Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon.

You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) The end of the world? What are you talking about?

(Explore) A dragon? That seems kind of dangerous, doesn't it?

(Explore) Can I not slay the dragon?

(Explore) Maybe the only reason he's going to end the world is because he's locked up.

(Explore) Why do I have to slay the dragon?

(Explore) No, I'm not doing that.

[Oh, okay! I'll go do that then.]

[Awesome! I've always wanted to kill a dragon.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the cabin, which looms on the snow-covered crest of a hill. Now, a word of warning...

The Dragon will lie, it will cheat, it will attempt to harm you so it can leave. You must not listen or falter. It will end the world if you do.

Voice of the Princess

We're not actually going to do this, right? It's a dragon, and we're a princess. How are we ever going to kill it?

The Narrator

Don't pay her any mind. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The unfurnished interior of the cabin greets you. It smells vaguely of dust, and you can see particles drifting through the air. The only furniture of note is a small table in the corner with a pristine blade perched on it.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement, and the door creaks loudly to signal your arrival. The air here is musty and smells vaguely of smoke, and at the bottom of the staircase, you can see the tiny skeletons of rodents littering the floor. If the Dragon truly lives here, death would be a mercy... If you had brought the blade.

Its voice carries up the stairs.

"... Who goes there?"

Voice of the Princess

It sounds almost... timid, a little cautious. Like it's not sure if we're friend or foe yet...

The Narrator

I can assure you; the Dragon is nothing but your foe. Don't give it an answer.

["I just want to talk."]

["Hi!"]

["I'm here to free you!"]

[(Lie) "I'm here to free you!"]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

Good. You haven't lost the plot yet. You continue to head down the stairs, and the Dragon calls for you again.

"Hello? I heard the door open. I know you're here. I don't bite, I think."

As you stand on the floor of the basement, you get a full view of the Dragon. You also realize that he can't see you—a thick darkness pervades the basement, and you stand right in its shadows. This would be a perfect opportunity to sneak up on him, but you didn't bring the blade...

[Stay hidden in the shadows.]

[Step out into the Dragon's view.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's wings flare a bit in surprise as you do step out of the darkness, but it quickly settles again. What do you think you're doing?

"Oh! Aheh, you scared me a bit. You're on the quiet side, aren't you? That's okay. I am too."

Voice of the Princess

He seems pretty chatty for being 'on the quiet side'.

The Narrator

That's him lying to you. I am begging you to go upstairs and retrieve the blade.

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Stare at him.]

[Advance.]

The Narrator

The Dragon shifts uncomfortably beneath your continued gaze.

"Um... can you... not talk at all? It's okay if you can't. I hope you don't mind me asking, but why are you here?"

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Stare at him.]

[Advance.]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks away, before deciding to stare back at you head-on. You're now stuck in a staring contest with it.

Voice of the Princess

Um...

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Squint your eyes.]

[Advance]

The Narrator

The Dragon squints back.

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Squint even harder.]

[Advance.]

The Narrator

Finally... The Dragon watches silently as you go upstairs and retrieve the blade.

You walk back downstairs and the Dragon is... gone? Wait, no, that can't be right...

Voice of the Princess

His arm is still there! It's still in the chain. Did he... chew off his own arm?

The Narrator

None of this would be happening if you just brought the blade down with you to begin with.

(Explore) [Lock the door.]

(Explore) "Where are you?"

[Venture into the shadows.]

[Inspect the arm.]

The Narrator

You lock the door to the basement. As you head back down, you hear claws scraping against the dirt and stone. You see the tip of the Dragons tail disappearing into the shadows.

Voice of the Princess

Is he circling us? Or is he avoiding us?

(Explore) "Where are you?"

[Venture into the shadows.]

[Inspect the arm.]

The Narrator

You venture into the thick darkness, and there's barely a moment for your eyes to adjust before the Dragon is upon you.

The two of you fall into a desperate tussle, and you feel the Dragon's remaining hand grabbing at your pristine blade.

[Punch him.]

[Hold onto the blade tighter.]

[Bite him.]

The Narrator

The Dragon yelps as you bite into its flesh, and in response, it bites you back.

Your fight devolves into a feral battle of claws and teeth as the two of you bite and rip at the other.

As you plunge your blade into its heart, the Dragon carves your throat open with its claws, and you both collapse to the ground.

Voice of the Princess

No, this can't be how it ends! Can it?

The Narrator

Unfortunately, it is. Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon.

You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) What? How am I back here? I died!

(Explore) Okay, no.

(Explore) I'm getting some serious déjà vu...

(Explore) He's just gonna kill me again!

[Oh, okay! I'll go do that then.]

[Well, second time's the charm, right?]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You what?

Voice of the Princess

Maybe if he doesn't know, it's better if we keep him in the dark.

The Narrator

You just told me something happened. I'm going to know.

Voice of the Beast

Wily prey got the best of us... It will not happen again. That is all you need.

The Narrator

What do you mean- ugh, what did you do?

(Explore) I died, weren't you listening?

(Explore) I bit him.

(Explore) I took too long, we fought, and then we killed each other.

[Nevermind, actually.]

The Narrator

... What the fuck.

Voice of the Princess

Okay, look, it sounds bad if you just say that part-

The Narrator

Why? Why would you bite the Dragon?

Voice of the Beast

He tried to seize our steel claw.

The Narrator

So you bite him?

Voice of the Princess

What else were we gonna do?!

The Narrator

Fend it away with your pristine blade?!

Voice of the Beast

... Biting is more fun.

(Explore) I'm with Beast on this. It was fun biting him.

(Explore) You say that like you've never bit anyone before!

[Go back.]

The Narrator

No, I haven't, because I'm normal.

Voice of the Princess

Are we not normal?

The Narrator

What do you think?

Voice of the Beast

I think you've never felt the thrill of the hunt.

The Narrator

[Sigh]

(Explore) I'm with Beast on this.

[Go back.]

Voice of the Beast

Good. We are strong if we form a pack.

Voice of the Princess

Uh... Yeah! I'm with you guys on this too!

The Narrator

Of course you've unionized...

[Well, second time's the charm, right?]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

That's not how the saying goes, but sure.

You walk down the path and approach the... hm. That's not a cabin.

In its place is a thick swath of trees, some of their trunks and branches woven together to form a crude replica of a cabin. Its top is covered in a thick layer of snow. I would give you a word of warning, but considering you've been here before, you know what to look out for.

Voice of the Princess

It wasn't like this last time...

Voice of the Beast

A fitting place for prey to scurry and hide...

The Narrator

Just try not to mess it up further.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The wild interior of the cabin greets you. Its walls are made of gnarled branches and leaves, while its bumpy floor consists of twisted and knotted roots. Where there should be a basement door is instead a hole, akin to the entrance of a burrow. Embedded in one of the trunks is a pristine blade.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You take the blade. It'd be hard to slay the Dragon and save the world without it.

Voice of the Beast

Yesss, our steel claw... That little bird won't be able to escape once we've plunged it into his flesh...

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

The staircase is... less of a staircase, and more of a slope. You're able to safely move down it, but you kick up rocks and dirt as you do.

The Dragon's voice, wary and breathless, carries up to you.

"You're back. I can smell you. I know you're here."

["I'm sorry about last time."]

["I just want to talk with you."]

["I'm going to kill you again."]

[Say nothing.]

Voice of the Beast

Yes, stay quiet... Do not let our meal know of our location. He will find out soon enough.

The Narrator

As you finish the half-slide, half-walk into the basement, you see the Dragon.

It's much smaller than you and resembles a grasshopper sparrow as it stares at you with large, glowing eyes.

Its face is covered in blood as it continues to chew on its restrained arm, becoming much more frantic as you approach.

(Explore) "In a bit of a bind, aren't you?"

(Explore) "Why are you hurting yourself? Stop!"

[Lunge forward.]

[Wait.]

The Narrator

The Dragon pauses for a moment, confused by your concern, before it begins to chew even faster. It doesn't seem keen on talking.

[Stop him.]

[Lunge forward.]

[Wait.]

The Narrator

You step forward, hand outstretched to stop the Dragon, but your action seems to only inspire further panic.

It lets out a loud yelp and twists away from you, and with a sickening pop, frees itself from its shackle. It jumps a few feet away, tail tucked between its legs, as it hisses at you.

"Stay back!"

It's gone in a moment, disappearing into the harsh shadows and foliage of the basement, blood trailing behind it.

Voice of the Beast

The chase begins.

Voice of the Princess

I feel a little bad now...

["Wait! Hold on!" Chase after him.]

[Silently pursue him.]

The Narrator

The Dragon does not hold on, continuing to wildly crash through foliage as you chase after it. You manage to keep track of it for a while, but before long, it vanishes wholly from your sight.

All is quiet, save for the occasional sound of rustling leaves.

Voice of the Beast

Our senses. Use them. Sight is not our only aid here.

Voice of the Princess

We're not going to hurt him again, are we? The first time was a little fun, but now he just seems scared of us...

(Explore) "I'm sorry for hurting you before. I didn't know what else to do."

(Explore) "Where are you?"

(Explore) I'll decide what to do with him once I get my hands on him.

[Use your senses.]

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, let's apologize! That's the first step to mending things, isn't it?

Voice of the Beast

We're wasting our time.

The Narrator

For once, I agree with her.

All you receive in response from the Dragon is a series of nearly incoherent, growled mumbling. It doesn't sound happy with you.

Voice of the Princess

I wouldn't be happy with us either, if we were in his place.

(Explore) "Where are you?"

(Explore) I'll decide what to do with him once I get my hands on him.

[Use your senses.]

The Narrator

You use your senses.

You simultaneously become separated and one with the basement. You smell the moisture in the dirt, you feel the roots beneath your feet, and you hear the Dragon's talons scraping on the ground behind you as it prepares to strike.

Voice of the Beast

Turn! Now!

The Narrator

You whirl around as the Dragon leaps at you from the darkness, its high-pitched screech turning into another yelp as you cut into its face with your pristine blade.

It tumbles to the ground next to you, though it doesn't stay prone for long, scrambling onto three legs and running into the foliage again.

Voice of the Beast

Follow him.

(Explore) That little shit! And after I apologize too?

(Explore) I guess he doesn't forgive me, then. I don't blame him.

[Chase after him.]

The Narrator

This time, you don't lose track of the Dragon. The smell of its blood stings the back of your nose and clings to your throat, and you can hear its movements becoming increasingly erratic and frantic as the chase continues.

"Stop! Stop! Go away!"

Voice of the Beast

Silly birdie... we are faster and stronger than him. We can keep doing this for as long as we like.

Voice of the Princess

I'm not so sure if we can. Our legs kind of hurt.

The Narrator

It doesn't matter, because eventually the Dragon turns around a bend, and you hear a grunt of pain as it runs into a wall. It scratches frantically at the wall and only turns to face you once you're standing in front of it.

You have it cornered.

Voice of the Beast

We all know how this is going to end.

The Narrator

The Dragon hisses and spits violently, feathers and fur bristling as it presses itself further against the wall. Its wings flare, trying to make itself look bigger.

Voice of the Princess

But does it have to end this way? Does it really?

(Explore) "I don't want to hurt you."

(Explore) "It's okay. I'm not going to do anything to you."

(Explore) "So it's come to this."

[Advance on him.]

Voice of the Beast

What's the point in lying to our prey?

The Narrator

Trust me, I know when you lot are lying, and unfortunately... you aren't.

The Dragon's tail whips, striking the wall as it growls at you. Its eyes are fixed on your blade rather than you.

"You are."

(Explore) "No, I'm not."

(Explore) "I don't want to hurt you."

[Advance on him.]

The Narrator

The Dragon hisses, and if it didn't have only one hand, it would've likely swiped at you as well.

"Then drop your steel claw."

Do not do that.

Voice of the Beast

The steel claw is our only weapon. We have our teeth, but they cannot cut as finely or as deeply as our claw.

Voice of the Princess

But we have to gain his trust. I say we drop it.

["Okay, I will." Drop the pristine blade.]

[Tighten your grip.]

Voice of the Beast

There goes a meal.

The Narrator

You... [Sigh] You let the pristine blade slip from your trembling hands and clatter to the floor. The Dragon seems to ease now that you no longer hold it, but doesn't move from its spot.

[Kick the blade away.]

[Kick it toward him.]

The Narrator

You kick the pristine blade into the foliage, and the world can only watch in despair as you get rid of the only thing that can save it.

The Dragon relaxes as it watches the blade disappear into the darkness before it refocuses its gaze on you, tensing up again. Hesitantly, it moves away from the wall, taking a step toward you, and then hesitates again.

Voice of the Princess

We should get down to his level. We probably still look a little threatening standing up.

[Crouch down and hold out a hand.]

[Grab at him.]

The Narrator

You crouch down and hold out your hand. The Dragon cautiously approaches you, sniffing at your hand, unsure.

Then, slowly, it presses its forehead against your hand and closes its eyes. It feels soft and warm against your touch, in spite of its feathers still crusted with blood. I hope you enjoy this feeling, because pretty soon no one else will be able to enjoy this ever again.

Voice of the Beast

Hm... I suppose this is good as well.

Voice of the Princess

See? All it takes is a little bit of kindness.

The Narrator

Bleugh. The Dragon nuzzles its face into your hand before pulling away, looking at you with wide eyes.

"I suppose you weren't lying. What do we do now?"

["Now we can leave."]

The Narrator

The Dragon tilts its head to the side.

"We can do that? I always thought it was... just this place."

It stands up on two legs as it finishes speaking, and it barely comes up to your head. As you stand back up, you really do tower over it, though it doesn't seem scared of you anymore.

Shame though, you can't possibly find your way back in this darkness.

Voice of the Princess

We can't?

Voice of the Beast

Yes we can.

The Narrator

... Fine. Unfortunately, still using your senses, and with the Dragon using its own, you're able to find the entrance again. Tiny bits of dirt and pebbles fall down as you begin to climb out of the basement, and the ascent is slow with the Dragon's missing limb.

Voice of the Princess

This tunnel isn't going to collapse, is it?

Voice of the Beast

The soil smells moist... It might be loose. We have to move quickly.

The Narrator

You know what? Yes, the tunnel is going to collapse. It's collapsing right now, in fact. Even if you won't kill the Dragon, the world won't just allow it to leave so easily.

The Dragon yelps and screeches as soil and rocks begin to shower the two of you, backing up against your legs as the downpour becomes heavier.

[Shield him with your body.]

[Attempt to hold the ceiling up.]

The Narrator

What do you think you're doing? Do you genuinely- whatever. You shield the Dragon with your body, and it shakes in fear against you as the tunnel gives way around you. It goes dark, and... You're not dead.

You open your eyes, and... I'll be damned. You and the Dragon somehow weren't crushed by the tunnel. The Dragon looks up at you, still shaking, but its features are more filled with worry than fear.

"Are you okay?"

Voice of the Beast

We are strong. We can hold it.

["I'm okay, but I don't know how long I can hold it. We have to find a way out of here."]

["Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. You should find a way out."]

[Nod and say nothing.]

The Narrator

In some weird silent communication, the Dragon nods as well, turning away from you.

It begins to claw at the ground, quickly digging at the earth and attempting to burrow a way out.

It's rotten work, though, as the Dragon can only work with one hand. Looks like it's not going to be able to make some daring escape.

Voice of the Beast

We have to help him. Dig with him.

Voice of the Princess

Can we do that?

Voice of the Beast

We have to. He's a part of our pack. We can't leave him to struggle on his own.

[Help him.]

[Continue to watch.]

The Narrator

You begin to help the Dragon dig into the earth. The work goes by much faster with your aid, even as the air begins to grow thicker with your combined panic.

Eventually, your nails and its claws break through the dirt and sunlight filters in, and as you collapse from exhaustion the Dragon squeezes itself out.

It has left you die.

Voice of the Princess

After everything? No, he wouldn't do that.

Voice of the Beast

He wouldn't. Look, he's returning already.

The Narrator

No, the Dragon is well and truly-

The Dragon pokes his head back inside of the hole.

Fuck my life.

The Dragon gently grabs your wrist in his beak and begins to pull you out. It takes a bit of effort on both of your parts, but you're finally out in the snow with it.

The Dragon drags you a few feet away from the hole before letting go, gently licking your face clean of dirt before plopping down against your side. I hope you're happy with yourself, you selfish monster.

Voice of the Beast

I am. We deserve some rest.

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, no thanks to you, Narrator. Leave us alone.

(Explore) Yeah, go away.

[Pet the Dragon.]

The Narrator

No, I am NOT describing that. You really are awful, you know? You're going to leave a whole world to die, and for what? So you can pet a dragon? How indescribably cruel and selfish. And another thing...

Voice of the Princess

He's... gone.

Voice of the Beast

Good riddance. He was an annoying fly buzzing by our ear.

A white haze starts to take over the world, but you pay it no mind as you pet the Dragon.

He flinches away slightly at your touch, but then leans into it, beginning to purr.

"Thank you for showing me the way out. It's nice out here, even if it's a little bright."

The haze grows thicker. Pale hands tear at the fabric of everything, and as you look down at the Dragon, he looks tired.

"And even if it's a bit too warm for my liking."

You do not get a chance to reply, nor will you ever.

Dark, textured nothing appears from the haze, wrapping him up and taking him from you.

Something else has been left in his stead.

Voice of the Princess

Where... where did he go? He was just here.

Voice of the Beast

We have to find him, but I can't smell anything. His scent is just... gone.

[Approach the mirror.]

You approach the mirror. The voices become tiny and distant as you do.

Voice of the Princess

No... don't get any closer! Something bad is going to happen!

Voice of the Beast

My hackles are rising. The mirror is bad news.

[Ignore them and gaze into your reflection.]

You peer into the mirror. The form of a princess appears from the haze.

It's you.

Your surroundings change. You are in the Shifting Mound.

[Go to the cabin.]

At the crest of the hill stands The Hunted, held up by talons and threads.

He's waiting for you.

[Approach him.]

The Hunted's head tilts back, and when he speaks, the voice is not his own.

"Something finds me in the Shifting Mound and brings to me the gift of a fragile vessel."

(Explore) "Let him out of there!"

(Explore) "Who are you?"

(Explore) "A fragile vessel?"

(Explore) "Did you actually end the world?"

["What happens now?"]

The Hunted nods.

"Yes. Perspectives so that the sightless may see and lessons that the deaf may hear."

He touches his chest.

"This one is fear and pain turned into the primal desire to live. He will make for a cautious heart."

His hands clasp together.

"Do not mourn him. He will not have to run anymore."

(Explore) "Let him out of there!"

(Explore) "Who are you?"

(Explore) "Did you actually end the world?"

["What happens now?"]

"Nothing, as it remains now. But you are a creature of change and perception, while I am one of stagnation and blindness. Whatever you believe this vessel to be capable of, he can do it. If you believe him capable, he can make you forget and send you to the start."

(Explore) "Can he still hear me? Can you tell him I'm sorry for hurting him?"

(Explore) "How much will I forget?"

(Explore) "But I don't want to forget him, not after everything."

(Explore) "Will I ever see him again?"

["Okay, make me forget."]

The Hunted gives a soft, slight smile. The voice that comes from him sounds more like his own.

"I've long since forgiven you."

Then he is gone again, as the smile melts away.

"He understands the pain was a worthy price for his freedom."

(Explore) "How much will I forget?"

(Explore) "But I don't want to forget him, not after everything."

(Explore) "Will I ever see him again?"

["Okay, make me forget."]

The Hunted offers his hands in reassurance.

The textured nothing that holds him reaches out toward you, weaving into the front of your dress.

"Do not worry. You will not be separated forever. You will see him again one day. I'm sorry."

(Explore) "How much will I forget?"

["Okay, make me forget."]

The Hunted lowers his arms.

"We will meet again soon."

A pause.

"He asks that you remember him."

The Hunted dips his head solemnly.

"You won't."

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon.

You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) The end of the world? What are you talking about?

(Explore) A dragon? That seems kind of dangerous, doesn't it?

(Explore) Can I not slay the dragon?

(Explore) Maybe the only reason he's going to end the world is because he's locked up.

(Explore) Why do I have to slay the dragon?

(Explore) No, I'm not doing that.

[Oh, okay! I'll go do that then.]

[Awesome! I've always wanted to kill a dragon.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the cabin, which looms on the snow-covered crest of a hill. Now, a word of warning...

The Dragon will lie, it will cheat, it will attempt to harm you so it can leave. You must not listen or falter. It will end the world if you do.

Voice of the Princess

We're not actually gonna do this, right? It's a dragon, and we're a princess. How are we ever going to kill it?

The Narrator

Don't pay her any mind. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The unfurnished interior of the cabin greets you. It smells vaguely of dust, and you can see particles drifting through the air. The only furniture of note is a small table in the corner with a pristine blade perched on it.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement, and the door creaks loudly to signal your arrival. The air here is musty and smells vaguely of smoke, and at the bottom of the staircase, you can see the tiny skeletons of rodents littering the floor. If the Dragon truly lives here, death would be a mercy... If you had brought the blade.

Its voice carries up the stairs.

"... Who goes there?"

Voice of the Princess

It sounds almost... timid, a little cautious. Like it's not sure if we're friend or foe yet...

The Narrator

I can assure you, the Dragon is nothing but your foe. Don't give it an answer.

["I just want to talk."]

["Hi!"]

["I'm here to free you!"]

[(Lie) "I'm here to free you!"]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

Good. You haven't lost the plot yet. You continue to head down the stairs, and the Dragon calls for you again.

"Hello? I heard the door open. I know you're here. I don't bite, I think."

As you stand on the floor of the basement, you get a full view of the Dragon. You also realize that he can't see you—a thick darkness pervades the basement, and you stand right in its shadows. This would be a perfect opportunity to sneak up on him, but you didn't bring the blade...

[Stay hidden in the shadows.]

[Step out into the Dragon's view.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's wings flare a bit in surprise as you do, but it quickly settles again. What do you think you're doing?

"Oh! Aheh, you scared me a bit. You're on the quiet side, aren't you? That's okay. I am too."

Voice of the Princess

He seems pretty chatty for being 'on the quiet side'.

The Narrator

That's him lying to you. I am begging you to go upstairs and retrieve the blade.

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Stare at him.]

[Advance.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's ears perk up.

"Oh! You can talk? That's good. It's alright, by the way."

It shuffles its wings a bit.

"I know I'm a little scary."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Advance.]

The Narrator

No? Don't do that.

The Dragon gestures invitingly.

"Ah... sure, we can."

You... [Sigh] You sit down next to the Dragon.

(Explore) "What's your name?"

(Explore) "I don't know anything about you. You're probably down here for a very good reason."

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you. You're going to end the world, apparently."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if I let you out?"

["Okay, I've decided what I'm going to do now."]

The Narrator

The Dragon fiddles with its claws and looks away from you.

"Maybe I am. I can't remember why I'm here, though I probably deserve it..."

Voice of the Princess

How long has he been here that he can't even remember why he's here?

The Narrator

It's lying to you. Did you not listen to my warning at all?

(Explore) "What's your name?"

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you. You're going to end the world, apparently."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if I let you out?"

["Okay, I've decided what I'm going to do now."]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks at you with big eyes.

"Go home, if I can still find it."

Voice of the Princess

Oohhh...

The Narrator

Please do not fall for the poorest emotional manipulation in the world.

(Explore) "What's your name?"

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you. You're going to end the world, apparently."

["Okay, I've decided what I'm going to do now."]

The Narrator

The Dragon tenses, unsure and nervous of what you're going to say next.

["I can't trust you. It's too risky." Retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

["I'm going to help you get home." Examine the chains.]

["I'm going to set you free. Don't try anything funny." Examine the chains.]

The Narrator

The Dragon tenses further, standing up as you walk away. Its chains rattle as it strains against them, shouting after you.

"Where are you going? You can't just leave me here! Get back here!"

You go upstairs and retrieve the blade. You walk back downstairs and the Dragon is... gone? Wait, no, that can't be right...

Voice of the Princess

His arm is still there! It's still in the chain. Did he... chew off his own arm?

The Narrator

None of this would be happening if you just brought the blade down with you to begin with.

(Explore) [Lock the door.]

(Explore) "Where are you?"

[Venture into the shadows.]

[Inspect the arm.]

The Narrator

You receive no reply. Whatever's become of the Dragon, it's now no longer interested in any chitchat.

(Explore) [Lock the door.]

[Venture into the shadows.]

[Inspect the arm.]

The Narrator

You inspect the arm, still bloody and warm, held in its shackle. You can make out the rough indents of teeth in the cooling flesh. The Dragon did chew off its own arm.

There's the sudden sound of pattering behind you.

You whirl around, and you see the end of the Dragon's tail disappearing up the stairs. It's- it's getting away! Stop it! Stop it before it gets out of the cabin!

[Chase the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You chase after the Dragon, grabbing onto its tail as it almost crosses the threshold of the door. It squawks as you pull it back down, before whirling around with an angry snap of its beak and beginning to fight you.

The two of you violently tussle on the stairs, and though you hold the blade, it has the high ground. The Dragon's remaining hand grabs at your pristine blade.

[Punch him.]

[Hold onto the blade tighter.]

[Bite him.]

The Narrator

As you hold tighter onto the blade, so does the Dragon fight harder to take it from you.

"Give it to me."

Its voice is hardly more than a grunt, and it's barely intimidating or commanding.

Voice of the Princess

He's going to have to try harder than that.

The Narrator

As if it hears your challenge, the Dragon proceeds to kick you in the knee. Hard. Instinctively, you gasp in pain and loosen your grip on the blade, letting the Dragon take it from you.

It stabs you.

Voice of the Princess

Oh.

The Narrator

Repeatedly.

Voice of the Princess

Fuck.

The Narrator

Once it's gotten enough of stabbing you, it pushes you, and you fall down without much resistance. You tumble down the stairs, though the pain from your rapidly blossoming bruises pale in comparison to your many stab wounds.

It watches with a haughty pridefulness, and then throws the blade down with you.

"Well, guess I won't be needing that anymore. Toodle-oo!"

It turns and walks out of the basement.

Voice of the Princess

That's not fair, though! Why did we have to let go of the blade?

The Narrator

I'm sorry. That's just how it went—I can only describe things as they are. Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the—

Voice of the Witch

Uggghhh! What a conniving little egghead! 'Toodle-oo', what's wrong with him?!

Voice of the Princess

Well, hello to you too.

The Narrator

Hello? Did something happen while I wasn't looking for... .5 seconds?

(Explore) What? How am I back here? I died!

(Explore) Oh, I'll tell you what happened! The Dragon killed us!

(Explore) Uurrrgghhh, when I get my hands on him...

[GO TO THE CABIN AND GET HIM.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Witch

I elect we rip that wretch's eyes out! See how well he can reach for our blade then!

The Narrator

Woah, okay, hold on—

Voice of the Princess

Honestly, I'd prefer if he just didn't kick us in our knee again. It still kind of hurts.

The Narrator

Who's kicking who in the knee? What—

Voice of the Witch

We're gonna kick him in the knee!

The Narrator

Can someone just tell me what happened?!

(Explore) Oh, I'll tell you what happened! The Dragon killed us!

[GO TO THE CABIN AND GET HIM.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

Okay, okay!

You walk down the path and approach the—what is happening? That's not a cabin!

In its place is a ransacked looking, shadowy building of indeterminate material, half-crumbled. Parts of it are covered in thick clumps of poison ivy, blanketed in a light layer of snow. What did you all do last time?

Voice of the Princess

Well, we died, but I don't know how that did this!

Voice of the Witch

What should it matter what the cabin looks like! All that matters is that he killed us, and we're going to take our revenge!

The Narrator

I wish I had a drink right about now...

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The interior of the cabin is just as ruinous as the outside. Poison ivy crawls along the walls and floors, and you have to carefully step over them so as to not harm yourself. The only furniture of note is a beaten up looking table where the pristine blade lays.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You take the blade. It'd be difficult to slay the Dragon and save the world without it.

Voice of the Witch

Yesss! He won't get away from us this time!

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement, with the ivy-covered door creaking loudly to signal your arrival. The staircase is mostly clear, save for stinging nettles growing from between the slats of wood. The air smells moist, like heavy rainfall, and you step into puddles that have formed in divots in the wood. If the Dragon truly lives down here, death would be a mercy.

Its voice, silky and coy, saunters up the stairs to meet you.

"Oh? Have you finally come back? I was wondering when you would. Don't keep me waiting!"

Voice of the Witch

I need him dead.

["I'm going to kill you, I need you to know that."]

["Why did you kill me last time? It really hurt!"]

["Maybe what I was told is true. Maybe you really are going to end the world."]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

The Dragon titters at your words.

"Oh, what do you think? It's not so fun when you're not the one holding the cards, is it?"

You continue down the stairs and, as you enter the basement proper, you see the Dragon. Its head resembles a vulture, and it leans casually against the wall. There's numerous puddles of water on the floor, alongside more stinging nettles and moss.

The Dragon mockingly grins at you.

"Glad to see you're in one piece."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what happened before."

(Explore) "I take it you're not happy with me?"

(Explore) "I thought you chewed yourself out of those chains last time. What, can't do it again?"

(Explore) "Are you going to stab me again?"

["Bye, actually." Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's grin becomes more strained.

"Oh, of course not!"

It shakes its head, and its tail twitches with agitation.

"No, why would I ever be mad with you? Who would be mad with the person who tried to stab him to death?"

Voice of the Princess

I think he's really mad at us.

Voice of the Witch

Oh, you don't say.

Voice of the Princess

Look, I just-

Voice of the Witch

And who cares what he feels? He's the one who ended up stabbing us to death! We didn't even lay a finger on him!

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what happened before."

(Explore) "Hey, you stabbed me to death!"

(Explore) "I wasn't going to kill you, I promise."

(Explore) "I thought you chewed yourself out of those chains last time. What, can't do it again?"

(Explore) "Are you going to stab me again?"

["Bye, actually." Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon snorts.

"Oh? You weren't? Then what were you going to do, neatly carve my arm free from my shackle?"

Voice of the Princess

Were we going to do that?

Voice of the Witch

Of course not.

["Of course I was. I never wanted to hurt you to begin with."]

["Um..."]

Voice of the Witch

What?! I never agreed to that!!

The Narrator

The Dragon freezes, and sneers at you.

"Oh, you're so funny! But you're not going to win me over with jokes. Besides, why do you have the knife again? To hurt me. Checkmate."

Voice of the Princess

It's like talking to a brick wall.

Voice of the Witch

Uughhhh, let's just get this over with and kill him already!

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what happened before."

(Explore) "Hey, you stabbed me to death!"

(Explore) "I thought you chewed yourself out of those chains last time. What, can't do it again?"

(Explore) "Are you going to stab me again?"

["Bye, actually." Leave the basement.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

["I really, honestly, don't want to hurt you. How can I make it up to you?"]

The Narrator

The Dragon glares at you.

"Because you were going to stab me to death first. I saw an opportunity to get back at you."

Voice of the Witch

Well, we can stab him to death second if you get a move on!

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what happened before."

(Explore) "I thought you chewed yourself out of those chains last time. What, can't do it again?"

(Explore) "Are you going to stab me again?"

["Bye, actually." Leave the basement.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

["I really, honestly, don't want to hurt you. How can I make it up to you?"]

The Narrator

The Dragon contemplates your words, and then smirks.

"Give me the knife, then."

Do not do that.

Voice of the Witch

I second that notion.

Voice of the Princess

Well...

Voice of the Witch

Do not say what I think you're going to say.

Voice of the Princess

We should give it to him, I think.

Voice of the Witch

I hate you.

Voice of the Princess

Look, The Decider said that she doesn't want to hurt him, and I'm inclined to agree with her judgement on this! Even if he did stab us last time, he thought we were going to hurt him. If I were in his shoes, I'd probably do the same thing.

Voice of the Witch

Not only is The Decider wrong, you're wrong too! And you're both insane!

["Okay. This is a gesture of goodwill. Don't make me regret this." Give him the blade.]

["Haha, actually, no, nevermind sucker." Refuse to give him the blade.]

The Narrator

You toss the blade at the Dragon's feet. It seems surprised that you actually did that, as am I—what is wrong with you, by the way?—before it cautiously kneels down and picks it up.

"Why did you do that?"

Voice of the Witch

Why did you?

Voice of the Princess

We have to earn his trust back.

Voice of the Witch

You say that as if he has ours. Besides, he's still chained up. Is he going to chew his own arm off again?

The Narrator

As your voice finishes its thought, the Dragon raises its shackled wrist, and... it slips off easily. It could have gotten out the whole time.

Voice of the Witch

Oh, that sneaky, cowardly little...

The Narrator

The Dragon slowly approaches you, and then smirks as it draws closer. It points the tip of the blade toward you.

"Well, do you know what happens now?"

["I don't. That's for you to decide."]

["We've both hurt each other. I just want to leave this place with you."]

["You know, you're pretty handsome. I wasn't joking when I said I wanted to save you."]

["... You're going to stab me again, aren't you?"]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

The Dragon seems taken aback by your words, feathers and fur puffing out as it leans away. It seems almost... flustered, before recollecting itself.

"You don't mean that."

Voice of the Witch

Yeah, we don't!!! ... Right, we don't?

The Narrator

I know when you lie. Unfortunately... [Sigh] You weren't lying when you spouted that nonsense.

The Dragon huffs, smoothing out its feathers with a talon.

"I'm not playing your game."

And then it stabs you.

Voice of the Princess

No! What? Why?!

Voice of the Witch

WHY indeed! WHY did you give him the knife?!

Voice of the Princess

I thought he wouldn't stab us!

Voice of the Witch

You're so stupid!

The Narrator

The Dragon is still stabbing you, by the way.

Voice of the Witch

Oh, thank you soooo MUCH for the recap! I couldn't tell we were being stabbed!

The Narrator

Just doing my job.

Voice of the Witch

I hate all of you. This body is a nightmare.

The Narrator

Your body finally collapses to the ground from its many stab wounds, and the Dragon leers over your dying form with a triumphant grin.

"I got you again, you little..."

It trails off, and its grin falters. It looks conflicted.

"Why did you let me do that? You knew what was going to happen if you did. So why..."

But it doesn't matter what it says next, because everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the—

Voice of the Princess

He stabbed us! After all that, after we trusted him, he just- uugghhhh!

Voice of the Witch

I said to not give him the knife! And what do you say?! 'Oohhh, but we have to earn his trust!'

Voice of the Princess

Oh, shut up! Didn't you already get your fill of berating us while we were dying?!

Voice of the Damsel

My fellow ladies, please! Calm yourselves. The thorns that've pricked us are real as are our wounds, but wounds heal! Now we must direct our attention to the future!

Voice of the Princess

Oh, hey new girl.

Voice of the Witch

The future? Do we stab him in that future?

Voice of the Damsel

I'd hope not, my fellow lady! Our dashing rogue is a perplexing and shadowy figure, but he is far from our foe. To truly know him, we must embark on a journey to his heart!

Voice of the Witch

Are you insane?

Voice of the Princess

Alright, look, while I'm not so set on her whole... 'lovey-dovey' thing, I think she has a point. He did stab us, but...

Voice of the Damsel

Before he did, his heart was set aflutter! I'm certain that if we do so once more, we won't be assailed again.

Voice of the Witch

And if he stabs us again?

Voice of the Damsel

Then there will be no better way to die than by his knavish hands!

The Narrator

... Thank you for interrupting me, all of you. What are you lot on about anyway? Whose 'knavish hands' did you die by?

Voice of the Princess

The Dragon stabbed us to death. Twice.

The Narrator

It what?

Voice of the Damsel

You! Wicked, foul wizard, do not even think of stopping us from saving our beloved, ravishing dragon!

The Narrator

I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that. Did you lot go crazy the first or second time the Dragon killed you?

(Explore) I'm going to free him.

(Explore) I'm pretty sure he's just going to stab us to death again.

(Explore) I'm going to stab him to death now.

(Explore) Why would I free him after everything he's done?

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Damsel

Deep inside, he's nothing more than a wounded, bleeding heart! He believes we had wretched intent and didn't have reason to believe otherwise until now!

We can mend him with our love if we truly show him we're capable of it! I know that deep inside he is just as wanting of our love, as we are of him not stabbing us.

Voice of the Princess

... Are you saying we can fix him?

Voice of the Damsel

If that is how you understand it, yes!

Voice of the Witch

We're going to get stabbed again.

The Narrator

Need I remind you, the Dragon is going to end the world and this makes it irredeemably evil. You cannot 'fix' it.

(Explore) I'm going to free him.

(Explore) I'm pretty sure he's just going to stab us to death again.

(Explore) I'm going to stab him to death now.

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Damsel

Yes! Now let us go forth and set our love free from the prison of his own making!

Voice of the Princess

Again, still not sure about this 'love' thing, but I guess we can try again.

Voice of the Witch

And again, you're all insane.

The Narrator

I agree with this one. You're making a big mistake if you think you can 'fix' the Dragon. Remember that it will end the world if it ever escapes the cabin.

You walk down the path, and approach the... definitely not a cabin.

In its place is something that can barely be called a building. All that remains of it is a few crumbling walls, overgrown with poison ivy, though you can barely see it from where it's been buried beneath the snow. Where there should be a door is instead an open entrance, the door having rotted away long ago. You've really made a mess of things, haven't you?

Voice of the Damsel

It's a sign of our devilish darling's distress! We must come to his side, posthaste!

Voice of the Witch

'Devilish darling'? Are you serious?

Voice of the Princess

I think the more we complain, the more romantic her language gets.

The Narrator

Please just enter the cabin.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The interior of the cabin is just as ruinous as the outside. Frostbitten weeds and wildflowers sprout up from the floorboards, as do patches of moss and mold. The only furniture of note is a small table, where a pristine blade... doesn't wait for you.

It's gone. That can't be good.

Voice of the Witch

Does he still have the blade?!

Voice of the Princess

Oh, that's... definitely not good.

Voice of the Damsel

Or! He rid himself of it, realizing that its presence only caused the both of us harm! Oh, how romantic and noble of him, to destroy his only weapon...

Voice of the Witch

He definitely still has it.

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

The basement stairs creak and groan beneath your weight, bending dangerously, threatening to snap at any moment. It smells damp and wet, and you can see the bottom half of the stairs are consumed by murky water.

The Dragon's voice, smooth yet drained, trudges up the stairs to you.

"It's you. You're just not going to stay down, are you? Well, neither am I."

Voice of the Witch

Just as rude and vile as ever.

Voice of the Damsel

Can you not hear his voice? He's tired! He must want this as little as we do.

["Yeah, I'm back, no thanks to you."]

["I'm going to free you for real now, no matter what you do or say."]

["I'm going to kill you."]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

The Dragon only huffs and says nothing more.

As you descend further, the murky water slowly crawls up your dress, leaving you waist-deep as you reach the landing. As you do, you see the Dragon. It's seated at the far wall of the cavernous basement, sitting on the only dry, elevated ground left. Its feathers and fur are tangled with stinging nettles and roses, red petals scattered in its wings.

The rest of the basement has been flooded to an unknowable depth, separating you and the Dragon by a good distance. Its shackle is gone, and it is loose, but... it makes no move to come after you.

The Dragon forlornly looks at you, and then looks away, brow furrowed.

"Yeah, yeah, take it in. Get all your laughs out."

(Explore) "Where is the knife?"

(Explore) "I'm not going to laugh at you."

(Explore) [Laugh at him.]

(Explore) "You did this to yourself. What, do you want me to pity you?"

(Explore) "Why aren't you getting up to leave? You're not chained up anymore."

["I meant it when I said I'm here to save you." Walk to him.]

["I'm not sure what I expected to happen, but you deserve this. Bye." Turn and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon eyes you suspiciously. Its legs curl up to its chest.

"Sure, not right now. But you will later."

Voice of the Princess

Same brick wall as before.

Voice of the Damsel

We've only just started speaking! In due time will we pry these prickling thistles from his guarded heart!

Voice of the Witch

Or, we could just cross the basement and strangle him with our bare hands.

Voice of the Damsel

The only hands we shall lay upon our rogue will be in his own, fiend!

(Explore) "Where is the knife?"

(Explore) "You did this to yourself. What, do you want me to pity you?"

(Explore) "Why aren't you getting up to leave? You're not chained up anymore."

["I meant it when I said I'm here to save you." Walk to him.]

["I'm not sure what I expected to happen, but you deserve this. Bye." Turn and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon gives you a wobbly smirk. Its tail flicks uneasily as it looks at the water.

"Why aren't you coming over?"

Voice of the Witch

He didn't even answer our question!

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, if I didn't know any better I'd say he's scared of the water.

Voice of the Witch

...

Voice of the Princess

...

Voice of the Witch

You have to be kidding me- he's scared of the fucking water?!

Voice of the Damsel

This is why we have to save him! Only by our gentle, guiding hands will he find the strength and courage to leave!

(Explore) "Where is the knife?"

(Explore) "You did this to yourself. What, do you want me to pity you?"

["I meant it when I said I'm here to save you." Walk to him.]

["I'm not sure what I expected to happen, but you deserve this. Bye." Turn and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon straightens, looking at you skeptically.

"You don't have it?"

Then it sighs and leans against the wall, crossing its arms. It looks away from you as it speaks next.

"Well, I don't have it either. And I definitely don't know where it is."

Voice of the Witch

He absolutely knows where it is. He's lying to us!

The Narrator

The Dragon looks back at you and then shrugs, grinning.

"So it seems we're at an impasse now."

(Explore) "You're lying to me. Where is the knife?"

(Explore) "You did this to yourself. What, do you want me to pity you?"

["I meant it when I said I'm here to save you." Walk to him.]

["I'm not sure what I expected to happen, but you deserve this. Bye." Turn and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's feathers slowly puff out, and its voice takes on a defensive edge.

"I just told you, I don't have it!"

Its eyes flick away from you.

"And I don't know where it is, so stop asking. Can we just leave it at that?"

Its tail thumps against the ground rhythmically. There's something it's not telling you.

Voice of the Witch

Oh, he knows where it is alright! And when we find it, he's gonna be in a whole world of pain!

(Explore) "Where. Is. It?"

(Explore) "You did this to yourself. What, do you want me to pity you?"

["I meant it when I said I'm here to free you." Walk to him.]

["I'm not sure what I expected to happen, but you deserve this. Bye." Turn and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's irritation becomes surprise as you come closer, its wings flaring out as you walk forward.

"What are you doing? You don't know what's in there, or how deep it is! Stop!"

Voice of the Witch

As if we'll stop because of what he says! In fact, I bet he knows that there's nothing in the water, and he's just trying to freak us out!

Voice of the Damsel

And even if there were, our love couldn't be stopped by some ghastly beast! Onward!

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, what you two said.

The Narrator

Perhaps the Dragon's warning was fair, though, as the water becomes steadily deeper the further you walk into it.

It slowly inches up your waist to your belly, then to your chest, until it's rising above your collarbone and swallowing your neck.

It starts to go over your mouth, and you have to tilt your head upward to keep it from reaching your nostrils. The water is lukewarm, yet still, it makes you shiver when it goes over your ears and laps at the sides of your face.

Voice of the Damsel

Yet still, we will persevere!

The Narrator

That you do. As you walk further, the water slowly recedes, slipping back down your body until it's only waist-deep again.

You stand before the Dragon, who has pressed itself against the wall and is watching you warily.

Voice of the Damsel

Take his hand in ours, so that we may guide him to safety.

Voice of the Witch

Kill him.

[Slay the Dragon.]

["Come on." Save the Dragon.]

[Wordlessly offer your hand and Save the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You—uugrhhgh—offer your hand to the Dragon. It looks at your hand, unsure, and then slowly reaches out before hesitating. It looks up at you with an unreadable expression.

"Why are you helping me?"

Voice of the Witch

Yeah, why are we?

Voice of the Damsel

Because we love him!

Voice of the Witch

I didn't ask you.

["I really do just want to help you. Why can't you accept that?"]

["It's what I've always wanted to do since the beginning."]

["Just take my hand. Don't make this more complicated."]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks away. If I didn't know any better, I'd almost say that it looks a bit guilty.

"I've hurt you."

Voice of the Damsel

Yet I still love you and yearn to see you take your freedom.

The Narrator

Then it takes your hand.

You lead it into the water slowly, watching as its feathers and fur bristle as it enters it. It holds tighter onto your hand, shaking slightly as you go deeper.

With your guidance, you and the Dragon slowly make it to the halfway point of the basement, and... no. No, I won't let you do this. The stakes are too high.

Voice of the Princess

What? W-what are you doing?

The Narrator

The Dragon suddenly slams into you, digging its claws into your back and letting out a shriek as it falls into the water, dragging you with it.

Voice of the Witch

That little shit! I knew he was planning something!

Voice of the Damsel

No, no! He wouldn't do that! Not after everything! He would never!

The Narrator

You're right. It's, by all technicalities, not just the Dragon who pulled you under.

Thick underwater plants begin to coil and tighten around your legs, dragging the two of you further down. Vaguely through the murk can you see the Dragon thrashing wildly, struggling to escape its binds.

There's a glint nearby. The pristine blade is lodged in the ground. If you act quickly enough, you can finish the job, once and for all.

[Reach for the blade.]

[Reach for the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You reach for the Dragon, and it seems to reach for you as well. The two of you drift closer to each other, fingers almost brushing...

And then it reaches down, claws curling around the hilt of the pristine blade.

Voice of the Witch

No!

Voice of the Damsel

Our rogue will cut us loose! He will save us from a villain most foul!

Voice of the Princess

He's going to stab us again!

The Narrator

The Dragon raises the pristine blade high over its head, and then brings it down.

[Close your eyes.]

[Keep them open.]

The Narrator

You keep your eyes open as the Dragon... no, no, it doesn't do that!

Voice of the Princess

What? What is the Dragon doing?

Voice of the Witch

He's stabbing us, you-

The Narrator

The Dragon... [Sigh] cuts you loose from your bindings, pushing you toward the surface with its free hand.

You break the surface and take in a breath of air, quickly realizing that the basement has filled with more water. The elevated land the Dragon had sat on before is now gone.

Voice of the Damsel

Woohoo! Yes! What did I tell you? He would never hurt us again!

Voice of the Witch

I'll be damned. I... I guess not. Why did he do that?

Voice of the Princess

I suppose we finally earned his trust. Where is he, though? He's not come up yet.

The Narrator

What should it matter? You should get out of here before the whole place floods and you drown.

[Leave.]

[Dive back down.]

The Narrator

What do you think you're doing?!

You dive back into the water, and as you swim toward the Dragon, you see it struggling to cut itself free from its bindings. It's gotten remarkably weaker. It looks up at you as you make your presence known, confused as to why you came back.

Voice of the Damsel

We have to save him! We can't leave him to die in such a sad way!

Voice of the Witch

For once I'm with her on this. I think.

Voice of the Princess

We'll need the knife, though.

[Reach for the blade.]

[Tug at the plants with your hands.]

The Narrator

Your fingers wrap around the hilt of the blade and try to pry it from the Dragon's hand. It fights you for a moment, and then relents, letting you take the blade.

Voice of the Witch

You know... we could—

Voice of the Damsel

No.

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, let's not.

[Save the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You cut the Dragon free from the plants that hold it in place, and it grabs onto you with desperation as you wrap your arms around it.

You drop the blade as you rise to the surface with him.

The Dragon splutters and gasps as he breaks the surface, coughing out water as he takes in gulps of air, clinging to you like a frightened cat.

"You saved me."

His voice is a rasp, slightly ragged, and... grateful in tone.

["Of course I did. I couldn't leave you down there."]

["I know."]

["I think I love you."]

[Kiss the Dragon.]

The Narrator

No. I'm not describing that.

Voice of the Damsel

Pleaaasee?

Voice of the Witch

I think we deserve a nice kiss after everything we've gone through.

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, and he is a little cute, too.

The Narrator

Fine! You kiss the Dragon.

Voice of the Damsel

What? That was it? Where is the magnificence? Where is the love? Where is the passion?!

The Narrator

FINE! Fine, you want a kiss? I'll give you a kiss.

You cup the side of the Dragon's face in your hand and bring him closer to you, gently kissing him. He seems surprised but quickly leans into it, and it's the closest you've ever felt with anyone before. And it's the closest you'll ever feel with anyone ever again, because the whole world is going to end, you horrible monster.

Voice of the Princess

He's making fun of us, isn't He?

Voice of the Damsel

What does it matter? This is all very great...

The Narrator

It's like there's a thousand sunsets and sunrises happening simultaneously as your kiss continues, though it pales in comparison to the nuclear fire you feel with him.

If the world wasn't going to end, historians would be documenting this moment as the greatest turning point in all of history. Poets would yearn to one day hold even a flame to the great inferno you two have. Lovers all across the world envy you.

Voice of the Witch

[Mumbling] You know... he is kind of handsome.

Voice of the Princess

For saying you didn't want to narrate this, you're very good at it.

The Narrator

I know of my talents.

Finally, mercifully, you and the Dragon pull away from each other. The look on his face is remarkably more dopey than before, and his words verge on a coo as he talks.

"That was nice."

Still, though. The water in the basement continues to rise. If you want to keep your little... 'lovey-dovey' thing, you should get moving.

But, oh no! As you lead him to the stairs, they've already been submerged underwater. The Dragon begins to shake slightly.

"We don't have to go back under, do we? I don't know if I can. I don't want to."

["We'll be okay as long as we do it together."]

["Hold onto me, okay?"]

The Narrator

You are making a huge mistake.

The Dragon nods and holds onto you tighter, sucking in a breath as you go under. It's difficult to tell where you're going, but you eventually feel the staircase against your hands.

You follow them and soon break the surface, finally able to stand again, Dragon now in tow.

Voice of the Damsel

Finally... Now we can show him what the world has to offer.

Voice of the Witch

I'm just glad to be out of the water.

Voice of the Princess

Come on, you're glad he's out of there too. And I heard your little 'handsome' comment.

Voice of the Witch

[Angry grumbling]

The Narrator

The Dragon doesn't let go of your hand as you slowly ascend the stairs together. His plumicorns perk up as the sky comes into view, and he looks around over the crumbling walls of the cabin.

"Oh, wow... It's so much brighter out here than I thought it'd be. There's so much snow!"

Voice of the Damsel

Yes, yes! There's snow and so much more waiting for you, my rogue.

The Narrator

You and the Dragon step past the threshold of the cabin, into a world sentenced to certain doom. I hope you're happy with yourself.

The Dragon finally lets go of your hand, turning to you as the world begins to turn into white haze.

"What do we do now? There's so much to look at. I want to seize it all."

Voice of the Damsel

And we can have it all, I promise!

Voice of the Princess

Hey, where's He gone?

Voice of the Witch

He's gone pretty quiet, hasn't He? He must be sulking about our 'failure'. Who cares!

The Dragon fans himself, appearing uncomfortable as pale hands begin to grip at the fabric of reality.

"I didn't expect it to be so warm, though. Why is it so warm?"

But you don't get a chance to respond. Dark threads of textured nothing wrap around him, consuming him and pulling him away from you.

All that's left in his place is a mirror.

Memory returns.

[Approach the mirror.]

You approach the mirror.

Voice of the Princess

Hey! Hey, no, don't do that, this feels- it feels bad.

Voice of the Witch

Yeah, don't look in the mirror. Something about it's bad.

Voice of the Damsel

Do we have to look in the mirror...? Why don't we brush our hair for a while instead?

["You'll be okay, I promise. There's something nice on the other side."]

["This is the end for you, but not for me. Don't fear this change. It's inevitable."]

[Ignore them.]

Voice of the Princess

You promise...? Okay... if- if you say so.

Voice of the Witch

I'm trusting you on this. Just this once.

Voice of the Damsel

Maybe he'll be on the other side, waiting to sweep us off our feet and whisk us away... That'd be delightful.

The voices grow distant as you approach the mirror, and fall silent as you touch its surface.

The form of a princess is revealed, bigger than it was before, strange in shape and stranger in nature.

You've grown.

You find yourself in The Shifting Mound once again.

[Proceed to the cabin.]

At the crest of the hill stands The Rose, held up by talons and threads.

He's waiting for you.

[Approach him.]

You approach The Rose.

"Writhing and wriggling pockets of light come to a standstill as the energy fades, leaving me more than I was before."

He dips his head.

"Whenever you are ready, I will wipe your slate clean once more."

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

(Explore) "What do you think of this vessel?"

(Explore) "You hurt me so many times during this cycle. Why?"

(Explore) "Do you like this gift?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Rose touches his chest.

"This one is resentment and suspicion turned to forgiveness and soft hands. He will make for a redeeming heart."

His hands clasp together.

"Do not mourn him. He has found his forgiveness."

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

(Explore) "What do you think of this gift?"

(Explore) "You hurt me so many times during this cycle. Why?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Rose simply shakes his head.

"The heart believes what it will. This vessel believed you intended harm and acted to harm you first."

His head tilts to the side.

"For whatever it is worth to you, he is sorry."

(Explore) "He can hear me in there?"

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

(Explore) "What do you think of this gift?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Rose fondly smiles.

"It is a gift from you. I can do nothing but appreciate it. I will await for your next gift, be it crafted from pain turned to kindness or be it something born from wholly violence."

(Explore) "He can hear me in there?"

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The smile remains.

"The first and this one can hear you. They are elated to see you, as am I. When you are gone, I turn inward and confer with them in order to learn from them."

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The smile fades.

"Does it hurt when you take in a breath, or for your heart to pump?"

He puts a hand to his chest.

"When you arrive with a gift, they simply are one with me. There is no hurt. They shed that once they are with me."

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Rose clasps his hands together again.

"I will reflect while I await your return."

He tips his head toward you.

"We will meet again."

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

The Dragon's irritation becomes surprise as you come closer, its wings flaring out as you walk forward.

"What are you doing? You don't know what's in there, or how deep it is! Stop!"

Voice of the Witch

As if we'll stop because of what he says! In fact, I bet he knows that there's nothing in the water, and he's just trying to freak us out!

Voice of the Damsel

And even if there were, our love couldn't be stopped by some ghastly beast! Onward!

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, what you two said.

The Narrator

Perhaps the Dragon's warning was fair, though, as the water becomes steadily deeper the further you walk into it.

It slowly inches up your waist to your belly, then to your chest, until it's rising above your collarbone and swallowing your neck.

It starts to go over your mouth, and you have to tilt your head upward to keep it from reaching your nostrils. The water is lukewarm, yet still, it makes you shiver when it goes over your ears and laps at the sides of your face.

Voice of the Damsel

Yet still, we will persevere!

The Narrator

That you do. As you walk further, the water slowly recedes, slipping back down your body until it's only waist-deep again.

You stand before the Dragon, who has pressed itself against the wall and is watching you warily.

Voice of the Damsel

Take his hand in ours, so that we may guide him to safety.

Voice of the Witch

Kill him.

[Slay the Dragon.]

["Come on." Save the Dragon.]

[Wordlessly offer your hand and Save the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You lunge at the Dragon, and it doesn't hesitate to reciprocate the gesture. The two of you kick and punch at each other, which soon devolves into biting and clawing.

"I should've known you were lying to me!"

Whatever rules there are to a fight, you've certainly broken them a hundred times over in just the first minute alone.

Voice of the Damsel

No, no! What are you doing?! Stop it, stop hurting him!

Voice of the Witch

Yes, yes! Bite his throat out! Make him cry!

The Narrator

The Dragon pulls on your hair. You pull out a clump of its feathers. It bites you on the arm. You bite it on the shoulder. It scratches at your belly. You stomp on its tail.

Voice of the Damsel

No, no, nonono! My beloved- my true love- oh, no! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!

The Narrator

Eventually, the two of you fall into the water during your tussle, and the Dragon shrieks with fright before you shove its head beneath the surface, redirecting its attention toward you.

Your fight progresses past the shallows.

The two of you continue to ceaselessly claw and snap at each other underwater, neither noticing the plants wrapping around your legs until they've dragged you to the bottom.

Voice of the Witch

Wait, the what-now?

The Narrator

Now the two of you fight a much different battle, one that you're both losing. Water floods your being. Darkness dances in your vision. What seems like... threads? Come off of the Dragon's still body, reaching toward you. You squeeze your eyes shut, but it doesn't matter. 

Because everything goes dark, and...

Voice of the Princess

We die.

The Narrator

No, you're not dead. I think.

[Hang on, what?]

The Narrator

You open your eyes and you're... outside. It's incredibly dark, and you cannot make out anything except for the vague outline of trees on the horizon. Everything is still, disturbingly so.

Voice of the Princess

Is this... heaven?

Voice of the Damsel

I doubt it. We're not going to heaven for what we've done.

Voice of the Witch

For our good deed? I'd hope we go to super-heaven.

"Oh, wow... It's so much… darker than I’d thought it’d be.”

Voice of the Damsel

Beloved? But I thought...

The Narrator

You turn around and... the Dragon is there. But it's different.

It's now bright white all over, and it stares at you with large, ghastly, hollow eyes. It gives you a crooked smile.

"I thought there would be snow out here."

(Explore) "What- how are you- you died! We both did!"

(Explore) "Why do you look like that?"

(Explore) "Are we in heaven?"

(Explore) "Are we in hell?"

(Explore) "Where are we?"

["I don't like this. I don't want to be here anymore."]

The Narrator

The Dragon only tilts its head at you.

"I don't know what you mean. Why do you look like that?"

It impishly titters as it playfully pokes you in the belly.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh, oh! My beloved, my dashing rogue... I'm so sorry for what we did to you... Will he ever forgive us?

Voice of the Princess

Uh, he can't hear you.

Voice of the Damsel

But he can feel my remorse.

Voice of the Witch

Whatever makes you feel better.

(Explore) "What- how are you- you died! We both did!"

(Explore) "Are we in heaven?"

(Explore) "Are we in hell?"

(Explore) "Where are we?"

["I don't like this. I don't want to be here anymore."]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks away from you and at its surroundings.

"I don't know. Is this what the outside really looks like? It's a lot more... drab, than I expected. A bit underwhelming, actually."

It shrugs.

"But it's fine if you're here."

Voice of the Damsel

If he's here with us, then it must be heaven!

Voice of the Witch

Wrong, this is hell, actually.

(Explore) "What- how are you- you died! We both did!"

(Explore) "Are we in heaven?"

(Explore) "Are we in hell?"

["I don't like this. I don't want to be here anymore."]

The Narrator

The Dragon starts to look a bit... fuzzy.

Voice of the Damsel

Of course he's fuzzy! Our delightfully devilish rogue is fuzzy all over, and I'd have him be no other way.

The Narrator

No, not in that way you love-blinded twit. More like it's fraying at the edges, threads dragging at the world and coming undone.

Voice of the Princess

That can't be good.

Voice of the Witch

What the hell did he do?

The Narrator

When the Dragon speaks, its voice has a slight reverb.

"Did we? I don't remember that. Are you feeling okay?"

Voice of the Witch

He would never ask us that. There's not even a hint of condescending in his voice!

(Explore) "Are you feeling okay?"

(Explore) "Are we in heaven?"

(Explore) "Are we in hell?"

["I don't like this. I don't want to be here anymore."]

The Narrator

The tips of the Dragon's plumicorns begin to be sucked toward the sky.

"Of course I am.

¿ǝq I ʇ,uplnoʍ ʎɥM"

Voice of the Princess

Oh, oh that's really not good. I don't like this.

Voice of the Damsel

No! What's happening to him? Please, beloved, I beg of you, don't leave me again! I'm sorry!

Voice of the Witch

Holy shit.

(Explore) "Are we in heaven?"

(Explore) "Are we in hell?"

["I don't like this. I don't want to be here anymore."]

The Narrator

The Dragon becomes further unraveled, face coming undone and turning into spiralling threads. Beads of blood float through the air, feathers ripping from flesh ripping from bone ripping from marrow.

"But I don't want to leave."

Its head twists around and around and around, stretching further into the sky.

"I want to stay with you."

The world begins to turn hazey and white, yet still, the Dragon's head twists.

Voice of the Princess

Oh, I think I'm gonna be sick...

Voice of the Witch

That makes two of us.

Voice of the Damsel

[Sobbing]

The haze furthers. Pale hands grip at the fabric of reality.

"Don't you want to stay with me too?"

But you don't get a chance to respond. The darkness leans forward and embraces the Dragon, consuming him in textured nothing.

All that is left in his place is a mirror.

Memory returns.

[Approach the mirror.]

You approach the mirror.

Voice of the Princess

Hey! Hey, no, don't do that, this feels- it feels bad.

Voice of the Witch

Yeah, don't look in the mirror. Something about it's bad.

Voice of the Damsel

Do we have to look in the mirror...? Why don't we brush our hair for a while instead?

["You'll be okay, I promise. There's something nice on the other side."]

["This is the end for you, but not for me. Don't fear this change. It's inevitable."]

[Ignore them.]

Voice of the Princess

You promise...? Okay... if- if you say so.

Voice of the Witch

I'm trusting you on this. Just this once.

Voice of the Damsel

Maybe he'll be on the other side, waiting to sweep us off our feet and whisk us away... That'd be delightful.

The voices grow distant as you approach the mirror, and fall silent as you touch its surface.

The form of a princess is revealed, bigger than it was before, strange in shape and stranger in nature.

You've grown.

You find yourself in The Shifting Mound once again.

[Proceed to the cabin.]

At the crest of the hill stands The Unraveled Rose, held up by talons and threads.

He's waiting for you.

[Approach him.]

You approach The Unraveled Rose.

"Writhing and wriggling pockets of light come to a standstill as the energy fades, leaving me more than I was before."

He dips his head.

"Whenever you are ready, I will wipe your slate clean once more."

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

(Explore) "What do you think of this vessel?"

(Explore) "You hurt me so many times during this cycle. Why?"

(Explore) "Do you like this gift?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Unraveled Rose touches his chest.

"This one is suspicion and resentment turned to mourning for what could have been. He will make for a yearning heart."

His hands clasp together.

"Do not mourn him. He has found what he sought for so long."

(Explore) "I'm going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Does it hurt when you receive my gifts?"

(Explore) "What do you think of this gift?"

(Explore) "You hurt me so many times during this cycle. Why?"

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Unraveled Rose clasps his hands together again.

"I will reflect while I await your return."

He tips his head toward you.

"We will meet again."

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon.

You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) The end of the world? What are you talking about?

(Explore) A dragon? That seems kind of dangerous, doesn't it?

(Explore) Can I not slay the dragon?

(Explore) Maybe the only reason he's going to end the world is because he's locked up.

(Explore) Why do I have to slay the dragon?

(Explore) No, I'm not doing that.

[Oh, okay! I'll go do that then.]

[Awesome! I've always wanted to kill a dragon.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the cabin, which looms on the snow-covered crest of a hill. Now, a word of warning...

The Dragon will lie, it will cheat, it will attempt to harm you so it can leave. You must not listen or falter. It will end the world if you do.

Voice of the Princess

We're not actually going to do this, right? It's a dragon, and we're a princess. How are we ever going to kill it?

The Narrator

Don't pay her any mind. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The unfurnished interior of the cabin greets you. It smells vaguely of dust, and you can see particles drifting through the air. The only furniture of note is a small table in the corner with a pristine blade perched on it.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You take the blade. It'd be hard to slay the Dragon and save the world without it.

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement, and the door creaks loudly to signal your arrival. The air here is musty and smells vaguely of smoke, and at the bottom of the staircase, you can see the tiny skeletons of rodents littering the floor. If the Dragon truly lives here, death would be a mercy.

Its voice carries up the stairs.

"Ah, I hear you. A visitor? What are you here for, hm?"

Voice of the Princess

It sounds so... sharp, an edge of hostility and unspoken threats...

The Narrator

Keep your wits about you. Don't give it an answer.

["Hello?"]

["Hi! I think I'm here to kill you?"]

["Just checking in on you."]

[Say nothing and continue down the stairs.]

The Narrator

Oh for the love of...

The Dragon snickers at your words.

"Oh? Are you? Come down here, then."

As you stand on the floor of the basement, you get a full view of the Dragon. You also realize that it can't see you—a thick darkness pervades the basement, and you stand right in its shadows. This would be a perfect opportunity to sneak up on it.

[Stay hidden in the shadows.]

[Step out into the Dragon's view.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's eyes narrow as you step out of the shadows, and it snickers again.

"So you are going to slay me? You're so puny. I'd like to see you try."

Voice of the Princess

Hey! We're not puny!

(Explore) "I can do a lot more damage than you think."

(Explore) "Why don't we talk a little first?"

(Explore) "Well, I haven't actually decided if I want to do that yet."

[Steel your nerves and step forward.]

The Narrator

The Dragon casually crosses one talon over the other, not stressed in the slightest.

"No more words, hm? Cat got your tongue?"

It snorts softly.

"Why don't we just talk it out? I doubt you want to really slay me. Just toss that blade, and we can have some chit-chat."

I shouldn't have to say this, but don't do that.

(Explore) "I can talk just fine."

(Explore) "I have nothing to say to you."

(Explore) "You're going to end the world. You don't get any words."

(Explore) "I just want to talk."

[Drop the blade.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You rush forward, unaffected by the Dragon's words, and it is wholly unprepared for you.

It jumps onto its feet, intending to defend itself, but you are far too fast—your blade lodges itself into its chest.

"Oh."

The Dragon falls onto the ground, its eyes rapidly losing their brightness, yet still, it chokes out its final words with nothing but spite.

"I should've expected that. Fine, then. You got me, but do you really believe that this is the end?"

And then it dies. How delusional.

Voice of the Princess

What did it mean by that? Does it genuinely think it can come back from death?... Can it?

The Narrator

Of course not.

Voice of the Princess

But is it really that easy to slay a dragon?

["Of course it is. The Dragon is dead."]

["Maybe. I'm not so sure."]

["Of course not. It's a dragon after all."]

The Narrator

Exactly! And now it's time for your reward. You've earned it.

Voice of the Princess

Oh, wait, what? Reward?

The Narrator

Killing a dragon warrants a reward, doesn't it?

Voice of the Princess

Huh... I guess it does! Yeah, we deserve a reward!

[Go upstairs.]

The Narrator

You walk back up the stairs and leave the basement, task completed. Kaleidoscopic, colorful patterns of light dance on the floor.

You're going to be embraced by a world newly saved.

[Leave.]

The Narrator

You open the cabin door, ready to return to a world saved from certain doom.

Everything greets you. A beautiful cacophony of noise, color, smell, taste, and touch assaults your senses the moment you open the door. A thousand things happen all at once, a thousand things dance across your vision. A thousand songs play in perfect, discordant harmony.

Voice of the Princess

Agh! What is- how is- what- I can't think!

["Oh. Okay."]

["THIS FUCKING SUCKS!"/Close the door.]

[I was kind of hoping for something a little less overstimulating.]

The Narrator

Wh- hey! What's done is done, you can't complain when you get what you do! This is your reward. This is what's best for everyone!

Voice of the Princess

What's 'best for everyone' is that awful mess?!

The Narrator

It is not awful! It's wonderful! Why can't you see the beauty in it?

(Explore) If that's beautiful, then I'm not a murderer.

(Explore) Your idea of beauty fucking sucks.

(Explore) Let me out of here!

(Explore) Actually, it's not so bad now that I think about it.

The Narrator

You'll learn to appreciate it. Time has stretched infinitely now, after all. You have nothing but time left.

Voice of the Princess

My head hurts.

The Narrator

You'll get used to it.

(Explore) If that's beautiful, then I'm not a murderer.

(Explore) Let me out of here!

(Explore) Actually, it's not so bad now that I think about it.

The Narrator

There's no way out. Only the entrance, but you can't go out the same way you came in. Why can't you be happy with this? Why can't you see the beauty in it?

(Explore) If that's beautiful, then I'm not a murderer.

(Explore) Actually, it's not so bad now that I think about it.

The Narrator

Whatever. Time passes nevertheless. You can't be sure if it's days, weeks, months, or even years. It's all a beautiful, ever-changing maelstrom. You've never been happier.

Voice of the Princess

That's such bullshit.

(Explore) That's such bullshit.

(Explore) I'm not fucking happy here! Let me out!

(Explore) (Lie) Alright, you know what? Fine. This is great. Love it, actually.

(Explore) Of course I'm happy. Why wouldn't I be?

The Narrator

Shut up.

Voice of the Princess

Psssttt, hey, decision-maker. I have an idea for how we can get out of here.

The Narrator

You know I can still hear you, right?

Voice of the Princess

Ignore him.

["Oh, thank God, I thought we were gonna be stuck here forever. Lay it on me."]

["What? Why would we want to leave? I'm happy here."]

[Wait for her to continue.]

Voice of the Princess

The blade. We can use the blade to get out of this.

The Narrator

I'm sorry, are you suggesting that she kill herself?

Voice of the Princess

Didn't want to phrase it like that, but yeah, basically.

["I'm not sure if I can go through with that..."]

["Already on it." Head downstairs.]

The Narrator

No- ugh!

You walk downstairs, take the knife out of the Dragon's body, and stab yourself in the chest. I hate you.

Voice of the Princess

Right back at you.

The Narrator

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon. You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) What? How am I back here? I died!

(Explore) Okay, no.

(Explore) Oh, you bastard! You're in for it now! I know what your 'reward' is!

(Explore) I'm getting some serious deja vu...

(Explore) I already killed the Dragon!

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

I'm sorry, bastard? Don't be so rude. We've just met. I haven't even told you about the reward yet.

Voice of the Princess

You mean the reward where you lock us in a sensory overload box for the rest of time?

The Narrator

Did you two-

Voice of the Specter

Boo! It's three! Hehe.

Voice of the Princess

Ah!

The Narrator

Did the three of you somehow manage to go insane before you even kill the Dragon?

(Explore) What? How am I back here? I died!

(Explore) Okay, no. 

(Explore) I'm getting some serious deja vu...

(Explore) I already killed the Dragon!

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the... gothic victorian house?

It looms on the snow-covered crest of the hill, dark and melancholic against the pale sky. It appears rundown and abandoned, the windows boarded up and cobwebs collecting in the porch overhang.

What did you lot do?

Voice of the Specter

Oooh! Redecoration? Pretty.

Voice of the Princess

I'm a bit nervous to go inside...

The Narrator

You caused this to happen. So chin up, get inside, and deal with the mess you've made.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The interior of the cabin is... not unfurnished. It's very furnished, in fact.

Directly in front of you is a staircase leading upstairs, to your right is a parlor, to the left is a sitting room with an empty fireplace, and directly in front of you leads into a kitchen and dining area.

Voice of the Specter

Homey! So much better than it was before.

Voice of the Princess

Did the Dragon do all of this? Maybe it... really didn't die like we thought it did.

The Narrator

This isn't good. Look, I know we've gotten off on the wrong foot, but it's imperative that you slay the Dragon before it can—

Voice of the Specter

Before he can what?

The Narrator

Nevermind. I've said too much already. Just look for the basement.

(Explore) [Go upstairs.]

(Explore) [Enter the parlor.]

(Explore) [Enter the dining/kitchen area.]

(Explore) [Enter the sitting room.]

The Narrator

You enter the parlor.

There are large bookcases lining the walls with a ladder leaning against one of them. There's a large, antique chair situated in the corner next to a table. In the middle of the parlor is a coffee table and an antique sofa.

To your right is a large window that shows the porch and the woods you came from.

There is nothing else of note. The basement isn't here.

(Explore) [Inspect the lone chair.]

(Explore) [Open one of the books.]

[Leave the parlor.]

The Narrator

You walk over to the antique chair, and can now make out that it is patterned with eyes.

Voice of the Princess

I'm getting the heebie-jeebies...

The Narrator

There's also a closed book resting on the table next to it. Otherwise, there's nothing else of note.

(Explore) [Open the book.]

[Leave the parlor.]

The Narrator

You open the book, and read... nothing but gibberish. It's a load of nonsense, letters mashed together into meaningless patterns.

Voice of the Specter

Mm, I don't think it's as meaningless as you think it is.

The Narrator

What do you mean by that?

Voice of the Princess

Wait! I think I see what she's talking about. It's gibberish, but it's all the same gibberish! It's... umm...

Voice of the Specter

Take your time.

Voice of the Princess

'Fvb zovbsk svvr bw'? I don't know what that means, but it has to mean something, right?

(Explore) I think it's just gibberish.

(Explore) Oh no. Do I have to use my brain?

(Explore) Why couldn't the answer just be scrawled in blood or something?

[Leave the parlor.]

The Narrator

Unfortunately, yes.

Voice of the Specter

This'll take a long time, then! This place is empty.

Voice of the Princess

Hey, don't—

The Narrator

Blissfully, before your voices can devolve into arguing, there's a scraping noise from nearby. It's close to you, and... above?

[Look up.]

[Look around.]

[Focus more on trying to figure out the gibberish.]

The Narrator

You look up just in time to see a large book from a higher shelf come falling down, pages fluttering as it soars through the air.

Voice of the Princess

Oh shit!

The Narrator

You jump out of the way, narrowly avoiding the book colliding directly with your head. It hits the ground with a loud slam.

It lands with its pages open, all of them scrawled with 'Got you'.

Something dark disappears into the ceiling.

Voice of the Princess

Oh my God! Oh my God, we could've died!

Voice of the Specter

What would it matter if we did? We died before and came back. It'll probably happen again.

Voice of the Princess

That doesn't make it less bad if we do die!

(Explore) Hey, hey, it's okay! Calm down! Breathe with me. We're okay.

[We should get out of here. Leave the parlor.]

Voice of the Princess

We have to get out of here.

The Narrator

I agree. This parlor has nothing-

Voice of the Princess

Not just the parlor! The cabin! I don't want to be here anymore...

Voice of the Specter

Scaredy-cat.

[Leave the parlor.]

The Narrator

You leave the parlor. You're back by the entrance of the cabin.

(Explore) [Go upstairs.]

(Explore) [Enter the parlor.]

(Explore) [Enter the dining/kitchen area.]

(Explore) [Enter the sitting room.]

[Leave the cabin.]

The Narrator

You enter the kitchen.

The floor is neatly tiled, though far from clean. There's an icebox separated from a gas oven by a dusty countertop. The cabinets are in disarray, either slightly ajar, their doors hanging on, or entirely gone.

Cobwebs and dust permeate everything, including the island in the middle, with a bowl of rotten fruit resting on it. Also on the island is—yes! There, the pristine blade waits for you.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

(Explore) [Look in the icebox.]

(Explore) [Inspect the gas oven.]

[Leave the kitchen.]

The Narrator

There's nothing inside, save for more rotten food. It's not even cold. There's more cobwebs inside.

Voice of the Princess

Oh... I was hoping we could eat something.

The Narrator

You want to eat at a time like this?

Voice of the Princess

I get hungry when I'm scared!

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

(Explore) [Inspect the gas oven.]

[Leave the kitchen.]

The Narrator

You open the oven, and there's something scrawled in the very back. You can't see what it is, but it looks like the same gibberish as before.

Voice of the Specter

Ooohhh! I wonder what it is this time!

Voice of the Princess

Oh no! Let's not read it. I can live not knowing what it says!

The Narrator

I shouldn't have to say this, but don't stick your head in the oven.

[Stick your head in the oven.]

[Close the oven door.]

The Narrator

As you close the oven door, cold hands roughly shove you from behind, slamming you into the oven.

Voice of the Princess

What the fuck?!

Voice of the Specter

Hehe, I think I know who it is!

The Narrator

You spin around to see the Dragon, loose and, evidently, after you.

It stands... no, it floats before you, tail and feathers nothing more than wispy trails. Blood stains its front. There's an ethereal glow around its whole body, and its voice echoes as it speaks, regarding you with hollow eyes.

"Our game draws to a close. How sad."

Voice of the Princess

A g-g-g-ghost!

Voice of the Specter

Hiya, Victim!

(Explore) "What?! You're dead! I killed you!"

(Explore) "Are you a ghost?"

(Explore) "Are you angry at me?"

(Explore) "What's your problem?!"

(Explore) "I'm sorry for killing you! I thought you were going to end the world!"

(Explore) "How can I make it up to you?"

[Run away in fright.]

The Narrator

You run through the Dragon, its form dispersing around you as you run out of the kitchen. It doesn't even flinch.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Voice of the Princess

Fuck this! Fuck this!

The Narrator

You reach the door, or... rather where it used to be.

Where the door used to be is now only a wall. Well, that certainly throws a wrench into things. Shit.

Voice of the Princess

Oh no, oh no, oh no... We're going to die, aren't we?

Voice of the Specter

Ohoho! How fun!

"You're not leaving that easily."

The Narrator

You turn to see the Dragon standing at the entrance to the kitchen, watching you with a blithe stare.

(Explore) "What?! You're dead! I killed you!"

(Explore) "Are you a ghost?"

(Explore) "Are you angry at me?"

(Explore) "What's your problem?!"

(Explore) "I'm sorry for killing you! I thought you were going to end the world!"

(Explore) "How can I make it up to you?”

The Narrator

The Dragon only continues to stare at you.

"You killed me. Now I'm back. The only problem this poses is toward you. It's not mine."

Voice of the Specter

How succinct!

Voice of the Princess

I think I'm having a panic attack.

(Explore) "What?! You're dead! I killed you!"

(Explore) "Are you a ghost?"

(Explore) "Are you angry at me?"

(Explore) "I'm sorry for killing you! I thought you were going to end the world!"

(Explore) "How can I make it up to you?”

The Narrator

The Dragon drifts forward, coming closer faster than you can react.

It winds around you, sending chills through your body. Goosebumps raise as it traces a claw across your shoulders, a shard of ice against your warm flesh. It breathes a puff of cold air against your face as it pulls away.

"Does that answer your question?"

Voice of the Specter

Ehehe! That was fun!

Voice of the Princess

That was not fun! None of this is fun! What is wrong with you?!

Voice of the Specter

A few things, probably.

(Explore) "Are you angry at me?"

(Explore) "I'm sorry for killing you! I thought you were going to end the world!"

(Explore) "How can I make it up to you?”

The Narrator

The Dragon's head tilts to the side.

"You killed me."

It tilts further.

"And you act as if you did nothing against me."

Its head twists upside down, and the skin disappears, leaving only a raven skull.

"What do you think, Slayer?"

Voice of the Specter

A calm yet vengeful spirit. Understandable enough, Victim! Got us there.

Voice of the Princess

Can he put his skin back on?

(Explore) "I'm sorry for killing you! I thought you were going to end the world!"

(Explore) "How can I make it up to you?”

The Narrator

The Dragon rotates its head back into place, skin reappearing.

"And you believed it without question. How awfully cruel of you."

Voice of the Princess

We're not cruel!

Voice of the Specter

I mean, we did kill him without hesitation, even after he offered to talk. That is awfully cruel of us!

The Narrator

The Dragon listlessly spins in the air.

"All I ever wanted to do was go home. Wherever that is. I can't recall."

It floats upside down.

"And then you killed me."

Voice of the Princess

Oh, I... I didn't know that.

T he Narrator

Don't feel bad for it. It was going to end the world.

Voice of the Specter

You say that, but as far as I'm concerned, the world ended after the Dragon died. Maybe our poor little victim isn't the real world-ender here.

The Narrator

What are you implying?

Voice of the Specter

Nothing. Hehe.

(Explore) "How can I make it up to you?"

The Narrator

The Dragon flips itself rightside-up.

"Help me get out. I've explored every crevice in this place, yet no exit. You're the only thing I've seen enter, and so you're the only thing that can leave."

Voice of the Specter

Ah! I see what he's getting at. Alright, I'm on board.

Voice of the Princess

And... what is he getting at, exactly? I'm a bit lost.

Voice of the Specter

We let him hitch a ride! Y'know, possess us?

Voice of the Princess

What?!

The Narrator

Do not do that.

["Do you... want to possess me?"]

The Narrator

The Dragon pauses, contemplating your words.

"If you're offering, then yes."

Not waiting for another word, The Dragon presses its forehead against yours, phasing itself into your body. It is agony. Cold pinpricks of ice begin in your head, blossoming into a violently chilly headache that spreads into your bones and through the rest of your body.

Voice of the Princess

Ow ow ow ow!

Voice of the Specter

This isn't so bad. Don't be so dramatic!

The Narrator

The pain is excruciating, your heart pounding lethargically. Your limbs lock up one by one, and eventually your legs give out from under you.

Everything goes dark, but you're not dead. Yet.

The Dragon

Get up.

(Explore) I can't. It hurts...

(Explore) Give me a moment, asshole!

(Explore) I'm trying.

The Dragon

This pain is temporary. Stop feeling it and get up.

The Narrator

Energy floods your body, overwhelming the pain and letting you stand again. It still hurts, but less so.

Voice of the Princess

Ugh, why couldn't you wait...

The Dragon

I don't want to be here any longer than I already have been.

Voice of the Specter

Hiya, Victim! I already said hi before, but I'm saying it again since you're here.

The Dragon

...

I also want to get away from her. Make this quick. The door is back now.

[Turn around and open the door.]

[Enter the kitchen.]

The Narrator

Slowly, shaking, you trudge toward the kitchen. It's as if half of your body is trying to pull you in the other direction.

The Dragon

Where are you going? This isn't the door. I'm not interested in this.

Voice of the Princess

What are you doing? This hurts! Let's just do as he says!

Voice of the Specter

Ooohhh! Got something up your sleeve, Decider?

The Narrator

Inside of the kitchen, the only thing of note is the pristine blade on the island. Are you... going to kill yourself while it's possessing you? That's creative...

The Dragon

Do not. I've died once. I'm not interested in experiencing it again. It's rather dull.

[Take the blade.]

[Nevermind, I'm sorry. Let's leave.]

The Narrator

You take the blade in your violently shaking grip. You feel the Dragon begin to push against your skin, dark wisps flowing from your pores. Welts and sores begin to appear, yet the prison that is your body holds it inside.

The Dragon

No. You won't do this to me. Let me out.

Voice of the Specter

Ooohhh, that's a fun twist. Alright, I'm in on this now. Let's do this.

Voice of the Princess

Fine, anything as long as it stops hurting.

The Dragon

Don't.

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Dragon

I thought you were going to help me. How... disappointing.

Voice of the Specter

Awwhh, don't worry, Victim! I-

The Dragon

Don't talk to me.

The Narrator

The Dragon begins to pull loose from you, but it's far too late. You plunge the blade into your chest, and—

The world flickers and warps and something violently tears away from you, and brings you with it.

You are stripped from yourself. Or something that used to be yourself. Or something you thought was yourself. At the very least, you are stripped of something.

Suddenly, you're staring at a body, bleeding out on the ground and writhing in shock. Dark wisps flicker at the edges of your vision.

The Dragon

We're leaving.

(Explore) What just happened?

(Explore) Is that... me?

(Explore) Hang on, no we're not! We're staying here!

(Explore) Why are you so spiteful? Why did you stop me?!

(Explore) Okay! Let's go!

Your body spasms and twitches, jaw moving in an attempt to speak, but all that comes out is a garbled incoherent mix of voices.

The Dragon

You're with me now. And now we're leaving.

(Explore) Is that... me?

(Explore) Hang on, no we're not! We're staying here!

(Explore) Why are you so spiteful? Why did you stop me?!

(Explore) Okay! Let's go!

The Dragon

Yes. Now let's—

Chapter Text

You are in a basement.

Your left wrist is shackled, binding you to the wall.

You are a dragon, and you're going to end the world.

Someone is coming to slay you.

You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you monster. You deserve this, you mo

The Dragon

Oh. Nevermind. I'm back here again.

Are you still there?

(Explore) Yeah, I am.

(Explore) Where are we?

(Explore) What just happened?

(Explore) You don't seem mad at me anymore.

(Explore) Sooo... what do we do now?

The Dragon

Good. I'd rather not be alone. It's rather dull.

You try to stand, but the chain holds you back. You look down, and your body flashes between solid and not.

The Dragon

It seems our body cannot decide what it wants to be.

You sit back down.

The Dragon

At least I have you.

(Explore) That's a bit worrying.

(Explore) Where are we?

(Explore) What just happened?

(Explore) You don't seem mad at me anymore.

(Explore) Sooo... what do we do now?

(Explore) This is different from how I'm used to. Aside from me being on a path in the woods, I mean.

The Dragon

Well, we only have each other. And I cannot hold anything against you anymore.

It feels... better. As if I am whole with you here. As if this is how it is meant to be. Do you feel that too?

["Yes, I do."]

["No, I don't."]

The Dragon

Good. I would have called you a liar if you said otherwise.

(Explore) Where are we?

(Explore) What just happened?

(Explore) Sooo... what do we do now?

(Explore) This is different from how I'm used to. Aside from me being on a path in the woods, I mean.

The Dragon

In the basement underneath the sitting room.

(Explore) Oh my God, that's where it was?

(Explore) What happened back there?

(Explore) Sooo... what do we do now?

(Explore) This is different from how I'm used to. Aside from me being on a path in the woods, I mean.

The Dragon

We wait until you... or, not you, your body finds us.

(Explore) There has to be something to do aside from waiting.

(Explore) What happened back there?

(Explore) This is different from how I'm used to. Aside from me being on a path in the woods, I mean.

The Dragon

I did not want to die again, so I left. You came with me when I did. I was not very clean with the severing.

I would apologize if you were hurt during it, but that doesn't matter. Now we are here. And I'm not sorry.

[It's... alright, I guess?]

[When I'm back in my body, I'm going to make you be sorry.]

[Yeah, it doesn't really matter now.]

The Dragon

So we are on the same page. Good.

(Explore) There has to be something to do aside from waiting.

(Explore) This is different from how I'm used to. Aside from me being on a path in the woods, I mean.

The Dragon

It's all we have.

(Explore) There has to be something to do aside from waiting.

(Explore) This is different from how I'm used to. Aside from me being on a path in the woods, I mean.

The Dragon

How so?

[Well... Egh, no, you'll laugh at me.]

[It's a bit hard to explain...]

[You'll think I'm crazy.]

The Dragon

Take your time. We have plenty of it.

[Do you promise not to laugh?]

[Okay, so, whenever I wake up I see a title card. The first one said "Chapter I: The Princess and The Dragon", and the second said "Chapter II: The Cold".]

[Do you promise not to think I'm crazy?]

The Dragon

[Snort.] I'm a dragon to you?

(Explore) Not to me! That's just what the title card says!

(Explore) I mean, what else could you be?

(Explore) You have scales like one.

You look down at your still flickering talons.

The Dragon

A monster.

[Ow, I cut myself on that edge.]

[I don't think you're a monster.]

The Dragon

It's my own thoughts of myself. You asked me what I was.

There's a pause, and then—

The Dragon

Chapter III: The Monster and The Heroine.

(Explore) You're still calling yourself a monster?

(Explore) Casting yourself as the main character? Very humble.

(Explore) Oh, wait! Does this make me a heroine? Awesome!

(Explore) 'Heroine'? C'mon, I'm a princess!

The Dragon

Yes. It is what I am.

Before anything else can be asked, there's the creak of a door opening. Then there's heavy footsteps.

The Dragon

Oh. We have a guest.

(Explore) "Hello?"

(Explore) Who is that? Is that myself?

(Explore) Am I always that loud?

(Explore) This is getting kind of scary.

(Explore) Oh. I guess we're not waiting anymore, then.

The Dragon

Not usually. You're typically quiet. Whoever is in control of your body does not know how to use it properly.

There's more stomping, slightly more distant, like it's looking for something.

(Explore) "Hello?"

(Explore) Who do you think is controlling my body?

(Explore) This is getting kind of scary.

(Explore) Oh. I guess we're not waiting anymore, then.

The Dragon

The Narrator, or perhaps one of your voices.

The sound of metal scratching against a counter.

The Dragon

That's the blade. Your body will need it if it wants to kill me. It'd be hard to do anything without it.

(Explore) "Hello?"

(Explore) This is getting kind of scary.

(Explore) How are you so calm?

(Explore) Oh. I guess we're not waiting anymore, then.

The Dragon

I have died before. It's not as bad as it seems. A bit boring, and I'd prefer not to, but I don't have a choice.

You died too. Why are you so frightened?

There's things being thrown around upstairs. It's directly above you.

Light begins to filter through the floorboards above you.

You look down at your hands, and they turn solid.

The Dragon

It will not be that bad. Do not be scared.

(Explore) But I am scared.

(Explore) Oh. I guess we're not waiting anymore, then.

The Dragon

...

The door to the basement creaks open, and a ladder is haphazardly tossed down from the opening.

The Dragon

Do not be scared. Harm will not come to you.

The Heroine climbs down the ladder, her movements slightly lethargic and out of sync with each other. She jumps down on the last rung.

She turns to face you, blade in hand. Her dress looks ragged, tangled with thorns, as if she was running through the woods. She grins.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? Looks like you can't pull all that incorporeal nonsense on us anymore, Dragon."

Her voice is high and raspy.

(Explore) Quick! Tell them I'm in here!

(Explore) Aahh! Don't tell them I'm here!

(Explore) Do I always look that deranged?

(Explore) Who is that? I don't recognize her voice.

(Explore) ... Oh no.

The Dragon

No. You always look pretty.

"You are messy. I can't imagine she would be happy with how you're treating her body."

The Heroine sneers.

"Oh, yeah, do I? Well, I don't care."

The Heroine's demeanor changes, and she appears more nervous, her eyes kinder.

"You know about the Decider being gone? Okay, that's... not good."

Her demeanor changes again, sticking her tongue out playfully.

"But that's fine! We're just in charge 'til she comes back."

She grins again.

"We've got our own designs on you, though."

(Explore) Quick! Tell them I'm in here!

(Explore) Aahh! Don't tell them I'm here!

(Explore) You think I'm pretty?

(Explore) I know those two! Princess and Specter! I don't know the first one, though.

(Explore) I have a bad feeling about this.

The Dragon

Yes. Do you not find yourself pretty?

The Heroine has fallen silent, staring blankly ahead.

The Dragon

"Are you still there? We were about to have a conversation."

She does not answer.

The Dragon

They're ignoring me.

(Explore) Do I always do that staring thing?

(Explore) That's so rude of them! You should assert yourself.

(Explore) I know those two! Princess and Specter! I don't know the first one, though.

(Explore) I have a bad feeling about this.

The Dragon

The third one may be a problem. Do you want them to know you're here with me?

["Yes!"]

["No, don't."]

The Dragon

If you are certain.

"I know where your 'decider' is. She's with me."

The Heroine immediately perks up, her attention caught. The kind eyes from before return.

"You have her? Is she okay?"

A goofy smile.

"Oohh, that's where she is. I see."

The same unwavering grin.

"You say that as if it changes anything."

Kind eyes.

"Uh, yes it does? It means we shouldn't kill him- her- them?"

Unwavering grin.

"Why don't we have a little chat?"

Kind eyes.

"Do you mean an actual chat, or—"

And then nothing.

The Dragon

Hm.

(Explore) That's not good, is it?

(Explore) I have a bad feeling about this.

(Explore) Ask them what they're talking about.

(Explore) Can we get a look at our chains while they're talking? Maybe we can chew our way out or something.

The Dragon

Okay. Also, keep your emotions in check. You are starting to spread your nervousness.

"What are you talking about?"

The Heroine refocuses her gaze, and then grins.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

She spins the blade in her fingers.

"It's scary not knowing which cards are in your favor, is it?"

She takes a step closer.

"I'm thinking we're going to kill two birds with one stone."

You straighten up.

The Dragon

"Oh? I would like to see what you do."

Kind eyes.

"Just so we're all on the same page, I didn't agree with this!"

A wobbly frown, once a goofy smile.

"Ditto."

The Heroine takes another step forward, grinning wide. She raises the blade.

"We did a vote, and my suggestion won. Cry about it."

(Explore) This really isn't good.

(Explore) We're going to die! I don't want to die!

(Explore) Okay, yeah, I'm scared.

An internal pause, and then you feel something soft caress the edges of your sense of self.

The Dragon

Do not be. You will not die.

Despite his cool tone, you know he's trying to be comforting.

The Heroine rushes you less than a moment later, running her blade into your chest. You lash out, grabbing her by the wrist and attempting to shove her away. But it's too late as—

The Narrator

—Dragon slumps against the wall.

Voice of the Witch

Hahaha! Yes! We got him!

Voice of the Princess

I feel sick. Like we've done something absolutely awful.

Voice of the Witch

Eh, don't. We've finally got a one-up on both him and that wretched little 'decider'. In the end, we're on top. As we should be.

The Narrator

I wouldn't celebrate just yet. While you have stabbed the Dragon in the chest, true, it's only halfway through. The Dragon looks up at you with unreadable eyes, chest rising with shaking breaths.

"So that's it, then."

Voice of the Witch

Ugh! Nasty thing. Let's get rid of this pest properly.

(Explore) Alright, first off, fuck you.

(Explore) What was all that?

(Explore) "Are you okay?"

(Explore) "I guess you weren't lying. You didn't let them kill me."

[Reach for the blade.]

["Sorry. Let me finish the job." Reach for the blade.]

Voice of the Witch

E-excuse me?!

The Narrator

Oh. You're different.

Voice of the Princess

You're back! You're back! Oh, I'm so glad you're okay!

Voice of the Specter

Oh, welcome back. What was it like being one person with the Dragon?

Voice of the Witch

Grrrrr! No, you weren't supposed to be back, you wretched thing! Ugh!

(Explore) What was all that?

(Explore) We just talked about stuff, nothing crazy. I understand him better now.

(Explore) "Are you okay?"

(Explore) "I guess you weren't lying. You didn't let them kill me."

[Reach for the blade.]

["Sorry. Let me finish the job." Reach for the blade.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon blinks a little dumbly at you, and then sighs.

"You're back in there. I was wondering why I felt empty again."

Then it offers you a dip of its head.

"I mean what I say when I say it."

Voice of the Witch

And I meant it when I said I wanted to kill two birds with one stone! It's not fair! You should be dead!

Voice of the Princess

God, shut up.

Voice of the Specter

What did you two talk about while in there together?

(Explore) What was all that?

(Explore) We just talked about stuff, nothing crazy. I understand him better now.

(Explore) "Are you okay?"

[Reach for the blade.]

["Sorry. Let me finish the job." Reach for the blade.]

[Turn around and leave.]

["Let's leave already." Save the Dragon.]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks down at its chest, raising a talon to grab the hilt of the blade. Unflinchingly, it pulls the pristine blade out of its chest, other hand laying over the wound.

"Yes."

Voice of the Witch

Wretched thing...

Voice of the Princess

The only thing wretched here is you.

Voice of the Witch

[Angry grumbling]

Voice of the Specter

Hey! I'm asking you questions. It's pretty rude for you to keep ignoring me.

(Explore) What was all that?

(Explore) We just talked about stuff, nothing crazy. I understand him better now.

[Reach for the blade.]

["Sorry. Let me finish the job." Reach for the blade.]

[Turn around and leave.]

["Let's leave already." Save the Dragon.]

Voice of the Specter

Okay, well, that's all I need to know!

The Narrator

The Dragon's gaze drifts from the blade to you. It raises it, not with the intent to harm, but rather... inquisitively.

"Well? What will you do now? Will you slay me, or will we finally leave?"

I'm not sure what it's going on about, but I will remind you all of this—the Dragon will end the world if it leaves this cabin. Do not let it out.

[Reach for the blade.]

["Sorry. Let me finish the job." Reach for the blade.]

[Turn around and leave.]

["Let's leave already." Save the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You lean forward and attempt to grab the blade. The Dragon holds it firm in its grasp.

"Let me make the cut. Whoever was in control before may come back if you try it."

Voice of the Witch

Listen, this is obviously a trap. Don't give him the knife.

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, no. This isn't your call to make. This is The Decider's.

[Give him the blade.]

[Cut him out yourself.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Witch

No-! Aururgggh...

The Narrator

You lean back and allow the Dragon to slice through its own arm, you absolute lunatic. It hardly flinches as it begins to bleed from its new wound, before turning away from you and throwing the blade into the darkest shadows of the basement, never to be seen again. Nonono! You need that to slay it!

Voice of the Specter

Back to saving him again? Alright.

Voice of the Princess

Let's finally get out of here.

Voice of the Witch

Boo.

The Narrator

[Sigh] Yes, boo. You let the Dragon pass in front of you as it-

Voice of the Witch

What does he smell like?

The Narrator

Excuse me?

Voice of the Witch

What does the Dragon smell like? You can tell what a wretch smells like.

The Narrator

What...??

Ugh. Fine, whatever. The Dragon smells like... cinnamon and mint. There. Happy?

Voice of the Witch

Ech... Good enough.

The Narrator

Now, as I was saying.

You let the Dragon pass in front of you as it begins to ascend the ladder. It waits for you at the top, soon taking your hand in its own and tugging you toward the cabin door.

It pauses, and then looks at you.

"I would open the door myself, but I'm currently down a hand."

It flashes its stump at you to prove its point.

Voice of the Specter

Aw. What a softie.

The Narrator

You open the door, and you and the Dragon step out into the newly doomed world. You collapse into the snow with it, utterly exhausted.

I hate you. I hate you so, so much. I need you to know this. Do you know what you've done? You've doomed so many to such an awful fate, I hope you suffer with it until the universe experiences heat death, I...

You do not get to hear the last of his rambling, nor does it matter. You find yourself devoid of any of the fear or shame he tried to instill in you.

The Dragon sighs contentedly, closing his eyes.

"It's nice out here. Much more interesting than the basement. Much more beautiful, too."

Then, more quietly, he adds:

"Thank you."

["You know what also looks beautiful?"]

["It's no problem."]

["You're welcome."]

The world begins to turn to a white haze.

The Dragon looks over at you, expectant.

"What?"

["You."]

The Dragon looks away, seeming unfazed by your words, but he squeezes your hand tighter.

Pale hands grip at the fabric of reality.

The Dragon's brow furrows.

"I didn't expect it to be so warm out here."

But you don't get a chance to respond. Dark threads of nothing appear from the haze, swallowing him whole and taking him away.

All that's left is a mirror.

Memory returns.

[Approach the mirror.]

You approach the mirror.

Voice of the Princess

Hey! Hey, no, don't do that, this feels- it feels bad.

Voice of the Specter

This feels... final. We can't come back from this.

Voice of the Witch

Yeah, don't look in the mirror. Something about it's bad.

["You'll be okay, I promise. There's something nice on the other side."]

["This is the end for you, but not for me. Don't fear this change. It's inevitable."]

[Ignore them.]

Voice of the Princess

You promise...? Okay... if- if you say so.

Voice of the Specter

If you're sure...

Voice of the Witch

I'm trusting you on this. Just this once.

The voices grow distant as you approach the mirror, and fall silent as you touch its surface.

The form of a princess is revealed, sickening and grotesque. Strings of slime gather and fall down your arms.

You've withered.

You find yourself in The Shifting Mound once again.

[Proceed to the cabin.]

At the crest of the hill is The Monster, held up by talons and threads.

He's waiting for you.

[Approach him.]

You approach The Monster.

"I am a festering and stagnating chorus. A great lake that knows no push or pull, it runs deep into my foundations. To blink and to stare makes no difference, for I exist within the in-between. A perpetually held note with no shift in pitch."

He bows his head toward you.

"All of me is the same as it ever has been, and as it ever will be."

(Explore) "You can't exist within the in-between if I see you right now. You're not making any sense."

(Explore) "How are you staying the same if I keep bringing you these gifts? Doesn't that mean you're changing?"

(Explore) "What do you think of this vessel?"

(Explore) "We always end up hurting each other. Doesn't that make you worse?"

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Do you want anything specific?"

(Explore) "I just want to stay here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Monster touches his chest.

"This one is a life snuffed out turned to a life born anew, something once split now whole. He will make for an unwavering heart."

His hands clasp together.

"Do not mourn him, for you would not mourn yourself."

(Explore) "You can't exist within the in-between if I see you right now. You're not making any sense."

(Explore) "How are you staying the same if I keep bringing you these gifts? Doesn't that mean you're changing?"

(Explore) "We always end up hurting each other. Doesn't that make you worse?"

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Do you want anything specific?"

(Explore) "I just want to stay here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Monster tilts his head to the side.

"And you cannot be an infinitely spinning web with endless pathways and outcomes, yet you are. If I do not make sense, you contradict yourself. This is simply the nature of what we are."

(Explore) "How are you staying the same if I keep bringing you these gifts? Doesn't that mean you're changing?"

(Explore) "We always end up hurting each other. Doesn't that make you worse?"

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Do you want anything specific?"

(Explore) "I just want to stay here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Monster shakes his head.

"To refit shards of broken glass into an empty window pane is to simply restore what once was, not to change. The glass is warped beneath the sun, but it remains glass."

(Explore) "We always end up hurting each other. Doesn't that make you worse?"

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end of this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "Do you want anything specific?"

(Explore) "I just want to stay here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Monster offers a slight smile.

"I will be here when it is time for us to meet again."

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon.

You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) The end of the world? What are you talking about?

(Explore) A dragon? That seems kind of dangerous, doesn't it?

(Explore) Can I not slay the dragon?

(Explore) Maybe the only reason he's going to end the world is because he's locked up.

(Explore) Why do I have to slay the dragon?

(Explore) No, I'm not doing that.

[Oh, okay! I'll go do that then.]

[Awesome! I've always wanted to kill a dragon.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the cabin, which looms on the snow-covered crest of a hill. Now, a word of warning...

The Dragon will lie, it will cheat, it will attempt to harm you so it can leave. You must not listen or falter. It will end the world if you do.

Voice of the Princess

We're not actually gonna do this, right? It's a dragon, and we're a princess. How are we ever going to kill it?

The Narrator

Don't pay her any mind. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The unfurnished interior of the cabin greets you. It smells vaguely of dust, and you can see particles drifting through the air. The only furniture of note is a small table in the corner with a pristine blade perched on it.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement, and the door creaks loudly to signal your arrival. The air here is musty and smells vaguely of smoke, and at the bottom of the staircase, you can see the tiny skeletons of rodents littering the floor. If the Dragon truly lives here, death would be a mercy... If you had brought the blade.

Its voice carries up the stairs.

"... Who goes there?"

Voice of the Princess

It sounds almost... timid, a little cautious. Like it's not sure if we're friend or foe yet...

The Narrator

I can assure you, the Dragon is nothing but your foe. Don't give it an answer.

["I just want to talk."]

["Hi!"]

["I'm here to free you!"]

[(Lie) "I'm here to free you!"]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

Good. You haven't lost the plot yet. You continue to head down the stairs, and the Dragon calls for you again.

"Hello? I heard the door open. I know you're here. I don't bite, I think."

As you stand on the floor of the basement, you get a full view of the Dragon. You also realize that he can't see you—a thick darkness pervades the basement, and you stand right in its shadows. This would be a perfect opportunity to sneak up on it, but you didn't bring the blade...

[Stay hidden in the shadows.]

[Step out into the Dragon's view.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's wings flare a bit in surprise as you do, but it quickly settles again. What do you think you're doing?

"Oh! Aheh, you scared me a bit. You're on the quiet side, aren't you? That's okay. I am too."

Voice of the Princess

He seems pretty chatty for being 'on the quiet side'.

The Narrator

That's him lying to you. I am begging you to go upstairs and retrieve the blade.

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Stare at him.]

[Advance.]

The Narrator

The Dragon becomes more tense, uncomfortably shifting as you come closer.

"Um... can you... not talk at all? It's okay if you can't. I hope you don't mind me asking, but why are you here?"

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Stare at him.]

[Advance further.]

The Narrator

You tower over the Dragon, and it presses itself against the wall, looking up at you with wide eyes.

"I, uh... don't know if you've heard of personal space, but you're... kind of too close. Can you back up? A bit?"

(Explore) "Sorry about scaring you. I just wasn't sure about you."

(Explore) "Can we talk?"

(Explore) "I was sent here to kill you."

["I was sent here to kill you." Go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Silently go upstairs and retrieve the blade.]

[Stare at him.]

[Attack the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You lunge forward, giving the Dragon no time to react as you strike it over the head with a fist. You hit it, over and over again, even as the Dragon tries and fails to fend you off.

By the time you finish, it's nothing more than a bleeding, broken mess. Still alive, unfortunately.

Voice of the Princess

Oh my God, why did we do that? That was... I-I didn't like that.

The Narrator

Well, it's not too late for you to set things right. Get the blade. You can still do things how you were meant to.

[Retrieve the blade.]

[Leave him in the basement.]

The Narrator

You go upstairs, retrieve the blade, and head back downstairs. The Dragon hasn't moved from its spot.

It blearily looks up at you as you approach, but says nothing.

Voice of the Princess

I feel bad for him. He seemed nice.

The Narrator

Don't be fooled. If you had let it out, the Dragon would be treating you the same way. End this.

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You plunge the blade into the Dragon's chest, and it goes limp, dead.

Congratulations! You've saved the world!

Voice of the Princess

I still feel bad.

The Narrator

Well, good news for you, it's time for your reward. You've earned it.

Voice of the Princess

Oh, wait, what? Reward?

The Narrator

Killing a dragon warrants a reward, doesn't it?

Voice of the Princess

Huh... I guess it does! Yeah, we deserve a reward!

[Go upstairs.]

The Narrator

You walk back up the stairs and leave the basement, task completed. Kaleidoscopic, colorful patterns of light dance on the floor.

You're going to be embraced by a world newly saved.

[Leave.]

The Narrator

You open the cabin door, ready to return to a world saved from certain doom.

Everything greets you. A beautiful cacophony of noise, color, smell, taste, and touch assaults your senses the moment you open the door. A thousand things happen all at once, a thousand things dance across your vision. A thousand songs play in perfect, discordant harmony.

Voice of the Princess

Agh! What is- how is- what- I can't think!

["Oh. Okay."]

["THIS FUCKING SUCKS!"/Close the door.]

[I was kind of hoping for something a little less overstimulating.]

The Narrator

Wh- hey! What's done is done, you can't complain when you get what you do! This is your reward. This is what's best for everyone!

Voice of the Princess

What's 'best for everyone' is that awful mess?!

The Narrator

It is not awful! It's wonderful! Why can't you see the beauty in it?

(Explore) If that's beautiful, then I'm not a murderer.

(Explore) Your idea of beauty fucking sucks.

(Explore) Let me out of here!

(Explore) Actually, it's not so bad now that I think about it.

The Narrator

There's no way out. Only the entrance, but you can't go out the same way you came in. Why can't you be happy with this? Why can't you see the beauty in it?

(Explore) If that's beautiful, then I'm not a murderer.

(Explore) Your idea of beauty fucking sucks.

(Explore) Actually, it's not so bad now that I think about it.

The Narrator

Whatever. Time passes nevertheless. You can't be sure if it's days, weeks, months, or even years. It's all a beautiful, ever-changing maelstrom. You've never been happier.

Voice of the Princess

That's such bullshit.

(Explore) That's such bullshit.

(Explore) I'm not fucking happy here! Let me out!

(Explore) (Lie) Alright, you know what? Fine. This is great. Love it, actually.

(Explore) Of course I'm happy. Why wouldn't I be?

The Narrator

Shut up.

Voice of the Princess

Psssttt, hey, decision-maker. I have an idea for how we can get out of here.

The Narrator

You know I can still hear you, right?

Voice of the Princess

Ignore him.

["Oh, thank God, I thought we were gonna be stuck here forever. Lay it on me."]

["What? Why would we want to leave? I'm happy here."]

[Wait for her to continue.]

Voice of the Princess

The blade. We can use the blade to get out of this.

The Narrator

I'm sorry, are you suggesting that she kill herself?

Voice of the Princess

Didn't want to phrase it like that, but yeah, basically.

["I'm not sure if I can go through with that..."]

["Already on it." Head downstairs.]

The Narrator

No- ugh!

You walk downstairs, take the knife out of the Dragon's body, and stab yourself in the chest. I hate you.

Voice of the Princess

Right back at you.

The Narrator

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a—

Voice of the Tower

A little bird, I am aware. We've been through this already. Let us proceed to the cabin.

Voice of the Princess

Oh, hey new girl.

Voice of the Tower

I am above you.

Voice of the Princess

I'm just trying to be friendly...

The Narrator

... Alright, did something happen during the 30 seconds—well, more around 15, since I was interrupted—it takes me to do the opening monologue?

(Explore) I'm sorry, 'little bird'?

(Explore) What? How am I back here? I died!

(Explore) Okay, no.

(Explore) Oh, you bastard! You're in for it now! I know what your 'reward' is!

(Explore) I'm getting some serious deja vu...

(Explore) I already killed the Dragon!

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Tower

Yes. More specifically, our little bird.

Voice of the Princess

Woah, hey, he's not our anything! We beat the tar out of him last time!

Voice of the Tower

Exactly. Now he knows who is in charge, and it is in our brilliance that he will follow without question.

The Narrator

Okay, obviously you've been here before. What the hell did you all do last time?

(Explore) I beat him up.

(Explore) Uh... Nothing.

(Explore) Well, I remember you trapped us in the cabin, for one.

(Explore) I killed myself.

[Go back.]

The Narrator

Well, I'm sure if I did that, it was done for good reason. Aside from that, though?

(Explore) I beat up the Dragon.

(Explore) Uh... Nothing.

(Explore) I killed myself.

[Go back.]

The Narrator

Why? Why would you do that?

Voice of the Princess

Hey, listen! I didn't decide to do that! It's not my fault!

Voice of the Tower

It was to show our superiority over him. I'm sure when we see him, he will be much more pliable than before.

Voice of the Princess

I'm really not liking you.

Voice of the Tower

The feeling is mutual.

The Narrator

Alright, look, I don't know what you did, but if this is your second time being here, you obviously didn't kill the Dragon right. This is the universe's way of making you correct that mistake, so let's get going.

[Proceed to the cabin.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the... temple. You've all really bungled it, haven't you?

The temple is made of pristine ivory, held up by towering pillars. It blends into the snow around it, making it appear larger than it truly is. Though the sun is high in the sky, there's a strange, ethereal glow behind the temple.

I would provide a word of warning, but considering you 'beat the tar' out of the Dragon last time, you likely don't need it.

Voice of the Tower

Let us go forward and see what's become of our little bird.

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, uh... let's check on the Dragon.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The interior of the cabin is just as well-built as the exterior. There's pillars inside as well, with the entirety of the stonework being pale as bone. The entrance to the basement is in the floor, with a stone staircase leading into the darkness. There's a large stained glass window above it, depicting you. Beneath you is a weeping canary in a cage.

Next to the entrance of the basement is the pristine blade, resting on a cushion atop a marble pedestal.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You take the blade. It'd be difficult to slay the Dragon and save the world without it.

Voice of the Tower

You assume that we will be doing the slaying.

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement. In stark contrast to the temple above, the basement is dark and dank. Moisture clings to the black stone walls, chains swinging down from the ceiling and brushing past your shoulders. There's the slightest smell of mold. If the Dragon truly lives down here, death would be a mercy.

Its voice, tired and weak, crawls up the stairs to you.

"Welcome back."

Voice of the Princess

He sounds so... defeated.

Voice of the Tower

See? Pliable. Now he will seek our light alone.

["Did you miss me?"]

["I'm sorry about last time."]

["I'm here to put you out of your misery."]

[Say nothing.]

Voice of the Tower

What do we have to apologize for?

The Narrator

The Dragon echoes the voice's sentiment.

"What do you have to apologize for? I forgive you. You showed me my rightful place."

You continue down the stairs and, as you enter the basement proper, you see the Dragon. It resembles a canary and lays on the ground, wings nearly featherless. Its tail curls around itself as you approach.

"I'm happy to see you again."

(Explore) "You know why I'm apologizing. You don't have to forgive me."

(Explore) "Why are you happy to see me after what I did?"

(Explore) "You look different. Did I do that to you?"

(Explore) "As you should be."

["I'm sorry, I can't do this." Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon barely moves as it speaks again.

"You're gracing me with your presence. Anyone with a right mind would be happy to see you."

Voice of the Tower

He already understands his place. The only one who doesn't understand is you.

(Explore) "You know why I'm apologizing. You don't have to forgive me."

(Explore) "You look different. Did I do that to you?"

(Explore) "As you should be."

[Approach the Dragon.]

["I'm sorry, I can't do this." Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon closes its eyes and dips its head toward you.

"But I do. It'd be blasphemous of me to hate you for the act of correcting me."

Voice of the Princess

He's speaking like there was something wrong with him to begin with...

Voice of the Tower

There was. But now he has been remade and remolded to live under our radiance.

(Explore) "You look different. Did I do that to you?"

(Explore) "As you should be."

[Approach the Dragon.]

["I'm sorry, I can't do this." Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon only nods.

"You remade me into what you wanted me to be. You allowed me to be reborn into something more suited to living beneath you."

Voice of the Tower

As it always should have been, and how it always will be.

Voice of the Princess

I don't know about you, but I don't like the idea of someone living beneath us. Feels... wrong.

Voice of the Tower

Perhaps in due time he can rise to our side. He can become our priest. Maybe a pet.

Voice of the Princess

No. Maybe that's what you want, but it's not what I want, and I doubt the Decider wants that too.

[Approach the Dragon.]

["I'm sorry, I can't do this." Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon moves to kneel before you as you approach it, hands coming together in... prayer? with its head still held low and eyes closed. It says nothing.

Voice of the Tower

You know what must happen now.

Voice of the Princess

Oh, do I.

[Give him the blade.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

What are you doing?! You're dooming us all!

Voice of the Tower

Believe what you will, insolent fool.

The Narrator

You give the Dragon the blade like the absolute lunatic you are, and it finally looks up at you as it holds it, unsure of itself.

"What do you want me to do?"

It doesn't move as it awaits your answer.

Voice of the Tower

I'm glad we're all on the same page.

Voice of the Princess

That's what you think.

["Slay yourself."]

["Slay me."]

Voice of the Tower

No. We don't say that.

Voice of the Princess

But we do.

The Narrator

You very much do, unfortunately.

The Dragon sucks in a sharp breath, shaking slightly.

"No, I can't do that to you. It wouldn't be right. I don't want to defy you, but..."

It looks down at the blade held tightly in its grip.

["I was testing you. You passed. Now, slay yourself."]

["I hurt you. Don't you want to hurt me too, even a little? To make me feel what you did?"]

The Narrator

The Dragon doesn't look up, beginning to shake violently.

"I..."

Voice of the Tower

You are playing a dangerous game. You seem to have forgotten that we have control here, that he will not-

The Narrator

The Dragon lunges forward and stabs you in the thigh, dragging you down to the ground with it.

Voice of the Tower

NO!

Voice of the Princess

Yes!

The Narrator

The Dragon pulls you close, yanking the blade out of your body and raising it again. It appears conflicted for a moment, hesitating, before it lets out a high-pitched and strained scream and stabs you again. And again. And again.

Voice of the Tower

No! No! Cease, you foul creature! How dare he touch us in such a way? I can feel us warping into something lesser!

Voice of the Princess

You just don't like that there are consequences to how you treat others.

The Narrator

The Dragon is still stabbing you, by the way. It's purposefully avoiding stabbing places that would be lethal. It seems to have taken your words to heart.

Barely coherent, angry words spill out of its mouth as its stabbing grows more frequent and frantic, tears beginning to fall from its eyes as well.

Voice of the Tower

No. I won't let him kill us. He is beneath us and he will remember this.

The Narrator

Beyond your own volition, one of your hands shoots forward and grabs the Dragon by the wrist.

It struggles against you, breathing hard, but seems to already be losing its resolve.

[Stop him.]

[Let go.]

Voice of the Tower

No! You fool!

The Narrator

You let go of the Dragon's wrist, and it plunges the blade into your chest, letting go of you.

As you fall to the ground, bleeding from countless wounds, the Dragon shudders and crawls backwards away from you. It begins to weep harder.

"No, no... I didn't... I'm sorry... What have I done? I'm so sorry..."

It covers its face with bloody hands, shaking and crying.

Voice of the Princess

Even after all of that, he still thinks he has to apologize to us...

Voice of the Tower

He does. All of you have made a horrible mistake. I hate you all.

Voice of the Princess

Right back at you.

The Narrator

It doesn't matter what you feel or think. The Dragon picks you up again, holding you close as it continues to cry, but that doesn't matter either.

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You're on a path in the—

Voice of the Damsel

Be quiet, foul wizard! We have to go to our poor songbird and mend what has become warped!

Voice of the Princess

Okay, so now we have another girl here.

Voice of the Tower

So, you are what I felt. We have become lesser, and so our heart has awakened with a light of her own...

Voice of the Damsel

Indeed I do! And with that light, I will not smother him, I will cast it upon a path where we both can walk—as equals, hand-in-hand, nothing more and nothing less!

Voice of the Tower

Then you are a fool.

Voice of the Damsel

And you are a cruel witch for treating one so loving as you do.

Voice of the Princess

Not so sure about the romantic subtext you're going for, but I agree that we should free him.

Voice of the Damsel

I'm glad!

The Narrator

What the hell are you all talking about?

(Explore) I'm going to make things right.

(Explore) The Dragon killed us, but we hurt him before that.

(Explore) I'm really going to make him suffer for what he's done.

(Explore) But what if he hurts me again? He didn't exactly kill us quickly...

[Proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Damsel

I'm glad to hear it! Let us go forth and free him from the chains we've cast upon him.

Voice of the Princess

Woah, woah, hold your horses, girl. Let's take our time to think of a plan. He might not be happy to see us.

Voice of the Tower

We wouldn't have to worry about that if he was still obedient.

The Narrator

Have you been here before?

Voice of the Damsel

Twice! Now we're going a third time.

The Narrator

That is... not good. What happened before you found yourself here again?

(Explore) The Dragon killed us, but we hurt him before that.

(Explore) But what if he hurts me again? He didn't exactly kill us quickly...

[Proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

That is very much not good. How was it able to kill you? Did you not use the blade to fend it off?

Voice of the Tower

These fools gave him the blade.

The Narrator

Why? Why would you all do that?!

Voice of the Princess

It was wrong to do anything else! It was like kicking a puppy!

Voice of the Damsel

And it's wrong to hurt the one you love! He should not have been forced to meet our whims as he was.

Voice of the Tower

The love I graced him with is different from your simple, inane version.

Voice of the Damsel

Then why am I here? The heart speaks only for true love!

The Narrator

You do not love the Dragon. If you think it did, then it simply manipulated you to believe so.

Voice of the Damsel

Nonsensical drivel from someone who has never felt a love as pure and righteous as ours. Onward!

(Explore) But what if he hurts me again? He didn't exactly kill us quickly...

[Proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, he did take quite a bit of time with it...

Voice of the Damsel

We have felt what we did. It will be difficult, but we can mend what has happened between us! All it will take is gentle hands and soft words. We have to trust him so he can trust us.

Voice of the Tower

He does not need to trust us. He needs to suffer.

Voice of the Damsel

Silence, vile harpy!

The Narrator

Ignore them. All you have to do is slay the Dragon and nothing else.

[Proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach... not the cabin, but a ruined temple. I won't even ask.

What used to be walls and pillars have crumbled, overtaken by vines. Pieces of stonework lay embedded in the hillside, as if the temple exploded before you arrived. Snow flutters down from the cloudy sky.

Voice of the Tower

Something once so great in my name, now destroyed... What have you done?

Voice of the Princess

If you're just going to throw a pity party for yourself, at least be quiet about it.

Voice of the Damsel

Now that the temple is in ruin, there is no barrier between us and the Dragon! Now we are no longer greater. Now we are on equal standing.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The interior of the cabin is blackened and charred, as if a fire was once raging through it. The entrance to the basement is in the floor, crumbling around the edges. What once was a stained glass window stands shattered above it, whatever it once depicted now unrecognizable.

What must have once been a pedestal sits as nothing more than a stub. The pristine blade is nowhere to be seen. That can't be good.

Voice of the Princess

No, it is. Now Ms. High-And-Mighty can't use it to try and hurt him.

Voice of the Tower

We still have hands, and those will suffice.

Voice of the Damsel

Only over my dead body will you lay hands upon our beloved, wretch!

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You place a foot on the steps, which instantly crumble beneath you and send you careening into the darkness below.

Voice of the Princess

Oh shit!

The Narrator

You fall on top of rubble, broken rocks and shattered planks of wood catching you and breaking your fall. Miraculously, you manage to not break anything in your body, though you gain more than a few cuts and quickly growing bruises. If the Dragon truly lives down here, death would be a mercy.

Its voice, weary and warbled, drifts over to meet you.

"You've come back. Why? Why do you always come back? Nothing good comes of it."

You direct your gaze to the place where its voice came from, and there it is—sitting amidst the ruin of the basement, surrounded by sharp rocks and planks of wood. The rubble is pointed toward it, the ground around it decorated with ragged splinters and pieces of blasted stone.

A leather collar is wrapped around its neck, connected by a chain to the ground and forcing it in a hunch. Its hands are cuffed, attached to each other by a thin chain.

It holds the pristine blade tightly in its talons.

["I'm sorry. About everything."]

["Are you okay?"]

["I'm not going to hurt you, I promise."]

["What happened to this place?"]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

The Dragon only shakes its head as you stand up.

"No, you're not. You're going to hurt me again, and then I'll hurt you. And then you'll hurt me, and then I'll hurt you. And then you'll hurt me, and then I'll hurt you."

It looks away from you and at the ground.

"That's just how it's going to be forever. There's no point in denying it."

Voice of the Tower

He still has some of his good sense about him, I see.

Voice of the Princess

There's no 'good sense' in him believing we're going to hurt him again.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh, oh, our poor songbird... We have to make things right! He cannot wallow in his misery any longer!

(Explore) "I'm not going to hurt you."

(Explore) "Please, you have to believe me..."

(Explore) "I am sorry."

(Explore) "It doesn't have to be that way if you don't want it to be."

[Approach the Dragon.]

The Narrator

The Dragon only sighs.

"You say that, but you and I both know it's not true. Whether you want to or not, you will hurt me, and I'll hurt you too. Like I said, it'll go on forever."

Voice of the Princess

There has to be something we can say to convince him otherwise.

Voice of the Tower

Is he wrong, though? Our little bird is correct when he says we will hurt him.

Voice of the Damsel

I said silence!

(Explore) "Please, you have to believe me..."

(Explore) "I am sorry."

(Explore) "It doesn't have to be that way if you don't want it to be."

[Approach the Dragon.]

The Narrator

The Dragon closes its eyes.

"That'd be nice if it was true."

Voice of the Princess

Are we ever going to get through to him?

Voice of the Tower

He only understands violence, so violence we will do unto him.

Voice of the Damsel

Hm... perhaps you are onto something.

Voice of the Tower

I am?

Voice of the Princess

She is?!

Voice of the Damsel

Not exactly, but at least partially. I must think it over, but... perhaps we can show him we mean it via our actions rather than words.

(Explore) "Please, you have to believe me..."

(Explore) "It doesn't have to be that way if you don't want it to be."

[Approach the Dragon.]

The Narrator

The Dragon reopens its eyes and simply shakes its head again, looking at you with a solemn resignation.

"I can't change anything. It's just how it will be."

Voice of the Princess

We're not getting anywhere with him. We might have to do the whole 'actions louder than words' thing.

Voice of the Damsel

Let him see the passions of our heart at work!

Voice of the Tower

By showing him his place beneath us, of course.

Voice of the Damsel

Do not try a thing, you wicked witch, or else!

Voice of the Tower

Or else what?

Voice of the Damsel

You won't like it.

(Explore) "Please, you have to believe me..."

[Approach the Dragon.]

The Narrator

The Dragon watches warily as you approach, clutching the pristine blade closer to its chest.

It says nothing as you sit down.

(Explore) "Is there anything I can do to make you trust me?"

(Explore) "I want to free you, but I can only do that if you give me the blade."

(Explore) "I'm not going to hurt you, and you're not going to hurt me."

[Reach for the blade.]

The Narrator

The Dragon dips its head toward you.

"You and I both know what I'm going to say."

It shakes its head.

"I want it to be true, but..."

Voice of the Damsel

It can be, songbird... Oh, please...

(Explore) "Is there anything I can do to make you trust me?"

(Explore) "I want to free you, but I can only do that if you give me the blade."

[Reach for the blade.]

The Narrator

The Dragon thinks, and then shakes its head.

"I don't know. I'm sorry."

Voice of the Damsel

Hold his hand.

Voice of the Tower

And—

Voice of the Damsel

Quiet.

(Explore) Put your hands over his own.

(Explore) "I want to free you, but I can only do that if you give me the blade."

[Reach for the blade.]

The Narrator

The Dragon flinches at your touch, but doesn't pull away. Not that it can.

["I really, really do mean it. No matter what you think or say, I'm not going to hurt you. I understand if you don't believe me, but please trust me." Take the blade from his hands.]

["I'm going to free you, but I need the blade to do it. Neither of us will have to hurt each other ever again." Take the blade from his hands.]

["Give me the knife, and I'll cut you free. I won't hurt you, I promise. I never want to hurt you again. We can go our separate ways after this, but I can't bear to leave you here." Take the blade from his hands.]

["I'm going to hurt you, my little bird. Now give me what is rightfully mine." Take the blade from his hands.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's fingers flex, holding tighter onto the blade as you try to take it out of its hands, but eventually it relents and lets you take it.

It continues to watch you warily, left at your mercy. Now would be a great time to end this.

Voice of the Damsel

We shall bring this tale to an end, but with him in our arms as we leave your wretched prison!

[Save the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You... [Sigh] You hook your fingers behind the Dragon's collar, and it squeezes its eyes shut in a frightened grimace as you carefully slide the blade between its neck and collar.

With a single motion, you cut through the collar rather than its neck, and its eyes flutter open in surprise.

You then direct your attention to the thin chains on its cuffs, and those break with enough force from the blade.

The Dragon attempts to stand, before stumbling and falling into your arms instead. It looks up at you, gaze disbelieving yet relieved.

"You... saved me. You weren't trying to deceive me..."

Voice of the Princess

Oh, thank God.

Voice of the Damsel

Of course we never would! Now let's-

Voice of the Tower

No.

The Narrator

Your hand, which still wields the pristine blade, raises behind the Dragon's back. Your other grabs it by the scruff to hold it still.

The Dragon looks behind it at the blade, panic quickly rising.

"But you said- you promised-"

Voice of the Tower

Disobedience must be punished, and if you fools can't see that, then I will make you.

Voice of the Damsel

You harpy! You witch! You monster! You- you crone!

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Toss the blade.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

With some struggle, you manage to regain control of your arm, and... unfortunately, toss it into the darkness of the basement, never to be seen again. And now the world is doomed. Thank you.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh no, I'm not finished just yet!

Voice of the Princess

What do you mean by that?

Voice of the Damsel

COME HERE, HARPY.

Voice of the Tower

What are you going to do? Talk to me all sweet and—

There's a sudden absence in your mind, like something that was once there is now gone. Like three became two.

Voice of the Damsel

Well, I don't know where she's gone, but she shouldn't be here to bother us anymore.

Voice of the Princess

Did you throw her out of our head?

Voice of the Damsel

I'm not sure, but I don't particularly care. Is the Dragon okay?

(Explore) That's kind of scary, Damsel.

["No, you don't have to apologize. I scared you."]

["Don't worry, the voice who was going to do that is gone now."]

Voice of the Damsel

Was it?

Voice of the Princess

Uh, y-yeah. I think you might've killed her.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh well. What's done is done now! She had her chance, but every wretched villain must be slain.

Voice of the Princess

Right. Um, remind me to never get on your nerves.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh, don't worry! I quite like you!

Voice of the Princess

Phew.

The Narrator

The Dragon looks back up at you, tears still in its eyes, but more calm than before.

"Oh, you were just... I'm sorry. I thought…"

["No, you don't have to apologize. I scared you."]

["Don't worry, the voice who was going to do that is gone now."]

The Narrator

The Dragon shakily nods.

"Yeah, you... you did."

It rests its head on your chest, looking up at you with soft eyes.

"Thank you. For saving me. You didn't have to, not after everything, but you did... thank you."

It takes your hand in one of its talons, holding you gently.

"I forgive you, and I'm sorry for hurting you too."

["I forgive you."]

["It's all in the past now. All we have is the future to worry about."]

The Narrator

The Dragon closes its eyes, weakly smiling, and says nothing.

You and the Dragon hold each other for what feels like hours after you exchange words, a comfortable silence settling over the two of you. The only sound in the basement is of the two of you breathing together, out of sync yet still harmonic.

Finally, the Dragon pulls away, and looks up at you.

"We should leave. I can't stand being here any longer."

Voice of the Princess

I agree. This place holds too many bad memories.

Voice of the Damsel

Indeed it does, and the Dragon deserves to see the sun after everything that's happened. Both of us do.

The Narrator

The Dragon looks down at its legs, worry evident in its expression.

"I don't know if I can stand. I've been kneeling and sitting down a lot."

["That's alright." Pick him up in your arms.]

["I can carry you, if you want."]

The Narrator

The Dragon hesitates, and then nods.

"If it's not any trouble—"

Voice of the Damsel

Yessss!!!

The Narrator

Your inner voice seizes control of the moment, scooping up the Dragon and standing in one fell swoop.

The Dragon squeaks, feathers puffing out before it situates itself.

"You're really strong."

Voice of the Princess

He barely weighs a thing!

Voice of the Damsel

Now, let us take our leave! We've been here long enough!

The Narrator

You walk over to the crumbling staircase, and the Dragon pipes up again, worry evident in its tone.

"Are you sure we can get out of here? The stairs are falling apart. Maybe we should just stay..."

["We're getting out of here, I promise." Walk up the stairs.]

[Stay in the basement.]

The Narrator

You begin to walk up the stairs and though they groan beneath your weight, sending down specks of dust and small rocks... unfortunately, they don't crumble beneath you. They hold strong as you and the Dragon ascend.

As you reenter the cabin, only then do the stairs crumble behind you. A shame, really.

Voice of the Princess

Heyyy, don't use that tone of voice. You're planning something!

Voice of the Damsel

I'd advise against it, you wicked warlock! Lest you want to fall like Tower.

The Narrator

Pfft. As if you can do anything against me.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh, but what if I can?

Voice of the Princess

I wouldn't test her if I were you.

The Narrator

Mmmghrh... Fine.

Voice of the Damsel

Yippee!

The Narrator

You walk beyond the threshold of the cabin into a newly doomed world with the Dragon still in your arms, you absolute monster, and it speaks up again.

"What are we going to do now?"

["Now we can go our separate ways." Set him down.]

["What do you want to do?"]

["Whatever we want."]

[Kiss him.]

The Narrator

I'm not describing this.

Voice of the Damsel

...

The Narrator

Grgrhggmm... Fine. You kiss the Dragon. There.

Voice of the Damsel

...?

Voice of the Princess

Come on. Give the lady what she wants.

The Narrator

Fine! Fine.

At first, you give the Dragon a brief peck on his beak, unsure of whether to go further. He seems surprised for a moment before wrapping his arms around your neck and pulling you back in, kissing you properly this time.

Voice of the Damsel

Oh! Oh my...

Voice of the Princess

Huh! Never expected him to do that.

The Narrator

This quickly escalates into the two of you peppering each other's faces with kisses, slowly melting into delighted laughter as unspent tears roll down your faces.

If the world wasn't about to end, others would describe this as a beautiful moment between two deeply hurt people finding meaning and happiness within each other. There, are you happy with that, you maniac?

The Dragon laughs and hiccups, sniffling as he kisses you on the cheek.

"I think I love you."

["I think I love you too."]

The Dragon rests his head against your shoulder and closes his eyes with a content coo.

Pale hands grasp at the fabric of reality, and he doesn't get a chance to say anything more.

Dark threads of nothing appear from the haze, swallowing him whole and taking him away.

All that's left is a mirror.

Memory returns.

[Approach the mirror.]

You approach the mirror.

Voice of the Princess

Hey! Hey, no, don't do that, this feels- it feels bad.

Voice of the Damsel

Do we have to look in the mirror...? Why don't we brush our hair for a while instead?

["You'll be okay, I promise. There's something nice on the other side."]

["This is the end for you, but not for me. Don't fear this change. It's inevitable."]

[Ignore them.]

The voices grow distant as you approach the mirror, and fall silent as you touch its surface.

The form of a princess is revealed, undone and gaunt. Dry as bone and as thin as paper.

You've unraveled.

You find yourself in The Shifting Mound once again.

[Proceed to the cabin.]

At the crest of the hill stands The Songbird, held up by talons and threads.

He's waiting for you.

[Approach him.]

You approach The Songbird.

"There's a world beyond the boundless and ever-changing walls of The Shifting Mound. We're meant to be there."

He tilts his head.

"What do you suppose is out there?"

(Explore) "I don't know."

(Explore) "A place meant for us."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what happened this time. I didn't mean to hurt you like that."

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end if this."

(Explore) "What do you think of this vessel?"

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "I don't know if I can go back. I just want to be here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Songbird touches his chest.

"This one is pain and resignation reborn into love and hope. He will make for an empathetic heart."

His hands clasp together.

"Do not mourn him. He has found his absolution."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what happened this time. I didn't mean to hurt you like that."

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end if this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "I don't know if I can go back. I just want to be here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Songbird offers a reassuring smile.

"This vessel has already forgiven you. He understands the pain was a necessary price to pay for the ferry to my side. He asks you to not hold it against yourself."

(Explore) "I'm still going to kill you at the end if this."

(Explore) "How many more vessels do you need?"

(Explore) "I don't know if I can go back. I just want to be here with you."

["I'm ready to go back."]

The Songbird nods.

"The next time I see you, we will both know what we are. Until then, I will be waiting for you."

Everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon.

You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) The end of the world? What are you talking about?

(Explore) A dragon? That seems kind of dangerous, doesn't it?

(Explore) Can I not slay the dragon?

(Explore) Maybe the only reason he's going to end the world is because he's locked up.

(Explore) Why do I have to slay the dragon?

(Explore) No, I'm not doing that.

[Oh, okay! I'll go do that then.]

[Awesome! I've always wanted to kill a dragon.]

[Silently proceed to the cabin.]

[Turn around and leave.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the cabin, which looms on the snow-covered crest of a hill. Now, a word of warning...

The Dragon will lie, it will cheat, it will attempt to harm you so it can leave. You must not listen or falter. It will end the world if you do.

Voice of the Princess

We're not actually gonna do this, right? It's a dragon, and we're a princess. How are we ever going to kill it?

The Narrator

Don't pay her any mind. She doesn't know what she's talking about.

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The unfurnished interior of the cabin greets you. It smells vaguely of dust, and you can see particles drifting through the air. The only furniture of note is a small table in the corner with a pristine blade perched on it.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You enter the basement, and the door creaks loudly to signal your arrival. The air here is musty and smells vaguely of smoke, and at the bottom of the staircase, you can see the tiny skeletons of rodents littering the floor. If the Dragon truly lives here, death would be a mercy... If you had brought the blade.

Its voice carries up the stairs.

"... Who goes there?"

Voice of the Princess

It sounds almost... timid, a little cautious. Like it's not sure if we're friend or foe yet...

The Narrator

I can assure you, the Dragon is nothing but your foe. Don't give it an answer.

["I just want to talk."]

["Hi!"]

["I'm here to free you!"]

[(Lie) "I'm here to free you!"]

[Say nothing.]

The Narrator

What are you doing?! This is a dragon! It will kill you!

Its chain scrapes against the floor, and its voice raises to a soft lilt.

"You are? Oh, I'm- are you serious? I'm so glad. I thought I would be stuck down here forever. Come down, I want to see you!"

As you arrive in the basement, you see the Dragon. It seems to have fluffed itself out in its apparent excitement, and it quickly smooths its feathers and fur back down as you come into its view.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, it's been so long since I've seen anyone!"

Voice of the Princess

He seems so... sweet. Can he really end the world?

The Narrator

I am begging you to stay focused.

[Sit down next to the Dragon.]

[Stay where you are.]

The Narrator

You sit down next to the Dragon, and it looks at you with round and soft eyes.

"You're really here to save me? I'm sorry, I just... it's a bit unbelievable."

(Explore) "Of course I am, I just want to ask you some things."

(Explore) "What's your name?"

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "Do you know why you're here?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon coos, feathers slightly lifting.

"Okay! You can ask your questions now."

(Explore) "What's your name?"

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "Do you know why you're here?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon thinks, bringing a talon up to its beak.

"Um... You can call me Dragon, if you'd like. I don't know if I could go by anything else."

Voice of the Princess

Does he not even have a proper name? Poor thing...

The Narrator

No, it doesn't have a 'proper name' because it couldn't think of a good enough lie to tell you. Don't fall for its manipulation.

(Explore) "Is Dragon your name?"

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "Do you know why you're here?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon shifts, looking off to the side.

"I-I don't know. Maybe."

Voice of the Princess

'Maybe'? That's... pretty weird actually.

"But! But I must have an actual name, right? Even if I can't remember it, everyone has a name. What's your name?"

The Narrator

It's trying to distract you. Just go upstairs and retrieve the blade.

(Explore) "My name is..."

(Explore) "How long have you been down here?"

(Explore) "Do you know why you're here?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon answers readily and quickly.

"For as long as I can remember. You're the first person I can remember seeing, too."

Voice of the Princess

That sounds awful! Can you imagine that, being only able to remember this basement? I'm surprised he hasn't gone crazy yet.

The Narrator

It is lying to you. Don't fall for its manipulation.

(Explore) "My name is..."

(Explore) "Do you know why you're here?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon shakes its head, and then lets out an equally shaky sigh.

"No... I'm sorry, I know my answers aren't the best. I really can't remember anything before I ended up here."

It looks at you with sad eyes.

"But it's for a reason, right? I must've done something bad to deserve being left down here."

Voice of the Princess

I'm really starting to doubt he can end the world. He seems far too sweet.

The Narrator

Sweet or not, it will end the world. Don't even think about letting it out.

(Explore) "My name is..."

(Explore) "What do you think you did to be put here?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon pauses, a deep silence falling over the two of you before it speaks again.

"I think I hurt someone. I don't know why, but I just... have the feeling that I did."

It looks up at the barred window above it, tiny flakes of snow beginning to drift between the bars.

"I hope they're okay. I didn't want to hurt them... I think."

Voice of the Princess

I'm sure it was an accident. He doesn't seem like the type to ever want to hurt even a fly.

(Explore) "My name is..."

(Explore) "You think you didn't want to hurt them?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "What are you going to do if you're let out of here?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon doesn't tear its gaze from the window as it responds.

"I'm going to go home."

Voice of the Princess

That's sweet.

The Narrator

It's also going to destroy the world if you let it out.

(Explore) "My name is..."

(Explore) "You think you didn't want to hurt them?"

(Explore) "Apparently, you're going to end the world, and I was sent here to slay you."

(Explore) "Do you know where your home is?"

["Alright, I've made my decision."]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks over at you, waiting for your decision.

["I don't want to hurt you, but I know I can't let you leave. I'm sorry." Leave the basement.]

["I can't let you out. It's too risky. I'm sorry." Retrieve the blade.]

["I can't believe they've been treating you this way! I'm getting you out of here." Examine the chains.]

The Narrator

The Dragon coos again as you examine the chains on its left wrist, though try as you might, you can't find any weakness in them.

"I'm assuming you don't have the key?"

Though its tone is playful, you can hear an undercurrent of worry in its voice.

["I'm going to check upstairs and see if the key is there. I'll be back."]

["I don't... I'll check upstairs, but what do you think we should do if I can't find one?"]

The Narrator

The Dragon nods, wringing its talons together as you walk up the stairs.

"Okay! Be safe!"

It says that as if you're not just going upstairs.

Voice of the Princess

He's probably just anxious. He said that we were the first person we've seen in a while, after all.

The Narrator

Well, in any case, you don't make it upstairs because the door slams shut and locks with a click.

Voice of the Princess

What the hell?!

(Explore) "Hey! Let me out of here!"

(Explore) Jiggle the doorknob.

(Explore) Bite the doorknob(???)

[Go back downstairs.]

The Narrator

Wh-? You... bite the doorknob. It does nothing and tastes horribly of metal. What did you expect?

(Explore) "Hey! Let me out of here!"

(Explore) Jiggle the doorknob.

[Go back downstairs.]

The Narrator

You head back downstairs, and the Dragon strains against its chains to meet you halfway across the basement.

"They trapped you down here too, didn't they? I heard the door slam shut."

It looks down at its shackled wrist, brow furrowed.

"I know we can break down the door together, if I weren't restrained like this..."

Without a moment of hesitation, the Dragon bites into its own arm, tearing at its flesh with the desperation of a trapped rabbit.

Voice of the Princess

Holy shit! I-I guess it makes sense, but woah.

The Narrator

There's a clattering, metallic sound, and you turn to see the pristine blade sliding across the floor to you.

You can still end this.

[Save the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

You pick up the blade and... cut the Dragon free from its bindings.

It gives you an appreciative smile, blood dripping from its amputated limb.

"Thank you! Now let's get out of here."

You and the Dragon fall into step together, it walking in front of you as you head toward the stairs... No. No, I won't let it end this way.

Your arm raises, poised to stab the Dragon between its wings.

Voice of the Princess

W-what are you doing?

The Narrator

Ending this.

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Warn him.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

No! Damn it!

The Dragon turns as you struggle to hold yourself back, wings flared in fright and shock.

"W-what's gotten into you?"

Stop it! Stop fighting me! I'm trying to save the world!

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Resist.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

The Narrator

The Dragon jumps away as you swing down the blade, landing on all three of its limbs. Your body locks up because you, for some reason, enjoy being difficult when I'm trying to do a good deed.

"I know this isn't you..."

It approaches, gently prying the blade out of your rigid hands. It hesitates before raising it uncertainly in the air.

"I'm... I'm sorry. I-I'll try to be quick."

The Dragon squeezes its eyes shut and strikes you in the chest with the blade, and though the pain is fierce, you do not die.

It pries open an eye, then gasps in horror as it sees you're still alive.

"Oh! Oh no! Oh, nononono! I'm so sorry!"

It tears the blade out of you, and stabs you again. And then again. And again. It begins to cry as it continually misses your heart.

Voice of the Princess

He's never used a weapon before, has he...? It's alright. We can tough it out for him.

The Narrator

Finally, the Dragon's blade finds its home in your heart, sinking in to its hilt. It sobs and shakes as you fall to the ground, bleeding out and vision swimming in darkness.

The Dragon leans down, scooping you into his arms, still crying.

Voice of the Princess

This can't be it, can it? This isn't fair.

The Narrator

It certainly isn't, but neither is you trying to end the world. And it doesn't matter anyway, because everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You’re on a path in the woods. And at the end of this path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a wicked dragon. You’re here to slay it. If you don’t, it will be the end of the world.

(Explore) Okay, no.

(Explore) Wait, didn't I die?

(Explore) So I guess he didn't end the world, but how am I back here?

(Explore) Oh, you bastard! You're in for it now! I'm wise to your tricks!

[Proceed to the cabin.]

The Narrator

My tricks? Bastard? We've just met, quit being so rude.

Voice of the Princess

If He doesn't remember, then maybe—

Voice of the Damsel

Pay Him no heed! A dastardly fiend such as Him is not worthy of our time. He did not approve of our love, so we will not approve of His opinion! Our love shall be an eternal, burning secret!

Voice of the Princess

... Hello to you too?

The Narrator

Yes, yes, it's very secret when you shout it at me.

Voice of the Damsel

Ah! He knows! Foul warlock, hear me! You cannot defeat our love, and should you try, I'll bring you down with me! Do you understand?

The Narrator

... Sure. If you will, ignore her. She seems willing to throw anyone and anything to be with that lowly Dragon.

Voice of the Damsel

Then perhaps everyone and everything is a fair price to pay for his love!

(Explore) Okay, no.

(Explore) Wait, didn't I die?

(Explore) So I guess he didn't end the world, but how am I back here?

(Explore) Why should I listen to you? Why should I bother doing anything?

[Proceed to the cabin.]

The Narrator

You walk down the path and approach the... castle? That's not a cabin. Something has gone terribly awry.

The castle is built out of white stone, nearly blending into the sky and the snowy hill it rests upon. It's... relatively small for a castle, I suppose. Still, though, it's quite the sight to behold.

Now, a word of—

Voice of the Damsel

We need no such words for you, warlock! Our dashing knight will cause us no harm!

Voice of the Princess

Hey, uh, new girl, while I appreciate the enthusiasm... let's reign it in a bit? It's quite a lot.

The Narrator

It really is.

Voice of the Damsel

Nonsense! You cannot quell the beating of your heart. Now onward, our knight awaits us!

[Approach the cabin.]

The Narrator

The interior of the cabin is... exceedingly well-furnished. Almost comically so. Lavish curtains fall over tall windows, and plush carpets meet your feet. Sunlight streams through the windows, illuminating everything in a soft glow.

The entrance splits into three hallways, one to the left, one to the right, and one down the center.

(Explore) Woah, this place is... way different.

[Go down the left hallway.]

[Go down the right hallway.]

[Go down the center hallway.]

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, I remember this place was just one room before.

The Narrator

Well, now it's a castle. Those tend to have multiple rooms, I'll have you know.

Voice of the Damsel

It's the only place that can hold our love! And what a beautiful place it will be when we are wed!

Voice of the Princess

Woah, hold your horses! I want to save him too, but that's a bit too far.

Voice of the Damsel

Our love knows no bounds, and there is nowhere that is too far!

The Narrator

Ignore her. She's a lovestruck fool.

[Go down the left hallway.]

[Go down the right hallway.]

[Go down the center hallway.]

The Narrator

You go down the right hallway.

Vases holding bouquets of flowers line the walls, placed between tall windows. You come upon a set of open doors, and find that at the end of the hall appears to be a private dining area.

The room is large, but it feels cozy. The table is set even though it holds no food at the moment. It's relatively dark inside, with the curtains drawn and the candles snuffed out. There's nothing of note inside aside from that.

Voice of the Princess

Oh, I was kind of hoping that we'd get to eat...

Voice of the Damsel

Afterward we can, my fellow lady! But first, we must save our darling in shining armor!

[Go back.]

The Narrator

You go back to the entrance.

[Go down the left hallway.]

[Go down the center hallway.]

The Narrator

You go down the left hallway, which has countless doors lining its walls. None of them have handles.

The walls become steadily less furnished, and the windows and doors disappear, with only torches held in sconces lighting your path.

A staircase leads downward, toward what appears to be a dungeon. Next to the beginning of the staircase is the pristine blade, mounted to the wall.

The blade is your implement. You'll need it if you want to do this right.

(Explore) [Take the blade.]

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You take the blade. It'd be difficult to—

Voice of the Damsel

Save the Dragon and preserve our love without it? Yes, it would be.

[Enter the basement.]

The Narrator

You walk down the stairs to the dungeon, the stairs slick and wet against your feet. It smells vaguely of smoke and moist stone. If the Dragon truly lives down here, death would be a mercy.

Its voice, smooth and dripping with adoration, flutters up to meet you.

"Is that you, my love? Have you come to set me free?"

["No, I'm here to kill you."]

["Yes, I'm here to free you, darling!"]

["Yes, I'm here to free you."]

[Say nothing.]

Voice of the Damsel

W-what?! No, no we're not!

The Narrator

The Dragon's breath hitches, as if taken aback, before it sputters out a nervous laugh.

"Oh, you mustn't joke about those things, my love! Come down so I may gaze upon your gorgeous face."

As you step onto the dungeon floor, you see the Dragon. It sits in one of the cells, looking at you with soft, loving eyes. Its entire visage looks soft in general, resembling a bleeding heart dove with a smattering of gentle blacks and whites coating its feathers. Over its chest appears to be a bleeding heart, and though it's a marking and nothing more, it shows where your blade will find its mark.

The door to its cell is wide open, and its shackle is still attached to the wall. It will be an easy target.

Voice of the Damsel

We will not harm him!

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, I thought we were supposed to be saving the Dragon, not slaying him.

(Explore) "Did you end the world after I died?"

(Explore) "You look... different."

(Explore) "I wasn't joking. I am going to kill you."

(Explore) "You hurt me a lot last time."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about last time. You shouldn't have had to do that."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean it."

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Save the Dragon.]

[Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon lets out a soft, sad trill, frowning.

"I know... I must apologize. I'd never wielded a blade before! I tried to make it quick, truly, I did... I would never want to hurt you in such a way ever again."

It looks up at you with large pools of aching sorrow.

"Do you forgive me?"

Voice of the Damsel

Yes! Yes, of course we do! Oh, our poor knight. We must assure him that everything is mended between us!

["Of course I forgive you."]

["No, I don't."]

Voice of the Damsel

NO!

Voice of the Princess

Eugh... That's a bit mean.

The Narrator

The Dragon softly and sadly coos, accepting your feelings with nothing more than a wobbly frown.

(Explore) "In fact, I don't think I even love you anymore."

(Explore) "Did you end the world after I died?"

(Explore) "You look... different."

(Explore) "I wasn't joking. I am going to kill you."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about last time. You shouldn't have had to do that."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean it."

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Save the Dragon.]

[Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon chirps, demeanor changing. Its head tilts to the side.

"Do I? I didn't notice. I suppose your love changed me."

It begins to... purr?

"Isn't that such a nice thought?"

Voice of the Damsel

Yes, yes it is!

Voice of the Princess

It's... kind of disturbing, actually.

(Explore) "No, it's not. In fact, I don't think I even love you anymore."

(Explore) "Did you end the world after I died?"

(Explore) "I wasn't joking. I am going to kill you."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about last time. You shouldn't have had to do that."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean it."

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Save the Dragon.]

[Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon stops purring.

"O-oh."

Voice of the Damsel

No! No, we're not! We're not going to! Leave him alone, don't you dare hurt our knight, you horrible witch!

Voice of the Princess

When did we switch lanes...?

(Explore) "I don't think I even love you anymore."

(Explore) "Did you end the world after I died?"

(Explore) "I'm sorry about last time. You shouldn't have had to do that."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean it."

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Save the Dragon.]

[Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

The Dragon looks up at you, plumicorns lowering.

"I... I don't know, my love. I don't remember what happened after you died. I promise I'm telling the truth."

Its wings shuffle, and then it smiles.

"But now you're back! So... It's alright now."

Voice of the Princess

He seems to bounce back pretty quickly from you being mean.

Voice of the Damsel

Of course he does! A knight is strong in all aspects, not just in physicality! Oh, he's so dashing...

(Explore) "I don't think I even love you anymore."

(Explore) "You're an awful liar."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about last time. You shouldn't have had to do that."

(Explore) "I'm sorry about what I said, I didn't mean it."

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Save the Dragon.]

[Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

And just like that, the Dragon's mood crashes down again.

"No! I-I'm not lying, my love, I swear it! I promise I am no liar, much like how you didn't lie when you said you would free me before!"

Its talons clutch at its plumage, desperate and shaking.

"I can show you I'm not lying, my love, if you'll let me."

Voice of the Damsel

Please, be kind to him! Accept his words as truth. He'd never speak with a snake's tongue!

Voice of the Princess

I have a bad feeling about this. Lay off of him.

["Oh? Show me how."]

["Woah, hey, calm down! Okay, I believe you're not lying."]

The Narrator

The Dragon flaps its jaws for a moment, still shaking, and then steels itself. It looks down at its chest, at its claws pressing into its feathers, and finally nods.

"As you wish, my love."

And then its claws begin to dig into its flesh, beads of blood quickly gathering and staining its snow-white feathers a bright red.

Voice of the Princess

Oh my God!

Voice of the Damsel

No! No, darling, stop! Stop hurting yourself! What have you done?! What are you making him do?! Stop!!

["Stop! Stop hurting yourself! That's not what I wanted!"]

[Watch silently.]

Voice of the Damsel

No! No, no, no... [Sob]

The Narrator

The Dragon's claws curl further beneath its skin, sinking in knuckle-deep. It breathes heavily, tears beginning to streak down its face, yet still, it continues.

And then, with a sickening pop, the Dragon tears its ribcage in two. Bones snap and crack from the force, and it lets out a choked squawk of pain before falling silent again.

Nestled in the bloody cavity of its chest is the Dragon's heart, beating steadily and glistening in the torch light. The Dragon blinks blearily, and then offers a tired smile.

"My heart will s-show you the truth, my love."

[Touch his heart.]

[Slay the Dragon.]

[Leave the basement.]

The Narrator

You cross the threshold of the cell, and warily walk up the Dragon.

Voice of the Damsel

No! Don't you dare touch him, you fiend!

Voice of the Princess

I think I'm gonna be sick...

The Narrator

Ignoring the voices in your head, you reach out toward its heart. The Dragon leans its head back, eyes closing as your fingertips touch the pulsating mass of muscle.

Then everything goes dark, and you die.

Chapter Text

The Narrator

You're on a... no, you're in a... You're in... a bedroom?

Voice of the Princess

We're in a what-now?

Voice of the Tower

A bedroom. Can't you hear? It's rather extravagant, may I add. Quite fitting for us.

The Narrator

Yes, it is quite extravagant. You're sitting on a... your bed, I presume. You're in a fine, silky dress. Your hair is done in playful, bouncy curls. And I think... Do you have make-up on?

Voice of the Princess

There's a lot happening right now.

(Explore) What happened last time?

(Explore) [Touch your face.]

(Explore) Oh, sweet! Our own room!

(Explore) This isn't the forest.

(Explore) [Get up and look around.]

[Go to the door.]

The Narrator

You gently touch your face, and when you pull away, there appears to be... blush? Some kind of foundation? On your fingers.

Voice of the Princess

Do you seriously not know what different make-up looks like?

The Narrator

I had two fathers and no siblings. Leave me alone.

You gently touch your face again, this time your eyes and then your lips. Okay, now those are definitely mascara and lipstick. It's safe to assume you do indeed have make-up on.

Voice of the Tower

You better not have smudged it. It's there to accentuate our already gorgeous features.

(Explore) What happened last time?

(Explore) Oh, sweet! Our own room!

(Explore) This isn't the forest.

(Explore) Wasn't there another voice here?

(Explore) [Get up and look around.]

[Go to the door.]

The Narrator

You're right, this isn't. I would say this means something is wrong, but... hmm.

Voice of the Princess

'Hmm'?

The Narrator

Let me think this over a moment. If this is what I think it might be, then this is a very good thing.

Voice of the Princess

That's a bit ominous.

Voice of the Tower

We deserve good news after everything we've been through.

Voice of the Princess

Which is barely anything, I should clarify.

(Explore) What happened last time?

(Explore) Oh, sweet! Our own room!

(Explore) Wasn't there another voice here?

(Explore) [Get up and look around.]

[Go to the door.]

Voice of the Princess

Was there?

Voice of the Tower

Yes, the lovesick fool. She's been awfully quiet, when before she couldn't be silent for longer than a second.

The Narrator

Hang on, another one? There used to be three of you?

Voice of the Tower

Two. I arrived only a minute ago.

The Narrator

That is... not good. What happened last time?

Voice of the Princess

Well, I thought we were going to save the Dragon, and then... we didn't.

The Narrator

So you slayed it? Good, I was—

Voice of the Princess

No, we forced him to split his ribcage open and touched his heart.

Voice of the Tower

It would better be described as an act of utter, pure devotion as he groveled at our feet, but that works as well.

The Narrator

... Why? Why in the world would you do that?

["I thought he was lying, and he wanted to show me he wasn't."]

["He was lying to me, and he said he could prove me wrong."]

["I just kind of wanted to, honestly."]

Voice of the Princess

Then I suppose he wasn't. The world looks very un-ended right now.

Voice of the Tower

That it does, yet still, he very much ended us before this. Twice, in fact. That cannot go unpunished.

The Narrator

By slaying it, yes.

Voice of the Tower

No. We simply have to hold it on a tighter leash so it remembers its place.

Voice of the Princess

Um...

(Explore) Oh, sweet! Our own room!

(Explore) [Get up and look around.]

[Go to the door.]

Voice of the Princess

Yeah, this is pretty neat! I never thought we'd have our own room. I just thought we'd always be in the woods and nothing else.

Voice of the Tower

One such as ourself deserves nothing but the finest of things.

The Narrator

Yes, I'm sure, but if you're here then that means there's still a dragon to slay.

Go on. You know what you have to do.

(Explore) [Get up and look around.]

[Go to the door.]

The Narrator

You stand up from your bed, your heels clicking against the floor as—

Voice of the Princess

Heels? We didn't have heels before! We were always barefoot!

Voice of the Tower

A proper lady does not walk around barefoot.

The Narrator

Ahem. As I was saying...

Your heels click against the floor as you walk around the room, taking in your surroundings.

There's a walk-in closet with an assortment of dresses, each more extravagant than the last.

There's two dressers and a vanity, though the vanity lacks a mirror.

And finally, there's a balcony, though it'd likely be best to not go outside. A wild blizzard whirls outside, and with how thick the cloud cover is, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was night.

There's a knock at your bedroom door.

(Explore) Who is that?

(Explore) "Who is it?"

[Go to the door.]

The Narrator

Whoever knocked at the door doesn't respond. There's an odd twinge in the back of your heart.

Voice of the Tower

A what?

Voice of the Princess

Are we having a heart attack?

The Narrator

No, that's not what a heart attack feels like. It's more like you're feeling what someone else is. A wave of casual affection passes over you, a wordless 'hello'. How… odd.

Voice of the Princess

Maybe we shouldn't open the door...

(Explore) Who is that?

[Go to the door.]

Voice of the Princess

I don't know... Maybe it's the girl who's missing? Maybe she's got a body now?... Can we do that?

Voice of the Tower

Or maybe it's the Dragon, come to beg for our forgiveness.

The Narrator

I'd hope for neither of those options. Both sound equally detestable.

Besides, there's no way of knowing who it is if you don't open the door.

Voice of the Princess

I just want to consider the options.

The Narrator

There are no options. Now open the door, see who it is, and slay the Dragon.

Voice of the Princess

[Disgruntled mumbling]

[Go to the door.]

The Narrator

Your hand grasps the door handle, and it swings inward with little force.

There, standing in front of you, is the Dragon. There is no shackle attached to its wrist, and it is loose, but... It does not come after you.

Voice of the Tower

It knows better than to.

Voice of the Princess

How- how is he still standing? He tore open his chest! He showed us his heart!

The Narrator

It wears a metal breastplate, concealing its chest and shining dully in the light. Though it's mostly clean, blood stains some of its plumage.

It regards you with a warm smile and closed eyes, saying nothing.

(Explore) "Are you okay?"

(Explore) "So I guess you weren't lying."

(Explore) "Where am I?"

(Explore) "What happened after I died?"

(Explore) "You can talk to me. It's alright."

["Excuse me, I have to do something." Go back into your room.]

[Remove his breastplate.]

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The Dragon only nods, smile never wavering and eyes remaining shut.

Something soft and tender moves in your chest, a casual waving off of your concern.

Voice of the Princess

This is... really, really weird.

Voice of the Tower

How curious.

(Explore) "So I guess you weren't lying."

(Explore) "Where am I?"

(Explore) "What happened after I died?"

(Explore) "You can talk to me. It's alright."

["Excuse me, I have to do something." Go back into your room.]

[Remove his breastplate.]

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The Dragon shakes its head, smile growing slightly wider, and it offers nothing more.

(Explore) "Where am I?"

(Explore) "What happened after I died?"

(Explore) "You can talk to me. It's alright."

["Excuse me, I have to do something." Go back into your room.]

[Remove his breastplate.]

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

A cozy feeling blooms at the bottom of your ribcage, spreading up until it reaches your mouth, curving your features into a soft smile. It doesn't last long, but it's noticeable.

(Explore) "What happened after I died?"

(Explore) "You can talk to me. It's alright."

["Excuse me, I have to do something." Go back into your room.]

[Remove his breastplate.]

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's smile falters for a moment, and a new sensation leaks into you—before it's then promptly crushed and replaced by happiness again.

Voice of the Princess

It couldn't have been anything too bad, right? Because we're here again, and... he's here too.

Voice of the Tower

Indeed. Why must we question when we're offered a new life on a silver platter?

The Narrator

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but you should be questioning what's happening right now. You're not meant to be in this- cabin? Castle? Whatever it is, you're meant to be on a path in the woods and you're meant to slay the Dragon, not have a one-sided conversation!

(Explore) "You can talk to me. It's alright."

["Excuse me, I have to do something." Go back into your room.]

[Remove his breastplate.]

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The Dragon seems surprised by your words, smile falling and eyebrows raised. Its eyes remain shut.

Then it smiles again and shakes its head, leaning forward and tilting its head to the side so you can see its beak. There's... hm.

A thick leather strap is wound around its beak, keeping its jaws tightly pressed together. There is a large and heavy buckle holding the muzzle in place on its chin, glinting in the torch light.

Voice of the Princess

Oh... oh no.

Voice of the Tower

We did not want to hear its words, and so it will not speak. It needs to be taught a lesson in speaking lies.

Voice of the Princess

What lie?! He wasn't lying to us! You know that! It's why we're here. If he was a liar, then we wouldn't be here to begin with.

Voice of the Tower

We believed it to be one and it has taken our words to heart.

The Narrator

The Dragon offers one of its talons to you and makes no other move.

["Excuse me, I have to do something." Go back into your room.]

[Remove his breastplate.]

[Remove his muzzle.]

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The Dragon quickly leans away as your fingertips graze its muzzle, smile morphing into a nervous, wobbly frown.

The torches flare brighter, and an ember stings one of your arms.

Light of the Damsel

Don't touch him like that.

Voice of the Tower

Oh?

Voice of the Princess

A-ah! What? What the hell?!

(Explore) "Where are you?"

(Explore) "I thought you were in my head, how did you get out?"

(Explore) "Did you do this to him?"

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The Dragon's ear tufts perk before realizing you're not speaking to it. It crosses its arms behind its back as it waits for you to finish this interaction.

Light of the Damsel

I was, but his heart... It spoke to me. He needed me as I needed him. A knight cannot be without his princess, can he?

Voice of the Princess

I... I guess so. Still, I didn't know you could do that.

Voice of the Tower

There are many things we can do. Shame, though, that she's the only one who can leave of her own accord.

(Explore) "Where are you?"

(Explore) "Did you do this to him?"

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The torches crackle and spit, and just barely, beneath the noise, you hear the Dragon let out a worried coo.

Light of the Damsel

Me? This was your doing, you heartless witch. You and your coven tried to twist him into something he was not!

All of this is the least awful I could make it. You wanted to cast him into further chains and darkness. I would not allow it.

But... it's fine. It will be fine. Now, we can start being happy together! All of us. As it should be.

The Narrator

I don't like how much power she seems to have.

Voice of the Princess

Neither do I. Let's try to stay on her good side.

Voice of the Tower

I can play along for now.

(Explore) "Where are you?"

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

The torches grow brighter, and flaming curls of fur and hair begin to spill from one of them. Something that... resembles a feline, resembles you, but not quite, looks at you with eyes of glowing embers.

Its whiskers, thin lines of smoke, twitch. And then it's gone.

The torches dim back to normal.

Voice of the Princess

Oh. Huh. Okay. Um...

Voice of the Tower

I suppose there is nothing left to do now. Let's take in the spoils of our victory.

The Narrator

The Dragons perks up from where it was staring—er, its eyes are still closed, so, leaning?—at the ground. It smiles and offers a hand to you.

[Go to the garden.]

The Narrator

You place your hand in the Dragon's own, and you both fall into step as you walk down the hallway. You pass by what is presumably its own room, though the door is closed.

Light of the Damsel

It'd be improper to share a bed with a man we haven't yet married.

The Narrator

... Right. The Dragon leads you to a set of spiralling stairs which the two of you take together, one step at a time. Then there's more hallways. More walking. Windows to look out of, but all of them yield the same vision of an angry blizzard.

Voice of the Princess

How big is this place?

Voice of the Tower

Big enough for us.

Light of the Damsel

Big enough to hold our love.

The Narrator

Finally, the Dragon opens a door, and you enter the garden.

Or, rather, it's more of a greenhouse than anything. A large dome arches overhead, shielding you and the Dragon from the harsh elements, while lanterns burn brightly from where they hang on their posts. It's rather warm and cozy in here, in spite of how vast it is.

Flora of all kinds grow here, from arching and magnificent to small and delicate. All of them are gorgeous in their own way.

There's three paths you can go down, each boasting different flowers.

To the left there are roses, gardenias, and heliotropes, their sweet smells tempting you toward them.

To the right there are cosmos, wisteria, and petunias, their simple yet beautiful appearances beckoning you forward.

To the center is entirely bright red poppies, sleepily swaying in an unfelt and unseen breeze.

[Go down the sweet left path.]

[Go down the delicate right path.]

[Go down the temperate center path.]

The Narrator

You go down the center path, the Dragon still holding your hand.

At the end of the path is a bench. You and the Dragon sit down next to each other, surrounded by bright poppies and kept lit by the lantern overhead. An oak tree looms behind you, its branches casting long, clawing shadows that seem to hold you down.

(Explore) "It's very pretty out here."

(Explore) "Why do you keep your eyes closed?"

(Explore) "Like I said, you can talk to me if you want to."

(Explore) "Are you happy here?"

(Explore) [Let go of his hand.]

[Get up and leave.]

The Narrator

A cold pool of sadness and disappointment starts to form in your belly, before it's squirreled away and replaced with warm fuzziness again.

Voice of the Princess

All of these emotions... They aren't ours, I know that. Whose are they?

Voice of the Tower

They belong to the Dragon.

Voice of the Princess

How do you know that?

Voice of the Tower

The feelings of a fool's heart speak louder than any words. It still wants us to know it does not lie. How... cute.

(Explore) "Is that you making me feel these emotions?"

(Explore) "It's very pretty out here."

(Explore) "Why do you keep your eyes closed?"

(Explore) "Like I said, you can talk to me if you want to."

(Explore) "Are you happy here?"

(Explore) It still feels like lying. I think he's hiding how he actually feels.

[Get up and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon hesitates, before giving you a soft, coy smile and nodding. It folds its hands in its lap.

A feeling like a warm spring breeze passes over your heart.

Light of the Damsel

You cannot silence the passions of the heart. And his go to depths you cannot fathom.

Voice of the Princess

Huh... alright. I guess it really is him.

Voice of the Tower

Never doubt my word.

(Explore) "It's very pretty out here."

(Explore) "Why do you keep your eyes closed?"

(Explore) "Like I said, you can talk to me if you want to."

(Explore) "Are you happy here?"

(Explore) It still feels like lying. I think he's hiding how he actually feels.

[Get up and leave.]

The Narrator

The lantern overhead flares brighter, and the Dragon's plumicorns perk at its snapping and crackling.

Light of the Damsel

What are you implying?

Voice of the Princess

That he's not happy? There's a lot of push-and-pulling with his emotions. We feel one thing, then he takes it away and replaces it with happiness.

Light of the Damsel

That's because he is happy here. I made this place better so he could be happy. So that I could be happy with him. This is our happily ever after.

Voice of the Princess

So you think him covering up his sadness like that, like he's doing something wrong for feeling that way, means he's happy??

The Narrator

The lantern's flames lick dangerously at the glass.

Light of the Damsel

He knows there's no place for sadness in our perfect ending.

Voice of the Tower

We are the only thing that matters to it, after all. Nothing else, not even itself.

Voice of the Princess

Fucking hell...

(Explore) "It's very pretty out here."

(Explore) "Why do you keep your eyes closed?"

(Explore) "Like I said, you can talk to me if you want to."

(Explore) "Are you happy here?"

[Get up and leave.]

The Narrator

The Dragon shakes its head, one talon reaching up to touch its muzzle before quickly retreating.

Voice of the Princess

That can't be comfortable.

Voice of the Tower

And what should it matter our pets comfort? It is being quiet and obedient, as it should have always been.

The Narrator

The lantern sways overhead.

Light of the Damsel

He is not our pet, he is our knight.

Voice of the Princess

But you won't let him talk.

Light of the Damsel

Do you truly believe I wanted our charming Dragon to be silenced so? No. I didn't. It was you horrid lot who did! But… we need not hear his words to know his love.

(Explore) "It's very pretty out here."

(Explore) "Why do you keep your eyes closed?"

(Explore) [Take off his muzzle.]

(Explore) "Are you happy here?"

[Get up and leave.]

The Narrator

The lantern comes careening down, smashing violently against the ground and sending flaming oil and shards of glass anywhere. The Dragon lets out a frightened trill, and pain lances through you as a small piece of glass lodges itself into your arm.

Both its fear and your own fills your body.

Light of the Damsel

DO NOT TOUCH HIM! I know you plan only to hurt him further, wench!

Voice of the Princess

Holy shit!

Voice of the Tower

Why should we not touch what is our property?

Light of the Damsel

HE IS NOT OUR PROPERTY! HE IS OUR LOVER!

The Narrator

The flaming oil in front of you crackles. The Dragon... whimpers? and grabs your bleeding arm with shaking talons, checking the extent of your injury.