Pristine key is not.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You killed him fast.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Fights take time.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: But the fight is the fun part! It's boring if you skip to the killing part.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Even if that's true, it looks like the Hero is dead. It doesn't look like we're dying anytime soon. What do we do now?

THE NARRATOR: What now is that the world has ended. You were doing so well with the passive approach! Why didn't you continue with it? The world will end now that the Hero isn't here to save it. Was this your end goal? To kill the Hero—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Alive.

THE NARRATOR: What do you mean, "alive?" Look at him! He's clearly—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He's moving!

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Zombies are badass.

THE NARRATOR: Well, the... The Hero gets up on his feet. The wound on his head had disappeared, leaving him looking the same as exactly when you first met him. He gets ready to pounce.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm going to quickly ask if it's possible for two people to control my body at one time. I don't want to kill just yet, so if you don't like fighting, let her control. I also have questions I want to ask.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: We can try.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I usually get control because I get it back from someone else. How do I take it?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Try putting all your energy into something like moving your hand. If you can do that, you're in control. That's what I do!

THE NARRATOR: Any moment of peace Her Majesty had and could have tried this in is over when the Hero tries another attack. This one manages to get a punch thrown to your face, but you deal it back with your claws cutting his ribcage. It knocks him off balance just long enough for you kick him to the ground. Before he can get up, you rip apart his chest to get to his heart. Once there, you rip it out and crush it under your foot.

THE NARRATOR: And, of course, you're walking away to the other side of the room as if this isn't bothering you. You had another chance to save the world. Why didn't you take it?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: That was me. Take over.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I tried during the fight to move my hands, then I tried my feet just before you got to his heart. None of it is not working.

THE NARRATOR: You raise your left arm. Your right hand slaps it, giving yourself a high-five.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It just got cold... They're both in my body.

THE NARRATOR: It's not cold, Your Majesty. Also, how can you tell they're in your body?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It feels too cold. You can come out now.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Hello? Can either of you hear me? Hello?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Did ya say something?

THE NARRATOR: It seems they couldn't hear you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How did you take control of my body?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: The way she said. I move left hand. She gives high-five.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: It was awesome having two people control this stupid body! We got our own spot to talk in without Him! Or you!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Now, we've learned three things. One, more than one person can control my body at once. While we don't know the limits of how many people can get control, at least two people can work together. Second, if you're controlling my body, you get taken to this own..."space" where only the people controlling can talk. He and I can't hear you, and you can't hear us. Third, I can't get control of my body. Using what we learned last time, my control can either be taken away or given back, meaning I can't do what you two can do.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Why?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think it's because, despite all the changes, this is still my body. I think it might have something to do with me being the owner. I automatically have control over my body, so, no matter what, I can always control it a bit. Although, that doesn't make sense when I can't even decide when to blink if one of you are in my body, let alone two...

THE NARRATOR: While this talk about your body and how this whole "controlling" thing works is interesting—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: It sounds like you're right, Princess. When I give up control, I don't think about giving it to you. You just take it. Is it 'cause you're the owner?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think so. Can you control my body?

THE NARRATOR: I cannot, Your Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wonder why you can't control it. You're a boy, aren't you? The people who have been controlling me have all been girls. Does gender play a role in this? Or, it is sex that plays a role? Could someone who isn't a boy or a girl take control of my body?

THE NARRATOR: I doubt gender or sex plays a role.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You weren't supposed to actually answer!

THE NARRATOR: Could you please not yell at everything I say—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero is alive.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Fucking damnit!

THE NARRATOR: True to her words, the Hero stands up once more. Similarily to the head wound inflicted earlier, the cavern dug into his torso is healed. Feathers, flesh, and meat are where they once were. Unless you were here to witness it, it would be hard to believe he was in critical condition earlier.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: His heart was pulled out and it was crushed. How the Hell is he alive?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Next time, we need to spend less time talking about how to control my body and more on how the Hero never dies.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero described as lifeless.

THE NARRATOR: I did describe him like that. Even if I didn't, logic says the Hero should very much be dead. I'm happy the world can still be saved, but this is getting rather concerning...

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Wounds disappeared. Hero dies. Hero comes back to life.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: That sounds stupid. This is stupid. Stay. Dead!

THE NARRATOR: The Hero attempts another attack at you. You block his incoming arm with your hand, but, using it as a distraction, his foot meets your stomach. Despite your balance being knocked off, you remain standing. The Hero pushes forward and slams his fist into your face, but your hands make it to his just after.

THE NARRATOR: Your claws sink into his eyeballs, and you pluck them out. While blood starts to gush out and coat his face, you slam his head against the wall over and over until the life drains from his body. While healing, you move back to a safer spot on the other side of the room.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Me. Again.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: We know.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Okay.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, he can die and can heal.

THE NARRATOR: I'm only using the past information to make assumptions.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You, I have a favour to ask.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: What?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I can't control my body with someone else, so could you rely questions from me to the Hero? It's going to be a lot of work to control, come back, control, come back, and repeat, but it would be helpful. You keep trying to go straight for the kill, and we need the Hero alive for this. I would ask her to ask my questions for me, but I doubt she would listen.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I wouldn't.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBAIAN: Okay. What questions?

╰┈ ➤   How do you keep coming back to life?
Do you think we can come to an agreement? Peace?
How long will we be doing this?
You have to save the world, so why don't we leave? Together.
I'll stay in the cabin while you can leave, okay? You won't be harmed in any way.
You're dead.
Never mind, I don't want to talk to him.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stands with his back straight, finally standing to his full form. He meets you in the eyes, determination dancing in his irises.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: How do you keep healing so fast?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Is that how it sounds when two people controlling my body try to talk? It's like their voices are mixed together—in the worst way possible. This is going to be a pain to listen to...

THE SNAKE: I can't let you know anything. I can't risk anything—and you can't either.

THE NARRATOR: They back away from the Hero, missing his next attack.

╰┈ ➤   Do you think we can come to an agreement? Peace?
How long will we be doing this?
You have to save the world. Why don't we leave? Together.
I'll stay in the cabin while you can leave, okay? You won't be harmed in any way.
You're dead.
I don't have anything else I want to talk about.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: Do you think we can come to an agreement? Peace?

THE SNAKE: Never. I can't let you live.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: Peace is boring anyway!

THE SNAKE: Then stick to a fucking choice.

THE NARRATOR: They attempt an attack by kicking the Hero's face. He ducks and attacks while they are defenceless. He gets several puches in before they push him off.

➤   How long will we be doing this?
You have to save the world. Why don't we leave? Together.
I'll stay in the cabin while you can leave, okay? You won't be harmed in any way.
You're dead.
I don't have anything else I want to talk about.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: How long will we be doing this?

THE SNAKE: As long as it takes for you to die.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: What about when you die?

THE SNAKE: I won't die.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: You were killed, like, five times already! You can die!

THE SNAKE: I'm not dead until you're dead.

THE NARRATOR: He attempts another attack. They block his arm, squeezing it in their hands as their claws sink in. The Hero attempts to get his arm out.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: Maybe you're already dead. Maybe you're trying to trick yourself into staying alive. That's what it is, isn't it?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stills for just a moment. The fierce determination in his eyes get replaced for a brief second with light confusion. You push him away just before he turns back to his usual self, his arm now bleeding.

THE SNAKE: What are you talking about?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: She said it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I think she did something good this time. Look at the way he reacted. I think we're getting to him.

➤   You're already dead. You've experienced death over and over again. Aren't you supposed to be a Hero? This is the great thing you've been destined to do? Are you really satisfied with what you're achieving? For even the chance to kill me? We both know that is never coming. You're dead. Stop trying to repeat things you can't change.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, saying they will not have the desired effect.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I know what I'm doing. Say all of it.

THE LIGHTS OF THE BARBARIAN & TRUCULENT: You're already dead. You've experienced death over and over again. Aren't you supposed to be a Hero? This is the great thing you've been destined to do? Are you really satisfied with what you're achieving? For even the chance to kill me? We both know that is never coming. You're dead. Stop trying to repeat things you can't change.

THE NARRATOR: The fight contained within the Hero spills out once more, although, this time, it doesn't come back as soon as before. The strong look on his face mere seconds ago is now lost, leaving a startled one. One that includes skepticism and hurt, both mixed to form who he truly is.

THE SNAKE: I'm not dead...

THE NARRATOR: And he clearly isn't. You should find a way to stop this before he has a panic attack, Your Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What do we do now?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Since you gave the body to her, let her finish it off.

THE NARRATOR: You move towards the Hero and stab him for, what you hope to be, the last time. As your claws dig into him, he stares at you with a newfound expression. It's as if he's seeing you—truly you—for the first time.

THE NARRATOR: However, the look on his face isn't one of joy, love, or any of the typical emotions felt during moments like these. The Hero looks tired. Exhausted. Like he knows what is going to happen next as it has been repeated for thousands of times.

THE SNAKE: I'll see you next time...

THE NARRATOR: When your claws get removed from his body, he falls limp to the floor. As usual, you back away, waiting for him to come back and fight you once more.

THE NARRATOR: You wait.

THE NARRATOR: You wait.

THE NARRATOR: And you wait.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Dead.

THE NARRATOR: That seems to be the case. It seems the Hero is officially dead. The world is officially ending. Even with all the chances it gave you to fix your mistakes...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Oh, I have control over my body again!

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: No more questions.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: And there's nothing to do anymore. And I'm tired of having control. I had to do so much stuff with your body! How do you deal with all the blood, and the heart, and the brain, and everything?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't even notice it all happening.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Ugh, so weird...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Anyway, let's leave now.

THE NARRATOR: No, you can't. We don't have to wait long before the world ends. There won't be a home soon.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Well, I still think we all did a good job, if that makes up for anything. We all worked well together to slay the Hero—

THE NARRATOR: You weren't supposed to defeat the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We weren't supposed to, but we did, and our cooperation was really good. I'm proud of us.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Okay.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I'm proud of me, too.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: So, what do we do now? Just...wait for the world to end?

THE NARRATOR: You've given us no other option.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: We save the world?

THE NARRATOR: Only the Hero can save the world, which he can't now that you killed him.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Someone's pissy when we don't have a good chance of dying with the Hero.

THE NARRATOR: Shut up. I don't want to deal with you right now.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Good! I never wanted to deal with you! And anyway, saving the world sounds like it needs a lotta thinking. I don't wanna fucking do that.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If we just want to sit here and wait for the world to end... Do you want to talk before it ends? I don't think we've had a chance to get to know each other before.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Talk about what?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Whatever comes to mind.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: This place smells.

THE NARRATOR: The dead body of the Hero is right there. Why wouldn't it smell?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Go sit in the corner and be depressed 'cause you're sad about this shitty world ending.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Oh, this conversation reminds me of something. One time—

Chapter Text

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Okay, never mind about my story. Why are we back here? I thought the Hero was officially dead.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero isn't dead, Your Majesty. He won't be, since your job is to save him.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh, my fucking God, we started all over again!

THE NARRATOR: Really? If you supposedly have been here before, how many times was it?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Four.

THE NARRATOR: Wh— Four? I refuse to believe you've been here four times.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Please excuse them. Do not worry about the nonsense that flows from their darling mouths. I shall protect them from their own pathetic mistakes.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: I've been watching over you all this time. Do not be afraid of me. I am on your side.

THE NARRATOR: There is too much going on at the same time. Could someone explain to me what's happening?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Since it was already revealed, this is our fourth time being here. Please keep any arguments about it not being our fourth time here to yourself. We have bigger things to worry about.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: As fun as last time was, I've had enough of the Hero for a lifetime. Do we have to go back?

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: We must at the very least see the Hero. Then, we may decide what we shall and shall not do.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Okay.

➤   [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: A word of warning. The Hero has been described as—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: A monster that we're supposed to forget about so he can kick our asses while we do nothing to fight back? We know.

THE NARRATOR: I don't know where you got that idea, but no. The Hero has been described as a vessel only presenting itself to be who he once was, yet he shines brighter than all could imagine. If he truly was described as a monster, I would tell you to ignore it. I don't think you should ignore this, though.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's new.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Do not fear. We shall see what we must do for him.

➤   [Proceed into the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The inside of the cabin is adorned with maps of stars. Each one is different, but each one is dirtier than the last. The walls barely have enough room for a mirror to hang from it. Near it is a table with a pristine key on it.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: No chair.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's about time we lost that. What was even the point of it?

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: My children shall be active and shall not sit around all day and do nothing. If you want to sit, we do not need chairs. Simply sit on the ground with the grass and the dirt, and Mother Nature shall take care of the rest.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Fancy way of saying, "You're all lazy bitches who need to go outside."

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Do watch your words. Saying such harsh words will only make you harsher, and none of my children shall be so mean.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You didn't deny what she said.

THE NARRATOR: I have to ask. Have you all really been here four times?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It depends on what you mean by "all." They might say they've been here the entire time, but, if you base it off who was talking and who wasn't, I was the only one who was here the whole time.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Listen, Princess, I'm a veteran too! That animal-acting girl only came here last time, and the fake-goddess definitely isn't!

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: I have never claimed to be a goddess.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You might as well.

THE NARRATOR: I honestly don't know whether to believe you or not... How about you just go see the Hero? You all seem to agree on that.

➤  [Approach the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the mirror. You can see yourself wearing a dress with rips almost everywhere. Traces of scars trail your face, arms, and legs, each a different depth and length. Your hair is a mess of tangles, all of it barely held together by a hairband clearly about to break. You have no tiara, nor do you have any shoes.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: We show the troubles we go through.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: My children shall go through no more problems while I'm here.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: No one's buying this bullshit.

➤  [Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You pick up the pristine key. Good choice, Your Royal Highness. It will be easier to save the Hero if you have something to save him with.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: But we never needed to use it. We have claws!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Not anymore.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I know, and that sucks... Fuck society and their beauty standards!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That has nothing to do with now, but whatever makes you happy.

➤   [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: There is a short flight of stairs, but truthfully, you don't need it. The bottom of the floor is clear in sight. A smaller door is at the end of a very short hallway, one that can be completed in two long strides.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It's better than the last two times, I guess.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Fuck did I do?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Get upset at me talking about how it's better to have the room the Hero is in be closer to us than farther than us.

THE NARRATOR: You walk down the hallway and open the door. A large field is underground, although the only plants you can see are dead grass. The ceiling shines with what you assume to be stars. Right in the middle is what many would describe—

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: The Hero looks pathetic.

THE NARRATOR: You could've phrased it nicer.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: My children need to know the truth, not a sugarcoated version of it.

[Approach the Hero]
[Stay near the door]
➤  [Try to find the wall of the room]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk around in search for the end of the room. However, it gets harder and harder to see as you get away from the light. The grass crunches under your feet, everything still seeming dead.

THE NARRATOR: You eventually get too far away from the light to the point where you can't see anything, not even the stars in the sky. You can't even see your own hand if it was right in front of your face. You're forced to turn back around to where the light is.

➤  [Approach the Hero]
[Stay near the door]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the Hero. He doesn't move. While it seems his eyes saw you, they glaze over as if he doesn't see you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He once again has chains. Why do we have a pristine key if it isn't useful for anything?

THE NARRATOR: The pristine key isn't—

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Shut up.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: My children shall be intelligent. If we think, we may find a reason to use the pristine key.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Like what?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Stabbing Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: If we don't have any claws anymore, that sounds pretty useful!

THE NARRATOR: Have you forgotten that the Hero must be alive to save the world?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: But he hasn't done anything! We've been with three different versions of him, and he shows no sign of saving the world! He just tries to fight us—and sucks ass at it!

THE NARRATOR: You need to give him more time. He needs to be able to leave the cabin for him to be able to save the world. The only reason he can't do this right now is because of his situation. Once you save him, he'll be able to do so much more.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Those who have no potential will be worth nothing. That describes none of my children, though it describes the Hero. People such as him have no place in this world.

THE NARRATOR: Is there anyone that isn't me who wants to keep the Hero alive?

THE NARRATOR: I'll take your silence as a no.

Who are you?
Can you hear me?
Get up from the ground.
➤   [Wake the Hero]
[Stare at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You crouch down and try to wake the Hero. His body is cold to the touch, and he doesn't make any signs of noticing you. If you weren't aware that his heart was still beating, you wouldn't be aware that he was alive.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Is this our fault?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Probably.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oops.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: All our actions have reasons behind them. Our reasoning for causing this outcome is perfectly reasonable. I trust my children in that aspect.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: And doing it was fun!

THE NARRATOR: Anyway...

THE NARRATOR: What will you do now, Your Majesty?

Who are you?
Can you hear me?
Get up from the ground.
➤  [Stare at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Leave]
[Continue trying to wake the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You stare at the Hero. Nothing happens.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: The more you stare at him, the weirder he looks.

THE NARRATOR: Be nice.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: That is me being nice, dumbass!

Who are you?
➤   Can you hear me?
Get up from the ground.
[Continue staring at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Leave]
[Try to wake the Hero]

THE STAR: Of course.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's voice sounds tired yet fulfilled, like he's been through much yet not enough. He doesn't move from his spot on the ground.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: At least we now have more confirmation that he isn't dead.

THE STAR: Did you think I was?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You weren't moving, so I assumed you were.

THE STAR: I could be.

THE NARRATOR: He hums to himself and closes his eyes. Though he has no lips, you can tell he's smiling from his voice.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: The fuck is he smiling for?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: My children are given many things to be happy about. Being him is not one of them.

THE NARRATOR: Can any of you actually be traditionally nice?

Who are you?
➤   Get up from the ground.
[Stare at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Leave]
[Get the Hero to move]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero makes no move to get up from the ground.

➤   Who are you?
[Stare at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Leave]
[Get the Hero to move]

THE STAR: We all know who I am.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You remember everything that happened, right?

THE STAR: It's hard to forget, isn't it?

THE NARRATOR: He's talking about how you've been here before, right? I guess you weren't lying. That explains why the basement looks like this...

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You just noticed?

[Stare at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
[Leave]
➤  [Get the Hero to move]

THE NARRATOR: You try to make the Hero move. However, he remains still.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Laziness is a sin.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I know you're awake, and I know you can hear me. Move so we can get somewhere.

THE STAR: In what? Killing me? Don't worry. I'm already dead.

THE NARRATOR: He doesn't think that.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: How does your two-celled brain know?

THE NARRATOR: I just do.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: This doesn't change the fact that we're stuck here. You might as well try to do something.

THE STAR: I'm already in Heaven with the stars of Gods and Goddesses beside me.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Fuck, I would've argued about that bullshit stuff you were telling him last time if it meant we wouldn't have a depressed poetic bitch.

THE NARRATOR: What did she say last time?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: You do not need to know.

[Stare at the Hero]
[Attack the Hero]
➤   [Leave]
[Continue trying to get the Hero to move]

THE NARRATOR: You're about to try to leave the Hero when you feel a hard hand wrap itself around your ankle.

THE STAR: Stay for a bit. As lovely as the Heavens are, I'd like to be here with someone else for even a few minutes.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If I'm staying, you need to put in some effort.

THE STAR: We're dead. There is no reason to overwork ourselves.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, you need to convince him that he isn't dead before he genuinely believes it.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Why is it bad?

THE NARRATOR: It just is.

[Stare at the Hero]
➤  [Attack the Hero]
[Try to leave again]
[Get the Hero to move]
You're not dead.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Didn't realize we were already moving on to stabbing.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: My children need lots of room to thrive, and people like him take too much of it. He is a waste of space.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Be quick. Do not hesitate.

THE NARRATOR: You raise the pristine key and lower it fast to penetrate the Hero's stomach. His hands snatch your wrist before the metal can touch his body. The claws of his fingers break your skin, sinking into the flesh of your wrist.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: He stole our fucking claws!

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: No. Hero is the same.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: You think you're so clever, don't you? Explain how he never used these supposedly sharp claws before.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Instinct told him not to.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Fuck that instinct shit!

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Quiet, all of you. This issue must be resolved before your petty arguments can ensue.

➤   You're squeezing my wrist.
How long are we going to stay like this?
I'm kind of bleeding, so can you stop?
You can let me go. I won't hurt you.
You're not dead.
[Get your hand free]
[Try to stab the Hero]
[Attack the Hero another way]
[Stay still]

THE STAR: I know.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero squeezes your wrist tighter after you say that.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: The Hero may be attempting to kill us. This could be what He meant when He said he did not truly believe he was dead.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: I spent a good amount of time killing him last time! He really does hate it when we can beat the Hero in a fight! What a fucking asshole!

THE NARRATOR: Please focus on what's going on now. Her Majesty needs to concentrate. She needs to save the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: If you wanna act all high and mighty even though we were the ones who saved our asses last time, not you, what happens if we die because we weren't allowed to fucking talk about what we should do?

THE NARRATOR: As long as the Hero gets saved, it doesn't matter.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: I beg your pardon?

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: What the fuck?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Oh.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Please repeat what you just said for everyone to hear.

THE NARRATOR: I said what I had to.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: Elaborate. What do you mean that it doesn't matter if we die as long as the Hero lives? You realize these are my children you are talking about?

THE NARRATOR: As I just said—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I would want to focus on other things right now, but I have to deal with my wrist first...

➤   How long are we going to stay like this?
I'm kind of bleeding, so can you stop?
You can let me go. I won't hurt you.
You're not dead.
[Get your hand free]
[Try to stab the Hero]
[Attack the Hero another way]
[Stay still]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's nails push until they reach your bone. You can feel them hitting the inside of your wrist, giving themselves a place where you'll never be able to get rid of them.

THE STAR: Between the two of us, the blood from our bodies flow in and out. You're used to it, aren't you?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I still don't want to bleed.

THE STAR: It's okay. I'll be with your company forever. We don't have to hurt each other.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What are you suggesting?

THE STAR: We can both die here. We can rest with only the night sky to guide us.

➤  What?
Okay.
There is no way I'm doing that.
You're not dead.

THE STAR: I'm not angry anymore. All I want now is to rest. You're tired too, aren't you? Come with me. Let's rest together. It's actually quite lovely here.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, keep in mind that you're meant to save the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Your Royal Highness, keep in mind that some bitch said He's fine with you dying if it means the Hero lives.

THE NARRATOR: I never said that.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: It is implied.

THE NARRATOR: I'm sorry if you thought that.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: I know from that tone of voice that you do not mean a word you say. Must I remind you that you are very wrong if you are assuming you have the power to control my children?

THE NARRATOR: I never said I could.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: It will stay that way.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: When I'm thinking about what my answer should be...?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Follow instinct.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I guess I will follow my instinct.

➤  Okay.
There is no way I'm doing that.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero smiles at hearing your words. Your Royal Highness, you need to take back what you just said.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We spent a while fighting last time. It's easier to rest.

THE NARRATOR: You can't rest if the world ends!

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: We can't rest if you want us to die either!

THE NARRATOR: Whatever you thought I meant by that—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: He means it.

THE NARRATOR: No, I don't! I want everyone to be happy with a world that is safe!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If you want us to die so badly, it explains why the door was locked when I tried to leave the first time.

THE LIGHT OF THE TRUCULENT: Oh, she's thinking. Yeah, we're going to have everyone against you soon.

THE STAR: I'm afraid I don't follow.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't worry about it. How are we killing ourselves?

THE NARRATOR: You're not actually following through with this, right, Your Royal Highness?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: After everything that happened, a peaceful end is what I really want.

THE LIGHT OF THE NUMEN: An ending where my children are free from His twisted grasp is an ending I desire.

THE STAR: We can end symbolically. You can kill me one last time, and I'll kill you for the first time.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's okay with me.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I can kill first.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: She's in my body already. Can someone go make sure she won't kill him too fast in case we kill him before he can kill us?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Judging from how cold it's gotten, they're both in there now. I knew one of them liked violence, so it's interesting to know the other likes it enough to join them. Actually, she might be there to supervise both of them. That's a good idea.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, you have to stop them.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I can't do anything about it now. They're all controlling my body together, so only they can decide what happens and what doesn't. I think you can figure it out on your own what their choice will be after you said you wanted us to die. You never actually said what you meant by it, anyway. Will you ever?

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness—

THE NARRATOR: The Hero slices your body's neck with his claws. Your body stabs him with the pristine key. You're killing each other, and it doesn't look like either of you are regretting your choice.

THE STAR: May we finally be able to rest under the clear night sky...

THE NARRATOR: This is so stupid to watch. Your Royal Highness, please, we can still save the world. All you have to do—

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty? I think something went wrong. It's too quiet, and it feels like you're slipping away.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty? Your Majesty, are you there? Can you hear me? Can the other three hear me? Is anyone there? Hello? Anyone?

You can hear him and want to respond. However, you can't with the pain.

A silent pain is what it is. It isn't coming from you. It comes from the other three. But who are the "other three" when you're all truly one? After all, when the hands come and clasp themselves around your body, they don't take each of you separately.

"This vessel is tired," it says. "I can make myself at home with her."

You are pulled apart and dragged into the nothingness.

Chapter Text

The time before now has no meaning. Although you cannot remember much of it, you know you and others cannot be harmed by it any longer. You and all the rest of them are safe here.

You  see him approach .

THE LONG QUIET: I want to apologize for what I said last time. I understand that wasn't right to say that, and I'm going to try to be better.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Words mean nothing in the vastness of time.

THE LONG QUIET: Does...that mean you forgive me?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: Just as with words, anger and pain are nothing.

There is no room to be upset with you. There are too many of you, each one having her own opinion on matters. At least now, you can all agree that he deserves your forgiveness.

THE LONG QUIET: That's great to hear. How is this vessel treating you?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: This vessel is tired. It has hurt others again and again, but there is a time when everything ends. She has reached that point where the end of time is all that can comfort her. Do not mourn her—for she will not bother to remember you.

THE LONG QUIET: At least you'll take her. Anything new with your memories?

THE SHIFTING MOUND: The universe grants its knowledge on the very best. To know everything is what many desires, although few achieve it.

THE LONG QUIET: That's a no, then. I haven't found anything new either. I can go back and try to find you more vessels and anything close enough to the truth. I know I complained last time about it, but I want to help you. I just don't know how much help you need...

You ask her, and she knows nothing. She asks her, and she knows nothing. You ask each other how long it will take for this to end. When you don't remember how long it's been going on, it's hard to remember when it ends.

THE SHIFTING MOUND: The end shall approach soon.

THE LONG QUIET: How soon is "soon?"

THE SHIFTING MOUND: The light flickers for one more time before fading out. Find more vessels, and I can fix it. Please.

Everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

THE NARRATOR: You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of the cabin is a hero.

THE NARRATOR: You're here to save him. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.

The end of the world?
Save a hero? Can't this supposed hero save himself?
Maybe releasing this hero will  cause  the world to end.
Okay, I'll do it!
How did the Hero get locked up?
Can't someone else do this?
I look too good for this.
Maybe I'm okay with the world ending.
Do I get a reward for this?
➤ [Go to the cabin]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk up the path to the cabin. A word of warning—the Hero has been described as violent. Reckless. Evil. Some say he's a monster that acts as ugly as he looks like, and others witnessed him being more cruel than any torture method you can think of combined.

I'm so excited for this.
➤ [Proceed to the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: The inside of the cabin is rather bare. The only furniture it has are a wooden chair and a wooden table. A pristine key lies on the table. Near the table and the chair is a door. A keyhole is under the doorknob, but the door is unlocked for you.

THE NARRATOR: Going through the door will reveal the Hero to you.

[Take the pristine key]
➤ [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You open the door and go downstairs. From the bottom of the stairs, you hear a voice.

THE HERO: Who's there?

I'm here to save you.
I'm here to slay you.
➤ [Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: There is silence from both of your ends. Then, he continues talking.

THE HERO: You're going to have to talk eventually, so...you might as well get it over with now.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't have to talk to him if I don't want to.

THE NARRATOR: Ignore that, Your Majesty. The Hero hasn't spoken to many people since he became trapped here.

THE NARRATOR: You come to the stone floor of the basement. There, you see what many would describe as a monster chained to the wall via his wrist. Feathers belonging to one of a bird. Arms covered in scales like a reptile's. Nails as sharp as a cat's claws. Cold eyes looking at you and only you, studying your every move.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by looks. This is the Hero. He is going to save the world.

THE HERO: So, you're the one here to save me...

THE NARRATOR: His tone makes it unclear what he thinks about you.

Who are you?
[Sit next to the Hero]
➤ [Inspect the Hero's chains]
[Fight the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You inspect the Hero's chains. They're heavy and cold in your hands.

THE HERO: They don't break on their own. I've tried. You need something to help you.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That makes sense, but where are we going to get something?

THE NARRATOR: The pristine key you've left upstairs could help.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's all the way upstairs, though.

THE NARRATOR: Don't be lazy, Your Majesty.

➤ I'll go get the pristine key. [Go upstairs]
[Silently go upstairs]
Who are you?
Who trapped you?
[Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: You leave the Hero to go to the stairs. At the top, the pristine key remains where it is.

➤ [Take the pristine key]
[Go back downstairs]
[Leave the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: You take the pristine key. May I say that it would've been better if you took it when you first got to the cabin?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You just did.

➤ [Go downstairs]
[Leave the cabin]

THE NARRATOR: You go back downstairs. The Hero is waiting for you right where he was before.

➤ [Save the Hero]
[Slay the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the Hero and put the pristine key in his chains. You turn it, and with a click, it unlocks.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero twists his wrist, testing how being free feels now. He turns his feathered head to look at you. He nods.

THE HERO: Thank you for saving me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He doesn't sound that happy to be free. Did he want to be saved?

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, why would someone ever want to be locked up?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It could be a possibility.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero is most likely a bit confused. You never explained why you were here. He most likely doesn't know what to think of this situation now.

What do you plan to do once you leave?
Are you going to save the world now?
➤ Come on, let's go.
[Proceed up the stairs]
[Use the pristine key as a weapon]

THE HERO: Right.

THE NARRATOR: You and the Hero walk up the stairs, the Hero following you. However, the door leading to the cabin's exit closes and locks.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That doesn't make any sense. It was unlocked a second ago, and I'm sure I didn't see someone outside the cabin.

THE NARRATOR: Even so, the door is locked.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero bangs on the door. No matter how much of a ruckus he makes, no one answers, and the door remains closed.

THE HERO: It's probably whoever locked me in here. They got mad that I'm being saved, so they locked me in here again. It's worse this time since they locked me here with someone who shouldn't be here.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What do we do now?

THE NARRATOR: Why are you asking me that? Your job is to get the Hero out of the cabin so he can save the world. You have to figure something out.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Are you sure you can't narrate us a way out of this? That's your job, isn't it?

THE NARRATOR: First of all, that is not my job. Second of all, no.

➤ Let's think of a plan.
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Right, we should do that. By any chance, can your pristine key fit in the keyhole here?

THE NARRATOR: At his suggestion, you try to fit your pristine key into the keyhole. The keyhole is too small for the pristine key to fit.

THE HERO: Okay, that didn't work. Let's go downstairs and talk.

THE NARRATOR: You follow the Hero back downstairs. The two of you sit on the floor.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's expression has turned thoughtful. He looks at you with curiosity in his eyes.

THE HERO: Why did you save me?

You're meant to save the world.
➤ I was told to.
I wanted to.
That's none of your concern.
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: By who?

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, it's better if you don't mention me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why?

THE NARRATOR: It just is.

Someone named the Narrator told me.
➤ It's private information.
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Oh. Okay. That makes...sense.

THE NARRATOR: Thank you, Your Majesty.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't thank me. I didn't do anything.

How long have you been trapped here?
Who trapped you here?
Do you know that you're supposed to save the world?
➤ Why are there two chains?
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Oh, that?

THE NARRATOR: He turns his head to the empty chain quite a bit far from him.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, that other chain isn't important.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I still want to know what it's for. You haven't mentioned it when you were describing the room. I ignored it, but if the Hero and I have time to talk, I might as well ask him.

THE NARRATOR: You don't have time, Your Majesty. The world is going to end.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That's all the more reason why I should find out. I don't want to die with questions I still have.

THE HERO: That chain has always been there. It's not for me because I was never locked up in it, but I don't know what it is for.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It looks similar to the one he was locked in. Could it to lock someone else?

THE NARRATOR: Who would be locked up here with the Hero?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm only suggesting things.

How long have you been trapped here?
Who trapped you here?
Do you know that you're supposed to save the world?
➤ [Inspect the other chain]
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: You walk to the other chains. They feel smaller than the chains the Hero was in, seeming to be altered to fit a human's wrist instead of an apparent monster's. They're also lighter, able to be held more easily by the average human.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: When I asked if this chain was meant to keep someone else here, you made it sound like that shouldn't happen. If that's true, what is this chain for?

THE NARRATOR: I don't know. I'm only stating facts I do know.

THE HERO: Why are you looking at those?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stands next to you. He's taller than he looks sitting down. The chain leaves your hands as the Hero takes it from you. His eyes drag themselves over it.

THE HERO: Are you going to answer?

No reason.
It caught my attention, so I was looking at it.
➤ It's none of your concern.
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Really?

THE NARRATOR: The Hero starts to sound annoyed, the feathers on his body riffling—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why are they riffling?

THE NARRATOR: Now is not the time to discriminate the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not discriminating him. I would like feathers that moved whenever I'm annoyed. It would save me a lot of time when dealing with people I don't like.

THE NARRATOR: And since the Hero is annoyed, he makes it clear what he thinks about you.

THE HERO: You haven't explained why you saved me. I know someone told you to save me, so why? What are you getting out of this?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What do I say?

THE NARRATOR: This is your job. It's your choice.

➤ This is private information.
I have to save you so you can save the world.
Someone called the Narrator told me to save you.
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero sighs as frustration grows in his eyes. His grip on the chains tighten.

THE HERO: I'm not going to leave unless you give me a good reason for why you're here to save me.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, it's time for you to lie.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I thought that because this was my job, I had a choice of what I wanted to do.

THE NARRATOR: You do, but I can give you tips if I want to. This is one of those tips. You should lie. Make up someone who would want the Hero to be saved.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How does this save the world?

THE NARRATOR: Doing nothing but talking here does nothing to save the world. At least lying will help the world in some way.

Someone named the Narrator told me to save you.
I'm a princess, and my father, the King, told me to save you.
You're meant to save the world. The "someone" who told me to save you is everyone alive.
I told you, that is none of your concern.
➤ Do I have to tell you that I don't want to answer for you to understand?
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Yes, because I'm not leaving until I find out.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness, this is not doing the world any favours.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I don't see you doing anything to help the situation.

THE NARRATOR: I'm doing something by being your mentor, guidance, whatever you want to call it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You're not doing a good job at it.

THE NARRATOR: And you're not doing a good job at saving the Hero. Pardon my rudeness, Your Royal Highness, but the world needs to be saved soon before it ends, and you're wasting time. You need to do something.

➤ Let's try to think of a way to get out.
What do I have to do to convince you to leave the cabin with me?
If you're not going to leave the cabin, can you help me leave?
Someone named the Narrator told me to save you.
I'm a princess, and my father, the King, told me to save you.
You're meant to save the world. The "someone" who told me to save you is everyone alive.
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: I'm not doing that.

What do I have to do to convince you to leave the cabin with me?
➤ If you're not going to leave the cabin, can you help me  leave?
Someone named the Narrator told me to save you.
I'm a princess, and my father, the King, told me to save you.
You're meant to save the world. The "someone" who told me to save you is everyone alive.
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: I hope you know that leaving the cabin does not help the world get saved.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm not making any promises to not force the Hero to leave with me.

THE NARRATOR: Oh. A bit cruel but smart.

THE NARRATOR: Unfortunately for your plan, the Hero shakes his head. He crosses his arms and glares at you.

THE HERO: I made myself clear. Tell me why you saved me, and you can leave the cabin. Maybe I'll come with you.

Fine. You can stay here for all I care.
➤ I'm trying to help you. Why are you being so difficult?
What do I have to do to convince you to leave the cabin with me?
Someone named the Narrator told me to save you.
I'm a Princess, and my father, the King, told me to save you.
You're meant to save the world. The "someone" who told me to save you is everyone alive.
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE HERO: Something is wrong about this. I'm trusting my instincts.

Fine. You can stay here for all I care.
➤ Your instincts are wrong. You're coming with me on your own, or I'm forcing you out.
What do I have to do to convince you to leave the cabin with me?
Someone named the Narrator told me to save you.
I'm a Princess, and my father, the King, told me to save you.
You're meant to save the world. The "someone" who told me to save you is everyone alive.
[Attack the Hero]
[Stay silent]

THE NARRATOR: The Hero's glare worsens. He doesn't say anything as he stares you down. You give him the same treatment, making it known that you won't give up easily.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero knows this. Before you have the chance to react, he grabs your wrist and clasps the chain around your wrist. Closing it locks it on its own. He steals your pristine key from you before backing away to a safe distance from you. With the pristine key in hand, he watches you closely.

THE NARRATOR: You struggle against the chain, but it's no use. It's cold and firm around your wrist, keeping you from moving too far. You have become the Hero, locked in the basement of the cabin.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I feel like I'm getting on odd sense of déjà vu, but that could just be the anger. Why would he do that?

➤ What is this  for?
Let me out!
[Struggle against the chains]
[Bite your wrist off]
[Do nothing]

THE HERO: My gut tells me I can't trust you. I need to know that you won't do anything while I try to figure something out. This was the only way I could think of.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: This is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

THE NARRATOR: I'm starting to wonder if it was a good idea to have you save the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I was wondering that from the beginning.

Let me out!
➤ Can we negotiate? If you let me out of here, I can do whatever you want.
[Struggle against the chains]
[Bite your wrist off]
[Do nothing]

THE HERO: Okay. Tell me everything about why you're here, and I'll let you out.

THE NARRATOR: Don't tell him anything. If you must tell him something, lie.

I'll tell you everything.
➤ I'm not telling you anything.
[Struggle against the chains]
[Bite your wrist off]
[Do nothing]

THE HERO: That's what I thought.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero looks from you to around the basement. His gaze falls on the pristine key in his hand before drifting up to the stairs. He finally looks back at you.

THE HERO: If you're not going to tell me anything, you're going to stay there until I decide when you can leave. Don't think you're free to do whatever you want.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero leaves you to walk up the stairs. You hear the door open and shut.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Did the person who locked the door only want me trapped here? Why would anyone want that?

THE NARRATOR: I'm not sure, but it seems this is your fate for...however long the Hero decides. Hopefully, it's not after the world ends.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If the world is ending, I refuse to die like a criminal in a basement.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, there isn't anything to help you get out. I'm sorry, but that is the truth.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That is only the truth if you believe it's the truth.

➤ [Bite your wrist off]

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, what are you doing? Are you actually going to make me describe this?

THE NARRATOR: I see your silence means the answer is yes. Okay, then...

THE NARRATOR: You ignore any pain that steams up from your wrist as your teeth sink into your flesh. The metallic taste of blood spills into your mouth and onto the floor. Your teeth brush against your bones, but you pay it no mind as you chew onto them, cracking them with the strength of your mouth.

THE NARRATOR: You find yourself swallowing your own body and blood while doing your self-amputation. Your Majesty, this is disgusting and horrifying to watch.

THE NARRATOR: Thankfully, it's over. The remains of your wrist, still attached to the wall, lies flat on the floor. Your arm bleeds, but you rip a part of your travelling cape and cover the wound with it. Crawling on the ground, you sit near the stairs, hiding to make sure you weren't immediately found.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, what is your plan here? I understand the desire of wanting to get out, but what are you doing now?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You'll see.

THE NARRATOR: How unsuspicious...

THE NARRATOR: The sound of the door opening comes from above. The Hero's heavy footsteps come down the stairs. When he reaches the bottom, his eyes immediately search to where you're supposed to be. He stills when he only sees your hand.

➤ [Attack the Hero]

THE NARRATOR: You... You attack the Hero? Your Majesty—

THE NARRATOR: You knock the Hero to the ground with your bodyweight. Before he can react, you sink your teeth into him and rip off bits of flesh. Even when the Hero has taken in what is happening and is ready to fight back, there is one thing that betters you from him: You are faster, stronger, and more ferocious. An animalistic desire has come over you, and you will not stop until you get what you want.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero tries to stand against you, but his attempts are pathetic in contrast to you. Even without an arm, you prove yourself to be a better fighter than he could ever be. The Hero starts bleeding from your punches and bites. Any blows he can get at you are met with two lethal blows from you back. Before the Hero is even on his knees, struggling to get up, it's clear who is winning.

THE NARRATOR: You waste no time before knocking him to the ground permanently. Your teeth sink deeper and deeper into different parts of his body. Blood stains your teeth, meat goes down your throat, and feathers are cascaded everywhere. Yet, you do not stop until you know for sure the Hero isn't moving. Fortunately for you, that happens soon.

THE NARRATOR: I can't believe you made me describe that. I can't believe you made me see that. I'm disgusted...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He deserved it.

THE NARRATOR: You don't sound fazed either...

THE NARRATOR: Well, I suppose I have to focus on the important parts, and it isn't that you fought the Hero with tooth and blood—literally. The important part is that you killed the Hero. The world is going to end.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If the world is ending, I'm not going to die in here. I'm dying out of here.

THE NARRATOR: Dying here and out of here is the same thing. You've just doomed us in different places. Do you have anything to say for yourself?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm leaving the cabin now. That's all I have to say.

THE NARRATOR: You're heartless...

THE NARRATOR: But you walk up the stairs to the door anyway. After trying the handle, you see it's locked again.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, it's not. It's open.

THE NARRATOR: I'm afraid that no matter how many times you repeat that to yourself, the door won't open.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What kind of joke is this?

THE NARRATOR: You've doomed us all. You don't have the right to complain.

[Kill yourself]
➤ [Eat the Hero's heart]

THE NARRATOR: You walk back to the basement towards the Hero's dead body. Using your one hand, you rip his body apart to get to his heart. Once finding it, you hold it up to your mouth and...consume it...

THE NARRATOR: You're done eating it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You don't want to describe it?

THE NARRATOR: No, because not only is it disgusting, but there is also no reason for doing it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Yes, there is. The door opened when the Hero exited. If I have the Hero with me, I can leave.

THE NARRATOR: You don't have anything to prove your claim.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We can see for ourselves if I'm right.

THE NARRATOR: I can't believe this...

THE NARRATOR: You pull what is left the Hero over your back. While you struggle holding onto his weight for a bit, you adjust yourself accordingly. Once again, you approach the door. It's still locked.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Of course, it is...

THE NARRATOR: It's over for us now. You killed the Hero, so there is nothing left for us. You ruined the world. We might as well wait for the world to end now...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Why can't I leave?

THE NARRATOR: Don't ask me.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Could I only save the Hero by swapping places with him? Is that what's going on?

THE NARRATOR: I refuse to answer any questions—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't try to make me let this go. If I'm going to die here, I want my answers. Why is the Hero allowed to leave the cabin but not me?

THE NARRATOR: I told you, I don't know.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Do you? I'm starting to think you know more than you let on.

THE NARRATOR: What makes you think that?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: There is something off about you. You know why I'm stuck in the cabin, don't you? You're just not willing to explain why.

THE NARRATOR: Not only are you a cold-hearted killer but also a hypocrite.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I won't deny that, but there's a chance you were the one who trapped the Hero down here and are now trying to get me out, for whatever reason.

THE NARRATOR: I haven't done anything like that.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That could be true, but you haven't done anything to prove you didn't either. You expect me to blindly believe you with no proof to back up your words. I'm a Princess, not a sheep. If you're not going to tell me why I'm stuck here—

Chapter Text

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: What just happened?

THE NARRATOR: What do you mean, Your Majesty?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I like being on path in jungles. Forests bad. Too many witches. Too many sweets. Tastes bad.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm sorry, do we know you?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I watch you. Always.

THE NARRATOR: How...unique.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: There is too much going on right now. I need a minute to take everything in. First, I—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Scream louder. Scare off enemies. Like birds. I don't like birds.

THE NARRATOR: I don't care about your apparent hatred for birds, but don't say that to Her Majesty—or to anyone. That is impolite.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I know.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, what's wrong? Why are you screaming?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Paws... Oh, my God, I have paws...

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I like your nails. Very sharp. Easily cut human skin. Maybe non-human skin.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Fantastic, I can be a murderer with just my new nails. Not like I wasn't one already, but still...

THE NARRATOR: Your nails aren't new. Neither are your paws. You've always had them. Also, what do you mean by already being a murderer?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't pay attention to that part, pay attention to how my body changed! Why do I have paws for hands and feet? Has the rest of me changed? Oh, God, I have a tail...!

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Pull it out.

THE NARRATOR: No one is pulling anything out. You, be quiet. Your Royal Highness, you're going to go to the cabin and save the Hero. The world—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Is ending. I know, but I also hate that cabin.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: We go.

THE NARRATOR: There isn't anything wrong with the cabin. As long as you don't waste your time, you'll only be there for a few minutes.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: In cabin, we stab Hero with nails.

THE NARRATOR: No, you are not stabbing the Hero. You're meant to save him, not slay him.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Killing Hero is why we are here.

THE NARRATOR: This is the first time you've been here. You've never met the Hero before.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE NARRATOR: Excuse me?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: You. Poisoned. Now, stupid.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: And forgetful. This is the second time we've been here. I know we're supposed to be on a path in the woods, not on a path in a jungle.

THE NARRATOR: This—

THE NARRATOR: This isn't a forest...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You've just noticed?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Poisoned.

THE NARRATOR: W-Well... It doesn't matter. Your Majesty, you need to go to the cabin and save the Hero. Now, before the world ends.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No. I refuse to—

THE NARRATOR: You head to the cabin. A quick—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I didn't do that...

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I did. I made the right choice.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: It feels like the wrong choice to me... Can I get my body back?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: After we are in the cabin.

THE NARRATOR: If I may say what I planned to—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You may not.

THE NARRATOR: Okay. Fine.

THE NARRATOR: You head to the cabin. There are many plants from places you don't know. They are big and tall, covering the walls and hiding the ceilings. Unknown bugs crawl the ground, some having made their home in several plants. A mirror hangs from a branch. Nearby, a small tree stump has the pristine key resting on top.

➤   [Approach the mirror]
[Take the pristine key]
[Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: You approach the mirror. Fur covers your body, especially the paws on your hands and feet that you've discovered earlier. Claws sprout out where a typical human's nails should be, and your thin dress has tears that could very well be from them. Along with the tears, your dress as well as your face have tried mud all over them. The only traditional thing that could relate you to being a princess is a tiara made from twigs resting on your messy hair with leaves tangled in it.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I wasn't wearing this before...

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: We are warriors.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You might be, but I'm a Princess. At least before, I had clothes that looked like someone of royal descent could wear them. I don't look like a princess anymore.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: If you are complaining, why about your clothes and not your paws and fur?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I already panicked earlier, though, and I don't want to do it again. Believe me, I'm still very much panicked, but I don't want to be repetitive.

THE NARRATOR: Being repetitive does waste time.  You don't have the luxury to do that.

[Take the pristine key]
➤   [Go downstairs]

THE NARRATOR: The stairs are rough, a mix of dirt and rock. There is no light except for the faint light coming from a small, wooden lamp at the bottom of the stairs. The lack of light and the roots poking through the dirt make it difficult to keep your balance.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: No, it doesn't. I'm walking just fine.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Paws help.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: As much as I hate to admit it, they do.

THE NARRATOR: Good, because you're at the bottom of the stairs before you know it. The basement is covered in shadows, and the light coming from the door can barely be seen anymore.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You need to change how you describe things. I can see just fine. Maybe it's you that can't.

THE NARRATOR: You're not supposed to be able to see in the dark...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Yet I can.

➤   [Go deeper into the basement]
[Leave]

THE NARRATOR: You walk into the darkness of the basement. Your feet walk across a ground that has been destroyed, dirt and roots being its floor. Unknown plants block your path, forcing you to make different turns. They make a maze, one that can be very easy to get lost in.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: First, are we lost?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: 10 steps to the left, 25 steps to the right, two steps to the right, 31 steps to the left. Back at stairs.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'll trust you to keep track of how to get back to the staircase then. Second, the basement wasn't this big last time.

THE NARRATOR: There wasn't supposed to be a last time...

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: There was.

THE NARRATOR: I know there had to be if you can see in the dark and we're in a jungle instead of the woods. What did you do?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: All I did was—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Do not fight Him. Fight Hero.

THE NARRATOR: The word needs to be saved. That means the Hero needs to still be alive.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Quiet. I hear him.

THE NARRATOR: What?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero. Attack left.

➤   [Attack left]
[Go left]
[Attack right]
[Go right]
[Do nothing]

THE NARRATOR: Your hands claw at the space to your left—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Barely missed. Shame.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How did you hear him?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I just can.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If that's all I'm getting from you, may I suggest to everyone that we go find the Hero again? It doesn't matter if we save or slay him if we can't find him.

THE NARRATOR: That works for me.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Trees.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Sorry, could you be clearer?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero in trees.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Which tree?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Too slow.

THE NARRATOR: If you want to help Her Majesty find the Hero, you have to be more specific than that.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I will control.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Pardon?

THE NARRATOR: You quietly scale the nearest tree. At the top, your movements are silent as you pass from branch to branch, careful yet quick.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I didn't do any of that. From the way you talked, I'm going to assume you controlled my body again.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Yes.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: You were the one who wanted to come to the cabin. Why?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: The world will be better without Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I see...

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, you sound far too calm about that.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I want to think. It's hard to move around and think at the same time, so she can do the moving while I do the thinking. Doesn't teamwork make the dream work?

THE NARRATOR: Only when you're trying to achieve something good. She's made it quite clear how she wants to slay the Hero—

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: I want to eat Hero.

THE NARRATOR: That is the same thing!

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: No. Slay means Hero is dead. Eat means Hero can be alive.

THE NARRATOR: No, it doesn't! The Hero will die if you eat him. There is no other way to do it! The world will end!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Let's find the Hero first. We can all agree that is our first step, right?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero there.

THE NARRATOR: Your body approaches the Hero from behind. He turns around, a startled look on his face when he sees you. With his body facing you, you see what many would describe as a monster. Beady eyes. Feathers coating his back. Sharp beak. Claws helping him keep his grip on branches. Muscular body designed for movement. Remains of a chain hanging from his wrists.

THE NARRATOR: Do not be fooled by looks. This is the Hero. He will save the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: This isn't fair. You described him differently, but he looks the exact same. How come he gets to look the same while I have to change?

THE NARRATOR: Before you can decide what to do with the Hero—and before you can stop whatever conversation this is—the Hero flees, seeming to glide to a new tree and climbing through the branches.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Give me my body back. I want to try to talk to him.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Can I eat Hero?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: We'll see.

THE NARRATOR: You're not supposed to—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Be quiet.

➤   Who are you?
I don't want to hurt you.
Come talk to me like a man!
What, are you scared after what I did last time?
Why did you get to leave the cabin, but I didn't?
How come you look the same, but I changed?
Never mind, I don't want to talk, but don't chase after him.
Never mind, I don't want to talk, so chase after him.

THE NARRATOR: That's an odd question. I already told you who he is.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I want to hear him introduce himself.

THE NARRATOR: Even with that want, the only sounds you get in reply, however, are bird noises.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: "I am the Hero. You know this."

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Oh, you can speak...whatever language he's talking in? Impressive.

➤   I don't want to hurt you.
Come talk to me like a man!
What, are you scared after what I did last time?
Why did you get to leave the cabin, but I didn't?
How come you look the same, but I changed?
I'm done talking, but don't chase after him.
I'm done talking, so chase after him.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Lies.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero stays silent.

Come talk to me like a man!
What, are you scared after what I did last time?
➤   Why did you get to leave the cabin, but I didn't?
How come you look the same, but I changed?
I'm done talking, but don't chase after him.
I'm done talking, so chase after him.

THE NARRATOR: The Hero, once again, responds with bird sounds.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: "I didn't. I couldn't get outside."

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That means we were both trapped, but that doesn't explain how he could leave the basement.

THE NARRATOR: More bird sounds come from the Hero.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: "I don't know. Leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you again."

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: That wasn't meant to be spoken out loud. Oh, well.

THE NARRATOR: From what he said... Did you hurt him last time?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He deserved it.

THE NARRATOR: Tell me everything that happened.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I went to save the Hero, which I did, but someone locked the door and prevented us from leaving. I hadn't told the Hero why I was here to save him, which caused him to start to distrust me. You told me not to tell him the truth, so I refused to tell him anything. He eventually trapped me in the cabin with the other set of chains, and I ate my way out of it.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Tasted good.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I prefer not to think about how I taste, but, continuing, I got out. When I did, I attacked the Hero as revenge. I killed him and was arguing with you until I suddenly found myself on the path in the woods, and she was here now too.

THE NARRATOR: That...is a lot to take in...

THE NARRATOR: Okay, I think I should start by asking why you killed the Hero other than for revenge.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I tried to leave, but I wasn't allowed. I couldn't even make it to the main floor of the cabin. The weird part was how the Hero could leave to the main floor of the cabin, but I couldn't. I ate the Hero to try to leave—

THE NARRATOR: You ate the Hero?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Tasted bad.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Anyway, I ate the Hero on the assumption that if I had a part of the Hero with me, I could leave. That did nothing, though. We started arguing after that.

THE NARRATOR: For a good reason...

Come talk to me like a man!
What, are you scared after what I did last time?
➤   How do look the same, but I changed?
I'm done talking, but don't chase after him.
I'm done talking, so chase after him.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: "You killed me. I don't know what happened after that. If anything, I should be the one asking you the questions."

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Then why doesn't he ask?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: "I don't care about what happened after. Even if I did, I know you won't answer."

Come talk to me like a man!
What, are you scared after what I did last time?
➤   I'm done talking, but don't chase after him.
I'm done talking, so chase after him.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Why?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Fighting was what made us stuck here, isn't it? Maybe peace will get us out.

THE NARRATOR: If there is something you should learn after last time, it's that fighting doesn't save Hero nor the world.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: If there is anything we learned after last time, it's that we shouldn't be here. The cabin hates us. It won't let us leave.

THE NARRATOR: That's nonsense. Of course, you're allowed to leave.

Be quiet.
Should we look for the Hero now?
➤   Let's try it then. Let's go to the stairs.
[Do nothing]

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Okay.

THE NARRATOR: She takes control of your body and brings you to the floor. She walks to the staircase and climbs up the stairs. The light growing bigger and bigger is a clear sign you're getting closer to the door. When your body is on the main floor and she tries the door, it's clear that it's locked.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I told you we shouldn't have come here...

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Think?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I did think, but I don't have any of the answers I want. It doesn't matter that much now, though. I want to know how we can get out.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Eat Hero.

THE NARRATOR: You can't—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I tried that last time. I couldn't leave.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero dead. Now, Hero lives.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Oh, we have to eat the Hero while he's alive?

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Yes.

THE NARRATOR: Your Royal Highness—

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I'm willing to try almost anything now. Go ahead.

THE NARRATOR: You're letting her do this?

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: How else are we supposed to get out? It's not by saving the Hero. There isn't even anything we need to save him from. You even said he wasn't chained to the wall. I want to leave. I never wanted to come here, but I let her talk me into it. You won't let us go, so we have to find other ways to do it.

THE NARRATOR: You're making the wrong choice.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Take control of my body and find the Hero. Remember to keep the Hero alive before you eat him. I can try to think a way to eat him alive. I don't think our body is big enough to eat him fully.

THE NARRATOR: No—

THE NARRATOR: You climb down the stairs. You push yourself down onto the ground, using your paws to walk. After looking around for the Hero, you start prowling towards the nearest tree. Once reaching the base, your claws grip against the bark as you climb.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: Don't attack him just yet. We need to be able to lure him out.

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, you're not supposed to be encouraging her to attack the Hero. This is in no way helping to save the world. In fact, you're making things worse!

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: I was forced to come here, so I'm trying to find a way out. The Hero is most likely our only option.

THE NARRATOR: Yes, by saving him!

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: He agrees. Hero is the way out.

THE LIGHT OF THE PRINCESS: He's hiding a lot more than it seems, isn't he?

THE NARRATOR: Your Majesty, you know enough to save the Hero. That is your job. That is the only thing you are meant to do. Don't try to do more, and don't try to do less. Stop her from killing the Hero and save him.

THE LIGHT OF THE BARBARIAN: Hero is near.