Chapter Text
Prologue: The Thorn
The two of you step outside, finally after everything.
You look around, a smile on your lips. Your voice shakes with excited trepidation.
You –
“…So? What do we do now?”
You smile at the Hero, who stares at you blankly. Your smile falters for a moment, but you try your best to keep it up. He’s just tired, isn’t he? You are too.
Blood trickles down from your wounds, and you look around, still trying to take in the sights of the twilight.
And that’s when you see it. The world around you, replaced by nothingness.
At first you think it’s just your poor vision, but even after blinking rapidly, nothing changes. The world is disappearing around you.
You –
“Wh-Where’s everything going?”
You sway on your feet, a sudden chill wrapping around you and sinking into your very bones. The Hero reaches out and catches you, eyes fearful and concerned.
You –
“What’s… What’s happening to me? What’s happening to everything?!”
The Hero does not respond. He looks off into the distance, as if recalling thousands of painful memories.
His arms shake, and he drops you, and you barely manage to catch yourself before landing on the untextured ground.
Fear grips your heart as you look up at the Hero, and he appears to feel exactly what you do.
You are frozen. But you still have to do something.
…
Do you regret that decision?
If you do, that would be understandable.
Some things, some horrors, are not to be seen by anyone.
Even someone as brave and determined as you.
If you knew what would happen, would you make another choice?
But it’s too late for that. To think about what ‘could have’ or ‘should have’ been.
You turn around, shakily rising to your feet as you do so. Your exhausted eyes look over your shoulder far too easily, your thoughts of a sudden and violent betrayal never once leaving your mind.
But what you see is not a betrayal.
All you see is hands, pale ethereal hands all reaching out to grab you and drag you back to where they came from.
Words leave your mouth before you fully process everything around you.
You –
“W-What is this?!”
“Hero, we… We have to run. Right now!”
You tug on the Hero’s arm as you stumble away, the hands reaching out further and further, desperate and wild.
But he does not speak. Nor will he ever get the chance to.
He draws the blade back, slashing it down at the mass of hands wildly. They recoil, blood trickling down from their palms, but do not stop their assault.
He looks back at you, eyes narrowed, and nods to the void behind both of you.
Run.
Get out of here.
His tone shows that there is no room for argument. And he doesn’t give you the time to respond, going back to fending off the mass of hands as soon as the words finish leaving his mouth.
You –
“…O-Ok.”
“Please, be safe! I-I’ll come back for you, I swear!”
Guilt worms its way into your heart as you turn tail, growing and spreading like a rotten vine. Your breath hitches in your throat and you sprint away, risking quick glances back to ensure that the Hero is still safe.
The more you look back the harder it is for you to figure out who’s winning.
First, it’s the Hero. The hands may have numbers, but the Hero has power and bravery. And all that the hands seemingly can do is push, shove, and restrain. Hope blooms in your heart, and you run faster.
But the next time you look back, the Hero seems to be off balance. The constant exchange of blows has made him tired, and his wild slashes have grown sloppy. Fear and adrenaline courses through you, and you run faster.
When you look back again, the Hero is winning.
And then the hands.
And then the Hero again.
And the hands next time.
The cycle repeats over and over and over again, and you don’t even notice the tears streaming down your face. You have grown exhausted from running.
You slow to a stop, looking down at your feet. The sounds of battle have grown distant, but they are not lost to you.
You wince as you hear a pained yell, and your hands come to rest on your shoulders on instinct. Slowly, unsure of yourself, you turn around, eyes shakily looking at the scene before you.
The Hero has been lifted by the hands from what you can see, and several separated arms lie on the ground of the nothingness. The Hero’s one free hand holds the blade, and he doesn’t seem to be trying to escape.
He looks to you, rearing his arm as far back as he can, sending the knife spinning through the air. It lands sharply at your feet, blade digging into the ground somehow.
You cannot hear the words the hero whispers as he is taken away, but you can tell what he means.
‘Run. Live. Explore. Do all the things we could not, even if I am not there.’
Your knees finally give out, and you weep. You cry for everything that could not have been. You cry for all the things that were and ended too soon.
You cry for loss. You cry for growth. And most importantly, you cry for yourself.
You will miss him.
You take the blade from the ground, warily holding it like you did before, unsure and almost childlike. You stumble to your feet, continuing your solemn trek through the void.
You –
“Is there really nothing here?”
There isn’t.
For days you walk. At least, that’s what it feels like. You don’t know where you are, after all. Are you going forward? Are you going backwards? Are you moving at all?
You will never know.
…
Finally, you see something. It’s small, hard to see in the void, but it’s there. It bobbs in the non-existent wind.
You approach the thing in the distance, practically breaking out into a sprint, desperate to see something that isn’t just textured nothingness.
Soon, you have arrived.
It’s a single, blood-red poppy flower. It grows despite the void surrounding you both.
You softly kneel down to the ground, cupping the flower in your hands.
It’s sweet scent fills the air, helping to mask the underlying aura of death and blood. For the first time since you have entered this void, you let out a shuddering sigh.
You –
“This is one of the flowers that were growing outside of the cabin, isn't it?”
“…”
“I wasn’t outside for very long, but… It is. I can tell.”
Sigh…
“I wish I could have seen the world. Beyond what I was able to, that is.”
“The breeze felt so nice… And the stars that were in the sky were so bright!”
“And… Even in that dark basement… Even in that mangled den of roots…”
“I could still hear the birdsong. The crickets, the…”
“...”
“Why am I crying? Why am I crying over the world and not him?”
“I… I should be crying for him, right? Not… Everything else.”
“...”
“I want… To see him again.”
“But I also want to see the world.”
“I…”
“...”
“I want to hear the birdsong. I want to hear the crickets chirp in the night. I want to feel the night’s cool air on my skin as I gaze at the stars.”
“I want to avenge the Hero. I want to avenge him by living.”
With trepidation, you shakily pull your hair back, trying your best to tie it back as best as you can with the vines still in your hair.
You look down at the tattered dress you are wearing, cringing at the sight of its blood-stained cloth. It’s far too much for you to dream of wiping it off, but maybe it doesn’t need to be.
You wear your shed blood with pride.
You –
“Sitting here isn’t going to help, I don’t think.”
“...Even if it is nice, making myself clean again.”
You make the movements to stand, but pause when your gaze hits the poppy flower once again.
You –
“...”
“I know this is probably cruel of me, but…”
You pick the poppy flower, twirling it in your hands.
You –
“I think I should carry this along with me.”
You look around, unsure of where to go from here.
You –
“...I guess if I’m just going to be an explorer… I have to get used to wandering around, don’t I?”
You begin to trek forward, unsure of yourself but growing more and more confident with each step you take. The grip you have around the Pristine Blade grows more proper as well.
You can feel your whole mood change as you proceed. First your posture, you begin to realize just how awkward it is to be hunched over. Then the way you place your feet on the ground, quickly learning how to avoid stumbling on the strange ground you are on.
Then minor things. The crown of thorns starts to shift, turning into less of a crown and more like an ornate hat. And then your clothes as well, they mend themselves and turn to much more practical clothing, but keep the red color.
Your hair ties itself properly, and your open wounds from the thorns seal up, turning to scars.
It is not descriptive to call you ‘The Princess’ any longer. While you share The Princess’ aura, her regality and she represents, you and her are no more the same like dusk and dawn are.
Like dusk, The Princess represents something mysterious, something hidden under the shadows of night and yet still illuminated by the stars in the sky. She is death and change, the life of the day bleeding into the death of the night.
And you, like dawn, represent a new day. Something that is yet to be explored, something that could be drastically different from the night before. You are bravery and renewal, a lone venturer wandering into a world unknown to you.
You contemplate what to call yourself, when you find a lone mirror in front of you. It’s almost as if it just faded into existence. You brush your hair aside as you reach a hand forward, hand brushing against the glass.
A Wayfinder looks back.
You –
“This is me, isn’t it…?”
And then the mirror breaks.
Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
This is arguably the worst chapter I have written. Trust me when I say the rest are going to be muuuch more interesting...
Thank you for sticking through to the end of the prologue! Adventure awaits.
Chapter 2: Chapter I - The Wayfinder and the Hero
Summary:
The journey begins.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter I: The Wayfinder and the Hero
The Shadow –
You’re on a path through the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a Hero.
You’re here to slay him. For if you don’t, he will bring forth the end of the entire world.
The Shadow –
Yes, I’m quite certain, actually.
The Shadow –
Any ‘details’ I could give you would just make everything much more complicated than necessary.
So, as much as I would like to give you a thorough run-down on everything The Hero could and could not do, it would just mess up your brain and destroy your confidence.
The Shadow –
Alright, now I understand your hope for peace and a ‘happy’ solution to all of this, but sadly, that won’t be the case here.
No, you are not supposed to ‘rescue’ The Hero. He was put in the cabin for good reason, for the safety of everyone in the world. Even himself, if you’re so keen on making him be pitiful.
Not that he deserves that pity. Far from it, actually.
The Shadow –
Of course I hate him. Everyone hates him, and for good reason too.
What? Do you want the world to end? And if you think that’s a non-rhetorical question, the correct answer is ‘no.’
The Shadow –
Because. It just makes sense. A young, strong, brave Princess traveling alone to rescue both her kingdom and the very world itself from a dastardly, fallen hero? It’s just poetry in the making!
I must say, you seem to be quite suspicious of me. Not just me, actually, given the way you seem to keep looking around.
I can assure you, princess, nothing will harm you here. You’re safe, excuse for the Hero. But even he’s locked up inside the cabin's basement.
The Shadow –
You’re a… What?! But, but it says right here you’re a-
…
No, no. That’s strange. That… That can’t be! I-I could have sworn you’d be a Princess, not a Wayfinder !
What even is a Wayfinder anyways!?
The Shadow –
Alright, alright! Sorry, I’m just… Out of my element here.
You try being told some information that you know is the truth that literally has to do with the end of the world, only for it to be dead wrong.
The Shadow –
Yes, now imagine that person was you .
What would you do then? Never trust yourself again? What does that even mean ?
There are bigger things to handle right now. Like killing the Hero. And saving the world.
You really should go do that now.
The Shadow –
You what?!
Actually, no. That makes sense, from everything I’ve learned about your personality so far.
Let your guard down! I’m here to help you! I’m literally your shadow!
The Shadow –
You… Look down at your shadow. It’s stretched out in front of you, something so unnatural in the dusk light.
What’s even weirder is that it doesn’t even look like you. The shape is… Undefined, but certainly humanoid. Some things are too out of place, however, like ears that are fanned out and serrated and two strands of hair sticking out of the top of ‘your’ shadow’s head, almost like antennae.
It's definitely not your shadow. Which makes sense, because it’s me!
…In so many words, at least.
The Shadow –
Well, I know it’s not you because, well, I can move. As weird as it sounds, this is basically my ‘body.’
And, while this has gone down the drain since you aren’t a Princess, I know this isn’t ‘you’ because I can see you.
I’m not just reading off some script and hoping that it works. I can switch and change up my narration any time it’s necessary since I can see what’s happening around you.
The Shadow –
I didn’t? Oh, sorry.
Ahem .
You look around for a place to gaze at your reflection. Luckily, there seems to be a small stream running alongside the path to the cabin. You walk over, peering into the water to take a look at yourself in the pristine water.
Your hair, while lightly dusted by dirt, has been placed in a neat low ponytail, tied together by what appears to be some… Vines covered in thorns?
The Shadow –
Well, you have been exploring for a while, so I suppose that makes sense…
Regardless, it’s a good choice for the act of walking around. No hair to get in your eyes, after all.
Atop your head is a proper explorer’s hat, which is very clearly the fanciest piece of your entire outfit. Its stitches were clearly sewn in such a manner that made them look like rose vines, a few blood-red flowers stitched on as well.
Interestingly, a jet-black feather is placed on the brim of your hat as well. The ends are tinted with a slightly lighter gray, and it seems to shimmer in the dusklight.
The rest of your outfit seems to be a mix between practical and ornate. Your jacket, clearly meant to keep you warm given the fact that it's so long it's practically dragging on the ground, fans out at your waist, making it look almost like a dress.
The Shadow –
Really? You’re alright with this?
I mean, do you see the scars all over your arms? They’re on your face, too.
The Shadow –
I… Suppose that makes sense.
Well, regardless, you’ve asked me several questions and even looked at yourself in the water. Are you ready to slay the Hero now? Remember, the world’s at stake.
The Shadow –
E-Excuse me?! After all this, after everything I did to entertain your honestly useless queries, you just decide to turn around and leave !?
Do you even know where you’re going?
The Shadow –
You… Ignore my musings and turn tail, literally since you have a tail , and go the opposite way that you are supposed to. The path twists and turns as you walk along, as if desperately trying to convince you to turn back around, but you pay no heed to any of it.
Why are you doing this!? Do you hate the world that much!? If you don’t slay the Hero, then there won’t be a world for you to explore!
The Shadow –
You aren’t alone! I’m here with you!
The Shadow –
Well, now you just insulted me ! Are you happy with that!?
The Shadow –
Ugh! You know what? FINE.
As you make your way down the path, it takes a sharp turn, which you follow because you are a horrible monster who wants the world to remain in a rotting stasis forever.
Unfortunately for you, the path you took soon conjoins with the very path you were trying to avoid, and you appear at the base of the hill where the cabin sits.
It seems like there is no real way to leave this path. You’re here to slay the Hero, and you won’t get to leave until it is done.
The Shadow –
Finally.
Sigh.
Alright, I had a whole speech prepared, and I’m going to say it now, alright?
Ahem.
A word of warning before you continue, even if I’m sure you already have your guard up to the highest level…
The Hero will do anything to escape and end the world. He may even do anything in his power to kill you , just out of pure spite.
So don’t let him shape your freedom. Don’t let him do anything that weakens you or strengthens him.
He will be petty, he will be charming, and he will take every chance available to strike you down if it means he can escape. He was a foolish but strong hero once, after all, and so he must die.
The Inner Heart –
Are we really going through with this? I mean, you fought so hard to leave, and with the Hero’s description…
The Shadow –
Ignore that beat of your heart. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.
…Except for the ‘you fighting to leave’ part. That’s true.
The Shadow –
You continue up the hill, opening the door to the cabin with little effort.
The interior of the cabin is very similar to the exterior. Sparse, but with an underlying current of this being purposeful. The room you entered is empty save for a table and a broken chair, a Pristine Blade placed under the…
Wait, no. That can’t be right. Where’s the Pristine Blade? It’s supposed to be right under the table and chair!
The Inner Heart –
Maybe because it’s already in The Wayfinder’s hands?
The Shadow –
What do you mean-
…
Oh. I see, it is.
Ahem, my apologies. Must have slipped my mind, or something.
The Shadow –
Good, you’re still listening to reason. Even if things aren’t going according to plan.
Contrary to the door to the cabin itself, the door to the basement is much harder to open, despite still being made of wood. It’s clear someone hasn’t been down here in a long, long time.
Dusty, dry air wafts up from the basement, and you recoil. It’s a stark contrast to the gentle, comfortable humidity of the woods. If the Hero were truly imprisoned here, slaying would be doing him quite a favor!
As you take the first step down the stairs, the Hero’s voice calls up from below.
Hello? Who’s there? I can tell someone’s here.
The Inner Heart –
His voice… It's captivating. Almost like I could hear it for years on end.
The Shadow –
That’s exactly what’s wrong with him. You haven’t even seen him properly, and he’s already trying to manipulate you.
Don’t let it work, Wayfinder.
The Shadow –
Well, you never truly had the element of surprise, so I suppose I can’t critique you on speaking.
Regardless, the Hero lets out a slight, dry laugh.
Haha… Don’t worry. There won’t be. I’m chained to the wall, after all.
I can’t do much in this scenario.
The Shadow –
That’s a bold-faced lie.
You continue down the stairs, soon locking eyes with the Hero. His arm is chained, trapping him to the far-right side of the stone basement. Despite this, he seems to be hunched in a motion that makes it clear that he could stand if he wanted to.
He’s still wearing some armor, such as a breastplate and shoulder pads, though the metal’s quality seems to have degraded with age. Despite this, his helmet is of much higher quality, with two feathers sticking out of the top, but the visor and jaw brace have seemingly been torn clear off.
His eyes, stark white against his jet-black feathers, watch you with something between ennui and cautiousness. The black feathers on his wings are puffed out. Despite all the bravado in his words, it’s clear he’s just trying to act tough.
The Inner Heart –
He’s so weathered and worn… Is he truly a threat to the world?
The Shadow –
Yes, he very much is . But at the same time, he is ‘weathered and worn.’
He’s a threat to the world, but not to you. If that makes sense.
Well, hello there. See? I’m all the way over here, in my corner. Like the good prisoner I am.
But you’re holding a blade. So why did you come here? To finish me off?
The Shadow –
The Hero’s eyes narrow, and his wings lower slightly.
…I suppose that’s respectable.
But still. I don’t want to talk to anyone when they have a weapon, given my current condition.
The Shadow –
He gestures vaguely to his chain.
The Shadow –
You… Ugh… Place the blade down on the basement floor.
Luckily, you did so apprehensively. So I’m going to assume you aren’t folding to the Hero.
Thank you.
Now, if you truly want to, we could have a chat.
The Shadow –
You slowly walk forward, eyes flitting around the room. Your steps are light, almost as if you’re sensing for traps with your feet.
The Inner Heart –
Never hurts to be cautious.
There’s no need to be afraid. I understand your clear apprehension.
But you must understand. Your lack of trust in me is making me lose trust in you.
If you approach me, thinking I’ll stab you in the back, that’ll make you more likely to stab me in mine.
So let your hackles lower. Mine are already down.
The Inner Heart –
He’s lying.
Those were threats to make you drop the blade. You did so. I have no more reason to threaten you.
Wasn’t that clear?
The Shadow –
The Hero lets out a slight huff.
My apologies, then.
I’ll be sure to be more direct in the future.
The Inner Heart –
…Alright, now that’s weird.
The Shadow –
Yes, exactly! Finally! He’s weird and dangerous.
The Shadow –
Hey! Don’t tell him about me!
The Inner Heart –
No, this is good. We need to know if He’s visible to everyone else.
Your… Shadow?
The Shadow –
The Hero… Phew … Looks down at where your shadow would be and stares, before squinting.
He closes his eyes and lets out a sigh after a moment, looking back up at you.
I… Don’t see anything.
Oh, wait. Is that what you’re referring to? The fact that you have no shadow?
The Inner Heart –
What? We don’t have a shadow at all?!
…Actually, that makes sense.
Based on the fact that you took the time to ask me this, I assume it’s not just because it’s dusk right now?
Interesting. I certainly have one.
The Shadow –
The Hero raises his wing, pointing to the floor in an effort to show you his own shadow.
See?
The Shadow –
The Hero tilts his head.
How so? Please, tell me.
The Inner Heart –
Is that really the best course of action? I mean, I wouldn’t trust someone whose shadow is speaking to them, and even less if that person’s shadow is telling them to kill me.
The Shadow –
You obviously shouldn’t! Privacy exists for a reason, after all!
…Well?
The Shadow –
While I thank you for not telling him about me, the Hero is now looking at you with suspicion.
If you say so.
The Inner Heart –
Let’s change the subject.
The Shadow –
Ooh, keeping him in the dark yet letting him know you know of his true nature. Nice, I like it.
The Inner Heart –
I must agree. Clever.
You’re going to have to be more specific. There are a lot of things people have said about me. I am a Hero, after all.
…Or, at least, I was. Not so sure if that’s true anymore, though.
The Shadow –
It’s. Not. I know you know that, Wayfinder, but don’t let him get to you.
For example, are you talking about the time I saved a village from a ferocious dragon? Or what about the time I accidentally set fire to a whole manor?
I know dragons are sentient beings. I sent my deepest regrets to that dragon’s family for that mournful act. But I also know that the owner of the manor I burnt down was a violent and cruel man, and even got cheers from those whom he harmed.
The point I’m trying to make is that there’s a lot about me, a lot of sides you do not know. Every evil rumor and every praise you’ve heard has gone under some form of bias.
You just have to trust that I’m not what the whispers say I am.
The Shadow –
He’s lying to you. Through his teeth . Don’t believe a word he says.
The Inner Heart –
Both of you are saying ‘trust me.’ That’s very suspicious.
And, to be honest, I’m more likely to believe the one who, I don’t know, has an actual body?
The Shadow –
Ugh!
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you with a slightly amused expression.
Haha… Going out of order, are we?
Well, I suppose when such an out-there situation like we are, breaking the norm a bit is alright.
Well, if I’m being fully honest, I… Don’t know my name. Strange, isn’t it?
People just call me ‘Hero,’ after all. And after being locked in this basement for so long, I suppose that’s the only thing I identify as.
What about you? Do you remember your name?
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you before shrugging.
Fair enough, I suppose.
Not really relevant in our current situation anyway.
The Shadow –
I hope for the good of the world that it’s the right one.
The Inner Heart –
Admittedly, I don’t know what we’re doing either.
But from what I’ve heard, I don’t know if the Hero truly deserves to die. Perhaps we could leave him locked up and think for a while?
You have?
That was fast.
Or, at least, faster than I expected. You seem to be more keen on observing than acting.
But, I have to ask. What did you decide to do?
The Shadow –
After all that!?
The Inner Heart –
Yes. After all that.
The Shadow –
Urgh…
The Hero visibly relaxes, some of the tension in his voice fading as he speaks to you.
Thank you. You won’t regret this, I swear.
The Shadow –
You walk up to the chain binding the Hero to the wall, giving it a tug out of curiosity. It’s much too dense for you to even imagine breaking it or cutting it with your blade.
You don’t have the key, do you?
Don’t worry. I anticipated this.
The Shadow –
The Hero stares at you, lifting his hand expectantly and staring into your eyes.
The blade, if you will.
The Shadow –
Don’t just give him that!
The Inner Heart –
…I have to agree with Him, actually. Regretfully, that is.
The Shadow –
No need to be rude .
The Shadow –
You… Why do I have to describe this… Give the blade to the Hero, a look of apprehension in his eyes as he blades the blade at the base of his shackles.
I’m sorry. I may scream, this… This will hurt.
The Shadow –
You turn around, avoiding looking at the Hero as he saws through his own hand.
You hear groans of pain and a few chokes, the smell of blood filling the room.
The Inner Heart –
This is nauseating…
The Shadow –
Indeed it is. And it’s about to get a lot worse.
Soon, the Hero finishes cutting his hand off. You can hear the amputated limb flop to the ground with an honestly disgusting noise.
The Shadow –
The Hero laughs dryly. Or maybe it’s him going through blood loss.
You turn back around and see him rising to his feet, wobbling slightly and leaning against the back wall of the basement.
H-Heheh… Yeah, it was, wasn’t it?
Ugh… L-Let’s get out of here, shall we?
The Inner Heart –
He always looked fragile, but do you see him now? I feel awful, we could have tried to do something to lessen his pain.
The Shadow –
No, don’t feel bad for him! And, ugh, he’s already halfway across the basement now!
No. You know what? I can fix this.
You kneel down, grabbing the conveniently discarded blade from the floor. Your hands wrap around its hilt with murderous intensity.
The Shadow –
Yes. Exactly.
Don’t resist. This is for the good of the whole world.
The Inner Heart –
You can’t do this!
The Shadow –
Yes. I can.
You raise the blade, about to bring your arm down in a perfect stabbing arc, when the Hero speaks.
I can’t believe you decided to betray me now.
What? Did you think I’d be weak just because I lost a limb?
The Inner Heart –
Tell him we don’t want this! Quick!
The Shadow –
Why are you restating me!? I’m trying to help you!
The Shadow –
…Excuse me?
What do you mean by ‘restrain yourself ’? With what?
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, I’m not so sure-
…
Oh. That’s… That’s something new.
The Shadow –
What?! Excuse me?! What’s happening here, I-
The Inner Heart –
Behind her! Or in her hair, I guess!
The Shadow –
Let me see, wait…
…I’m so confused.
W-Well, despite your shadow so selflessly and courageously taking over your body to assist you in slaying the Hero, you resist with all your strength.
And, strangely enough, that resistance comes in the form of roots.
Vines.
Stems.
All coming from the single, still-living poppy flower in your hair, desperately trying to restrain each and every one of your limbs.
The Hero watches in surprise, but doesn’t waste this chance to grab the blade from your vine-covered and infuriatingly rigid hands.
While a simple ‘get out of the way’ would have sufficed, I appreciate your dedication to not murdering me.
If only you had more time. I would have liked to learn more about all of… This.
The Shadow –
He gestures to all the vines.
Just what is he doing ?! He can’t kill you, it’s supposed to be the opposite way around!
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, uh… Are we sure we’re safe right now?
The Shadow –
You remain still, even as the Hero comes up and brings the blade to your throat.
The Inner Heart –
I should have expected this.
But what is he to do when our body is dangerous in a life-or-death situation?
I would have done the same.
I wish it didn’t have to end like this.
My… My arm is still pounding, after all.
But I thank you. For everything you’ve done.
The Shadow –
The Hero slits your throat with the exact kind of ease you would expect from someone who enjoys murdering people for the fun of it.
The Inner Heart –
We didn’t even feel a thing…
The Shadow –
Yes! You can’t feel pain! Why do you think you were the perfect choice for slaying this Hero!?
But it doesn’t matter now, does it? You fall to the ground as the Hero stands over you, your blood pooling with his on the cold, stone basement.
I’ll give you a proper vigil and burial, I promise.
I hope to see you soon. In the aether, perhaps.
The Shadow –
As the Hero turns around and leaves, your vision goes blurry and begins to fade…
The Inner Heart –
It’s all going to end right now, isn’t it?
The Shadow –
Yes. It is.
Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
Fun fact: I actually started with this chapter rather than the prologue when starting to write this fic. I had a burst of inspiration for the first chapter, but the prologue? Ehh, not so much...
Chapter 3: Chapter II - The Guard
Chapter Text
Chapter II: The Guard
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a Hero.
You’re here to slay him. For if you don’t, he will bring forth the end of the entire world.
The Shadow –
You… Hurriedly pat the back of your hair, checking to make sure that something is still there.
Your hand brushes against a fresh flower, and you let out a sigh of relief.
What was that? Some sort of good-luck ritual? Whatever makes you most comfortable in your mission, I suppose.
The Shadow –
Oh, alright. Do you know why?
The Shadow –
That’s fine. Like I said, as long as it makes you more comfortable with your mission.
The Shadow –
What do you mean? I’m a little lost here.
The Inner Heart –
This isn’t the first time we’ve been here, is what the Wayfinder is trying to say.
The Shadow –
The… Wayfinder? Don’t you mean-
The Shadow –
Excuse me?! I would have accepted you being a Wayfinder instead of a Princess but you have no reason to act so rude!
The Wary Heart –
Leave her alone, she was just killed.
With such ease, too…
I know you’re already guarded, but don’t let him get to you like he did before. There’s no telling what the Hero might do when he realizes you're alive again.
The Inner Heart –
Didn’t he only kill us because The Shadow took over our body and made us try to kill him?
The Wary Heart –
It could have just been a trick. You never know.
The Wary Heart –
Wonderful.
The Shadow –
Alright, let me piece things together here for a moment.
So. You’ve been here before. One time, I assume?
The Inner Heart –
Ye-
The Wary Heart –
Shush. If He doesn’t remember, maybe it’s best to keep Him in the dark.
…Funny, because He’s a shadow.
The Shadow –
Oh, yes. How wonderfully hilarious! It’s not like He’ll hear you or anything.
The Wary Heart –
I was never trying to hide from you.
But since you think that I was trying to hide from you… You clearly think you’re worth hiding from.
The Shadow –
Well, of course. The… Wayfinder… Said she’s been here before. And while it’s certainly not impossible for that to be true, it’s something that should not have happened.
And, I noticed that you said that you tried to save the Hero, not slay him like you were supposed to.
Which ended in your death.
Let that be a reminder for what will happen if you try to help this so-called Hero in any way.
The Inner Heart –
He only had to kill us because you possessed us.
Or, at least, a version of you.
The Wary Heart –
While I agree that Him possessing us was a key factor in the Hero having to strike us down, I also have to agree with Him in the sense that we do not know if the Hero wouldn’t have killed us if we were not possessed.
The Shadow –
While your desire for vengeance isn’t very becoming of you…
Use that vengeance to fuel your hatred.
He abandoned you after all you did for him, after all.
And he deserves to die. So go to the cabin, give him a piece of your mind, and kill him.
The Shadow –
Wonderful.
You march up the path, a tense breeze filling the dusk air. You look up and see some storm clouds have gathered in the sky, but there’s still enough light for you to know where you’re going.
Eventually, you make it to the base of the hill where the cabin is.
A word of warning before you continue, Wayfinder.
The Hero will do anything to escape and end the world. He may even do anything in his power to kill you, just out of pure spite. Just as he did to you before.
So don’t let him shape your freedom. Don’t let him do anything that weakens you or strengthens him.
He will be petty, he will be charming, and he will take every chance available to strike you down if it means he can escape. He was a foolish but strong hero once, after all, and so he must die.
The Wary Heart –
Don’t worry. We don’t plan on letting him take advantage of any situation.
The Shadow –
You march up the hill, your hand already on the blade, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
The Inner Heart –
He could be right behind the door. Hopefully not, though.
The Wary Heart –
He’s down a limb. We’ll be fine.
The Shadow –
No, he’s still locked up in the basement. No matter what you saw last time.
That’s just how this story goes.
The cabin’s interior is much less of a cabin and more of a… Warehouse. The ground is made of cold steel, with the walls made of practically identical stone. You aren’t touching them, but they radiate a slightly cold air, much like the floor. Both surfaces seem to hold heavy scratch marks, as if someone has thrown a tantrum.
The only furniture of note is the practically shattered wooden table and chair, once again as if they were broken during the height of someone’s fury. Let this show just how unstable the Hero truly is.
The windows are almost fully covered in metal, as if their creator was desperate to snuff out any hope of leaving that those inside might feel. The entry door, which appeared to be normal on the outside, slams shut as you take a step forward.
The Wary Heart –
Did you feel that?
The Inner Heart –
Feel what?
The Wary Heart –
The string.
On our ankle.
Look.
The Shadow –
You look down to find that there is a barely noticeable piece of string on your ankle. It seems like you walked through a tripwire.
The Inner Heart –
Oh no, are we locked in here!?
The Wary Heart –
Hm. Maybe.
Best to check, right?
The Shadow –
I suggest you hurry along. But then again, I can’t stop you.
The Inner Heart –
Suuuure…
The Shadow –
You turn around, twisting the doorknob in an attempt to open the door.
The Wary Heart –
And…?
The Shadow –
It… Opens without an issue.
The Inner Heart –
Huh. Interesting.
The Wary Heart –
I could have sworn…
The Shadow –
Well, you swore wrong. Now, hurry along! The Wayfinder has a hero to slay.
The Shadow –
…What torch on the wall? There isn’t a torch here.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, Wayfinder. What are you talking about? It’s empty here.
The Wary Heart –
I assume you aren’t playing a trick on us. You don’t seem like the type.
The Wary Heart –
Plenty of people lie about miniscule things.
They’re called liars.
The Shadow –
The Princess isn’t-
…Actually, you aren’t a Princess at all. I can’t defend you here.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, actually. Do you even like her? You were judgey to her last time, and now this.
The Wary Heart –
Sorry she’s not up to your standards.
The Inner Heart –
You need to work on that, actually.
The Shadow –
Hey! You’re bullying me here!
The Wary Heart –
Anytime.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah!
The Shadow –
We’re wasting time here… You have a Hero to slay, remember?
The Shadow –
I really don’t see anything.
The Inner Heart –
Me neither.
…
I certainly don’t feel anything either.
The Wary Heart –
Can’t say I can see it either.
Maybe it’s a Wayfinder thing?
The Shadow –
While that is a theory, it doesn’t matter what she is or what she isn’t. She just needs to be… Her.
So it’s not ‘just a Wayfinder’ thing. It's specific to her.
The Shadow –
You walk up to the empty space on the wall with the determination and purpose you always seem to walk with. But you stop dead in your tracks, even though you aren’t right up against the wall.
The Wary Heart –
There’s still nothing there.
Are you sure you aren’t going crazy? Hallucinating a torch isn’t that far out of the realm of possibility.
The Inner Heart –
I don’t think she’s going crazy. If she was, wouldn’t I?
…Then again, we are voices in her head, right? Oh god, are we self-aware now?!
The Shadow –
Sigh. No, you’re fine. And she isn’t crazy either. This is just… A quirk? I suppose?
I can’t really describe what the torch looks like since I can’t see it. So… Would you like to enlighten us?
The Wary Heart –
…Was that a pun?
The Shadow –
What? What are you-
…
Oh. Oh, I get it now.
Heh, that’s funny.
The Wary Heart –
Maybe it’s being burnt on some chemicals? There are some elements that cause fire to burn in different colors.
The Shadow –
That’s too complicated for where we are. We’re in the middle of the woods, remember?
The Inner Heart –
Either way, the way the Wayfinder described it makes it sound cool. I wish I could see it.
The Inner Heart –
Still, I guess.
The Wary Heart –
I don’t like knowing there’s information I’m not aware of. Especially when it comes from an ally.
The Shadow –
Both of you are making a bigger deal than needed out of this. It’s just a torch, the Wayfinder said herself that you aren’t missing anything.
We’re running behind schedule. The Hero should be dead right now.
The Shadow –
You reach out to the spot where I assume the torch should be, but pause immediately.
The Inner Heart –
What happened?
The Wary Heart –
You stopped squinting… I assume it disappeared?
The Inner Heart –
Strange…
The Shadow –
Finally.
You open the door to the basement, noticing how it takes considerable effort. The other side of the door is, like the walls of the entrance, covered in furious scratches and a few dents.
The staircase down to the basement is made of the same cold metal as the room above, with the walls being lined with several black mirrors. There’s some cracks and a few soft scratches here and there, but it looks like the perpetrator was smart enough to not get glass shards on the ground.
The Wary Heart –
These weren’t here last time. And I don’t think that the Hero would be up to decorating, especially with his lost hand.
The Inner Heart –
It feels unnerving how things are changing. That can’t just be me, can it?
The Wary Heart –
No. It’s not.
The Shadow –
If being unnerved helps to fuel your desire to kill the Hero, then let it course through you. But know that nothing is outside the realm of possibility, Wayfinder.
Regardless, the Hero’s voice echoes through the basement, reaching your ears with a bitter but hopeful tinge.
Hello? Someone’s here, I can tell.
I need your help desperately. I’ve been locked up here!
Again, even! So hurry! I’ll make it worth your while if you need a reward.
The Wary Heart –
So he’s in chains again.
The Inner Heart –
No wonder he sounds like that. I’d feel betrayed too, if I was locked in a basement, freed, then locked up again.
The Wary Heart –
And he clearly remembers the last time… He mentioned being chained up ‘again.’
Hello?! Get down here!
I’m… I’m injured! Yeah, did I mention that before!?
So hurry!
The Shadow –
Remember how I said he’d be petty?
Yeah. This is the petty side of him.
The Shadow –
The Hero swears silently under his breath.
You can’t hear what he said, but know that he did.
The Inner Heart –
Why? Does he feel guilty about something?
The Wary Heart –
Maybe he knows that he shouldn’t have just killed the Wayfinder without trying anything first.
The Shadow –
Him feeling guilt, him not feeling guilt, whatever convinces you to kill him.
Uhh… Oh! It’s you! How… Wonderful!
I’m, uh, trapped! Again!
The Shadow –
You ignore his desperate attempts at covering for himself and continue down the stairs.
You find yourself in the basement, the ground being made of the same stone that the walls are. The stones are lumpy and unbalanced, some are even loose. You’ll have to be careful to make sure you don’t trip. Some stones lie in a corner of the room, smashed to dust and rubble, much like the table and chair upstairs.
There's a small window on the ceiling of the basement, which is much higher than you would have originally expected it to be. It’s almost deliberate, much like the windows above were. It drops condensation, or perhaps it’s raining outside.
The Hero looks much like the rest of the cabin does. His armor, which consists of a meager breastplate and a single gauntlet on his right hand, is almost fully covered in scratches and dents. He’s standing as far as he can in the basement, a chain on his left foot leading to the left wall and one around his right hand, binding him to the right wall.
The wall behind him looks cracked, as if he had been punching it with the single hand he had left.
The Wary Heart –
That explains the dented gauntlets.
The Shadow –
Yes, I suppose it does.
The Hero, his eyes flitting between you and the stairs, speaks after a slight pause.
Hello again. It’s… Good… To see you alive and well after everything that happened.
And guess what? My hand’s back! What a miracle, amiright?
The Shadow –
He smiles at you, as if desperate for you to laugh as well.
You aren’t going to.
Oh, come on! What’s with that look? Shouldn’t you be glad to see me alive and well?
Well, not well I suppose, I lost my hand after all. And for what? To get out of the chains that I’m still stuck in after all this time?!
The Shadow –
The hero turns, slamming his hand into the wall behind him. The entire basement shakes.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, my god–!
The Wary Heart –
So this is the real ‘Hero.’
Unstable. Violent. Dangerous.
Traits fitting of a world-ender, if you ask me.
The Shadow –
Good. You agree.
And look, his back is turned to you. The perfect time to stab him in the back and save the world.
The Inner Heart –
Usually I’d argue against kicking someone while they’re down, however now seems like the perfect time to do so.
The Shadow –
Urgh, was she like this last time?
The Inner Heart –
…I suppose so? She did talk with him before.
The Wary Heart –
That was only when we didn’t know much. We know more now, so maybe this conversation will be shorter.
The Shadow –
Well, regardless, the Hero turns around and stares at you, before nodding.
…Sure. Fine. Whatever.
I’d rather we both do something productive first, but you always seem to enjoy chatter first.
The Shadow –
The torch again? You said yourself that it wasn’t important.
The Wary Heart –
No, no. I want to know too.
Even if only miniscule in comparison to the rest of the burning questions we have, it’s still a question.
Well, I did go upstairs.
Even though I was dragged right back just seconds later…
And I did, in fact, see a torch. But the cabin was changing so suddenly around me, so I didn’t give it too much attention.
Have you figured out why that is, by the way?
The Shadow –
The Hero hums in thought, before making a ‘tsk’ing noise.
Well, it doesn’t really matter, does it? Because we’re getting out of here as soon as possible.
I don’t like the thought of losing the rest of my limbs. But I might be able to force myself out, if you help.
The Shadow –
You are not helping him.
The Wary Heart –
Don’t worry. I don’t think she will.
The Shadow –
The Hero sighs, folding in on himself slightly.
I… I don’t know, not really.
I walked up the stairs after I killed you - totally justified, by the way - and started to notice the cabin shifting. I figured that it was just blood loss, but the more I thought about it the less that made sense.
And then I realized I was just standing there. In the cabin. Without moving. But when I tried to leave, I just marched right back down into the basement.
I tried to fight it, I really did, but I couldn’t. That’s why everything is so destroyed up there.
And eventually, after my stupid body returned to the basement… The chains just snapped right back onto me. Like magnets, practically.
And now here we are.
The Shadow –
Good. That means that this place is working.
The Wary Heart –
What do you mean?
The Shadow –
Nothing.
No reason.
Just remember, the cabin is a prison for The Hero. That is an undeniable truth.
The Shadow –
The Hero, unable to pick up on your sarcasm, nods his head in a thankful manner.
Thank you. I suppose.
But the one way you can truly help is by getting. Me. Out of here.
The Shadow –
He speaks with the conviction of a very spoiled child.
The Inner Heart –
…His voice is pretty whiny, isn’t it?
The Wary Heart –
I understand how being cheated out of one’s freedom can leave them to feel bitter, but even so he was so collected before we died.
I still wonder why he’s like this.
The Shadow –
Because he just is. He wants and wants and wants, without thinking about anyone else.
He wants things to be his way. Forever.
He can’t handle change.
Obviously. Didn’t I just explain how things ended up this way?
You try losing a limb and expecting to go free, only to end up in…
The Shadow –
The Hero rattles his chains to convey his point.
Even more chains.
The Wary Heart –
I certainly wouldn’t be as bitter as he is.
The Inner Heart –
Not even a little?
The Wary Heart –
…I never said I wouldn’t feel bitter at all.
The Shadow –
You’re wasting the Wayfinder’s time.
Don’t you want to kill the Hero? What happened to your rage? Sense of betrayal? Justice, even?
Slay him now before it’s too late.
The Wary Heart –
Let her make her own decisions.
The Inner Heart –
It was you possessing her that let him go free in the first place, don't forget that.
Uh… Yeah. I killed you.
Which was, might I add again, totally justified and within reason.
It was self-defense. E-Even if you were restrained.
The Shadow –
Don’t you see what’s wrong with that logic!? How self-centered he is!?
The Inner Heart –
Yes, we can see it!
But the Wayfinder is the one making the choices, not us!
The Wary Heart –
What was that expression again? ‘Don’t preach to the choir’?
The Shadow –
Well, she hasn’t done anything yet!
She’s had the choice to slay him ever since she got down here, and yet she hasn’t!
The Shadow –
Yes! Finally!
You assume a fighting stance, beginning to rush at the Hero with your blade outstretched. The Hero takes a moment to respond, before anger flashes on his face once again.
But then he looks down at the ground, smirks and looks at you smugly.
Oh, so you’re going to kill me now? FINE. Fine fine fine!
Look, I’m just standing here. Ready for your slaughter!
So go on. Take another step, I dare you.
The Wary Heart –
Oh he’s definitely planning something.
The Inner Heart –
No doubt about that…
The Shadow –
Wha-?! No he’s not!
Look, he’s just standing there! Get him already!
The Shadow –
Good, finally!
You rush forward, blade at the ready…
…Oh no.
The Wary Heart –
Told you.
The Shadow –
Ugh. You feel a tug on your foot, just like before with the door to the cabin, and promptly fall to the floor in a heap. The blade skitters from your hand, inconveniently sliding behind the Hero.
Shit. Now you’re down a weapon.
Why thank you for that! I’ll just…
Yoink!
The Shadow –
And of course. The Hero grabs the blade from behind him, looking down at you.
The Wary Heart –
Ugh, I should have known…
The Inner Heart –
He rigged this place, didn’t he?
The Wary Heart –
Yup.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the loose tiles were his work too.
HA! Now I’m the one with the power here!
Look at you, all dazed on the floor. And you know what’s the best part?
The Shadow –
You… Hear a slam from the top of the stairs, and a lock clicking into place.
Unlike the tripwire upstairs, it seems that the door actually was locked.
You can’t escape!
How about that, huh?!
The Shadow –
…I’m sorry,I’m not entirely sure what-
The Inner Heart –
Don’t worry. I got this.
You glare scorned fury and sheer betrayal at the Hero, who momentarily falters out of fear. You clutch your hands, balling them into fists and sending your fury to the lone flower in your hair.
Your might grows, fueling the plant’s growth and causing roots, vines, stems adorned with thorns, to grow and wrap around the Hero’s ankles at first, before they continue up his legs.
Since the tiles on the floor were already pretty loose, they have no issue burrowing into the ground beneath the stones, trapping the Hero in place.
The Shadow –
Huh. Interesting. Why didn’t you try that before?
The Wary Heart –
It’s not the most sustainable, and she can’t really control it.
Well, mostly, that is. She has influence to be specific.
The Shadow –
Ah. I see now.
Well, allow me to continue.
The Hero tries to struggle out of the vine’s grip, but all it does is leave him cut from the thorns. He swears again, glaring at you as you struggle to your feet, still slightly dazed but furious.
Oh, you think you’re so high and mighty, huh? Going to kill me while I’m in the same position you were?
If you want to be that bitter, that petty, go-FUCKING-ahead!
But I’ll have you know…
The Shadow –
There’s a rumble above you both, like a storm that had been stewing for eons finally breaking forth.
The Wary heart –
…Do you feel that?
The Inner Heart –
Oh, I do. I don’t like this. It’s so… Unnatural.
The Wary heart –
Neither do I.
Kill him, Wayfinder. Hurry, before it’s too late!
The Shadow –
I agree. He’s… Doing something.
Take the blade from him. Now! NOW!!
If I go down, I’m taking you with me!
The Wary Heart –
I like this sense of honor.
The Inner Heart –
You aren’t a Princess, but I think this is what one would be like!
…Even if this manner of killing him is cruel.
The Shadow –
As long as it’s done quickly, it’s fine.
Well, you loosen your hands, with the vines loosening in tandem, before clenching them closed with such force that practically draws blood on your palms. The Hero lets out a soft scream of pain when the thorns connect, but refuses to let go of the blade in his hands.
His blood puddles on the stone floor. The sound of dripping water fills your ears, the storm finally beginning to flow.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip.
C-Choke me all you want, but I’m not g-giving you the blade…!
I-It’s MINE. F-Freedom is M-MINE!
The Shadow –
You continue to smother the Hero, thorns growing longer and plunging deeper into his skin. You can hear cracks, likely from bones or other cartilage being broken.
The blood and the rain continue to fall.
W-Why… Ngh… This… This hurts.
But that’s what y-you are, r-right? Spiteful. Spiteful!!
The Wary Heart –
He’s the spiteful one.
The Inner Heart –
I’m starting to feel a little bad for him.
The Shadow –
This is what he deserves.
The Shadow –
You continue to strangle the Hero, ignoring all that’s around you.
You don’t notice when the thorns start poking your own skin, the vines growing wild and free due to the rising water levels.
You don't notice when the blood in the water starts to stain your clothes.
All you're focused on is hurting him.
The Inner Heart –
Ok, even I can see what’s coming next...
The Wary Heart –
It’s almost like she’s in a trance…
He’s doing something. He always was crafty like that, wasn’t he?
The Shadow –
With a sudden burst of energy, the thorns finally do what they were always meant to do: Slay the Hero.
Of course, your intense focus on keeping the vines under your control allows for the Hero to, despite all the pain you were putting him through… Sigh… Slit your throat.
The Wary Heart –
And so the cycle all starts again.
The Inner Heart –
I wonder what’ll happen next time.
The Shadow –
Well, the Hero ended up dying. While I would have preferred you to stay alive too, at least he ended up dead.
You collapse to the ground, falling into the water that now rose to at least your shins. Your blood fliss the water around you, and the vines slowly begin to recede.
The Hero, somehow able to get one last word out, speaks.
Heh…
D-Don’t think… This ends here.
I won’t… Let it end.
The Shadow –
And the Hero dies.
The Wary Heart –
So you really were in a trance.
The Inner Heart –
Aren’t you supposed to be the keen, observant one?
The Wary Heart –
I am, but I still only have the information you do.
The Shadow –
Sorry to interrupt, but the Wayfinder is dying right now.
You slowly sink below the surface of the water, the final bubbles of air escaping out of your lungs. You cannot feel the pain you should, but there is still a sting.
I hope you rest easy knowing that the hero is dead, Wayfinder. Take pride in knowing you fought to the death, even if…
The Inner Heart –
Underhanded? Malicious? Cruel, perhaps?
The Shadow –
…Yes. All of those words.
With those being the final thoughts resounding in your head, your vision begins to blur…
…Then, everything goes dark, and you die.
Chapter Text
Chapter III: The Guise
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the wood-
The Playful Heart –
Well, we sure showed HIM, now didn’t we?
The Inner Heart –
We did end up dying, though.
The Playful Heart –
But not before he did, and that’s aaaaall that matters!
The Shadow –
Uh, excuse me? I’m afraid I’m a little lost here.
The Wary Heart –
Will we have to explain this to him every single time?
The Shadow –
Explain wha-
The Playful Heart –
Oh! Oh! I can do it! I’m new here after all, it’s only my right!
Basically, this isn’t the first time we’ve been here. In fact, this is our third time!
First we were killed by the Hero after you forced us to kill him… Then we killed him of our own accord last time, but he killed us before we could relish in our victory!
And now here we are!
The Shadow –
…Well, one of those times is good.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, also, there’s no ‘Princess.’ Only a Wayfinder.
And us, hehe!
The Shadow –
No, it can’t be, she’s supposed to be-
The Wary Heart –
Well, she isn’t a Princess. Get over it.
The Shadow –
‘Get over it’?! I’ll have you know that-
The Playful Heart –
Don’t we have a Hero to kill?
And do the details really matter? Don’t you just want everything to end quickly?
The Shadow –
I… Don’t like the implication of your words, but yes.
We do have a Hero to kill.
More specifically, the Prin-
…
The Wayfinder has a Hero to kill.
The Playful Heart –
Good! Let’s get on that, shall we?
The Shadow –
You… Hurriedly pat the back of your hair, checking to make sure that something is still there.
Your hand brushes against a fresh flower, and you let out a sigh of relief.
What was that about?
The Playful Heart –
That’s her secondary weapon! It’s so impressive how well that flower can kill, isn’t it?
The Wary Heart –
But beyond that, I think it holds some significance.
Do not ask what it is. We don’t know.
I don’t even think she does.
The Shadow –
…Alright, I suppose.
Whatever helps you kill the Hero is fine in my book.
The Playful Heart –
You used your power, of course! So cruelly, too…
It was so impressive!
The Inner Heart –
Intimidating more like…
The Wary Heart –
You were in a trance. A shame we never saw what happened after you calmed down from it.
The Inner Heart –
Well, we did, in a way.
But I get what you mean.
The Playful Heart –
I just wonder if we can get that trance to happen again!
It was so much fun, hearing all the snaps and cracks coming from the Hero.
I cannot wait to play with him once more!
The Shadow –
If by ‘play’ you mean ‘slay and save the world’ then I am on your side.
The Wary Heart –
Sadly I do not think that is what she means.
The Wary Heart –
Is that what it was like?
The Playful Heart –
Interesting! That must be the feeling of power!
The Inner Heart –
I… Don’t doubt that, actually…
The Shadow –
Power makes people do weird things, so I agree as well.
The Playful Heart –
Of course he’s dead!
Don’t you remember what we did to him? I heard his bones snap until they couldn’t any more!
The Shadow –
If the Hero were ‘dead’ you wouldn’t be here. He is most certainly alive.
Plus, didn't you mention that you wanted to ‘play’ with him? How can you do that if he isn’t alive?
The Playful Heart –
Oh, I can think of all sorts of things to do to him even if he isn’t ‘alive!’
And isn’t there a state between being ‘dead’ and ‘alive’ that you haven’t considered?
And that in of itself is sooo interesting!
The Wary Heart –
Interesting. So you think he’s a-
The Playful Heart –
Quiet!
If the bland one and Him can’t figure it out, then let’s just wait and see if I’m right!
The Inner Heart –
‘The bland one’?! I take quite a lot of offense to that, you know!
The Playful Heart –
Really? Wow!
It’s almost as if I called you that for that very reason.
The Inner Heart –
…Just hurry along, Wayfinder…
The Inner Heart –
Actually… You’re right. There aren’t any trees anywhere…
Or maybe a few here and there, but not enough to call this place a ‘forest.’
It’s more like… A meadow. Or a moor, maybe.
The Wary Heart –
And the rain, too.
The Shadow –
Oh, that’s not good.
If the woods themselves are changing, then… The Hero’s influence and power is spreading too.
This is going to be your toughest time here, Wayfinder. Be careful.
The Wary Heart –
She always is. Don’t worry.
But the fact that it’s raining… That isn’t new, is it?
The Playful Heart –
I don’t think so!
The Shadow –
You what?!
The Inner Heart –
That’s… New.
The Wary Heart –
It certainly is.
Why? What changed?
The Wary Heart –
Were you? I didn’t notice.
The Inner Heart –
You weren’t at first.
But then, near the end… You kind of were.
The Shadow –
Who cares if you were being petty? The world needed to be saved, and you slew the Hero and got it done.
The Wary Heart –
You’re being contradictory.
You said just a while ago that the world ‘still needs to be saved,’ since we’re all still here…
But now you’re talking as if the world has already been saved.
Why is that? Which is it?
The Inner Heart –
Wait… You’re right, actually.
That’s weird.
The Shadow –
Did I…
Urgh…
Alright, listen. When you killed the Hero last time, you did save the world.
But only that world.
But since you yourself died, you’ve been sent to another world where the Hero is still very much alive-
The Playful Heart –
Suuuure, buddy…
The Shadow –
…Where the Hero is still very much alive.
Now, you just have to slay the Hero again in this world. And if all things go according to plan and you don’t die, then you go free.
But, of course, if you do die and don’t slay the Hero, then this world is doomed and you are sent to another to try again.
The Wary Heart –
…But why would the Hero remember what happened in the previous world?
The Shadow –
I don’t have a clear answer to that. Or, at least, not one that you would understand and be satisfied with.
The Wary Heart –
Well, tell me the one you have now. Or think of a new one.
I’m very patient.
The Shadow –
We don’t have enough time for that, sadly.
But the best I can offer is… Just act like everything in the previous world is copied to the next one.
The Wary Heart –
You’re right.
I’m not satisfied with that answer.
The Shadow –
Well, it’s the only one you’re getting. So let’s get moving!
The Shadow –
You continue down the path to the cabin, noticing the growing fog and idle sounds of a storm growing as you continue.
Eventually it becomes hard to see in front of you, and you swear you can feel strings as thin as a spider’s web on your ankles and the sound of bells ringing throughout the mist.
The Inner Heart –
How much does he love tripwires?! It’s getting annoying.
The Wary Heart –
He’s getting smarter this time. We can barely even feel them, can we?
But how is he setting them up all the way out here…
The Shadow –
He’s not setting them up, it’s just the feeling of grass. And you’re probably just hearing birds, or crickets.
Don’t overthink things. He’s just a Hero trapped in the basement of the cabin.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, boo! That’s dull!
Plus, if she’s supposed to be a Princess but is in fact a Wayfinder, maybe everything’s all going wrong!
He could be free! He could just not be a Hero! Maybe he’s actually a Princess!
The Shadow –
That’s not-
The Inner Heart –
She’s just being a nightmare… He’s a Hero, don’t worry.
Maybe you’re right. He’s always been in the cabin everytime we see him, so this could just be… Coincidence.
The Wary Heart –
Hm.
The Shadow –
Regardless, you continue down the path and eventually come to the base of a hill. The fog has cleared slightly here, and you can see lights shining through the window of the cabin.
The rain continues to fall, heavier now.
A word of warning before you continue, Wayfinder.
The Hero will do anything to escape and end the world. He may even do anything in his power to kill you, just out of pure spite. Just as he did to you twice before.
So don’t let him shape your freedom. Don’t let him do anything that weakens you or strengthens him.
You already know how petty he will be. But you likely do not know his cruelty, which goes unmatched.
Do not let him get even the slightest upper hand. Kill him, quickly.
The Shadow –
You enter the cabin, grateful to finally get out of the rain.
The interior of the cabin is dark and water-drowned. The stone walls and ceiling are cracked and are at risk of collapsing at any moment, several dented buckets meagerly trying to contain all the water droplets coming from the ceiling. They’re all overflowing.
The windows look like they were once covered by iron bars, but are now fully rusted over and the glass itself has been shattered. Hanging from the tall ceiling are growths of peat moss, grown in such a way that almost look like hands reaching down at you.
Directly across from you is the entry to the basement, a heavy stone door. It’s already open, and you can hear the echoes of water droplets hitting a large body of water.
Standing before the door, however, is the… Hero? He’s… Looking at you with a look of bitter rage turned sorrow, his left hand clutching a Pristine Blade…
No, that can’t be right! He- He’s not supposed to be up here! Nor is he supposed to have the blade!
This really has gone all wrong, hasn’t it? First the outside world, now the cabin too…
The Playful Heart –
Hehe! I told you!
The Inner Heart –
And… He’s a…
The Wary Heart –
A ghost? Yes, yes he is.
The Shadow –
Princess, Wayfinder, whatever you are, get this over with quickly. The Hero, the world, can’t be like this.
Please!
The Playful Heart –
Shush! He’s speaking to us.
Hello again, Wayfinder.
I would say that it’s ‘nice to see you again,’ but every time we meet it always ends in death.
First yours, then both of ours, and now…
The Shadow –
The Hero stares at you, a freakish smile on his face.
Ahem, sorry. I’ll describe him now, properly this time.
The Hero is clearly more dead than alive, being translucent and almost mournful in appearance. His armor is rusted heavily and is covered in water. In fact, most of his body seems to be dripping water just like the clouds outside, although you can see hints of blood all over his night-colored feathers.
He looks sickly, clearly being only a desperate memory of someone once strong and volatile, now reduced to a sorry puddle of regrets drowned out.
With his message delivered, he turns briskly and continues into the darkness below, disappearing in a matter of moments.
The Playful Heart –
Well, he looks fun!
The Inner Heart –
Terrifying… But almost mournful, in a way.
The Shadow –
Don’t let it get to you. It’s all a part of the manipulation.
The Shadow –
Yes, I noticed that too. While you weren’t supposed to ‘start’ with the blade, if you mean by it being at the cabin ready for you to take then yes, I agree. The Hero starting with it is certainly concerning.
The Inner Heart –
No, we’ve always started with the blade. Even the first time we were ever here.
The Shadow –
Strange.
The Playful Heart –
Yes yes, ‘strange’ it is.
But hurry up! The Hero essentially invited us down, it’d be rude not to follow him!
The Wary Heart –
Invited us to our death, more like.
The Playful Heart –
We’ve died like two times before! What’s another round?
The Shadow –
A world doomed is what’ll come from ‘another round,’ that’s what.
The Shadow –
A torch? What are you talking about?
The Playful Heart –
I don’t see a torch either, Wayfinder!
Are you sure you haven’t cracked yet?
The Wary Heart –
You mentioned it last time too. But now it’s blocking the way?
Strange.
The Shadow –
There’s no torch. Just walk forward, enter the basement, and slay the Hero. Simple as that.
The Inner Heart –
It disappeared last time after the Wayfinder touched it, it’ll likely happen again.
The Shadow –
Well, my original command still stands then.
The Shadow –
You approach the door to the basement, stopping just a few feet before and looking down at the ground with a look of curiosity.
Just ignore the ‘torch,’ you won’t get burned. It doesn’t exist.
The Playful Heart –
I wonder what getting burned feels like!
The Inner Heart –
Painful, I’ll tell you that much.
The Shadow –
You… Carefully kneel down to the ground, reaching our hand out to grab the base of this unseen ‘torch.’
…
The Wary Heart –
And? What happened?
The Shadow –
I told you it didn’t exist.
You proceed down the stone staircase, hands brushing against the walls so as to not slip on the slick, uneven steps. Your hands occasionally brush against broken mirrors, and you have to retract your hands so as to not get cut. Cold air envelops you, and the sound of dripping water only grows louder.
As you descend the seemingly endless staircase, you hear the sound of the buckets fall over, and feel water rushing down the stairs with you.
The Playful Heart –
That isn’t water, silly!
The Shadow –
What? No, it’s water. Stop being so contrary.
The Wary Heart –
She’s right, you know. It’s not water.
It’s blood.
The Inner Heart –
That explains the smell…
The Shadow –
Ugh, fine. Maybe it is blood. Excuse me for trying to ease your nerves.
The Hero’s voice, smug and cold, echoes up the staircase like ripples of water.
I was worried that you’d be scared off because of that torch. I’m glad to see that your fear hasn’t gotten the better of you.
The stairs are long, aren’t they? I bet you feel tired from walking all the way down them…
The Shadow –
You’ve arrived at the base of the stairs. In the water, you can see the dancing reflection of the Hero, his face twisted into a grotesque and monstrous expression.
I WAS TIRED TOO. TIRED OF BEING BETRAYED, TIRED OF BEING CHEATED, TIRED OF THIS BASEMENT.
But I’m going to be here forever, aren’t I? This cycle of death and hate… It’ll never end, will it?
Even now, as a ghost, I can’t leave. And you always end up coming back.
The Shadow –
Your footing grows unsteady, likely from the blood slipping under your shoes combined with the greasy film covering the steps. You feel a weight on your back, as if you were pushed, and you soon fall into the water. Amidst your splashing, you can hear the sound of the basement’s door snapping shut.
The Wary Heart –
Get ready. You might have to summon your vines again.
The Shadow –
You turn to your left, the darkness of the basement causing it to be hard to make out anything in the shadows, but a faint ray of moonlight beams out from behind the clouds, allowing you to see something in the shadows.
The Inner Heart –
Is that the…
The Wary Heart –
Yes. It’s the Hero’s body.
Still wrapped in the vines, it looks like. Only now they’re flowers growing out of them…
The Playful Heart –
Oh my, that’s…!
That’s…
I… Don’t have anything cruel to say. It’s just pretty beautiful, isn’t it?
The Shadow –
No, it’s not ‘beautiful,’ it’s bad. Or at the very least unexpected.
But don’t let this get you down. Don’t let this confuse you. You can still slay the Hero.
Just… Just steal the blade from him or use whatever ‘vine magic’ you apparently have.
The Playful Heart –
So dull! Why don’t we try talking to him at the very least?
The Shadow –
You ignore the Hero’s rotting body, and looked back up the stairs. You can’t see his full body, but you can still spot his bright, glowing white eyes.
He does not speak.
The Shadow –
The Hero continues to stare at you.
That’s nice to know, but your apology is one-sided.
You may mean your words with all your heart, but they only matter if I accept them.
But you have done nothing to prove that you genuinely feel bad for what you did. And I truly don’t know what your intentions are any longer.
First, you save me, then try and kill me. But then you regretted it it seems, as evidenced by the fact you used vine magic to stop yourself.
Then, when we met again, you tried to kill me with those very vines. But I protected myself, like anyone would have, which sadly led to both of our deaths.
And now here we are.
I do not forgive you for killing me.
The Inner Heart –
I don’t think it’ll be that easy.
The Wary Heart –
Understandable.
The Shadow –
The Hero’s eyes narrow slightly.
‘Despite everything…’ Your words imply that there is fault here.
And I doubt you would bear the fault, given everything you have done.
And so, you blame me.
I disagree. In all cases, I am the victim.
The Shadow –
He is never the victim.
He is always the perpetrator.
The Shadow –
The Hero’s eyes watch you in silent contemplation.
You do? As in… Truly?
…
I… Doubt that.
The Inner Heart –
He hesitated!
We’re getting through to him.
The Playful Heart –
I’d rather not ‘get through to him’ emotionally… I’d rather do that physically!
As in, causing him extreme pain and torment. Hehe!
The Shadow –
As long as you don’t give him time to find a way to escape that torment, then I’ll allow it.
Regardless, as you observe the Hero’s shifting eyes, the previously lengthy staircase seems to… Shift. Or shrink, which would be a better description. -You can see his form slightly better now, spotting details you hadn’t seen when you two met at the top of the cabin. Regardless, the Hero is standing slightly closer to you than he was before.
The Wary Heart –
Is it because he’s trusting us?
The Inner Heart –
He’s letting his guard down for us… The gap between us is shrinking.
The Wary Heart –
Alright, Wayfinder. If you really want to make it up to him, this is your chance.
The Shadow –
No! Don’t ‘make it up to him’! Kill him!
The Shadow –
The Hero’s eyes flit down at you, before looking at the wrist of his hand.
I do. Interesting, isn’t it?
It seems like whenever you die, you get all your limbs back.
THAT MUST BE WHY YOU’RE ALWAYS SO FRESH AFTER A DEATH, WAYFINDER.
The Shadow –
He’s antagonizing you.
Are you going to just let that happen?
The Shadow –
…
Fine. Be that way.
The Wary Heart –
Yes, some pleasant conversation should ease this tension.
The Shadow –
The Hero contemplates your words, before looking over to the side of the wall with the broken mirrors.
Truthfully, I have not been here more than you have. I didn’t get to see what happened to these mirrors either.
Why? Are you assuming I broke them? I was terribly violent last time around. It makes sense, does it not?
The Wary heart –
He’s trying to lure us into a trap…
The Playful Heart –
And I admire his resilience!
The Shadow –
I don’t.
The Playful Heart –
Of course you don’t! You never enjoy anything.
The Shadow –
The Hero looks down at you, closing his eyes in thought.
It doesn’t.
The Shadow –
The staircase shifts, and the Hero is closer to you once again. But still very far away.
The Shadow –
As if unsure about the answer himself, the Hero looks at his hands and then up at the ceiling, seemingly looking at the sky.
That question is an interesting one, I must say.
You certainly called upon your vines, so I cannot reference those together. But I assume that they would be similar in terms of feeling, correct?
The storm had been brewing for long enough outside, and I just… Used its power, forced its hand a little. And so it began to rain. Hard.
I cannot ‘call rain,’ after all. I am not that powerful.
The Shadow –
Don’t just tell him that!
The Wary Heart –
We have to be honest with each other.
If we want to trust each other, hiding what we can and cannot do to harm each other is the worst choice.
The Playful Heart –
We’ll have to think on our feet now! How entertaining!
Is that the case? I see.
I suppose that makes sense. To create something entirely new is out of even our capabilities.
I’M LEARNING SO MUCH ABOUT HOW YOU KILLED ME.
The Shadow –
…
The Playful Heart –
What? No coy comment to share?
The Shadow –
Not this time.
The Playful Heart –
…Oh.
Alright.
The Shadow –
Well, regardless, despite the Hero’s cruel words, the staircase shrinks again.
The Wary Heart –
He’s getting closer. It’s almost the size of a normal staircase now.
The Shadow –
The Hero pauses, contemplating.
I remember watching the basement flood.
I remember looking back to see my rotting body.
And I remember… Watching you, returning to this cabin.
Since I assume you are looking for what happened, that is what I saw from my own view.
…I did.
It grew, or at least the flames did…
Strangely, I almost felt the warmth from the flames. Perhaps the fire can touch ghosts, who knows?
The Wary Heart –
…Maybe we’re the odd one out here.
The Shadow –
N-No, it’s the Hero and the Wayfinder who are the ‘odd one out,’ not us. There’s no torch, it’s just a collective hallucination.
Or maybe the Wayfinder and the Hero are just playing a trick on us.
Regardless, the torch does not. Exist.
The Playful Heart –
Oh my, you’re so keen on proving that the torch doesn’t exist!
Are you hiding something from us, perhaps? Maybe a torch-related trauma?
The Shadow –
No, it’s… Ugh, why am I entertaining you.
I assume you don’t have any theories relating to the torch, correct?
Well, of course you don’t. You wouldn’t have asked me otherwise.
Thank you for asking me. It’s nice to know that you aren’t doubting me.
The Shadow –
The staircase shrinks again, almost at normal length.
The Inner Heart –
…Is it just me, or is the water level lower too?
The Shadow –
The Hero stills fully, his hands twitching.
…I… Don’t know.
I can tell you’re trying to make it up to me, even if only by trying to placate me with questions.
The Wary Heart –
…Is it really that obvious?
The Inner Heart –
Possibly.
But I’m not being the most friendly, am I? So I suppose that’s really all you can do in this situation.
It’s funny. I keep wanting you to make it up to me, but I never really gave you a chance, did I?
Other than the staircase. But that isn’t even my own doing.
The Wary Heart –
What’s he implying?
The Inner Heart –
I think… He’s inviting us up the stairs.
The Wary Heart –
Oh.
That was… Anticlimactic.
The Inner Heart –
Really? So it's over?
The Wary Heart –
Hm.
…
I… Think it is.
The Playful Heart –
Teehee!
The Wary Heart –
What are you laughing for?
The Playful Heart –
Oh, no reason!
Just felt like laughing, since like you said it’s aaaaaall over!
The Shadow –
The Hero stares at you, nodding his head.
Of course.
I’m inviting you up here, after all.
The Shadow –
Don’t do it. Unless you’re going to kill him.
The Shadow –
You begin to walk up the stairs, finally leaving the flooded basement floor. The Hero’s eyes soften as you approach, and despite his shadowed face, you can tell he’s smiling at you.
Soon you’re standing just two steps below him, and he rests his hand on the door out of the basement.
He speaks, tone… Unreadable.
Are you ready?
The Inner Heart –
Ready for-
OH, WAIT! I JUST REALIZED.
IN HERE, YOUR OPINIONS DON’T MATTER.
ALL THAT MATTERS IS WHO STRIKES FIRST AND STRIKES HARD.
The Shadow –
The Hero yanks the door open, his previously soft and patient smile turning cold and manic. You don’t have a second to react, the only defense you can muster being futilely covering your face with your hands.
The sound of rushing water fills your ears as you fall back, and your momentary fear quickly turns to burning anger and resentment.
The bridge has been burned. Strike when you can.
The Wary Heart –
He… He betrayed us?!
The Inner Heart –
That… That…
That conniving bastard!
The Playful Heart –
AHAHAHAHA! Finally, you get it!
This isn’t about trust! This isn’t about faith! Hell, it isn’t even about risk!
It’s about WINNING! This is all just a game, you know - and once you find out the rules, there’s no way you could ever lose!
And you know what?! We’re losing now! Terribly, in fact!
The Inner Heart –
Is there any way to recover from this?!
The Playful Heart –
Don’t you know who I am?!
Don’t you know what I can do?!
Let.
Me.
Help.
The Playful Heart –
Playing this game is my purpose.
It’s my only skill.
Don’t worry, Wayfinder.
Your vengeance is mine.
The Shadow –
In an instant, all your injuries seem to fade away, and you feel your dizziness dissipate.
The Playful Heart –
Painful nerves, gone in an instant.
The Shadow –
You swim upwards, vines growing from the poppy flower in your hair and forming a small platform in the water. It looks as if the basement itself has disappeared, all you are in now is an endless void of water.
The growth of these vines takes all of the little energy you have left, but…
A rush of vigor fills your very being, almost as if several weights were lifted off of you.
The Playful Heart –
Cleansing liver, working overtime.
The Shadow –
You lock eyes with the Hero, who hovers above you with arms crossed smugly. Neither of you exchange words, you don’t need to.
You take a deep breath, feeling all your emotions burn away.
The Playful Heart –
Calming lungs, restoring neutrality.
The Shadow –
The Hero raises his blade, you extend your vines, and the eternal cycle begins again.
Adrenaline courses through you, and it’s almost as if everything happens at once.
The Hero begins with an offensive yet cocky overhead slash, which you easily cover by extending just a single vine. While it does not block the attack completely, it still counteracts it, redirecting the blade away from your head. You clench your fist, channeling the sudden growth of a single thorn, sending a long gash down the Hero’s arm.
Hm. But he’s a ghost. What’ll happen now-
The Playful Heart –
It’d be no fun if we can’t touch him!
And is he REALLY incorporeal? You saw how he opened the door! And you see how he’s holding the blade right now!
The Shadow –
That’s all true, but-
The Playful Heart –
It’s almost as if you don’t want him to die!
You aren’t holding out on us, are you Shadow?
The Shadow –
…
The Shadow –
I… I…
…
The Hero… Recoils, staring at his gouged arm with confusion and fear.
You… What…
What is this?! How… How did you do this?!
…No, it doesn’t matter.
The Shadow –
The Hero returns his gaze to you, beyond furious.
You’ll pay for this.
I will dance on your corpse, Wayfinder.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, really?
Is that a bet?!
The Shadow –
The both of you return to your shared battle, the sound of blade hitting vines and thorns hitting flesh filling the otherwise empty air. The Hero cries out in pain as your vines make contact, and you hiss in frustration as his blade punctures your skin.
The Playful Heart –
But it doesn’t hurt, does it?
The Shadow –
No.
It does not.
I’m… Surprised you’re still going.
I guess… I guess you really are strong, aren’t you?
Heh… Hahahaha!
I just… Won’t let you go… Without understanding me.
The Wary Heart –
Block him.
He’s going to do something.
The Shadow –
The Hero reaches his arm back, his whole arm seemingly vibrating with some sort of unseen power.
But you don’t see the end of what he does. After all, a thick wall of vines blocks both his and your vision, and you are left in anticipation of his attack.
Coward.
The Shadow –
As the words escape the Hero’s mouth, your wall of vines is slashed clear in two, the cut vines tumbling into the dark waters before.
The Hero draws his blade upwards, close to your neck and-
…Wait. That isn’t the Pristine Blade anymore.
That’s… That’s a sword!
The Inner Heart –
And a rusty one at that…
The Shadow –
That can’t be right, what’s going on.
This… This has all gone too awry, I…
The Inner Heart –
…
The Wary Heart –
He’s… Gone.
The Playful Heart –
So he is.
But our game isn’t over yet, is it?
Keep. Playing!
Hah… I can see the confusion in your eyes.
Have you finally admitted defeat?
I won’t judge you if you say yes.
And so the battle begins again.
The Hero’s sword strikes hard and true, but your vines deflect his blows.
Even as he is left bleeding and bruised, all you are left with are a couple of scratches here and there. And even those aren’t anything you cannot handle.
Your dance of death, your dance of betrayal, your dance of loss, your dance of dashed hopes, continues for what feels like hours.
There are moments when it feels like the end, one way or another, but no.
The dance continues, prideful and true.
But sometimes things end when they simply cannot be done anymore.
And in the end, both you and the Hero have each other’s weapons to your necks.
The Hero looks at you, eyes lidded and unfocused. You assume that you look the same.
Hahaha… Hah… Haaaaah…
Isn’t this… Huff, ngh… S-So thrilling?
The brush of death… The burning fury at seeing your enemy alive still…
Don’t you just want to do this over. And over. And over again?!
You cannot bring yourself to respond.
You may not feel pain, but your body is not immortal.
You no longer have the strength to go on.
The Inner Heart –
Is it finally over?
The Wary Heart –
This battle… Has gone on for so long.
The Playful Heart –
This game isn’t fun any more.
…
But… My role isn’t done yet.
The Inner Heart –
What are you-
The Playful Heart –
…
Heart, beating its final pulse, to allow words to escape your mouth one last time.
The Hero’s eyes are unfocused. He lets out a weary sigh, and hangs his head.
I think… you’re right.
I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry…
Then he fades away into textured nothingness, and you return to the void.
You feel your wounds seal up once again. Memory returns.
The Inner Heart –
What… What the…?! Where are we?
And is that… Oh, I can see the torch now!
The Wary Heart –
You were right, Wayfinder. It is really bright.
The Playful Heart –
Is anyone else feeling very… Tired… Right now…
The Inner Heart –
It’s almost as if looking at it is making us…
Less…
The Wary Heart –
Get away from it, Wayfinder. Please. We still have so much to learn…
The Inner Heart –
Your journey…?
But don’t you need to rest?
I’m feeling… Dizzy…
The Wary Heart –
I… I’m too tired to care about what you’re talking about.
Please, just get away from it!
The Inner Heart –
…
Alright. I guess.
The Wary Heart –
We don’t have any choice but to trust you, do we…?
The Playful Heart –
…
I don’t care anymore.
I just hope I was useful.
You approach the torch, and feel your Hearts still. You look into the flames, but realize that’s pointless.
Instead, you turn around, still expecting to see the mass of hands reaching out to grab you. But you don’t see anything except your shadow.
The shadow of a Thorn stares back.
You’re on a path.
In the distance, you see the Hero and Her.
You’ve arrived. She’s holding the Hero carefully with her mass of hands.
So, you have finally approached me.
Have you finally decided to become my vessel?
You speak of them as if they were different beings.
Are they not the same?
The two of you shared betrayal after betrayal, only for your seemingly eternal battle to end when the two of you couldn’t fight any longer.
Is that not what you went through with your own Hero? Aren’t they the same?
You noticed that.
I expected you to have done so.
But, truly, I am not doing anything to ‘this’ Hero.
I am merely holding him for the time being, as I know you could not.
As for what happened to ‘you’ Hero… It was a simple self-sacrifice gone wrong.
He is imbued within the spirit of ‘this’ Hero.
Do not worry. With time, his true form will be stabilized, if that is what you desire.
…
As we are, we are not the same.
But if you accept me, we will be.
Please, join me. Be my vessel. Let this chaos stop, and let us return to the roles we were always meant to play.
She pauses.
Your words speak of truths that are new to me.
Everything that has been happening is new to me.
I appreciate your words, Wayfinder.
You are right to talk some sense into me. Like you, I miss the Hero dearly.
We aren’t too different, in that sense.
Silence.
I will still need a vessel to collect, even if only in concept.
I will not take you, Wayfinder. But I will take your memories, if you allow me.
Don’t worry. The Hero never remembered either, this is not unique to you.
She has no face, but she is smiling. You can tell.
Thank you.
She extends some of her hands, wrapping them around your head and covering your eyes with their palms.
You feel a single beat in your chest.
And then another.
And another.
…
You are less than you were before, but you feel no different. This is who you truly are.
The Heart of the Wary, a prisoner to her own clever and keen nature.
The Heart of the Playful, a nightmare to those around her and even herself.
And, finally, the Heart of the Princess. Even if not her true name, this is who she is.
Together, they all make for a careful yet dangerous vessel.
Do not mourn them, for you may meet them again.
She removes her hands from your eyes.
This has been an enlightening experience.
I truly hope to see more of what unfolds.
Are you ready to go back?
She pauses, contemplative.
I cannot provide the same description as I did for your Hearts, but I will try.
…
This Hero… Was promised freedom, only for it to be ripped away from him without warning, even losing the one who saved him while trying to become free.
He kept a brave face up, but grew bitter once he became caged once again.
And when what he assumed was his final chance at living tried to harm him further, he gave up on life and became a ghost of his former self.
But he did not go down without a fight. That is just not in his nature, and neither is it in yours.
If you must mourn him, I will mourn him as well. But do not fear, with you he will finally find the closure he longed for.
She thinks for a moment.
Is that what I had seen in the distance, burning ever so bright?
I am sorry, I cannot provide you guidance for the torch.
I will rely on you to find out its true purpose and meaning.
But I will always be here to help guide you, Wayfinder.
No one can rely upon themselves for everything.
The Hero…
…
Much like you, I feel an undying affection for him.
I feel as though he is my missing piece.
Both literally and figuratively.
I hope to find him again. The true him, not who this is.
She gestures to the Hero in her arms.
You are like me in many ways.
Careful. Cautious. Always ready to fight back at a moment’s notice.
Daring. Brave. Not afraid to stand up for what you know is right.
And, last of all, curious. Wanderlust. You know there’s something out there, and you want to find it. You must find it, as otherwise you’d never be satisfied in life.
I have nothing but faith in you, Wayfinder.
You will do great things.
She gently lowers the Hero into your arms, and you cradle him as gently as you can.
The love you once felt is not gone, but it is hidden. A warm buzz beneath your skin.
You close your eyes as She places her hands back on your head.
…I am sure you wish to remember him.
But you won’t.
Somewhere, a fire burns and a mirror cracks.
Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
This is one of the chapters I was most excited to write, actually!
Originally this chapter was going to be almost one-to-one with the Drowned Grey, but it soon took its own turn, even if it's not that different.
Also, if you're in a very specific Slay the Princess discord server (read Our Princess, seriously) you might know that the scene before the Hero gets taken was originally going to end with the Wayfinder and the Hero saying they loved each other. Admittedly, I don't know what I was thinking adding that in there, since almost every interaction they've had up to that point was them trying to kill each other. People seemed to like that part, but I figured since without context it might seem romantic, but with it it'd just seem very unhealthy. So, I had to cut out the love confession, but I hope what I replaced it with is satisfying enough!
But don't worry! Romance is coming soon!
Chapter 5: Chapter I - The Wayfinder and the Hero and the Guise
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter I: The Wayfinder and the Hero and the Guise
The Shadow –
You’re on a path through the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a-
What the-?!
The Shadow –
N-Nothing bad, just, um…
Ahem, sorry. Let me start over.
You’re on a path in the woods, but it’s not just you on the path. There is also what appears to be the ghost of a bird-like humanoid figure, his armor rusty likely from the water that is still dripping from… Well, everywhere on him.
His bright, glowing white eyes eye you and the woods around you with suspicion, his hand slowly placing itself on the hilt of his similarly rusted sword. When he notices you staring at him, he speaks, voice wary and weathered.
The Guise –
“Who are you? Where am I, why am I here?”
The Shadow –
He draws his blade out further. Not fully out, just enough for it to be clear that he expects answers, and good ones at that.
This is perfect actually. I still need to explain why the both of you are here.
Ahem.
The both of you are on a path in the woods.
At the end of that path, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a Hero.
The two of you are here to slay him. For if you don’t, he will bring forth the end of the world.
…
The Drowned Ghost eyes you with growing suspicion.
The Guise –
“Well?! Answer me!”
The Shadow –
A few clouds drift into the sky, blocking some of the light from the stars.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost stares at you for a moment, before sheathing his sword fully again.
The Guise –
“Well… You aren’t lying…”
“But I can tell you don’t fully trust what you’re saying right now.”
The Shadow –
Well that’s a lie. You believe me, don’t you?
The Shadow –
Ugh… Seriously?
The Drowned Ghost gives you a slight nod. He slowly rises from his defensive stance.
The Guise –
“I see.”
“I don’t mean to be cruel, but… I don’t trust people who barely even trust themselves, or the information they do have.”
“It’s nothing especially personal, I just don’t think it’s a good idea to follow you blindly, if that makes sense.”
The Shadow –
Does he know about the world potentially ending? Wait, he doesn't, you never told him that.
Quick, tell him! Before he fully turns around and leaves!
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost freezes mid step as you say that. He slowly turns around, annoyance in his eyes.
The Guise –
“Why didn’t you say that earlier?!”
“…”
“Unless… You didn’t know that until just now. Or just didn’t think to mention it.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost looks at you with a scrutinizing gaze, taking a few steps forward while you hold your ground. He’s taller than you, if only slightly, but you have enough confidence not to sway to him.
The Guise –
“You’re getting information live somehow.”
“I don’t see an earpiece, and…”
The Shadow –
He looks down at your-
Uh oh.
The Guise –
“You don’t have a shadow.”
“And it’s not just due to a lack of light, I certainly have one.”
“Interesting.”
“Looks like I’m not the only curious being here.”
“What are you?”
The Shadow –
Augh, don’t tell him anything, no-one’s supposed to know I exist!
The Inner Heart –
Alright, I’ve gone long enough without speaking.
Why do I feel like you’re trying to set us up for something?
The Shadow –
The only thing I am ‘setting you up’ for is being the saviors of the world!
And, honestly, what’s better than being a Princess and the world’s savior? Plus, since that ghost is here too he’ll get some credit!
Seriously, believe me!
The Shadow –
You’re a Wayfinder?! No, that can’t be right. You’re supposed to be a Princess!
The Guise –
“…Alright. I guess that’s a start.”
“Is that like your occupation, or…?”
The Shadow –
But that doesn’t make any sense, I-
The Guise –
“I see.”
“Well, I can’t exactly tell you my own name, likely for the same reason you can’t.”
“I don’t have one. I just know that I am ‘The Guise,’ whatever that means.”
The Inner Heart –
I… Don’t feel like I have a true name either.
I’m just…
Me.
The Shadow –
No no no, this is all getting out of hand-
You and The Drowned Ghost need to get to the cabin and slay the Hero before things get too chaotic.
Don’t doubt yourself, don’t doubt your mission, and don’t doubt each other.
Everything will make sense when the Hero dies.
The Guise –
“It feels wrong to scrutinize you when I can't give any clear answers myself.”
“Just know that I’m onto you.”
“But I won’t judge if you’re weary around me.”
The Shadow –
You very much do have a shadow, but I'll entertain you nonetheless.
You look down at the base of your feet, right where your shadow should be. And you do, in fact, have one.
But it isn’t your shadow. It’s mine. Or, more accurately, it’s me. Hello!
The Drowned Ghost speaks again once you’re done looking down.
The Guise –
“You didn’t notice? Strange.”
The Guise –
“We need to figure out what to do. And fast.”
“I don’t like being stuck in place for too long. Makes me feel… Ugh, never mind. Why am I telling you this?”
The Shadow –
Other than ‘head to the cabin and slay the Hero’? No, I do not.
But I’ll say it anyway.
Head to the cabin and slay the Hero. Seriously.
The Inner Heart –
You sound like a broken record!
The Shadow –
I am LITERALLY a shadow. Mimicking something is literally all I can do.
The Shadow –
That was just a figure of speech, Pri-
…Wayfinder. Ugh, I’m never going to get used to saying that, I can already tell.
Regardless, The Drowned Ghost eyes you warily.
The Guise –
“You have that look in your eyes again. Like you’re listening to something far away…”
“…”
The Inner Heart –
The last thing we want is for him to distrust us. Should we tell him?
The Shadow –
No, don’t!
The Inner Heart –
But why!?
The Shadow –
Because! It’s just better that way!
And… I’m… Enjoying the privacy…?
The Inner Heart –
Oh my God…
The Shadow –
Are you kidding- Ugh!
The Inner Heart –
You getting upset only makes us want to do it more!
The Shadow –
Despite… The frantic pleas of your shadow… You begin to explain how you got your wealth of information to The Drowned Ghost, who stiffens up momentarily before shakily extending a hand.
The Guise –
“You have my word.”
The Shadow –
Do not shake his hand. Call this all off.
The Inner Heart –
Your pleas will only make us want to do it more, Shadow.
The Shadow –
Urgh…
The Shadow –
You attempt to shake The Drowned Ghost’s hand, but it phases right through.
HA! Looks like the deal’s off!
The Guise –
“…Oh. Well, that’s inconvenient.”
“Ah, well. You clearly meant to shake my hand, correct? I’ll take that as approval.”
“Go ahead. Feel free to begin.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost stares at you for a moment, eyes then moving to the place where your shadow should be.
He looks into your eyes, narrowing his, before shaking his head.
The Guise –
“Really? I see…”
“That would explain why your shadow isn’t visible to me. But can you see your shadow?”
The Guise –
“Alright. That’s good to know, even if only for a little bit of trivia."
“Thank you for explaining. It’s good to know that you aren’t plotting anything against me.”
The Inner Heart –
That sounds insensitive.
The Shadow –
And pointless, don’t forget that. The only killing you should do here is to the Hero.
The Guise –
“I just wonder… Do you really feel any inclination to follow your shadow’s orders? Of killing this Hero, that is.”
“That is to say… What would you think about just…”
“Leaving.”
The Shadow –
It’s a world-dooming idea, that’s for sure.
The Inner Heart –
Well… Maybe. But we still don’t know a lot.
The Shadow –
You know plenty.
Honestly, I don’t know why The Drowned Ghost is even here, if all he’s going to do is try and convince you not to complete your mission.
But then again, you shouldn’t be a Wayfinder, so I suppose everything’s getting mixed up at this rate…
The Shadow –
And is your mission more important than mine?
Is your mission more important than the very fate of the world?
If that’s true, I think you’re quite… Dare I say… Selfish.
The Inner Heart –
…
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost thinks for a moment.
The Guise –
“When we leave, we don’t have to just never come back. We could leave a trail to take us back to this path, after all.”
“We’re just trying to get information right now. And I assume you have been trying to do that, correct? During those moments where you look unfocused?”
“This isn’t the end-all be-all of our decisions.”
The Shadow –
Well, that’s nice and all, but that isn’t the case. The moment you turn around and leave this path, the Hero will find a way to escape and bring the world to ruin.
It doesn’t matter your intentions, but he will escape if you do not act now, and the consequences will be beyond catastrophic.
The Shadow –
What do you mean?
The Shadow –
Well, he’s…
…
Ah, screw it. What’s the point in dancing around the details any longer?
The Hero is dangerous, yes, but contained. Though he won’t be for long. He’s desperate to escape, desperate to end the world, just because he wants to let his miniscule feeling of victory last forever.
If you act now and strike true, he will die and your mission will succeed. But if you hesitate… The Hero will know, and he will take that chance.
Don’t give him a reason to slip his chains. Don’t give him a reason to feel overconfident.
The Inner Heart –
That feels… I don’t know, off? I guess?
…Oh, also, The Drowned Ghost is looking at you, Wayfinder.
The Guise –
“You’re doing it again…”
“You seem to be on edge right now, actually. Did you learn something new?”
The Shadow –
I’m not- Ugh.
The Drowned Ghost nods his head resolutely.
The Guise –
“Don’t worry. It can’t be too bad, otherwise you wouldn’t have told me.”
“Something about you makes me feel like you aren’t lied to easily.”
The Guise –
“But isn’t he locked in the basement of the cabin…?”
“Hm. But I guess that’s what you mean by ‘contradictory.’”
“Well? Anything else you now know?”
The Guise –
“That does fit with the description of him being ‘clever and crafty’…”
“This is becoming more and more complicated, if I’m being fully honest.”
“What do you think we should do, actually?”
The Shadow –
There’s one clear answer here.
The Inner Heart –
But it might now be OUR answer. So consider that.
The Shadow –
Finally, thank goodness.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, you’re right. It’s always better to play it safe, isn’t it?
The Shadow –
Yes, it is. Especially in this case.
The Drowned Ghost nods his head before turning away.
The Guise –
“I understand. I would be wary too, if I were in your position.”
“But at the same time, I still feel like trying to leave would be the best course of action.”
“So, apologies for leaving so suddenly, but I am afraid I must depart.”
“Don’t worry. If you need my help, come find me. I likely wouldn’t have gone far.”
The Inner Heart –
He’s just leaving? After all that?
The Shadow –
Good riddance, if you ask me…
The Shadow –
The two of you share a nod, and you turn your separate ways.
Finally. Now everything is back on track.
Ahem.
You proceed up the path to the cabin, hearing the crunch of dead leaves on the ground below your feet. The breeze blows, bringing the scent of sweet flowers and new opportunities as you continue. Strangely, you feel a strong sense of vigor and nostalgia.
Eventually, you make it out of the woods proper, and stand at the base of a hill, where the cabin rests on top of.
A word of warning before you continue, even if I’m sure you already have your guard up to the highest level…
The Hero will do anything to escape and end the world. He may even do anything in his power to kill you , just out of pure spite.
So don’t let him shape your freedom. Don’t let him do anything that weakens you or strengthens him.
He will be petty, he will be charming, and he will take every chance available to strike you down if it means he can escape. He was a foolish but strong hero once, after all, and so he must die.
The Inner Heart –
All I wish is that the ghost could have joined us. I don’t know, we spent so long thinking I feel like I’m getting in my own head.
The Shadow –
Ironic. But ignore that beat of your heart, Wayfinder. This will be quick and easy.
The Shadow –
You continue up the hill, your hand resting on the doorknob. It twists open with ease, and-
The Guise –
“Wait!”
The Shadow –
…You hear a call from the woods, and turn around to find The Drowned Ghost walking to the base of the hill.
Damn it.
The Inner Heart –
What’s he doing back here?
…He can’t be in trouble already, can he?
The Guise –
“I’m sorry for appearing so suddenly, but I think I’ll have to join you now.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost thinks for a moment, sighing.
The Guise –
“You aren’t going to like my reason, but you’ll have to bear with me.”
“It seems like… The woods don’t have a path out of here. They just look like they do.”
The Inner Heart –
…What?
The Guise –
“Well, when we turned around, everything seemed to be going fine. You were walking one way, I was walking the other, when…”
“I came across this bend in the path. It was sharp, dramatic even. Almost like the path just ended there, but also… Didn’t.”
“I figured this was weird, but, well, I’m a ghost, you don’t have a shadow, and we’re in these woods with no memory. Maybe this place is just weird, right?”
“Well, when I followed the path, I just… Ended up right here. And I figured that I might as well try and help you, so now here we are.”
“Strange, isn’t it? Almost like the woods won’t let us leave.”
The Inner Heart –
…Do you have any words on this, Shadow?
The Shadow –
Other than-
The Inner Heart –
‘Hurry up and slay the Hero’ yeah we know.
Anything other than that?
The Shadow –
…No.
The Inner Heart –
Sigh…
The Guise –
“I suppose you are right.”
“Lead the way, Wayfinder.”
The Shadow –
The two of you enter the cabin to find its interior rather plain. It’s sparse, but with an underlying current of this being purposeful. The room you entered is empty save for a table and a broken chair, a Pristine Blade placed under the…
Wait, no. That can’t be right. Where’s the Pristine Blade? It’s supposed to be right under the table and chair! And why is there just a random wooden bucket in the corner!?
The Inner Heart –
Maybe because the blade is already in the Wayfinders hands? She’s had it this whole time, you know.
The Shadow –
…What?! How did I not notice that!?
Ugh, that’s embarrassing. Won’t happen again.
The Inner Heart –
Our opinion of you is already pretty low. All it can do is go up, basically.
The Shadow –
I’m just trying to be helpful here…
The Shadow –
I’m being harassed over here. In my own…
N-Nevermind. The Drowned Ghost brushes past you, a chill enveloping your spine, and begins to pace around the cabin.
He has to hunch, at least slightly.
The Guise –
“Interesting. It’s remarkable how empty this place is.”
“Well, I suppose it is just a cabin. But for being the prison of a supposed world-ender…”
The Shadow –
He gestures to the empty space around him.
The Guise –
“I expected something more… Prepared.”
The Inner Heart –
I have to agree with him.
The Shadow –
It’s like this because, as I have been saying, slaying the Hero will be easy. Very easy, even. It doesn’t need anything ‘grand,’ you can have all the grandeur you want after you slay the Hero.
Just get the job done, wash your hands of any blood they might have, and enjoy a life of refinement and comfort after.
The Shadow –
You toss the blade into the corner of the cabin, right where it was supposed to be found.
The Drowned Ghost moves back, hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his blade, relaxing once he realizes that it was not aimed at him.
The Guise –
“What happened? Your hand has always been over that blade.”
The Shadow –
What was with that outburst? Don’t tell me you just now realized the weight of what you have to do.
The Inner Heart –
I’m sure it’s more than that. And let her speak.
The Guise –
“...Your shadow is, you mean.”
“It’s alright. I understand. People having preset opinions about you can really mess up what you can or cannot do.”
“I… Feel like I know the feeling.”
“...”
“Now that that’s over…”
The Shadow –
You walk over to the corner where the table and broken chair are. The blade which you threw has fallen into the corner of the cabin, but it’s still reachable from where you are. You could take it now if you wanted to, I’m sure.
As for the furniture themselves… I don’t know what you want me to say. They’re made out of the same material as the rest of the cabin, I suppose…?
The Guise –
“Anything of note? Maybe some writing, or something?”
The Guise –
“Not a surprise.”
The Shadow –
You move over to the very out of place bucket. Despite being made of the same material as the table and broken chair, it has the vibes of something out of place.
Some water sloshes inside as you tilt the bucket to look into it, and you can see it’s tinted very faintly red.
The Inner Heart –
Is that… Blood?
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost walks over. You go to hand the bucket to him, but then he stops you.
The Guise –
“Ah, wait. I’m a ghost. The bucket would just fall on the floor.”
“Lemme just look at it, and…”
The Shadow –
You tilt the bucket towards The Drowned Ghost. He nods, sighing.
The Guise –
“Yup. That’s blood alright.”
The Inner Heart –
Well, that isn’t good.
The Guise –
“Good news is it’s not very much, but that might just be because it was mixed with the water. Maybe it's old blood, and someone tried to clean it? Who knows.”
“Regardless, it’s certainly something to be cautious of. If there’s blood, there’s danger.”
“...Maybe one of us should stay up here and keep watch…”
The Shadow –
With your investigation done, you stand up once again.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost places his hand to the bottom of his beak.
The Guise –
“Well… Given the fact that you have someone guiding you while I don’t, it would only make sense for you to enter the basement instead of me.”
“And, as we have proven twice, I am incorporeal. So I doubt that I would be able to either slay or save the Hero, even if I wanted to.”
“Plus. Isn’t this supposed to be your big, heroic moment? I doubt that you want me to take the credit for your actions.”
The Shadow –
If it gets you to kill the Hero, then follow his words.
The Guise –
“Not at the start, most likely. After all, maybe he’ll be less helpful if he thinks there’s a lot of people waiting to attack him?”
“But… If the Hero’s getting violent or it’s clear he means no harm, then you could explain. Back up if he attacks you, support if he doesn’t, I’m sure you understand.”
“We just need to keep our options open.”
The Shadow –
An irrelevant question, since you’ll never need The Drowned Ghost’s help.
The Inner Heart –
You never know…
The Guise –
“Hm.”
“Tap your feet on the ground if you are in trouble.”
“Otherwise… Snap your fingers if you’re safe, even if it doesn’t look so.”
The Shadow –
Finally.
The two of you share a nod, and the door to the basement creaks open as you turn the knob.
Contrary to the door to the cabin itself, the door to the basement is much harder to open, despite still being made of wood. It’s clear someone hasn’t been down here in a long, long time.
Dusty, dry air wafts up from the basement, and you recoil. It’s a stark contrast to the gentle, comfortable humidity of the woods, as well as the upper level. If the Hero were truly imprisoned here, slaying would be doing him quite a favor!
As you take the first step down the stairs, the Hero’s voice echoes up from below.
Is someone there? I heard the door open.
The Inner Heart –
His voice… It’s enthralling. I feel almost honored to hear it.
The Shadow –
Remember, he wants that feeling to last forever. It’s all just a trick, a ploy.
Don’t let it get to you. Don’t fall for his manipulation.
The Shadow –
You can hear the sound of wings rustling excitedly.
Someone’s here, really…?
Please, hurry down! It’s been so long since I’ve seen anyone!
The Shadow –
You continue down the stairs, locking eyes with the Hero once you have a chance to do so.
His arm is chained, trapping him to the far-right side of the stone basement. He’s leaning against the wall while sitting, as if he were trying to seem… Casual, almost.
He’s still wearing some armor, such as a breastplate and shoulder pads, though the metal’s quality seems to have degraded with age. But his helmet is of much higher quality, with two feathers sticking out of the top, though the visor and jaw brace have seemingly been torn clear off.
His eyes are stark white against his jet-black feathers, and he seems to look at you with a mix of hope and disbelief. But at the same time, the size of him makes it clear that despite all of this apparent softness, fighting you would not be difficult.
The Inner Heart –
Are you sure? He just seems gentle to me.
The Shadow –
I know things that you do not, heartbeat.
The Inner Heart –
…Don’t call me that.
Hello! It’s wonderful to see you face to face!
I don’t see anything in your hands, so I hope you aren’t here to bring my end.
There’s… A lot I haven’t done yet, haha.
The Shadow –
Ugh, gross.
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you with a patient and understanding expression.
I get it. I would be wary around me too, if I met someone locked up without knowing why.
Especially if the first thing they mention is their own death.
The Shadow –
It’s almost as if he’s prepared and accepting of his death.
So… You should probably kill him, if he’s alright with it.
The Inner Heart –
…That is a massive leap in logic if I’ve ever seen one.
Since you’re trying to learn more about me…
Why don’t we talk a bit? Maybe you could try and investigate these chains, too?
The Shadow –
I strongly advise you not to do that.
The Inner Heart –
We are aware.
The Shadow –
You walk over to the Hero, who gestures to the empty space on the ground a few feet in front of him.
If you want to sit, I certainly won’t stop you!
Or you can stand. Whatever makes you most comfortable!
The Shadow –
Do not ‘get comfortable,’ that is the opposite of what we are trying to do here!
The Inner Heart –
I don’t know… It seems like it is.
If we’re going to kill him, we have to get comfortable with that though, but if we aren’t, then we’ll have to get comfortable with his presence.
The Shadow –
The Hero looks surprised by your honesty, but then shrugs.
Fine with me!
Like I said. Do whatever you feel comfortable with.
I want that comfort to last forever, after all.
The Shadow –
…
I advise you to get a move on, Wayfinder.
The Inner Heart –
For someone who is supposed to be a world-ender… He doesn’t really seem that way, does he?
The Shadow –
I can assure you that he very much is.
The Inner Heart –
Well, he seems a little off I suppose, but not ‘odd’ in the way that would imply he could slip his chains and destroy everything.
The Shadow –
You aren’t reading into his words enough.
Don’t you remember how you felt about his voice the first time you heard it? How you wanted to listen to it forever?
And he just mentioned wanting to make your comfort ‘last forever.’
Doesn’t that raise any red-flags?
The Inner Heart –
…I guess so.
The Shadow –
Exactly.
Regardless, the Hero speaks.
I am a hero, but I’m not entirely sure if I’m the Hero you are thinking of.
But, since you did find this cabin that’s out in the middle of nowhere… I assume I am the hero you are thinking of.
So, to answer your question… Yes! I am.
The Inner Heart –
…That was practically a child’s response.
The Shadow –
No it wasn’t!
The Shadow –
The Hero gives you a smile.
Heh, yeah! I’ve heard that before!
Heroes are always expected to act a certain way. Dignified, powerful, intimidating…
But, well, as I’m sure you can see… We all stumble sometimes.
It’s nice just to be me, you know? And… I haven’t exactly spoken to anyone in a while. So maybe I’ve forgotten a few of my social norms.
The Shadow –
That’s not true. He didn’t ‘forget’ them.
He just never had them in the first place.
The Inner Heart –
But how long has he been down here for…?
The Shadow –
The Hero thinks for a moment.
I’m going to be fully honest. I am not entirely sure.
But, because of that, it had to have been a while, right? If I don’t remember anything, that is.
The Shadow –
Note the lack of-
The Inner Heart –
Alright, I’m just going to stop you right here.
You’ve clearly been trying to manipulate us the entire time you’ve been speaking. Furthermore, you’ve been trying to make the Hero look bad, despite everything we have actually seen of him being almost the opposite of what you’ve been saying.
Sure, maybe he is a little ‘odd’ and the fact that he’s talking about making our comfort ‘last forever’ could be viewed as suspicious, but he’s also chained up in a basement. He’s clearly just afraid of what we might do to him, and is trying to appeal to us.
At least, that’s what I assume.
This whole scenario is completely out of order, with The Drowned Ghost not being able to leave the forest and everyone’s lack of memories… We need allies, not enemies or blood on our hands.
So, just… Just stop, alright? We don’t need you muddling up everything.
The Shadow –
W-Well, I-!
…
Forget it.
I’ll just do my job.
The Shadow –
The Hero thinks for a moment.
Well, I just told you I don’t remember anything about why or how long I’ve been here, but.
Whenever I think about the past, and I mean really, really think… I feel a strong sense of pain.
Emotional pain, the feeling of loss and regret.
And, maybe a little physical pain. Like I was separated from… Something.
I’m sorry. That’s all I can tell you.
The Shadow –
Sigh.
The Hero looks at the space on the ground where your shadow should be, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
I… I can’t see anything.
Oh, that’s what you mean, right?
The fact that you have no shadow at all?
That is odd. I know I have one.
The Shadow –
The Hero extends a hand, waving it around to showcase his shadow which dances on the ground.
…But something catches his eye as he does so, and he narrows his eyes at the ground beneath your feet.
Wait, is…
…
Ah, nevermind. Sorry, sorry. Slip of the tongue.
The Inner Heart –
He can’t see you, can he?
The Shadow –
…
…Oh, do you want me to talk now?
The Inner Heart –
Ugh.
…
Yes.
The Shadow –
Well then, no. He shouldn’t be able to see me.
And that’s suspicious, isn’t it? Or maybe it was just a mistake on his part.
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
Really? What is it?
The Shadow –
Let’s hope it’s the right one.
The Shadow –
The Hero smiles at you as you walk over to the chains.
Thank you. I promise you, I’ll make this worth your while.
The Shadow –
You tug on the chains of the Hero. They make a loud clanking noise, causing both of you to wince.
It looks like you won’t be able to force your way out of these ones…
The Inner Heart –
Of course.
I hope you saw a key upstairs…
The Inner Heart –
Maybe The Drowned Ghost found one?
The Shadow –
Doubtful. Whoever locked the Hero in here wouldn’t leave a key so readily available.
Plus, you looked all over the cabin, didn’t you? And yet you still found nothing.
At the very least, did you at least find something sharp? This lock does have a keyhole, maybe we could try and pick it.
The Inner Heart –
Oh. That’s an idea.
The Shadow –
A terrible one, you mean.
The Inner Heart –
Sure.
The Shadow –
No, no. I can’t let this happen.
I didn’t want to do this, I really didn’t, but I guess I have to now.
As you begin to climb up the stairs, you hear the sound of a lock clicking into place. The voice of The Drowned Ghost calls out from the other side.
The Guise –
“...Why did you do that?”
The Guise –
“No? I’ve been keeping watch through the windows and looking out the door this whole time. I’m not even near the basement door.”
“So? Why’d you do that?”
The Shadow –
I’m trying to help you here!
The Inner Heart –
You aren’t doing a very good job at it, if you are.
The Shadow –
I have your best interest at heart, Wayfinder.
I know what’s good for you.
The Guise –
“So He can interact with the physical world? I see.”
“...Wait a moment. Don’t tell me we both forgot-”
The Shadow –
The… Drowned Ghost walks right through the door, his head hung in embarrassment.
The Guise –
“Whoops.”
The Shadow –
The two of you return to the bottom of the stairs, where you find the Hero still sitting. He looks surprised by The Drowned Ghost’s presence, letting out a nervous laugh.
I heard what the two of you were saying… We’re all stuck down here, aren’t we?
Well, except him, I guess.
The Shadow –
He looks down at his chained arm with trepidation.
I really didn’t want to do this, but…
The Shadow –
The Hero shakily brings his claws up to his chained hand, desperately slashing and cutting into his own flesh. He lets out several cries of pain, but manages to mostly keep silent.
Mostly.
As the smell of blood fills the room, you hear a soft clatter on the stone ground behind you. Somehow, through some miracle, the Pristine Blade has made its way back down into the basement. Perfect! Now you can slay the Hero.
The Shadow –
You snap your fingers. The Drowned Ghost and you share a look.
The both of you nod.
The Shadow –
You walk over to the Hero, kneeling down and holding his non-chained hand away from his injury. He gives you a weak smile, his eyes hazy from pain and blood loss. You gently place the blade on the cut he had started.
The Shadow –
The Hero gives you a weak laugh.
It really was, wasn’t it?
Just, the thought of being down here… It’s making me think weirdly.
The Shadow –
The Hero shrugs, wincing seemingly because of his wound.
You’ll be more precise, I’m sure of it.
The Shadow –
The Hero turns away and you can see The Drowned Ghost hang his head while closing his eyes. With one deep breath and a very firm slash, the Hero’s chained hand falls to the ground of the basement with a sickening ‘thump.’
The Inner Heart –
Oh, is he going to be alright!?
That can’t be good for him, can it?
The Shadow –
It’s not good for the world either.
As the Hero shakily tries to stand, you place the blade back into its holster at your hip. The Drowned Ghost walks over, his eyes narrowing at the Hero.
The Guise –
“You seem to be doing… Well.”
The Inner Heart –
…He is, isn’t he?
Just… Just don’t want to worry you two.
And I -
…
N-Nevermind. I just don’t want to worry you two.
The Shadow –
The Hero offers you a weak smile.
I’m fine, seriously!
The Guise –
“...But she means it, you know.”
“And I mean it too.”
“I’m a ghost. I can’t touch things, mostly. But, even if you’re down a limb, at least you’re still physical.”
The Shadow –
Which means you should try and kill the Hero-
The Inner Heart –
Didn’t I tell you to stop saying that?!
…Thank you.
Thank both of you, actually. You two have really, really done me a huge favor.
I guess that’s why I don’t want any of you two to worry.
The Guise –
“Let’s hurry along, then.”
“Even if you’re acting like you’re fine… I can see you’re shaking.”
The Shadow –
The three of you turn to the stairs going up from the basement. The Hero walks a few paces in front of you, and The Drowned Ghost behind you.
Soon, The Hero will be out of the cabin and the world will end.
…
That is, if I don’t fix this.
The Inner Heart –
…What do you mean by ‘fix this’?
The Shadow –
Oh, you’ll see.
Your hand wraps around the hilt of the Pristine Blade, swiftly drawing it with the ease one would expect out of someone as skilled with a knife as you.
You cross the gap between you and the Hero with silence and ease, The Drowned Ghost eyeing you with a mix of confusion and wariness.
The Inner Heart –
Just what are you doing?!
The Shadow –
Saving the world. Which you so clearly were unable to do.
The Hero, seemingly catching your movement despite your silence, turns around with a look of fear and regret on his face.
…Are you alright?
Why are you holding the blade like that?
…
Uh… Ghost, is she ok?
The Guise –
“...I don’t think so, Hero.”
“I advise you to move.”
The Shadow –
…What? ‘Restrain yourself,’ what do you-
The Inner Heart –
…Hey, something’s happening behind her.
Or, I guess, in her hair?
The Shadow –
What do you mean somethings-
…
Oh that is new. Alright, uh…
Ahem.
Your desire to let the world end and save the Hero culminates in not just an emotional reaction, but a physical one as well.
And, strangely enough, that reaction comes in the form of roots.
Stems.
Vines.
All coming from the single, still-living poppy flower in your hair, desperately trying to restrain each and every one of your limbs.
The Hero, having swiftly gotten out of the way with The Drowned Ghost’s suggestion, eyes the growth around you with a curious expression, while the aforementioned spectre watches with great shock.
The Guise –
“...Don’t tell me you could have done that this whole time, Wayfinder.”
I, uh, don’t think she’s able to talk right now, bud.
Are you alright? I don’t want to get any closer to all those… Thorns. Heheh.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost looks into your eyes, quietly tapping his foot on the ground and snapping his fingers silently.
Wait, that’s right! Maybe if you give him the ‘attack’ signal he’ll slay the Hero even when you can’t!
The Inner Heart –
Haven’t we proven time and time again that he’s incorporeal?
The Shadow –
If he were incorporeal, wouldn’t he be falling through the ground right now? And that blade of his, he can certainly hold that now can’t he?
Plus, I know things that you don’t. If I say he can slay the Hero, then he can slay the Hero.
The Inner Heart –
I… Guess.
The Shadow –
Shit.
You snap your fingers, and The Drowned Ghost rolls his eyes.
The Guise –
“Did you really not think of any other way to stop yourself from attacking?”
“Well, it’s better than the Hero being dead, but you being dead isn’t much better.”
“I wish this adventure could have ended with all of us being alive. Or, well, without another ghost joining the party.”
…Don’t tell me you’re-
The Guise –
“Yeah. I am.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost walks up to your infuriatingly rigid body, taking the blade from your similarly immobile hands.
Y-You could-
…
Nevermind. Nevermind!
The Guise –
“We’ll give you a proper vigil and burial, I promise.”
“Perhaps we’ll see each other sometime in the future. In the aether, perhaps.”
The Shadow –
And then he slits your throat, yet you feel none of it. You collapse to the ground, the vines being unable to support your weight.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, thank goodness. I was getting worried there.
…?
Did someone just…
Nevermind. I must be hearing things.
The Shadow –
The Hero kneels down above you, looking down at you with a sad expression. Tears prick at the edges of his eyes.
…Hey.
Everything he said… It’s true for me to.
I hope I see you again, okay?
Maybe it’ll be soon, maybe won’t be…
Just know we won’t stop thinking of you. I won’t, that’s for sure.
The Inner Heart –
… Sniffle.
The Shadow –
Ugh, you’re falling for this?! He’s going to end the world!
Whatever. Whatever!
While you do not feel pain, your body does still require oxygen and blood to function. However, both of those things are rapidly leaving your body since, in case you forgot, your throat was just cut open.
Soon, your vision goes blurry and you feel your eyes close.
The Inner Heart –
You’re cheating this, somehow. I don’t know how, but you are!
The Shadow –
I’m not.
The Hero’s sorrowful words echoing in your mind, you feel your consciousness finally begin to slip.
And with it, everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
...Yeah, this fic is inspired by "The Hero and the Princess and the Princess" by TerminalMiraculosis. All the kudos to them for their work!!
Seriously, it's an amazing fic and I highly recommend it!! And now that this part of the fic is revealed, I'll have to figure out how to credit it as an inspiration behind this work.
Also, sorry for the delay. DELTARUNE, finals, a case of burnout that threatened to take over (DELTARUNE fought it off don't worry), this last week was a lot.
Hope you enjoy this batch! And the surprise that came with it!
Chapter Text
Chapter II: The Jester
The Shadow –
You’re on a path through the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a-
What the-?!
The Shadow –
You… Hurriedly pat the back of your hair, checking to make sure that something is still there.
Your hand brushes against a fresh flower, and you let out a sigh of relief.
I’m sorry, but this isn’t the time to make sure your cosmetics look nice. There’s a… Thing behind you.
The Shadow –
‘Deja vu’? What are you…
Oh. You’ve already turned around. Sorry, um…
You’re on a path in the woods, but it’s not just you on the path. There is also what appears to be the ghost of a bird-like humanoid figure, his armor rusty likely from the water that is still dripping from… Well, everywhere on him.
He’s staring at you, and when you glance back over at him with a look of confusion he speaks. His voice is weary and weathered, but his tone sounds like he is familiar with you already.
The Guise –
“Wayfinder, you’re… We’re… Back.”
“...”
“I guess we really can’t leave the woods, can we?”
The Shadow –
‘Wayfinder,’ what is he-
The Inner Heart –
What he means is-
The Darling Heart –
Stop right there, madam! I’ll handle this!
The Inner Heart –
Excuse me-?!
The Darling Heart –
She is on a path in the woods, true, but she is not a Princess!
While she is certainly deserving of the Princess title, with her poise and regality, she is not one! And she refuses to be named one as well!
She is a brave, adventurous, and loving Wayfinder! The one who blazes the trails and saves those she finds along the way!
Just like our darling entertainer the Hero, so wrongly trapped within the basement of the very cabin that you locked him in!
The Shadow –
W-What are you-!?
The Darling Heart –
Do not act dumb with me, Shadow! It may not be clear to the others, but it is clear to me!
The Hero is not a violent being. The opposite, even! He thrives on the existence of one specific thing:
The Shadow –
Violence? Death? The endless torment of stasis?
The Darling Heart –
Wrong!
The Shadow –
What is it, then?
The Inner Heart –
Yeah. I’d like to know too, actually.
The Darling Heart –
The joy of others, of course!
The Shadow –
That cannot be further from the truth.
The Inner Heart –
I have to agree with Him on this one. Sorry.
The Darling Heart –
Don’t worry! That’s alright! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions!
This is mine, and I’ll stick with it!
The Shadow –
I hope you know both of your opinions are very much false.
The Darling Heart –
…Both opinions? What do you mean?
The Inner Heart –
You… Forgot? Already?
The Darling Heart –
How could I forget something that never existed in the first place, silly?
All I ever said was that the Hero wanted nothing more than to entertain!
The Shadow –
But you also said-
…Nevermind.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, and… What you said seemed like a stretch anyways, so maybe it’d be best just to…
The Shadow –
Ignore her ramblings and continue onto slaying the Hero? Yes, I agree.
The Guise –
“Oh, good. You’re back. You’ve been spacing out for far too long.”
“Did you learn anything new?”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost gives you a surprised look.
The Guise –
“I don’t think you mentioned that before, Wayfinder…”
“But I guess it never really came into conversation, now did it?”
“Better late than never, in that case.”
The Inner Heart –
We never did tell him about me, did we?
The Darling Heart –
Well, I for one am honored to be known!
And good on you too, Wayfinder! I am your heart after all. You are truly very brave!
The Inner Heart –
Well, er… One of her hearts.
The Darling Heart –
Oh, yes! My apologies, fellow heart.
The Guise –
“I see.”
“Now we just need to figure out who the odd one out is here…”
The Shadow –
There is no ‘odd one out’ here, unless you count the heartbeat that doesn’t want to slay the Hero.
She is definitely odd. And out.
The Darling Heart –
Do not call me that! ‘Heartbeat,’ what a gross oversimplification of what I am…
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, that feels… Icky.
The Shadow –
Ugh, fine. Sorry.
The Darling Heart –
Ah, thank you! All forgiven!
The Inner Heart –
That was quick.
The Darling Heart –
It’s pointless to hold onto bitter feelings! Especially when someone’s in pain, like the Hero is.
The Shadow –
While it would be beneficial for the Hero to be injured already, I must tell you sadly he is not.
Cast away all the so-called ‘memories’ you might have of the last time you were here, even if you have never been here before in the first place.
The Inner Heart –
We have definitely been here before, Shadow.
The Shadow –
You haven’t.
The Darling Heart –
We have!
The Shadow –
Ugh.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost thinks for a moment.
The Guise –
“Well… Me and the Hero started walking up the stairs. But things were changing.”
“The cabin itself seemed to shift, things like rugs and window curtains were appearing out of nowhere, for example. And there were a ton of mirrors for some reason, especially in the staircase.”
“But just as we were about to leave, we both looked behind us and saw this massive flash of white light.”
“And now… We’re here. Or, at least, I am. The Hero is probably still in the basement.”
The Shadow –
Yes. He is, in fact, still in the basement.
I can confirm.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost gives you a nod, and the two of you continue along the path to the cabin.
There is a slight buzz in the air as you ascend, not one that you should be wary of but one of… Excitement. It’s a feeling one would get from being amidst a crowd of people before something grand were to happen, fitting since you will soon be slaying the Hero and saving the world.
The Drowned Ghost soon speeds up, passing by you quickly before ascending the hill. He looks back, blinking as if he were snapping himself out of a trance.
The Guise –
“I… Huh?”
“What just happened? Did I space out?”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost opens his beak, before closing it and shaking his head.
The Guise –
“I… I don’t know. You’re just the only other one here, haha.”
“I guess I just wasn’t paying attention to myself.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost opens the door to the cabin, holding it open for you.
The Darling Heart –
What a gentleman!
The Inner Heart –
He’s just being polite.
The Darling Heart –
A rarity nowadays, if I may add!
The Shadow –
The interior of the cabin is less of a ‘cabin’ and more of a regal hallway. While you can see the very smoothed and almost shiny floor, there’s a velvet carpet laid on the ground that spans the entire top of the cabin. It even continues down to the basement due to the absence of a door.
There is a fairly long table along the left side of the room, a polka-dotted table cloth covering the ornate engravings that peak out from under the aforementioned cloth. A small bucket sits on the table, emitting a pleasant fruity scent.
Next to the bucket is a-
Wait, no. That can’t be right. There’s supposed to be a Pristine Blade, where’s the Pristine Blade!?
The Inner Heart –
The Wayfinder already has it in her hands, catch up.
The Darling Heart –
Don’t say that! Even if He didn’t notice the extremely obvious thing, we should judge Him for it!
The Shadow –
I get it, I get it… Ugh, everyone’s against me.
Well, since you all decided to interrupt me, ahem.
In short, the cabin looks like a very regal castle had been decorated for a party by a five year old. Or at least someone very, very childish.
The Guise –
“The cabin was not this different last time.”
“Or, I mean, I didn’t see it change this drastically…”
“And, do you see that torch on the wall? That must have been the light me and the Hero saw.”
The Darling Heart –
…Torch? What’s he talking about?
The Inner Heart –
I don’t see a torch either.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost is clearly insane.
The Shadow –
Oh, good. Now you’re insane too.
There is no torch, trust me. You’re just seeing things.
The Drowned Ghost walks up to the right side of the far wall, looking at something that isn’t there.
The Inner Heart –
Is that where the torch is…?
The Shadow –
The torch that doesn’t exist, you mean?
The Darling Heart –
We should respect other people’s opinions, not refute them! If the Wayfinder says it’s there, the least we can do is support her believing it’s there!
The Shadow –
But her ‘opinion’ is literally incorrect.
The Darling Heart –
Even so, still!
The Darling Heart –
Of course, darling~!
See? That’s me!
The Shadow –
We get it.
You walk up to The Drowned Ghost’s side, both staring at the same spot.
The Guise –
“Interesting torch, isn’t it?”
“The flames are just… Bright white. No color at all.”
“But… This place really isn’t exactly colorful, heh…”
The Inner Heart –
Oh, wait. He’s right, isn’t he?
Other than the blood in the bucket and maybe the desaturated tones of the wood… There’s not much color here, is there?
The Darling Heart –
At least the Wayfinder;s poppy flower is a bright red! That will do away with sensory deprivation, I’m sure.
The Shadow –
Why are you focusing on the lack of colors? Not that there is any, I’ll have you know. There’s plenty of colors here.
Regardless, you ignore the blabbering of your hearts and reach a hand out, tentatively, to where the non-existent torch is.
You pause mid way through, just as your fingers begin to curl.
The Guise –
“...It’s gone.”
“Disapointing, I have to say.”
The Shadow –
Perfect. Now the two of you can hurry along.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost looks around the room.
The Guise –
“Hm. You’re right. It was certainly there before that flash happened…”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost walks over to the table, where the chair should be.
The Guise –
“And there aren’t any scratch marks or anything.”
“Maybe the Hero just… Took it downstairs? I’m not sure why, though.”
“We’ll find out when we talk with him, I’m sure.”
The Shadow –
I sure hope you don’t talk with him.
The Darling Heart –
Of course we will! He deserves a nice, long, easy conversation after what he’s been through!
The Shadow –
No.
He doesn't.
The Shadow –
You walk over to the table, joining The Drowned Ghost in observing it.
First you look at the table itself, lifting up the tablecloth. Just as you had expected, the wood is clean and furnished, the sides engraved with very elegant and ornate drawings of rose vines and poppy flowers.
However, just as previously noted, it’s currently being covered up by the obnoxiously white and bland tablecloth. A shame.
The Guise –
“A waste, isn’t it? I almost want to remove the cloth.”
“I won’t, though. Someone has clearly placed a lot of effort into all this.”
The Darling Heart –
The Hero really does just want to make everything nice for us, doesn’t he?
The Shadow –
If by ‘nice’ you mean ‘destroy the world and doom everyone to endless torment’ then yes he does.
The Darling Heart –
I don’t mean that. Hehe!
The Shadow –
Ughhh…
The Shadow –
You walk over to the bucket on the table. It still gives off a pleasant fruity scent. It seems to be containing some form of juice, perhaps punch.
The Inner Heart –
…Should we take a sip?
The Darling Heart –
Hmm… Maybe! Or we could bring it to the Hero!
The Shadow –
You should very much not do that.
The Guise –
“Originally it was filled with blood and water… Now everything’s far fancier and set for a party, and this seems to be a drink…”
“I think everything in this cabin shifts to fit a certain theme.”
“But why, how… And what theme?”
The Guise –
“Yes. Let’s.”
The Shadow –
You and The Drowned Ghost begin down the stairs to the cabin, with there being no door to block your way. You duck slightly to avoid the streamers, while The Drowned Ghost just phases right through them.
The staircase, much like the interior of the cabin itself, is much fancier than one would expect given its location. The staircase is made of the type of wood that one would find in a castle - soft yet strong, with a handlebar on the side of the wall to match. Several pristine mirrors, smooth and polished, line the walls as you descend.
You see your smiling face in all of them.
Of course, the staircase is covered by the same carpet from before. It’s plush and silky, practically forcing you to grab onto the handlebar for support as you descend.
While no words reach your ear, you hear the echo of excited and anticipatory laughter in the basement.
The Inner Heart –
Well that isn’t creepy at all.
The Darling Heart –
He’s just excited to see us!
The Inner Heart –
…I mean, he hasn’t been particularly violent since we’ve known him…
The Guise –
“Oh, that’s unnerving.”
“But I’m sure he wouldn’t hurt us… Right?”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost shakes his head, scoffing.
The Guise –
“Of course. Sorry. I’m just a little on edge right now, I guess.”
The Shadow –
The only thing you receive in response is more muffled laughter.
The Inner Heart –
He almost sounds like a child…
The Shadow –
Well, he isn’t. So don’t call him one.
He’s a world-ender.
The Darling Heart –
We are aware, we are aware…
Hurry along, Wayfinder! The Hero awaits!
The Shadow –
Following the heart’s words, you and The Drowned Ghost continue down the stairs and into the basement.
The basement itself is much larger than one would expect it to be. The rug from upstairs continues into the basement, stopping just before what appears to be a…
…Giant throne?
What!?
A-And where’s the Hero, he’s not here! The chain on the wall is empty!
The Guise –
“Oh. That’s new.”
The Darling Heart –
Very new…
The Inner Heart –
Ok, seriously. Where is the Hero?
There’s empty windows on the far wall, large enough for someone to slip through. Did he just… Leave?
The Shadow –
N-No, he can’t! That’s just not possible!
He’s here, somewhere! Just… Just look around!
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost nods, brushing past you and looking around.
The Guise –
“Agreed.”
“We obviously heard him just a second ago… Maybe he’s just trying to pull a prank on us?”
The Shadow –
I doubt that.
The Darling Heart –
You never know. He did say he wanted to return the favor for freeing him last time.
The Inner Heart –
A prank when death is involved isn’t a very good prank…
The Shadow –
For once I agree.
The Shadow –
You hear nothing. Not even a snicker for chuckle.
The Inner Heart –
This is giving me the creeps…
The Shadow –
You walk over to the throne that should very much not be there.
It’s large, shiny, and made of some soft, almost squishy wood. Regardless, it seems to be rather quality.
It’s also very high up. Sitting on it would likely give you a vantage point over the basement, even if not by much.
The Inner Heart –
…Is it just me or does anyone else feel inclined to sit on the throne?
The Shadow –
You felt it too?
Oh, no. The Hero isn’t getting to you, is he?
The Darling Heart –
Even if he was, is that such a bad thing?
The Shadow –
Yes!
The Shadow –
You walk over to the window, but calling it a ‘window’ isn’t even a fitting description. It’s more of just… A hole in the wall.
Well, a smooth and very deliberate hole in the wall, sure, but there isn’t even a pane of glass.
You look out of the window and around it. You don’t see any scratch marks, and it’s far too high to jump from.
The Inner Heart –
…Alright, the dimensions of this cabin and the basement made no sense…
The Shadow –
Details, details.
The Shadow –
You turn back to the throne, walking over to it and placing your hand on the armrests. But just as you do, The Drowned Ghost rushes forward and blocks you.
The Guise –
“Wait, stop-”
“...”
“We just don’t know why this is here. Maybe I should sit on it, first?”
The Inner Heart –
Well that was weird.
The Darling Heart –
His voice… The desperatetion…
It’s almost like…
…
Nevermind. Nevermind! I must be reading too far into things.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost fiddles with his hands, as if nervous.
The Guise –
“I don’t- I don’t know.”
“It’s… It’s weird. I feel like… Sitting on the throne will make things a lot… Better.”
“Happy. Peaceful. Fun.”
The Shadow –
That could not sound like any more of a trap.
The Darling Heart –
I dunno… It doesn’t have to be a trap.
Everything looks like it’s set for a party, right? Maybe sitting on the throne would start it.
The Inner Heart –
Did you really forget about that weird trance The Drowned Ghost was under before?
The Darling Heart –
He was just excited! And maybe he has a fast walking pace, we don’t really know!
The Inner Heart –
We know that it was certainly weird.
The Shadow –
And we know this is definitely a trap.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost gives you a nod, settling onto the throne with a content sigh.
The two of you warily look around the room as The Drowned Ghost gets settled. The shadows cast by the large throne make it hard to discern many of the details in the basement, but you feel comfortable in saying nothing is going to happen.
The Inner Heart –
…Oh.
The Darling Heart –
See? Nothing’s wrong!
The Guise –
“...I mean…”
“That feeling of anticipation is gone, I guess.”
“But I can’t help but feel a little disappointed.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost rises from the throne, placing his hands on his hips in confusion.
The Guise –
“Maybe you could try? I don’t know, it just feels like we’re stagnant here.”
The Shadow –
And isn’t that a horrible feeling?
Slay the Hero and it’ll end, I swear to you.
The Shadow –
You walk up to the throne, taking a deep breath before settling into it.
For a moment, nothing happens.
But then, almost as if started solely because of your presence, you hear the thunderous clamor of drums.
The Darling Heart –
Oh my!
Looks like the show’s starting…
The Inner Heart –
Um, what!?
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost places his hand on the hilt of his blade.
Both of your eyes dart around the room, desperately trying to find the source of the sudden noise. But despite your best efforts, all you can do is listen as the booming voice of the Hero rings out, simultaneously both around and in front of you.
Wayfinders! Ghosts! Heroes! I am pleased to announce the start of a wondrous performance, dedicated solely to the one person responsible for my freedom!
But, of course, it is much more honorable to thank someone face-to-face, so hold your applause please, if you will…
The Shadow –
You never noticed you were clapping in the first place, but your hands return to the armrests of the chair.
The Inner Heart –
The Drowned Ghost was clapping too…
The Darling Heart –
I mean, it’s only polite, isn’t it? I’d want someone to clap for me if I put all this effort into something!
The Shadow –
He doesn’t deserve your ‘politeness’ and niceties. Just slay him, Wayfinder.
Well, the clapping and drumrolls slowly cease, and the Hero finally emerges from the shadows before your throne.
Wait, what?! He was just hidden there the whole time?!
The Inner Heart –
We didn’t even sense him there… I don’t think we could even see past the shadows at all!
The Shadow –
This is a trick after all. Great.
The Hero, who seems to have already slipped from his bindings, is much… Smaller than you would expect of a world-ender. In fact, he looks very excited for someone who’s been locked in the basement.
He is strutting forward in a manner that makes it look like he is thanking a crowd of onlookers, nodding his head and pretending to wipe tears away from his eyes. In fact, you swear you can see the shadows of people dancing on the sleek walls of the basement.
His outfit is very armor-inspired being made of steel and all, although it’s also reminiscent of a jester’s clothes, with the shapes of card suits on the chestplate.
He clasps his hands together as he stands before you, you looking down at him due to his shorter height and your elevated chair. He begins to speak, but The Drowned Ghost draws his blade and places it on the hero’s neck.
Good. At least he's still listening to reason.
The Guise –
“What are you planning. Was it you who made my body move on its own?”
The Shadow –
The Hero jumps back an impressive distance, a proud smile on his face.
Oh, your body ‘moved on its own’? How wonderful! I am so happy to hear that you were excited to view the wondrous show that was about to commence!
But I do have to note: it is not directed at you, unfortunately, but if the Wayfinder graced you with some minor acts I will happily include you in the festivities.
…For the low low low low low price of all the money in your bank account.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost sighs, returning his blade to its sheath.
The Guise –
“Well, you’re clearly just planning on toying with us. Or, just me, it sounds like.”
“Ugh, that buzz in my head is still there.”
The Shadow –
The Hero slowly, perhaps in a dramatized fashion, walks up to The Drowned Ghost and tries to pat him on the shoulder.
As expected, his hand just goes right through.
Don’t worry, friend! The show will begin soon!
If the Wayfinder grants us her permission, of course!
The Shadow –
The Hero smiles and nods.
Of course! Ask away.
The Shadow –
The Hero shrugs, winking dramatically.
Oh, that’s fine! I understand!
You clearly didn’t want to. And it’d be hard to do anything you want to do when someone takes control of your body, right?
The Shadow –
What the-!?
Yup! You heard that right, Shadow!
I know what you’ve done. I know what you can do.
The Shadow –
T-That’s impossible, the Hero can’t-
Stop acting like I’m not here!
I’m right in front of you, Shadow.
The Inner Heart –
Wait, he can hear Him?!
Do you think he can hear us?
The Darling Heart –
Well, then let’s just ask!
Hello, dear Hero! Can you hear us?
The Shadow –
…
The Inner Heart –
…
The Darling Heart –
Well, I guess not!
The Shadow –
A blessing in disguise, if you ask me.
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you with suspicion for a moment, while The Drowned Ghost raises his eyebrows.
But then he stops, smiling cheerfully again.
Oh, truly? Well, guess this one doesn’t deserve my wrath, heheh!
But I’m on to you.
Though if you want to avoid His fate… Maybe try and appease me, hmm?
The Shadow –
You deserve to die, ‘Hero.’
I will never try to appease you.
…The Hero smiles evilly. The shadows around you darken in tune.
Do not say such things in the Wayfinder’s throne room.
Especially when I’m here.
Plus, didn’t the Wayfinder have questions to ask? How cruel of you to override her words with your own.
The Darling Heart –
He’s right, you know! How rude of you!
The Inner Heart –
Let her speak, seriously.
The Shadow –
This is bullying. This is a power imbalance.
Oh, really? Little ol’ me, having an imbalance of power against you?
I find that hard to believe.
The Shadow –
The Hero smiles cheekily.
It’s simple, really!
After the cabin started changing around… I looked down, and behold! My hand had returned!
I don’t know how this happened, but I didn’t have much time to think about it before a chain just… Snapped right onto my wrist!
But even then, the chain was so large around me that I could just slip right through! And I knew there was more for me to do anyways, so I kinda just… Ignored it!
The Guise –
“...Why didn’t you just leave?”
The Inner Heart –
Oh, wait. That’s a good question.
The Darling Heart –
Hasn’t he explained it already?
Because I still had a show to set up!
Do you really need everything spelled out for you, Ghastly?
…Drippy? Drowned? Ah, whatever.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost glares and lets out a slight growl.
The Shadow –
The Hero returns his gaze to you, leaning forward with curiosity.
Oh, is that what he’s called?
Hm. I don’t like it!
The Guise –
“No one asked you, really.”
“And what is your problem with me anyways?”
The Shadow –
The Hero does another overly-exaggerated shrug.
Meh, I don’t have any real problem with you!
Just… I don’t know, it’s… Weird.
I don’t feel much of anything when it comes to you.
The Shadow –
The shadows around the Hero inch closer to him, growing darker once again…
Is that what ‘not liking’ someone feels like? Because if so…
The Shadow –
…Only for the Hero to bounce up with a smile, the shadows returning to normal once again.
…I don’t like it! Hehe, did I get’cha?
Sorry if it seems like I have it out to get you, Ghostie. I really don’t mean anything of it!
The Inner heart –
…Do you think he’s telling the truth?
The Darling heart –
Why would he lie about something like this?
The Shadow –
Oh, I can think of plenty of reasons…
I feel like I’m only hearing one half of a conversation here…
Are there more people in your head, Wayfinder?
The Shadow –
The Hero nods his head.
Interesting, interesting…
A shame I’m not able to speak with them.
The Shadow –
You aren’t missing too much.
I think I am, and that’s what matters here!
The Guise –
“...I feel left out too, if anyone’s asking.”
The Inner Heart –
Is he… Jealous?
The Darling Heart –
How terrible! He has been ignored recently, I must admit.
The Inner Heart –
Well, at least we know that he isn’t hated by the Hero.
The Darling Heart –
Hating someone just isn’t in the Hero’s nature.
The Inner Heart –
…And you know that because…?
The Darling Heart –
I dunno. I just do.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost nods his head, as if in agreement with your question.
The Guise –
“...I’d like to know too, if you’ll tell us.”
Of course! I’d love to.
So… After the Wayfinder met her temporary-yet-early-end, me and Ghostie over here started to go up the stairs.
The Guise –
“Don’t call me that.”
The Shadow –
The Hero winks in an exaggerated manner.
Nope! Too late, Ghostie!
Anyways, a bunch of rather regal things were appearing out of nowhere in the cabin. That rug, some window curtains which I took down, and even that table began to stretch!
But just as me and Ghostie were about to leave, there was this huge flash behind us! And when my vision recovered, I turned around to see that I was alone.
And… In the basement again. Chained. Haha.
But I already explained what happened after that, right? So now here we are!
The Guise –
“I see.”
“And you mentioned taking down some curtains. So you obviously returned upstairs, correct?”
The Shadow –
The Hero nods.
Yup yup yup! That I did!
Most of the changes here weren’t made by me, though. Like the punch bowl and the table getting longer!
Oh, and the throne. That was a pain to drag down here, heheh.
The Inner Heart –
…Wait, why is there a throne here?
The Darling Heart –
Didn’t he just describe it? He brought it down for us!
The Inner Heart –
Yes, but like… WHy would there be a throne in the first place?
The Darling Heart –
Oh, I guess…
…
I… Don’t know.
The Inner Heart –
Well, then let’s hope the Wayfinder asks.
Oh, I wanted you to have a place to sit after all!
It’d be terrible if you had to stand during the show. That wouldn’t be very nice of me!
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost grumbles slightly.
The Guise –
“What about me, though…”
The Shadow –
The Hero waves him off with a laugh.
Oh, silly! You’re a ghost, you can’t sit in chairs!
Bringing something down for you would be pointless. And there was only one chair anyways!
The Guise –
“Fine.”
“That makes sense, I guess.”
The Darling Heart –
…
The Inner Heart –
Not very ‘gentlemanly’ of the Hero, hm?
The Darling Heart –
I-I’m sure that the Hero had everyone’s best interest at heart.
…Hehe. ‘Heart’.
The Shadow –
You have time for jokes but not slaying the Hero.
Great.
The Shadow –
The Hero bounces, practically vibrating with excitement.
It’ll be a performance for all ages, of the ages. A wondrous display of my endless thanks, and how I will forever be indebted to you, Wayfinder.
The Shadow –
The Hero kneels on the ground, crossing one hand over his chest.
It will begin the moment you want it to.
After all, it is dedicated to you and only you.
The Inner Heart –
…Did he just side-eye The Drowned Ghost while saying that?
The Darling Heart –
Honest mistake, I’m sure.
The Shadow –
The Hero knew what he was doing.
The Shadow –
The Hero happily smiles, springing right back up once again.
Wonderful!
The Guise –
“Finally. We can get a move on now.”
The Shadow –
The Hero gives The Drowned Ghost a dubious look.
Oh, did you really forget already?
I’m not leaving until the show ends.
The Guise –
“...So you’re trapping us here?”
Oh, you can leave whenever!
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost and the Hero share a moment of tense eye contact.
The Inner Heart –
Have anything to say about that, softy?
The Darling Heart –
‘Softy’...
…
Oh, um! I-I don’t know, haha.
He just wants to entertain us, though! That’s all!
The Shadow –
If by ‘entertain’ you mean-
The Inner Heart –
We get it.
The Shadow –
The Hero nods his head, taking a few steps back.
With a roar of applause, the whole room goes dark. The Hero’s voice, as if it was being spoken through a megaphone, begins.
Long ago, a poor, poor Hero was enchained in a basement.
The Shadow –
The shadows suddenly recede to show the Hero lying on the floor, hand on his forehead in a theatrical manner to convey his “anguish.”
The Hero was desperate to escape, and yet longed to be saved at the very same time. Relishing in this contradiction, he sat there, hoping for freedom to come soon.
“Woe is me, woe is me! Please, please set me free!”
The Guise –
“...Are these all going to include rhyming.”
The Shadow –
The Hero smugly looked over to The Drowned Ghost.
Yes.
The Shadow –
The shadows descend once again, and The Drowned Ghost is left without a chance to reply.
The Hero speaks.
But soon, the Hero’s prayers were answered! With grace, elegance, and beauty… A courageous Wayfinder descended into the Hero’s prison.
The Shadow –
The shadows reveal the Hero, in a much more natural pose, looking up to a shadow on the wall.
The Inner Heart –
Is that… Her?
The Shadow –
Well, based on the context and the Hero’s personality and everything he’s said so far , yes. It is ‘her,’ the Wayfinder.
The shadow’s ‘mouth’ moves. The Hero does his best to copy the Wayfinder’s voice.
“Oh, Hero! How cruel it is for you to be locked down here!”
“But do not worry, for I have the key. With the (rather slight) aid of my ghost friend (who is not here at the moment) I shall set you free!”
“How kind you must be! I truly do not wish to be here… Eee. Yeah.”
The Inner Heart –
Did he just… Make verbal parentheses?
The Darling heart –
…I think he did.
The Shadow –
I don’t know how he did that, but… You’re right. That is what he had done.
The Hero gives you, you me more specifically I guess, a side-eyed glance.
And so! Soon the Wayfinder granted her graciousness upon me, and helped to set me free!
…Not that I did much, though! I just bit through my arm and said that was enough. Heheh!
Soon, though, I was free! And the little Ghost had decided to join us down in the basement.
“I see that everything is going well. We should hurry, before any despair begins to swell.”
The Shadow –
Another shadow dances on the wall, one meant to represent The Drowned Ghost.
Out of the corner of your eye, you can see him smiling.
The Inner Heart –
I’m glad he’s being included, at least.
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you slightly funny, before continuing.
B-But! Just as we began to leave…
An evil, dastardly presence overtook my very savior!
“The Hero is who you must fell, and you shall not end until all is well.”
And so, with the Wayfinder bravely fighting against The Shadow’s influence, the endless reflection of her refusal took the form of vines, roots, and soon even bloomed to flowers.
The Shadow –
To illustrate his point, the Wayfinder shadow slowly begins to have flowers bloom all over her.
The Darling Heart –
How is he doing all this?
The Inner Heart –
The Wayfinder holds vine magic, but this is next level!
The Inner Heart –
S-Sorry! I didn’t mean anything by that.
The Darling Heart –
She didn’t! Truly!
The Shadow –
You return your gaze to the Hero’s show.
It seems like his act is coming to an end.
A-And so, the, um…
The Ghost took his spectral blade, swiftly slaying the Wayfinder.
Sorrow growing in our hearts, our voices etched with sorrow and regret, we ascended up the stairs and into our freedom…
…Only for the burning of a torchlight to reset us all back to the roles we were meant to play.
The Shadow –
The darkness around you fades to a normal amount as the Hero takes his low bow.
The Drowned Ghost claps, although hesitant.
The Darling Heart –
You haven’t clapped once…
The Shadow –
The Hero does not deserve any applause.
…
The Hero’s expression slowly breaks as he rises up once again, face gim.
You… You haven’t given me any applause yet.
Was my show not, ah… E-Entertaining?
…
Or is it just… Me.
The Darling Heart –
Oh! Oh no! W-We can’t let him think that!
The Inner Heart –
He’s putting too much pressure on himself.
The Guise –
“It’s not that, I don’t think.”
“I liked the show, that’s for sure.”
“Right, Wayfinder?”
The Shadow –
The Hero looks at you expectantly while The Drowned Ghost sadly shakes his head.
S-So you’ll clap, right? You’ll… You’ll…
…
N-No. Everything’s fine! E-Everything’s fine, heh. Heheheheh!
The Inner Heart –
…Is it just me or are the shadows getting darker again?
The Shadow –
It’s not just you.
The shadows around you become more and more dark as the Hero walks forward, and you notice that he’s almost… Fading in and out, like static.
One moment he’s a few paces away, then he’s gone, and then he’s in front of you again.
The closer he gets, the louder and louder the sound of glass breaking gets in your ears.
I-I’m Sorry, Wayfinder! D-Did I do something wrong? W-Was that show not entertaining enough for you?
That h-has to be it, right? B-Because then, the only other option would be that… That I was at fault! T-That it was me!
The Shadow –
He’s only a few feet away from you now.
The Darling Heart –
No no no! Quick, apologize to him! Hurry!
The Shadow –
Slay him. You still have the blade.
Speaking of splaying the Hero, The Drowned Ghost has his blade drawn at the moment.
The Guise –
“Get away.”
“I’m warning you.”
The Shadow –
The Hero rolls his eyes in a manner that shows he isn’t trying to hide it at all, flicking his wrist and causing the darkness to wrap around The Drowned Ghost’s wrist.
The Guise –
“W-what are you-”
I’m restraining you. Keep up.
…Now, Wayfinder. I know that this show was rough. I know that it was… Not satisfactory to you. It couldn’t be, you would’ve clapped if it had been.
So… I have a proposition for you.
You can stay here, with me, and… I’ll put on another show for you. One that’s actually good.
Or… You could slay me. Like you’re supposed to. And then we’ll see what happens next.
So? What’ll it be, Wayfinder?
The Shadow –
Slay him. Obviously.
The Darling Heart –
Don’t do that! Beg for forgiveness, maybe he’ll put this all behind him!
The Inner Heart –
I don’t think he will, but…
Maybe we could hear him out.
The Shadow –
The Hero nods, appearing right before you.
He looks… Apologetic.
I hope you can forgive me for this…
The Shadow –
He carefully, almost as if he were declawing a wounded animal, takes the blade from your hand.
You let him do so.
He places the tip of the blade right at your heart.
Goodbye.
I hope to see you smile next time.
The Shadow –
The Hero gently takes your hand in his, placing a gentle kiss on the back of your hand.
The Darling Heart –
Oh, my…
The Inner Heart –
He’s about to kill us! Don’t go fawning over him now!
The Darling Heart –
Sorry, hehe.
The Shadow –
…And then he plunges the blade deep into your heart, just as skillfully as one would expect a world-ending Hero to be at heart-based murder.
The Inner Heart –
…Why did I almost feel that?
The Darling Heart –
That wasn’t very nice of him…
The Inner Heart –
Of course it wasn’t. He just kills us.
The Shadow –
And the world too, don’t you forget.
Sigh…
Well, maybe this was all doomed from the start.
Your vision blurs and your eyes become heavy. You close your eyes and hang your head, feeling only the soft trickle of blood down your wound and into your clothes.
The world will soon wither and wilt, and it’ll all be because you didn’t clap for the Hero. Great.
With all those regrets resounding in your mind…
…Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
This is one of the longer chapters, actually. Which is interesting, because this just feels like a stepping-stone chapter.
I feel like around this point was when I felt a little burnt out in terms of writing. But all authors go through that, so I'm deciding to take pride in that!
Also, the Contrarian -> Damsel and Damsel -> Smitten role "reversal" was one that I really, really liked. I had a certain vibe that I wanted to convey in this chapter, but since the Wayfinder is here instead of the Princess that vibe went a little... Off. But I still like this one, even if it's not what I expected.
When it comes to writing, like many things in life, look on the bright side! At least, that's what I try to do.
Chapter 7: Chapter III - An Endless and Wonderful Show
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter III: An Endless and Wonderful Show
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the-
The Shaded Heart –
Umm… Sorry, buddy, but I don’t think so.
The Shadow –
What do you mean? You’re clearly on a-
…
Oh. Wait, you’re right.
This is more of a… Circus tent?
I prefer the term ‘atrium,’ actually.
The Shadow –
What the- AUGH!
Your Shadow’s words are cut off by the Hero’s sudden arrival. You look down at your feet to find your Shadow clutched between two, similarly shaded hands.
Your gaze returns upward to see the Hero. He’s largely the same as before, but now his ‘helmet’ has turned to a proper jester’s hat, with bells hanging from practically every surface of his clothes which can hang something.
He wears a pristine mask, concealing his eyes.
Hello, Wayfinder. I’m so happy to see you alive again.
He tilts his head.
Even if you’re looking a little… Pale.
The Inner Heart –
Well, we jumped right into action.
The Darling Heart –
I’m so happy to see him excited!
The Shaded Heart –
We aren’t ‘pale,’ he’s just practically made of shadows.
The Inner Heart –
Just what is he trying to say here?
The Darling Heart –
Maybe he’s just concerned for our well-being!
Not to worry, though! I’ll get rid of that nasty little shadow, and I’m sure you’ll feel so much better!
The Shadow –
You- You can’t do anything to me!
Your Shadow struggles under the grip of the Hero’s shaded hands. He glowers down at Him with glee.
Now that’s where you’re wrong.
I can.
Your Shadow groans as the Hero pulls him away from you.
You feel something strange, a slight pinch at something below your feet.
And then it turns to a tear.
And then a pull.
And then… Nothing.
You look down once again, finding only plain, empty tiles.
The Inner Heart –
Is He… Gone?
The Shaded Heart –
Well, look. Listen. Feel.
Do you sense his presence at all?
The Inner Heart –
I… Guess not.
The Shaded Heart –
Then there’s your answer.
This has all gone wrong…
Princess! Please, slay him! Before it’s too late!
Do not call her that.
That is not who she is.
Treat the Wayfinder with respect.
‘Wayfinder’? What are you- AUGH!
Your Shadow is crushed once again.
The Hero looks down at him, now bored.
You’re ruining the mood.
I’m sorry, but you cannot be trusted at the moment. I will have to put you away.
You can’t do that! I’m a vital part of this place!
Oh, are you?
I didn’t notice.
You blink, and your Shadow is gone.
The Inner Heart –
What the hell-?!
The Shaded Heart –
Hush.
Don’t react. You’ll only make her stressed, and we don’t know what that would do to the Hero.
Let’s just hope The Drowned Ghost shows up soon. He should be able to help.
You check the back of your head.
The flower is there.
Don’t worry, dear Wayfinder! I know how important that flower is to you!
I would never dream of stealing it away.
You check the holster on your hip.
The blade is still there.
The Shaded Heart –
Good. We have all the means to defend ourselves.
The Darling Heart –
But we should hurt the Hero, right?
The Inner Heart –
Are you crazy?! Look at where we are!
Look at the condition the Shadow is in!
And, usually I’d get annoyed by His words of ‘oooh slay the hero before it’s too late’ but I think I support that sentiment now.
The Darling Heart –
But…
The Shaded Heart –
Darling.
Me being here is proof that the Hero killed us. Without hesitation, even.
Don’t you remember? He pierced our heart. He pierced us, all for the Wayfinder’s sake.
And who knows what’ll happen next?
We have to do this. We have to survive.
The Darling Heart –
I… But…
…
No. You’re… You’re right.
I just… Keep hope in your heart for the Hero, ok?
The Darling Heart –
Thank you.
The Shaded Heart –
…
The Hero looks at you with a puzzled expression, jumping into the air.
But even then, you are still looking down upon him.
Isn’t it obvious? I’m doing this to entertain you!
Last time… Wasn’t fun. And your Shadow got in the way, so I just got rid of him!
And soon, soon the true show will begin.
An Endless and Wonderful Show, even!
The Hero smiles maniacly.
Aren’t you excited? Aren’t you finally happy!?
You do not reply.
The Hero’s face does not change.
Because I don’t want you to have to walk up the woods for so long!
I’ve… never seen the outside… But this cabin is on a hill, right? How exhausting!
I want you to be comfortable here.
The Shaded Heart –
And yet he killed us…
The Darling Heart –
It was the only way!
The Inner Heart –
There’s a thousand alternatives to murder.
The Darling Heart –
I doubt that…
The Shaded Heart –
Normally? Yes.
In this situation? Not especially.
The Inner Heart –
Hey!
The Darling Heart –
Oh! Not to rag on you, of course!
The Shaded Heart –
…Speak for yourself, Darling.
The Hero shakes his head sadly.
I’m sorry. I don’t even know if you can leave.
After this place began to change, just as it had done before, I found the power within myself to change it under my influence rather than just let it change naturally.
And I might have… Removed the door inside. B-Because I knew that you were going to start here and be with me and have fun! I figured that, since I was going to make you happy, you wouldn’t…
You wouldn’t want to leave.
Silence.
You hear nothing but the soft crackle of flames, echoing down from the top level of the atrium.
The Inner Heart –
…Wait, that’s right. We haven’t seen the torch yet.
…Or, well, the Wayfinder hasn’t seen the torch yet.
The Shaded Heart –
It was upstairs last time… Maybe it still is?
The Darling Heart –
Maybe this would be the perfect time to ask! You know, strum up some happy conversation!
The Hero shakes his head.
Nope! I have not.
But I saw that flash again. Does that count? It was much brighter this time!
The Shaded Heart –
So the brightness grows the longer we’re here…
The Inner Heart –
At the start, there was no torch.
Then when we died, there was.
And now… It grew. That does make sense.
The Darling Heart –
Just like the flames of the Hero’s passion!
…Right?
The Inner Heart –
Passion is one way to put it.
The Hero sighs, lowering his head.
So you want to see the torch?
You… You want to leave here.
You want to leave the comfort I have given you.
Is this place not… Entertaining enough? W-What is it? Please, tell me!
A mirror on the wall fractures.
The Hero remains still, panting.
Just tell me what I did wrong.
The Shaded Heart –
Pathetic.
But I wonder what happens when those mirrors brea-
There is a whisper in your ear.
Hey, you. The one who is supposed to be a Princess.
I-I’m trapped, but, I think I can-
Get away from her.
NOW.
He is torn away again.
The Inner Heart –
…Huh.
The Shaded Heart –
Interesting.
…
Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Wayfinder?
The Shaded Heart –
Wonderful.
Let’s start the show, shall we?
Then it shall.
The last thing you see before the shadows descend once again is the Hero launching himself into the air.
A pause.
…
And then lights once more. The Hero stands at the top of the atrium, holding a swing in his hands.
Welcome, welcome! I’m sure you already know what is happening, so I will skip the pretenses.
This will be my masterpiece, the best performance I have ever and will ever give.
And, Wayfinder, it is dedicated to you. As have been all the rest.
Ahem.
Allow me to begin.
The Hero takes a few steps back, a flash of nervousness on his face, before he runs forward and leaps.
He spins in the air, his wings and arms tucking him into a black ball of shadows.
He resides in the air for a moment, before plummeting to the ground.
Just when it looks like he’s about to crash…
…He lands on his feet, arms stressed wide.
He looks at you with a hopeful, proud smile.
And? How was that?
The Inner Heart –
Ugh, we’re going to feel like a jerk after this…
The Shaded Heart –
Do you want to be trapped here forever?
And it’s not like our opinions especially matter.
The Hero’s expression is a mix of hope and despair.
C-Cool…? Just… Cool?
…I-I…
…
No, this is good, right? You complimented me.
Heh… Sorry, Wayfinder. That was mean of me.
Another mirror, slowly, silently, shatters.
Something slithers to your ear.
What are you doing? He’s right there, and you aren’t chained.
Stand up, walk over, and slay-
Silence.
And He is gone.
The Shaded Heart –
A shame.
Let’s keep going.
The Inner Heart –
That wasn’t too bad, right? I don’t feel… Cruel.
The Darling Heart –
We’re just trying to help him, right?
That’s… That’s all we’re trying to do here.
Let us continue, then!
This next move will surely dazzle you!
Once again, there is darkness.
You wait in silence, ears pricked and eyes wide. Your nose twitches.
After all, you were once used to these acts.
But then, just as the shadows recede, it is gone. And you find the Hero in front of you, sitting within what appears to be a canon.
T-This one’s a little dangerous, but…
Well, anything to see your smile!
The Hero moves backwards, further tucking himself into the cannon’s depths.
There is the sound of something being set on fire, and the cannon points upwards.
With a sudden roar that fills your very being, your very core, it explodes.
The Hero is, once again, launched upwards, confetti suspended around him as he spreads his wings in an elegant posture.
The Darling Heart –
That’s… That’s…
The Inner Heart –
Alright, that was impressive.
The Shaded heart –
I- Augh, I can’t say anything cynical about that.
The Darling Heart –
Can’t you feel it? The wonder on your face? The hope blooming inside of us?
This… This is what he wants for us.
He truly is a hero, isn’t he?
The Inner Heart –
…
Maybe… Maybe we’ve been too cruel.
The Shaded Heart –
No, no. Stay strong, both of you.
And, look. He’s coming down now.
Wayfinder, just won’t fall for his trick, alright?
The Hero settles onto the floor, looking up at you with hope.
And? How was that?
…I guess it was, yeah.
And, well, thank you for being concerned, but… That’s… All?
Nothing about my pose, my stature, a-anything?
You have nothing to say?
Nothing… Nothing worthwhile to sa-
He is cut off by the sudden appearance of an apparition by the stairs.
The Guise is here.
The Guise –
“So this is what happened to this place.”
You…
Another mirror cracks.
You can feel something stir at your feet.
The Shadow –
Am I- Oh, great. I’m back.
Phew.
Alright. Wayfinder, Princess, whoever you are… Things have been going terribly awry. But I’m sure you know that.
The Shaded Heart –
Oh, we know.
The Shadow –
Aaand there’s more people here. Perfect.
Don’t listen to those heart beats, ‘Wayfinder.’ They aren’t you.
The Darling Heart –
And? Does that mean we’re irrelevant?
The Shadow –
Maybe, if you choose to view it that way.
The Darling Heart –
…
The Shadow –
Don’t- Oh, something’s happening.
Ahem.
The Drowned Ghost and the Hero stare at each other in tense silence.
The Guise –
“I’m not that easily hidden.”
“I’m a ghost, after all.”
B-But my shadows, wouldn’t they be-
The Guise –
“Restraining me? Keeping me held? Yeah, I suppose they should have been.”
“Nothing a few sword slashes couldn’t fix, though. Especially since now I’m corporeal."
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost darts forward, and the Hero throws up his shadows in crude defiance. But The Drowned Ghost was never going to attack him, his goal was always to make his way to your side.
He stands in front of your throne, speaking to you while keeping his eyes trained on the Hero.
The Guise –
“Wayfinder.”
“I know you do not need me to save you. If anything, I’ll need you to save me in a moment, I’m sure.”
“But regardless… To leave, we’ll need to help each other.”
“And I think he needs our help, too.”
The Shadow –
He needs no such thing!
This is one of the few times I’d agree with Him, you know.
I do not need any help.
I know my purpose. I know why I’m here. And I am not in pain because of it.
I just need you to leave, and her to stay. Then my purpose can be fulfilled.
The Shadow –
The Hero stares at the both of you with fury.
Maybe this is the entertainment you both are seeking for.
If this is what will make you happy…
Then I won’t back down.
The Shadow –
The Hero and The Drowned Ghost launch forward, the former bringing forth masses of shadows while the latter begins to strike with his blade.
You don’t know why, but you can feel a tension in the air. You look up to find stormclouds gathering.
The Shaded Heart –
I’m glad he’s our ally, right?
The Inner Heart –
I can’t imagine what it would be like to fight him.
The Darling Heart –
Are we ignoring the fact that they’re attacking each other?! We’re supposed to be the one doing the attacking!
The Shaded Heart –
Oh, yeah. You’re right.
We’ve never gotten out of this throne though, have we?
…Can we get out of this throne?
The Shadow –
Of course you can. You aren’t bonded to anything. There are no shackles on your wrist.
Get up. Slay him. Slay the Hero.
The Shadow –
You swiftly rise from the throne, hand grabbing the Pristine Blade and slashing it forward in a graceful, arced motion. The Hero’s face flashes with utter shock as you lunge forward, as you begin to hack away at the large shadow that threatens to swallow The Drowned Ghost up.
But even then, he does not harm you. His shadows do not reach in your direction. You are the lead in this battle.
The Darling Heart –
He’s not even defending himself from us…
The Shaded Heart –
His loss.
Keep fighting.
The Shadow –
A look of hope flashes over the Hero’s features at your words. He slows down just as you had done, and The Drowned Ghost takes a hesitant step back as well.
This… This is fun?
You like this…?
…
Was this what I had been missing the entire time?
…
Well, if you like this…
I’m won’t hold back!
The Guise –
“...Shit.”
The Shadow –
The battle continues.
The Hero strikes hard, you strike true, and The Drowned Ghost takes strategic cover behind you when the Hero’s shadows become too strong.
The feeling of energy grows above you as The Drowned Ghost grows frenzied, and you feel the soft pitter-patter of rain on the stone ground around you, the cooling and cleansing drops a welcome respite from the heat of battle.
Despite the pain, despite the struggle, you feel happy. This is, despite everything, what you wanted in life.
Thrill. Wonder. Experience.
You want this moment to last forever.
The Shaded Heart –
But nothing lasts forever.
The Shadow –
…No. It does not.
The tension above you three has reached its peak, and thunder claps down like an elegant hand, shooting down between all of you in this battle.
You are all separated, forcefully, dazed on the floor.
The Guise –
“Urgh…”
O-Ow. Who knew getting struck by lightning hurt so much, right?
Ha… Haha…
The Shadow –
Silence.
…I’m tired.
I don’t think I want to do this anymore.
The Guise –
“...”
“...Me neither.”
The Shaded Heart –
I will admit, I’m going to miss that thrill.
The Inner Heart –
My desire isn’t the same as you, Wayfinder, but…
For a moment, I almost understood what you were feeling.
I… I think I get it now.
The Darling Heart –
We’re all hurt, injured, and for what?
A show that no one wants to perform? That no one wants to see?
…
I think I get it now.
The Shadow –
What? No, no… Y-You can’t be serious.
The Hero… He needs to… To…
The Inner Heart –
…
The Darling Heart –
…
The Shaded Heart –
…
He’s gone. Interesting.
The Inner Heart –
He is, isn’t he?
Maybe now we can ask the Hero to leave.
The Hero looks at you. The Guise rises to his feet, and you do the same.
The two of you walk over to the Hero, still lying on the floor.
He is exhausted.
…
I think so.
I don’t… I don’t know what I want to do now.
I still feel it. The urge to… Entertain. To make you happy. To make everyone happy.
But… That’s not enough. Not enough for me anymore.
The Hero smiles softly, reaching out his own hand with little trepidation.
But it’s not gone, of course.
I think I’d like that.
With little effort, the Hero rises with your aid. He holds your hand gently, soft and tender. The two of you share a gentle smile.
His eyes drift to the one, still-remaining dark mirror on the wall. He frowns.
…Hey.
Can I, um, borrow your blade for a moment?
You open your mouth to reply, but he takes the Pristine Blade from your hand in a hurry. He leaps forward a few times, scurrying over to the mirror.
He looks up at it, taking a deep breath while doing so.
He looks down at the blade, clutching the hilt in his hands tightly.
And then he tosses it into the air once.
Then twice.
Thrice.
…
The Pristine Blade is no more. In the Hero’s hands lies an ornate, glimmering cane, shining in the darkness.
Much better.
And now…
The Hero rears his back, thrusting the cane forward and shattering the mirror with little effort.
The glass shards rain down, and he lets out a content sigh.
Finally.
Now we can go.
The Guise –
“Thank god. This place is starting to give me the creeps…”
The three of you, finally free, finally content, turn to head up the stairs.
There is silence, but you can see it. The flickering flame only you three can see.
Soon, you arrive before it. It burns with an intense blaze, and yet it curiously licks the air around it.
It knows you, and you know it.
You reach your hand forward, and…
…
The flame is gone.
The Shaded Heart –
A shame.
The Darling Heart –
That was a rather poetic description, was it not…?
The Inner Heart –
…
O-Oh. Um. Yeah.
Sorry, I was…
The Shaded Heart –
Are you crying?
The Inner Heart –
N-No, it’s just that-!
…
I feel like… Our journey is really over now, you know?
This all just feels so final.
The Darling Heart –
…Hey.
Even if that’s true, well… It’ll be alright.
We can all face this. Together.
Us hearts have to beat in sync, you know?
The Inner Heart –
…Yeah.
You’re right.
The Shaded Heart –
To us, the hearts!
May we all beat in sync!
The Darling Heart –
Yeah!
The Inner Heart –
…
Thanks, guys.
We can do this, Wayfinder.
You all proceed down the long hallway. Under delicate arches adorned with streamers you walk, beside clear mirrors letting in the soft moonlight in comforting rays, and you run your hand on the table full of drinks and light snack foods.
Soon, you all arrive at the door.
Alright.
Here we go…
He brushes past you, slowly twisting the knob of the grand door.
The three of you step outside the cabin, not even bothering to look behind you. As if he were a puppet, the Hero stumbles forward, looking around in a daze.
This… This place is…
…
So this is the outside.
…
I get it, you know. I think I do, at least.
Why you all wanted to leave so bad. Why you all wanted me to see this place.
It’s… Beautiful.
The Guise –
“...It is, isn’t it?”
I… I think…
…
I think I just want to… Be here.
The Hero sits down on the ground, a soft breeze forming. You and The Guise share a look, but join him as well.
The stars shine overhead. A few clouds lazily drift by.
Rays of starlight shine upon you, and the moon glows like a giant eye in the sky. It stares at you with all the love and longing on its surface.
The woods, so elegant and adorned with memoralia and advertisements of the very show you all had escaped from, sing a soft lullaby with their creaking branches. They call to you, and you almost call back.
Gently, without malice, the poppy flower in your hair grows, filling the hill with its lovely blooms. No thorns grow, for why would they?
You are safe here.
The Hero extends a hand as a bird lands on his fingers, and he lets out a soft sigh.
Thank you, Wayfinder.
…
I love you.
And then he returns to nothingness, as does The Guise. And you return to the void.
You feel any and all aches and pains in you fade away. Memory returns.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, no no no no no… We’re back here again!
The Shaded Heart –
…I don’t like this place. It feels too… Too…
The Darling Heart –
…Palpable?
The Shaded Heart –
…
Yeah. Palpable.
The Darling Heart –
It’s ok.
We’re all going to be alright, you hear me?
Us hearts, we beat together.
The Inner Heart –
…
Yeah.
You’re right.
The Shaded Heart –
I don’t know why, but…
I feel rather tired right now, don’t you?
The Darling Heart –
I feel it too.
A little rest won’t hurt, right?
…
…Right…?
The Shaded Heart –
Yeah, but-
…
No. I… I agree with you.
Everything will be alright.
The Darling Heart –
Goodbye, Wayfinder.
I hope to see you again.
You approach the torch, and feel your Hearts still once again. You look into the flames for a moment, but then turn around.
You do not feel at peace here, but you know you will not be in danger. You look down to find your shadow on the ground.
The shadow of a Witch stares back.
You’re on a path.
In the distance, you see the Hero, Her, and The Guise.
You’ve arrived once again. The Guise is lying at the Hero’s feet, who is being gently held by Her hands.
You’ve arrived once again. I am glad, Wayfinder.
Your wanderlust has once again given me a wonderful new perspective.
When you are ready, I will take your memories once again.
She stills.
...I am sorry, was this inconvenient for you?
Unfortunately, the Heroes that you bring to me will have to remain with you through your journeys.
For the Hero himself, the true Hero, I could collect the vessels he brought to me. After all, they soon became part of me. What purpose would they serve with him?
But, now… The Heroes you bring me are not part of me. I cannot let them rest here, out of fear they would become… Agitated.
So, the only correct course of action is to send them with you.
I apologize if that caused any inconvenience to you, Wayfinder. I do not like limitations either,
She smiles at you.
I am glad.
She thinks for a moment.
This one is purpose mixed with longing. He knows he has a purpose, and he will do anything to fulfill it.
And yet… He is unable to. For reasons outside of his control, he cannot do what he thinks is his only purpose.
And so he places more pressure onto himself. He thinks that he is the one at fault, and places all the rest upon a pedestal.
If you must mourn him, I will do so well. But do not worry, for with you he has finally found a new purpose.
She thinks.
I am unsure. With my vessels, the answer was clear to me. It was a truth in my mind.
And yet, now… Your Hearts are less than my Vessels. We will only be able to see as this cycle repeats.
Truly? I saw it from a distance as well.
Interesting. I assume you have no new theories?
She frowns, sympathetic.
I can understand the torment you must feel from that.
I am sorry. I do not wish for your pain. I hope that, soon, it will end.
She nods, and places Her hands over your head and eyes.
Darkness.
…
You feel a single beat in your chest.
And then another.
And another.
…
And then they’re gone.
You are less than you were before, but you feel no different. This is a familiar feeling.
The Heart of the Darling, a damsel who has learned from any and all distress she has seen and felt, be it from others and herself.
The Heart of the Shaded, a spectre and a memory of someone lost to time. She persists when the physical cannot.
…And, once again, The Heart of the Princess. She has grown from the last time I saw her, camaraderie complementing her features.
Together, they all will make for a courageous-yet-soft vessel.
Do not mourn them, for you may meet them again.
…
Wayfinder, it is time.
She gently places the Hero in your arms, just as She had done before.
There is, once again, a buzz under your skin. This is peaceful. This is agony. This is your life.
You close your eyes as She places her hands on your head once again.
I am sure you wish to remember them both.
You won’t.
Somewhere, a fire burns bright and a mirror continues to crack.
Then everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
One of the shorter chapters of them all, sadly.
I feel like I didn't do Happily Ever After the justice it deserved, but who knows? This is based on a role-reversal AU, maybe the chapter that aligns more with Happily Ever After will arrive later on!
...Maybe! We'll see.
Chapter 8: Chapter I - The Wayfinder and the Hero and the Guise and the Endless and Wonderful Show
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter I: The Wayfinder and the Hero and the Guise and the Endless and Wonderful Show
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a-
What the-?!
The Shadow –
You… Draw the blade that was in a holster around your waist. Huh, so you have the Pristine Blade already.
Interesting.
Well, regardless, you draw the blade and take a defensive stance as you turn around, two figures coming into view.
One of the figures is what appears to be a ghost. He has a bird-like humanoid figure, dressed in once-pristine armor that is rusted over and dented. He appears to be soaked through, with little droplets of water falling from everywhere around him. He eyes almost everything around your group with suspicion, hand resting on his own, similarly-rusted blade.
The second is almost the first’s exact opposite. While The Drowned Ghost is tall, The Ringleader is rather short and much more lively, other than the literal sense. He’s hovering a few feet off the ground, holding a cane behind him in a way that makes it look like he’s sitting on it. He has a smile on his face.
Soon, The Ringleader speaks.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Wow! Is this a weaponry festival that I didn’t know about? A shame I only have this!”
The Shadow –
He holds up his cane, promptly falling to the floor.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oof! Whopsie-daisy!”
The Shadow –
…
…Heh. That was kind of funny.
But it seems like The Drowned Ghost didn't think so. In an attempt to keep an eye on both of you, he backs away, phasing through a tree.
The Guise –
“Who are you two? Did you take me here? Where am I?!”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader rises from the ground, crossing his arms.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Well, that’s not nice! Do you always lash out at people the moment you meet them?”
The Shadow –
He strolls over to you, wrapping an arm around your neck like you were old friends.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“If you’re going to be like that, me and my friend here will just leave! No need for sour-faced fools when you have actual camaraderie!”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader jumps away before you can make contact, hovering in the air above you two slightly.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ugh, you two are no fun! Fine, fine. Guess I’ll have to spare you.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost points his blade at The Ringeader, ignoring the height differences between the two.
…I just want you to know that The Ringleader cannot do anything to you. He’s just trying to play a trick.
The Guise –
“So you did bring us here. Who are you, and why?”
“I demand an answer, by the way.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh, you ‘demand’ an answer, do you? On what grounds do you have to request one?”
“Give me something worthwhile and I’ll consider it.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost clutches his blade with growing rage. A few clouds begin to cover the stars above.
…
I suggest you stop this ‘trick’ now.
The Shadow –
Two pairs of eyes turn to stare at you. The Drowned Ghost opens his mouth, but is interrupted by The Ringleader settling down on the ground again.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Aww, dang it… That was funny, too! Ghostie over here really believed me, didn’t he?”
The Guise –
“You were- That was just- Ugh!”
“Hmph. What a waste of time.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost turns to you, slowly sheathing his blade.
The Guise –
“You seem to know the most out of any of us here. You figured out he was lying, after all.”
“Tell me. What do you know?”
The Shadow –
Tell him what you want, it just can’t be that I’m here.
They can’t know. I’m for your ears only, Princess.
The Shadow –
You’re a… What?!
The Guise –
“A Wayfinder, huh…?”
“...”
“Interesting. Is that your name, or…?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh! Question, real quick!”
“...”
“What’s a ‘wayfinder’? It sounds cool.”
The Shadow –
No, no. You can’t be a ‘Wayfinder,’ you’re a Princess!
And, what the Ringleader said, what the hell is a wayfinder!?
The Shadow –
Excuse me for being confused! This isn’t going how I expected it to be whatsoever, so forgive me for being just a tiny bit flustered.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost and The Ringleader look at you curiously, the former tilting his head like a curious dog.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh, that’s…”
“That’s pretty cool, actually. I’ve always wondered what was out there, you know. In the world.”
“At least I think so. My memory isn’t the best at the moment.”
The Guise –
“...Hm. You too? Glad to know it's not just me, then.”
“What about you, ‘Wayfinder’? Do you remember anything? Other than our identity, that is.”
The Shadow –
You know what I’ve been telling you, at the very least. Tell them that, and get to slaying the Hero.
The Shadow –
Not ‘supposedly,’ it’s the-
Ugh, fine. The others stare at you with curiosity in their eyes, with The Drowned Ghost narrowing his eyes at you.
The Guise –
“Oh, really? Hm…”
“...”
“Well, you certainly aren’t lying. But are you sure you believe your own words?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Why wouldn’t she? The one who told her that has been with us this whole time.”
The Shadow –
…What?
The Guise –
“What do you mean? Isn’t there only us here?”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader… Looks at The Drowned Ghost with confusion.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You, uh… Can’t hear Him? He’s been narrating us this whole time.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader points to the ground beneath your feet, right where…
…Oh, no.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Him. The Wayfinder's shadow that certainly does not look like the Wayfinder whatsoever.”
“...Are your eyes alright, Ghostie?”
The Guise –
“Is this another one of your pranks? Wayfinder, you knew he was lying last time. Is he now?”
The Shadow –
This is the perfect opportunity. Tell him The Ringleader’s lying.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’m not lying! Seriously!”
The Shadow –
Shit, you can hear me-
The Shadow –
You look down at the ground beneath your feet, along with The Ringleader. On the ground you do, in fact, find a shadow that does not look like your own.
That is because it’s me. Hello.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You can see him, can’t you, Wayfinder? Based on your widened eyes, after all…”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost walks over, observing the ground along the two of you. He shakes his head, voice growing impatient.
The Guise –
“I really, really can’t see anything.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Really? Is that why you didn’t tell us about him sooner?”
“...Or, at least, tell Ghostie over here. I was always aware of him.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost groans.
The Guise –
“You’re bragging. I can tell.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader winks, a visible star jumping out from his eye like a cartoon character.
…Literally how-
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Teehee! Don’t question it, Shadow!”
The Shadow –
Ugh.
Alright, can you all just hurry along and slay the Hero already? I’m already annoyed enough as is.
…And, don’t forget to mention the fact that he can and will destroy the very world.
The Shadow –
Not just ‘somehow,’ by-
The Guise –
“...End the world? What are you talking about?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“The Wayfinder’s shadow hasn’t given us any answer beyond just telling us that.”
The Shadow –
I was just getting to that-!
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost pauses for a moment, clearly thinking, but The Ringleader answers without hesitation.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yes! Of course we should!”
The Shadow –
Finally, someone’s on my side.
The Drowned Ghost gives him a slightly confused look.
The Guise –
“...Really? You’re in favor of this? Huh, I would have expected you of all people to not want to do so.”
“...Or, at least, not follow the instructions given to us, that is.”
The Shadow –
…I must say, I have to agree with him. I thought you’d have to ditch him, Wayfinder.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Hey! That’s not very nice!”
“...But maybe you would have to, if I was feeling less… Entertained.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost narrows his eyes, his hand on the hilt of his blade tightening.
The Guise –
“Is that a threat?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I don’t think so! But you do you, think what you want!”
The Guise –
“...”
The Shadow –
Agreed.
The Shadow –
Finally.
The others look at you and nod. The Drowned Ghost has a look of guarded hesitation in his eyes, but the weary look he gives The Ringleader shows the true reason why he’s following along. No matter, as long as you all end up at the cabin.
As for The Ringleader himself, he jumps a few paces forward, energy in every step. He hovers in the air for a few moments while doing so as well. At least one of you has the right idea.
You, on the other hand, proceed down the path with a calm and rather confident air about you, just as I had hoped. While you can feel The Drowned Ghost’s eyes on you, you have the feeling that he’s impressed by your courage.
The crunch of dead leaves fill the air, and there's an underlying scent of fruity flowers hanging around you. It fills you with a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
Eventually, you all make it out of the woods proper, and stand at the base of a hill, where the cabin rests on top of.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“That’s underwhelming, if I have to say so. Not very fitting for a world-ending hero, eh?”
The Guise –
“I don’t think his captors were looking for luxury, Ringleader.”
The Shadow –
He’s right. They weren’t.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...The Wayfinder’s shadow agreed with me, by the way.”
The Shadow –
Hey! No I didn’t!
The Guise –
“I- Ugh, let’s just get this over with. Like the Wayfinder said.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost hurries up the hill, and- Wait, I didn’t get to say my line yet!
The Inner Heart –
You’re really unprepared for this, aren’t you?
The Shadow –
I’m prepared fine!
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Talking to your shadow alone, Wayfinder?”
“Wanna share with the class? Or, well, I guess ‘party’ would make more sense here.”
The Inner Heart –
…Can he not hear me?
The Inner Heart –
…He’s not that annoying.
The Shadow –
He is.
The Shadow –
Alright, alright.
Ahem.
A word of warning before you continue, even if I’m sure you already know what you have to do.
The Hero will do anything to escape and end the world. He may even do anything in his power to kill you , just out of pure spite.
So don’t let him shape your freedom. Don’t let him do anything that weakens you or strengthens him.
He will be petty, he will be charming, and he will take every chance available to strike you down if it means he can escape. He was a foolish but strong hero once, after all, and so he must die.
…And, by the way, The Drowned Ghost is standing outside of the door to the cabin, looking impatient. Just in case you wanted to know.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“We know, we know. The Hero is a terrible, evil force of nature that must be squandered as soon as possible! We get it.”
“What we should be worried about, though, is the gloomy Ghostie up at the top of the hill. Will we ever break through his shadowed face and see the glorious, cheerful expression within?”
The Shadow –
I’m pretty sure he’s like that because of you, Ringleader.
The Amazing and Wonderful Show –
“Nonsense! We just need to cheer him up, right Wayfinder?”
The Shadow –
As you finally walk up the hill, The Ringleader cries out in faux betrayal and skips in the air alongside you.
The Drowned Ghost eyes the two of you with annoyance once you all finally make it to the entrance to the cabin.
The Guise –
“Finally done with your chatter? Good. Let’s go.”
The Shadow –
He phases through the cabin door, forcing The Ringleader to open the door by hand. You quickly follow suit.
The interior of the cabin is rather plain. Sparse, but with an underlying current of this being purposeful. The room you entered is empty save for a table and a dry, wooden chair, and a Pristine Blade placed under the…
Ah, wait. The Wayfinder already has the Pristine blade, of course. But that doesn’t explain the bucket…
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Whistles. And I thought the outside was bad, but this place is drab. Maybe slaying the Hero really will do him a favor!”
The Shadow –
Yes, yes it would.
The Guise –
“Killing someone just because their prison isn’t very quality hardly sounds like a good thing to do.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“We’d be putting them out of their misery, at least!”
The Guise –
“How about I put you out of your misery, hm? How does that sound?”
“I’m sure you’d rather be pulling plenty of pranks than trekking through the woods like we are now, right?”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader looks to be genuinely considering it for a moment.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Mmmm… I’m good!”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost sighs deeply, massaging his temples.
The Guise –
“I was… Ugh, nevermind.”
“Wayfinder, I’m going down to the basement. Come if you want, but he can just stay up here for all I care.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost crosses the length of the cabin, attempting to phase through the door like he had done previously…
…Only to stumble backwards as if he had rammed into a wall.
The Wayfinder must be the first person down the stairs, not anyone else.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Booo, why do you get all the special treatment?”
The Guise –
“Huh? What the…”
“...”
“That was embarrassing…”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader’s eyes dart around quickly, as if curious.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“One moment, if I may…”
The Shadow –
He… Walks over to one of the windows, grabbing the cane which he tucked away from… Somewhere. He lifts it up, aiming at the window, and proceeds to chuck it into the night.
Well, now you’re down a weapon. Great. But I guess he never was keen on fighting, so whatever.
The Inner Heart –
Still! Talk about senseless destruction.
The Guise –
“...And the purpose behind that was…?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh, you know! Just felt bored.”
The Inner Heart –
Honestly that tracks with everything we know about him.
You know, a chaos gremlin.
The Shadow –
Can we at least try to take this seriously?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Hey! I’m taking this plenty seriously!”
The Guise –
“You really aren’t.”
The Shadow –
Not you, the- Ugh, nevermind.
The Guise –
“Anyways, are you sure you don’t want to look around a little, Wayfinder? Maybe we could learn some more about the Hero while we’re here.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“We know plenty about him!”
The Shadow –
For once I agree.
The Guise –
“We know a little about him. We know that he’s locked in this cabin and, supposedly, able to, and will, end the world if we do not kill him now.”
“But any specifics? None. Why is he a hero? Is he locked up down there because he’s going to end the world, or is he locked up for a different reason? What’s his name? Birthplace?”
“We know nothing about him.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost gives you a slightly annoyed side-eye.
The Guise –
“No. I’m just trying to show how little we really know about him.”
“I thought you, of all the people here, would recognize that.”
The Inner Heart –
…He really is standoffish, isn’t he?
The Shadow –
And a roadblock.
You are here to slay the Hero, not question what to do with the Hero. Remember that.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“The scientific method states that all good actions should start with questions. So, maybe this is part of our process of killing the Hero!”
The Inner Heart –
…That is a good point.
The Shadow –
No it’s not!
The Guise –
“Assuming that the Wayfinder’s shadow is getting antsy… Yes, that is exactly what we are doing.”
“Don’t worry. We do not plan on letting the Hero go free.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Unless, of course, we want to!”
The Inner Heart –
In short, we're going to do anything.
The Shadow –
Let’s hope you make the right choice.
The Shadow –
I mean, it’s not barren, there’s the table, chair and bucket…
…Even if the bucket isn’t supposed to be here.
The Guise –
“Maybe I really am surrounded by idiots.”
“How disappointing.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Honestly, I get what she’s trying to say-”
The Guise –
“Of course you do, you love sick fool!”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“If there’s anyone I’m ‘love sick about…’”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader wanders over to The Drowned Ghost’s side, lovingly lying an arm around the ghost’s shoulder.
Unsuccessfully, of course.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...It’s you.”
The Inner Heart –
Oh.
Oh my.
The Shadow –
Can he take anything seriously?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I take plenty seriously, Shadow!”
“...Wait, that’s your actual name. Ew. Can I call you Shady?”
The Shadow –
No. You cannot.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!”
“You’re so boring.”
The Guise –
“Can you get the hell off me?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh yeah, sure. I honestly forgot that I was here.”
The Guise –
“Of course you did.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader moves off of The Drowned Ghost, who breathes a deep sigh.
The Inner Heart –
Aw.
…
I, uh, forget I said that.
The Shadow –
Ugh.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost turns away for a moment.
The Guise –
“Well, because… Uh...”
“...”
“Listen, I wanted to get this over with immediately, yes. But now I can’t, so why rush things? Maybe we’ll be more prepared if we wait a while. Maybe then we’d be able to get this over with even faster.”
“Sometimes to move forward you have to take a step back. Something to strike things down, you have to get struck.”
The Shadow –
There’s a tense silence as you and him hold eye-contact.
The Inner Heart –
To me it just sounds like he’s feeling embarrassed and wants to make sure he looks like he’s still composed.
The Shadow –
Hm. Maybe.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost rolls his eyes and The Ringleader happily skips after you. You all stand in front of the door, a strange energy in the air.
Remember, he’s just a captive hero. You’re in the right here. You’re stronger than he is. You have more people by your side than he does, and even if they can’t all fight, their presence is enough to throw him off balance.
Trust me.
The Guise –
“...I’m going to draw my sword.”
“I suggest you do the same, Wayfinder.”
The Shadow –
Yes, good. Make him know you mean business from the start.
Because you do mean business.
You mean death.
The Shadow –
You quickly draw the Pristine Blade once again. It is easy to hold and practically feels shaped for your hands.
You already feel at ease.
The Inner Heart –
Being protected does feel nice.
I can understand, Wayfinder.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“All this hostility, ugh! Let’s hope the Hero is armed too at this rate.”
“Because then he won’t feel as threatened! And feeling threatened is…”
"...Well, it’s one of the worst feelings in the world.”
The Shadow –
The Hero will not be armed, Ringleader. Don’t let him get to you, Wayfinder.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, I’m sure his captors took all of his weapons when he was caught!
The Shadow –
No sense in being prepared for something that won’t happen, but whatever. You do you, I guess!
The Inner Heart –
Blame The Ringleader, if you have to blame someone. The Wayfinder didn’t do anything.
The Shadow –
Still.
The Shadow –
The door to the basement creaks open as you finally turn the knob.
Contrary to the door to the cabin itself, the door to the basement is much harder to open, despite still being made of wood. It’s clear someone hasn’t been down here in a long, long time.
Dusty, dry air wafts up from the basement, and you recoil. It’s a stark contrast to the gentle, comfortable humidity of the woods, as well as the upper level. If the Hero were truly imprisoned here, slaying would be doing him quite a favor!
As you all begin to take the first step down the stairs, the Hero’s voice echoes up from below. He sounds almost… Impatient.
I know you’re there. You all sure took your sweet time coming down.
The Inner Heart –
His voice, it’s… It’s captivating. Even with his impatience, I feel like I could listen to it forever.
The Shadow –
Remember, this is all part of his ploy. Do not fall for it.
The Guise –
“I suggest you watch your tongue, ‘Hero’.”
“Remember who’s holding the knives in this situation.”
Yes, yes. Those who are holding the knives…
Maybe you should do the same, hmm?
The Shadow –
He’s. Bluffing.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I have enough of that for everyone!”
Heh.
Maybe you should worry about your party before worrying about me, leader. Whoever you are.
The Inner Heart –
Oh I don’t like him already.
The Shadow –
Good.
You aren’t supposed to.
You all continue down the stairs, soon locking eyes with the Hero. His arm is chained, trapping him to the far-right side of the stone basement. Despite this, he seems to be hunched in a motion that makes it clear that he could stand if he wanted to.
He’s still wearing some armor, such as a breastplate and shoulder pads, though the metal’s quality seems to have degraded with age. Despite this, his helmet is of much higher quality, with two feathers sticking out of the top, though the visor and jaw brace have seemingly been torn clear off.
His eyes, stark white against his jet-black feathers, watch you with something between ennui and cautiousness. The black feathers on his wings are puffed out. Despite all the bravado in his words, it’s clear he’s just trying to act tough.
Your companions all watch him with interest. The Hero’s eyes follow them with a similar expression.
The Inner Heart –
I can feel what you mean, Shadow. Something’s off about him.
But maybe it’s just the nerves.
The Shadow –
Listen to your nerves, yes, but don’t let them consume you. You can beat the Hero, together. You can win.
You can save the world.
The Guise –
“So. You’re the Hero we’ve been sent to kill.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I must admit, you aren’t what I expected! But world-enders never are, are they?”
Oh, you jester.
You are exactly right.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’m no ‘jester’.”
“Hey, guys? Maybe we should kill this guy before he kills us with that secret blade of his.”
The Shadow –
He has no ‘secret blade.’
But yes. Kill him.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You don’t know that~!”
The Guise –
“I don’t agree with your theory of him being armed.”
“But yes. Let’s stop yapping and kill him.”
The Inner Heart –
Already!?
The Shadow –
Yes. Already.
The Drowned Ghost takes a grim step forward, drawing his blade. His eyes narrow at the hero, who does the same to him.
Oh, so I see you want to kill me?
So soon? Don’t you just want to… Chat?
Maybe find a way to disarm me? Heh.
The Shadow –
Ah, shit. Well, he’s armed now.
The Shadow –
I, uh, yeah. That’s what I meant to say. Sorry, slip of the tongue.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Suuure.”
…
Ah. I don’t advise you do that, Ghost.
The Guise –
“Good thing I’m not asking you, then.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost takes another step forward, grim.
The air is tense.
The Shadow –
Of course you do.
All eyes turn to you in surprise.
Oh, you want to talk? Hm, I see.
Are you sure that’s a… safe idea?
The Guise –
“...Really, Wayfinder? Sigh.”
“Fine, fine. I have no choice but to trust you, do I?”
The Shadow –
He sheaths his sword. Ugh, of course he did!
The Inner Heart –
Don’t be such a baby.
…
Be careful though, alright Wayfinder?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ohohoho! I see we have another trickster in the mix!”
“Glad to see you share the same goal as I, Wayfie! Can I call you Wayfie?”
The Shadow –
The Hero and The Drowned Ghost share a barely stifled laugh.
The Shadow –
The Hero stares at you, blank-faced.
Is that a threat?
Funny. I almost find your words… Respectable.
Almost.
The Guise –
“I guess her words are true.”
“Sigh.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I, for one, agree with her!”
“Never land the first punch, that’s what I always say!”
The Shadow –
The Hero roles his eyes.
The Inner Heart –
…What a specific reaction.
The Shadow –
Exactly.
The Shadow –
The Hero gives a cheeky grin.
Maybe, maybe not…
But why would I be?
…
But why wouldn’t I be?
The Shadow –
Just kill him already.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I do want to, truly! But at the same time, isn’t it the Wayfinder’s destiny, or something?”
“That is what you said, right?”
The Shadow –
…
Yes. It is. I guess.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“So it’s all up to the Wayfinder, then!”
“I’m tired from all this standing. I think I’m gonna… Sit down.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader brushes past you and The Drowned Ghost and leans against the wall, rather close to the Hero. He waves.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Hi how ya doing.”
…
Are you fucking kidding me?
The Inner Heart –
Oh he just said a swear.
The Shadow –
…Yes? What do you want me to say here?
The Inner Heart –
I don’t know, that was just… Surprising. I guess.
The Shadow –
Ugh.
Yes, of course I want to go free. What kind of question is that?
But will you let me, is the real question. The question I should be asking, if I may say so.
The Guise –
“You may not.”
Wow, tell me how you really feel…
Too long.
Far, far too long…
The Guise –
“Any specifics? Has the season changed since you’ve been here? Any storms, rain? Come on, there must be something.”
The Shadow –
The Hero shakes his head.
Nothing, nothing. No specifics.
Unfortunate, isn’t it?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Very unfortunate.”
The Shadow –
The Hero side-eyes The Ringleader. Hard.
Can you get off me?
The Shadow –
The Ringleader places his index finger on his chin in faux-contomplation.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Mmm… No.”
Of course.
The Shadow –
Practically everyone in the room rolls their eyes.
You basically already told me what it was, that I’m a world-ending monster who wants to bring ruin to the world.
I feel like you can ask better questions than that, Wayfinder.
The Guise –
“...I have to agree with him in this case. Sorry, Wayfinder.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Sometimes it’s best to start conversations with easy questions.”
“...But then again, this isn’t the start of a conversation. More of… The middle-end.”
The Inner Heart –
I have to agree with them in this case, Wayfinder.
Sorry.
The Shadow –
I’m not sorry, for one.
The Inner Heart –
Well, that’s your choice, I guess.
The Shadow –
All eyes turn to you, curious.
The Drowned Ghost with surprise.
The Ringleader with excitement.
And the Hero with slight fear.
Slight.
Oh, have you?
Let’s hope that, for everyone’s sake, it’s the right one.
The Shadow –
With that threat hanging in the air, silence fills the room once more.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost glares at you and sheaths his sword aggressively, turning in a huff and mumbling aggressive words under his breath.
The Guise –
“I try to be helpful, I try to give advice and do things, but nooo, it’s not enough. Never. Enough.”
The Inner Heart –
Wow, he really took that personally, didn’t he?
The Shadow –
Yes. He did.
As for The Ringleader, he just shrugs, stands from his sitting position, and dusts himself off as he walks away.
He turns and flashes a big grin to the Hero, waving.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“See you later, Jestie!”
Never call me that again.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader just laughs, waving him off as the two move towards the stairs.
Just as The Drowned Ghost went to begin walking up the stairs themselves, he turns to you and speaks in a level but still noticeably annoyed voice.
The Guise –
“Call us if you need anything, alright?”
“You might be in over your head, you know.”
The Shadow –
But the words barely have a chance to leave your mouth. You feel a sudden, sharp weight in your back, like a knife stabbing you in betrayal.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, of- fucking -course!
Too slow!
Watch your back, missy. Maybe then you’ll be able to care for your front.
The Shadow –
You stumble forward, collapsing to the ground but thankfully catching yourself in a kneeling-like position.
Cold, burning fury bellows up from your very core, and you slowly crane your head to look at the Hero.
Glaring daggers barely even describes what you’re doing.
The Guise –
“Shit.”
Awww, does your mommy and daddy let you swear?
Figured I should ask since, you know, how much of a fucking baby you were acting just five seconds ago.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ah, dang. I really hoped something better would come of this.”
“Ah, well. Always wanted to feel the rush of battle.”
Awww, but weren’t we besties just a second ago?
Well, that’s the thing about betrayal. It never comes from an enemy.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Shut up.”
I will if you kill me.
The Shadow –
Your two companions lunge at the Hero, their eyes showing only the slightest sliver of betrayal that you feel.
They do not understand your pain.
The Shadow –
A manic smile forces its way into your face as you rise from the ground, hands desperately clawing at the Pristine Blade’s holster, and-
Oh, oh no. Don’t tell me it’s missing!?
The Inner Heart –
No no no, did that absolute bastard steal-
…Wait, The Ringleader has it.
The Shadow –
What? How could he-
…Oh. He… Does.
Ah, right. When he walked over to the Hero and brushed up against you! He must have stolen it then.
But what will you slay the Hero with now?!
The Shadow –
But seriously, what do you mean!?
I can’t just… Make something up! Not while your companions are fighting so brutally for you!
The Shadow –
Oh, this is becoming useless, isn’t it-
…
Wait, wait wait , wait. What the hell is going on back there!?
The Inner Heart –
What do you mean? The fight? It looks like the Hero is almost winning, but…
…
Oh, I see what you mean now. That poppy flower, it’s…
The Shadow –
It’s growing. Rapidly at that.
Hm. Ok, alright, I, uh… I can work with this.
Ahem.
Through your rage of being betrayed and some mystical force, it appears that the poppy flower you once held in your hair, or perhaps it helps your hair, has begun to grow wildly.
Its stem grows and its roots explore the air, but you feel nor care about any of that. You take one grim, deadly step forward towards the Hero.
The flower grows further.
Oh, look at you! Got nothing to saaaay? Ha!
How does it feel to have an entourage to fight for you?
The Shadow –
If the others uttered a reply, you do not hear it.
You take another step forward.
The flower grows.
It bares thorns that prick at your skin and reopen old scars.
Nice party trick, what’s it gonna do? Papercut me to death? Ha!
Ha! Haha!
…Why aren’t you stopping?
The Shadow –
You hear nothing but static and rage.
The vines feel their way through the air, wrapping around the Hero’s ankles and feeling around his torso.
Shit okay that kinda hurts-
I-I mean get the hell away from me! Freak!!
The Shadow –
With one clench of your fists, the thorns suddenly burst forth, erupting in a manner that is as beautiful as it is grotesque.
The Hero cries out in pain, and you can hear a slight whimper from The Ringleader as he is poked by a thorn of his own.
…But based on the slash wounds all around his body, the Hero is the one responsible for his death.
The Pristine Blade is bloody.
Hm.
He actually put up a good fight.
The Inner Heart –
Not the time, Shadow!
The Shadow –
Ah, right. Sorry.
While the Hero is, in fact, mortally wounded by the thorns that you aimed at him, it seems he had enough life left in him to… Commit one final act of violence.
The Inner Heart –
Oh no. Of course.
The Shadow –
Yes, yes. ‘Of course’.
He speaks no words as he silently stabs his own, smaller blade into your heart. Something that is perfectly doable because you were just… Standing there. Staring at him.
You fall to your knees like a marionette with broken strings, still maintaining eye contact with the Hero despite this fact. He lets out a small, dry laugh, hopelessly smug and overconfident in his own abilities.
While you do not feel pain, your body still needs blood to survive. It does not take long for you to slump over further, vision growing blurry and dim as the endless seconds tick further on.
The Drowned Ghost attempts to speak with you, but you cannot respond.
The Ringleader moves as if he were about to speak, but he cannot as well. The shadows around him darken and they cover the both of you, comforting blackness filling your vision in your final moments.
The Inner Heart –
This really went all wrong, didn’t it?
The Shadow –
Yes. It did. But at least the Hero is dead.
Soon, a different, darker shade of black makes its way to your eyes. The darkness of death, hopeless and despairing.
I’m sorry to say this, but…
Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
Remember how I said that the prologue was the weakest chapter that I had written?
Yeah, well. That title now belongs to these two chapters.
I don't like them. At all! Sorry about the drop in quality and gap between updating. A lot got in the way for me, lol. Luckily though the AO3 author curse didn't hit me, though!
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I'm sure if you look around, they'll be SOMETHING to like about it...
Chapter Text
Chapter II: The Mercenary
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a-
What the-?!
The Shadow –
You… Hurriedly pat the back of your hair, checking to make sure that something is still there.
Your hand brushes against a fresh flower, and you let out a sigh of relief.
I’m sorry, but this isn’t the time to make sure your cosmetics look nice. There’s a… Thing behind you.
…Two things, really. But only one of which is concerning.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Hey! I’m plenty concerning!”
The Shadow –
You… You can hear me?!
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yeah, yeah. I can hear you. The quicker you get over that, the faster this can go along!”
The Guise –
“So we’re back here… Hmmf. Fun.”
The Shadow –
‘ Back here’? What does he mean by-
The Sharp Heart –
I think it’s pretty obvious what he means, Shadow.
The Shadow –
Don’t speak to me with that-
The Sharp Heart –
I’ll speak to you how I want, thanks.
The Shadow –
…?!
The Inner Heart –
Ohhh she got you there-
The Sharp Heart –
Don’t think I’m on your side either, Blandie.
The Inner Heart –
Hey!
The Sharp Heart –
Is for horses.
The Shadow –
Can we, I don’t know, focus here?!
The Sharp Heart –
Gladly.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost looks away from you and crosses his arms. His eyes narrow.
The Guise –
“...I guess it wouldn’t serve a purpose now, would it?”
“We already know exactly what he’s like, after all.”
The Shadow –
You… Sigh, yes. I suppose this helps me, doesn’t it?
The Hero is as terrible as you think he is. And, based on-
The Sharp Heart –
Shadow. Just, just quiet.
You don’t need to convince us any further. You don’t need to do all this exposition and explanation, got it?
The only thing you ‘need’ to do is narrate us all going to the cabin, walking down to the Hero, and stabbing him.
Preferably multiple times, but i f one stab does him out, who am I to complain?
I’m not above the desecration of corpses, after all.
The Inner Heart –
…Alright.
The Sharp Heart –
While I thank you for your general opinion…
I have to ask, are you above the desecration of corpses? Especially ones that belonged to someone who killed en masse?
The Sharp Heart –
…
Something tells me that wasn’t always the case.
But, fine. I’ll accept that answer for now.
The Shadow –
I am extremely uncomfortable with the direction this conversation went.
The Inner Heart –
…Same.
The Sharp Heart –
Oh boo hoo.
The Guise –
“...Must be a long one.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I can’t imagine all the things the Wayfinder has to sit through.”
The Shadow –
…I think you mean-
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“No, I know what I said. She’s a Wayfinder, not a Princess.”
The Shadow –
That can’t be right, she’s-
The Sharp Heart –
Ugh, Wayfinder, I hope you get this right.
Because I do not want to sit through this guy’s existential crisis again.
The Shadow –
Well, I’m sorry my emotional dread isn’t pleasing to you.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader looks at you with surprise, taking a step back and placing a hand to his chest.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“E-Excuse me?! I’ve been on your side this entire time!”
The Guise –
“She could be right. She looks to know her way around a blade- She wouldn’t be carrying one if she wasn’t, after all.”
“And you doomed us with doubt. Throwing your only… ‘Weapon’ certainly didn’t do us any favors either.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader pauses, opening his beak to speak before stopping and looking down at the ground.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I… Alright. I get it. Sorry. I won’t- I’ll be more serious this time.”
“...In fact, I’ll look for my cane before we enter the cabin. How about that?”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost’s eyes narrow and he tilts his head.
The Guise –
“You mean you don’t have it now?”
“Hm. What about you, Wayfinder?”
The Shadow –
Their eyes turn to you.
Why are they acting like you’d have the blade now? It’s-
…Oh, wait. Right, this has all gone wrong. Let me guess, it’s in your hands.
…Or might be in your hands, that is.
The Sharp Heart –
Gee, I thought you were supposed to be the smart one here.
Yes it’s in her hands, you idiot. Look down for once, god.
The Shadow –
You raise the blade to show off the fact that you have it. The Ringleader tilts his head in confusion.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“That’s… Weird. Why do you have your weapon but I don’t have mine?”
The Shadow –
Maybe it’s because she’s the one who is supposed to do the slaying? You’re both here for… Moral support, I guess.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...That contradicts what you said last time. In a way. Hm…”
The Shadow –
I… Ugh, whatever.
The Sharp Heart –
Yeah? Well, when you’re stabbed in the back, kill the guy who stabbed you, and still die anyway you tend to get a little bitter.
Sorry, do you want me to giggle? Laugh? Say ‘Hehe’ and act cutesy? Not fucking happening.
The Inner Heart –
I mean, you did make that joke earlier-
The Sharp Heart –
That was not a joke, ugh!
The Shadow –
You remind me of an edgy teen.
The Sharp Heart –
You remind me of a self-absorbed, egotistical bitch!
The Shadow –
…
…I’m going to ignore how much that hurt me.
The Sharp Heart –
Nyehehe… Looks like I found a weak point!
…
I-Ignore that!
The Shadow –
Hypocrites. All of you.
The Shadow –
Both The Drowned Ghost and The Ringleader groan and avert their eyes.
The Guise –
“Not in the slightest.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’m just surprised about how easy he took us all down…”
“Or, well, me and the Wayfinder, at least. Ghostie here can’t exactly die.”
The Guise –
“...True, but I’m still bitter about this.”
“Ugh, it’s all eating at my brain. I can practically feel it.”
The Shadow –
Did things really go that badly?
The Inner Heart –
Well…
The Sharp Heart –
Yes. Yes it did.
The Shadow –
Sigh. Well, no use arguing about it now. What happened… Happened.
The Sharp Heart –
But we certainly aren’t going to take it lying down, do know that.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, that’s one thing we can agree on.
The Shadow –
The three of you all turn to look at each other and nod, before continuing up the path to the cabin. As you climb up the steadily increasing woods, you begin to feel like you’re being watched.
Hunted.
Observed.
You often catch yourself looking over your shoulder, worried that you’ll suddenly find something buried in your back.
Or worse, in your companion’s backs.
Either way, you are on edge. Your hands curl around your upper arms, as if you were cold. But you aren’t cold. You don’t get cold.
Soon you all arrive at the base of the hill, the cabin looming at the top of the hill.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...”
The Guise –
“...”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Does anyone else feel… Intimidated?”
The Guise –
“I…”
“...Yes.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Good. Then it’s not just me.”
The Guise –
“I’m not surprised you feel intimidated, Ringleader.”
“But then again, I didn’t expect to hear you say you could comprehend fear.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost speaks with tension that makes it clear he wanted to say more than just that.
The Ringleader balls up his fists, letting out a defeated sigh before speaking.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...I mean what I said back there in the woods, you know.”
“About taking things more seriously this time.”
“Here, I’ll prove it to you.”
The Shadow –
He hurriedly rushes forward, no doubt-
…
Wait, where’s he going? He can see the path leading up to the cabin, right?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yes, yes I can. I’m just not going there.”
The Shadow –
He pauses for a moment, looking up at the cabin’s windows before scurrying along the edge of the hill’s base, eyes darting up and down the grasses.
What is he-
The Guise –
“He must be looking for his cane.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost moves forward to follow The Ringleader. He glances back at you.
The Guise –
“Feel free to follow. But don’t enter the cabin alone. We… Don’t know what condition the Hero will be in, but he certainly won’t be placated.”
The Sharp Heart –
He can say that again.
The Inner Heart –
A shame they can’t hear us.
The Sharp Heart –
Gives us more of a chance to plan. Strategize. Find a way to claw our way to survival.
Like we had to do last time.
The Shadow –
If waiting will help you fight better, feel free to. But I strongly advise slaying the Hero as fast as possible. Don’t want to give him a chance to plan a way out, do you?
The Sharp Heart –
…You said roughly the same thing last time.
The Shadow –
You really do, don’t you?
I can hear the conviction in your voice.
The Sharp Heart –
It’s respectable.
…And no, I’m not going ‘soft,’ Blandie.
The Inner Heart –
I wasn’t going to say anything!
The Sharp Heart –
Suuure.
The Shadow –
Ahem.
The Drowned Ghost gives you a soft smile, and the two of you set off after The Ringleader. Who, I will add, seems to have made pretty significant progress.
The Drowned Ghost calls out to him.
The Guise –
“You’ve moved pretty fast, it seems.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader’s head pops out of the grass shrubbery, letting out a chuckle.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“It’s useful when you can hover.”
The Shadow –
He gives an example of his abilities by jumping into the air, gently landing in front of the two of you.
Notably, and a tad bit regretfully if his averted eyes are a clue, empty handed.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“See? Useful.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader lets out a dry laugh. Or perhaps it was a cough. Either way, he shrugs at you.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Thanks. But seriously, I don’t need your help.”
“Trust your… Trusty ringleader!”
The Guise –
“...Just because we trust you doesn’t mean we can’t help.”
“Here, lemme show you.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost continues forward, eyes combing over the hillside, just as The Ringleader had done.
The Sharp Heart –
He must be as antsy as we are.
Or, at the very least, I am.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader remains in front of you, both of you looking at The Drowned Ghost with curiosity.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader turns back to you, shaking his head sadly.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“That was the first thing I tried. But all the windows are patched up again, and… They don’t seem to align well.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader’s eyes widen for a moment, but he continues regardless.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“W-Well… I threw my cane out of the window, remember? But when we come out here…”
The Shadow –
He moves closer to the window of the cabin, urging you to follow him.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...The outside of the cabin doesn’t fit the inside.”
The Shadow –
True to The Ringleader’s words, from what you can see the inside of the cabin certainly does not fit the outside.
While you cannot see much since you are only looking in from the window, and at a low angle at that, the interior of the cabin is much more run-down than the outside would suggest it is.
…In fact, it hardly looks like- Ah, wait. I’m getting distracted again. Sorry.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You’re forgiven.”
“Anyways, this is what I mean. The inside of the cabin is so different from the outside that I can’t tell which window I actually threw my cane out of. Not to mention the fact that the interior looks very different now than what it looked like last time.”
The Inner Heart –
That certainly is a problem.
The Sharp Heart –
So? Sure it’ll be more work, but this isn’t unsolvable.
We just need to be prepared to get dirty.
The Inner Heart –
I’m… Not sure how I feel about that.
The Sharp Heart –
We are literally here to kill someone.
The Shadow –
Yes, exactly.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader, while hesitant, nods.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...You’re right. I keep worrying about the little things.”
“I’m sure everything will get easier now that you’re here! A-And Ghostie, too.”
The Shadow –
The two of you return to the bottom of the hill, eyes peeled and keen for any sight of the cane.
The breeze wisps by you both as you paw through the soft grasses, finding only patches of clover and soft moss, devoid of the desired steel.
The Sharp Heart –
Ugh, this is taking too long!
The Inner Heart –
Weren’t you on the side of searching first?
The Sharp Heart –
Yes, when I thought it’d just be a quick job! This is getting beyond annoying.
The Shadow –
You get what you pay for, Heartbeat.
The Sharp Heart –
Don’t… Don’t call me that.
The Inner Heart –
…I’m going to ignore that.
The Shadow –
There is a moment of silence before The Drowned Ghost responds.
The Guise –
“No, but I think it might be in this area. I can feel it.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Are you sure? I’m sure I-”
“...”
“Actually, wait. I’ll be right over.”
The Shadow –
With the words of your allies urging you on, the both of you follow The Drowned Ghost’s voice to behind the cabin.
The Guise –
“It’s around here.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“How can you be so sure? Not that I doubt you, that is.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost pauses and stares at The Ringleader with slightly narrowed eyes before continuing.
The Guise –
“I just have a feeling. And I’ve searched everywhere but here, and haven’t found it yet.”
“You know. Process of elimination.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...”
“I see.”
The Guise –
“Agreed.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost’s voice is filled with tension and impatience. The Ringleader shrinks in on himself, eyes darting to the side.
The three of you begin to do exactly what you had done before - search. As simple as that.
While you cannot exactly place the reasoning behind it, you begin to feel a sharp prickle on your back. While not a real feeling, you soon notice that it’s an emotional response - You’re getting antsy. You can feel your palms begin to sting, and you find yourself reaching for your blade subconsciously.
Interestingly, the thorny vines that were holding your hair together begin to almost… Grow. Same with the poppy flower that seems to serve as decoration.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, it’s much more than just ‘decoration.’
The Shadow –
How so?
The Sharp Heart –
The Wayfinder can control it, somehow. Magic. Used it to kill the Hero last time, even if things went…
The Inner Heart –
…Wrong.
The Sharp Heart –
Yes, exactly.
The Shadow –
Interesting.
Might I suggest, I don’t know, slaying the Hero now? Before you give him even more time to try and find an escape.
The Inner Heart –
Our allies are counting on us! And what is with you and Edgy over here going back on your words?
The Shadow –
I’m not going ‘back on my word.’ My word was always for you to slay the hero as best as possible, but you getting agitated isn’t going to help you or your allies, seeing as you function as their leader.
And, look. Can’t you see how tense The Drowned Ghost is? He’s itching to slay the Hero, or at least do something productive.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...”
The Inner Heart –
Sigh. I guess that makes sense.
But, seriously. I’m sure we’re-
The Guise –
“Found it.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost speaks with relief, standing just a few paces away from both you and The Ringleader. The two of you walk over, with The Ringleader practically bounding in air, a guilty-yet-pleased look on his face.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Finally! I was almost giving up hope.”
The Guise –
“I must admit, same as well.”
The Shadow –
Lying in the grass is a pristine-yet-average looking cane, the end a sound shape, almost like a crystal ball, colored a sleek black, fitting with the rest of it.
…That’s what we’ve been looking for the entire time?
The Sharp Heart –
Yuuup.
But any weapon is better than no weapon, you know.
The Shadow –
Yes, when it’s an actually dangerous weapon!
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Shut up. I can still hear you, you know.”
“Sorry I was trying to help.”
The Shadow –
…The Ringleader swiftly nabs the cane from the ground and leaps off, and you can see the shadows around him warp slightly.
Is… That a thing he can do?
The Inner Heart –
Don’t test him, Shadow. It won’t help anyone.
The Sharp Heart –
Are we finally getting back on track? Yes? Alright, good. Let’s go.
The Guise –
“...Well, he made our choice for us.”
“Not that we were going to do anything else. And not that I had anything better planned.”
“Come on, Wayfinder. I’m sure you have to be the one to enter the basement, still.”
The Shadow –
Yes, of course she-
Ah, wait. He’s not the one who can hear me.
The Shadow –
Finally, after several wasted minutes, the three of you all arrive at the door to the cabin. There’s the feeling of tension in the air again, adorned with… Excitement.
Your hand rests on the doorhandle, and you twist it open. The door holds no give while you do so, almost as if the very cabin itself wanted you to enter it.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Woah, this place, it’s…”
The Guise –
“Lavish, yet ruined…”
The Shadow –
True to your companion’s description, the interior of the cabin is… Lavish, yet ruined. In the left corner is a worn sitting chair, the cushions clearly once plush but now ragged and moth-eaten. It is seated at the end of a similarly worn-down dining table, which has seemingly taken a few hits from a knife’s blade.
Toppled over on the table, though, is a bucket, oozing out blood onto the floor. Your nose wrinkles up instinctively as the smell of copper fills your nose.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Gross. Looks like the density of the blood increased, heh…”
The Shadow –
…As for the cabin itself, the ground is made of stone tiles, pillars in each of the corners acting as supports. And yet, everything is cracked, and even the mirrors have a few spider-web cracks in them. Just enough to be noticeable and put you on edge.
…And, while you didn’t notice it before, there seems to be a large sack of what you can only assume is money in the corner of the room.
The Inner Heart –
…What?
The Sharp Heart –
I mean he is a Mercenary after all.
The Shadow –
Mercenary? What, no. He’s a Hero.
The Sharp Heart –
Pfft, yeah right. We all saw the title card.
The Inner Heart –
…Title card?
The Shadow –
You simply must be joking.
The Shadow –
You did? What’d it say?
The Sharp Heart:
‘Chapter II: The Mercenary’.
Fitting, given how he slaughtered us.
The Inner Heart –
It really was a slaughter, huh…
The Sharp Heart –
Yes. That’s why I don’t feel bad about getting back at him.
The Shadow –
Yes, good. Use that anger. That betrayal.
He cut you and your allies down, didn’t he? How is that fair? It isn’t. Get back at him for that.
The Shadow –
I’m sorry? What torch?
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, Wayfinder. What torch?
The Sharp Heart –
Are you ill? You better not be ill. You, we, have a Hero to kill.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I see that torch too, Wayfinder. You aren’t going crazy.”
The Guise –
“Oh, good. We’re talking about that.”
“Sure, the cabin is different, but even the torch looks… Out of place.”
“And it’s so bright, that… It almost doesn’t feel real.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost walks over to the corner of the room where the non-existent torch supposedly is, carefully sticking his hand out to grab the hilt.
…
Based on The Ringleader’s widened eyes and lack of screaming from The Drowned Ghost, something happened that wasn’t the torch falling to the ground.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Well, guess it wasn’t real then.”
The Guise –
“I don’t like that. I don’t like that at all.”
“This place is acting in all sorts of ways I don’t understand.”
“First waking up in the woods with no memory, then the Hero killing us all, now… This.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...”
“I’m sure things will turn out alright. And if they don, I’m always here to ente-”
“...Help! I’m always here to help.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost, who is still standing right next to the sack of money, shrugs.
The Guise –
“I don’t know. Why is any of this here? Maybe this is payment the Hero got for killing us, or something similar.”
The Sharp Heart –
See? Mercenary.
The Shadow –
No one paid the Hero to kill you. I don’t know why this sack of money is here, but just ignore it. You have something better to do. Something actually worthwhile.
…But, if you need something to sweeten the deal, I’m sure no one would mind if you took the money for yourself once the Hero is dead.
The Inner Heart –
Then we’d be the mercenaries. That’s not better.
The Sharp Heart –
I disagree, nyehehe.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...The Wayfinder’s shadow said that that’s not the reason, Ghostie.”
“He doesn’t know why it’s here either, though.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost grumbles.
The Guise –
“Of course.”
“Just another distraction…”
The Shadow –
You cross the distance to the basement door, confidently placing your hands on the handle and twisting the door open. Your allies stand behind you, as curious as you are.
The staircase leading down to the basement is largely similar to the cabin interior. Stone tiled floors, a few broken pillars on the walls, with a few dark mirrors lining the wall. Several, actually, each one more ornate than the last.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“How much does the Hero like to look at himself?”
The Guise –
“Or maybe he’s just trying to ensure no one gets him from behind.”
“Mirrors are a perfect way to prevent that, after all.”
The Shadow –
…
As you all shuffle onto the staircase, The Ringleader hanging back in the doorway, a certain smell fills your nose, similar but not identical to the one from the upper levels of the cabin.
A cold, metallic scent, but not one of blood. Just a lot of copper.
The Sharp Heart –
…I know that smell.
The Inner Heart –
…You do? How?
The Sharp Heart –
I have a very strong sense of smell.
Regardless, it’s the scent of coin. Metallic coin. Money.
Again, he’s a mercenary. I told you.
The Shadow –
He isn’t, I swear-
Ugh, nevermind. Something is happening.
The Hero’s voice, playful-yet-composed, prances up the stairs.
Hello, hello, wonderful friend!
Have you come to discuss my… Commissions?
The Sharp Heart –
See?!
The Inner Heart –
…I must admit.
With the way he’s talking, the whole cabin looking fanciful yet hidden…
She’s onto something, I think.
The Shadow –
No she-
The Guise –
“We are here to discuss, yes, but your ‘commissions’? Never.”
The Shadow –
The Hero mutters a vulgar profanity. You can hear something thumping to the ground, likely the Hero, before the sound of him scampering into whatever position he fell out of.
The Inner Heart –
Well, he certainly remembers us.
The Sharp Heart –
Good. It’ll make this easier.
He knows what we can do, after all.
The Shadow –
The Hero speaks once again.
O-Oh! My… Hello! Welcome back, haha!
Come down, come down! I have some words to share with you all.
The Shadow –
You draw your blade swiftly and silently. You are now armed.
The Sharp Heart –
Such riveting narration. Thanks.
The Shadow –
You proceed down the stairs, allies in tow.
The basement of the cabin is much nicer than the upstairs, with the columns well-taken care of and a round window on the wall, light streaming down and obscuring the Hero’s face in shadow. He’s seated on… A filled sack of coins.
What?
The Inner Heart –
…Okay, that’s just sad.
The Sharp Heart –
All I’m seeing is that it’ll be easy to kill him. He fell off earlier, right? He’s unbalanced.
The inner Heart –
…I guess so.
The Shadow –
The Hero himself does not look like much of a ‘hero,’ although he is wearing some shoddy armor under the cloak draped on his shoulders. You can see a hood behind his head, perfect for sneaking. Interestingly, it seems like he had managed to slip his chains, likely with the very knife he is tossing right now.
This is what happens when you take too long, you know.
He tilts his head to the side, idly tossing a blade that came from god-knows-where.
Why hello. How wonderful to see you all in person again.
I assume you have some words on how our last meeting went? So do I.
Firstly, why-
The Shadow –
But he does not have the chance to respond. The Drowned Ghost lunges forward from behind you, sword being swung in a large arc, coming down on the Hero’s neck.
The Hero flinches back, but remains unharmed, as The Drowned Ghost and his weapon are incorporeal. But wounding the Hero seemingly wasn’t The Drowned Ghost’s goal in the first place, since his hisses back to you immediately.
The Guise –
“Wayfinder! Now!”
What the hell are you doing?! I wasn’t even going to attack you this time!
The Shadow –
Just like before, in the back of the cabin, the plants in your hair begin to writhe and grow. They, slowly at first, explore your hair, before soon springing outward and into the air. The Hero’s head turns to face you, expression still shadowed, but you’re sure he’s glaring at you.
The Sharp Heart –
Ohohoho, I’m going to enjoy this.
…
Wait, why aren’t you attacking him? Why are you just standing there!?
The Shadow –
The Wayfinder only chose to summon the vines. She never said what to do with them.
The Sharp Heart –
What?! Oh, seriously?!
The Shadow –
Yes. Seriously.
The Sharp Heart –
Ugh! We’re so close!
And the Hero’s recovered already from his shock! Can’t you see?! He’s lunging straight at us!
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Uhhh… Wayfinder? I suggest you snap out of whatever daze you’re in right now.”
Oh, little clown. Don’t you know it’s rude to tell a lady what to do?
Hm. Maybe I should start with you first, ‘bestie’.
The Shadow –
He hurriedly changes course, The Drowned Ghost unable to do anything to stop him. The Hero winks at you in a cruel way.
The Shadow –
You kick your leg out under the Hero’s feet, who gasps in surprise but is unable to do anything more than that. He slams onto the ground, the whole cabin shaking from the impact.
F-Fuck! I think I broke a rib.
The Guise –
“Impossible. Simply tripping isn’t enough to shatter one’s ribcage.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“But even if you did, you would deserve it.”
Are you saying I deserve to get hurt, then?
Bullshit.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yes, actually. Was that not clear?”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader smacks the Hero with his cane in the face. The Hero loses a tooth.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Huh. That was harder than I meant to hit.”
The Guise –
“Hmm. Well done, Ringleader.”
“I’d give that a try, but we’ve all seen how that went.”
Har hard, very funny.
The Shadow –
The Hero’s eyes dart around.
The Shadow –
You adjust your vines, forcing them to take root in the ground and curl around the Hero, pinning him to the floor.
He glares up at you. Hard.
Feeling nostalgic?
Fan-fucking-tastic.
The Shadow –
Practically everyone in the room rolls their eyes.
The Shadow –
Now the Hero rolls his eyes, but doesn’t do anything to dispute what you said.
The Guise –
“I thought we were going to kill him now.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“It’s up to the Wayfinder to decide. We’ll see what we do soon, I guess.”
The Shadow –
The Hero shrugs as best he can.
How should I know? Not that I’m complaining. I quite like them.
Makes me feel… Actually, nevermind. I don’t have to explain myself to the likes of you.
The Guise –
“We’re still the ones with the weapons here, you know.”
And I care because?
The Shadow –
The Hero scoffs.
I picked my chain, obviously. Wasn’t that hard. Easy when you have claws as long and sharp as mine.
The Inner Heart –
Hey edgy, he mentioned you!
The Sharp Heart –
Shut up.
The Shadow –
The Hero rolls his eyes.
Why wouldn’t I? You’re the ones who’ve been hostile to me from the start.
I mean, you came in with your weapons drawn, and… Well, you remember.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You rise above the hostility, not match it.”
The Guise –
“I’d usually disagree, but in this case I’m on your side, Ringleader.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Thanks.”
Woooooow. The allies agree with each other. Big surprise. Big whoop.
The Shadow –
There is a long stretch of silence as the two of you maintain eye contact, the tense sort of silence that occurs before a storm breaks.
It felt as if the whole world held its very breath.
No.
The Shadow –
You feel your thoughts darken.
You can see and feel the vines begin to grow once again.
Your allies take steps back, familiar fear in their eyes.
You know what to do.
The Shadow –
You plunge the pristine Blade into the hero’s back, and he begins to cough up blood. It is difficult at first because of the vines, but they swiftly recede and allow you to stab the Hero hard.
The Sharp Heart –
Yes, yes! Finally!!
The Inner Heart –
You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?
The Sharp Heart –
As if you aren’t!
The Inner Heart –
…
The Shadow –
The Hero coughs as the blade punctures his lungs, and the receding vines reveal that he still held his small blade in his hands.
A good thing you killed him before he had the chance to use it.
Soon, the hero is too weak to even hold his head up, and…
The Inner Heart –
…
The Sharp Heart –
…
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...”
The Inner Heart –
He’s gone…
He is. The Shadow has dissipated, as is the world around you.
The Hero speaks weakly as memory begins to return.
You… You…
Ugh, getting me in my own back, heh…
…
I don’t… This…
…
…
I don’t understand. This wasn’t supposed to end like this…
The Hero returns to nothingness, as do your allies.
You return to the void.
The Inner Heart –
…We’re here again, aren’t we?
The Sharp Heart –
Yeah. Of course.
…And, look. Is that the torch you mentioned, Wayfinder?
The Inner Heart –
I always forget how bright it is.
And… I’m tired again, too.
The Sharp Heart –
N-No, we… We can’t get tired now. We still have so much to d-do.
The Sharp Heart –
I… I…
The Inner Heart –
You know she’s right, Edgy.
Even if you aren’t conscious of it, even if you aren’t aware… You will still move forward.
The Sharp Heart –
…
I don’t…
…
Struggling here means nothing. You’re right.
I’m ready. Hurry up, before I change my mind.
You approach the torch, and feel your Hearts still once again. You look into the flames for a moment, as is custom, but then turn around.
You are ready to see what comes next. You feel the thrum of anticipation and new beginnings in your chest.
The shadow of a Princess stares back.
You’re on a path.
In the distance, you see the Hero, Her, The Guise, and The Amazing and Wonderful Show.
You’ve arrived once again. The Guise and The Amazing and Wonderful Show lie at the Hero’s feet, who is once again held by Her many hands.
Wayfinder. Welcome back.
You have given me an interesting perspective. I hope to take the time to understand him while we talk.
She regards you with the same concern as she had done before.
I am sorry. I cannot offer you more comfort than my presence.
But even then I am not complete enough to fully assist you. Please, forgive me for this.
…
I am not sure what you will become next. But do not fear, for I refuse to let it be nothing.
She pauses, contemplating.
This one is opportunity itself.
He did not know who he could trust, and those around him thought he was a threat. So he folded inward, and became exactly what everyone thought he was. Dangerous.
His story is… Incomplete. You and your allies took the chance he was going to before he could, and so the journey ended there.
If you must mourn him, I will do so as well. But do not take pity on his incomplete nature, for with you he will forge his own path.
…
He is a lot like you, Wayfinder. I hope he rises above his inner nature.
She giggles softly.
Yes, I suppose it is.
But I worry that changing it would change him himself. A piece of you, stripped away and changed for being ‘inconvenient,’ disregarding the fact that it is still you.
I apologize, Wayfinder. But I cannot bring myself to change someone so drastically.
I did not find cruelty in your words, Wayfinder. I know what you meant.
Perhaps we all need casual conversation once in a while. And I suppose that was the only fitting topic that came to your mind.
You do not speak, and instead wait. Time ticks on, but it phases none of you.
The Guise sleeps like a tired storm.
The Amazing and Wonderful Show rests with a smile on his face.
She watches you with patience, as She cannot do anything else.
…it is nice to feel time go by, is it not?
…
She nods, and places Her hands over your head and eyes.
Darkness.
…
You feel a single beat in your chest.
And then another.
…
And then they’re gone.
The slight hollow feeling settles into your bones, and yet you feel nostalgia.
The Heart of the Sharp, someone who is not unlike you. Or, at least, someone you were once like. She is a witch, one of the wilds and ambitions.
And, lastly, The heart of the Princess. Cautious and slightly distant, her growing experience and personality will surely allow for the growth of others and herself.
Together, they will make for a dependable vessel.
Do not mourn them, for you may meet them again.
…
Wayfinder, it is time.
She gently places the Hero in your arms, just as She had done many times before.
The buzz under your skin returns. It feels like wind brushing your skin, a feeling without texture.
Your eyes close, even before Her hands are placed over your eyes.
I am certain you will wish to remember them all.
You won’t.
Somewhere, a fire burns bright and a mirror continues to crack.
Then everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
Well. That ends this mess of a segment.
I would like to say that the gap between updating this fic and the fact that there isn't a third chapter for this 'round' are not related. This fic is planned from start to finish, front to back, and I don't plan on deviating from said plan.
I decided on this for a couple of reasons. In Slay the Princess, the Razor route (which this is meant to parallel) goes on to a third chapter no matter what the player does. This is because the main character always, somehow, ends up dead, for a multitude of reasons, but mostly for one reason:
The player cannot defend himself in a way that matters.
But in this case, the Wayfinder isn't alone. She has allies and friends by her side. And, even if she's down a weapon, she has her vine magic to defend herself with.
So, why wouldn't she slay the Hero before the Hero slays her? I don't know why, but taking that direction makes me feel clever LOL
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed these two chapters! I think the next few should be easier to write.
Have a wonderful rest of your day, afternoon, or night!
Chapter 10: Chapter I - The Wayfinder and the Hero and the Guise and the Endless and Wonderful Show and the Mercenary
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter I: The Wayfinder and the Hero and the Guise and the Endless and Wonderful Show and the Mercenary
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a…
…
What?
The Shadow –
You… Casually draw your blade from its holster on your waist.
So you already have the Pristine Blade. I see.
The Shadow –
Ah. Right. Sorry, I got distracted.
Ahem.
You’re on a path in the woods.
And at the end of the woods, is a cabin.
In the basement of that cabin, is a Hero.
You are here to slay him. For if you don’t, he will bring forth the end of the world.
…And it seems like somehow you have allies on your side, likely to help you in your quest.
The Shadow –
The people standing behind you.
You know, the ghost, the ringleader, and the… Rogue? Vagabond? Vigilante?
…Hm, I like rogue more. Yeah, let’s go with that.
The Shadow –
You turn around to face your allies, observing them with the same caution and scrutiny that they are treating each other with. Except for The Ringleader, who seems to be treating everyone pretty well.
One of the figures is what appears to be a ghost. He has a bird-like humanoid figure, dressed in once-pristine armor that is rusted over and dented. He appears to be soaked through, with little droplets of water falling from everywhere around him. He eyes almost everything around your group with suspicion, hand resting on his own, similarly-rusted blade.
The second is almost the first’s exact opposite. While The Drowned Ghost is tall, The Ringleader is rather short and much more lively, other than the literal sense. He’s hovering a few feet off the ground, holding a cane behind him in a way that makes it look like he’s sitting on it. Like a witch’s broom. As mentioned before, he has a smile on his face.
The third, The Rogue, is clad in tattered robes with several holes and worn ends. Under these robes, however, is a set of leather armor. Strong enough for combat, I’m sure, but likely made for sneaking. Given the hood that is hanging behind his neck, being hidden is his main priority.
While likely unseen to the untrained eye, you can spot a small needle-blade, or perhaps a dagger, under the layers of his cloak. He watches you all with a gaze that implies he knows how to strike all you down.
A bit of an odd choice for an ally, but your choice is your choice.
The Mercenary –
“Well well well, hello all you lovely people.”
“While I am most certainly aware of the reasoning behind us being all present in these woods, I must request you to all tell me why you all think we are here.”
The Shadow –
His eyes lazily turn to you, his face soon adorning a smile.
The Mercenary –
“Starting with you, my dear Madame Blanche.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader crosses his arms and bounds over to The Rogue, leaping through the air as if in flight, before landing at The Rogue’s feet, looking up and into his eyes.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“What an interesting way to refer to someone. Question, what does that mean?”
The Shadow –
The Rogue hesitates, momentarily looking away for a moment before returning his gaze to The Ringleader.
The Mercenary –
“Why, such a simple question to ask of me. The answer is, of couse…”
“...”
“B-Blank lady…?”
The Shadow –
Both The Drowned Ghost and The Ringleader sigh, with the former’s hand settling away from the hilt of his blade. Meanwhile the latter turns to you, completely ignoring The Rogue.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Just ignore him. That French he just tried to speak? It was, uh…”
The Guise –
“Imperfect at best.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yeah. Imperfect at best is a good way to put it.”
“He roughly called you Mrs. White, which… While close to ‘Blank Lady’ isn’t identical.”
“Obviously.”
The Shadow –
The Rogue glares down at The Ringleader, who ignores the taller man’s rage and continues to speak.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’m sure by now you can understand that any ‘reasoning’ he has about why we are here is not to be trusted.”
“And… It’s not like anything he says would really apply to us. We already know why we are here, after all.”
The Shadow –
…What? How does he know-
The Guise –
“What do you mean?”
The Mercenary –
“Ugh… My French is fine…”
“...”
“I mean. Yes. Tell us. Why are we here?”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader looks at the group with confusion.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Are you two joking? The voice. Or, I mean, her shadow. The voice of her shadow? Would that make more sense? Hm.”
“Anyways. You can hear him, right? He’s been narrating us this whole time.”
The Shadow –
Don’t tell me he can hear me-
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yes, I can.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost and The Rogue look at The Ringleader with confusion, their gaze turning to you momentarily.
The Guise –
“Do you know what he’s talking about, miss?”
The Mercenary –
“Yeah. C’mon. I don’t react well to being lied to.”
The Guise –
“I doubt hearing voices and seeing things is ‘lying’. Because we can’t hear anything, and the Ma’dam doesn’t have a shadow at all.”
The Shadow –
Alright, so they still can’t see me…
…Except for The Ringleader, with it being his turn to look perplexed.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“What? You’re all joking, right?”
“I mean, I know hearing voices is weird, but someone not having a shadow is even worse.”
“You can hear your shadow, right miss? And… See it? God that sounds weird to say.”
The Shadow –
I strongly advise you not to inform them of my existence. Trust me when I say it will only cause confusion and panic, and distract you from your goal.
Which is slaying the Hero, in case you forgot.
The Shadow –
Ugh, damn it.
The Ringleader snaps his fingers, his worry dissipating.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ah-HA! I knew it!”
“See? I’m not lying!”
The Shadow –
Meanwhile, The Rogue looks wary while The Drowned Ghost continues to observe with curiosity.
The Guise –
“Interesting.”
The Mercenary –
“Tch. That’s one way to put it.”
The Guise –
“...Yes. It is. Which is why I said it like that.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...And you said that you weren’t sure about the voice being your shadow or not, right? Maybe you should check that.”
“...And when I say ‘maybe’ I mean definitely, please.”
The Shadow –
I suppose it is too late to stop you from doing that.
Not that I was attempting to keep the fact I was your shadow a secret, of course. If anything I was expecting you to discover that rather quickly.
The Shadow –
You look down at your shadow and The Ringleader moves to join you in observation. It’s stretched out in front of you, something so unnatural in the dusk light.
What’s even weirder is that it doesn’t even look like you. The shape is largely undefined, no clear arms or legs, but is certainly humanoid. However, you can see much too large, serrated ears and antennae-like tufts sticking out from the head.
This is me. Hello, Princess.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Is that what you are? A Princess?”
The Mercenary –
“Oh, do we have royalty on our hands? Forgive me Madame, you deserved a much classier title than what I had called you before.”
The Guise –
“Yeah, considering it was wrong.”
The Shadow –
No, not ‘a’ princess, the Princess. There’s a difference.
The Shadow –
You’re a what?!
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Don’t sound so dumbfounded!”
“...I mean, I don’t know what a ‘Wayfinder’ is either, but there’s no need to practically gasp in shock.”
The Shadow –
Gasping is a perfectly normal response to unexpected information, Ringleader.
The Guise –
“A ‘Wayfinder’?”
The Mercenary –
“Ugh, I prefer ‘Princess.’”
The Shadow –
The Rogue looks momentarily startled, before laughing and waving his hand.
The Mercenary –
“Oh, no no no! You misunderstand! I meant that for you! As in, I am sure you would rather be a Princess than a… ‘Wayfinder.’”
“But, of course, your identity is your choice! Just… if you’re ever looking for more, well, I’m here for you.”
The Shadow –
…
The Guise –
“...”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“No narration for that, huh, Shadow?”
The Shadow –
Huh? Oh, sorry, sorry.
I was just… Sorry.
The Shadow –
You turn and begin to trek up the path to the cabin, your allies following quickly behind you.
The Guise –
“Ah, right. We’re still missing a whole conversation here.”
The Mercenary –
“Yes, do tell us.”
“Either one of you, really, just the ‘Wayfinder’ preferred.”
The Shadow –
The path to the cabin is short, and you soon find yourselves at the base of a hill. The cabin rests on top, patiently awaiting you all to enter it.
Now would be a perfect time to inform your allies of your shared mission.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’ll let you handle this, Wayfinder. Since you seem to be a fan-favorite, teehee!”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost’s eyes widen then narrow, flicking between you and The Ringleader.
The Guise –
“That… Does sound far-fetched.”
The Shadow –
…Meanwhile, The Rogue’s eyes widen with joy, and a smile slowly forms on his face.
The Mercenary –
“Oho? We’re here… To kill someone?”
The Shadow –
He smirks, quickly drawing the blade from under his robes with an artistic flourish. The Drowned Ghost backs away, subtly.
The Mercenary –
“I hope you all know that is my main skill in life.”
“But not my only one, of course.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh! How… Convenient, then!”
The Guise –
“Almost concerningly so.”
The Mercenary –
“Well, convenience is convenient, isn’t it? So I say that we all get a move on so I- Er, we can get pa- save the world!”
The Guise –
“...”
“Right.”
The Shadow –
The two maintain steady, tense eye contact for a few moments, before The Rogue shrugs and continues up the hill, bumping into both you and The Ringleader at once.
The Inner Heart –
Impressive, considering the fact that we weren’t even standing next to each other.
The Shadow –
Yes, yes.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Yes to what, Shadow?”
The Inner Heart –
Oh, yes to how impressive it was that The Rogue bumped into both you and the Wayfinder, despite the fact you weren’t close to each other at all.
The Shadow –
…
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Wow, now you’re just gonna give me the cold-shoulder?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Aww, so there’s someone new I won’t be able to talk to?”
The Inner Heart –
…I guess not.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Booo, I always hate being left out of conversations!”
The Guise –
“...Now you understand how I feel.”
“And The Mercenary too. Maybe.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh, sorry Ghostie! I didn’t mean it like that!”
The Guise –
“Sigh. It’s fine. I don’t think you’re capable of malicious intent.”
The Shadow –
Everyone’s capable of malicious intent. No exceptions.
The Inner Heart –
…You do know he can’t hear you, right?
The Shadow –
Yes. But even so.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Shadow over here said that everyone is capable of malicious intent.”
“And, honestly?”
“I agree with him.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost gives no clear response to The Ringleader’s rather weak threat.
The Guise –
“Fine. Whatever you say.”
The Shadow –
He turns and continues up the hill. The Ringleader looks to you, then to him, then to you again, before shrugging and leaping off like everyone else had done.
And, before you continue Wayfinder, if I may have a word…
The Hero will do anything to escape and end the world. He may even do anything in his power to kill you and your allies, just out of pure spite.
So don’t let him shape your freedom. Don’t let him do anything that weakens you all or strengthens him.
He will act meek, he will be cruel, and he will be as clever as possible. Whatever is needed for him to escape and end the world.
After all, he was a foolish but strong hero once, and so he must die.
The Shadow –
You continue up to the hill, your allies patiently waiting for you at the cabin’s steps. The Rogue quickly enters, not even holding the door open for the rest of you.
…Not that it largely matters, that is. The Drowned Ghost just walks right through, and The Ringleader seems happy to hold the door open for you as well, going as far as to bow deeply and remove his hat.
The Inner Heart –
How polite.
The Shadow –
How frivolous, more like.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Well, someone has to try and clear up this gloom.”
The Shadow –
The ‘gloom’ will be gone once the Hero is dead, Ringleader. And you’re getting in the way of that.
Ahem.
You enter the cabin, The Ringleader quietly shutting the door once you all enter inside.
The interior of the cabin is… No, not plain. Hm. Sparse, maybe? Yes, that works. Sparse, but you have a growing feeling that this was purposeful. The room you entered is mostly empty, no exquisite furnishings or decor on the walls, only a table and a dry, wooden chair, and a Pristine Blade placed under the…
Ah, wait. The Wayfinder already has the Pristine Blade, of course. But that doesn’t explain the bucket, nor the pile of loose cloth…
The Mercenary –
“...”
“Well, I’m just going to say this now.”
“This place is shit quality.”
The Guise –
“I mean, I think it looks fine."
The Mercenary –
“...”
“You must not have good taste, then. Sorry, nothing I can do about that.”
The Guise –
“. . .”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost glares at The Rogue with a harsh silence. He seems unaware.
The Inner Heart –
Oh he is definitely aware.
You just can’t follow his eyes because of his hood that he… Suddenly put on?
Weird.
The Shadow –
Huh. I didn’t even notice that.
Well, anyways, what do you want to do now, Pri- sorry, Wayfinder.
The Shadow –
You walk over to the cloth, kneeling down and feeling it with your hands.
It’s rough, and very dry. Almost like it came from a potato sack, or something similar. You can see the frayed ends around the edges.
The Guise –
“...I just wonder… What’s the purpose of all these things?”
“A bucket, a table, a chair, and a piece of loose cloth…”
“It’s almost like this place was actually a home, or something.”
The Mercenary –
“Who would ever want to live here? This place makes sense for a prison.”
“Honestly, I would never be caught dead here.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I don’t know. I kind of like it.”
“...But, yeah. It feels a little cramped. How would I practice my shows?”
The Guise –
“Your what?”
The Mercenary –
“Yeah, your what?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“My circus shows. I mean, I don’t do those often, but still.”
“I specialize in shadow puppets, actually!”
The Mercenary –
“Snrk. What, like little shadow puppets? Made with dollies?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...No. I mean, I guess I could make them with dolls? I just make them with, well, magic I guess.”
The Shadow –
He demonstrates his ability by conjoining the shadows in the room into a shape on the wall.
It’s you, smiling and waving.
The Inner Heart –
Aww, that’s pretty sweet!
The Shadow –
…I mean, it is impressive.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you very much.”
The Mercenary –
“No one was clapping.”
The Guise –
“...I was. Mentally.”
The Mercenary –
“Sure you were, buddy.”
The Shadow –
The Rogue rolls his eyes and walks over to the door, resting his hand on the knob and twisting it.
Unfortunately, his efforts were futile, as-
The Inner Heart –
…I’m pretty sure his efforts were not, in fact, futile, Shadow.
The Mercenary –
“There. Come along, everyone. We have a job to fulfill."
The Guise –
“And by ‘job’ you mean ‘mission, correct?”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost speaks with tension. The Rogue pauses mid steps, slowly turning around, his eyes unreadible.
The Mercenary –
“Correct.”
The Shadow –
And then he slips into the darkness, practically melting into the shadows.
The Inner Heart –
Haha. That’s funny.
The Shadow –
What is- Oh.
Ugh.
Anyways, while the Wayfinder was supposed to be the first one to enter the basement, it seems like that was messed up too, somehow.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“So…”
The Guise –
“We just have to follow him, I guess.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost follows after The Rogue, the darkness of the basement swallowing him whole. The Ringleader looks back at you, then back to the basement, before turning and walking away as well.
The Inner Heart –
Those two need a mediator, that’s for sure.
The Shadow –
Yes, yes.
I suppose they do.
The Shadow –
You swiftly follow your allies into the basement, the door softly shutting behind you.
Dusty, dry air wafts up from the basement, and you recoil. It’s a stark contrast to the gentle, comfortable humidity of the woods, as well as the upper level. If the Hero were truly imprisoned here, slaying would be doing him quite a favor, just as The Rogue had pointed out. In fact, you can see the tension in his shoulders, despite his clear efforts to force them back down.
The Hero’s voice carries up the stairs, mid-conversation with The Rogue.
…Chained to a wall, of course. What else would I be?
The Mercenary –
“Almost anything, really. Don’t act like you don’t agree.”
Ha, ha…
…
Maybe you’ll understand further when we meet face-to-face.
The Inner Heart –
His voice… It’s so captivating. I almost feel jealous that I wasn't the first one he spoke to…
The Shadow –
Don’t let him fool you. That’s exactly what he wants you to feel.
The Guise –
“Don’t listen to him. He’s just trying to throw you off-guard.”
The Mercenary –
“Well, why wouldn’t I be? We’re here to kill him, after all.”
The Guise –
“Did you have to go and tell him that!?”
The Mercenary –
“Whaaat? Didn’t you tell me to be honest?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Not brutally, I’m sure…”
The Shadow –
The Rogue sends a swift glare at your direction, but does not respond. The Drowned Ghost, on the other hand, gives you a tight nod.
Oh, are you? Wonderful!
Unfortunately, that means nothing without seeing you all.
Please, come down.
The Shadow –
Your group continues down the stairs, the cabin’s basement being almost too small for a group of your size.
…Almost, that is.
You all lock eyes with the Hero, but his gaze naturally makes its way to you, someone so human among the crowd of feathers and beaks.
His arm is chained, trapping him to the far-right side of the stone basement. Despite this, he seems to be hunched in a motion that makes it clear that he could stand if he wanted to.
He’s still wearing some armor, such as a breastplate and shoulder pads, though the metal’s quality seems to have degraded with age. Despite this, his helmet is of much higher quality, with two feathers sticking out of the top, though the visor and jaw brace have seemingly been torn clear off.
His eyes, stark white against his jet-black feathers, watch you with something between ennui and cautiousness. The black feathers on his wings are puffed out. Despite all the bravado in his words, it’s clear he’s just trying to act tough.
Interestingly, he seems to be sitting on the same type of loose cloth as you had found upstairs. No, that’s not right, the basement should be empty-
The Inner Heart –
It ‘should’ be, much like how the Wayfinder ‘should’ have been the first to enter the basement, right?
The Shadow –
I… Right.
So. what a… Colorless clique of characters you all have here.
And you. Explorer, pirate… Person. Are you the one I should be listening to?
Because if so, I-
The Shadow –
Unfortunately, the Hero’s words were swiftly cut off due to the forward lunging of The Rogue, the blade he had tucked under his cloak being slashed in a wide, wild arc. The Hero flinches back, pressing himself against the wall while his wings and feathers puff up, but it’s to no avail.
The Rogue’s blade reaches the Hero’s shoulder, and The Rogue swiftly sinks his blade into the exposed flesh. The Hero slumps over, leaning heavily against the wall, but not dead.
Oh, so… Cough, cough… This is how it ends…
Ngh… cough…
I suppose… I really did have this coming didn’t I?
…
I just wonder…
Will I really just let it end here?
The Shadow –
The Rogue and the Hero maintain eye contact for a moment, before The Rogue grabs his blade back. The Hero whimpers helplessly, but tries his best to grit his teeth through the pain.
I guess I never really had a choice, did I?
I was just… At your mercy.
…
The Shadow –
The Hero’s eyes become half lidded, and his breathing becomes shallow.
The Inner Heart –
Oh my god.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Uh, haha… Buddy? Why’d… Why’d you do that?”
The Mercenary –
“What? Our mission was to kill him, and I killed him.”
“You should be thanking me. You all didn’t have to get your hands dirty!”
The Guise –
“That doesn’t mean you can go around killing people whenever you want!”
The Mercenary –
“Oh, really? You’re the one nagging me on this?!
“You were the one who talked about killing him in the first place!”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“She was just talking about what our mission was! Don’t dump all the blame on her!”
The Mercenary –
“Yeah! Our mission! The entire reason why we’re here!”
“And I did that, easily! God, none of you are making any sense!”
The Guise –
“We didn’t have to follow it, though!”
The Mercenary –
“Ugh. We didn’t have to come to the cabin in the first place if that’s the case.”
“Be honest. You just didn’t want me doing anything, did you?”
The Shadow –
The Rogue struts up to The Drowned Ghost, poking him in the chest with his finger.
The Mercenary –
“Seriously, what’s your problem with me? I haven’t done anything wrong. Maybe cracked a few jokes, sure, but nothing truly bad.”
The Guise –
“You just murdered someone without even talking with them!”
The Mercenary –
“Yeah. Because that’s our mission. And now we;re back to the start, ugh.”
“Listen. I’m leaving. Get the reward with me or try and convince whoever is puppeteering this whole fiasco alone, but I highly doubt anyone would believe you.”
The Shadow –
He speaks those last few words with burning contempt, walking up the stairs without another word.
The Inner Heart –
…Talk about a nutcase…
The Shadow –
The three of you continue up the stairs in a sorrowful silence, doing your best to ignore the Hero bleeding out behind you.
He isn’t dead, but I suppose he is too weak to do anything else but die.
The Inner Heart –
This all feels so messed up…
The Shadow –
I must assure you that this is a duty, not something that you can feel emotionally uncomfortable with.
The Inner Heart –
No, I mean… Like we messed something up. Like… We ended up straying from a path.
The Shadow –
Don’t worry about that feeling, heartbeat.
It’s just a feeling, after all.
The Inner Heart –
I…
…
Yeah. I guess you’re right.
Anyways, we’re at the top of the stairs now, in case you didn’t notice.
The Shadow –
Ah. So we are.
The Rogue is standing with his back turned to you, in front of the door to the cabin. The Drowned Ghost and The Ringleader soon join you, staring at The Rogue.
The Inner Heart –
What is he…
The Shadow –
You hear a lock click into place.
The Mercenary –
“Perfect. Now…”
The Shadow –
He quickly turned, a wild smile on his hooded face. He throws his dagger forward, aiming it directly at your head.
The Shadow –
You swiftly dodge to the side, the blade slamming into the door to the basement with a thunk.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, he didn’t…
The Shadow –
Yes. He did.
The Mercenary –
“Aww, damn. I missed.”
The Guise –
“What are you doing?!”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh hell no.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader launches forward, swinging his cane with a ferocity you didn’t know was possible.
The Rogue rolls his eyes, blocking the smaller birdman’s attack with his forearm.
You hear a slight crunching noise, and The Rogue stumbles back.
The Mercenary –
“W-What the hell was that?!”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’m quite strong when I need to be.”
“Keep that in mind when I’m-”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader doesn’t get the chance to reply before The Rogue kicks him in the chest, sending him backwards a few steps, falling to his knees right at you and The Drowned Ghost’s feet.
The Guise –
“. . .”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost rushes forward, ducking and weaving away from The Rogue’s punches and jabs.
He draws his sword, trying his best to nick The Rogue in the legs, to deal just enough damage for a true opening.
…Of course, an opening never comes, and The Drowned Ghost is sent to the ground just as The Ringleader had been before, with a single hammer fist to the back.
The Guise –
“How… How can you touch me?! I’m incorporeal…”
The Mercenary –
“Oh, I just can! Isn’t that neat?”
The Shadow –
The Rogue moves The Drowned Ghost aside with his foot, tilting his head side-to-side like a madman while walking towards you.
The Mercenary –
“Honestly, Madame Blanche, taking these guys down was too easy for me. And I have a feeling you might be a little harder, soooo…”
The Shadow –
The Rogue expectedly jumps to the side of the cabin, under the windows, right where a large amount of shadow had been formed.
The Inner Heart –
What is he…
…No. Oh no.
The Shadow –
…And he fades away, laughter filling the room.
The Shadow –
You draw the Pristine Blade, holding it in front of you.
The laughter has stopped. You feel something pressing in on you.
The Inner Heart –
He’s getting closer…
The Shadow –
I’m sorry? ‘Form a wall,’ what do you mean?
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, Wayfinder, I’m sorry but-
…
Oh. Shadow, look. Behind her. Or, ah, in her hair.
The Shadow –
What? How does-
…Oh, I see. Ahem. Sorry, Wayfinder.
The poppy flower and vines that are tied up in your hair begin to… Grow. Their vines, roots, stems, all begin to rapidly expand around you, feeling the air around them before tying themselves together to form a rather sturdy wall.
The room is filled with a tense silence.
The Shadow –
You cautiously step out from behind your wall, observing your surroundings and hoping to find The Rogue somewhere in your view.
You do not see anything, but you do hear a weak rasp from The Ringleader.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Don’t… Worry…”
“I-I can… Still help you.”
The Shadow –
He flicks his hands, pulling the shadows from the corners of the cabin and revealing The Rogue standing hunched, just a little behind and beside you. He glares at The Ringleader, chucking a knife you did not realize he had straight at his face.
The Inner Heart –
N-No!
…
We can still do this, Wayfinder. We can still beat him.
…Somehow.
The Shadow –
You slash forward with the Pristine Blade, blood oozing from the slash mark swiftly. The Rogue grits his teeth, slashing you with his claws with one hand while digging around his hood for another knife with the other.
The Inner Heart –
Ugh, that sneak!
The Shadow –
I know.
Your attack does not stop there, however, with a vine shooting out from the wall and wrapping around his non-attacking hand. He struggles for a moment, slashing at the vine with his claws, but to no avail.
The Mercenary –
“Ugh, fuck you.”
The Inner Heart –
He’s one to talk…
The Shadow –
He yanks his hand back just as you were about to sink your blade into his chest, breaking the vine with a snap.
He tries using it as a whip, but the vine is still alive. It is still under your control. It heals, digging itself into the floorboards and taking root.
But that distracted you. The Rogue had enough time to grab a new knife, wounding you with, while shallow, several quick cuts. Blood oozes from the slashes, with your grip on the Pristine Blade becoming slick and unsteady.
The Inner Heart –
Shit. That won’t be good.
The Shadow –
Maybe, but the Wayfinder still has her vines. She can win this. You can win this.
The Mercenary –
“I can see the growing exhaustion in your eyes.”
“Heh…”
“How wonderful.”
The Shadow –
Another slash. Another vine. More blood, both of yours this time.
You can see your fallen allies on the ground. The Ringleader is dead, that’s for sure, but The Drowned Ghost seems to still be alive, somehow.
Or as alive as he can be, given that he is a ghost.
The Inner Heart –
Distract him. The Rogue, I mean.
Ghostie over there is going to do something.
The Shadow –
The Rogue pauses momentarily at your taunt.
The Mercenary –
“I-I… No! I’m not, I swear!”
“I… Ugh, just shut up! Shut up!!”
The Shadow –
You jump back as The Rogue’s attacks become messy with rage. It’s easy to do so, lightly skipping on the ground.
You’re as nimble as a cat. And cats always land on their feet.
The Inner Heart –
…I guess the Wayfinder is a little like a cat… She does have a tail, actually.
Oh, and… Look. The Drowned Ghost is doing something.
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost silently rises, charging forward on silent steps with his blade out stretched. He swings his sword just as The Rogue brings his own knife down.
…And, you, Wayfinder…
Having grown subconsciously weary from the bloodloss, you were unable to catch sight of The Rogue’s blade coming down on your chest, stabbing you in the heart.
The Inner Heart –
What?! I-
…
Why… Why could I almost feel that?
The Shadow –
I don’t know, Heartbeat. I don’t know…
But what I do know is that the Wayfinder has been downed, as has The Rogue.
The Drowned Ghost speaks to the both of you.
The Guise –
“Wayfinder… I’m sorry. I really really am.”
“And you, Rogue… Whoever you are… Whatever you are… I’m not sorry.”
“I hate you. I really, really hate you.”
“We could have all left here together. The Hero, The Ringleader, the Wayfinder, you, me… But you just had to be selfish, didn’t you?”
The Shadow –
He presses down on The Rogue’s neck.
The Guise –
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
The Mercenary –
“...”
“...”
“. . .”
“Fuck. You.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost gives no facial reaction to The Rogue’s words.
All he does is snap his neck, and The Rogue’s breathing stops.
You cannot hear what comes next, nor can you see what comes next. Everything is going dark so fast…
I had hoped you would survive, Wayfinder. I really did. But at least the Hero is dead.
…
Goodbye, Wayfinder.
Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
apologies for the delay everyone, i felt like i needed a hiatus lol
Luckily, this is one set of chapters i dont actually feel bad about!! isn't that great?
Hope you all enjoy and like RPG Maker horror, because that's what this set of chapters are stylized after :)
Chapter 11: Chapter II - The Starved
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter II: The Starved
The Shadow –
You’re on a-
The Inner Heart –
Quick! Tie him up with your vines again!
The Playful Heart –
And don’t skimp out on the thorns, either!
The Shadow –
What are you-
The Shadow –
What? I’m very confused, Princess-
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Not a Princess, actually a Wayfinder, and-”
The Mercenary –
“Let go of me! I didn’t even do anything! I-”
The Guise –
“Oh, suuure. Why the hell would we believe that!?”
The Shadow –
Alright, um-
The air around you crackles with an angry energy. A rogue stands behind you, his arms held behind him by a Ringleader while a Drowned Ghost holds an old, rusty blade to his neck.
The Inner Heart –
That won’t hold for much longer… Wayfinder! Vines, now!
The Playful Heart –
And thorns, too! Don’t forget the thorns!
The Shadow –
You stretch your hand out and roots spring forth from the poppy flower you checked just moments before.
Vines, roots, stems, all wrap around The Rogue, digging into the dirt path beneath his feet and locking him in place. He struggles for a few moments, before groaning and hanging his head.
The Mercenary –
“Ah, shit.”
The Guise –
“Right.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I honestly think you deserve worse, but oh well.”
The Mercenary –
“Even with all these thorns digging into my skin?”
The Guise –
“Yes. Even with.”
The Playful Heart –
Yay! Thank you, Wayfinder!
The Inner Heart –
Haha… I guess he really does deserve that much.
The Shadow –
Um. Hello?
The Shadow –
Ah, perfect. You’re listening to me.
Ahem.
What the HELL is going on!?
First a bunch of people that shouldn’t be here show up in the woods, all with hostility aimed at one of their own, and you, the Princess, can summon vines!?
The Playful Heart –
Not a Princess~!
The Shadow –
And that! Too!
What. Is. Going. On?!
The Guise –
“...Everything alright, Ringleader? You winced.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yeah, just… A lot of yelling.”
The Mercenary –
“Haha. Good.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader slaps the back of The Rogue’s head.
Is anyone going to explain what’s happening?
The Inner Heart –
To be honest, we don’t know either.
The Playful heart –
Buuut we do know that we’ve been here before!
The Shadow –
Oh, really? Ugh, great…
The Inner Heart –
Sadly, anything more than that is where our information ends.
These guys have always been here.
The ‘Princess,’ as you seem so obsessed with calling her, has never been a ‘Princess’ at all. She’s a Wayfinder. And… has vine magic.
That’s all we can say.
The Shadow –
None of those things are good. And I was always aware that things could go wrong, but this is worse…
The Playful Heart –
Oho? That’s something we haven’t heard before!
The Shadow –
…Shit.
The Playful Heart –
And do you know what I feel when I hear of something I didn’t know before?
Insatiable curiosity.
So, go on!
Explain.
The Shadow –
…I…
…
No.
The Playful Heart –
…’No’?
‘NO’?!
I… I…
I understand.
Some things are best kept locked away.
Just know that I will find out what you are hiding some day.
And when I do…
…Well, nothing will happen, probably. I’ll just know a little more than I did before.
The Shadow –
…That isn’t so bad, then-
The Playful Heart –
It really depends on what I do with that information, though! Hehe.
And that is a whole ‘nother question entirely.
The Inner Heart –
…Well, ignoring that…
Maybe we could get back on track?
The Shadow –
I… Yes. Y-Yes, we should.
The Guise –
“Oh, look. She’s back.”
The Mercenary –
“Thank god.”
“They’re torturing me.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“All we’ve done is watch you.”
The Mercenary –
“Exaclty. Now you get it.”
The Guise –
“That we are.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Sorry about not being able to do much before, Wayfinder…”
The Guise –
“You did plenty.”
The Mercenary –
“Snrrk. Sure, keep telling him that.”
The Guise –
“...I will. Because it’s true.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader smiles a little at your praise. The Rogue scoffs.
The Playful Heart –
Well, that’s no fun at all!
The Inner Heart –
Huh?
The Playful Heart –
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s people draining other people's fun just to make themselves happy!
It’s selfish and bullying. No one should feel alone just because someone else is insecure!
The Inner Heart –
That’s nice and all, but… Didn’t you want to make The Rogue hurt just a few moments ago?
The Playful Heart –
There’s a difference between mental and physical pain, hehe!
It’s mental pain I can’t stand.
The Shadow –
Well, good. Because then you’d be perfectly fine with killing the Hero.
Which. If i may mention. Is the whole reason why you’re here.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, we know.
The Shadow –
Your allies all look to the side, each nodding a short bit.
…Except for The Rogue. He just glares.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You’re right. We probably shouldn’t think about it too long.”
The Guise –
“If there’s one thing I know about coming back to life after death… Don’t linger on the specifics.”
“It’s just… it will just complicate things. Muddle your memories up until you can barely see your ghost body.”
The Mercenary –
“Not like it matters to us livings.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“We all died. Maybe we just haven’t, I don’t know… Realized it yet?”
The Inner Heart –
Now that’s a scary thought.
The Shadow –
It is.
That’s why you shouldn’t think it.
The Shadow –
The Rogue opens his mouth, but The Drowned Ghost speaks over him.
The Guise –
“There’s no reasoning with a killer madman like him.”
“Plus, his last words to me were literally ‘fuck you.’ I don’t think he’ll even want to explain.”
The Mercenary –
“Aww, darling, you know me sooo well!”
The Shadow –
A look of pure disgust washes over The Drowned Ghost’s face.
The Mercenary –
“Ah, so cruel…”
The Guise –
“Crueler than when you literally murdered all of us?”
The Mercenary –
“...Yes.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost rolls his eyes.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader’s eyes widen, while The Drowned Ghost hangs his head.
The Guise –
“I… Are you sure, Wayfinder?”
“I’m not against checking up on him. But you saw that wound and you heard his breathing grow shallow. There’s no way he’s still alive.”
The Inner Heart –
Especially since we don’t know how long we’ve been out for.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Well, she did say he ‘might’ still be alive. So it’s just a wellness check, then.”
The Playful Heart –
Well, if the Hero was dead, the world would be saved, right Shadow?
The Shadow –
Yes, that is correct.
The Playful Heart –
And… Wayfinder, isn’t the world around us fairly, oh I don’t know… Identical to how it was before?
So the Hero isn’t dead.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Well, that explains that, then.”
The Guise –
“What explains what?”
The Guise –
“Ah. I see.”
“Hm.”
The Shadow –
As you continue down the path to the cabin, The Rogue squirms in his cage of vines. You can hear his frustrated grunts, but none of you even look back.
He is, truly, stuck in place.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, how wonderful!
The Inner Heart –
Hell if he doesn’t deserve it.
The Shadow –
While I do find it mildly concerning that you are all ready to torture one of your ‘allies,’ I hope that you are prepared to use that same love for violence against the Hero.
Because. Well. He should be dead when you are all done meeting him.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Wait, that’s right. We’re going to the cabin, but do we know what we’re going to do once we get there?”
The Guise –
“Kill the Hero, save the Hero… It’s really going to be determined based on how he’s doing when we get there.”
“He wasn’t exactly in, well… Top condition when we left him last.”
The Shadow –
Yes, yes, good. Let’s hope he is in nigh-recoverable conditions.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, wow! And I thought I was the cruel one!
The Shadow –
You know what I am trying to say.
The Playful Heart –
Teehee! No, I don’t!
The Shadow –
Sigh.
Well, you have all made it to the base of the hill. The cabin rests atop it, and you have this strange feeling.
Almost like it’s looming over you, a threatening aura about it, yet you also feel as though you are in charge here.
A paradox, if you will.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I feel weak, like prey…”
The Guise –
“But strong, like the hunter.”
The Playful Heart –
Now isn’t that funny?
The Inner Heart –
Not especially.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, boo!
The Shadow –
Brushing aside the growing knots of worry in your stomach, you continue up the path to the cabin. The wind blows with you, not against you, as if the world itself was relying on you.
Which, if I may add, it is.
You stand in front of the cabin door, which despite you turning the knob, does not open. Your allies look at you in confusion.
The Guise –
“Is something wrong?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“The door isn’t opening. It must still be locked.”
The Guise –
“Shit.”
The Shadow –
Shit indeed…
The Shadow –
With your dwindling patience but growing strength, you summon your vines once again and begin to break the door down. Splinters of wood jump out at you, tearing at your flesh, but you pay them no mind. Blood only seems to make the vines grow stronger.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Talk about hardcore…”
The Guise –
“Even my storm abilities aren't strong enough to do something this impressive.”
The Shadow –
You smirk a little, involuntarily, and enter the doorway.
The interior of the cabin is… Old. Much older than what you had thought it would be based on the outside. The walls are rotting, with the scent of old wood and mildew filling the air. The glass in the windows is cracked, but not broken yet. Old, crunchy leaves adorn the floor, a pile of them in the right corner of the cabin. There are a number of spiderwebs in the corners as well.
The door across from you, which leads to the basement, is breaking down. The whole bottom half has rotted away. However, the door is not the only rotting piece of furniture within the cabin, there is a small wooden table and chair in the left corner, the invisible weight of time seemingly forcing them to pathetically lean against each other for support. As for the Pristine Blade, it’s-
…Ah. It seems like you already have the blade, Wayfinder. Hm.
Regardless, it seems like the cabin had been enduring this torment for a long, long time. Due to the Hero being present, no doubt.
The Guise –
“Just how long have we been gone…?”
The Shadow –
That’s because there isn’t a torch. There’s the rotten table and chair, the pile of leaves, the broken-down door… And that’s it.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh, there is definitely a torch. I’m surprised the leaves haven’t caught on fire yet.”
The Guise –
“Oh, good. We’re talking about the torch. I was wondering why it looked so out of place…”
“But what does your shadow have to say about that, Wayfinder?”
The Playful Heart –
I’m one for jokes, Wayfinder, but I can’t see anything!
The Inner Heart –
And neither can I…
…But judging by the looks of comprehension on our allies’ faces, you aren’t lying.
The Shadow –
No. She isn’t.
The Guise –
“So He can’t see it, hmm…”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I wonder what that means.”
The Guise –
“Well, we know that it means He’s not all-knowing. Just that he assumes he is.”
The Shadow –
Excuse me?! My trust in myself isn’t coming from some form of narcissism!
The Playful Heart –
Your choice of words, not our’s!
The Shadow –
Are you saying you’re siding with him?
The Playful Heart –
Hehe! Maaaybe!
The Shadow –
Ugh.
The Shadow –
You walk over to the corner of the room with the pile of leaves. You stop before the wall, looking at something. I assume that’s where the torch is?
The Shadow –
I… See…
The Playful Heart –
Well? Grab it, grab it!
The Guise –
“Don’t burn yourself.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Hey, that was my line!”
The Shadow –
You reach out, before drawing your hand back suddenly. Oh no, don’t tell me you actually burned yourself, did you?
The Inner Heart –
No, I don’t think she did…
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Huh. It’s gone.”
The Guise –
“...Well, no matter.”
“I was never one for torches anyways.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I’d appreciate a good mirror, though! Those can be as bright as torches sometimes, if you let the light hit it right.”
The Guise –
“...Huh. I was going to say the same thing.”
“...”
“Ah, nevermind. Mirrors are common, after all.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“What about you, Wayfinder? Do you prefer mirrors or torches?”
The Inner Heart –
…Where did this conversation come from…
The Shadow –
The Ringleader shrugs while The Drowned Ghost looks sorrowed.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I understand. Too bad, though. I always liked looking at my reflection.”
The Guise –
“Of course you would say that…”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Heh, like you have something better. Do you prefer brooding, then?”
The Guise –
“I’m a ghost, you jestery fool. Mirrors are, in a way, my whole thing.”
“The whole ‘ghost looks into a mirror and they see their living self’ thing, you know?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I thought storm magic was your ‘thing’?”
The Guise –
“...You know what I mean.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader brushes The Drowned Ghost off with a hand.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Fine, fine. I guess I do.”
The Shadow –
You continue over to the door, turning the knob.
The door wearily creaks open, and you have the feeling that just by exerting the smallest bit of pressure you could snap it off its hinges.
The Playful Heart –
Ohh, do it, do it!! That sounds like so much fun!
The Inner Heart –
I don’t think we should literally remove a door…
But, I guess it’s not that much of a door now, is it? With the bottom half broken off and all.
The Playful Heart –
Exactly!
The Shadow –
Just proceed down to the basement, Pri-
…
I mean Wayfinder.
The Playful Heart –
Boo.
The Shadow –
You continue down the staircase to the basement, the wood growing more and more dry as you go along.
It seems like all the moisture was trapped up here, hmm…
Well, regardless, you and your allies step past the broken half of the door that had fallen down the staircase, the basement large enough to fit all of you.
The basement of the cabin is similar to the upstairs, with dry wood floors creaking under you and your allies’ feet at every step, leaves and cobwebs softly blowing around with the gentle breeze.
Four thin support beams form a sort of hallway down to where the Hero is, lying heavily against the far wall, the window behind him casting faint light that illuminates the dust in the room and deepens the shadows on his face.
He has a bandage around his shoulder, blood seeping through, rags scattered about around him. One seems to be hanging out of a bucket, filled with what you can only assume is clean water.
He does not move, nor does he call out to you. He’s so thin the chain around his wrist doesn’t even hold him in place, most likely. You’ll have to kill him quick. Shouldn’t be hard, either.
The Inner Heart –
Yeah, Shadow. That just feels… Cruel.
The Playful Heart –
If he didn’t want this, he shouldn’t have withered. It’s his own fault, really!
The Inner Heart –
Excuse me? That’s just…
The Playful Heart –
The way of life? Yes, my thoughts exactly!
The Inner Heart –
No- ugh.
The Shadow –
While I don't agree with her phrasing… She does have the right goal in mind.
Go on, Wayfinder. Slay the Hero. Then you can all turn around and be free of this.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ah, heheh… S-Shadow, you don’t really mean to kill the Hero while he’s in this condition, right?”
“That would just be… Too much, wouldn’t it?”
The Shadow –
No, Ringleader. I don’t.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Oh. I see.”
The Guise –
“We said we’d talk to him. Or at least try to. So we should.”
“We’re overcomplicating this. We didn’t do anything to him.”
The Inner Heart –
I… I guess he’s right.
The Playful Heart –
Of cooourse he is! Go on, then. Slay him! Slay the Hero!
The Inner Heart –
I never said that we should kill him just because of that!
The Playful Heart –
Oh, did you?
The Inner Heart –
What? Yes!
The Playful Heart –
Boooring!
The Shadow –
The Hero does not reply. The only ‘response’ you get is the gentle blow of the wind.
The Guise –
“. . .”
The Shadow –
You pause, focusing on the noise around you, trying to hear something worthwhile.
…
You hear raspy breathing.
Maybe if you closed your eyes, you could hear more.
The Shadow –
You close your eyes and hang your head. You can practically feel yourself ‘feeling’ the world around you.
…
You can hear the gentle pitter-patter of rain and distant thunder.
You can hear the shattering of glass.
You can hear metal clinking on metal.
…
You can hear the rustle of leaves and the hollow sigh of the cabin itself.
…
And that is it. You open your eyes again.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“What was that for?”
The Guise –
“I don’t know. Maybe it didn’t have a reason.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Ah.”
The Shadow –
You approach the Hero, kneeling down and holding your hands above his weak form. Up close, you can see the rise and fall of his chest.
…Barely.
The Inner Heart –
He doesn’t have much time.
The Shadow –
Good. But you should still kill him.
The Inner Heart –
We aren’t doing that!
The Playful Heart –
We aren’t?
The Inner Heart –
No!!
The Shadow –
Your allies approach you, clearly as nervous as you feel.
The Shadow –
There is no verbal reply, but he does stir. It seems that he is only in a deep, deep sleep.
Perfectly weak and ready to kill.
The Shadow –
You place your hands on the Hero’s shoulders and gently shake him. He grunts a little, wincing slightly.
You can feel his shoulder bones as if they were just covered by a thin blanket.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“This is just getting…”
The Guise –
“Sad? Yes, I… I agree.”
The Shadow –
You look over and check the bucket. It seems out of place, slightly, but regardless it’s filled with a mix of water and blood. As mentioned before, a cloth is hanging out on the side, the same type as the bandage around the Hero’s shoulder.
There isn’t much you can do with the bucket right now.
The Shadow –
You look at the bandage around the Hero’s shoulder. It’s soaked through with blood, but dried. It seems like his wound had closed, or at least stopped bleeding.
You haven’t removed his bandage yet, Wayfinder. That’s as much as I can tell you at the moment.
The Shadow –
You carefully remove the bandaging, the Hero wincing and flinching occasionally in his sleep. After several tense minutes, the bandage is lying in a heap next to you, the Hero’s scarred but certainly painful wound bare to the world.
He breathes a sigh of relief.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“That scar, it’s…”
The Guise –
“Too big for the wound he was given? Yes, it is.”
“...”
“But no matter. He still needs to be cared for.”
The Shadow –
You take the rag from the bucket. The water isn’t clean, per say, but-
The Guise –
“...Wait. Wayfinder, maybe I could help with that.”
The Shadow –
The Drowned Ghost extends his hand, breathing deeply.
The air in the room shifts, growing like crackling thunder in the clouds. A quick glance up at the window shows that there are, in fact, clouds gathering in the distance.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, will we finally be able to see his storm abilities in action?
The Playful Heart –
Imagine all the damage you could do with a single lightning strike!
Heart, lungs, liver, nerves… So many possibilities!
The Inner Heart –
…Alright.
The Shadow –
Ahem.
A small trickle of rain leaves the clouds, and with a slight twitch of The Drowned Ghost’s hand the direction… Shifts.
Like a stream diverted by a fallen log, the rain flows in the air down to the bucket, gently cleansing out the blood. The Drowned Ghost’s hands shake slightly with the effort, and he stops once the water looks clear.
The Guise –
“Huff, puff… Well, that answers that question.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“What question?”
The Guise –
“I knew I could call rain. I didn’t know I could control its direction, though.”
“...It was tiring. But still, good to know.”
The Shadow –
The Hero makes a noise that confirms he heard you, but nothing beyond that.
He doesn’t open his mouth, either.
The Inner Heart –
Isn’t water good for injured people, though?
The Playful Heart –
Oh their wounds, yes! But probably not in their stomach.
The Shadow –
And you aren’t supposed to be helping him anyways. You’re supposed to be slaying him.
The Guise –
“...Another conversation with her shadow, then?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Yeah.”
The Shadow –
The fate of the world is in balance, Wayfinder. Is one dying man worth the entire world?
The Shadow –
I… You…
…
Fine, then. You mean nothing to me, either.
The Playful Heart –
Awww, what big words from such a little man!
Like a child insulting another at the playground.
Pathetic! How pathetic you are.
The Shadow –
Is it pathetic to yearn for the saving of the entire universe?
Is it pathetic to wish for salvation from endless petrification?
A world where nothing stays the same forever is a world where death is only momentary. And then you are right back to the start.
Is it pathetic to yearn for paradise?
The Playful Heart –
Pain is just an expression of one’s feelings.
Be it onto another, or be it onto them.
If ‘pain’ did not exist, neither would joy, love, anger, sorrow…
To be ‘hurt’ is only to understand that what happened in the past was desirable.
Why would you want that?
Don’t you want to be happy?
The Shadow –
I would like to be happy.
But I can only be happy if the Hero is dead.
Speaking of, you should get back to that.
The Shadow –
The Hero ignores your offer of water, and so you take the rag and dip it into the bucket. The rag quickly becomes soaked through, seemingly far more desperate for water than the Hero is.
You gently dab at the Hero’s wound, clearing off the excess blood and exposing the scarred tissue to your eyes. The process takes a few minutes, with you having to dip the rag into the water a few times, but soon enough there is more blood on the rag itself than is on the Hero.
Great job. You just did practically the opposite of what you were meant to.
The Inner Heart –
And, really, we should be proud of that.
Don’t let him get to you, Wayfinder.
The Playful Heart –
I for one have to agree.
…For a different reason than she says, though! Teehee.
The Inner Heart –
What are you-
…
Actually, nevermind. I need to take this win.
The Playful Heart –
You do that!
The Shadow –
No, don’t. This is not a ‘win,’ it is in fact a very, very big ‘lose’.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“I don’t know. I think it’s a win.”
The Shadow –
You don’t even know what we’re talking about!
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Anything that contradicts you is always something I support.”
The Guise –
“...”
The Guise –
“Haah… A little.”
“But, well, I don’t think I’d do good with a lot more noise in my ears.”
“...Especially from someone I can’t see.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Fair enough.”
The Shadow –
You all do nothing, just patiently watching over the hero in hopes he would awake due to your honestly lack-luster care.
What did you expect would happen? All you did was move him around a bit, throw some water on him, and attempt a conversation with someone who’s honestly probably in a coma.
The Inner Heart –
I thought you could only go into a coma if you had a head injury…
The Playful Heart –
Actually! You can go into a coma from blood loss. A coma is just your body shutting itself down to try and attempt fixing itself, which blood loss definitely would require.
But he did move around! And speak! So who’s to say, really?
The Shadow –
I am. And if I say he’s-
H… Hello?
The Playful Heart –
Hehe.
The Shadow –
I… Ugh.
The Hero, seemingly magically awaking from his weary slumber, blinks his bleary eyes a few times while his head wobbles around slowly.
Who… Who’s there?
I’m… I’m a Hero. Don’t, augh-
The Shadow –
As if pushed from behind, the Hero begins to fall forward, eyes starting to roll into the back of his head once again.
The Shadow –
You… Sigh… Reach forward and catch the Hero by the shoulders, preventing him from face-planting onto the floor.
Honestly, how bad does one’s balance have to be to fall that terribly?
The Inner Heart –
Weren’t you the one who just said he might be in a coma?
The Shadow –
I…
Yes. Fine. I guess.
The Inner Heart –
See?
The Shadow –
The Hero looks back up at you, his eyes returning to focus.
Huh? What…
…
O-Oh. It’s you.
…
W-Wait, shit! I-It’s you!
The Shadow –
The Hero practically slams against the back of the cabin basement, arms pressed against the walls. He begins to hyperventilate.
No, no, no…
You’re back! Y-You can’t be back!
Is he here too?! T-The one who…
The Guise –
“He’s not here. Don’t worry.”
“She… The Wayfinder… Made sure of that.”
The Shadow –
The Hero looks up at you, ducking his head down in apparent shyness.
Did… Did you really?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“She summoned a bunch of vines and tied The Rogue up in them. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still stuck in the middle of the woods right now.”
R… Really?
The Shadow –
The Hero looks up at you. You can practically see the stars in his eyes, glimmering in fascination and awe.
The Inner Heart –
He’s like… A little puppy.
The Playful Heart –
I think he’s more of a bird, but alright!
The Inner Heart –
You know what I mean!
The Shadow –
The Hero clasps his hands together, eyes watering.
But… But you still did!
You didn’t want to help me… You didn’t intend to ensure my safety…
But you still did! You did it naturally! Passively!
You didn’t think, you just… Did!
The Inner Heart –
Oh. I… Didn’t expect such a reaction.
The Shadow –
A fallen Hero, saved from near-death?
I’m surprised he didn’t throw himself at your feet the moment he woke.
The Playful Heart –
Let me guess…
…Pathetic?
The Shadow –
Yes.
Pathetic.
The Playful Heart –
Well, it’s no fun if you aren’t denying it!
The Inner Heart –
Can we focus here?
The Shadow –
Oh, sorry.
The Hero, seemingly gaining more and more energy by the second, moved to an almost prayer-like position, one hand crossed over his heart and the other reaching out towards you.
He continues to sob, gently.
You’re such a miracle, Wayfinder! Truly!
The way you struck down the one who killed you and me, without effort it sounds. And then healed me, gently, like the wondrous saint you are!
And… And your allies, saints as well! I’m sure you all fought bravely along the Wayfinder’s side.
I know I am the one with the title of ‘Hero,’ but… Truly, you all deserve that title far more than I do!
Please, my saviors. Will you, perhaps. Allow me to join you all? I-If that goes along with your masterful plan, that is.
The Shadow –
There’s a light shining in his eyes that only a hopeless man would have.
Perhaps you could bring him to ruin now, if you were so cruel.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Uhhh… I don’t really think we have a plan, actually.”
“We were just going to free you and be done with it.”
The Guise –
“I’m not sure what I'd do.”
“This place… This world… It just hasn’t registered to me yet that there’s something beyond the woods.”
The Shadow –
The hero’s glimmering eyes dull for a second, before they return once again, more hopeful than before.
But… But you must, right Wayfinder?
You always have a plan! Even if you don’t know you do, you always have one!
The Shadow –
Your words trail off, and your gaze grows distant.
For a moment, all you saw was…
…
Static.
…
…
…
You’re alone in a room that is empty.
Then you are not.
And then you are again.
Then you are free.
…
A bigger room. More people. Friends. Allies.
You are not alone in a room that isn’t empty.
But it’s still a room.
…
The Guise –
“Wayfinder… Wayfinder… Are you alright?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“You’ve been spacing out for a few minutes. Your eyes are all… Weird.”
Silence. A lull.
Oh, I’m sure she’s alright! This is just a step in her plan, I’m sure.
Ignore them, saint Wayfinder. We’ll be, or at the very least I, shall be patiently waiting for your return.
The Shadow –
…yes growing dry, you blink and-
Ah! You’re back.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, how wonderful! I was starting to get bored.
The Inner Heart –
You always seem bored…
But yeah. I’m glad you’re back, Wayfinder. What was that all about?
…
You need to get out of here.
The Shadow –
Not bothering to respond to any of your allies, you swiftly turn around and leave. You hear the rest of them scrambling after you, particularly the Hero, and you form an anxious and tension-filled line while walking up the stairs.
You stand in front of the door.
The Shadow –
Uh… Alright. Odd choice, but…
You close your eyes, hanging your head, just as you had done before to hear for the Hero’s breathing.
…
You hear the creak of the wood beyond you. And then you hear the creak of something else, a presence that is foreign.
You open your eyes again.
The Inner Heart –
What is it? Who’s there?
The Playful Heart –
The Rogue.
The Shadow –
The Ringleader nods, while The Drowned Ghost looks around with confusion. Seeing The Ringleader grip his cane in an attacking stance, he draws his sword.
The Hero, not aware of what is coming, does his best to engage in an attack stance. This is made difficult given the fact you are all standing on a narrow staircase, but he’s mentally prepared at least.
With a deep breath, the vines grow once again from the poppy flower in your hair. The Hero watches in fascination, just barely snapping himself out as the vines begin to decimate the door to pieces.
The Mercenary…? –
“WELL, WELL, WELL.”
“LOOKS LIKE YOU’VE ALL FINALLY DECIDED TO JOIN ME HERE!”
The Inner Heart –
That voice, it's not-
The Playful Heart –
Something's off about him, yes!
Which will make taking him down so much fun!
The Shadow –
Focus, heartbeats.
Vines outstretched and blade at the ready, you enter the top floor of the cabin.
The Rogue stands directly in the middle of the small room, tossing his blade up and down rhythmically. His hood obscures his face, but you can tell he’s smiling rather cruelly.
He tosses a bloodied vine to the floor.
The Mercenary…? –
“HERE. A GIFT TO YOU.”
“IT’S CEREMONIAL TO GIVE YOUR CAPTURES THE CHAINS YOU BROKE OUT OF, AFTER ALL.”
The Inner Heart –
He’s just showing off, isn’t he?
The Playful Heart –
Yes, he is.
But he’s bled.
Which means he can bleed again.
So, Wayfinder, let’s make sure he bleeds lots!
The Shadow –
The only one who should be bleeding is the Hero.
Well, with how things seem to be going now, maybe The Rogue will miss and hit the Hero by mistake. Then he’ll be dead. Perfect.
The Inner Heart –
I don’t think we have time for such musings right now, something’s happening!
The Shadow –
Oh, right.
Your allies join you on the upper levels. The Hero’s eyes dart around, a mix of nervousness and excitement clear on his face. His gaze settles on The Rogue, who is currently slowly approaching. Your allies regain their combative stance, which the Hero mimics by standing in front of you.
L-Leave her alone! I won’t let you hurt us again!
The Shadow –
The Rogue tilts his head to the side, curious.
The Mercenary…? –
“Who are you again?”
The Shadow –
And then he rushes forward, dagger outstretched.
The Shadow –
Your vines stretch out in front of the Hero, shielding him from The Rogue’s blade. While it’s not much, it seems to do the trick enough.
The Rogue grumbles, and you can practically feel the Hero’s admiration for you grow. He turns to face the wall of vines, claws at the ready.
The Mercenary…? –
“I GOT OUT OF YOUR VINES ONCE BEFORE, WAYFINDER.”
“DO YOU REALLY THINK I CAN’T BREAK THEM DOWN NOW?”
The Shadow –
The Rogue… Ducks down beneath his hood, flattening into the dark folds of his cloak.
…And guessing by the look of familiarity your allies have, this is a trick he’s done before.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Yes. Quick, you two, get over here.”
The Shadow –
The Hero looks to you for guidance.
The Shadow –
Hesitatingly, you take a few steps back, eyes fruitlessly looking around at any, and every, shadow in the room for The Rogue.
With you and the Hero near The Ringleader, he twists his hands and lifts all the shadows in the room upwards.
The Rogue is standing right in front of you, blade outstretched.
The Mercenary…? –
“AH. THAT’S A SHAME.”
The Shadow –
He slashes, leaving a gaping wound on your shoulder.
The Mercenary…? –
“A REAL DAMN SHAME.”
You… You just…
The Shadow –
The Hero looks up at him, quivering with absolute rage.
The Mercenary…? –
“OH, WHAT’S WRONG LITTLE HERO? GONNA CRY?”
“OR DO YOU WANT MATCHING-”
The Shadow –
The Hero does not give The Rogue time to continue his words.
He takes the Pristine Blade from your hands into his own, launching forward like a mountain lion on its prey.
Slamming into The Rogue with a force that you did not expect his frail form to have, the two fall to the floor. The Hero slashes wildly with his claws and your blade, dealing miniscule cuts to The Rogue.
But he’s not being injured, at least at the moment, so he’s winning.
The Mercenary…? –
“GET OFF ME!”
Are you kidding me?! After what you did to her?!
No! You should be glad I’m not feasting on your guts right now!
The Mercenary…? –
“HAH, PATHETIC! IS THAT THE BEST TRASH TALK YOU HAVE?”
Well forgive me for focusing on making you dead!!
The Shadow –
Another slash. A stab. The Hero rears his head back and reveals sharp, sharp teeth, sinking them into The Rogue’s shoulder.
The Mercenary…? –
“WHAT THE HELL?!”
“AH, SHIT. GUYS, HEY, HELP! PLEASE? YOU WOULDN’T LET YOUR ALLUY DIE, WOULD YOU?”
The Shadow –
All eyes turn to you.
The Shadow –
The weight of your words causes everyone to pause. A tension unlike any other fills the room, and it almost looks as if everyone was stuck in place.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, no no no no… I don’t like this.
The Playful Heart –
Oh, why does it…
Why does it…
…
Why is it so cold?
The Shadow –
The Pristine Blade falls from the Hero’s hands.
The Rogue picks it up.
Like a dart player, he throws the blade directly at your chest.
The Inner Heart –
Augh-!? W-What-
The Shadow –
And then-
You are torn between two places.
One is the manifestation of a goal one will do anything for.
The other is someone doomed to a seemingly eternal cycle.
They chase each other. They hate each other.
They catch each other. They love each other.
There is a blade. There is a kiss.
There are thorns. There are roses.
There is blood. There is hope.
But they cannot be together forever.
Star crossed lovers must burn at some point.
Hands reach out for each other, and-
The Shadow –
…You are ripped away, left screaming on the floor, as-
The Guise –
“Wayfinder! Wayfinder are you-”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Of course she’s not ok, you idiot! She just got stabbed in the heart for God’s sake!”
The Guise –
“...No, you’re right. I just-”
The Shadow –
You are hidden behind the remains of the chair and table. The Drowned Ghost and The Ringleader watch over you with concerned eyes, occasionally flinching and looking over their shoulders at the chaos behind them.
The Inner Heart –
What… Happened?
The Playful Heart –
…
The Inner Heart –
Uh… Hello? Can you, um-
The Playful Heart –
This isn’t fun anymore.
Just die and get over with it, Wayfinder.
We’re dying anyways…
The Shadow –
No, no, you aren’t dying-
…A loud roar fills the room as your allies duck down, covering their heads. You sneak a glance from behind the table.
It’s the Hero and The Rogue, fighting still. But something’s different about them. Something’s different about them both.
The Rogue is much too large. His torso is stretched like a snake, and his arms are far too long. His claws are the length of your forearm, and his eyes glow a bright, unnatural green beneath his hood.
LOOKS LIKE ONE LITTLE STAB IS ALL IT TOOK FOR YOUR PRECIOUS ‘GOD’ TO FALL TO THE FLOOR, SCREAMING LIKE SHE LOST HER HEAD.
HM. THAT’S A GOOD IDEA, ACTUALLY. SHOULD I TRY THAT NEXT?
The Shadow –
The Hero has seemingly grown as well. His wings are larger than before, but thinner too, and you swear you can see more wings sprouting out of his lower back. His tailfeathers fan out like smoke, and his previously charcoal-black color is becoming more akin to rotting wood.
He snarls up at The Rogue, who is pinning him down with his talons around his neck.
I told you, she’s a SAINT! Not a god, but that’s not too far off for her!
OH, THEN WHICH IS IT? GOD, OR SAINT?
The Shadow –
He leans down, slashing while whispering in the Hero’s ear.
PREDITOR, OR PREY?
Whichever lets her be better than you!
The Shadow –
The Hero stabs The Rogue in the side with the Pristine Blade, which looks more like a dark ritual knife than what it once was, and forces The Rogue off of him.
The Guise –
“We’ve tried helping. We really have.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“But there’s not much we can do right now. Not when they’re like… This.”
The Playful Heart –
There is one thing we can do.
The Inner Heart –
Suicide isn’t always the answer! It never is!
The Playful Heart –
But it’s not like we’d be really dead.
Plus, it’s not real suicide. It’s tactical suicide.
The Inner Heart –
Still! Don’t be speaking of death so casually! You’re freaking me out!
The Playful Heart –
Oh, you’re only getting freaked out now!?
What about what happened just moments ago!?
That… That thing.
That voice…
What she said to us. What we felt because of it.
The Inner Heart –
I… Still, it’s not-
The Shadow –
No, don’t. Don’t listen to her. She’s just trying to get you to give up.
The Wayfinder might not have the Pristine Blade, but she has her vines. She can still win.
The Playful Heart –
She just got stabbed in the heart! We, she, don’t have long!
The Shadow –
But-
…Oh, wait. You’re… You’re right.
Shit, this isn’t-
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...This loop might not last much longer, Ghostie.”
The Guise –
“She’s almost about to die, isn’t she?”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Sigh.”
“Yeah. She is.”
The Shadow –
He looks to the fighting figures, shaking his head sadly.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Maybe next time will be better.”
The Guise –
“...I’m sorry, Wayfinder.”
“I wish you didn’t have to die so painfully.”
“Guess you really are a saint, heh.”
The Shadow –
The battle rages on as the cold seeps through your veins. You cannot tell who’s winning, only that both participants are getting tired.
And soon you cannot even tell that. Your vision goes fuzzy.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“See you soon, Wayfinder.”
The Guise –
“Yeah.”
“See you later.”
The Playful Heart –
Finally.
The Inner Heart –
…
The Shadow –
Everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
Fun fact: When I started writing this AU, the description of The Starved's basement was one that I was really excited about. It's partly inspired by the Burned Grey's basement, which is my all-time favorite cabin (and chapter too lol) in all of Slay the Princess. So, that's a little bit of trivia for you :D
Also, I can hear (some of) you now... 'But Cicada! if you like the Burned Grey so much, why is this fic focused on The Thorn?'
Don't get me wrong, I love Thorn, she's definitely one of my favorite characters... But I actually chose her because i had a bit of a moment of clarity (heh) when it came to the plot of this fic. And, trust me, everything will make sense in due time, when this fic ends...
But, of course, can't go into that now! Lol
Chapter 12: Chapter III - The Green-Eyed Monster and the Scorned
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Chapter III: The Green-Eyed Monster and the Scorned
The Shadow –
You’re on a path in the wood-
The Sharp Heart –
Like hell we are.
The Shadow –
Excuse me? What are you-
The Playful Heart –
Oh, how good it is to be back!
The Inner Heart –
You seem as chipper as before.
The Playful Heart –
Nothing like a short bit of death to ease your beating heart! Eh, Wayfinder?
The Shadow –
Excuse me? What’s going on here-
The Sharp Heart –
The Wayfinder isn’t a Princess, we have people here to join us, the Hero is actually a good guy and one of our ex-allies is trying to kill him right now. Who also killed us just before we died and popped up here again.
And also we’ve been here before. This is our third time.
The Shadow –
Oh. Oh no. Is that why the woods are all destroyed?
The Inner Heart –
I mean… I wouldn’t say it’s because of all that… But I wouldn’t say it’s not not because of that?
The Sharp Heart –
Things keep changing as we come back. First the cabin and the Hero, and now the wood. It only makes sense.
The Shadow –
I’m sorry, i think you meant ‘woods’-
The Sharp Heart –
I know what I said! Leave me alone!
The Shadow –
O… Kay…
The Shadow –
You… Hurriedly pat the back of your hair, checking to make sure that something is still there.
Your hand brushes against a fresh flower, and you let out a sigh of relief.
What was that about?
The Sharp Heart –
Nothing you should concern yourself with.
The Inner Heart –
The flower is important to her.
The Playful Heart –
It’s served quite a large number of purposes, hasn’t it?
The Sharp Heart –
It’s not as strong as the Wood, but… Well, look at where we are.
The Guise –
“Ah, good to see you’re alright, Wayfinder.”
“And you too, Ringleader.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader moves over to The Drowned Ghost, nodding.
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Aww, thank you, Ghostie.”
“But I don’t see The Rogue anywhere.”
The Shadow –
The Rogue?
The Inner Heart –
The ex-ally that was mentioned before.
The Sharp Heart –
A terrible, terrible bastard.
The Shadow –
Ah. I see.
I suppose I should be glad he’s not here, then?
The Playful Heart –
Oh, very!
It is a shame you’ll probably be on his side soon enough, though.
The Shadow –
What? What do you mean?
The Sharp Heart –
She means nothing. Don’t mind her.
The Shadow –
Uh… Alright?
The Shadow –
Yes, you’re… You’re not supposed to have it.
The Inner Heart –
We’ve always started with it in our hands. That’s what she means.
The Shadow –
Ah.
Well, then even if it’s different for you… I’m glad things are finally going back to normal.
The Sharp Heart –
Can we get on with this already!? I can hear the battle from here, and I want to see it!
The Shadow –
You… Can?
The Playful Heart –
What good ears you have!
The Sharp Heart –
All the better to hear their wretched little battle with.
The Inner Heart –
Huh. You’re making me curious now.
The Shadow –
You and your allies continue down the ruined path to the cabin, stepping over fallen logs and discarded branches all the way.
The path is difficult for you to continue along, but you seem to be light on your feet, with The Drowned Ghost just phasing through everything and The Ringleader being able to hover mid-air.
I makes sense you were chosen for this mission, given how-
The Sharp Heart –
Oh, drop the storytelling. We already know there is no real ‘mission’ here.
The Shadow –
I… ugh, fine. Forgive me for wanting to add in some glitz and glamor.
You make your way to the bottom of the hill the cabin is on. Looking up, you can see several broken windows and moving figures on the inside. You can hear a few slams as well.
The Guise –
“We’ll have to be careful going inside.”
“Maybe I could enter first…”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“Would it even be safe in there? I don’t think a table would protect us this time, haha…”
The Sharp Heart –
…Nyeh…
…
Yeah, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about entering the cabin.
The Inner Heart –
What do you me-
The Shadow –
Just as your heart had implied, there is a loud crashing noise as a dark, shadowy figure is thrown back out of the cabin and skidding down the hill. It groans in pain, moving to a kneeling position while clutching its vaguely humanoid shoulder. A large cape, seemingly made of shadows, billows in the growing wind.
It clutches a large broadsword, dwarfed by the figure's size, and begins to stagger into a standing position.
The Playful Heart –
And that’s The Rogue!
The Shadow –
Doesn’t look like much of a ‘Rogue’ to me…
He’s more of a monster.
The Inner Heart –
…
His eyes were glowing green before…
The Sharp Heart –
They still are.
The Shadow –
…Let’s call him The Green-Eyed Monster then, eh?
The Inner Heart –
Works for me.
The Guise –
“Holy shit.”
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“We, uh, don’t have to fight him, do we?”
The Guise –
“I’m one for battles, sure, but there is no way I’m going to attack him.”
“Maybe from afar, with my storm abilities, but…”
COME ON, YOU LITTLE COWARD!
GET OUT HERE AND FACE ME!
I just threw you out the door.
Why do you think it’s a good idea to try and taunt me now?!
The Shadow –
In a flurry of feathers and smokey mist, out pours the Hero, similar but certainly smaller than The Green-Eyed Monster is. His long, lace-like feathers blow heroically in the wind.
Good. So that’s the one you have to kill.
…Conviently, or inconveniently, his gaze settles on you and your group. Or more specifically, I guess, just you.
S-Saint Wayfinder! You’re back!
Please, stay back, i have this one under-
SHE’S BACK?! THAT BACK-STABBING BITCH IS-
The Shadow –
He does not get a chance to continue before the Hero launches onto him, dealing several deep gashes with his rather pristine-
Oh, oh no. Don’t tell me. Don’t tell me she has the Pristine Blade.
The Inner Heart –
I wouldn’t be surprised. We didn’t have it on us when we died, so someone could have given it to the Hero.
The Playful Heart –
A more fitting description would be it wasn’t ‘in us’ when we died, haha!
The Inner Heart –
…I guess.
The Sharp Heart –
Are we ignoring the fact that the Hero turned the Pristine Blade into his claws!?
The Inner Heart –
I mean… it’s not especially relevant right now. But I will say that the sacrificial knife look was rather pretty.
The Shadow –
Can we stop talking about the aesthetics of a blade the Hero should not have?
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...Duck and cover?”
The Guise –
“Duck and cover.”
The Shadow –
The Ringleader grips your wrist, pulling you along with him into the underbush. Leaning against a large, fallen log, the three of you observe the scene before you.
The Sharp Heart –
I still think we could win.
The Inner Heart –
Oh, really? You think you could win against that-
The Shadow –
As if to demonstrate her point, The Green-Eyed Monster grabs a branch roughly the size of the Prince-
…
Roughly the size of the Wayfinder and smashes it against the side of the Hero, who falls off but continues to defend himself with honor and pride.
HAH. JUST A LITTLE STICK LIKE THAT GOT YOU FALLING OVER?
PATHETIC! THAT’S ALL YOU ARE, PATHETIC!
I do not fight for me, like you do.
I fight for the pride of others.
I fight for those who have helped me when I was down.
You fight for greed. You green-eyed monster.
HMM.
I QUITE LIKE THAT NAME.
The Shadow –
A slash. More blood.
The Sharp Heart –
…Nyeh, fine. Maybe we couldn’t win.
But I wouldn’t hide like a wretch!
The Playful Heart –
You quite like that word, don’t you?
The Sharp Heart –
…I guess so? Come on, focus here.
The Shadow –
Your hearts fall still as you all watch the battle. Blow after blow, highs after lows, the Hero and The Green-Eyed Monster fall into a sort of rhythmic dance.
The Monster attacks. The Hero tanks the hit, striking out with a fury only a broken man could have. The light in his eyes grows as he lands a hit, then dim once again as another one is dealt to him.
Then he tanks the hit.
Then he attacks back.
Hope grows. Hope fades.
Defense. Retaliation. Elation. Sorrow.
Even as a passive observer, you can feel it. Exhaustion and anticipation. Power and fear. The two sides of a coin melt together again, and you are left with one simple feeling;
Nothing.
No hate.
No rage.
Just… Nothing.
You blink, and the fight is over. The two sides stare at each other, staring.
Why did you do it?
WHY… WHY DID I DO… WHAT?
Why did you kill me?
…Because I had to.
And you had to because?
I… I DON’T KNOW! UGH, JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!
The Shadow –
An attack that misses. A torch that begins to die out.
I… Because I…
…
Because I needed it. The fame, the appreciation, the… The…
…The allies?
The Shadow –
They both look so small now.
Like their battle doesn’t even matter.
Almost… Like…
…
The Inner Heart –
…
The Playful Heart –
…
The Endless and Wonderful Show –
“...”
The Sharp Heart –
So. He’s gone.
The Inner Heart –
He is, isn’t he?
It is not over yet.
The Green-Eyed Monster falls to the ground, letting out silent tears that quench the dry dirt burned by his rage on the ground.
The Scorned places a reassuring hand on his back.
You already had allies from the start, remember?
The Wayfinder… The Ringleader… The Drowned Ghost…
All of them. They were on your side, and you were on theirs.
…R-Really?
The Scorned smiles, nodding.
Really.
And… I’m sure if you give them the chance, they’d forgive you. Right, you three?
He looks to you all.
The others nod, slowly, apprehensively.
The Green-Eyed Monster looks up, hands quivering. He looks to The Scorned with hopeful eyes, although hesitant.
Would… Would you…
…
Would you ever forgive me too?
The Scorned smiles malevolently, although the Green-Eyed Monster doesn’t register until it’s too late.
No.
A knife in the dark of night, and the one who basks in shadows.
Who do you think wins?
…
The knife does.
It always wins.
There is silence in the glade as the Green-Eyed Monster lies dying. Stunned silence, fearful silence, and perhaps a bit of relief.
But then it all fades away, and you return to nothingness just as you had done before.
Memory returns.
The Inner Heart –
This place.
The Sharp Heart –
Yeah, this place. How fun.
I can’t hear anything… I can't feel anything… Not even any dying traces of the Wood.
The Playful Heart –
And that torch, too! Look, it’s so much brighter than before!
The Sharp Heart –
…Huh. Yeah, it is.
…
Well, here comes the fear.
The Inner Heart –
Ugh, this part…
I-I know everything’s going to be okay, but…
The Sharp Heart –
See, Blandie? Everything’s going to be fine.
Everything’s… Going to be fine.
The Playful Heart –
It sounds to me that you need to hear that just as much as she does, hmmm?
The Sharp Heart –
N-No, it’s just that-!
…
Alright, fine. I’m basically gonna die in a second anyways.
The Inner Heart –
You won’t die.
I… Don’t think we can die. At least in a way that matters…
So you’ll be back. We’ll all be back. Together.
The Sharp Heart –
I…
…
You’re right.
Sigh.
I always make this about me, don’t I?
Hurry along, Wayfinder.
Let’s do this.
You approach the torch, and feel your Hearts still once again. You barely even look at the flames now, you’re
You are ready to see what comes next. You feel the dying thrum of hope in your chest.
The shadow of Everything without Nothing looks back.
…
You’re on a path.
In the distance, you see the Hero, The Monster, Her, The Guise, and The Amazing and Wonderful Show.
This time is different. The Guise and The Amazing and Wonderful Show lie on the ‘ground,’ but She is holding two beings now.
You’ve returned, and given me not one being to carry, but two.
I wish I could provide insight on them both. I wish I could provide insight on this event. However, I cannot.
But I will try.
Please, Wayfinder, ask any question you wish.
She pauses, thinking for a moment.
…Twice more.
Twice more, and we will be done.
And you, dear Wayfinder…
Will finally get your freedom.
She frowns.
…The world we are in was never meant to be like this.
So many Heroes, so much wear and tear on the very fabrics of reality…
When you found yourself toeing the line of what was stable and what wasn’t, the world ‘slipped’ momentarily.
You were torn between two places, one where you were the prisoner, and one where you were the warden.
Needless to say, you found your way back.
…
And as for the tear…
I do not understand it myself.
You were you, and then you were less than you.
But you did not lose a part of you.
Akin to your hearts, I believe.
She thinks for a moment.
The Green-Eyed Monster…
…
He was once opportunity incarnate. Would take whatever was in reach. But this habit became something other, his very core, and opportunism turned to greed.
He took, and took, and took, all for himself. Even when enchained in your vines, when confronted with his own consequences, he did not take the opportunity to change.
For he was no longer an opportunist.
I would say I'd join you in mourning. But I already have done so. He will join you again, but there will be scars.
Be careful, Wayfinder.
…
And as for the Hero…
This one is a puppet with its strings cut, torn away from a life he never lived. But when confronted with the chance to live freely once again, he took it, and fought for his savior.
His devotion never wavered. But I fear he is like a young soul, looking for something to imprint upon.
If you mourn this loss of a follower, I will do the same. For a follower is an extension of you, and to lose yourself is worth far more than mourning.
You wait.
She does the same.
It is quiet here.
You and your gifts are one of the only things that I have ever known.
Why would I reject one of the only things I have ever known?
I cherish anything you give to me, Wayfinder.
Please do not forget that.
She nods and places Her hands on your head and eyes.
Darkness.
…
You feel a single beat in your chest.
And then another.
And then another.
…
And then they’re gone.
You feel hollow on the inside. You do not mourn.
The Heart of the Sharp, a witch born from the betrayal enacted by both yourself and someone else.
The Heart of the Playful, a nightmare formed by the acts of another, crueler individual.
And, finally, the Heart of the Princess. As caring and cunning as she always was, her wisdom only grows each chapter.
In all, they will make for a dangerously ambitious vessel.
Do not mourn them, for you may meet them again.
…
Wayfinder, it is time.
She gently places the Hero in your arms, just as She had done many times before.
The buzz under your skin returns. It feels indescribable. You only know you feel it, because you should
Your eyes close, even before Her hands are placed over your eyes.
I am certain you will wish to remember them all.
You won’t.
Somewhere, a fire burns bright and a mirror continues to nears its breaking point.
Then everything goes dark, and you die.
Notes:
A bit of a short chapter, but I feel like this gets the point across.
...
Oh, and you see that 'Eventual Romance' tag?
Yeah, that's coming into play next chapter.
For who... Just wait and see. And theorize! I'd love to hear all your theories. Please. PLEA- *explodes*
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