Chapter Text
This is the story of a man named… wait, you’re not Stanley! And this isn’t–
Hmmm. Well, this is awkward. Wouldn’t you know about a man named Stanley? Works in an office, likes to push buttons– No?
Oh, well, while this isn’t my usual script, it does seem that there is a story to be found here. Isn’t that nice? And you’re the hero of it! OK, let’s see–
You’re on a path in the woods. And at the ending of that path is a cabin. And in the basement of that cabin is a princess.
You’re here to slay her. If you don’t, it’ll be the end of the world.
Oooohh, concise, but immediately intriguing. With a nice twist of expected roles. I like it!
Ahem. I apologize for the messy start, shall we continue?
(Explore) You new at this?
(Explore) It doesn't really sound like you know what you're talking about…
(Explore) The end of the world? What are you talking about?
(Explore) Stanley…?
EEK!
Oh, goodness, I didn’t expect you to be able to talk. It’s been so long since I had a proper conversation…
Oh! Ahem. I mean–
Yes, right, Stanley! He’s the protagonist of my usual story, you see; one I wrote myself—and quite expertly, might I add—so I expected, as usual, to find him in his office so that we could start his story.
But, well, as you can see. This clearly isn’t an office, and you clearly aren’t Stanley. So you can see why I was a bit confused at the start.
But, anyway, don’t let this little mishap make you think less of me. I’m something of an expert on this job—with quite the portfolio on improvised narration even when there’s an unexpected turn of events. You can rest assured I’ll guide you to the best of my abilities on this journey!
Now, shall we continue?
(Explore) This all just sounds even less assuring.
(Explore) Why do I get stuck with a new narrator? Where’s the one for this story?
Hrng. The second time is somehow more startling than the first.
But hey, no need to snap at me. I’m just as confused as you are! I’ve no clue on the whereabouts of this story’s narrator, maybe they accidentally lost this story and I happened to find it thinking it was Stanley’s story.
Or maybe we both switched our assignments while bumping into each other in the Narrator Headquarters.
(Just to make it clear: this was a joke. There is no narrator headquarters, we all work independently from each other. Or, at least, I do. Hm. What if there is a Narrator Headquarters? Why haven’t I been invited to it then? No, no, there isn’t. I’d be invited if there was.)
But enough with the chattering… shall we continue?
(Explore) OK, but what was that about the end of the world?
(Explore) OK, but was that about a princess?
You’re a lot more chatty than my previous assignment.
It seems like you can only reply when I give you a prompt, of sorts, though… OK, that’s not too bad, I can work with that.
What was the question, again? Oh, right, the end of the world! So lethal, and disastrous, and yet, so vague it’s a bit difficult to visualize, isn’t it?
Is it a literal and bloody ending, with meteors falling from the sky and everything on fire? Or is it more of a metaphorical end of the world as we know it? Is an ending ever truly an end? When you finish a book—or a game!—and carry with you the memory of its story, did it really reach an end, or is it now being carried with you?
Such a simple question, and yet, no possible answers. Seems like we’ll only know what this ‘end of the world’ entails once we begin the story properly.
Unless, of course, you’d like to keep using your prompts to chat. I don’t mind it all that much, to be honest, I quite like getting the chance to simply talk. Buy I’m also curious to see this story I’ve been dropped in, aren’t you?
(Psst! This is your prompt to talk.)
(Explore) First, I wanna know about this princess I’m supposed to slay.
(Explore) First, I wanna know how you’re so sure I’m the hero of this story.
(Explore) First, I wanna know why I have to do this.
(Explore) First, I wanna know if I’ll get some kinda reward for doing this.
What an odd choice, isn’t it? A story of a hero and a princess in which the hero is tasked with slaying said princess. But doesn’t that flip in the script make it all the more intriguing? What kind of princess is this that needs slaying?
Or perhaps… she really is just a regular old princess, and that, by itself, is threatening as a monarch is an inherent evil for the world as a whole.
Oh, apologies, you’re probably looking for a more objective answer rather than these musings. Well, I’m afraid I can’t tell you much, that would spoil the story! A narrator of my caliber would never do such a thing. Critical information shall only be provided when the time is right.
Anyway… as much as this chit-chat has been a nice change of pace for me, this isn’t really doing much in terms of progressing with the story, is it? It’s my job as a narrator to move the narrative along and keep it from slogging, and I’m afraid we’re getting too close to slog territory, and I can’t let you keep slogging it up.
So– Hmmm. Let’s see…
Aha! Here, I believe these were your previous ‘proceed’ options.
Yeah, might as well see what this story is about. [Proceed]
A story where I get to slay a monarch? Heck yeah! [Proceed]
[Silently walk towards the cabin]
Hey! What if I wanna slog it up? What if I wanna a different story? You know what– [Turn around and leave]
Indeed! We’re onto an incredible adventure you and I, I can already tell.
Ahem.
You walk up to the cabin. A plain wooden structure sat atop a hill. You’ll find the princess within.
I should warn you, before you go any further: She will lie, she will cheat, she will do everything in her power to stop you from slaying her. Don’t believe a word she says.
‘We’re not going through this are we? She’s a princess! We’re supposed–'
OH, geez. Who said that? Did you say that? But a prompt didn’t even appear! I– I thought that was the established form of conversation. I narrate, monologue, go on different—but fun and engaging—tangents, and you reply with short sentences at the end of it! You shouldn’t change an established pattern like this, at least warn me–!
‘Uhm. Mr. Narrator–’
ARGH. There you go again! Although… it doesn’t really sound like you? Is there someone else here?
‘Yes. Sort of– I’m them, but– not? Me talking is not the same as them talking. At least, I think not–’
Then why are you still talking? It’s unsettling! You shouldn’t be able to interrupt my narration like this! That’s not how I work–
‘I’m sorry! But I cannot just stay quiet! I’m also part of this story, you know?’
Hrrrnnng. At least separate your lines from narration. I can barely notice you!
‘Uhm.’
Voice of the Hero
Is this better?
Yes, much better. Ahem. As I was saying, before being rudely interrupted, you shouldn’t believe a word–
Voice of the Hero
You already said that part. And you were actually the one who interru–
AS I WAS SAYING BEFORE BEING RUDELY INTERRUPTED…
Voice of the Hero
…
… You shouldn’t believe a word the Princess says.
There. You can say your piece now.
Voice of the Hero
…thanks. Yeah, as I was saying…
…
I forgot what I was gonna say.
Thank you for your contribution. Very enlightening and necessary to the progression of this story.
Voice of the Hero
Hey, that's not fair! You were the one who side-tracked us!
Now that all pieces were said, shall we finally progress with the story?
[Proceed to the cabin]
The interior of the cabin is a plain wooden structure, faintly illuminated by the weak starlight outside. There’s a faint smell of ink in the air, just barely dried by the AC—the promise of a brand new story.
The only furniture of note is a plain wooden table, a pristine blade perched on its edge.
Voice of the Hero
Is it just me or does the air feels… weird? Like something is out of place?
It’s probably just you.
Besides the table is the door to the basement. Hm. A single door to go through… this story might be more linear than I thought.
(Explore) Did you expect there to be more doors?
(Explore) [take the blade.]
[Enter the basement.]
Not necessarily. Of course I’m aware this story will most likely have different mechanics from my previous assignment, what do you take me for? I’m not some ignoramus who just assumes everything works the same everywhere else.
Voice of the Hero
No one here said you were.
Yes. Of course no one did. Because I’m very clearly not some ignoramus.
Voice of the Hero
You’re really just digging your own grave by repeating that, mate.
(Explore) [Take the blade]
[Enter the basement]
Seems like you decided to ignore the only weapon offered to you for the purpose of slaying a princess, the main reason you were sent here.
Voice of the Hero
We weighed our options, and decided the best course of action was to not assume the worst and go in already guarded. No need to sound so judgy.
I’m not. I was simply restating your decision so that it’s clear to everyone what exactly you decided, and how that decision decisively seems to go against the very nature of the single task put on you.
You know. As a narrator should.
Voice of the Hero
Sure.
The door to the basement creaks open, revealing a staircase faintly illuminated by a flickering light that seems to be coming from the room below. You can’t make out much of the room downstairs from here but faint shadows. There’s an eeriness in the air that doesn’t seem quite like the standard basement eeriness. The smell of ink seems stronger here.
Voice of the Hero
Is… this where the princess lives?
It would seem– ah. Here’s our answer.
Her voice carries up the stairs.
“ Is someone there? ”
Voice of the Hero
She sounds… calm. Somewhat robotic, though; like reading something out of a script. Definitely not how I expected a world-ending threat to sound like.
Yes, you’d think she’d at least try to make her lines sound more emotive. Guess her time in this basement might’ve drained the life out of her, the poor thing. Cooping yourself up in a basement for days on end will do that to you.
Voice of the Hero
She didn’t choose to be here, though.
My point still stands.
“Hi!”
“Hey, I think I’m here to slay you?”
“Hey, just checking on you.”
“You OK in there? You sound a bit… off.”
“I’m here to save you!”
[Lie] “I’m here to save you!”
“ What did you expect me to sound like? It’s not like you heard me before to make this kind of comparison. ”
Yes, it is rather assumptious of you to think she sounds off just because it isn’t what you expected to hear.
Voice of the Hero
You also said she could’ve ‘put more emotions’ in her line.
You walk down to the bottom of the stairs.
The room below is a cluttered mess. Cardboard boxes piled about, used print peeking out of them, or simply littering the floor and other surfaces. Large rolled up diagrams leaned against the worn walls. The smell of ink is almost suffocating.
At the center of the room, surrounded by this clutter, is the princess. There’s a heavy chain around her wrist.
Voice of the Hero
Between all this mess, she stands out even more as the prettiest thing to look at. Are we sure she can end the world?
What, you think beauty is inherently opposite to evil doings? Have you never heard the phrase, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover,’ knightly figure?
“ And… here you are. If you’re not here to free me, then I’m not sure what else you gain from coming here. ”
Now, this is a momentous occasion. Your first face-to-face meeting with the Princess. She decided to go for the half-hearted, but still curious, and maybe even hopeful approach. But you don’t have to follow her lead. This is the time to establish your character.
Voice of the Hero
No need to feel pressured. Just go with what feels right.
(Explore) “I mean… there’s a lot of stuff here. I could be here because of them.”
(Explore) “Actually, I was supposed to come here to kill you.”
“Can we talk for a bit? I was supposed to kill you, but…”
“Actually, I am here to free you!” [Walk through the clutter to examine the chains]
The Princess cocks her head, squinted eyes looking you up and down—seemingly assessing whether you’re a threat or not. Then she shrugs.
“ Sure. ”
You walk over the boxes and scattered paper to approach the princess. Finding a spot on the floor that isn’t littered with paper, you sit a respectable distance away from her.
“ You were ‘supposed’ to kill me, huh? Is there a reason for that, or was it just because? ”
Voice of the Hero
Should we tell her that she supposedly can end the world?
I don’t see why you should. But, of course, now that the suggestion was thrown out into the air, it should appear as one of your options.
(Explore) “Well… you supposedly can end the world.”
(Explore) “What’s your name?”
(Explore) “How long have you been here?”
(Explore) “What’s with all the boxes and paper and… ink?”
(Explore) “How would I free you from those chains?”
(Explore) “Did you know this is all just a story?”
Hah. What did I say? Not bad for someone who just got thrown into this story without warning, huh?
The princess raises a brow curiously.
“ ‘Supposedly’, huh? You sure sound confident about that. ”
Voice of the Hero
Personally, I’m not all that confident about it.
“ And why would I even end the world? I’ve been down here since I can remember. I barely even saw it. ”
Voice of the Hero
How long has she been down here?
All her life, presumably. Born to end the world, and so she was locked away long before she could. And now, the only person she has seen since then is here to slay her once and for all.
Voice of the Hero
But that’s… so sad.
I know right? Such an intriguing tale! To save the world, you must slay another being, who looks harmless and aware of herself as a sentient creature capable of emotions. But sympathizing with this being and sparing her life could mean doom to everyone else. Ooooh, it brings me to the edge of my seat!
Voice of the Hero
Could you… cool it with the enthusiasm and all this talk about this just being a story? It’s a bit unsettling.
(Explore) “What’s your name?”
(Explore) “How long have you been here?”
(Explore) “What’s with all the boxes and paper and… ink?”
(Explore) “How would I free you from those chains?”
(Explore) “Did you know this is all just a story?”
If you’re asking that, I’m going to assume it’s because you’ve never been in a basement and don’t know of its usual functionalities other than trapping possible world-ending princesses.
It is the part of a building below the first floor, often being underground; which can be turned into many things, such as: a a storage, recreation room of many sorts, housing for your unemployed child, a wine aging cellar, a factory for illicit products–
Voice of the Hero
We know what a basement is. But it’s still weird that all this junk would just be thrown in here with the princess, no?
(There he goes. Interrupting me again.)
Ahem. I don’t see how this is unusual. Before being a princess prison, this was still a basement. Of course there’d be some leftovers from its previous basement-y life.
“Hm?”
There’s a light frown on the princess’ face. She looks around, as if just now noticing all the litter surrounding her.
Then she shrugs.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s from the people who trapped me in here.”
Ah. Office workers, for sure. Just cannot keep the work from coming home.
Voice of the Hero
Why would office workers trap a princess in their basement?
Should they have trapped her in the attic, instead?
Voice of the Hero
Nevermind.
(Explore) “What’s your name?”
(Explore) “How long have you been here?”
(Explore) “How would I free you from those chains?”
(Explore) “Did you know this is all just a story?”
The princess pulls back, looking a bit confused by the question. Then, she squints lightly.
“ Why do you need to know? ”
Voice of the Hero
Geez, we just asked for her name.
Voice of the Hero
Uhm. Aren’t you going to keep describing?
There’s not much to describe, the princess is simply looking at you expectantly. Aren’t you going to say something to her?
Hm. Weird. This is usually the part where you’re given the option to say something else– unless… you don’t want to leave this branch of conversation yet?
Voice of the Hero
……I guess we can keep asking about her name?
“C’mon, I just asked your name! That’s a pretty standard conversation topic, right?”
Voice of the Hero
Oh. It worked!
Huh. Fascinating… a bit bothersome that you can also just interject in the middle of the narration like this, but fascinating nonetheless.
“Well, this isn’t really a standard conversation location, is it?”
Voice of the Hero
OK, she’s got a point there. I also wouldn’t want to just sit around and make small talk while trapped in a basement.
You could tell her your name first. That way, you can build rapport and make her comfortable enough to share her own name. Building rapport and showing your non-threatening nature is a great way to thread a social interaction.
Voice of the Hero
That’s… not a bad idea, actually. Tell your name first, then she might feel better about sharing hers!
Voice of the Hero
Do we…… know our name?
If you’re asking me, the new guy who knows nothing about you except for what’s in this script, then I’m going to go on a wild limb and say you very probably don’t.
Voice of the Hero
But– We have to have a name, right? Everyone has a name!
It is a very useful tool for communication and categorizing civilizations have been using for ages, yes.
Voice of the Hero
So, what does that mean? We hit our head on the way here or something?
Well–
“…are you… OK?”
Look, names aren’t always necessary. Sometimes, just your role in the narrative is enough. Take me, for instance, I don’t need any other moniker but my role as ✨The Narrator✨.
“…can you even listen? Is this name thing really that important to you?”
Voice of the Hero
I guess… though not having an actual name to be called by is so weird.
I can start calling you Stanley, if it makes you feel better.
Voice of the Hero
That makes me feel worse, actually.
“OK, fine! I don’t know my name!”
The princess snaps, forcing your attention out of your own head and back to her.
Voice of the Hero
Oh. Oops. My bad.
She looks worked up; her face set in a glare, though there’s some nervousness to how her eyes flick about your face.
Voice of the Hero
We… could tell her we also don’t remember our name?
“If it makes you feel better, I also don’t remember my name.”
The Princess’ features soften, her posture relaxing as she regards you once again.
“Huh. I wonder what that means.”
Voice of the Hero
Me too. Seems too coincidental that we both wouldn't know our names.
Feels like we’re more like her than anything else. Makes the whole ‘we have to slay her’ business all the more weird, doesn’t it?
This conversation has been really nice and all, but I must urge you to progress from this branch. Or else how can the story continue?
Voice of the Hero
Right… sorry again for losing track of things.
Yes, quite unprofessional of you.
Voice of the Hero
OK, no need to be so condescending.
Not without meaning though, seems like you forged something of a connection with the princess. Wonder how that’ll affect the story……
But anyhow, we dawdled for long enough, it’s nigh time for you to progress the story.
Voice of the Hero
Agreed. I think the princess waited long enough. Time to make your choice.
(Explore) Wait–
“I’ll see what I can do.” [Examine the chains.]
“Maybe there’s a key somewhere here…” [Look through the trash in the basement.]
“Hang on, I gotta get something up there.” [Go back for the blade.]
“Maybe. I wouldn’t know.”
The Princess glances at the objects surrounding her; most out of reach.
Voice of the Hero
Maybe someone forgot the key here. Or maybe we can find something that can help us lockpick the chain.
Like a paper clip. Or a thin enough pen. Office workers are known for their fondness for paper clips and pens.
You search through the rubber, the Princess’ curious gaze on your back as you move. There’s something of a wait on the air; an anticipation. Despite her stoic outside, the Princess can’t help but clench her fingers around her dress in hopefulness.
Voice of the Hero
Awww.
Ahem.
Voice of the Hero
Sorry, sorry… Continue with your narration.
Thank you.
It isn’t long before you find a torn paperclip amidst a pile of crumpled up paper. Several, in fact. Office workers really like their paper clips.
You take a handful, not sure which one is best fitting for the art of lockpicking. As you turn, the Princess perks her head up, wide unblinking eyes looking directly at you as you approach.
You show her the clips, then, taking her wrist in your hands, turn the shackle in search for the key hole. Hm.
Voice of the Hero
What?
[Sound rifling through paper.]
There isn’t any mention of a keyhole…
Voice of the Hero
It should have a keyhole, how else did they trap her in here?
Yes, yes, of course. The keyhole is definitely implied but there isn’t a mention of what happens once– [more rifling through paper] Oh, screw it. This script is so barebones anyway, might as well improvise.
After finding the keyhole, you select a particularly thin clip and insert it into the opening.
Voice of the Hero
Don’t you need two pins to lockpick?
“Here.”
The Princess selects another clip, and inserts it alongside yours.
It takes a few stumbles, but together, the two of you manage to manipulate the mechanisms in the lock. And with a clack, the Princess is free.
“Huh.” She rubs her wrist. “You really did it. I didn’t doubt you, but, it’s still surprising that the first person I ever met also decides to free me. Right after saying you’re here to kill me, no less.”
Voice of the Hero
It was the right thing to do.
“This whole thing just didn’t sound right.”
[Offer your hand to her.]
I’m just leading her upstairs where the knife is.
The Princess nods, eyes fixated on her now free wrist. She pulls herself to a standing position and stares at you, gaze intent and searching.
“ … Thank you. ”
Well. There she is. And there you are. And the way out of the basement is just behind you. Are you going to continue to awkwardly stare at each other or do you plan on continuing with the story?
Voice of the Hero
I thought ‘The Story’ was the one where we slay her? We didn’t do that, so aren’t we out of ‘The Story’ now?
Oh, no no no no. You can’t just get out of ‘‘The Story’™’, that’s just not how it goes. The Story™ will always move and contort around you, so that you remain in the story no matter how much you deviate from the described outline.
Voice of the Hero
I am so lost.
Don’t worry about it. Just behave within your role, and The Story™ will do the rest.
“Well. This is it, then. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to leave this place.”
With that said, the Princess doesn’t hesitate to walk towards the stairs, effectively breaking the Awkwardly Staring at Each Other contest.
Voice of the Hero
Personally, I’m also eager to leave. Let’s not stay behind.
You follow her out, carefully avoiding the clutter carpeting the floor. The Princess isn’t as careful, kicking and tripping on several objects in her haste, though she doesn’t seem to even notice them.
She stops in front of the ajar door, hesitating for enough time to let you catch up to her. When you’re close enough to look over her shoulder, she already has both her hands on the handle. And with a soft push, she opens the door.
The upstairs room looks just as you remember. Oh, yes, you could recognize the plainness of these wood planks anywhere. There’s no need to linger here, when there may or may not be a world outside to explore.
Voice of the Hero
Wait. Isn’t there something missing?
Um, no? There isn’t? It’s just as you remember, and if you don’t remember anything that suddenly isn’t here, then it mustn’t be important.
Voice of the Hero
Well, I remember there being a knife. And it isn’t here anymore. The table is empty.
Indeed, there’s nothing on the plain wooden table but more plainness and dust. Maybe the knife got tired of all the nothingness and succumbed to the dust.
“ I almost can’t believe I’m actually here. ”
You move your attention towards the Princess, who is unaffected by your musings about tables and plainness and has already walked towards the next door. She hesitates before it much like she did in the previous door, though there’s bigger anticipation about her stance.
“You… really saved me.” She turns to you, eyes shining with emotion. “Despite not knowing me, and despite being tasked with killing me.”
She smiles. Soft and grateful.
“Thank you. I’ll never forget this.”
She opens the door and
Voice of the Hero
And…?
Voice of the Hero
Is he… Is he gone? Did the world really end?
And where is the princess? Should we try to find her?
Voice of the Hero
Is that… a mirror? Why here? Why now?
[Approach the mirror]