An Upside-down Fairytail

Testing… Is this thing on? Well it doesn’t matter. It’s not like anyone can hear me anyways. You are you. A simple being really. Made of flesh and bones and veins. Just like all things should be really. Pulsing with life and so ready to live it. You are in an unknown area. An area that perhaps you’d recognize if you paid much attention when getting there but you haven’t so unfortunately you don’t. Trees swarm in every direction and you find yourself alone in the woods. Lost, you think. That can’t be good. And that would be right because if you cannot leave this forest you will find yourself dead. Who knows how long it will take. Definitely not you that is. I don’t know either but I do know that you will soon meet your unfortunate end. What a sad fate really. //Well, what will you do? // [[Leave Immediately!]] [[No thanks I’ll stay right here.]]

You decide to get a move on. A better choice than your other one at least. As you trek through the forest you find contentment in the way the leaves crush under your feet. The joy you feel, however, is much too short lived for your liking as you suddenly hear a clanging sound through one of the leaves that meet your shoes. Wiping away the blanket of leaves reveals a sword. It’s made of pure metal and it’s hilt is a mixture of silver and green with a circular Ruby gem at the center. You can feel it calling to you. You grab the sword, giving it a test swing. It feels….perfect, like it was forged just for you. You already feel an unusual attachment to this sword as the time you have it in your grip grows. You think you might be able to use it to defend yourself from the forest. You truly never know what’s lurking around the corner so this sword could be of good help. Still it is extra weight and you might not want to lug an entire sword around with you as you travel. It could slow you down. //Should you take it? // [[Put that thing back where it came from or so help me]] [[It’s free real estate(I’ll take it)]]

You decide to sit there and perch yourself upon a tree. It is comfortable enough for being the great outdoors. You figure if you were just still for a bit someone would find you. That how it usually works right? Anyways you convince yourself you’ll be fine. You’re so good at convincing yourself, in fact, that you fail to notice the vines that coil across your chest. It feels secure as their soft tendrils slowly wrap around your body. It was actually quite nice. It was slightly warm and even a bit comfortable. Then you began to feel a sense of dread seep in as the vines tightened around you causing your bones to pop. It was an uncomfortable sensation as the slow popping turned more into cracking. An upsetting feeling coursed throughout your entire being as you began to struggle. All you could think was if only I had gotten up earlier. Why was I so stupid? And you were right. Your actions were unfortunate at best and at worse completely senseless. If only you had the wit to know how wrong your answer truly was. I mean who does that? Staying in the forest waiting for some hero to come rescue you? How presumptuous and totally wrong you were. And now you find yourself suffering the consequences. How sad…How foolish. You can only hope for a quick end as waves of pain engulf your body. You feel yourself slowly tearing apart and then… you pass out [[Try Again?->Your Beginning]]

You decide to put the sword back in the grass. Probably for the best anyways? Who leaves a sword in the middle of a forest without it having something wrong with it? You leave the sword and you feel the faint aura of disappointment coming from a presence other than yourself. Perhaps you made the right decision after all. You continued your trek through the woods and you think you find a way out but the path keeps stretching on. It starts to feel familiar after a few minutes. Didn’t you pass this tree before? Just when you start to suspect something wrong you hear a giggle from with the brushes. You call out to the voice that made the laugh, demanding for it to show itself. It does accompanied by a loud buzzing. The creature’s wings flickered in the sun and it moved around like a hummingbird with quick and rapid movements. It’s eyes pierce into your very soul and it’s green hair was the key to how it was able to blend well with the colors of the forest. It introduced itself saying that it lived in the forest and was simply playing a game. You hesitantly believe the creature urging for them to go on. The creature explained it wanted to accompany you as it was bored. It said in return for the entertainment it would help you exit the maze of the forest. The creature explained that they know each tree in the woods like the wings on it’s back. //So, will you take the creature’s proposition? // [[Nah I can find my way out]] [[Sure, this sounds fine]]

You decide to keep the sword on you. It could be handy and you never know when you might come across an opponent. As you traversed the maze of trees you felt an urge to look towards the bushes in the trees. As you do that you come across a very confused and disappointed winged creature. The creature pouts, and voices it’s contempt that it’s fun was ruined. The creature’s wings flickered in the sun and it moved like a hummingbird with quick and rapid movements. It’s green hair was the key to how it was able to blend well with the colors of the forest. Luckily you found out where it was before you wandered around for too long? Hey, how did you know it was there anyway? It offers a new game that it promises will be exciting. It says it will help you find your way out of the forest as long as you provide it with a suitable amount of entertainment. It doesn’t seem too hard of a choice to you but you hear a voice whisper out to you from deep in the caverns of your mind. It spoke to you and it said *Kill it.* What?? Who are you? You asked aloud but your only reward was silence and the confused look the creature gave you. *Shush, mortal. I am speaking from inside your head. Only you can hear me.* That’s suspicious, you thought and the voice scoffed *I can hear your thoughts y’know.* the voice exclaimed Well what are you doing in my mind?, you thought, suddenly terrified of the concept of this thing in your head hearing all of your thoughts *It doesn’t matter*, the voice said *What matters is that the creature must die. It is a danger to humanity and only you can stop it.* A danger to humanity? You didn’t think it looked quite dangerous. It idly floated above ground waiting for your answer. It waved to you as you looked at it, a large toothy grin crossing its face. //Was this creature truly one that needed to be eliminated?// [[Yea! Exterminate it for the good of humanity!]] [[No, I’ll let it live.]]

You decide to refuse the creature’s offer. You feel it is unwise to take a deal from such a mischievous forest-dweller. The creature seemed quite annoyed with your answer and furrowed its brows. It uttered a quick, “Fine. Leave my forest, and when you do don’t come back.” The creature snapped its fingers and suddenly it was out of sight. You continued your trek. It seemed even more arduous than before and you found yourself tiring easier than before. Perhaps it was by fault of the creature but you had no clue. Soon enough your stomach began to grumble and your mouth ran dry. You were thinking about pleading for the creature to help you when you saw an area with bright rays of light seeping through the draping vines. You decide to go through the vines and you find a waterfall. The sun that reflected off the water made it appear as if it was sparkling. Your gaze halts when you find a cave. There is a light coming from it, and you wonder if there could be people. You once again become harshly aware of how hungry you were once again. Perhaps there could be kind strangers that would help you. You slowly approach the cave and hear voices. You can’t quite make out what they’re saying but they sound cordial enough. Whether that is you or your stomach talking is debatable. //What do you do?// [[Stay hiding for a while longer]] [[Approach the people]]

You decide the creature seems alright and accept it’s proposition in return for a safe venture out of the forest. The creature excitedly flies in quick circles around you before floating a singular direction, urging you to follow their lead. As you walk the creature explains that being in the forest as long as they have been becomes quite lonely and that they hardly ever get to talk to humans. Humans interest the creature as they are all so unique but most humans who venture in these forests turn out to be filled with greed. You ask the creature their name which they refuse to give you and instead they tell you their nickname, Flause. You tell Flause you like their nickname and they smile, explaining that they picked it out themselves and think it sounds rather cool. You and Flause skip stones and chat about different topics varying from the forest to other wildlife that live just beyond the vast terrain. Soon enough you are out of the woods and you can’t help but feel a bit somber knowing that you and Flause must soon part. Then you realized something. //Maybe you don’t have to go your separate paths just yet. // [[Ask Flause to stay with you?]] [[Ask Flause to part ways?]]

You stay back and listen. It’s best to gather information while you still can. You watch as a young man, bright hopeful eyes and nervous demeanor walk towards the most powerful man of the bunch. “Conri sir.” the young man manages to stutter out. “The crew wants to know what you are planning to do with the monster in the forest. I mean it already took out half our crew and—,” He stops as the warrior’s—Conri’s eyes flick towards him. “First of all Ben, its commander to you.” “O-oh. I’m sorry Commander sir it won’t—.” “Second you tell that crew of yours they can leave if they want to die a coward. And if by sheer luck they manage to leave, know that when I crawl my way out of this dump of a cave I will show them no mercy.” An idea pops into your head. An idea whispered to you by someone who cares enough to tell it. All of a sudden you know this “monster” they speak of. You also know there is a weapon in the forest that could help you defeat it. Your head pounds and you know what you have to do. So you walk into the cave watching the shock on everyone’s faces. Then you make your way straight to Conri. “Conri,” you say, “I’m your ticket out of here. There’s a sword in the forest that will help you defeat your foe.” The words come out slow and methodical, as if you’ve done this a thousand times before. Thoughts flood your head. You can see deaths, hear screams, see Conri’s mangled form on the ground. Then you see his confusion and you are back in the cave. He raises an eyebrow and shrugs. He gathers his men and follows you. You know how many steps it will take. You know the fae is watching from the shadows and that the weapon will tell us where the creature is. You decide it’s best to let Conri deliver the final blow. Best for who? It does not matter. Your feet collide with the clang of the metal and as you grip it in your hand you are flooded with flashes of another world. You are covered in a substance that deteriorates your bones, you're trapped in a forest with no way out. Your grip loosens and you give the weapon to Conri. You whisper to him that you will be his eyes. You tell him to trust his mind. You say he will know what to do. He looks at you. Confused, which is familiar. Unsettled, which is not. He find the fae creature with the name that has never been given to you. Before you have the chance to steal it from its grasp Conri drives his weapon through its form. Then it is gone, left a broken pile of flowers on the floor. You cannot find it within you to care. You’ve seen it all before. Conri asks you to stay with him. You agree on one condition. You will be the one calling the shots from now on. The voice whispering in his head knows what is best. It knows the fractured vision you have. It knows you hold a power it would love to consume. It tells Conri to agree. And he does. You smile. Everything is going according to plan. Ending 12 of 25: Omniscient [[Something more? || A Secret Page]]

You decide to approach the group. They’ve made it into the forest so perhaps they could help you exit. You breathe, put on your most charming smile and walk up to the group. You call out a greeting and their eyes watch you like hawks. You continue talking and explaining that you are trying to find an exit, and ask if they would know where to find one. As you are rambling you notice more approach from the shadows. Sweat coalesces on your brow. How many of them were there? “Boys, ‘think we got ourselves an intruder.” says one, eyes piercing and cold. “Now tell me, why shouldn’t I kill you right where you stand for getting in our way.” [[Mention The Sword]] [[Mention The Forest Dweller]] [[I Don’t Know Cause I’m Cool]]

You mention the sword you found when walking around. You tell him that there was powerful, that it could help you in his journey. He stared at you, eyes a mixture of curiosity and malice, “If you're lying, I’ll make sure you regret it twice over.” You led his groups to the place you found it, ignoring the whistling laughter in the wind. You could feel their eyes on you. Watching. Waiting. Your feet hit that hilt with a familiar clang and relief flooded your body. As you picked up the sword the leader snatched it from your hands. The sword was different then you remember, still long but peppered with multiple clear sparkling jewels and hilt red as the ichor in your veins. The man smiled, baring all his teeth with all the silent determination of a tiger ready to pounce. Then you heard a familiar fluttering of wings and a humming voice. “Where did you get that? Why are you here?!” the creature of the woods hissed. “I told you to head to a cave and die did I not. Or perhaps you want me to finish the job.” The creature does not look at you, their eyes on the group and the warrior with the sword. He laughed. “You dare to threaten me?! Your foolishness knows no bounds, do you even know who I am?” His blade tightens in his hand. You can see as his eyes darken. You look at the creature, still blissfully unaware and wonder if you should intervene. You did not know the character of this group but to be fair you didn’t know the character of the creature either. [[Warn the creature]] [[Do nothing]]

You mentioned the being you found in the forest and the leader of the warrior's raised his eyebrows. “Well then…looks like we have a common enemy. And any foe of my rival is a friend. Or a temporary acquaintance at least.” the warrior stroked his beard as he thought, looking at you with a fiery gaze. He turned to his crew voice stern, “Boys, looks like we got some huntin’ to do.” The group cheered, raising weapons and fists to the air as they roared a battle cry. He wrapped an arm around your shoulder and for a moment a combination of fear and surprise shot like electricity through your nerves. “And our new friend here is gonna help us.” he said, patting your shoulder. You mustered up your most confident smile, though it was more of an unsure look at best. And so you trekked outside or that cave and around the forest. Each turn made you out of sorts like you were winding around in a circle. The first thing out of the ordinary was the quick sound followed by mumbles asking where Ben went. Still you powered on, focusing on how the plants under your shoes sounded when crushed. The air grew hard to breathe, arid and wrong. One or two people grew lightheaded and groaned about not being able to take another step. They were left behind. The warrior gripped his spear tightly in his fist. You could see in the corner of your eyes as he clenched and unclenched his calloused hands around the hilt of the blade. You also noticed as vines wrapped around two of the men’s feet dragging them into the forest as they screamed and dragged their fingers into the dirt to try and prevent its pull. That was when you started running, huffing out large breaths as you tried to keep up your pace, the warrior and his remaining crew lagging right behind. But you cannot run forever, and despite how far you go the forest never seems to end, trapped within this forest. When you finally stop and look back only the warrior follows you. If looks could kill the glare he levels your direction would have stopped your heart on the spot. Before he could throw any of the words brewing in his scowl your way both your heads turned to face another rustle. Green eyes peered out from the brushes, glowing with a ferocity you’ve only seen from the Sun itself. The warrior grabs your shoulder and for the first time in his eyes you can see fear dripping into those cold determined orbs. His grapple is tough and uncomfortable as he drags you towards him, eyes still attached to your mutual foe. “What the hell do you want” he asked like the words itself were a threat. The creature slowly showed its face, it’s very form melding into a part of nature itself. Your brain spun as it tried to pick apart plant life, from the gruesome stare, and sharp hands poised like a rose’s thorns. You stood by the warrior trying to mock the confidence he effortlessly displayed. Then he said the words that would wring the life out of a hope you didn’t know you still had. “How about we make a deal? Take this one and I’ll leave without a fight.” He shoves you forward, and you are frozen in the creature's gaze. It cocks its head and it feels as though the whole forest sways with it. There is an amusement in its eyes that feels both familiar and terrifying. “Mercy is not something in the cards for you I’m afraid” it speaks, and its voice is like the cracking of branches. Your brain hurts as it deciphers the words. You watch as vines creep up, cementing the warrior into place. Like a predator it stalks forward. It smiles as it weaves its final weapon budding with small thorns, edges serrated like a shark’s teeth, and drives it into the warrior again. And again. And again. You are frozen as you watch that confidence mellow into fear. He drops to the ground clutching at his wound, and gurgling as he writhes on the ground. You can’t hear him through the voice screaming in your ears. Then it turns to you. What do you have to say for yourself? [[Plead]] [[Run]]

The man laughed lowly, lips upturned like you’d just told him the best joke he’d heard in years. “You got guts. I ‘preciate that. Unlucky for you, cool only gets you so far.” He leveled his eyes towards you and you could see a crinkling joy in those eyes you hadn’t seen before. “Thanks for the laugh though.” he whispered low enough that only your ears could hear. Before you could reply he motioned for someone in his crew to adorn him with a weapon. You saw the spear, dull within the quiet firelight of the cave. “For your sake, I hope this is quick.” He rammed the spear into your stomach and you could feel the agonizing pain as he twisted the hilt within your flesh. You grow delirious with pain and close your eyes tightly. They soon become too heavy to open at all and your body collides with the cold solid ground. Your last thoughts were filled with one remark. At least the way you died was pretty sick. You manage to curl your lips into a slight smile. And then you pass out…. Ending 5 of 25: An Epic End [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You watch as if in slow motion as he poised his blade. Your feet move before your mind can. You step in front of him and he pauses, confused. He doesn’t have time for the anger to consume him as a branch breaks knocking him right on the he’d with a loud thud. He laughs once, touching the wound and his hand coming out bloody. He falls forward, tumbling into unconsciousness. The creature looks to the rest of his crew who immediately flail around and disperse in fear. So much for a competent team. You remain standing in place as the creature sizes you up. “You…..saved me.” they say. It stops flying and stands on the ground, for the first time on your level. “I am forever grateful. Please allow me to grant you a gift!” The creature stares at you expectantly, smile warm. Do you accept? [[Sure!]] [[No, I just wish to leave]]

He stepped forward. “My name’s Conri. It means king of wolves and wolves they’re very vicious creatures known for their bite. I want you to remember this name. Make it the last thought on your mind before ya go will you?” The warrior, Conri, struck only to be partied with an organic mace crafted from bark, twisting vines embedded with prickly thorns. You watched as the two weapons tangled with each other parrying each strike blow for fatal blow. That was when Conri finally got the upper hand swiping up and slicing a specific vine, causing the weapon to unravel into feeble chlorophyll strings “Your hubris, you shall die by it. You shall die—,” the creature screeched. Then its sound was cut short by the warrior’s blade. He smiled widely and the creature’s essence dissipated, tumbling on the ground leaving only daffodils in its wake. His eyes immediately flicked to you and his smile widened, that ferocious smile. “Now as for you,” he said. He approached you, steps careful not to make any noise. “You're the reason we made it this far.” He clasped your arm. “You must stay with us!” The proposition warmed your cold dead heart and you nodded. With an arm around your shoulder he introduced you as his newfound advisor. He looked at each and every person there, saying that you had earned his protection and if any of them questioned you they questioned him as well. And they certainly knew what that would lead to. You left that forest with pride in your heart and a warrior by your side. The two of you would be feared wherever you went, inseparable in your merciless will. With him as the fire and you the tinder you would burn it all down. And you felt alive. Ending: 8 of 25: Right Hand Man [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

The creature cheers, jumping a bit higher than what is considered normal. “I’ve been so lonely but you have proven yourself kind of heart! I’m gonna give you the gift of the forest! I haven’t done this before so side effects may vary but it should be fine. Probably.” Before you can even ask for clarification they put their hands on your shoulders, muttering a language indecipherable to you. Roots sprout from your head, shaping around your face. Then they cover your arms and legs in the same tough bark. In your hand manifests a staff covered head to toe in moss. It fractured out at the top of its very branches holding a buzzing green magic that whizzed around its cage. “This is my gift! Hope you like it, I don’t give something like this to just anyone.” Your eyes widened as you looked at the staff and beheld all the wonders of the new transformation. You could feel the power course through your fingers. It was light and airy and free unlike the essence of that sword. You explained you wanted to wield this power right and the creature smiled at the assurance they had chosen right. They promised to teach you all they know as long as you used the powers to combat the darkness lurking within. You are a being kept alive by the magic of the forest. It fuels your every breath as you do your best to keep a careful eye on those who enter by chance. Blended within the trees and brush you stay, a protector. And you will keep it all safe. Ending: 9 of 25: The Forest’s Protector [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

The creature frowned, they’re wings fluttering a lot less rapidly. “As you wish. I won’t force you to stay of course. You are welcome to go.” The creature pointed you in the direction of a specific cluster of trees. Before they sent you off they took your hand, drawing in a green paste a symbol of a symbol on your arm. A symbol of emergence. You knew that now, though you weren’t sure how. “Thank you for your help traveler.” they said, and then you were off. As you walked forward you brushed leaves from your head. You felt almost lighter as from the symbol bright flowers began to bloom. It wasn’t scary, not at all. Oddly enough you felt content. You would protect this gift as well as you can, and you knew it would protect you as well. Ending: 11 of 25: Nature’s Gift [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You fell to your knees in front of this creature and its throned weapon. You could hardly move other than to grab at the grass, trying to ground yourself as your mind spun circles around you. “Please,” your voice rasped. “Please…..mercy. We can do no more harm.” The creature stared at you, gaze cold and almost confused? “You’ve made your choice. Now lie with it.” You can feel the vines around you wrap around you all too tightly. It’s as if the floor itself had opened its maw and now it sought to consume you whole. You look at the warrior one last time and you can see the twinkle of a smile on his lips. Then the dirt and grime departs, and you become one with the depths. Ending 6 of 25: Honorbound [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You looked at the warrior and then at the creature. Hell nah, you thought and began running as quickly you could in the other direction. The creature did not move. When you looked back you could see its smile. You rushed through the forest, it turning once again into a blurry maze. You took lefts and rights only to be stopped by its presence at every corner. It was testing you. Playing with you like a rat in a cage. There was no escaping this. “You're quite fun.” its voice echoes in your head, “I wish I could have spared you.” Leaves drop from your head and you feel sick as you realize you were walking in circles the whole time. Another trick. You try to mumble a plea but get knocked off your feet by a rock that definitely wasn’t there before. You could see the blood that pooled from your head and felt exhausted. You look at the warrior and he sneers at your bleeding form. The disappointment in his gaze shatters your will in a way you did not expect. You feel an immense pang of guilt that feels undeserved, and probably is. You close your eyes, totally alone in the world, and you pass out. Ending 7 of 25: Alone [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

Despite your primary hesitancy about Flause you now can’t bear to part ways with them. You ask them to accompany you on your trip. They are very delighted with your question. “Maybe you are alright after all, human.” Flause says. After a quick moment of deliberation Flause says they can accompany you to the village but other than that they are very much stuck to the village. As the village's protector, Flause cannot leave, but can enter the village and wander around the outskirts of the forest. The two of you walk into the village and are immediately greeted by a handful of villagers. However, their attention mostly goes towards Flause as they offer Flause many bountiful gifts. Flause smiles a toothy grin as they savor the praise and exhaultment they receive from the villagers. Oddly enough Flause seems to be especially fond of the children who bounce about badgering them with a multitude of questions. Flause ends up going into the field to play with the kids flying after them as they squeal in delight. The older group of people keep a close eye on the kids while talking in hushed voices. You think they could probably let you know more about Flause if you asked. To be honest, you realize you know nothing about Flause. Except for the nickname they told you, you honestly have drawn a blank of the true nature of your forest-dwelling companion. [[Ask the villagers about Flause?]] [[Hang out with Flause and the kids of the village?]]

Flause stared at you, confusion then sadness washing over their face. Flowers crumbled and died as they spoke. “Wait but—why?” You explained there were other places you wanted to go see but were met with a confused look. “No…..you can’t. I won't let you.” You paused then tried to ask for clarification. “I can’t. You have to stay here. With me!” You backed up but felt vines coil around your ankles. “You have to stay with me. Forever.” Flause said and flickering in their eyes was something you’ve never seen before. And you were afraid. You turned to run but were stopped by thorns erupting from the ground, towering into claws wide enough to stop you in your tracks. “You will not leave. Not on my watch.” Then the claw rises above your head, and the light disappears. When you awaken again again the structure around you has become a cage. You wait for Flause, who comes chattering about a new traveler, a new adventure you’ll never get to see. You suppose you should be thankful that they still bring you food and water. You grow delirious, your days filled with Flause’s chatter and monotony. You should get used to it. You aren’t going anywhere soon. Ending 4 of 25: Trapped

You think yourself a bit too tired to play with the kids. Instead you find yourself wandering over to the parents and elders of the village. People talk and are merry, and they greet you with wide smiles and open hearts. When you ask about Flause they talk in slightly hushed voices of a being born of the forest. They tell you how they were offered a bargain. The souls of those who wander into the forest for their own protection. They were not fools so they accepted. Now they are here. They asked about you, untempered curiosity staring back at you. You tell them your story, or what you know of it anyways. They hang on your every word. You are about to take a drink they offer you when I scream echoes, shrill and immediately severing the positive atmosphere. A warrior’s hands are stained with blood. A mother screams as she sees the sight crying out “Paxton, oh not my Paxton.” as she runs to cradle her son’s body. Even stranger, Flause is nowhere to be seen. Then there is chaos. People run and scream. The warrior shouts words that promise more violence. There is one man who does not shirk at the threat. An old man with tired but determined eyes pulls you aside. He introduces himself as Tavon and says he can help you turn the tides of the fight. He says that Flause chose you for a reason and believes you can help. He offers a weapon along with two sigils. One of strength and one of protection. He recommended you only use one as both powers interfering could have dastardly consequences. [[Sigil of strength]] [[Sigil of protection]] [[I’m gonna use both anyways]]

You decide hanging with the kids and Flause seems much more entertaining than the adults. Flause chases them around, baring pointed fangs without any real malice. Among the kids a quiet one seems to approach you. After a moment you ask his name. He willingly gives it, saying that he is Paxton. You tell him that it’s a wonderful name and he beams. Soon enough you are pulled into the games of monsters and warriors. You chase the group of screaming and laughing children around with prospects of some enigmatic monster. Then a real monster shows up, towering over Flause. You notice him before anyone else, then you are moving. You barrel towards Flause and push them out of the way. You scream to the kids to return their parents and they do so quickly, clambering away with fright and a few tears. Then you and Flause are facing the foe together. Flause puts a hand on your shoulder. Twisting up your arm is vines, blooming with flowers. You watch the magenta petals sprout one by one until they reach your wrist. Then in your hand is a weapon, mostly green but the hilt is paved down bark. The rest of the vines fall off you, flowers crumbling as they meet the ground. You nod at Flause and they take to the skies. “You will leave!” they command the warrior. “Ha! Don’t think so’.” he says, tone unwavering. And so the fighting starts. You and the warrior clash as Flause remains a barrage of thorns from the skies. The rest of his group tries their best to weave through the daggers that pelt towards the ground like rain. They spear into eyes and chests mercilessly as you continue your fight. You warn the man he will not like how this ends. He says he admires your confidence but says he doesn’t back down from fights. You watch as the great warrior grows sluggish. With a newfound vigor you slice at his spear then dive the blade through his heart. Your eyes don’t leave his for a moment as you drag the weapon out, watching as blood collapses from the wound, pooling onto the floor. You hear a collective gasp as his breathing grows choked, until no air escaped him at all. You turn to the village, blood stained and heaving in breaths like your life depends on it. It probably does. You are then surrounded by individuals who wipe the blood from your face and that you with hugs and cloths and mementos. You are so overwhelmed, delirious with adrenaline that you don’t know what to do at first. You thank them for all your well wishes. They offer more but you can’t accept it all. You take the bare essentials you are able to carry then you confess it is time for you to depart. With a heavy heart you say goodbye to the village. You make the children promise to keep safe and they ramble out a collective acceptance. Then you see Flause, who floats dot your level. They give you an embrace buzzing wings fluttering behind them all the while. “Thank you! For protecting my village, it means the world to me.” You try to evade the thanks, saying you were only doing what you thought was right. As a small momento they let you take the sword. And it stays with you. What does not stay is the final tear that departs from your eye as you leave this place behind. Then you steel forward, onto a new adventure. Ending 1 of 25: The True Hero [[Find other endings? ->Your Beginning]]

I mean strength hasn't really helped you before but you supposed there was a time for everything. You took the axe of which the blade felt especially sharp. Then with charcoal he drew a symbol on your arms. After he finished he looked at you, expression grim. “Go now, finish what he has started.” You nod and then you are off. Your eyes scan each crevice of this village from parents hurriedly packing, to children wailing. Then he sees the warrior, spear bared in untold arrogance shouting a half drunken man. “Tired of terrorizing the innocent yet?” you say as you approach him. His eyes follow the sound of your voice then meet you. He sizes you up for a mere moment then smiles. “So here’s this village’s champion. I was just looking for a worthy opponent around here.” You challenge him to a fight and he accepts. Then it begins. The metal of your axe clashes with that of his spear. You both become just extensions of your weapons as they clash with each other, both trying to gain the upper hand. You can feel the power course through your veins and imagine he is much the same. Both cut from the same red emblazoned cloth. Violent and bright and fiery. You both tire, finding strength begets strength, but success is not always the reward. You grow sluggish and in the corner of your eye you see people fleeing. You hope you have stalled long enough. That if this foe cannot be vanquished by you, at least you did some good before you died. The thought comes to you as you swing. But the blade of your axe does not meet metal. You realize slowly as the pain fractures through your body that you have lost. You meet your end quietly. There is but a singular whisper to be heard on the winds. The warrior and his men take their spoils and depart. Then your breath is the only thing that whispers in the air. This is how you meet your end. You die in that abandoned village. Ending 3 of 25: The Fallen Hero

You don’t know where Flause has gone but you feel as though this decision honors their memory. The thought brings you a bit of peace. Tavon hands you the axe of the blade of which felt especially sharp. Then with charcoal he drew a symbol on your arms. After he finishes he looks at you, expression grim. “Go now, finish what he has started.” You nod and then you are off. Your eyes scan each crevice of this village from parents hurriedly packing, to children wailing. Then he sees the warrior, spear bared in untold arrogance shouting a half drunken man. “Tired of terrorizing the innocent yet?” you say as you approach him. His eyes follow the sound of your voice then meet you. He sizes you up for a mere moment then smiles. “So here’s this village’s champion. I was just looking for a worthy opponent around here.” You warn him that if he goes down this path, he will not like what he finds. He tells you to shut up and get to the fighting already. You acquiesce. The metal of your axe clashes with that of his spear. You parry his blows, fueled by adrenaline alone. But you fight well and eventually you both grow weary. All at once events seamlessly occur. The warrior sees an opening. He takes it. You see the opening as well. You see the warrior’s spear barreling towards you. You raise your arm to block it and when the spear collides with your arm, and swirling out of the sigil appears a small barrier, shimmering a cool shade of blue. Then you finally have the upper hand. Your exchange continues but you begin to counter each hit. Each time he attacks the hope is blocked by your newfound shield. Then he finally slips up and your axe is at his head. “You’ve lost.” He looks at you, shock morphing into acceptance. He slowly nods. Thank you for the battle.” You nod, then cleave at his head til he moves no more. You have won. From the woods emerge the rest of the town. They gaze upon the fallen foe, then to you. A loud cheer erupts and you are surrounded by people. They thank you and call you their hero. The mother of the fallen boy looks at you with tear stained eyes and nods. They will rebuild, but for now you decide that they can use the protection. You stay within the village and make a small cottage in the forest. You can feel the forest's magic meld with your own will and soon you learn to bend it. It becomes easier with time, then it becomes second nature. You decide to stay, and if trouble strikes again, you shall arise. Ending 2 of 25: An Unlikely Hero [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

Tavon looks at you for a moment then sighs. He draws four symbols, one on your upper biceps and the other lower on your arm. He gives you a grimace and tells you to try your best. You smile at him confidently, reassuring him that this fight will be easy. The axe he gives you is sharp and has a bright gleam of a weapon that has yet to be sullied by the battlefield. You swing it and you can feel how swiftly it moves within your hands. You approach your foe, head held high. “So you’re the miserable man that needs to be taught a lesson.” He looks at you, sizes you up with a languid gaze and yawns. Actually yawns! “You’re all this place has to offer? Your people are surely doomed.” You make sure to get into his face, ask him to repeat that one more time. He smirks, slow and infuriating. He says he doesn’t repeat himself. That is when you swing your weapon. He is all too ready countering with a strike of his own. His movements are swift for such a brutish man. He sidesteps every time a swing goes wide. But you swing still. You feel twice as powerful. Twice as strong. Your mind sloshes around your brain and you can feel your every thought echo twice as loud. Nausea swings with your sword rupturing your gut with each parry. As your focus turns into delirium you can see your foe's expression turn unsure. Then it disappears into brightly colored swirls. Beyond you are a kaleidoscope of colors and you can help but laugh. You are then wobbling through the world, trying to see through the fractals. Your heart pounds in your ears. What fun, you think. And oh what fun it is. Every little insect stares its giant eyes at you. And you cheer as one buzzes your way. It’s so great that you forget all about what you were doing before! It probably wasn’t as important as this though. You lose yourself within this newfound comedy show. Then you hurl until nothing remains in your stomach. You wake up the next day head aching and alone in a village. Delirious with the sour aftertaste of laughter you look around. //What the hell just happened?// Ending 4 of 25: A Bad Trip [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

Well... That isn't supposed to happen. I guess since you here, I guess we should talk.... I hope you are well?? This is weird. I mean I'm used to narrating but now that we're face to face there's not much to say. It's nice to see you? I think. How do you truly quantify your ideas of something you have only loved from afar? I have heard the paths of your story. Laughed and cried and felt pure annoyance. I have lived with the regret I have seen through your eyes and perceived each discovery you will ever make. Have ever made. How does it feel? Knowing your story, every moment of it, is being heard. That you are cared for just for being you? That somewhere out in the harsh universe... you are loved. This probably isn't what you're here for though. Tell me now, who do you aspire to be? [[A Hero]] [[A Villain]] [[Someone who does good]] [[A good fight]]

You decided you agree with the voice. If this creature was a threat to humanity then it needed to be dealt with as quickly as possible. You are sent over to the creature and its eyes glowed with joy when you said that you accepted its deal. It hovered slightly quicker and the monotone buzzing increased just a bit. It spoke of how much fun you too would have and how exciting it would be. You interrupted its planning by speaking about a stipulation you had first. The creature stopped floating for a second and sent you a confused glance. Just as I planned, you thought using that second of hesitation to slice the creature in half. The blade moved through the creature’s body oddly easily, too easily. The creature went out silently, it’s buzzing stopping the moment the sword impacted. Instead of the messy blood that you had expected the creature crumbled into dirt and dandelions which flew away with the wind. You could feel a staggering pride coursing through your veins. That was not your pride. You did not know that. You continued along the forest past and found it easy to leave. Perhaps the creature was the problem after all. You feel bad for doubting the voice, and happy that it hasn’t misled you. Finally, someone I can trust, you thought and you felt content. At the edge of the forest you found a village. You decided to approach it, having no fears of any enemies with the sword by your side. As you approach the village you notice it is very dilapidated. It is covered in ash and smoke and you can see most of the houses have been set aflame before you got here. When you entered the village in order to look around more you heard a voice. Decided to investigate more you locked eyes with a young boy, his ruffled hair was wild and askew and his eyes were red and glazed with tears. [[Ask if he is okay?]] [[Ask what happened to the village?]]

Despite the voice’s daunting warning, you decided to refuse. You had no way to know that this creature was the awful monster you had been told it was anyways. You felt the soft buzz of disappointment. It felt oddly, out of place. That was the only way you could describe it. The creature guided you through the forest, weaving a tale of stories about not being in contact with anyone in a while. You simply listened carefully, not wanting to give the creature any hint about you that could be used against you. Your hand was always close to the hilt of your sword. If anything went wrong you would not hesitate to use force, but only if it was absolutely necessary. It took a while but the creature brought you to a village. Strangely enough, when you entered all eyes were on the creature. They exalted it as if it was some sort of godly being. Even the children cheered at its presence. //It must have them under some sort of spell// The voice piped up. //You need to free the village. You can liberate them. Kill the creature// You don’t know the voice’s intentions but still there is a whole village of people who might know more about the creature. So what’ll you do? [[Kill the creature]] [[Ask the villagers about the creature]]

You ask the child if he is okay. The boy didn’t answer but burst into uncontrolled sobs clinging onto your legs for dear life. You consoled the boy as best as you could, letting him get his emotions out. You can’t help but wonder why he was alone. This village is no place for a child, after all. You asked where his parents were but he simply shook his head. You tried your best to look for the child’s parents or really anyone but there was no one to be found. You crouched near the eyeline of the child. You prodded again, asking where his parents were and if you could help him find them but he just shook his head. “They’re gone”, he whimpered, his voice seemingly shakier than before. Gone? You were more than confused. Before you could ask what that meant you saw a figure approaching in the distance with an army behind him. As he steadily approached you and the child you began to be able to decipher the features on his face. A gruff unkempt beard most of his face, and he wore a relaxed grin as he approached. You couldn’t help but notice that his sword was dripping with blood. You fought back a scowl and immediately stepped in front of the child, who was holding onto you even tighter. “And who might you be?” the warrior asked. He seems to be a formidable opponent. You don’t want to end up upsetting him, for the sake of yourself and the boy. What do you say? [[Cordially introduce yourself]] [[Threaten him]]

The boy let’s put another sob running to hug you. “They’re gone. They’re all gone!” You ask who did this. Your fingers itch with the desire to put this sword to use. You can already see the fight in your head. *The battle would be legendary.* He points to a group congregating in the distance. They drink gallons of alcohol and shout as they fill their bag with gold. You tell the boy to stay where he is and approach your new opponent. You ask which one of them is the leader and they turn to you. One man laughs. His breath smells of rum and he sways, looking at you with a confidence you don’t think he deserves. You want to show him that his confidence is misplaced. You want him to pay for his pride. You are surprised when you realize these emotions are your own. You challenge the man. “You want to go? Let’s fight hand to hand. ‘Not scared are you?” he slurs. The voice screams at you. It tells you not to entertain such foolishness. It says you can be done with this. You can end this battle right here, right now. You can win. [[Entertain him]] [[Don’t ]]

Despite its protests to the contrary you throw your sword to the side. As soon as your fists are up he barrels towards you. His swings are wide and tough. You find yourself swiveling along with his movements. That was when he starts to miss, his movements going wide as he stumbles over his feet a couple of times. Your enthusiasm starts to grow. You may actually win this That is what you think anyways. Right before the fist collided with your skull. Dazed and slightly concussed, you groan. Your foe gives you one last smug smile, he picks up the sword, your sword, and sheathes it in his own holster. As you open your mouth to protest you feel the pressure of a shoe on your head. It alleviates for a second and then all at once. You lose consciousness as well as a bit of brain remnants, though it’s not like you have enough functionality left to complain. Ending 15 of 25: Don’t Pick Fights You Can’t Win [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You scoff. “I’m not playing your game.” You take a step forward and he stumbles back. There is a momentary fear in his eyes that you notice before your sword slices into him. He falls to his knees, gasping for air he cannot find. His eyes roll back and he falls. You stare at his other companions and they know you will do the same to them. The cowards run. Others try to put up a fight. They are no match for you now. You are *unstoppable*. You watch as they fumble for weapons. They do not get to them in time. You make sure of it. The sword buzzes in your hand. You know you have done right. You head back to the boy, he wipes tears from his eyes. “Are they gone?” You nod. The sword buzzes again and suddenly you're moving on your own. You don’t understand why you're moving and then you do. And the thought falls upon you like a cleaver on your soul. You can end this tragedy here. No one will have to remember this place, the sword whispers. Your grip tightens on the sword as the boy looks at you. He is wiping the tears from his eyes. You can do it now [[End the tragedy]] [[Spare him]]

Tears stream down your face as you get closer to the boy. You close your eyes so you don’t have to see the fear in his face. You do see what little life is left depart from his eyes. Your hands shake. It is done. You get up, and you leave the village. The sword tells you not to look back. You do. You see the ashen wasteland you left behind. You hope it is for the better. You hope….. The sword whispers in your ear. We have work to do, it says. And you follow. It was what you were made to do after all. You bring death wherever you go. None escape your blade. You are a warrior. Powerful. And your sword always strikes true. Ending 14 of 25: Monster Of Your Own Making [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

The sword drops from your hand, clanging to the floor. You hug the boy and tears of relief stream down your face. The boy does not know why you're crying but hugs you anyway. “You are safe now.” you say. You hope he believes you. You ask him his name and he answers that it is Paxton. He asks where you should go next. You reply than anywhere away from here is good. You tell him not to look back. He does, and you don’t fault him. You know you would have done the same. A slight buzz of anger and contempt echoes at the back of your mind, but you do not give it much thought. You take Paxton’s hand and you leave the decaying town behind. Ending 13 of 25: Hero Of The Village [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You started to introduce yourself. Started to… “Ah—actually I realized I don’t care.” His eyes glinted, a smug expression crossing his face. “Nice sword though, you use it?” You stared at him, daggers steeled in your vision. “Occasionally.” you found yourself saying. He laughs heartily, voice boisterous and loud. You want to cut that smile down where it stands. The thought of how easy the violence surged from your heart would have surprised you. Could’ve, if it were not for you increasing annoyance. “How about we test that affinity, friend?” You could smell the blood on his hands. Red and potent. A formidable foe has offered you a challenge. An itching in your brain beckons you to accept. Your intuition has never led you wrong before. And yet… your eyes glance at the boy. Wonder tainted with fear and you wonder if there might be another way. [[Lunge]] [[Stay calm]]

You manage to dole out a warning, sharp and scathing. The warrior stares at you, surprise turning to intrigue. “My my you are an interesting one aren’t you.” he circled you and the boy, eyes remaining steady with yours. “Is the kid yours or do you just pick up strays often.” He chuckled slowly as you put out an arm to shield the boy. You said that he even thought about touching him, you’d make him pay. “Your fun. I think I like you.” he said with a widened grin, bearing all his teeth in an unsettling display. “Let’s play a little game.” You stared back at him with a curious expression. You could feel the boy’s eyes on you. Perhaps the curiosity was contagious. “I let the boy live. I’ll train him, make sure he’s got a fighting chance…” You ask what’s the catch. “Yes the catch! You're smart. I like that about you.” He dropped his weapon, offering an outstretched hand to you. “You can have all that and more if you join my team. I like you friend, you got that fire. I need that in my team.” He smiled at you, glowing in the light like an offer from ruthless deity. So do you take his hand? [[Deal]] [[No Deal]]

Immediately you barreled forward, serrating the sword through the air until it met your rival’s own with a clang. “That all you got?” he asked, parrying your blows with a quick maneuver of his wrist. His taunts echoed through your head along with a smaller voice giving you directions. You could hear it whispering in your ears. *Left, right, duck, back up.* “Didn’t expect you to keep up.” the man said, huffing out breaths. His motions slowed and you took the time to swipe at his weapon, finally disarming him. Finally. “Do I get to know your name before I kill you?” you ask. He laughed and it ringed in your ears like a sweet melody. “Sure. It’s Conri, pleased to meet you.” He gave you one last smile, flashing you those shiny teeth before you drove that sword into his throat. You watched as the consciousness faded from his eyes, and you whispered a last goodbye to him. Then you turned to look at the boy. He was shaking. You took a step forward and he stumbled back. “Stay away from me! Please just don’t hurt me.” You paused, staring at your hands that were sprayed with dots of crimson. You felt a pit grow in your stomach. You assure yourself you did the right thing. The boy with no name runs. You don’t know where he goes or if you’ll ever see him again. You tightly grip your sword and decide it was for the best. Ending 16 of 25: The Runaway [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You take a breath in and out. You tell him you don't want to escalate the situation more than you need to. He looks tickled by your reaction. He doesn’t hold that expression for long as he he wedges a weapon straight through your gut. Your vision grows bleary as your sword falls from your hand, meeting the floor with a loud dissonant sound. “Why you’d you—oh no no get away!” You watch as the boy rushes to pick up your own sword. You try to say something but the moment you try to speak the urge to vomit overtakes you. You watch the boy through muddled eyes as he rushes at his opponent, tears streaming down his face. The warrior looks down at him, amused. “Ya got the fighting spirit kid. I think I’ll let you live.” There is a whistling, cutting clear through the air and then the warrior and his troops leave. Then the boy rushes over to you. You ask him if you get to know the name of your hero. Through tears he says his name is Paxton. You smile at the name. He tries to make you promise to not die. You tell him you cannot make promises you can’t keep. When he leaves you the last light has been long gone from your eyes. Paxton wipes the last of his tears and grips the weapon, now a dagger, in his hand. He will grow into it soon enough. And you will remain, the ghost of a memory on his tongue. Ending 15 of 25: The Little Soldier [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You grasped his hand, and the warrior’s eyes twinkled. “That’s the spirit. The name’s Conri. Happy to have you on board.” The boy looked at you with something like betrayal, confusion, and a dimming hope. You kneel in front of him and tell him it’s for the best. That you’ll protect him from the world. He stares at you mumbling a quiet “okay”. You hardly hear the sound of his voice after that day. The two of you are welcomed to the group with open arms. Conri makes sure of that. When you ask the boy’s name he refuses to tell you. You decide that some things are best kept in the past. You take to calling him Tristan and soon enough he recognizes the name as his own. You train him to turn sorrows to slashes. You do not see the anger burrowing deep within until it is too late. Your last breath is spent deciding you did the right thing. He is strong enough to protect himself against the world, //you included//. The last thing you see is him walking away, blood stained dagger gripped tightly in his hand. Ending 17 of 25: Tristan’s Lament [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You shake your head. “I’d rather die than ally myself with a monster.” The warrior's face darkens, and he wrings his fists together with a newfound ferocity. For a moment the line between monster and man blur as he barrels towards you. His fists collide with your form as you try to block him. The sword glints in your hands and you take a stab at him when you have a sliver of an opening. You hear a shrieking in the back of your mind that you don’t hear until it’s too late. Your thoughts are quieted as a crushing blow is delivered to your ribs and your sword is knocked out of your grasp. You look from the warrior to the boy and for once you have no clue what to do. For once a foe that you cannot defeat stands in front of you and everything seems to be on the line. In a split second you make your decision, grabbing the boy and running as quickly as you can. You look back and you can see the warrior’s confusion. “Don’t you run away from me!” his voice bellows, “I’ll find you! I will track you down to the ends of this plane and the next!” You decide you shall run as far as you have to. You will keep running for as long as you live and hope your past will not creep up to find you. Behind you leave a weapon with a taste for your blood and a foe who has quite the same. There will be no peace, only travel from place to place. Ending 18 of 25: The Great Escape [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You never trusted this creature anyways. How did it know where the village was in the first place? This was obviously another layer to its scheme and you would not fall for it. You took your sword and ran it like a cleaver through the creature, though it only caught onto it’s arm, slicing through the limb and slowly severing it from it’s body. “What—why?” it looked at you with hurt and confusion. Just another trick. You took advantage of the being’s surprise disengaging the other arm, then the head with a swift motion. The people of the town looked at you, in obvious awe of your strength and prowess. You tell them to fear not and that you have vanquished the beast causing them terror. They reply, their reactions a bit less enthusiastic then what you were hoping for but you are sure that they will be thankful for your actions in due time. The sword whispers in your ear that the two of you have more work to do and you smile wide. “More people to save. How exciting.” you think You make your way out of the village and do not mind the noise in the background. “They are probably celebrating their glorious liberation” you thought And you were proud, walking away a hero. Ending 19 of 25: The Hero’s Oblivion [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You find an old man with creases near his eyes and skin pulled taut over brittle bones. He introduces himself as Tavon, reminiscing that no one has come in or out of that forest in a long time. You ask him about the creature and he smiles wistfully. He speaks of a deal they made. Protection was what they sought and the creature of the woods gave it to them, as long as they turned a blind eye to the intruders within that forest. It seemed like a fair deal. He asked you where you were from and you explained you were on an adventure far away from home. That was what you remembered anyways. He pointed at your sword with a shaky finger and motioned you to bring it over to him. He explains there is an aura coming from the sword. He says he can tell you more about it. You feel a hum of discontent that you put to the back of your mind. A voice within the crevices of your head whispers, //He wants your power, these petty deals will bring you nowhere// Will you trust the man? [[Give him the sword]] [[Keep it to yourself]]

You nod and give the man your sword. You have no clue if the voice you’ve been hearing was at all trustworthy. Any knowledge you can gain about it would be helpful, and the man seemed to be knowledgeable enough. You follow him, his slow steps bringing you to a shop, weapons lining the walls along with notes of how much gold pieces each costs. He makes his way to his desk and opens and pulls a tan book from a drawer. He blows on the cover, the dust escaping its surface and onto your face as you cough. He gives you no mind, turning pages fervently until he stops. He looks at you, expression a mix between thoughtful and grim. “This weapon holds a great force within itself. It nurtures itself with power. You can grow very strong with it” You ask what the catch is and Tavon lowers his voice to a whisper, “To get its way, it may lie and warp your reality. Once it burrows into your mind, it is near impossible to get it to leave. You must not listen to what it says.” Now that is quite the downer. You look back at the sword a bit pensive. Sure the encroaching evil is a downside but every sword has its flaws, right? Plus its alerting capabilities could still be of use. [[Keep the sword]] [[Another option?]]

You shake your head and refuse the offer. However kind the man may seem, his trustworthiness is far from verifiable. Your thoughts spiral as you think of trust. How much can you trust? Who can you trust? If you can’t trust the things whispered in the caverns of your mind, what can you trust? Something whispers in your brain, //Calm down!// it says forcefully and the thought only makes you sicker. You depart from that village muttering under your breath about not trusting anyone. Ever again if you have to. The people of the village give you weird looks. Soon you will become accustomed to that look as you will see it in the faces of people wherever you go. You think about throwing the sword away, setting yourself free from this mental fallacy but you can’t trust that thought either. ''You can’t trust anything….'' Ending 20 of 25: Keep Your Enemies Closer [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You tell Tavon you want to keep the sword and he nods. He scribbles something on a piece of parchment that you can’t read and tells you to keep it. He explains it is the only form of protection he can offer, and you thank him for his kindness. As you pick up the sword, you feel no whispers. It is oddly silent. Perhaps it’s choosing to let you have unlimited power and no consequences which would be nice. As you bid your farewell and go to leave you open the door. And….. //Well that’s different.// Outside the door, was a wasteland, with barren lands, and a pathway. You decide to follow the path sword still in hand and shoes tapping against the stone grooves. It was silent, oddly so. You looked back but it was nothing but barren trees and dead leaves. The wind whispers to you. It sang the song of prophecies and heroes. It told you of the titles it could give you. The glory. You see yourself, standing in front of you. A mock sword made of smoke is by your side. The other you smiles and beckons for you to take their hand. [[Take their hand]] [[Ask questions]] [[Fight ]]

You asked about the other option and the old man smiled slightly. He explained there was only one way you can counter the will of such a powerful force. To combat it with a will of your own. With a swift movement Tavon moved his hand under his desk, unlatching a hidden compartment and letting a heavy thud resonate as yet another book fell out, this time with a symbol you could not recognize on the cover. You picked it up and examined it, seeing the well kept pages and notes scribbled on each page. Curiosity got the best of you as you questioned how such a book could help you. He smiled wider, proudly proclaiming it as his own research coupled with some greater knowledge he had found. He explains that he has been harnessing a great force that can be used for both shielding the mind and the physical form. He explains that this force has entangled itself within your own life force; however, it can be removed or maybe even defeated. He holds a hand out of you and the future seems the clearest you’ve ever been. You shake his hand and agree to become his apprentice. Despite how frail his form looks, his grasp is strong. He says the two of you have much work to do. You look at the sword, still feeling the echoes of that familiar hum in your mind. Soon you will be ready, soon but not yet. Ending 21 of 25: The Mage’s Apprentice [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

Despite every bone in your body trembling with suspicion you take the shadow figure’s hand. It feels oddly solid when you do. You feel a hum of contentment. The other you smiles and pulls your arm, knocking you off your balance and straight into the shadows and smoke. You stumble forward and cough furiously. And when you open your eyes you are back. The grass is green beneath your feet, the village is before you. You get up, not of your own volition. You don’t feel your limbs move, don’t make the thought process to move one leg then the other, but you do. And you make your ways to the forest. The creature stares at you and stops your path. It asks what you are doing. You say you’re exterminating the monsters in the forest. With a confused look the creature nods and lets you pass. You know every step you need to make to get to the cave. The knowledge scares you. You’ve never known this much before. You enter a cave with a group of men in a cave. You take your blade and let it cut through every single heart that beats. You watch their anger turn to confusion then fear. A laugh that is not your own escapes from your throat. You bring their leaders' heads back to the village on a stake. “The deed is done” you say, and wait for the applause to follow. You choose to ignore the fear in their eyes and focus instead on the broken applause. You are their hero. You see the old man in the corner of your eye. He looks at you with tired eyes and shakes his head. You don’t care to decipher his expression. //We have work to do, my hero// a voice whispers in your ear. It moves you forward, and you have no choice but to follow. Ending 22 of 25: The Puppet [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

You ask who they are. The copy standing before you explains that it is you, or what you could be. It speaks of your potential. Well not truly speaks. It’s mouth opens to form words but the voice does not come from it. Instead it appears to originate further. You become preoccupied with the sound of the voice. It’s not too far from what you can hear. The other you ends its statement by holding a hand forward, beckoning you to take it. It urges there is no other way forward. [[Fight it->Fight ]] [[Follow the voice ]]

You do not trust it enough to turn your back to it. Perhaps a good choice, you know you would not miss an easy shot against a foe. You drew your blade and the clone’s face darkened and did the same. Soon the blades flashed against each other, the dark reflection slashing at you with an uncontrolled vigor. You could see the contempt in their eyes. Noting that their wide swings gave you a point of opening you targeted the weakness. The sword reverberated loudly as it was knocked to the ground. The figure looked at the sword and kneeled. You took that as it was, defeat. Swiping one final time with their sword and watching as they turned to smoke. Then you ventured on. The winds tore at your skin, nipping it with cold air enough to freeze your fingers. //We can work together? Whatever you desire I can bring it. Is it wealth, admiration? You can have it all! We can have it all// You stayed silent continuing your way and the voice’s desperation grew. //You are foolish. You dare test me. I will destroy you// Your head throbbed with pain but you pushed on. Steadily you walked up an incline and then made your way to the end of it all. With swirling winds and the pathway gone from view you waited. The world was dark and out of the shadows peaked a being with rows of glinting teeth and multiple eyes as red as the blood in your veins. It’s body is a bulbous thing, filled with puss that oozes around in a manner only similar to slime. It makes you want to vomit. //You want a fight, let us fight// it hissed. [[Stab it’s body]] [[Stab it’s eye]]

You follow the voice and watch the discontent on the copy’s face out of the corner of your eye. You don’t have the time to notice how it quickly twists into anger. You hear the quick footsteps behind you and start to turn around only to be met with a searing pain as the blade enters your back. You stumble forward and crumple to your knees. Your vision blurs as you cough up a glob of blood. As your body meets the floor, you feel your arm begin to twitch on its own. You fear for what that means. You begin to slowly lose touch of the body that is no longer yours. And then you pass out…. Ending 23 of 25: Watch Your Back [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

As you breathed you imbued every movement the determination you felt. You promised yourself that your sword would strike true, that you would not put it to waste. You embedded your sword into the monster’s body and its sloshing form was sliced through. It was like cutting through gello, its viscous body melding around the blade. The monster huffed out a small chuckle turning into a cackle as that substance that makes up its flesh crawled up that sword and towards you. You fought with the sword, trying to pull it back but it would not release from the assailant’s grip. As you pulled that sword your way you paid no attention to the sludge that traveled up your blade until it touched your skin, causing a prickling feeling. It traveled around you as you fought to brush it off, sticking to you like glue and covering more and more of your flesh. It started to burn, like fire to your skin and you could do nothing. You attempted to scream and realized you could not. And that is how you would meet your end, struggling against this creature as it traps you in a sludgy cocoon. First your flesh you’ll go, then muscle and tissue. Your bones would be the last to go, slowly dissolving within the confines of this creature. ~~~ The mage watched you as you took those steps outside his door. You clutched your chest falling forward as a sickness ran through your bones. You passed out, sludge trickling out your mouth as you wheezed out your last labored breath. You had lost. Ending 24 of 25: Consumed [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

“Ow!!! Dude like what the fuck. That is uncalled for” You stared at the monster as it howls in pain. “That was my favorite eye too!! What’s your problem?! That was like a whole chunk of my peripheral vision.” You suddenly shake yourself out of your shock and threaten to take out even more of its eyes if it tries anything else. It sludges away leaving a trail of excess as it slid away from your blade. “You humans are no fun. What do you even want?!” You explain that you don’t want your brain taken over and it sighs heavily. “Whateverrrr fine. I won’t take over your brain and cause irreversible pain. Just leave my eyes out of this.” You nodded content at your impeccable deal making skills then asked how to go about leaving. The creature just sighed mumbling and soon your eyes were flashed with a bright light and you were outside Tavon’s cabin. As you looked around it was almost like you had never left. The sword mumbled in your ear whining about how “it wasn’t even gonna kill you anyways” and “it just wanted to taste your bones” neither of which were reassuring. You said goodbye to the town and whispered to your new companion about your next destination. At least this time you would get to choose. Ending 25 of 25: Master The Blade [[Play Again->Your Beginning]]

The meaning of hero is so varied. It moves and melds into what your mind sees fit. To be a true hero you have to know who is trustworthy and who is not. You cannot trust everything you encounter in this forest. However, some people may know more than others. Ask questions when you can. It may save a life. [[Go->Your Beginning]]

Ah, I see. So you desire something a bit different. There's a group in the forest that has your goal in mind. Find them in a cave and you can aid their cause. The commanding warrior is a ferocious man, but he can be bargained with. You simply have to impress him first. Now, go find your story.... [[Go->Your Beginning]]

If you want to do good then.... well do what you think is right. Keep an open heart. If you remain cold, it could mean someone's end. There is a boy who needs your help. If you find him he will trust you wholeheartedly. Do not let him down. [[Go->Your Beginning]]

Take the sword, you know what you must do. Be as vicious as you wish. Just remember, lives are in your hands. [[Go->Your Beginning]]