ã€ŠProphecy Approved Companionã€‹


 Book One Chapter One: Backstory.exe

    Qube was an official Prophecy Approved Companion to one of the three possible saviours of the world. She¡¯d worked very hard to become the potential Chosen One¡¯s best friend, spending hours on her ¡°Understanding Smile¡± and perfecting her ability to divide any snack into two equal portions to share with him. He, in turn, had led them on a series of small adventures in the village and surrounding woods, enabling him to gain basic combat experience and her to acquire a rudimentary grasp of magical healing.

    She was certainly doing a lot better than the only other Mage amongst the golden children. Even though he was another potential saviour of all living creatures, he had no healing abilities at all and could only spam the weakest of fireballs while his Prophecy Approved Companion spent more time sculpting his body than learning how to actually protect the squishy Wizard wannabe.

    The third potential Chosen One was in a much more awkward position. She was a Rogue in a town with no crime and where everyone knew one another. The townsfolk had long ago agreed that it was important for her to practise her skills, and so they had scheduled particular times for her to rob their houses of preselected items like Mrs. Smith¡¯s ruby-red slow cooker, which she just took back from the Rogue¡¯s house when she needed it. The only person who didn¡¯t participate was the shop owner, Mr. Igma, who generally refused to do anything asked of him. He was also the only one who had regular contact with the outside world as Mr. Clockwork, a travelling mechanical tinker, would come into town to restock the same things every night. For the same price. In the exact same amounts.

    It was honestly rather impressive. Nothing could stop Mr. Clockwork¡¯s deliveries, and he was never, ever late. But Mr. Clockwork was also a massive gossip and would frequently tell them all about what was happening in the outside world, about how terrible life was up near the castle, and about the reign of Evil Emperor.

    ¡°He was the grand vizier, loved and trusted by the noble king and beautiful queen,¡± he had told all the wide-eyed Potentials. ¡°But he betrayed them most horribly! And he slew them and took power! And ever since then the land has fallen into ruin and despair!¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t the other members of the government dispute his claim as emperor? Surely, killing their leaders would have been illegal?¡± a tiny Qube had asked. ¡°Was this like a coup thing, where he had the military behind him or something?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s magic!¡± Mr. Clockwork had snapped. ¡°He did magic things. Terrible, magical things.¡±

    ¡°But there are courts, couldn¡¯t they¡ª¡±

    ¡°Magic,¡± Mr. Clockwork repeated. ¡°It was all magic. Prophecy magic. No court Mage can stand against prophecy magic.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Prophecy. Now, who wants to perfectly split popsicles in half?¡±

    And that was the end of that history lesson. It was how most history lessons ended, which made sense when one considered the fact that the only reason their village existed was to house the Golden Prophecy and to raise the golden children who would save the regular coloured world.

    The Golden Prophecy had dictated most of Qube¡¯s life. As each child was born, they were taken to the hut that housed the prophecy and held in front of it to see if they gained a faint golden or silver glow. Qube had glowed silver, and as the only half-elf with magical abilities in the village, she¡¯d been selected to be the Healer Mage Companion when she was about five.

    Of the three that glowed gold, she had been assigned to the brawny human boy, who began combat training as soon as he could be trusted not to try and eat the sword.

    Occasionally, she would secretly meet up with the other two prophecy approved Companions and vent.

    ¡°I¡¯m just so sick of waiting!¡± she complained, flopping face-first into the pile of hay they¡¯d put on top of the town hall roof. It was the only place they could be sure that the potential Chosen Ones wouldn¡¯t come across them complaining. Or anyone else, for that matter. Given the prestige of being a prophecy approved Companion, it would have been supremely awkward to be caught complaining about the greatest honour a non-¡¯soon to be Chosen One¡¯ could gain. No one ever came up to the top of the town hall as there was a terrible sense of pressure when you got too high up. This physical pressure was nothing compared to the mental pressure of being a perfect Companion, though.

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    ¡°I know what you mean,¡± Quince said, rolling his shoulders back as he tried to get rid of the stiffness from sitting in a tree all day. As the Hunter assigned to the Rogue, he was expected to know every inch of the woods, which he¡¯d decided included sitting at the top of every tree for at least one day per tree. So far, he¡¯d made it through about sixty-five per cent of the forest. Personally, Qube thought having a Hunter and a Rogue working together was a good way to get their heads kicked in by anyone with a strong sword arm, but she supposed some people prefer the whole ¡°sneak around and never even get seen¡± method. Certainly, having a stealthy Hunter would be better for a Rogue than¡ª

    ¡°Well, I think it¡¯s great. Gives me extra time to work on my gains.¡± Quinton was doing handstand push-ups. Again. And he had somehow managed to remove his shirt. Again. Quince groaned and buried himself in the pile of hay.

    Quinton tried to give Qube a winning smile, which, given his face was slowly turning bright red from all the blood rushing to his head, was pretty horrifying. Like someone had stuck a banana upside down on a giant ripe tomato. Qube tried to frown at him from her face full of hay.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point in having good-looking muscles if you never get to go out into the world and show them off?¡± Qube asked.

    ¡°I can show them to you,¡± Quinton said. Qube finally raised her face from her pile of hay and gave him a flat look.

    ¡°I don¡¯t count, Quinton. I¡¯m not the world.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re my world,¡± Quinton sleazed.

    Qube stared at him.

    Then she kicked him off the roof. He made an impressive thump sound as he hit the ground.

    Peering over the side, she saw Mrs. Smith standing nearby, gently placing a freshly baked pie on her windowsill for the Rogue to steal.

    ¡°Sorry, Mrs. Smith!¡± Qube called. Mrs. Smith just waved and went back to pretending to ignore the Rogue creeping through the bushes.

    ¡°My face! Fix my face!¡± Quinton called up to her as he writhed around in the crater he¡¯d made. She rolled her eyes and cast the [Lesser Healing] spell. Quince started laughing from under the pile of hay.

    By the Words, she couldn¡¯t wait to get out of this town.

    Granted, the Golden Prophecy had never actually outright stated that she was going to get out of this town. It was more implied in the text. The village scholar, Alderman, had spent most of his life studying the prophecy and had written several books about various interpretations of said prophecy. Each of which was found in the local library as Mr. Igma didn¡¯t buy books and Mr. Clockwork only did business with Mr. Igma. Economically, it seemed pointless to write a book and only make one copy that could be borrowed from the library for free, but Alderman didn¡¯t seem to mind. It was from his studies that they had determined that only one of the three potential Chosen Ones would awaken into the true champion. He had also been the one to tell them about ¡°placeholders¡±, which obscured various truths within the prophecy until it was time for them to be revealed.

    Each morning, she found herself going to the simple wooden hut holding the Golden Prophecy and rereading it, checking to see if the ¡°placeholders¡± had dissolved or if she could glean any new knowledge from it. The silver glow that surrounded her whenever she got close made her itch, but she ignored it as she reread the Golden Prophecy for the thousandth time, trying to find some clue that Alderman had missed, something that would tell her how to be the best Companion, and when this Evil was supposed to arrive and kick things into gear already!

    But the words were ever the same:

    ¡°From a humble village a [Fighter/Wizard/Rogue] awakes.

    Then Evil destroys and [their] heart breaks.

    [Their] childhood companion, [their] guiding light,

    [They] set off to make the world right.

    [They] shall find the forest¡¯s heart.

    And steal the fire¡¯s guarded start.

    [They] shall make the water cry

    Then fall into unbroken sky

    And fight the darkness deep inside

    And turn away from brightness¡¯s pride.

    Then find in time¡¯s endless halls

    The echoes of their lost ones¡¯ calls.

    To slay what once was so adored

    So what was lost can be restored.¡±

    While it didn¡¯t explicitly say if and when she was going to leave town with the chosen one, there was no way she was getting left behind! Plus, she was supposed to be his guiding light to help fix the world. Kinda hard to guide him if she wasn¡¯t actually with him. And her potential Chosen One was by far the superior maybe world saviour. So, all in all, she was pretty hopeful about her chances. To be honest, even if he wasn¡¯t the chosen one, they¡¯d probably still tag along with the actual chosen one and their companion.

    Alderman had explained that the words in brackets¡ªor ¡°placeholders¡± as he called them¡ªwould reveal their true form once Chosen One awakened, which seemed a bit strange for a supposedly inexorable prophecy, but every time she had tried to raise it he had just kept repeating ¡°the prophecy works in mysterious ways,¡± and ¡°it¡¯s prophecy magic¡± until she gave up.

    But there were no new clues; nothing had revealed itself. Chosen One clearly still hadn¡¯t awakened.

    Speaking of which¡­ She narrowed her eyes as she stepped out of the hut and noticed the position of the morning suns. Normally, he was awake by now and ready to start their daily routine. In fact, normally the village was bustling by now, but instead, the main street was empty.

    Something felt¡­off.

    Just then the hut behind her started to glow, golden light spilling out from the cracks around the doors and windows. It pushed out from under the tiles, and as she ripped open the hut door, it exploded outwards, surrounding her, repelled only by her own silver glow. It raced past her, a yellow streak of light that led directly to her Chosen One¡¯s home where it coalesced with what she now saw was more golden light already surrounding his home. It invaded the building before roaring upwards and forming a single, shining line of gold that hovered just above his house, a smaller ball of yellow left trailing underneath, for all the world like a giant, golden exclamation mark.

    Qube stopped screaming. She wasn¡¯t sure when she had started¡ªprobably around the time the Prophecy¡¯s golden magic had hit her in the face. She let go of the door handle and started half-running, half-staggering towards the giant magical mark hanging above her best friend¡¯s house. She couldn¡¯t cry. She wouldn¡¯t cry. She wouldn¡¯t greet the newly anointed Chosen One with red eyes and snot running down her face. She would greet him with dignity, and grace, and use her guiding light to help him stop Evil.

    She wrenched open his front door and immediately saw him. The shining Hero of the Known World. The one she had trained her entire life to walk beside. Her destiny.

    Who was currently fast asleep half off his bed, drool forming a small puddle on the ground.

    ¡°What are you doing? Wake up! You¡¯re going to be late!" she yelled and felt everything click into place as if she had been waiting her whole life to say exactly that. As if...

    Her story had finally begun.

 Book One Chapter Two: Loading In...

    Qube, the Prophecy Approved Companion of the newly anointed Saviour of the World, was beating said Saviour with his own pillow.

    ¡°Wake up.¡± Thump. ¡°Wake up!¡± Thump. ¡°WAKE UP!¡± Pop!

    Uh oh. Probably a bit too hard with that last one.

    The Chosen One continued drooling in his sleep. Feathers from the exploded pillow settled down around him.

    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± Qube scowled, throwing the now deflated pillow at the wall. ¡°What is going on?¡±

    Leaving the Saviour snoozing she wandered back outside to check on the golden light. Maybe it had moved on to one of the other potential Chosen Ones? Instead of the golden line with a glowing ball of light underneath it, the streak had broken up to three glowing balls. They seemed to pulse, one after the other, like the prophecy magic was drumming its fingers. Qube stared at it in confusion, then looked around to see if there was anyone else who could explain what was going on. Where was Alderman? He¡¯d spent his whole life on this Golden Prophecy, surely he¡¯d have noticed its magic race past his house? Where was everyone?

    She took a small step towards Alderman¡¯s house. Maybe¡­ maybe she had done something she wasn¡¯t supposed to. Maybe the Awakening had failed. Maybe she was the wrong Companion.

    Just then she heard a faint groan from inside the house behind her. She swung around, and saw the Chosen One staggering to his feet. The golden light was swirling around him, infusing him as his muscles seemed to swell before her eyes. His face shifted, his eyes becoming wider and his teeth whiter. The vacant, well meaning gaze of her childhood friend was gone, replaced with an intensity of expression that shook her to her core. She felt as if he was seeing her for the first time, really seeing her. He slowly looked her up and down, his eyes returning to her face in time to witness her cheeks redden. Then his eyes unfocused, seeming to look beyond her, to something hidden inside her.

    This¡­ this was the power of the prophecy.

    This was the true Chosen One.

    How could she ever guide him? How could she ever be arrogant enough to think that this golden creature would need her silvery light to show him the way?

    She took a step back, ready to flee. The Chosen One snapped back into focus, then slowly reached to her.

    No! That power! If he touched her, would it consume her? Why was he looking at her like that? What - she wouldn¡¯t - he couldn¡¯t -!

    He shoved his hand directly into her face, his whole palm covering all her facial features.

    What...

    He lightly slapped her cheeks, poking them and watching with interest.

    What?

    Then he tilted her head back to look up her nostrils.

    What?

    She smacked his hands away.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she yelled at him. He ignored her, and started touching his own face. He opened his mouth a couple of times, feeling his jaw move. ¡°What is wrong with you? Did the prophecy melt your brains?¡± Immediately her head started to ache, and she felt sick that she had just spoken to him like that.

    ¡°This is amazing,¡± he said, ignoring her. ¡°I can feel everything. They really went all out, huh?¡± He looked down at himself and then reached for his pants.

    ¡°Chosen One!¡± Qube exclaimed, finally getting his attention. ¡°Chosen One, I¡¯m sure¡­ I¡¯m sure you must feel very strange. The Prophecy¡­ has Awoken you.¡±

    Her headache instantly vanished. Yes. This was right. This was what she was supposed to do. She had been training her whole life for this. It was literally why she¡¯d been born.

    ¡°These are dark times,¡± she said, trying not to notice him absent-mindedly rubbing his abs. ¡°The world has need of you. Of the power within you. Only you can - where are you going?¡±

    The Chosen One was opening various drawers around his house, rummaging around in them and pulling out anything shiny or sharp. He picked up a medal he¡¯d won during the last Summer Games, and shoved it into his pocket. He pulled it out again, examining it closely before putting it in his other pocket.

    ¡°I¡¯m listening. Keep going. World ending, prophecy, chosen one, yadda yadda.¡± He picked up a broom and was trying to fit it into his pocket. Qube stared straight ahead, trying not to watch him. She had rehearsed this speech and on the Gold she would give it! Why had she left her cue cards at home?

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    ¡°Only you can restore what was lost. Only you can defeat the Evil Emperor and bring peace back to our lands.¡± Nope, she could still see him out of the corner of her eye. She closed her eyes and continued. ¡°But Awakening may have changed you. Come, let us see if it has granted you new strength.¡± She heard a strange rhythmic thumping sound and opened her eyes.

    The Chosen One, Saviour of All, was in a weird crouch position, jumping up and down in his kitchen corner.

    She stared.

    ¡°Can you see me?¡± he asked, still crouching and jumping.

    ¡°...Yes,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay, can you turn about ninety degrees that way, no, other way. Okay,¡± he stopped jumping and remained crouched in the corner. ¡°Can you see me now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Okay what if I don¡¯t talk for a while, can you still see me?¡±

    ¡°You would need to stop talking for that to work.¡±

    He laughed, the booming sound of it making her head feel like it was splitting in half. The pain and nausea were back. By the Words, she had to stop sassing the only hope for humanity! (And humanity adjacent.) It was clearly disrupting the Prophecy¡¯s magic in some way, causing a terrible magical resonance that echoed through her. She had had no idea that the Prophecy had such strict rules for her behaviour. Next time she came across Alderman she was going to have to ask him about it.

    Speaking of which -

    ¡°Come, I will take you to Alderman, our village Elder.¡±

    Why had she told him who Alderman was? He had known him his whole life. But this man in front of her, he seemed to have a totally different energy to the boy she had grown up with. Why? Had the prophecy changed him so much? Why had it done that? The pain was growing, so she turned her thoughts away from questioning the prophecy and back to more practical matters.

    ¡°You should probably put on a shirt before we leave though,¡± she said dryly. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want people mistaking you for¡­ you for¡­¡± She frowned. She had forgotten what she was going to say. Oh well, it would come back to her. As the Chosen One put on a shirt she looked around the room.

    Where on earth had his broom gone?

    ---

    Qube set off to Alderman¡¯s house, desperately trying to ignore the fact that the Chosen One was doing forward rolls behind her. She briefly considered asking him what he was doing, but figured that any answer he gave her would just upset her. He was probably just testing out his new strength and flexibility. Yes. That made sense.

    ¡°This is Alderman¡¯s house,¡± she said and turned around, only to see the Hero of Our Time crouched in Mrs Smith¡¯s flowerbed. Mrs Smith ignored him, continuing to water her flowers as he snatched at the water drops. Qube cleared her throat. The Chosen One looked at her.

    ¡°This is Alderman''s house,¡± she repeated.

    ¡°Is that where we¡¯re supposed to go?¡± he asked, still snatching at the water.

    ¡°This... is ... Alderman¡¯s .... house.¡± Qube didn¡¯t want to start yelling at the Chosen One again. Better to just repeat herself until he did what she wanted. The Chosen One stood up, and waved his hand in front of Mrs Smith¡¯s face. Mrs Smith ignored him even harder.

    ¡°I was hoping to check out the area before starting the main, but I guess nothing will activate until I do,¡± he said and gave a disappointed sigh. ¡°Fine. But if I can¡¯t come back to this area later I¡¯m going to be [angry]."

    Qube had no idea what he was talking about. Starting the main? Checking out the area? Did he mean the village they had both spent their entire lives in? And why had his voice sounded so strange when he said he would be angry? It was almost ¡­ distorted, like she was underwater, just for that brief second.

    And what did he mean by activate?

    As he trudged into Alderman¡¯s house, Qube saw Mrs Smith give him a filthy look, and straighten up the flowers he¡¯d crushed before going back to watering them with an air of defiance.

    Qube couldn¡¯t wait to leave this place.

    ---

    ¡°Chosen One! You have Awoken!¡± Alderman rose up from his seat, ¡°long have we awaited your - your¡­¡±

    Alderman trailed off as their Champion of the Golden Prophecy started going through his pantry.

    ¡°I¡¯m still listening,¡± the Chosen One said, opening various jars and tasting what was inside. ¡°This is amazing! So many flavours!¡±

    ¡°Your arrival,¡± Alderman said with what Qube thought was a heroic level of self control. ¡°You must feel strange after being infused with the Golden Prophecy¡¯s magic.¡± The Chosen One stuck his entire hand into one of the jars. ¡°Very strange.¡± Alderman said, then winced slightly. Qube nodded, glad to see that she wasn¡¯t the only one the Prophecy was punishing for sass.

    ¡°Alas, you have been Awoken for a reason. An Evil Emperor rules our land. He has overthrown our rightful king and queen, and even now his dark magics taint the land, so little is able to grow. We need you, our Hero, to set forth on a perilous quest to save our people -¡±

    ¡°Skip,¡± the Chosen One said. Alderman and Qube exchanged glances.

    ¡°It¡­ it will involve facing many dangers, the likes of which -¡±

    ¡°Skip,¡± the Chosen One repeated, yawning. He looked at Qube. ¡°I hate backstory,¡± he said, as if that explained anything. There was a brief silence as Alderman looked extremely put out. Qube wondered if he had written cue cards too, and if they were now all out of order.

    ¡°Perhaps a brief sparring session in the woods would help clear your head, and prepare you for your journey,¡± Alderman smiled. It was not a very nice smile. ¡°After that, dear,¡± here he turned to Qube, ¡°take him around the village and help him gather supplies. I¡¯m sure Mr Igma would be more than happy to sell him whatever he needs. If, and only if, he cannot get what he needs from Mr Igma, he should ask the other villagers to supply.¡±

    Qube gulped. She had never realised that Alderman could be so nasty! The villagers would be more than happy to give the Chosen One anything he needed for his journey in exchange for doing a few small errands for them, but by making him go to Mr Igma first, he would spend all his money and only after find out that he could have gotten it all for free. And Mr Igma had a brutal returns policy.

    But this was for the Chosen One! Maybe he would waive it under those circumstances? Or give a special discount? Qube pictured Mr Igma, behind his battle scarred counter, his giant bushy eyebrows eternally scowling.

    It was worth a shot, right?

    ¡°After that, return to me, and I will take you to the Golden Prophecy hut. There you will be gifted our most sacred weapon to aid in your fight against evil.¡±

    The Chosen One looked at Alderman, his expression surprisingly serious.

    ¡°Can I go beyond the woods before receiving supplies?¡±

    ¡°No, Hero. Our woods have many protective spells woven through them, making it almost impossible for any evil to come to our humble village, or for anyone to leave before they are powerful enough to survive outside. You will need the sacred weapon before you can start your journey. To set out without it would be certain death.¡±

    ¡°But I can go around the village?¡±

    ¡°The village and the woods are open to you, yes.¡± Alderman looked at Qube, who shrugged. Maybe the Chosen One was trying to figure out what the ¡°areas¡± were? Also what was this about protective spells keeping them from going past the woods? Was that why no one ever left? She had thought¡­ that it was just¡­ well for some reason she had never really questioned why no one had ever left the village, except for Mr Clockwork. It was just the way things were.

    ¡°Sweet,¡± the Chosen One said, putting several jars of Alderman¡¯s fruit preserves in his pockets.

    ¡°Yes, my jams are sweet,¡± Alderman said, looking confused again and increasingly angry about all his food disappearing into the Chosen One¡¯s cavernous pockets.

    ¡°No I mean sweet as in - you know what? Never mind. Do you have a backpack or something I could use? I¡¯m running out of space here.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Igma will be more than happy to sell you one at a reasonable price when you have returned from your sparring session,¡± Alderman said, and once again smiled.

    It was a smile that haunted Qube as she hurriedly bundled the Saviour outside, before Alderman could suggest anything worse.

    Truly, he was a twisted man.

 Book One Chapter Three: Combat Test

    Qube, the increasingly worried Prophecy Approved Companion to the Chosen One, led him into the woods to get the snot kicked out of him.

    The wood surrounding the village had guarded her all her life. It had guarded everyone, as far as she knew. People in the village would talk about their family that lived in the next village over, and sometimes the elders would talk about how great the Fair Days had been in the castle town in their youth but Qube had no memory of anyone actually ever coming or going. Except Mr Clockwork, of course. But then again, Mr Clockwork wasn¡¯t exactly a normal living creature.

    If Alderman was correct, this was because the woods wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to leave unless they were strong enough to survive outside. Just how bad was the outside world? She glanced at the Champion. Was that why the Prophecy had changed him so much? Was it the only way he would be able to survive? In which case, how was she supposed to get by? She hadn¡¯t changed ¡­ had she? She looked down at herself, suddenly hopeful. Nope. Same body as before. Curses.

    ¡°So what are we killing?¡± the Chosen One asked, stopping to pluck random herbs.

    ¡°We¡¯re not killing anything,¡± Qube said, ¡°just training with - don¡¯t eat that!¡±

    The Chosen One stopped, a cluster of deadly nightshade halfway to his mouth.

    ¡°But how else will I know what it does?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You could just ask me!¡± Qube said, snatching it out of his hands and throwing them onto the ground. ¡°Look, you¡¯ve gotten it on you. Hold still. [Minor Cleanse].¡± A silver light wrapped around the Chosen One¡¯s hands, removing the nightshade toxins before the Hero tried doing something stupid like licking himself. The Chosen One watched the spell with interest.

    ¡°Nice. You¡¯re a Healer, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Someone had to stop you from poisoning yourself all the time.¡± Some tiny part of Qube¡¯s brain was protesting the illogical nature of her childhood friend not knowing that she could heal, but she ignored it. ¡®Prophecy magic,¡¯ she thought to herself.

    ¡°What spells can you do?¡±

    Qube blushed bright red. Such a personal question! How could he be so rude?!

    ¡°Ask me if you want to identify any plants in the area,¡± she said, firmly turning the subject back onto less private matters. ¡°I can help you learn some of their attributes, as well as how to make basic potions and salves.¡± It also meant he wouldn¡¯t go shoving poison into his face, thus dooming their entire world.

    ¡°Neat, you got a herbalist class?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll provide you with some of the potion bottles, but you¡¯ll need to stock up on more before you leave,¡± she said, a tinge of desperation to her tone. ¡°A potion in a pinch is worth its weight in gold, as they say!¡± She gave a slightly hollow laugh. The Chosen One was still looking at her, then back to his hands.

    ¡°How much are potion bottles? You mean I don¡¯t get them for free when I make the potions? Bah! They¡¯d better be cheap! I gotta get them from ¡­ Eggma was it?¡±

    ¡°Mr Igma is always happy to sell anything a starting adventurer needs!¡± Qube was starting to panic. She sounded so stiff! She didn¡¯t sound cool and collected at all! She needed to sound wise, like a sage guardian! But also fun, like a childhood friend. Quick! Say something endearing but intelligent!

    ¡°Healing means I can fix your health if you get injured in combat,¡± she blurted out. No! Fix it! ¡°I can¡¯t replenish your mana though, so make sure to use it wisely.¡± How was that cool and smart?! Make a joke!

    ¡°If you faint I can¡¯t revive you in combat. So try not to let your health hit zero, hero. Teehee!¡±

    Qube wanted to die. She wanted to crawl into a hollowed out tree log, curl up into a ball and become a mushroom. This was the worst. That was possibly the dumbest thing she had ever said in her life, to the most important person in the entire world-

    The Chosen One burst out laughing.

    ¡°That was the dumbest line ever!¡± he said, still laughing. ¡°And your face! You look so horrified! Ahahaha! Oh man,¡± he said, pulling himself together, ¡°that is amazing. It¡¯s like you hate your own script.¡±

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    Qube hadn¡¯t actually written a script for this part. This¡­ this was her improv skills on display. She vowed then and there to write cue cards for any situation, no matter how unlikely.

    ¡°Anyway we¡¯re at the training circle!¡± she almost shouted. ¡°Here you will face off against two teams with very different combat styles! Who would you like to fight first?¡±

    ¡°I have to fight two on one?¡± he said, dubiously.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be supporting you the entire time, teehee!¡±

    Qube tried to stare at her own mouth in horror. Why did she keep teehee-ing?! Was she going insane? The Chosen One started laughing again.

    ¡°So, this is the Hero of Our People?¡± a voice sneered. Qube and the Chosen One turned in surprise. ¡°It seems the Golden Prophecy favours brawn over brain. How¡­ disappointing.¡± A wizard was standing in the middle of the training circle, a muscular fighter standing next to him. Qube blinked at them for a moment, before sudden recollection rushed into her mind. Of course! It was Warwick and Quinton! How had she managed to forget them? And why was she so surprised that Warwick had a name? Pain twinged in her temples and she shook her head to clear it.

    ¡°Warwick, Quinton. I see you are our first pair to spar with,¡± Qube said with an insincere smile. ¡°Come on Champion, let¡¯s show them what we got!¡± Urgh! She sounded so simpering! Even Quinton looked a little weirded out by how she was talking. Unfortunately he recovered quickly. He smirked at Qube as Warwick started to speak.

    ¡°How about we make this fight interesting? If you beat us, we¡¯ll give you our -¡±

    ¡°Yup. Accept,¡± the Chosen One said.

    ¡°I - uh - so we¡¯ll take - ¡°

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°-the girl-¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ okay.¡± Warwick looked at Quinton, who was looking very concerned. Quinton gave him an uncertain smile. ¡°Then let¡¯s¡­ begin?¡±

    Qube was pretty sure that the Chosen One had just bet her against who knows what. If he didn¡¯t die saving the world, she was going to kill him.

    ---

    The Chosen One stepped into the training circle, grabbing a wooden sword and shield out of a bucket next to the fence. ¡°Training circle¡± was a fancy term for what was, essentially, a meadow in the woods that they¡¯d flattened the grass in and built a small fence around. There were a few archery targets, some covered buckets with various weapons in them, a couple of hurdles and vaulting horses. In the corner was an interesting looking boulder for people to practice climbing on. There were also some training dummies, made out of hemp, hay and old clothes, and a less flammable mage training dummy, next to the two dummies they were about to fight.

    ¡°First one out of the circle or to yield loses,¡± Warwick called, rolling up his robe sleeves. Qube sniffed at his elaborate sleeves in disdain, smoothing her shorter, much more practical, sleeves. What was the point in having poofy sleeves when you threw fireballs or had to close wounds? They would only trail through it and make a mess.

    She was so busy thinking about sleeves that she almost got hit by a fireball. At the very last second the Chosen One jumped in front of her, his wooden shield catching the main blast. The front of it was instantly charred.

    ¡°[Anger!]¡± he spat, before instantly throwing the shield directly at Warwick, who dodged out of the way then fell. His voice once again had that underwater quality just for that word, and Qube saw Warwick and Quinton both look confused before she snapped back into focus.

    ¡°[Lesser Shield!]¡± she cried, a silvery light bursting from her and wrapping itself around the Chosen One. She knew from experience that he would be protected from Quinton¡¯s wooden sword and the worst of Warwick¡¯s fireballs for about 60 seconds - a lifetime in combat. She quickly stepped back, positioning herself behind the Chosen One, using his body as a shield as she shadowed his movement.

    Stay in the back. Cast protective spells. Heal. Keep the fighters up. This was her role.

    In the time it took Warwick to stand, the Chosen One had crashed into Quinton. Quinton was on the defensive, taken aback by the sudden ferocity of his attacker. The Chosen One fought like a rabid animal, uncaring of any counter attacks or damage he might take.

    ¡°[Haste]!¡± Qube cast, and the Chosen¡¯s attacks grew faster and more frenzied. He took a glancing blow from Quinton¡¯s blunt blade, backed up, then immediately shoulder charged him, knocking him out of the circle. Caught at a bad angle, Quinton only managed to land one or two hits on the back of the Chosen¡¯s unprotected neck with the hilt of his sword, before he was thrown clear.

    ¡°[Fireball]!¡± Warwick yelled, having finally righted himself and pulled his sleeves back again. The fireball blasted the Chosen¡¯s back, staggering him. But the magical shield held. He turned and glared at the Wizard. ¡°[Fireball]! [Fireball]!¡± Warwick blasted him two more times, before he had to rest. The Chosen One blocked the fireballs with his wooden sword. It was badly burnt after the first one, then completely disintegrated after the second.

    ¡°Interesting,¡± the Chosen One said, eyeing Warwick. ¡°Can you only do three at a time?¡±

    ¡°I can¡­ do more¡­ in a second¡­¡± Warwick gasped, gathering his energy.

    ¡°And what about you? How many attacks can you do at a time?¡± the Chosen One casually looked over at Qube.

    ¡°I¡¯m a Healer, not a Wizard! I don¡¯t do offensive magics,¡± she snapped. ¡°Look out!¡± The sixty seconds was up. Warwick grinned.

    ¡°[Lesser Shield]!¡± she yelled at the same time as Warwick cast fireball three times in a row. The first fireball hit the Chosen One square in his unprotected chest, sending him to his knees. Then the shield was up, the other two blasts failing to hit him. He moved to stand up when Warwick suddenly turned his hands towards Qube.

    ¡°Surrender now, Chosen One!¡± Warwick gloated from a safe distance. ¡°You have no weapon, and cannot attack me. If you rush me, I¡¯ll blast your Healer. She¡¯ll have to drop your shield to protect herself, and then my next two blasts will hit you. And I don¡¯t think your health could survive another two full hits. So save yourself the damage, and just give up.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t drop his shield,¡± Qube said, standing tall and straightening her shoulders. ¡°Even if you blast me all three times. I would never leave him unprotected, just to save myself.¡± She glared at Warwick, who gaped at her.

    ¡°But you¡¯re a Mage, same as me! It¡¯s the Fighter¡¯s job to take hits for us!¡±

    ¡°And it¡¯s our job to protect them,¡± she sneered. ¡°So go ahead. Blast me with your firey balls, I can take them.¡±

    There was a sniggering sound from the ground. Warwick and Qube stopped trying to stare each other down to see the Saviour of All Peoples covering his face, trying not to laugh.

    ¡°We need to get you some better lines," he said. ¡°And hey, Wizard guy?¡± Warwick looked at him. ¡°Think fast.¡± He sprung forward from his kneeling position, an entire broom suddenly in his hands, him holding the bristle end and bringing the wooden handle around like a bat, smacking Warwick directly in the face and sending him tumbling out of the training circle. Quinton stepped out of the way as Warwick hit the fence, and passed out. The Chosen One looked at Qube.

    ¡°I think that means we win,¡± he said, and grinned.

 Book One Chapter Four: Physics Test

    Qube stared at the Chosen One, trying to figure out where he had pulled a fully sized broom from.

    ¡°So, who do we fight next?¡± he asked. ¡°And also, could I get a heal? I¡¯m kinda still on fire.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Of course!¡± she said, blinking rapidly as she looked at his charred and raw chest. ¡°[Lesser Healing]!¡±

    The normal silvery light from her was shot through with streaks of red. It splashed against his chest, soaking into his skin as his wounds closed before her eyes. He shuddered as the magic took effect, rippling along his body as it searched for injuries.

    ¡°Okay. So. That was surprisingly uncomfortable,¡± he said.

    ¡°Was that not massively painful?¡± Qube asked, gobsmacked. His whole chest had been on fire! And not a little bit on fire, like he was singed, he took a full fireball directly to the chest! In fact parts of him were still smouldering, but he seemed to ignore that, instead wandering back to the training circle.

    ¡°I mean it wasn¡¯t great. But it didn¡¯t exactly hurt,¡± he said, opening the buckets that held the weapons and looking at them. ¡°Still, I would prefer to avoid getting set on fire again. It was not cool.¡±

    ¡°No, it was hot.¡± Once again Qube felt the Prophecy grip her head like a vice. She wasn¡¯t even being sassy that time! He had literally been set aflame! Generally people had a bit more of a reaction to being on fire!

    Although she¡¯d never seen someone react to being set on fire in a combat situation. Maybe the ¡°battle fever¡± she¡¯d heard people talk about stopped him from feeling it properly until he was safe. Huh. Yeah, that made sense. What was the point of being crippled by pain while you could still fight? That seemed like it would just get you killed. Far better to be aware that you were injured but able to carry on, rather than rolling around screaming in agony and getting stabbed by the enemy.

    Qube looked at the Chosen One with admiration. To think that he was taking his training so seriously it stopped him from feeling pain! Truly he was impressive. She smiled, proud to be the Chosen Companion to such a stalwart Champion.

    A Champion, she just now noticed, who was carefully inserting a broom back into his pocket.

    ¡°Chosen One, please¡­ please stop breaking the law of physics,¡± she said faintly.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I did this before.¡±

    Everything within Qube wanted to shout ¡°HOW?¡± but she managed to stop herself. She couldn¡¯t reveal her shameful lack of understanding of how pockets worked to the Saviour of All. How could she expect him to trust her to guide him if she couldn¡¯t even wrap her head around pockets? She couldn¡¯t declare it was impossible to put broomsticks in your pockets. She¡¯d seen him do it. No. There had to be some sort of deeper secret here. Perhaps even some kind of pocket based magic that she had just missed.

    She would study this pocket magic and become its mistress. Maybe she could put not just inanimate objects in her pockets, but living things too! Maybe even monsters! Imagine that: You get into a fight and just pull a bunch of monsters out of your pockets and fling them at your enemies. She could change the world!

    ¡°True, yes, pockets are very handy for things like that!¡± she said, laughing inanely. Once she got back home she was going to try cramming as many things into her pockets as she could. ¡°But I meant that we haven¡¯t finished training yet, teehee! You¡¯ve still got one match to go! And I warn you, these two are masters of stealth!¡±

    She was so perky she made herself sick.

    And she was still teehee-ing.

    Damn it.

    Ruth the Rogue was lounging in the training circle with her friend, Quince the Hunter. The Chosen One glanced at them, then walked around the training circle, making sure not to cross into it.

    ¡°Hello, Hero,¡± Ruth said. She tilted her head, following the Chosen One as he circled behind her.

    ¡°So what, exactly, starts the sparring?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You take a weapon out of the bucket and enter the ring! Once the sparring session begins, the first group to all yield or go outside the circle loses!¡± Qube chirruped.

    Stolen novel; please report.

    ¡°Once I take a weapon?¡± the Chosen One clarified.

    ¡°Of course! This training is for you!¡±

    The Chosen One chewed on his bottom lip, looking thoughtful. ¡°Hey, you,¡± he said, gesturing at Qube, ¡°can you go stand in the ring?¡±

    ¡®Does¡­ does he not know my name?¡¯ Qube thought. No. Impossible. Wait. Should she have made herself a nametag?

    Then he started to act like a lunatic.

    Still standing outside the circle, he picked up one of the weapon buckets and threw it, weapons and all, into the training circle. It hit the ground with a loud crack and split open, vomiting its contents into the ring. Ruth and Quince jumped at the unexpected noise, but otherwise didn¡¯t move.

    The Chosen One nodded, like this had confirmed a theory for him.

    ¡°Hey, you two, come over here,¡± he said. Ruth and Quince, having been his friends their entire life, naturally walked over to him, stopping at the very edge of the training circle¡¯s line. He grinned, then forward rolled past them, entering the training circle, picking up one of the training swords and immediately shoving both Ruth and Quince in the back, sending them stumbling out of the ring.

    ¡°I win!¡± he yelled.

    Ruth spun around, furious. ¡°What?! You can¡¯t win by shoving! That defeats the entire purpo-¡± Her eyes suddenly went blank. For just a split second, Qube had the horrible sensation that there was no one home inside her head. Then, just as fast, Ruth was back.

    ¡°Dishonourable. You would have made a good Rogue.¡± She smirked. ¡°Well, that¡¯s your sparring sessions done.¡± Her gaze flicked to Qube, then away. ¡°You and the elf princess over there should probably head back home.¡±

    The Chosen One just stood in the training circle, seemingly turning his focus inwards. Everyone waited.

    And waited.

    After a bit of him ignoring them and just sort of staring into space, Qube wandered over to Warwick and Quinton.

    ¡°Any damage?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Only to my heart,¡± Quinton said, looking at her soulfully. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re going to leave me for a guy who shoves people around.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s a no,¡± she said, turning to Warwick.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Sorry for threatening to set you on fire.¡±

    ¡°Eh,¡± she shrugged, ¡°that¡¯s okay. That¡¯s what sparring is for.¡±

    ¡°Still think it was a cheap shot,¡± Quince said, as he and Ruth joined them. ¡°What¡¯s he doing, anyway?¡± He nodded at the Chosen One, who had started to drool a little.

    ¡°Oh, you know. Prophecy things,¡± Qube said casually, not wanting to admit that she had no idea what the guy she was the magically proven best friend of was doing. ¡°It¡¯s a little bit complicated to explain.¡±

    They watched as some more drool escaped from The Chosen One¡¯s half open mouth.

    ¡°Very complicated.¡±

    ---

    It was nearly an hour later by the time the Hero had woken up, put all the training weapons in his pockets, taken half of them out and thrown them to the ground in disgust while ranting about ¡°[balderdash] arbitrary lack of space¡± and then walked back to the village. On the way he had only managed to poison himself twice, which Qube was counting as a win.

    ¡°So how many times can you heal in a row?¡± he¡¯d asked the second time Qube had fished a toxic plant out of his mouth.

    ¡°Depends on how much damage there is,¡± she replied, discreetly wiping her saliva covered fingers on the grass. ¡°If it¡¯s something like a small cut, then I can just do a minor cleanse. Anything more than that and I need to do a lesser healing.¡±

    Qube had decided there was no point being embarrassed by the Chosen One¡¯s questions. After all, she was supposed to be his guide. So what if they were intrusive and incredibly rude? This was for saving the world, after all.

    ¡°So how strong¡¯s your lesser healing?¡±

    That didn¡¯t mean she had to like it though.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly. It depends on lots of things. Like if I¡¯ve just healed, or just cast another spell, or what kind of attack hit you. If you want, we can go back and get Warwick to hit you with as many fireballs as he can and I can see how long I can keep healing them for?¡± she offered. For some strange reason, he didn¡¯t seem keen on that.

    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s fine! Imprecise is fine. I can work with that. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get enough data once we set off. I just thought that you would¡­ explain how it all works to me. The whole fighting and magic system.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qube flushed. ¡°Of course! I would love to explain everything to you! That¡¯s what I¡¯m here for, tee-¡± Qube clamped her mouth shut, ignoring the throbbing in her head. No! She refused to teehee any more! She was the Prophecy Approved Companion to the Saviour of All Human and Human-Adjacent Beings! She would not teehee at him! She. Refused!

    The side of her mouth slowly opened itself against her will, a small, dying ¡°heeeee¡± escaping.

    Noooo!

    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m good,¡± the Chosen One said carefully, watching her twitch with rage. ¡°It looks like I¡¯m supposed to learn about it later. Although...¡± He trailed off just as they arrived at the village. ¡°You¡¯re a really strong Healer.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Qube said modestly, controlling her temper tantrum. Truth be told, she was the strongest Healer in the entire village. In fact, in terms of raw mana, she was probably the strongest Mage full stop. Of course, part of being a Prophecy Approved Companion was avoiding rubbing the fact that she was better than the normal villagers in their face, but that didn¡¯t mean she was oblivious to the fact that her, Quinton and Quince were easily the three most powerful people in the village. It was part of what made them in such a good position to be guides to their respective Chosen Ones.

    ¡°-especially for a starting area-¡± the Chosen One continued.

    Granted, she¡¯d never really interacted with the Rogue and Wizard. Companions tended to get a little touchy about you talking to their particular Chosen One. In fact, she hadn¡¯t even remembered that the Wizard and Rogue had had names until this morning.

    ...Had they even had names until this morning?

    Of course they¡¯d had names! She mentally scoffed, leading The Chosen One through the village. Everyone had names! She just couldn¡¯t remember them having had names before! That was normal. Everyone forgot things. It was probably¡­ probably some Prophecy magic thing. It generally was. Suddenly she realised that she¡¯d been completely ignoring The Chosen One.

    ¡°-nervous when their level is too high, it¡¯s never a good sign, you know what I mean?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± She agreed, not wanting to reveal she hadn¡¯t been paying attention, ¡°fortunately we don¡¯t have to worry about that right now. The tallest building here is the Town Hall and no one likes going up there because the pressure is so high that sometimes you get stuck. So you can relax.¡±

    He looked at her in silence for a moment.

    ¡°Thank you?¡± he said dubiously.

    Qube smiled. She wouldn¡¯t have thought the Hero of All would be afraid of heights, but she was glad she had been able to reassure him. At least she was doing something right! As she looked at the building they¡¯d stopped in front of her smile slowly slid away. Oh. Right.

    ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t think you should relax just yet,¡± she warned. ¡°This¡­ this is gonna hurt.¡±

    You would little think that the place before them could exude so much sinister energy. The small sign above the doorway was a scarred wooden plank with a carrot, a heart and a potion vial etched onto it. It smelt of varnish, salt, and despair.

    ¡°This¡­ is Mr Igma¡¯s shop.¡±

 Book One Chapter Five: Village Interaction

    ¡°But I only have ten silver.¡± The hulking Fighter, Awoken by the Golden Prophecy, glared at the simple shopkeeper.

    ¡°The backpack is ten silver.¡± Mr. Igma was as implacable as eternity.

    ¡°But then how can I buy other things?¡±

    ¡°Have more money.¡±

    ¡°But I need supplies.¡±

    ¡°I can sell you supplies,¡± Mr. Igma said.

    ¡°But I can¡¯t buy more supplies if I spend it all on the backpack!¡± the Chosen One growled.

    ¡°Yes, you can. It¡¯s easy.¡± Mr. Igma noted the look of hope on the young Saviour¡¯s face. ¡°Just have more money.¡±

    ¡°I haven''t got any more money!¡± the Hero of All Time yelled, throwing his hands up in the air.

    ¡°I fail to see how that is my problem,¡± Mr. Igma sniffed at him.

    ¡°It will be your problem when I don¡¯t have supplies to go save the world! You know, the thing you live on? The whole point of me Awakening is to fight Evil! Do you want Evil to win?¡± the Hero shouted.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Mr. Igma said. ¡°You¡¯re the Chosen One. I believe you will save the world.¡±

    ¡°So give me what I need!¡±

    ¡°Just as I believe you will find a way to make more money,¡± Mr. Igma said. ¡°And when you do save the world, I will be very rich. So really, my charging you is a testament to my faith in you.¡±

    The Hero gave out a strangled yell, and stormed out of the shop. Without missing a beat, Mr. Igma smoothly turned to Qube, who was huddled in the corner.

    ¡°And what can I do for you today, Miss?¡± he asked.

    ---

    ¡°I did warn you,¡± Qube said glumly a little while later, ¡°he¡¯s impossible to talk your way around.¡±

    ¡°Did you see how much he was charging for healing potions?¡± the Chosen One stormed. ¡°Three silver! Three! And I only have ten silver! And they only heal half a heart!¡± Qube looked at him in concern. Half a heart? You¡¯d need some pretty intense healing to grow back half your heart. She didn¡¯t think any potion Mr. Igma sold was that strong.

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing I¡¯ve got you with me,¡± he said, still stomping, ¡°otherwise I¡¯d be completely [fiddled]. I don¡¯t know how the other roles would cope.¡±

    Qube flushed quite pink with pleasure at being praised by the Prophetic Hero. She still didn¡¯t know why sometimes he sounded like he was in a bathtub, but she understood his sentiment.

    ¡°Well. I suppose it¡¯s time to go farming,¡± he sighed.

    ¡°You want to go farming?¡± Qube asked, blinking in confusion.

    ¡°I mean killing low level monsters in the woods, doing fetch quests, stuff like that,¡± he said. ¡°You know, get stronger before we have to leave.¡±

    ¡°There aren¡¯t any monsters in the woods,¡± she said. ¡°That¡¯s the point of them protecting us. To keep the monsters away. But Alderman did say that we could ask the villagers for any supplies we might need.¡±

    The Chosen One, who had started to look sulky, brightened up at that. ¡°Oh, social stuff! Yeah, that would be good. Maybe I could get enough social skills to barter with that pain in the ¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hello young man. Oh my, how you¡¯ve grown.¡± Mrs Smith was standing in the middle of the street, directly in front of them. Qube hadn¡¯t even seen her appear. ¡°I swear, kids these days grow up so fast.¡± She paused for a moment to consider them, her stiff, iron grey curls not moving as she tilted her head to the side. ¡°Lawks,¡± she said, finally.

    The Chosen One positively beamed.

    ¡°Hello, my good woman!¡± he said cheerfully. ¡°How may I assist you?¡±

    ¡°Well isn¡¯t it funny, you knowing that I need just a mite of help,¡± Mrs Smith said, giving him what Qube recognised as a well rehearsed Understanding Smile. ¡°You see, that naughty girl has run off with my ruby red cooking pot, and I can¡¯t leave the dessert I¡¯m cooking to go fetch it. You¡¯ll find it in the warehouse near the fishing pier. Here¡¯s the key to it.¡±

    Mrs Smith held out her arm, despite still being a good six feet away from the Hero and Qube. Her fist was clenched like she was holding a key, then opened, as if dropping it into the Chosen One¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± the Hero said, running off immediately.

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡°If you hurry, you might be able to get a slice of my famous ¡ª ¡° Mrs Smith trailed off as the Hero turned a corner. She looked at Qube, who was still waiting for her to actually give them the key.

    But instead Mrs Smith just turned and walked into her house, carefully shutting the door behind her. After a moment Qube saw her appear in her living room window, watching from behind the curtain. It was, she thought, extraordinarily creepy.

    She was about to go knock on her door and ask (politely) for her to give them the key to the warehouse when the Chosen One came jogging back down the street.

    ¡°Wrong way,¡± he said, ¡°come on!¡±

    ¡°But we ¡ª¡±

    ¡°[Follow!]¡± he barked and she found herself jogging after him before she even realised what she was doing. She couldn¡¯t wait until they got to the warehouse and he realised he forgot to get the key. He was going to look like such an idiot.

    ---

    He had the key. Not just to the warehouse, but to every other place they got sent to by the villagers. They¡¯d given him chores to do all over the village, and each time rewarded him with a vital piece of equipment or supplies. One of them had even given him a backpack, much to his joy. He¡¯d then somehow shoved everything in there, including an entire sleeping roll and tent.

    When Qube asked how he¡¯d gotten the keys, she¡¯d gotten two responses. The first was from the Prophecy, which gave her such a strong reaction that she felt like she¡¯d been kicked in the head by a horse. The second was from the hero himself, who just said something about insects or bugs. It was hard for her to concentrate through the pain, but the gist of it seemed to be some kind of bug magic. It made sense, bugs did get everywhere. She hadn¡¯t understood anything about the ¡°glitches¡± he kept mentioning, but didn¡¯t want to irritate the Prophecy by asking any more questions.

    She figured keys were somehow vital to the Golden Prophecy. And these glitches. Probably powerful magics, or somehow connected to the Great Evil. Either way, she trusted that all would reveal itself in time.

    Or she would go insane. Both seemed pretty likely at this point. Especially because the Champion kept insisting she [Heal] him for the tiniest injury.

    ¡°I scraped my leg on this box. Heal me.¡±

    ¡°I stubbed my toe. Heal me.¡±

    ¡°I got a fishing hook stuck in my hand. Heal me.¡±

    Why was he being such a baby?! Surely the one who was supposed to battle a great evil shouldn¡¯t be complaining about a splinter? Instead he would just whinge until she [Heal]ed him, and half the time she would see him carefully eyeing her afterwards.

    It was almost like he was trying to train her healing magic. If only magic were that easy! The only way to get stronger was to learn new spells. The same mage doing the same spell was always just as strong as any other mage doing the same spell (unless the other mage was wearing magic enhancing jewelry or enchanted robes or something). [Lesser Healing] was [Lesser Healing], no matter who was casting it.

    ---

    Several hours later it was still a beautiful sunny morning. They had scoured every inch of the village, looking for things to do and supplies for the journey. At one point The Chosen One had stumbled across a glowing golden coin inside a bird¡¯s nest, which he had gotten very excited over. Apparently it was a ¡®collectible¡¯. Some kind of currency, perhaps? Qube was more interested in what made it glow, but the glow faded as soon as it was touched.

    Given the golden glow, she figured it was probably related to the Golden Prophecy. Speaking of which¡­

    ¡°I guess we should probably go talk to that old man,¡± the Chosen One said, scratching his cheek. ¡°Unless there¡¯s anything else you can think of? Is there anyone we haven''t spoken to?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Qube said, ¡°no more talking to people.¡±

    They had spoken to everyone multiple times. Any time they¡¯d said anything remotely like a request the Chosen One had gotten excited, demanding they give him things to do. Eventually everyone had taken to hiding in their houses and locking the front doors. Even the kids in class had taken to pretending to be too absorbed in their studies to talk to him anymore. It didn¡¯t help that he kept demanding items every time he did something as simple as bring in their laundry, either.

    ¡°Fine,¡± the Chosen One sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s get this party started.¡±

    An odd way to talk about receiving the Sacred Weapon to Defend Destiny, but then Qube was starting to suspect that The Saviour of All was the tiniest bit strange.

    ¡°Alderman said to meet him back at his house first.¡± They stood in front of the Prophecy Hut, its pointy roof still slightly golden. Had it been only that morning the Prophecy had Awoken the Hero? It felt like it¡¯d been weeks. She was utterly exhausted.

    The Chosen One looked through the keyhole.

    ¡°He¡¯s not in there,¡± he said, face squished against the door.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said patiently, ¡°we need to go to his house first.¡±

    ¡°Yeah I just wanna check out the place before he arrives and things kick into gear,¡± the Chosen One said, yanking at the door handle. It didn¡¯t budge. This, despite the fact that Qube knew the door had been unlocked that morning. In fact, as far as she knew, it had never been locked before. ¡°Oh come on!¡± he exclaimed as he kicked it. It didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said grumpily, ¡°Stupid events.¡± They took the ten steps to Alderman¡¯s house next door, where the Chosen One kicked open his front door.

    ¡°Hey we¡¯re here,¡± he declared. ¡°Sacred Weapon please.¡±

    ¡°Hero! Welcome! You have all the supplies you need for your ¡ª oh he¡¯s gone,¡± Alderman said as the Hero turned and instantly walked back to the Prophecy Hut. This time the hut¡¯s door opened immediately.

    More key based magic, Qube assumed as she scuttled behind him, only to run directly into his back as he suddenly stopped in front of the podium that held the Golden Prophecy. She looked over his shoulder and gasped. The Golden Prophecy had changed! It had finally revealed its true form!

    ¡°From humble village a Fighter awakes.

    Then Evil destroys and his heart breaks.

    His childhood companion, his guiding light,

    He sets off to make the world right.

    He shall find the forest¡¯s heart.

    And steal the fire¡¯s guarded start.

    He shall make the water cry

    Then fall into unbroken sky

    And fight the darkness deep inside

    And turn away from brightness¡¯ pride.

    Then find in time¡¯s endless halls

    The echoes of his lost ones¡¯ calls.

    To slay what once was so adored

    So what was lost can be restored.¡±

    The placeholders had been replaced! Qube¡¯s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she finally saw the Golden Prophecy, the text that had dictated her entire life, unveiled before her.

    It was glorious. It was shining. It was¡­ currently being shoved in the Hero¡¯s backpack.

    ¡°Chosen One!¡± Alderman puffed, having caught up to them. ¡°What¡­ what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t be bothered to write it down,¡± the Chosen One said, ¡°and it has clues about future fights, so I¡¯m taking it.¡± He crammed the sacred scroll carelessly into his backpack full of jam, pies and swords. ¡°Anyway, where¡¯s the Sacred Weapon?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s underneath the podium, your Heroicness.¡± Alderman said faintly. The Fighter shoved aside the wooden column that had once held the most important document in the entire world. Underneath was a small hollow, with a tiny pedestal holding a slim blade that seemed to emanate golden goodness.

    ¡°Yup. That¡¯s a sword all right,¡± he said.

    ¡°It is the Hero¡¯s Sword! The Sacred Sword!¡± Alderman said, with as much ceremony as he could muster. ¡°Forged from a fallen star, it ¡ª¡±

    ¡°So I just need to take this and I¡¯m ready to leave the village?¡± the Chosen One cut him off ruthlessly.

    ¡°...Yes.¡± Alderman sighed, giving up.

    The Chosen One was frowning at the Hero¡¯s Sword. It was a thing of beauty, shining steel and blue hilt, with three tiny indentations on the grip that spoke of mysteries. But the Chosen One seemed to behold something beyond it. His face twisted into a grimace, as if he were staring into a monsterous void, and saw it seething with evil. Perhaps, Qube mused, he was seeing all the creatures he would be forced to slay with such a powerful tool.

    Instead she found he was now looking at her. Not breaking eye contact he rummaged around in his backpack, finally pulling the Golden Prophecy out. By some strange pocket magic it had managed to avoid being covered in jam. He unrolled it and stared at it, then back at Qube.

    ¡°Mr. Igma, he¡¯s never going to give me a discount on those healing potions, is he?¡± he asked. Alderman choked back a laugh. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a no.¡±

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, seriously to Qube, his Prophecy Approved Companion, ¡°are you my ¡®childhood companion¡¯?¡±

    Qube closed her eyes.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said eventually. ¡°We have been best friends since birth.¡±

    ¡°Then we need to go for a walk.¡±

 Book One Chapter Six: To Patch Later

    Qube, being the best (and now only) Prophecy Approved Companion in the land, followed the Chosen One outside the Prophecy Hut. The Hero led them down towards Mr Igma¡¯s shop, then tried to find an alleyway to duck into. Being that this was a beautiful perfect village, he found none. Instead they settled for going down to the warehouse by the river.

    The Hero, after checking that they weren¡¯t being followed, used the key that Qube still couldn¡¯t explain how he had and sidled into the place.

    ¡°Look,¡± he said quietly, his expression more serious than Qube had ever seen, ¡°I know we don¡¯t really know each other - ¡°

    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other our entire lives,¡± Qube interjected.

    ¡°-but I¡¯m not very familiar with this place -¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve lived here since we were born.¡±

    ¡°-and I¡¯m going to need you to trust me. This may be hard-¡± the Hero continued, ignoring his childhood friend¡¯s logic.

    ¡°There is literally no one I trust more in the world than you.¡±

    ¡°-but you need to stop interrupting me.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Qube said, chastened. ¡°Sure. Sorry, Chosen One.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not actually my na¡­ you know what? That isn¡¯t important right now. Something bad is going to happen, and it¡¯s going to happen as soon as I take that shiny magical sword,¡± he said. Qube gasped. The magical sword was trapped? Who could have done such a thing?! She opened her mouth to suggest they tell the Alderman, saw the Hero¡¯s expression and closed her mouth with a snap.

    The Hero was right. What if Alderman was in on it? What if he was listening to them right now? The Prophecy reached out and gripped her mind painfully, but she tried to hold on to her thoughts. The Hero had suggested this. Surely she should at least think about it?

    The Prophecy tightened its grip.

    ¡°You need to take the Sacred Weapon to fulfil your Destiny!¡± she said, her cheerful delivery slightly more cautious than normal. ¡°How else will you fight Evil?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll be picking up the Sacred Weapon in a little bit,¡± the Hero of All Time looked at her. The Prophecy eased. ¡°I just need to ¡­ secure something first.¡±

    ---

    ¡°You need to take the Sacred Weapon to fulfil your Destiny!¡± Qube told him from behind the clay pots. She had been reminding him about every ten minutes, in case he forgot.

    ¡°I know, I know,¡± he grunted, putting another clay pot on top of her. He had built a kind of pyramid on her of clay pots he¡¯d dragged from the warehouse. They were close to the village entrance, ¡°for a quick getaway¡± he¡¯d said, refusing to explain any more than that.

    It was very uncomfortable, but Qube remained under her pile of pots patiently, waiting to see where the Saviour of Everyone was going with this.

    ¡°Almost done¡­¡± The Hero carefully balanced a pot on the tip of the pile. It wobbled, then fell, smashing to pieces on the ground. With a cacophony of clinking sounds a pile of coins burst out, as if they¡¯d been springloaded inside the pots.

    ¡°Why would someone put coppers in a pot?¡± Qube asked, then looked at the Hero just in time to see his expression shift into a kind of frenzied greed.

    ¡°LOOT!¡± He bellowed, tearing into the pots; flinging them against walls, smashing them with his sword and kicking them open. ¡°LOOT!¡±

    Five minutes later Qube sat in the remains of a pottery-based massacre. The Hero stood next to her, panting and looking slightly ashamed. A large pile of copper coins sat before them.

    ¡°Why did -¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡± He said shortly. ¡°Time for Plan B.¡±

    ---

    They had been rubbing against walls for what felt like hours, but the sun had yet to move. It was still a fine and sunny morning. The Chosen One would go to a villager¡¯s house, knock on their door, and be ignored. No one wanted to give him any more jobs to do, or be badgered for supplies. Then, he would circle their house, gently pushing against Qube¡¯s shoulder as she walked beside the walls, almost as if he was trying to push her right through them.

    At one point she had gotten her foot stuck in a door, and he had gotten very excited until she started screaming and kicked her foot out of its weird pocket dimension. He¡¯d tried cramming her whole body into the small hole but he couldn¡¯t get it to expand, and eventually he got sick of Qube screaming and so gave up.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he said, sitting next to the fountain in the town centre. ¡°I need you to help me out here. Is there anywhere the villagers don¡¯t go? Like,¡± he waved his hands, ¡°maybe someone went to a space once and never came back, or someone went missing in some part of the woods or something. Maybe even a place people feel like they shouldn¡¯t go?¡±

    Qube eyed him almost suspiciously. While she obviously still believed in the Golden Prophecy and its Awoken Hero, the Prophecy had never mentioned anything about wall hugging or pot destroying. She wasn¡¯t doubting the Chosen One, she hurriedly reassured herself, more¡­ wondering how best she could guide him. Yes. That worked.

    ¡°People are free to go wherever they like in the village,¡± she said, then paused. ¡°Although¡­there is the top of the Town Hall. The higher up you go the more pressure people feel.¡± The Hero sprung to his feet with a shout. ¡°It¡¯s quite high up though! And I know you¡¯re afraid of heights.¡±

    The Hero paused for a second to look at her in puzzlement, before grabbing her hand and racing into the Town Hall.

    ---

    He threw her into the sky.

    He, the Chosen One, the Hero of All, had raced to the top of Town Hall, jumped up and down a few times, gone and gotten a wooden crate, stood on it, and then thrown her into the Prophecy Cursed SKY.

    And then she¡¯d gotten stuck. In the sky.

    ¡°HOW?¡± she screamed at the uncaring sky that she was literally stuck inside.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll pull you down as soon as the danger¡¯s passed!¡± the Hero called up to her.

    ¡°HOW?!¡± she hit a new octave.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just pull you down¡­ with a ¡­ rope¡­ oh.¡± The Hero sheepishly trailed off. ¡°I, uh, probably should have attached that to you before I threw you into the sky, huh? Whoops! Be right back!¡± He jumped down off the Town Hall roof, landing in a perfect crouch before sprinting off to find a rope.

    And then there was just the sound of her how-ing at the heavens.

    ---

    By the time he returned with a rope she had discovered several very interesting facts about her current predicament.

    The first was that if she kicked too hard she slowly rotated in a forward somersault on the spot. Further kicking just sped her up until she nearly vomited.

    The second was that it was much, much worse to be stuck in the sky upside down. For one thing, she was wearing robes which flopped down over her face unless she held them. For the other, when she was upside down all she could see was the clocktower. It was about five seconds to noon, despite the fact it had been morning minutes earlier. It remained at five seconds to noon the entire time she stared at it.

    The third thing was that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t spontaneously learn any magical hexes to curse the Hero with.

    ¡°May your ears rot off your head!¡± she screamed when he finally reappeared.

    ¡°Sorry about the delay, no one would help me find another rope,¡± he said.

    ¡°May your bones turn into rope!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have enough in my backpack to reach the ground,¡± he explained, ignoring her cursing. ¡°Gimme your ankle.¡± He jumped onto the crate and reached for her leg.

    She kicked him in the face. Hard. And then immediately started somersaulting in place.

    ¡°Welcome to the village, Hero!¡± she screamed at him, so angry that she reverted to one of her earlier drafts of her pre-planned welcome speech. ¡°You¡¯re going to save the world, Hero!¡± She¡¯d spun enough to go for another kick but he was ready for her this time and grabbed her ankle.

    ¡°Oof, okay, your script is¡­ freaking out. I hope this doesn¡¯t break you,¡± he said, deftly tying a knot around her ankle. She flailed at him with her other foot, but couldn¡¯t get a solid kick in.

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky healing potions are so expensive,¡± He glared at her, fending off her kick attacks. ¡°Well, that and this will be hilarious if I can pull it off. And...¡± he paused for a second, ignoring her smacking him in the side of the head with her one free foot. She was pleased to note she was leaving shoe-shaped mud imprints on him. ¡°I don¡¯t like this kind of story,¡± he said. He glanced up at her, finally noticing she was kicking him in the head, and jumped down off the crate. He threw the length of rope off the side of the Town Hall, then turned back to look at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go get the sword now. I¡¯ll grab you after¡­ whatever bad thing is going to happen, happens.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t the coolest exit line for a Hero, but he saluted her ironically anyway and jumped off the roof and started leisurely walking towards the Prophecy Hut.

    Qube stopped raging once he was out of sight. She¡¯d only start spinning again. Instead she frowned as she tried to consider what he¡¯d just said. Was he¡­ trying to protect her from whatever trap was inside that magical sword? Why hadn¡¯t he just said so? Oh! That was such a Hero thing to do!

    She pressed her hands into her bright red cheeks. Partly they were red because of the somersaulting and screaming, but the rest was a flush of excitement.

    Just when she was starting to almost doubt his Chosen One status! When the treacherous seed of wondering whether or not the Golden Prophecy had made a mistake had started to sprout! Was there anything more heroic than him protecting his Companion against her will from threats he refused to properly inform her of?

    ¡°By the Words, I will never doubt him again!¡± she vowed.

    As if powered by her newfound respect, a giant golden beam of light blew off the roof of the Prophecy Hut. She laughed in pure delight as the Chosen One stepped out of the ruins, clutching the Sacred Weapon in his hand. He had done it! He had overcome the trap! He was a true Hero!

    And then the clock struck twelve.

    The world went dark.

    ---

    A beam of blackness ripped apart the noon sky. It crackled towards the beam of gold, swirling around it, engulfing it, before dispersing and filling everything. Lightning bolts of impenetrable energy struck the dirt streets, and from each strike a creature of darkness emerged. Only the Hero, bathed in the Golden Prophecy, stayed untouched by this¡­

    Evil.

    ¡°The Evil Emperor!¡± Qube cried out in horror, her words whipped away by the storm of nothingness.

    The darkness above spasmed, then seemed to bend towards the earth, as if a mighty force was pushing it down. The very tip of the darkness touched the ground, then broke, splitting apart to reveal the most dreaded creature in all the kingdom.

    The Evil Emperor was huge. He towered over the Hero, as a giant does a child, and in the blackness Qube saw a slash of white as he grinned.

    ¡°Finally, you have Awo-¡±

    The Dreaded Demonic Deposer of the Rightful Rulers of the Realm paused. His mortal enemy, who was supposed to be cowering, was instead slashing at the air with his new Sacred Weapon, making little ¡°hah! Teh!¡± sounds. He then switched to another, much shabbier looking sword, gave it a few practice swings, then shoved the older sword into his backpack.

    ¡°A definite improvement over Alderman¡¯s sword,¡± the Chosen One said, finally sheathing the Sacred Weapon. ¡°Anyway, you were saying?¡±

    There was an awful moment of silence. The world held its breath as the Evil Emperor blinked, just once.

    ¡°-ken from your cowardly slumber, Hero of the False Prophecy!¡± he declared, before throwing back his head and laughing.

    He hadn¡¯t even missed a beat.

    He must have memorised Every. Single. Cuecard, Qube thought, almost admiringly.

    No! Focus! Evil! Evil here to destroy, as according to the Golden Prophecy! Although¡­ Why had he called it fake? Stupid villain, he couldn¡¯t even tell a real Golden Prophecy from what he found scrawled on the side of a pub, Qube snorted. Not that they had a pub in the village. But still. She¡¯d heard of them. She¡¯d looked forward to seeing them once they set out on their epic adventure.

    But as the Evil Emperor continued laughing, she started to worry that she would never leave this village alive.

 Book One Chapter Seven: Motivating the Heroâ€™s Journey

    The Evil Emperor was still laughing. Honestly, at this point she was more impressed by his lung capacity than anything else. His dark, billowing cape set over his pure black armour, while naturally inspiring a healthy amount of terror, could be bought. But enough lung strength to sustain a full force evil maniacal laughter for a solid five minutes?

    That took dedication.

    ¡°Hero! Beware!¡± Qube yelled from her sky hole. ¡°It¡¯s the Evil Emperor! He¡¯s¡­ evil! Teehee!¡±

    Why must she teehee even in the face of certain doom?

    ¡°Meh, it¡¯s not like he can get away with anything,¡± the Saviour shouted back.

    ¡°Defiant, eh? I like your spirit!¡± the Dreaded Ruler bellowed. ¡°But it will take more than the steel in your eyes to defeat me!¡±

    ¡°I think I got everything I needed here, so I¡¯m about ready to set off,¡± the Hero called up to Qube, ignoring the evilness made manifest in front of him. ¡°Once he¡¯s done I just need to follow the road out the entrance, yeah? No special tricks?¡±

    ¡°Your words do not wound me, Hero!¡± The Evil Emperor sneered.

    Qube was starting to suspect that the Evil Emperor was just as bad at listening as the Chosen One.

    ¡°I was going to kill you, but now ¡­ now I think it would amuse me to see you try and fail to fulfil your Golden Prophecy. Your ignominious failure would discourage others from rising up to challenge their rightful ruler. You may bow to me, and thank me for giving you these extra days of life.¡±

    Qube puffed up in indignation. How dare this Evil come into their village and insult their Golden Prophecy! Had he not seen how the Hero had Awoken? They had all lived their very lives by it and he thought he was going to get away with sneering at it? She twisted, wrapping the rope attached to her ankle around her leg, drawing her a tiny bit closer to the Hero, who still held one end of the rope like she was a demented kite.

    She just had to get out of this sky hole and then they could stop this Evil Emperor. Wait. She paused in her rotations for a second. Wasn¡¯t the Evil Emperor supposed to destroy something? A wave of pain and nausea hit her as she contemplated this.

    ¡°Do not vex me, Hero!¡± The Evil Emperor seems oblivious to the fact that the Hero was tugging at his Qube kite, trying to unravel the rope she¡¯d tangled around herself.

    ¡°I see I must teach you a salutary lesson in respect. Very well!¡± The Evil Emperor thrust forward his arm, fingers of darkness wrapping around the space next to the Hero, before dragging the empty air towards his Evilness. He gripped at where neck height would have been in the emptiness and lifted his arm up into the air, like he was holding something aloft.

    What was the Evil Emperor doing? Qube asked herself through the pain. More than that. What was he supposed to destroy? She felt like she was on fire, her mind screaming as the Prophecy tried to keep her off that mental path. The Hero smirked at the Evil Emperor¡¯s empty hand.

    ¡°Oh, you are so broken,¡± he said. ¡°I love it.¡±

    The Evil Emperor flicked his spare hand and a wicked looking knife appeared.

    ¡°Let this be a lesson to you of what happens to those who oppose me!¡± he cried, and plunged his blade into the nothingness he was pretending to hold. Qube screamed. The Golden Prophecy burned. It burned. It burned.

    The Hero yanked hard on the rope holding her. With a ¡®pop¡¯ the sky released her and she fell face first into the ground. She screamed into the dirt. The Hero was at her side in a heartbeat, taking one of the few precious healing potions and pouring it into her mouth.

    ¡°Please work, please work, please work, these are so expensive,¡± he whispered. In the background the Evil Emperor continued to stab at the empty space he was holding, before making a severing motion. He turned towards where the Hero had been, gloating.

    ¡°Let your weakness burn you, worm!¡± he cried, miming kicking something on the ground to the Hero. ¡°Let it consume you! Gather your power, and come at me again.¡± He abruptly pivoted, so he was facing the Hero.

    ¡°I will keep the head. Can¡¯t have you resurrecting your little crutch.¡± The Evil Emperor gave a razor sharp smile. ¡°Who knows? Perhaps you might become something worthy of me killing.¡± His smile widened. ¡°But I¡¯d better be thorough. Just to make sure.¡± He stretched out his arms, and the blackness grew.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    And then Qube was gone.

    ---

    She awoke in a space that was wrong. She¡­ she couldn¡¯t be here. Her heart felt like it was jackknifing in her chest, she couldn¡¯t seem to breathe properly, she was so cramped and small. She was surrounded, pressed in by objects she couldn¡¯t see, they were all around her and yet not touching her at all. She was trapped.

    And then - space! Air! Light! Freedom! She tumbled out of an impossibly small hole and onto grass. She rolled, gracefully rising up, already ready to take on the Evil Emperor.

    Only to find herself standing next to an open field with no one but the Chosen One around for as far as the eye could see. They were at the very edge of the woods that had hemmed her in her entire life and in just two steps she would leave their protection for the first time. A faint path, no doubt worn down by the endless passage of Mr Clockwork, was the only sign of civilization.

    ¡°Whe- where¡¯s the Evil Emperor?¡±

    ¡°Oh he left once he was done,¡± the Chosen One said, casually fishing some more items out of his backpack. Qube looked at him, then his backpack, then all around them. There was no sign of anything else he could have carried her in.

    ¡°Did you¡­¡±

    ¡°It took ages to get you to fit in my backpack,¡± the Hero said absentmindedly searching through his jam jars. ¡°I think the only reason it worked was because the system thought you were¡­ you know.¡±

    Qube had no idea what he was talking about, but she wasn¡¯t about to tell him that. Now was finally her time to shine! This was her first true day as his guiding light outside the village!

    ¡°Ah, is that why you tried the sky trick first?¡± she asked, rubbing her chin.

    ¡°No, just didn¡¯t think of it until I tried to drag you away,¡± he said frankly. ¡°You are surprisingly heavy.¡±

    ¡°Makes perfect sense,¡± she lied smoothly. ¡°And the Evil Emperor?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± the Hero said, eating directly out of one of Adlerman¡¯s jars. ¡°He did the usual thing. So cliche.¡±

    ¡°Was anyone hurt?¡± she asked worriedly. The Hero paused halfway to shoving a marmelade covered hand into his mouth.

    ¡°...No?¡± he said eventually.

    ¡°Then what did he destroy?¡± She flinched, waiting for the Prophecy to punish her for that question. Instead she felt¡­ nothing. No pressure. No pain. Just¡­ her. The Hero regarded her for another moment.

    ¡°The¡­ buildings?¡±

    Qube instantly relaxed. Thank goodness for that! The houses could be rebuilt, but if any of her fellow villagers had been hurt she would have felt terrible.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief! Now, it¡¯s time to set off to make things right!¡± she said cheerfully.

    ¡°Sure thing,¡± he said, licking his hand clean. ¡°Where¡¯s the forest¡¯s heart? Is it this forest? Or a different one?¡±

    Qube froze in place, her mind whirling with possibilities.

    ¡°Cobbletown!¡± she blurted out. ¡°It¡¯s the Castle¡¯s Town, that¡¯s where we start. It¡¯s a short distance towards the mountains.¡± Not for nothing had she spent her life studying maps of the area. Not to mention going to Cobbletown first allowed her to pick up supplies for herself. For some reason it hadn¡¯t occurred to her to bring provisions for herself. Both the Hero and her had instead been solely focused on getting him ready for his trip, rather than both of them. ¡®Well,¡¯ she thought, ¡®it makes sense. He is the Hero, after all¡¯. But that didn¡¯t eliminate her need to have her own bedroll and tent.

    ¡°To Cobbletown then!¡± he declared and slapped her on the back, sending her staggering forward out of the woods and into the green fields she had dreamed of her whole life.

    ---

    It took about five minutes before something tried to kill them. The only warning Qube got was a low, guttural growling before three wolves emerged from a tiny bush. They ignored her, their entire focus instead on the Fighter in front of them, sword in hand.

    ¡°[Lesser Shield]!¡± Qube shouted, her silvery magic immediately surrounding the Chosen One. The foremost wolf lunged at the Chosen One, only to smack face first into the magical shield. It backed up, shook its head, then tried to bite the shield. It couldn¡¯t get any purchase on it, so instead it ended up rubbing its teeth against the shield, its lips smeared against the near invisible barrier. There was something both hilarious and horrifying about watching a hungry wolf ineffectively trying to gnaw its way through the shield protecting her best friend, Qube reflected. The other two wolves also started trying to bite through the shield, to no avail.

    Confused, and increasingly irritated, the wolves circled the shield, trying to find a gap they could exploit. Qube skipped backwards, but they continued to completely ignore her.

    The Chosen One started laughing, and sheathed his sword.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you attacking them?¡± Qube whispered, trying not to draw the wolves¡¯ attention.

    ¡°They can¡¯t get through the shield,¡± he shrugged.

    ¡°Yes but they still might try to eat me,¡± she hissed.

    ¡°I get the impression they¡¯re not going to do that,¡± he said, still smiling. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to be here. I¡¯m not supposed to have your shield.¡± He started laughing again. ¡°Oh this is even better than I thought it would be! This is amazing.¡± He pushed past the wolves and continued walking. ¡°Come on, I want to see how far they¡¯ll follow us.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be sorry when they eat my face off,¡± Qube muttered, but still followed.

    After another five minutes of the wolves ignoring Qube and gnawing at the shield (and another five recasts of the shield spell), they reached a stone bridge crossing a river. The instant the Chosen One set foot on the bridge the wolves abruptly lost interest and turned away, heading back to their original tiny bush.

    Qube had been ruminating on what the Chosen One had said earlier.

    ¡°What do you mean, I¡¯m not supposed to be here?¡± she asked. The Chosen One paused.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± He seemed to think deeply. ¡°The Evil Emperor, he¡­ said our Prophecy was false, right?¡±

    ¡°The blackguard!¡± Qube said, her eyes flashing.

    ¡°So that implies he has his own Evil Prophecy, yeah? Which is why he thinks ours is false.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ suppose so,¡± she said, frowning. She¡¯d never thought about that before.

    ¡°Right. Which obviously wouldn¡¯t have us setting off from the village as a team. Cuz that¡¯s how we win in the Golden Prophecy.¡± He was looking at her intently.

    ¡°Oh! And because the wolves were attacking you, they¡¯re Evil, which means they would be following the Evil Prophecy! Which wouldn¡¯t have me as your Guiding Light.¡± Qube beamed. ¡°They probably just thought I was some random passerby!¡±

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go with that,¡± the Chosen One said.

    She nodded, amazed by the Hero¡¯s insight.

    ¡°They¡¯re going to regret ignoring me!¡± she said, puffing out her cheeks. In the far distance they could see the spires of the castle just coming into view. The Chosen One looked at her, a strange smile lilting on his lips.

    ¡°I believe they will.¡± He gave a quiet laugh as she looked at him quizzically. ¡°This is going to be even more fun than I thought,¡± he said, and grinned.

    And on the horizon, the castle waited.

 Book One Chapter Eight: Establishing Main Hub

    They stepped into the castle¡¯s shadow as they entered Cobbletown. It was carved into the side of a mountain, and dominated the small town that dwelt at its feet. Thick stone walls encircled it, ending only when the mountain peaks became too harsh to make it practical. It was a place built to last.

    The wide wooden gates were open as Qube and the Chosen One approached, and it looked straight into the town plaza where colourful mosaics were picked out in tiles. Shops with black timbre and whitewash lined the walkways, colourful flags and signs flapping madly in the wind.

    Qube felt like her eyeballs were on stalks as she swiveled this way and that, trying to take in as many details as she could. So many new sights! So many people! She¡¯d never seen so many strangers before in her life! Granted, she¡¯d never met a stranger before, but so many! There were five whole strangers in the plaza in front of them!

    Two guards exited from the wooden guard hut next to the gate. The blue-clad officers approached them briskly but before they could speak, the Chosen One sidestepped them.

    ¡°Shops, then chatter,¡± the Chosen One said to Qube. The guards stood, rotating in place as they watched the Chosen One approach the first shop.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we greet them?¡± Qube asked quietly, overawed by everything.

    ¡°Nah, they¡¯ll still be there when we get back. I want to try something first,¡± the Chosen One said casually, opening the first shop¡¯s door. ¡°Come on.¡±

    Still trying to take in as much as she could Qube neglected to look at the sign above the store. So she had absolutely no warning for what she was about to face.

    There, behind a scarred counter, stood¡­

    ¡°Mr. Igma?¡± Qube gasped.

    Yup. Same uncompromising expression. Same dim lighting. Same items on display. At her words Mr. Igma stirred, but he kept his focus on the Hero.

    ¡°How did you get here?¡± the Hero asked then, with a worried glance at Qube, cut himself off. ¡°You know what? Never mind. Don¡¯t care. What items do you have for sale?¡±

    ¡°Everything¡¯s for sale,¡± Mr. Igma said.

    ¡°Even this bookshelf?¡± the Chosen One said snidely.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s for sale,¡± Mr. Igma repeated evenly.

    ¡°What about you, are you for sale?¡± the Chosen One snarked.

    ¡°...Everything¡¯s for sale,¡± Mr. Igma said.

    ¡°I¡­ really don¡¯t want to think about the implications of that,¡± the Hero confessed eventually. ¡°Anyway. How much for a healing potion?¡±

    ¡°Five silver,¡± Mr Igma said instantaneously.

    ¡°What?¡± The Chosen one bellowed. ¡°But in the village it was only three silver!¡±

    ¡°Rent. Transport. Meeting market prices.¡± Mr. Igma shrugged. ¡°It is what it is.¡±

    The Chosen One scowled, before suddenly perking up again.

    ¡°Sure thing, too easy,¡± he said. ¡°You don¡¯t mind if I pick up this item, do you?¡±

    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t try and leave without paying for it,¡± Mr. Igma said, a thread of wariness in his voice. ¡°Or try and do anything magical to it. I object to magic in my shop.¡±

    ¡°Of course, of course,¡± the Hero said soothingly. He picked up a healing potion, turned it over in his hands, and carefully put it back on the counter. He drummed his fingers on the scarred surface of the counter, contemplating Qube with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°I would like to buy a wooden bucket,¡± he said eventually.

    ¡°One copper,¡± Mr. Igma said, and from behind his counter he pulled out a large wooden bucket. The Hero took it, and carefully placed it on the ground.

    ¡°Hey, you,¡± he said, gesturing at Qube. ¡°come here.¡± Qube left the safety of her corner and stood next to the bucket. The Hero pointed at her, then the healing potion, and then at the bucket.

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    Qube almost started to question what he was doing before she stopped herself. He was the Hero. He had proven to her time and again that he knew what he was doing. If he wanted to mime, then she would believe it was for a good reason. She nodded enthusiastically to show him that she understood and picked up the healing potion and dropped it in the bucket. It made a loud thunk! noise.

    The Hero then pointed at the bucket, and gestured to outside. She tilted her head and he gestured again, his attention now back on Mr. Igma who hadn¡¯t looked away from the Hero the entire time. Shrugging, she picked up the bucket with the potion in it and put down the bucket outside. The two guards were still standing there, watching the Hero as he joined her outside.

    ¡°Put it in your satchel,¡± he said quietly.

    As she picked up the potion bottle the two guards¡¯ attention suddenly zeroed in on it.

    ¡°Hey, that looks like it doesn¡¯t belong here - ¡° One of the guards started to say before she slipped the potion into her satchel. The instant she did their attention suddenly snapped back to the Chosen One.

    ¡°Hail and well met, traveller!¡± One of the guards declared.

    The Hero ignored them as he gave a shout of victory and started dancing around on the spot.

    ¡°It worked!¡± he cried, ¡°It worked, it worked, I can¡¯t believe it!¡± He danced in a circle around Qube, who was still utterly lost. ¡°You!¡± he said, still dancing around her, ¡°You are the best! Oh we are going to wreck this economy! Come!¡± He stopped dancing and grabbed her wrist. ¡°We¡¯re going shopping!¡±

    ---

    One by one, item by item, Qube emptied out Mr. Igma¡¯s shop. After the first few items the Chosen One had caved and bought her a backpack, as it turned out she couldn¡¯t fit anything larger than a potion bottle in her satchel. She shouldn¡¯t have been able to fit too many of those in either, but it seemed the pocket magic had struck again. In a way she was grateful to the Hero for buying her a backpack: now she could study it for clues to the nature of this terrifyingly powerful pocket magic.

    Mr. Igma hadn¡¯t had anything particularly special in his shop, mostly odds and ends, a few weapons and some basic potions, but by the way the Chosen One was acting it was like they¡¯d looted a dragon¡¯s hoard.

    Mr. Igma also hadn¡¯t looked at Qube the entire time she was carefully transferring his items out of his store. She wasn¡¯t quite sure what to make of that. Either he secretly wanted to help out the Hero but his pride was so great that he couldn¡¯t admit to giving items away for free, or he too was following the Evil Prophecy.

    Not wanting to think of a man she had known since she was born as being Evil, she decided instead that he was secretly a soft touch, and being forced to leave his store behind at the village had changed his internal attitude, if not his external. After all, if he¡¯d been following the Evil Prophecy, he still would have objected to his objects disappearing. Therefore, he was simply trying to save face.

    Qube felt tears well up in her eyes at Mr. Igma¡¯s unchanging expression as she stole everything he owned. So noble! She thought. Truly, it paid to not judge based off of appearances! His sour expression and brusque speech hide a heart of gold!

    Just as she was trying to think about what tragic event in his past could have caused him to hide his soft soul so thoroughly, they were interrupted by two cloaked figures.

    ¡°Are you the Chosen One?¡± the shorter, curvier figure asked. Their voice was feminine, pitched low and rather breathy.

    ¡°The guards told us of your arrival,¡± the taller, broader cloak said. This one sounded male, his voice gravelly and deep.

    Qube felt herself shiver. The Chosen One, who had been ignoring the repeated welcome speech from the guards, looked over the two figures.

    ¡°Looks like the main¡¯s here,¡± he said, and rubbed his hands together with glee. ¡°Time to get some epic loot.¡±

    ¡°Please, Hero! If that be who you are in truth! We have urgent need of you!¡± the female said in that same breathy voice.

    ¡°Money and loot, eh? Now that¡¯s the kind of thinking I like,¡± the male said, somehow even deeper.

    ¡°Meet us in the private room at the inn!¡± the female said, turning away. ¡°There is much to discuss.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± drawled the male, ¡°blood and intrigue, Hero.¡± He sneered the last word. ¡°Let us see what you are made of.¡±

    The two figures ran across the town square and into a large inn, completely ignored by the remaining three people in the plaza and the two guards, who were welcoming the Chosen One again.

    The Hero ignored them, and turned back to Qube.

    ¡°Right. Back to clearing the shop,¡± he said, shoving Qube back into the store.

    ¡°They seemed really important,¡± she said, but continued carrying out everything.

    ¡°Steal now. Plot later,¡± he said. So she did.

    Once they¡¯d cleared out Mr. Igma of all his possessions Qube automatically started walking towards the Tavern the two mysterious figures had gone in.

    ¡°This way,¡± the Chosen One said, heading into the nearest alleyway.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we go and see what they wanted? They seemed really important.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll still be there when we¡¯re done.¡±

    Qube chewed on one of her fingernails. She supposed the Chosen One was the most important living being in the entire world. Those two mysterious people would have to wait. If he thought there was something they needed to do first then it would have to be urgent.

    Popping out of the alleyway he carefully looked around. Seeing the street deserted he crouched and squat-walked towards the closest house. Scuttling up the stairs he reached out and grasped the door handle, grunting as he pulled on it.

    The door handle didn¡¯t move. Scowling, the Hero stood up and pulled on it harder, jiggling it.

    ¡°Why won¡¯t this open?¡± He growled, pulling with all his might.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably locked,¡± Qube whispered. She looked around but no one was paying any attention to them. There was only a stranger swathed in a soft grey hooded cape, standing over some kind of grate.

    ¡°Why would someone lock their front door?¡± he asked incredulously.

    ¡°To stop people from stealing their stuff?¡± Qube replied cautiously. The stranger was now looking at them from underneath their hood. A lot of hooded people in Cobbletown, she thought to herself.

    The Chosen One turned and looked at her very seriously.

    ¡°But I want their stuff,¡± he said, and pouted.

    The Saviour of All Living Creatures was pouting. He was pouting at her like a giant golden baby with cheekbones that could cut glass and a jawline you could use as a shovel. It was extremely disturbing.

    Horrified, Qube deployed her most powerful Companion ability: her Understanding Smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure people will be more than happy to give you items and supplies if you just help them out a bit,¡± she said, not actually sure of anything of the sort. That had been how it worked in their village though, so surely these townsfolk couldn¡¯t be so different?

    ¡°Urgh.¡± The Chosen One threw back his head. ¡°I was hoping to avoid starting anything until I¡¯d looted the place but¡­ fine. You¡¯re right. I need to at least find a Rogue or something if we¡¯re going to be dealing with urban environments.¡±

    Qube turned her Understanding Smile up another notch.

    ¡°There we go! I knew you would think of a solution, teehee!¡±

    Argh! No! She thought she¡¯d been free of the teehees! How had they followed her here?

    She would destroy these teehees, she silently vowed as the Hero and her walked back to the main gate. Find whatever birthed them in her and pull it out by the roots. And when she was done, she would have cleansed the world of teehees so thoroughly that no one would ever be able to teehee again.

    The Chosen One, unaware of his Companion swearing terrible oaths next to him, walked up to the gate guards.

    ¡°Hi there,¡± he said, talking over the guard¡¯s greeting. ¡°Do you know where I can find a thief?¡±

 Book One Chapter Nine: Thieves Guild Storyline

    ¡°Hail and well met, traveler!¡± the gate guard said determinedly.

    ¡°Thief,¡± the Chosen One said.

    ¡°What brings you to our cursed land?¡± The other guard refused to be shaken.

    ¡°Where thief,¡± the Chosen One tried.

    ¡°Much has-¡±

    ¡°Skip.¡±

    ¡°-will you?¡±

    The Hero sighed. ¡°Yes. Thief. Where?¡±

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve heard about our problem with the Thieves'' Guild,¡± the original gate guard said eventually.

    ¡°Yes!¡± the Chosen One said. ¡°Where is it? Them. I mean them.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what they¡¯ve been feeding those rats, but they¡¯re massive. If you can clear the rats out and let us know we¡¯d be grateful to you. Thieves are bad enough, I draw the line at giant mutant rats.¡±

    ¡°Cool,¡± the Chosen One said and instantly turned and walked away, cutting off whatever the guard had been about to say.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Qube said, hurrying after him. ¡°He didn¡¯t say where the rats or Thieves Guild were.¡±

    ¡°In the sewers, of course,¡± the Hero scoffed. ¡°Where else would you find them?¡±

    ¡°In warehouses? Or the docks? Basements in general? Lots of places have rats,¡± Qube said, confused.

    ¡°Trust me. They¡¯re in the sewers,¡± the Hero said as they exited the alleyway they¡¯d wandered through earlier and approached the grey hooded figure standing over the grate.

    ¡°You¡¯ll want to move along,¡± it said as soon as the Chosen One looked at it.

    ¡°What do you want, target?¡± the figure hissed as the Chosen One approached it. The Hero ignored it, instead walking directly into it and slowly pushing it off the grate with his body.

    ¡°You¡¯re in the wrong neighbourhood, pal. Why don¡¯t you keep walking?¡± the figure said, ignoring the fact that it was slowly skating backwards due to the persistent pressure of the Chosen One rubbing against said figure.

    ¡°Lift that, will you?¡± the Chosen One asked Qube, pointing at the grate. Qube grabbed the grate and pulled. She wasn¡¯t able to lift it even an inch. Digging her heels in she pulled even harder, cutting her fingers on the metal.

    ¡°I think maybe it¡¯s locked?¡± she said, slightly embarrassed by her inability to rip apart solid metal on the Chosen One¡¯s command. The Chosen One clicked his tongue in irritation, then pointed at the figure¡¯s pockets. The figure was now attempting to walk around to resume its place on top of the grate, but was stymied by the Hero stepping to the side every time the figure tried to get past him.

    ¡°Come a little closer, if you dare,¡± the figure snarled at the Chosen One.

    ¡°He¡¯s got the key,¡± the Chosen One said.

    ¡°Can we please have the key?¡± Qube asked the figure, wondering how the Chosen One knew it was a male. The figure honestly sounded more like an angry snake on legs. ¡°He¡¯s the Chosen One and we are on a quest to save the whole world, so it¡¯s really quite important.¡±

    ¡°I never take my hands off my knives, target.¡± It was hard to tell whether the figure was addressing her or the Chosen One. That was one of the downsides of wearing a hood.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Qube said, frowning in confusion. ¡°Is that because of a Sacred Oath?¡± She¡¯d heard of particularly devout people taking Sacred Oaths in order to gain access to power beyond that of mere mortals. Generally they involved not marrying, or never speaking again, but it made sense that a thief, especially a thief in charge of guarding, might make a vow to never release their weapon.

    It seemed terribly inconvenient, but then that seemed to be the point of Sacred Oaths. The gods were only interested in helping you out if you made your life as much of a pain as possible.

    ¡°Scram,¡± the figure hissed in the Hero¡¯s face, sounding even more snakelike.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Qube apologised, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to offend you. I know religion is a very personal thing.¡± It must be a restriction while only on the job, she decided. That was the only thing that made sense.

    The Chosen One looked at her in exasperation. ¡°He¡¯s not ¡­ look just take the key.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sure. Is that okay?¡± Qube asked the figure.

    ¡°You¡¯ll want to move along,¡± it said from under its hood. Qube supposed that was a yes.

    ¡°He can¡¯t take his hands off his knives, remember?¡± the Chosen One said, his shoulders shaking as if he was holding back laughter. ¡°You¡¯ll have to help him out.¡±

    Timidly reaching out, Qube patted at the figure¡¯s pockets. True to his (and she was now pretty certain it was a he) word he had knives in both his hands. This was the closest she had ever been to a stranger before.

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    ¡°Come a little closer, if you dare,¡± he hissed.

    Qube went bright pink.

    ¡°How inappropriate!¡± she snapped and shoved her hand into his pocket, yanking out an oversized bronze key. She stepped away from him sharply and sniffed. ¡°Here you go Chosen One,¡± she said, only to discover the key had disappeared out of her hand and was now in the grate¡¯s keyhole.

    Key magic! And she¡¯d missed it thanks to Creepy Snake Man! She glared at him as the Hero unlocked and opened the grate. She was so busy glaring at him, in fact, that she missed the point where the Hero reached out, and shoved her into the sewers.

    ---

    She landed on her feet in a circle full of the roughest, toughest looking people she had ever seen. There were all wearing dark leathers and ignored her as she stared at them.

    Then the Hero landed next to her and they all sprang to attention.

    ¡°And that,¡± he said to Qube triumphantly, ¡°is how you avoid an entire sewer level of rats!¡±

    ¡°Well, well, well. Taken care of our little rat problem, have you?¡± The largest man stepped into the circle of light coming from the grate. Torches flickered endlessly on the walls, somehow not scorching them at all. Various crates and tables filled the large room, and tankards were scattered everywhere.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Chosen One lied. ¡°What¡¯s my reward?¡±

    ¡°You can have your prisoner back,¡± the leader said, smiling sinisterly.

    ¡°What prisoner?¡± Qube whispered to the Chosen One. He shrugged.

    ¡°But let him know the next time we find him working in our territory, we won¡¯t be so kind.¡± The leader sneered as he walked over to a rusted iron cage. ¡°Still, you held up your end of the bargain, which is more than I can say for most goody two shoes. We could use some talent like yours. If you ever find yourself -¡±

    ¡°I accept,¡± the Hero said quickly. ¡°Which one of your gang is joining us?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, little fish.¡± The leader laughed, ¡°You¡¯ll need to prove yourself-¡±

    The Chosen One interrupted by sighing very loudly. ¡°Fiiiiine,¡± he said, ¡°Gimme the quest.¡±

    As the leader started to explain some complicated grudge they held against the guards, and how the only solution was for the Hero to steal something rather than them doing it themselves, the figure in the cage slowly stood up and walked towards them.

    Qube caught her breath as the figure stepped into the light.

    He was, quite simply, the most handsome man she had ever seen. Long, blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail, a small, pointed goatee framed his slim face. He had a large lute slung over his shoulder, and a golden rapier at his hip.

    And his clothes! They must have been the very cutting edge of fashion! He was wearing a long tunic with the sleeves cut off, allowing the bright green sleeves of his shirt underneath to billow out unrestrained. His tights were also bright green, and somehow his leather boots were also vaguely green. His gloves were even fingerless! She¡¯d never seen anything like it!

    And his hat. His hat was a thing of beauty. Big, black, with a wide brim curled towards his head, with a white feather sticking out of it so large that it could almost tickle the small of his back.

    Once he was fully in the light he swept the Chosen One (and by extension, Qube, since she was standing next to the Hero) the most graceful bow she had ever seen. Also, the only bow she¡¯d ever seen.

    ¡°Many thanks, my noble rescuer!¡± he said, his voice a melting baritone. ¡°You have saved me from most desperate straits. I am forever in your debt. Please, allow me to accompany you on your journey in thanks.¡±

    ¡°Oh great,¡± the Chosen One said. ¡°Our reward is a sewer bard.¡±

    Qube stared at the Sewer Bard, admiration sparkling in her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met a Sewer Bard before!¡± She said, trying to sound calm and collected and failing. For some reason the Chosen One started laughing.

    Sewer Bard was looking at the Chosen One, a slightly pained expression on his face.

    ¡°A bard I am indeed, good sir, as your cunning eyes have already discerned. But if I may be so bold as to make my name known to you -¡±

    ¡°Sewer Bard,¡± the Chosen One said, grinning. ¡°Come on Sewer Bard, we need to get moving. We¡¯ve got locks to pick.¡±

    A ladder dropped down from the grate, making the whole process a lot easier. The three of them climbed out to the sound of the leader finishing his explanation of their first quest.

    ¡°I accept,¡± the Hero said over his shoulder as he climbed out.

    ¡°Do you have any idea what you just agreed to?¡± Qube asked curiously as he helped her out of the hole.

    ¡°Nope,¡± he said, still grinning.

    ¡°Won¡¯t that cause problems?¡± she asked, tilting her head to the side.

    ¡°Nah,¡± he replied, ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll just run into it at some point.¡±

    ¡°Welcome back, kid,¡± the figure next to the grate hissed. ¡°I hear the boss took a liking to you. Let¡¯s see how long that lasts.¡±

    Qube looked at the figure in astonishment. How on earth did he know - oh! He must have listened through the grate. She smiled at him kindly.

    ¡°Thank you for your key,¡± she said politely.

    ¡°Hey Sewer Bard,¡± the Chosen One said as the newly nicknamed man crawled out of the hole. ¡°You can pick locks, yeah?¡±

    ¡°That was why I was the unwilling guest of our good friends the Thieves Guild,¡± Sewer Bard said. He paused and looked puzzled. ¡°Wait if you didn¡¯t know that why did you-¡± He cut off, wincing.

    Qube nodded grimly. She recognised that Prophecy pain induced expression. Not having felt it in quite some time, she could only assume that she was doing a flawless job as the Prophecy Approved Companion.

    ¡°Yeah yeah, that thing,¡± the Chosen One said, waving away the Sewer Bard¡¯s confusion. ¡°Anyway, point being, can you break into that house?¡± He pointed at the large mansion across the road that he had first tried to enter. ¡°I got a feeling it¡¯s got some good stuff in it. Fancy windows,¡± he said to Qube, who hadn¡¯t asked, ¡°is a sure sign.¡±

    Qube pondered the situation as she saw the Sewer Bard work the lock. She wasn¡¯t entirely sure about whether or not this was the right thing to do. The door popped out and the three of them snuck into the house.

    Surely, she thought, taking things from people was wrong. That was why people locked their doors in the cities. There were strangers who might take their stuff and leave before they could take it back. Or might take things they hadn¡¯t agreed could be taken.

    She idly sat down at the kitchen table as the Sewer Bard and the Chosen One split off in different directions.

    Qube was aware of crime in a very dim, distant fashion. Rogues were needed to break into places and take things from bad guys. Therefore they had to be trained. And if you were an Evil Rogue, then you would presumably break into the good guys places and take their stuff.

    The Sewer Bard was, besides being a beautiful creature, on their side. He had joined them. And they were on the side of the Golden Prophecy. Therefore he was Good.

    She heard a thump-OW from upstairs, as if someone had tried to unsuccessfully kick open a chest.

    Following that logic, the people whose house they were breaking into had to be Evil.

    In fact, she remembered suddenly, the Hero had said that there was Good stuff in this house! That must be what they were looking for! Some artefacts of great Good power!

    ¡°The basement!¡± she cried, standing up abruptly and knocking everything off the table. ¡°Or the attic! Chosen One, it will be in one of those two locations!¡± She spotted a trap door near the fireplace. ¡°I found it!¡±

    The Chosen One came clattering down the stairs.

    ¡°Good job,¡± he said, and she glowed at his praise. ¡°Sewer Bard!¡± he yelled, "Come open this!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should be yelling,¡± Sewer Bard whispered. Qube jumped. She¡¯d had no idea he was right behind her!

    ¡°Whatever,¡± the Chosen One said, ¡°Open her up!¡±

    ¡°Your wish is ever my command,¡± Sewer Bard gave another impressive bow, before flicking open the trap door¡¯s locks.

    ¡°Come on gems!¡± the Chosen One said, dropping down into the darkness. The Sewer Bard looked up at the ceiling, briefly, and sighed.

    ¡°I had rather been hoping to avoid any more underground adventures, at least for the minute.¡± He sighed.

    ¡°[Fiddle],¡± they heard the Hero say from the basement. ¡°Could use some backup here.¡± Sewer Bard immediately dropped down, Qube right behind him. The Hero was standing just to the side of them, sword drawn, staring at the pit before their feet. There, in the darkness, a dozen skeletons roamed, their unseeing eyes blood red points of light in the black. The whole pit was surrounded with candles which were somehow still lit, despite the fact it looked like no one had been here for some time.

    In the pit¡¯s centre was a large purple gem.

    ¡°Called it,¡± the Hero said with satisfaction.

    The skeletons turned up at them, and hissed.

    Qube delicately crouched at the side of the pit and looked down at the skeletons.

    ¡°How can they hiss if they have no tongues? Or lungs?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Hey,¡± the Chosen One said, crouching next to her. He seemed to glow slightly gold next to her. ¡°Those things would definitely count as Evil, right? Probably Evil Prophecy related.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, nodding. ¡°This undead horde definitely seems like the work of the Evil Emperor.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯ve got nothing to worry about,¡± he said reassuringly.

    ¡°Why would I-¡±

    ¡°Think fast!¡± he said, and pushed her in the pit.

 Hey! Where did the rest of the words go?

    I have decided to take a leap of faith and signed with a publisher (Aethon) and now have the series on Amazon/KU/Audible! Part of that means I can only keep up 10% of the book publicly online, so I''ve left these chapters up! There will be ebook, physical and audiobook with THREE voice actors hohoho.

    I''m hyped. ANYWAY, links!

    AMAZON BOOK</a>

    Audiobook! </a>

    The gap in time between removal and debut is to make sure I have done it all correctly and all the legal stuff is cleared and when the robots do their search the words don''t appear and cause my book to get flagged for plagiarism/copyright infringement. Which also means if you see someone else reposting the text on websites other than Royal Road or ScribbleHub then that means it''s stolen so please let me/Aethon know so I don''t get my book taken down.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    But everyone I am so excited. It looks GORGEOUS and I love it and the audiobook, well, lemme just copy and paste my first reaction to it:

    I''ve been listening to samples of the audiobook and it''s so good you guys. So good! Sewer Bard sounds like David Bowie from Labyrinth and now that''s all I can picture him as. He even plays a lute/guitar in the audiobook (apparently the voice actor is a guitarist IRL) I''m losing my mind. And SSSL has little chittering spider noises whenever she speaks. And DBG sounds hilariously evil.

    And Qube. The voice for Qube. Is so perfect. I flailed. Her and the Chosen One play off each other so well I love it. AAAaa!

 PAC: the Dating Sim AU

    BEGIN GAME

    Loading ¡­ ¡­ ¡­

    [Input player name]

    [Name accepted]

    Welcome, CHOSEN ONE! Oh boy, it¡¯s sure a hot day today, isn¡¯t it? Far too hot to be staying home! It¡¯s a good thing you and your friends are going to the beach, isn¡¯t it? You should get ready! Make sure to pack your [swimsuit], [sunscreen], [water bottle], [towel] and [hat]!

    > Look around

    You look around your bedroom! There are several items strewn about. A pile of laundry, an open closet, and a depression nest on your bed. What a mess! Don¡¯t forget to pack your [swimsuit], [sunscreen], [water bottle], [towel] and [hat]!

    > Take bed

    You¡­ take your bed! It¡¯s very heavy!

    > Take closet

    You¡­ take your closet! It¡¯s very heavy!

    > Eat bed

    Processing ¡­ ¡­ ...

    Oh look! It¡¯s your childhood best friend, QUBE! She¡¯s got a tote bag filled with fun things for the beach! She¡¯s looking very cute in a white sundress.

    QUBE

    Chosen One! Why aren¡¯t you ready yet? Were you sleeping?

    > Say hi

    QUBE

    Oh dear, looks like you haven¡¯t packed anything at all!

    Qube, being a good friend, packs all your things for you.

    QUBE

    Did you want to [drive] or [walk] to the beach?

    > Fly

    QUBE

    Tee-hee! We can¡¯t fly, silly!

    Qube gives you a very understanding smile. What a lucky guy you are, to have a friend who puts up with your terrible jokes.

    QUBE

    Since it¡¯s such a lovely day, let¡¯s walk!

    > No. Fly!

    You start to walk to the beach. It¡¯s very hot, almost hot enough to make you regret not driving. However, you soon walk past a pop up ice cream stand. A handsome man with a magnificent hat is busking in front of it. His song is haunting and lyrical, evoking summer romance.

    > Take hat

    You take the man¡¯s hat. He looks upset.

    MYSTERIOUS STRANGER

    Sir! I must protest! Please, return my hat!

    QUBE

    Chosen One! That¡¯s not very nice! Give him back his hat!

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    > Eat hat

    You eat his hat. It is a very large hat, with a big feather in it. It¡¯s uncomfortable, but you eventually manage it. It takes an awkwardly long time. No one looks happy about this development.

    MYSTERIOUS STRANGER

    I¡¯ve heard of someone vowing to eat their own hat, but this is the first time I¡¯ve seen someone eat another person¡¯s hat! Against all odds, I¡¯m impressed! Allow me to introduce myself! I am¡­

    [Input name of MYSTERIOUS STRANGER]

    > Sewer Bard

    [Name accepted]

    SEWER BARD

    Sewer Bard! ¡­Really? And where are you two going on such a sultry day?

    QUBE

    We¡¯re going to the beach!

    SEWER BARD

    Ah, the beach! A place of sun and fun, where all people become one with nature. I would love to join two such spirited beings on this journey. May I accompany you?

    [Yes/No]

    > Stand on Sewer Bard

    ¡­

    [Sewer Bard has joined your party!]

    SEWER BARD

    Fortunately, I just so happened to have some aqua-appropriate clothing to hand. Make sure not to fall in love with me~!

    Sewer Bard takes off his outfit, revealing some revealing~ speedos underneath. He winks at Qube and you. He¡¯s very handsome. Would you like to [wink] back?

    [Warning: Not winking back will permanently close Sewer Bard¡¯s route]

    > Look around

    You¡¯re still standing in front of the ice cream stall. Sewer Bard had packed up his lute, and small pouch people were throwing coins into. Sewer Bard is still winking at you. Would you like to [wink] back, or [dismiss] him?

    > Examine ice cream stall

    A very grumpy looking older man is selling all different flavours of ice cream. He keeps looking at you.

    MR. IGMA

    You looking to buy or sell?

    > Pick up ice cream tub

    You don¡¯t have enough money to buy a full tub of ice cream!

    > Pick up. Ice cream. Tub.

    You pick up the ice cream tub.

    > Put in Qube¡¯s bag

    You put the tub of ice cream in Qube¡¯s bag.

    QUBE

    Chosen One, please take this tub out of my tote.

    MR IGMA

    You take it, you bought it.

    SEWER BARD

    Please, allow me to cover for my new friends! Maybe even¡­ more than friends?

    Sewer Bard is still winking at you. He¡¯s very persistent. Will you [wink] back, or [break his heart]?

    > Eat ice cream

    You eat the ice cream. It tastes like betrayal. You finish walking to the beach, skipping past a scene where you could have rescued either Qube or Sewer Bard from a dangerous spider. What a pity you decided to steal!

    SENSUAL GODDESS

    Well hello my little lovelies. I¡¯m glad you finally made it. I¡¯m not used to waiting.

    In front of you is a sensual goddess. Long brown hair flows down her back, tendrils of it curling behind her¡ª

    > Eat goddess

    [error] [ErroR] [eRrOr]

    ¡ªmany arms. Her spider fangs glisten at you, and the eternally screaming children¡¯s faces stitched onto her sides already have their sunscreen applied. Her string bikini leaves little to the imagination, and everything to sensual-isation. Her many bare feet, ending with cute claws, dig into the sand.

    [Input SENSUAL GODDESS name]

    > Sexy Screamy Spider Lady

    [Name accepted]

    SEXY SCREAMY SPIDER LADY

    Looks like everyone¡¯s ready for our beach date.

    She winks four of her eyes at you. It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s into you. Are you into her? [Yes/No]

    [Warning: Saying no will permanently close Sexy Screamy Spider Lady¡¯s route]

    > No

    You have selected yes! She will now be available for private dates.

    > nonononono

    UNKNOWN PERSON

    Excuse me, you are standing in the way of my experiment.

    A hot young man with hot red hair and hot red eyes is glaring at you all! He¡¯s also covered in tattoos, so you know he¡¯s hardcore! He¡¯s busy frying ants on the beach with a magnifying glass.

    UNKNOWN PERSON

    I¡¯m trying to introduce fire resistance, so they can become fire ants.

    QUBE

    Oh dear! Do you think I should tell him that fire ants already exist? Since we¡¯re at the beach, maybe he should try and create water ants?

    UNKNOWN PERSON

    Water ants? Hm. They could be useful for marine-based battles. What do you think?

    > Take his magnifying glass

    You take away the stranger¡¯s magnifying glass. He looks upset at this theft.

    UNKNOWN PERSON

    Give that back!

    > Take out bed

    Somehow you still have your bed with you. You gently place your bed on the beach. The waves are crashing and the sun is hot. It¡¯s perfect for a summer snooze! The unknown person is still upset. He has taken off his robes, and is now wearing a deep v-cut UV shirt and knee-length swim shorts.

    QUBE

    I¡¯m sorry, sir! My friend can be a bit silly sometimes, tee-hee! My name is Qube, what¡¯s yours?

    [Input UNKNOWN PERSON¡¯s name]

    > Definitely Bad Guy

    [Name accepted]

    DEFINITELY BAD GUY

    I am known as Definitely Bad Guy. Since you are all here, I request that you help me with my water ant experiments. It may be the key to winning the next war.

    Definitely Bad Guy is looking right at you! Will you [help him create aquatic insect warriors] or [decline]?

    [Warning: Declining to create wet soldiers will permanently close Definitely Bad Guy¡¯s route]

    > Eat fried ants

    You eat the fried ants. Now you have ant-breath. No one will ever kiss you.

    QUBE

    I¡¯m going to go swimming! Look, our good friend SQUIGGLES is already there!

    > Get into bed

    You get into your bed. All your friends, old and new, go swimming without you. You don¡¯t even get to see Squiggles. None of them date you, because you are undateable.

    GAME OVER

 Book Three Chapter Sixty Nine: Castle_Main Chamber

    Book Three Chapter Sixty Nine: Castle_Main Chamber

    Whos talking? the Chosen One loudly asked Sencha Bard and Qube. Qube closed her eyes for a brief moment. Not to try and join the Chosen One in blindness, but rather because there was a lot going on right now and she was struggling to cope. After a few deep breaths, she opened her eyes.

    Thats the Dryad Queen, she whispered to the Chosen One.

    Oh, thats the chick who threatened you once, yeah? the Chosen One loudly replied.

    Chosen One, youre blind, not deaf, Qube nearly hissed her reply.

    Well, its kinda noisy, the Hero said apologetically. And its all melding together a bit. Qube bit her bottom lip. Of course! If the sheer concentration of power was interfering with the Chosen Ones connection to this realm, then it would make perfect sense that he was struggling to hear properly. Why hadnt she thought of that?

    She was having trouble thinking at all, if she was to be entirely honest with herself. The aura and mana of so many guardians was nearly overwhelming, and that tugging sensation, as if her soul was being pulled, had only been growing stronger the deeper into the castle she got. She needed to make everyone speak one at a time, to stop both the Chosen One and herself from bing confused.

    Excuse me, she said, so quietly it was nearly a whisper.

    Something foul is afoot, the Dryad Queen continued talking over the cacophony of chatter echoing around the room. Not just conversation, either  Squiggles was making a huge racket with her new essories, recently acquired from the chests that had been hiding in the illusions of her fellow vigepanions.

    The Chosen One, naturally, had suggested that Qube inspect the treasure chests and, with only the briefest hesitation while she desperately told herself that this <em>wasnt</em> the inner coin purses (or rather treasure chests) of two men shed grown up with but rather the result of illusions, shed popped the simple wooden chests open.

    Inside both chests were identical golden crowns, each adorned only with eight empty sockets. Qube instantly recognised the shapes of the sockets: each corresponded with one of the Temple gems that the Evil Emperor had taken from them. Shed plucked a crown out, birthing a twin, and held the in headware aloft.

    Squiggles had instantly fallen in love with it. After a few rude attempts to snatch and eat it, she was finally patient enough to let Qube carefully ce one on her head, so it rested against the bow of her pretty green ribbon. The mascot had looked <em>so</em> adorable that Qube, unable to help herself, had birthed a few more crowns, and attempted to fit them on the sharktopuss various limbs.

    Then, with strong encouragement from Sencha Bard and Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, shed gotten a bit carried away.

    The end result had been fabulous in the way only an overexcited sharktopus wearing a dozen crowns as bracelets could be. They barely even shed with the tattered remains of the rope and gs shed acquired from Cobbletown, and her ribbon was doing an excellent job of keeping her head crown in ce.

    It did, however, mean that as she <em>slorp</em>ed around the slightly echoey room, her normal sucker-squishy noise was reced with <em>slorp</em>-jangle-jangle-jangle-<em>slorp</em>. Which, needless to say, didnt help with the volume control.

    Squiggles, everyone, could you please settle down? she asked, struggling to muster the courage to tell some of the most powerful people in the realm to be quiet. The Chosen One is having

    No one was listening. Of course, who even knew which amongst the assembled guardians could even hear her. She was probably invisible to half of them, even though shed been instrumental topleting their respective Temples. She would probably have to get one of the others to ask them to be silent.

    I dont know what <em>game</em> the Evil Emperor is ying, but hes summoned us into his domain, the Dryad Queen, who absolutely could hear her, interrupted. Qube felt a re of anger flicker to life within her.

    Hes not ying a game! she snapped, suddenly much louder. Her voice cut through the noise and, to her utter shock, everyone stopped talking and looked at her. Even the guardians that she was absolutely positive couldnt see her, like the Ak. She fought the urge to shrink behind the Chosen One.

    You dare? the Dryad Queen said with a gasp.

    None of this is a <em>game</em>, Qube retorted, finally figuring out what about the Chosen Onesment earlier was bugging her. And its wrong to call it such. Were fighting for more than just victory over the Evil Emperor. Were fighting for our futures. There are powers at y here which I dont think any of you know about  unless you know about the Devs? She suddenly lost steam, realising that the guardians might very well be familiar with those powerful beings.

    The Chosen One gingerly opened his eyes.

    Nobody move, or talk, hemanded the room of rulers and guardians. He looked directly at Qube. She looked steadily back at him. Did I call it a game? he asked, sounding genuinely confused.

    You did, she replied. Earlier.

    Im sorry, he said simply. This room is messing with my head.

    And, as easily as that, she forgave him.

    Mine too, she confessed.

    Its certainly been some time since youve treated this quest like just a game, Sencha Bard said from the Chosen Ones side.

    Im not ignoring you Sing-Song, but Im afraid turning too fast will make me throw up, the Chosen One said as he very slowly shifted his head so he could try and make eye contact with the Bard. There. Im being polite. This is a conversation.

    He requested no talking, Definitely Bad Guy said pedantically from where hed drifted to, over near the mermaid.

    I hope youre not <em>chastising</em> our sweet Healer, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said dangerously from where she was kneeling before the Dryad Queen. She was simply answering a direct question.

    No, not at all! Definitely Bad Guy was visibly flustered. I merely meant the Bard

    Okay, Im gonna close my eyes again, the Chosen One announced. The rest of you lot can talk, just one at a time please. Or else, and I cannot emphasise this enough, I <em>will</em> vomit on someone. And itll probably be me.

    As far as threats went, only Qube was properly horrified by it. Everyone else seemed a bit confused.

    Then I shall speak, the Dryad Queen said after a beat.

    Sure. What are you guys doing in this room? Did you all just appear or something? the Chosen One asked, his eyes now firmly closed.

    The Dryad Queen looked surprisingly sheepish.

    Not exactly, she said.

    We were teleported into these rooms, the Ak cut in. The Dryad Queen red at the SandBright leader, but was ignored. After some time, our subject and ourselves became restless, and decided to investigate whaty outside our room.

    Okay, so, I dunno if that was something you were supposed to do or not, the Chosen One said, eyes still squeezed shut.

    The Ak <em>looked</em> at me when I spoke, Qube quietly informed the Hero. His eyebrows shot up.

    Thats new, he muttered. Hey, Akey and pal, can you see the chick standing next to me?

    Qube was many things, but she was not, nor had she even been, a <em>chick</em>. If anything, she would be a chicken, since she was a mature adult now. Well. Maturete-ish teenager, which was practically the same as being an adult. Were there teenage chickens?

    Speaking of chickens, she really hoped the ones theyd sent to follow the Evil Emperor to the gems locations were safe. Shed almost feel bad for the tyrant if he managed to offend them. While the part of her that still held the Golden Prophecy in regard (if not as much as before, now she knew how potentially wed it was) was almost certain that a flock of enraged chickens wouldnt be able to peck the Evil Emperor to death, the rest of her wasntpletely convinced that they wouldnt at the very least severely wound the man.

    So busy was she attempting to visualise what a chicken-ravaged Evil Emperor would look like that she didnt even register that the Chosen One had called the leader of the SandBright people <em>Akey</em>.

    We can see a half-elf Healer standing by your side, the Ak replied grandly.

    Okay, yup, thats one hundred percent new, the Chosen One said firmly.

    We have been able to see her since she entered the room, the Ak corrected the Hero. Her presence is not new. We have always seen her, as we see all within our domain.

    This is not your domain, the Dryad Queen corrected the Ak. The Beast next to her let out a small growl.

    Evil castle. Not fun. Dont like. Charmed, leader of the Flitter Folk, was jumping from side to side, looking very distressed. Cant fly. No escape.

    We ask you, how did the Evil Emperor bring us here? the Mermaid Princess asked the Chosen One.

    Okay, everyone stop talking again, the Chosen One said, sitting down on the ground.

    [Lesser Heal], Qube cast, hoping to take the edge off the Heros distress.

    Thanks, he said absentmindedly. Okay, Akey, did you happen to meet a giant scorpion after we left your ce? Or, like, any animals doing a dance?

    Our animals have always danced to the tune wemanded them to, the Ak said in a reply that Qube suspected was deliberately obtuse.

    Several of our scouts did find a flock of sand ostriches singing on one of our trips, the person next to Ak, who could only be the former pharaoh with his gold helmet and outfit removed, confessed. His voice was surprisingly feminine sounding. And he was surprisingly feminine looking. Honestly, if Qube didnt know any better, she would have thought the person in gold was the pharaoh, and the tough woman-looking person who didnt sound at all like the pharaoh theyd met back in the pyramid was the Ak. We wanted to secure the area, make sure nothing hade in during the conflict. They brought reports of it back.

    Qube was pleased that the former pharaoh had found a new upation for himself coordinating scouts. She hadnt been sure what unanchoring him from his destiny, and wiping away huge chunks of what had set him on his path of revenge and domination would do, but it all seemed to have worked out. He didnt even appear to hold a grudge against her for stabbing him that one time.

    The forest has also be home to new wildlife, with enchanting songs, the Dryad Queen said. The Beast nodded.

    We tell you, the people from the fishing viges that line ourke came to us with tales of the mangroves. We rify, new animals danced along the edges, and shared their songs. We confess, one of the songs was hauntingly familiar. The Mermaid Princess looked at the Deep One, who swung its rainbow lure and pressed it against her forehead. We ry, the new fishing folk priests also spoke to the Deep Ones of this song, and the fish dance to it.

    Sssome birdsss entered our volcano, sssomething they had not dared do before, the King Smander was once again hissing. They all knew he did it on purpose, since hed stopped when the Chosen One hadined about it. Qube didnt know if he thought it made him more dragon-like or not, but it was mildly irritating to add hissing into the mix when <em>some</em> people were already struggling with hearing.

    Us Lava Slime weed all neers with open mouths and wagging tails! the Giant Lava Slime proudly dered. Many of them have expressed great interest in our range of magma-proof cushions, and agree that our methods of leading are the way of the future!

    Even though the Chosen One was sitting on the floor with his eyes closed, he still covered his eyes as he groaned.

    Are you feeling sick, still? [Minor Cleanse]. Qube didnt know what to do to help the Hero feel better. She knelt down next to him, and put aforting hand on his back.

    No <em>wonder</em> they had to upgrade the, uh, mana pool, the Chosen One said. The entire worlds been infected with [The Bard Bad]. I thought everyone just had the <em>potential</em> to be special. But thanks to Sparky and Sing-Song, everyone in the worlds already [<strong><em>fiddling</em></strong>] special.

 Book Three Chapter Seventy: Castle_Stablising_Error

    Book Three Chapter Seventy: Castle_Stablising_Error

    One could be forgiven for thinking that the news that the Temples powerful guardians, all disposed in the partys favour, and several of whom were Royalty, were special would be pleasing to Qube. After all, up until this very moment, she would have assumed shed be delighted. s! While she had mostly put aside her jealousy regarding her position as the number onepanion to the Chosen One, and be morefortable in her limitations as a Healer, it turned out that she was not yet so free of any personal feelings as to be able to give up her specialness without a struggle.

    It wasnt that she <em>didnt</em> find being one of the sole representatives of her realm, closely watched by entities that could end everything at a moments notice, extremely stressful. And she would have loved to have heard that the Devs were looking at more people than just their party before deciding the fate of the world. And, sure, a <em>tiny</em> part of her found it the <em>tiniest</em> bit unfair that she (and the rest of the party) had fought against incalcble odds and worked hard to be close to the Chosen One, and earn the frightening title of special, while the guardians had apparently just listened to Scissors and/or anyone affected by [The Bards Bad] and they were <em>also</em> designated as special.

    But that was only the smallest part of the smallest part of her, a leftover from when she was a little bit insecure. Why, then, did the idea of the Temple guardians being special fill her with dread?

    Her inner self, stronger ever since shed entered the castle, helpfully surged forward with anger. The guardians were already extremely special, each of them selected by the Golden Prophecy to hold on to one of the gems needed to defeat the Evil Emperor. More than that, they werent exactly the most trustworthy of groups, with several of them actively working against the good of the kingdom.

    Unfortunately for her inner self, Qube was also very well aware that, as a Prophecy Approved Companion, right hand of the Saviour of All Human and Human-Adjacent Beings, she too could be considered extremely special, even without adding in anything else such as the fact that her healing abilities could apparently strip people of their blinders and reveal the true nature of the world to them. So she couldnt exactlyin that they were already special enough, and didnt need anything more.

    And, as far as trustworthiness went, they had a member in their group who up until earlier that week had been prepared to sell them out to the Evil Emperor. So their party wasnt exactly sporting a spotless record. In fact, said party had managed to lose all the gems that the guardians had diligently guarded for who knew how many years.

    The anger of her inner self gave way to a kind of baffled shame.

    Still!

    Qube put aside her unresolved feelings about the global status of specialness, and tried to pay attention to what was unfolding before her.

    Which also included listening to one of her least favourite guardians, the Dryad Queen reply to the Chosen One. The queen had a history of being rather unpleasant to the half-elf Healer, all because of a simple misunderstanding that was technically the Evil Emperors fault anyway.

    So did the song really get to you? the Chosen One had asked the Forbidden Forest guardian while Qube had stewed. Like, did it make a big difference to how you thought?

    No, the wooden woman replied, the green lights that made up her eyes brightening into pinpoints of pain as she looked at Qube. Several roots writhed on the Dryad Queens face as she looked at the Healer.

    Qube dearly wished the Chosen One would stand up, so she could hide behind him better.

    My thoughts had suffered a change long before then. But, being reunited with my love, here the Dryad Queen looked at the Beast by her side, seemed to unlock my thoughts even more than before. The bravery of my subject, in striking out for her own future, was also inspiring.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar rose from her deep,plicated curtsy/kneeling before the Dryad Queen.

    I thank you, my Queen, for giving me the grace to search for who I was, the arachnid Hunter said quietly.

    I could scarcely deny my subject something I also needed, the Dryad Queen said, in a stunning disy of ignorance as to how Royalty was supposed to work. It was partly your boldness, in fact, that inspired me to search for an exit to our confinement, when the Evil Emperor snatched us away from our grove and ced us here.

    The Beast, looking even healthier than thest time theyd seen him, and a far cry from the emaciated mess hed been when theyd first found him, growled at the indignity of being teleported and trapped by someone like the Evil Emperor.

    Yup, definitely infected with specialness, the Chosen One said, eyes still firmly closed.

    Thus we entered this chamber, and were discussing our options when you and your <em>friends</em> arrived. There was a creaking sound as the sharpened ends of her fingers curled into fists.

    The Dryad Queen clearly still hadnt forgiven Qube for [Heal]ing her, and the chaos that had ensued.

    It sounds like it just walked out of its room. Naturally the wood creature had an easier time than <em>us</em>, the griffin said loudly to the Flitter Folk leader next to him. It is only due to our great intelligence that <em>we</em> were able to escape the trap that fool had ced us in. He, at least, must have realised how great a threat our cunning was.

    The griffin, magnificent in his disdain, started cleaning his armpit. His wickedly sharp beak preened at the underside of his wings, knocking loose a few pieces of down. There was a minute of silence. Qube herself wasnt sure if the griffin was waiting for someone to ask how theyd escaped, but she <em>was</em> pleased to see that the griffins and Flitter Folk appeared to have been able to put their differences aside and work together. The griff-lion-bird must have made tremendous strides in helping them reconcile.

    As the silence stretched out, it became clear he wasnt going to borate without prompting.

    Oh great and noble griffin, Sencha Bard said, rising to the asion. What form of trap were you and the charming Charmed trapped in? To make up for his rathercklustre performance, the Bard swept the pair a truly borate bow.

    The griffin instantly stopped cleaning himself, proving he was just waiting to be asked. This one asks intelligent questions, he said, smugly pleased.

    Many thanks, I

    We awoke from our afternoon sunbathing in a horrid contraption made of <em>wood</em>, the griffin said, boldly cutting the Bard off. Qube expected Sencha Bard to look vaguely irritated, or show the kind of diplomatic ndness that meant he was <em>really</em> annoyed, but instead the Bard seemed indifferent to the rudeness of the griffin.

    In fact, hed seemed remarkably indifferent to all the very powerful beings in the room. The old Sencha Bard would have been practically falling over himself to talk to them all, whether it was to gain lore, or just to be noticed by those at the top of society. While, naturally, Qube wouldnt dream of asking Sencha Bard why he wasnt sucking up to anyone, she suspected that his internal barometer for what was important had shifted with the increased exposure to the Devs.

    A strange thought blossomed in the corner of her mind. They knew there were people above the Devs, possibly even Royal Devs. Would there evere a day where theyd dwelt in the Devs realm long enough that the Devs themselves would be  she struggled to even think of the word. Unimpressive? Less impressive?

    Where one day she would look at the Devs, and think that they didnt deserve to be special? Or that <em>she</em> was more special than them, as she thought shed been, in some ways, more special than the guardians?

    An odd idea, made odder by the sluggish way her mind chugged the longer she was around these mana-rich guardians. They needed to get away from them sooner rather thanter, before either the Chosen One or herself started spouting total gibberish.

    We had to fly through a series of obstacles andnd before finding the doorway outside of the <em>hovel</em> we were trapped in, the griffin answered Sencha Bards question.

    Was nest. Charmed fluttered back and forth as he corrected the griffin. Giant nest. Difficult flying. Humans struggle.

    I add, we had difficulty leaving too. I exin, we were trapped deep underwater, between two walls, the Mermaid Princess softly added to the story. The other guardians, ignoring the Chosen Ones request for them to only speak one at a time, added their tales to hers.

    The Chosen One, in response to this tant disregarding of his wishes,y fully down on the floor and pressed his cheek against the stone.

    Needing to fly? Ah! Like the feather we got! Or, I suppose, our wings. Trapped between two walls, that was another item wasnt it? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, returning to the Chosen Ones side. Or, more urately, looming over his prone form. My love, do you need us to take you into another room? she asked him.

    That was something Qube should have thought of! She was letting her mind wander in this overwhelming environment! Even the Chosen Ones ex-girlfriend was being more considerate of the Heros well-being than she was!

    While the presence of powerful people can be <em>intoxicating</em>, I rather think youve overdosed on it, the arachnid continued. And I want you to look your best when we talk to them about the reforms.

    Reforms? What reforms?

    Although it would probably be better to talk to them one-on-one about the matter. I find people tend to be more <em>receptive</em> to unusual requests when they dont feel like their peers would <em>shame</em> them for it.

    What was the Hunter talking about? Was this a romance thing? What kind of romance thing could she possibly want to discuss reforming with the Temple guardians?

    Neither Definitely Bad Guy nor Sencha Bard seemed surprised at what the giant arachnid was saying.

    We require the Wood Warrior, the Dryad Queen, having gotten too close to Qube forfort, rudely broke into their private conversation. We need him to determine what course justice will take.

    Justice is blind, the Chosen One mumbled from where his face was pressed against the floor. Just like me. Im justice. Someone give me some scales and a sword.

    Enough is enough! Qube said, startling herself at how stern she sounded. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, can you carry the Chosen One? Were taking him back to the other room. She would have demanded the Hunter bring him to the Save Point, but there wasnt a safe way to make him interact with it while in contact with a party member.

    Nah, s fine, the Chosen One nearly whispered. I can do it. Just gotta get a few more hours, then Ill rest.

    No, youre done here, Qube tly denied the Chosen One. Pick him up, she ordered thergest party member.

    You cant ignore <em>me</em>, the Hero said unhappily as Sexy Screamy Spider Briar shrugged and gently lifted him.

    Sorry, love, but you cant expect me to turn down our cute Healers orders, can you? the Hunter said, making small cooing sounds as she settled the armour-d Fighter in her four arms.

    M okay. M the Chosen One, the Chosen One muttered as his face was eaten by Sexy Screamy Spider Briars thorax.

    And Im your Healer, Qube snapped. And I say were leaving until you recover.

    As the party turned to leave, the guardians started to follow the nearly-fainted Hero. Qube stopped, motioning for Sexy Screamy Spider Briar to continue carrying the Chosen One to safety as she turned to face the group of guardians.

    Were just going to go let the Chosen One regather some strength, she said, giving the group her best Understanding Smile. Such mana-rich presence is a bit much for him. So Ill need you all to stay here until hes ready to talk to you all again.

    Once again, you overstep, little Healer, the Dryad Queen whispered through razor-sharp teeth.

    This thing <em>dares</em> tell <em>us</em> where we can and cannot go? The griffins beak was agape with shock.

    We protest, you act against his wishes, the Mermaid Princess said.

    Ssso rude, the King Smander hissed.

    Filthy creature! We rule over the harshestnds in the world, do you think you can order <em>us</em> what to do? The Ak was nearly trembling with outrage.

    Qube drew herself up to her full height. Definitely Bad Guy and Sencha Bard stood behind her, while Squiggles raised herself on her tentacles.

    Yes, Qube replied simply. I am his Prophecy Approved Companion, his Healer, and his dearest friend. And I know you all want whats best for the kingdom, which is why I <em>know</em> youre going to listen to what I say. Thank you for your cooperation!

    And, with onest blinding Understanding Smile, she turned and followed the Hunter and Hero in their strategic retreat.

 Book Three Chapter Seventy One: Castle_Setup_Cost

    Book Three Chapter Seventy One: Castle_Setup_Cost

    Right, put him down there, Qube said, indicating the space between the two empty treasure chests that had previously been the illusions of her friends. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar gently ced the Hero on the ground.

    Qube took a deep breath and knelt down next to the Chosen One. At some point in the short journey hed either fallen asleep, or passed out. Neither option was good. Qube was well aware that falling asleep outside of a bed only led to bad dreams, and they couldnt afford to have the Hero passing out right before the final battle. The <em>realm</em> couldnt afford to have him passing out before the final battle.

    [Lesser Heal], [Minor Cleanse], Qube watched as her spells sunk into the unconscious form before her. He didnt move. For all her outward control, Qube was struggling to know what to do. It wasnt as if theyd covered how to cope with interrupted possession while shed been learning how to be a Healer. That,bined with the fact shed just told some of the most powerful beings in the realm what to do, meant that arge part of her was panicking.

    She was also, she realised with a shock, <em>incredibly</em> angry.

    The Chosen One has been pushing himself too hard, her dispassionate Healer side said, taking control. Were going to let him rest and recover here for a while. Once he wakes up, were going to have him interact with the Save Point.

    She knew that if the Chosen One had been in her situation, he would have found a safe way to make sure the person touched the Save Point. Probably by dropping them from a height, throwing them, think-fast-ing them, or some other horribly undignified thing. And he wouldugh, and say something silly, and it would all work out, because that was what he did. He took hopeless situations and made them <em>fun</em>.

    But the clock was ticking. The guardians wouldnt stay still for long, not on her orders alone. And who knew if the Evil Emperor had sensed that theyd escaped. Given what Definitely Bad Guy had been saying, it seemed likely that the tyrant could sense everything that happened within his castle.

    Well then, the politepanion, raised to guide others, rose from where she had been kneeling next to the Chosen One, and carefully dusted off her robes. Would someone care to inform me about what these <em>reforms</em> are?

    My dear, we dont have to discuss it right now. Youre clearly upset, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, reaching a w out to the half-elf.

    Please tell me what the reforms are, the Chosen Ones childhoodpanion repeated. When the Chosen One wakes up, I dont want to waste time, so if we can sort it out now, then we can help do things faster. To soften the blow of her insistence, she smiled cutely.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar withdrew her outstretched arm.

    It was but an idea, Sencha Bard said, stepping into the breach. Clearly there were problems with how the kingdom was run before, that allowed someone like the Evil Emperor to rise up, and overthrow the King and Queen. We merely wanted to discuss ways to avoid the same thing from happening, by preventing such concentrations of power. Wed hoped to have everyones agreement when we rescued the Royal family from the dungeon.

    You know, its funny, I thought the King and Queen were killed by the Evil Emperor, Qube said, shaking her head. But they were in the dungeon all along. I guess Mr. Clockwork was wrong.

    The rest of the party exchanged very worried looks.

    But of course, with the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess being the prince and princess, I should have known that the king and queen were still alive. Otherwise <em>theyd</em> be the king and queen, wouldnt they? She tilted her head back to look up at the uninteresting ceiling. Theres so much in this world that just doesnt make sense, you know? So much I want to understand. Thats why I went to Construct Crossroads, to try and understand everything, just a little bit.

    Her eyes started to swim, and her head felt heavy. A single tear rolled down her cheek.

    The Chosen One pushed himself to the very limit, to take me there. I knew it was going to cost him, but I asked for it anyway. He even turned down taking a short cut into the castle, just so we could have more time. I should have said no. I should have insisted he rest. I know it costs him, to be in this world for too long. I <em>know</em> this. I <em>know</em> theres a deadline approaching. Hes trying to do something, but I <em>dont know what it is</em>.

    She was crying now. Not sobbing, or gasping, but tears traced themselves down her cheeks as she continued to stare at the ceiling. Anger and sadness fought within her, leaving chaos in their wake.

    All I know is that I want more time here, having fun, going on adventures. Asking for that will only harm him more. But I want it. She gave a shuddering breath, and finally looked at the others. Squiggles had wrapped herself around Qubes boots, but the others were all standing a short distance away, watching her.

    What kind of Healer asks someone to harm himself so that she can be happy? she asked, her throat working as she struggled to keep her voice calm.

    One who seeks to understand, Definitely Bad Guy said, stepping forward. We crave knowledge. It is the nature of Mages to do so. This is a price that must be paid.

    Not by him, Qube replied. He shouldnt pay that price for <em>me</em>.

    Worthiest of hearts, me not yourself for this, Sencha Bard said. He took Qubes ce, kneeling by the Chosen Ones side. Neither you nor he have anything to feel guilty of in this matter. Both of you have acted with the purest of intentions. Sencha Bard looked down at the Chosen One, and gave a smallugh. Though I must confess, the more I discover about our Heros secret nobility, the more surprised I am.

    Hes right, my love, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar had recovered from her shock. You must me the ones who <em>caused</em> this storm in the first ce, not those of us doing our best to navigate the troubled waters. You cant insist that the Chosen One not sacrifice himself for his friends  any of us would do the same. You cant be angry at him for doing what we all would. Thats not fair.

    Youre right, Qube said, drying her eyes. She took a few more deep breaths. All of you are right. None of us is to me. Were all just doing our best. And we need to know more. She nced at her boots, where the team mascot was tightly clutching onto her. She crouched down next to the sharktopus, and scratched her head.

    Squiggles, can you please watch over the Chosen One? she asked. Youre a good, clever girl, so if he wakes up,e let me know, please.

    The party was right. This wasnt their fault. And Qube knew exactly who was to me for this mess. She tilted her head back again and looked up, as the Chosen One had so many times before, whenining at the sky about various things.

    Evil Emperor! she dered. She didnt know how he was spying on them, or if he even was, but it felt right to copy the Chosen One in yelling upwards. Prepare yourself!

    ***

    The time hade for Qube to do the thing she feared most: take charge. The Chosen One was having a medical emergency, and shed temporarily dealt with his symptoms, but she <em>had</em> to clear the cause. Which was the room full of incredibly powerful people she had no authority over, several of whom she was sure could kill her on the spot.

    Please follow me, she said to the rest of the party, before preparing herself. She straightened up, threw back her shoulders, and marched into the banquet room, leaving Squiggles to guard the Hero.

    Thank you for waiting, she said to the gathered guardians, because she was nothing if not polite.

    You <em>dare</em>

    Qube lifted a hand, cutting off the various seethingments. It was a medical emergency, and Im the Chosen Ones Healer, she said, her calm air of authority shielding her. No one can question my right to make decisions for his health.

    Her heart quailed slightly as she waited to hear how they would respond to her statement. After all, plenty of them could <em>question</em> her right. Theyd be wrong, but they could make the whole thing a lot more unpleasant.

    The wolf by the Dryad Queens side stepped forward and licked the back of her hand. His show of support seemed to nudge the other guardians into eptance.

    We suppose in such matters, the Healer rules, the Ak said begrudgingly. The Hero certainly <em>was</em> acting in a very odd manner. Illness that could cause such behaviour is serious indeed.

    We agree, he was clearly with delirium fever, the Mermaid Princess nodded, her hair independently swirling around her. We specte, his strangeness is exined.

    That does exin its impertinence, in sitting before us without permission, the griffin mused.

    The floodgates were opened, and all the guardians were agreeing at once, several of them saying that the Hero must have a disease that red from time to time that rendered him mildly delirious. How perfectly it exined his disrespect towards them!

    None of the Chosen Ones party members made a move to disabuse the guardians of this curious notion.

    Right, Qube said, now she had the bnce of approval on her side. So that means Im going to be acting in capacity as his Healer. Which means I need to get this situation cleared out as quickly as possible, so he can recover.

    The Evil Emperor had gathered all the guardians here for a reason. She didnt know if he was aware of the impact [The Bards Bad] had on people, or if he had known that they were all infected. She hadnt seen him since shed [Heal]ed him, so she didnt have any information on how hed reacted to the spell.

    Were not going to discuss reforms, she said, making the unteral decision. That is something we can discuss one on er on, when were not in the heart of enemy territory.

    Had he gathered them there in the hopes of slowing the party down? Hed been mimicking the Temples various trials; perhaps it had been a misguided belief that the presence of the guardians was a necessary step? Qube almost felt sorry for the tyrant. How little hed understood about the realities of the world, if he thought this was how things were supposed to go! If anything, the guardians were more likely to assist them than hinder the party.

    Unless had that been his intention? No, it wasnt possible. Unless he was trying to make them think that he had brought them there to help them so that they wouldnt fight him as hard. How devious was he? Were those kinds of maniptive moves likely?

    Do any of you know why youre here? Qube asked, stuffing down her rising panic at the thought of the Evil Emperors mind games.

    I dont know why I was summoned, the Dryad Queen gave Qube a chilly look. The beast returned to the former Mother Gothels side, and nuzzled her hand. The stiffness of the dryads face eased somewhat. But I sensed that the gem I gifted has been corrupted. Each of us is linked to the gems we gave you, and our life force powers them.

    Wait, so the gems are a part of you? Qube asked.

    Each gem is a pledge of our power, the Dryad Queen replied. Only with all our powersbined could you have hoped to ovee the Evil Emperor. But he has consumed them, and ced them upon a dark crown, taking our power for himself.

    The Dryad Queens eyes dimmed, until they were only wisps of light. She lost all traces of anger as she looked past Qube in the direction of where the Chosen One was resting.

    Hes more powerful than ever, now, she said. Without those gems, theres nothing you can do to stop him. The world is doomed.

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Two: Guardian_Sacrifice

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Two: Guardian_Sacrifice

    Oh, Qube said, which was an admittedly rather weak response to finding out that they might have failed their quest to save the world. In her defence, there weren''t exactly a lot of <em>good</em> options, most of them being variations on by the words! I dont like this! and other indicators that this was not well-received news. Anger, bitter recriminations, finger-pointing at members of the party whod secretly been betraying them the whole time, all of these were things that sprung to mind as things to say, only to be instantly dismissed.

    There was a moment of silence, as the Dryad Queen waited. It wasnt clear if she was waiting for the Chosen One to burst into the room and immediately demand a solution, or if she was politely waiting for Qube to form aplete sentence.

    Neither event happened. So, after a few more moments, the Dryad Queen continued: But all hope is not lost. There is still yet a way we may snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

    Qubes own jaw clenched. Thats amazing! she said through gritted teeth. Thats wonderful to hear!

    Why, by the words themselves, had the Forbidden Forest monarch not mentioned that <em>immediately</em>? Instead shed said the horrible part, then stared with her creepy green balls of lights, trying to get a reaction out of Qube, no doubt so she could chide her for an over-reaction.

    Little did the wooden woman realise that she was dealing with a specially-trained Childhood Companion! Qube had spent her entire life learning how to deal with things in a graceful and friendly manner, and she wouldnt be tricked into saying something she might regret!

    Qube carefully didnt remember all the times she had, in fact, said things that shed immediately wished she hadnt. That wasnt the point! The point was that the Dryad Queen was being very childish in her emotions, not Qube, and Qube didnt want to talk to her right now because it was hard enough dealing with the Chosen One being sick without adding anything else to the mix!

    Fortunately, she had two people with her who she just knew would love to talk to the Dryad Queen. As she turned to look at Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, a loyal subject to the Queen, and Sencha Bard, who was enamoured with the dryads beauty, she caught a surprisingly ugly expression on the Bards face. He was almost <em>ring</em> at the Dryad Queen. When she blinked in surprise, however, the re was gone.

    Sencha Bard? she asked, almost frightened.

    Forgive me, he said, sweeping his hat off his head. I find I have little time for such verbal weaving. Please, fair and wise Queen, keep us not in suspense, but tell us how we may be saved.

    He was definitely feeling a strong emotion. Whenever he resorted to what Qube mentally dubbed his more Bardic way of speaking, he was generally attempting to woo someone, having a grandiose moment or he was angry.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, also unusually, didnt say anything. Instead she just folded all her arms and waited for her Queen to continue. She started tapping one of her feet.

    Definitely Bad Guy had his head down, and was flipping through one of his books, not making eye contact with anyone.

    Was the sheer power of the concentration of guardians getting to everyone? Were they all struggling just as much as she was? Qube squeezed her eyes shut for a second as she forced her mind to work through the cotton wool that seemed to have wrapped itself around every thought of hers.

    The only solution is for us to sever our connections to our gems, and use thest of our life forces to create new ones. If you take these new gems, and ce them upon the Chosen Ones crown, then you may have a chance to defeat the Evil Emperor.

    Even through the cotton wool, Qube could tell that this was a terrible idea. She waited for one of the other guardians to speak up in protest, but instead they were all (for the first time since the party had arrived)pletely silent.

    There must be another solution! Sexy Screamy Spider Briar burst out.

    It is the only way, the Dryad Queen said, bowing her head.

    She wasnt even ring at Qube anymore. None of the guardians were. Instead, they were all just staring at the floor, waiting for the word to be given so that they could die.

    No. No, Qube knew what this was. The strange, slightly off-kilter way the Dryad Queen was talking, the total absence of input from the other guardians, it could only be one thing: this was the work of the Golden Prophecy!

    Emotion surged within her. Not just anger and sadness at the thought of this happening, but confidence and determination too. She wasnt <em>just</em> a prophecy-ordained guiding light to a potential Chosen One anymore. Shed travelled the kingdom! Fought terrible beasts (some of which were in the room) and forced the Devs themselves to recognise her specialness! (On ident, and now it turned out everyone was special, but still!) She was smarter, bolder, and had spent far too much time with the Chosen One to allow such a n to take ce.

    I forbid it! she dered. She drew from the core of certainty with which shed acted as a Healer and threw in her experience dealing with Royalty and Devs for good measure, making her heart as strong as steel.

    This time the silence went on for several heartbeats. Her heart steadily became less steel-like under the tremendous pressure of nobody talking.

    She drew from her rapidly-draining well of courage again, and pushed on.

    You may have noticed Squiggles earlier, she said. Shes currently guarding the Chosen One.

    No one was talking. Whats worse, they were all just <em>looking</em> at her. She quickly gathered more strength from the nearly-evaporated puddle within her.

    You may have noticed oh no, shed already used that phrase!that Squiggles was wearing several crowns. Is that the crown you want us to put your soul-life-gem in?

    There! Shed asked a direct question! Now someone <em>had</em> to answer!

    That is the Chosen Ones crown, the Dryad Queen replied evenly.

    Two more pieces of evidence that the Golden Prophecy was being heavy-handed! The Dryad Queen called the Chosen One Wood Warrior, not Chosen One, and she would <em>never</em> allow Qube, of all people, to get away with forbidding her from doing something.

    That crown, Qube dered, bolstered by her deductive skills, was just given to us by the Evil Emperor himself!

    The tyrants here? The griffin jumped back and puffed up, feathers and fur rising in rm.

    He hid it inside a chest inside the illusions of our friends ghosts, Qube said with more triumph than grammatical sense.

    Are you sure it was his work? the Ak asked, intrigued.

    Yes, Qube replied. No one else would have done that to our friends. After taking a stabilising breath, she continued: Which means he <em>wanted</em> us to have this crown. And he gathered all of you here, despite you all being the only ones who could possibly defeat him by making new gems.

    The guardians were now thoroughly unsettled. While before they had all been unnaturally tranquil about the idea of giving up their lives, they now looked incredibly uneasy.

    Dryad Queen, who told you that this was how you could defeat the Evil Emperor? Qube asked bluntly.

    I no one <em>told</em> me, the Dryad Queen said. Its something I just know. Something we all know. Its part of the burden of being a guardian. We hold great power, and this is the cost. We have no choice.

    You <em>always</em> have a choice, Qube said. She felt like shed managed to grab onto lightning. This was it, this breakthrough  it was electric and new. She was doing what the Chosen One would have, had he not been drooling on the floor in the other room. She was breaking things, and finding a new way. The Evil Emperor has tried to push us down this path, but we dont have to follow it.

    She whirled around, the cotton wool within her mind burning away under the sheer joy at figuring out how theyd almost been tricked.

    Dont you see what hes been trying to do? The traps, the false choices, even the treasure chests with guardians at the end, hes been trying to replicate the Temples in order to force us into a certain way of thinking. Hes been trying to exploit the ways weve been taught to think, to trick us into doing what he wants.

    Her thoughts zed, leaving only rity in their wake.

    <em>Thats</em> why we had to do the Temples, she said, her eyes wide. Not to get all the gems. The gems themselves were never the true goal. Otherwise the guardians would havee together and used them to defeat the Evil Emperor decades ago. No. We had to do them in order to realise that <em>we dont need the gems at all</em>. We had to learn how to think creatively, and find a way to take back the kingdom that no one else could think of.

    The Devs had made the world, but had been told that people like Qube wouldnt exist in it. <em>Couldnt</em> exist in it. And shed seen it y out, over and over, with people stuck in their rigid ways of thinking, blindly following what they thought reality was. Never looking around to see what their choices were. That was why theyd had to bring in the Chosen One.

    Hed shown them how to challenge the status quo. How to <em>think</em>.

    Qubes opinion of the Chosen One, already extremely elevated, rose to new, dizzying heights. And with it, her confidence in her own logic grew.

    Why else would he gather the only people who could possibly hope to defeat him into a location we were nearly guaranteed to go? Would that make any sense at all? She gave a shortugh. That would be <em>madness</em>. No, he <em>wants</em> you all to sacrifice yourselves. Youre all leaders of your people  what would happen to them if so many different groups simultaneously lost their rulers? It would be a disaster! Even if we managed to overthrow him, and restored the King and Queen, it would still be a disaster. He would effectively have crippled the entire kingdom for years toe.

    How do you propose to defeat him, then? the Dryad Queen asked. While her tone wasnt exactly humble, it didnt carry the threatening undertone from before. Two white lilies had bloomed on her cheeks, giving her a pallid appearance.

    Qube had absolutely no idea.

    Dont worry, she said, I n on discussing this with the Chosen One when hes recovered. While I obviously have some ideas this was a lie I would never dream of going ahead without his approval. However, the mana-rich environment is bad for him, so I must ask each of you to return to your respective rooms, and take shelter there until after we defeat the Evil Emperor. If any of you are needed for our n, welle and talk to you individually.

    She was doing it. She was taking charge, and being a leader, without actually leading anyone anywhere. She couldnt wait to tell the Chosen One how shed managed to break things, <em>and</em> make decisions like he was always pushing her to.

    Such was her grip over the crowd that all the guardians turned to go back to their rooms withoutment.

    All of them except for one.

    It wasnt, to her surprise, the Dryad Queen, seeking toin, discuss, or undermine her. Shed half expected the dryad to push back, seeing as she was the unofficial spokesperson for the guardians. Even the Ak would have made sense, since she seemed very proud and would be expected to baulk at being ordered to stay in her room.

    But the guardian that stayed hadnt spoken a word the entire time. The giant, multi-legged being, dragged from the depths of Lake Fear by powerful magic, remained when all others left, its rainbow-hook lure swinging gently from its forehead.

    It was the Deep One.

    And it wasnt moving.

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Three: Temp Ban

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Three: Temp Ban

    Qube forced herself to stay calm as she stared at the Deep One. Its legs clicked as it slowly approached her. The lure hanging from its forehead wasnt as strong in the full light of the castles room as it had been in the Water Temple, but it still drew the party towards it, making them meet it halfway.

    She suspected she knew the reason the Deep One hadnt joined the others.

    And that reason was the very adorable baby Deep One she was about to take to face down the Evil Emperor.

    Shed always known this day mighte, when the Deep Ones would want their child returned to them. Well, that wasnt exactly correct. She hadnt particrly thought about it before, but looking up at the guardian looming over her, it felt so natural that it was almost as if shed been awaiting this very moment.

    The correct thing to do would be to hand Squiggles over to the Deep One, and <em>not</em> take a baby into the final confrontation between the forces of Good and Evil. Especially since the Evil Emperor had shown no hesitation in killing before. Having made her stand on her strength as a Healer, and the wisdom that came with the role, she couldnt very well make an emotional decision based purely on her desire to fight a guardian just to stop it from taking her pet away.

    Make no mistake, thought, she <em>wanted</em> to fight the guardian. Not physically, since that would end poorly (mostly for her) but with her words, and the dizzying power of being the mouthpiece for the Chosen One.

    But she had to be responsible. Even though, as the mouthpiece for the erratic Hero, she would have had every right to not be responsible.

    Squiggles! she called towards the other room, before ncing at the others. Can one of you get Squiggles, and watch the Chosen One for me? I think the Deep One wants to talk to her.

    Please, allow me, Sencha Bard said with a flourish. I shall fetch Lady Squiggles.

    But before hed even moved, the tell-tale <em>ng-slorp-ng</em> heralded Squiggles arrival. She dove at Qube, wrapping her tentacles around her, and hugging for all she was worth. It was as if theyd been separated for months, rather than minutes. With a smile, Sencha Bard left to go watch over the Chosen One.

    Deep One, this is Squiggles, Qube said, attempting to pry the sharktopus off her. Squiggles blinked up at the Deep One, her little ck eyes tracking its approaching lure.

    She was still wrapped around Qube when the rainbow lure touched her.

    Images shed into Qubes mind. A sense of confusion, and a hazy image of an otter. Surrounding the otter was Squiggles. As she moved, the otter inside her followed, as if riding around inside her stomach. There was vague recognition, followed by more confusion. After a brief hesitation, a new image formed: one of a family of otters, swimming around the Deep One and its friends, twisting happily in the water, before breaching the surface and jumping onto the mermaids ind.

    Qube struggled to understand what the Deep One was trying tomunicate. Was it asking Squiggles about Otto? The Deep One, as if sensing herck ofprehension, reyed the image of Squiggles with the otter inside her. This time there was a swelling surge of concern, and fear.

    And, at the very bottom of it, a feeling of loss.

    Did it want Squiggles to go back to Otto? Did it think that Otto was supposed to be the mascot, and was upset that Squiggles had taken his ce?

    Squiggles released Qube, and dropped to the ground with a ng and a st. She looked at the Deep One, tilting her head first one way, then the other. Eventually she reached a conclusion, and <em>ng-slorp</em>ed her way back to the room shede from.

    Squiggles! Qube said, but whether it was to scold the young sharkotpus for rudely leaving mid mental conversation, or it was just her fear of the sharktopus leaving, she couldnt say.

    The mascot seemed to glow for a second, before zipping out of the room full speed, leaving traces of glitter behind her. In seconds she was back by Qubes side, gently bonking her so shed step away from the Deep One. In one of her tentacles she had her hungry caterpir book, in another a small brush, and in a third was a much-chewed wooden ring from the Circus Bard from the Trials.

    Why have you got those, my little sweet? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked, moving to take Squiggles brush and groom her with it. But Squiggles twitched the brush away.

    Was she trying to say goodbye? Shed already packed all her things!

    Qube wouldnt cry. She couldnt justify bringing such a defenceless baby with her to what was sure to be a terrible battle. She had to be strong, and support Squiggles in doing the right thing.

    But Squiggles didnt leave.

    Instead she flopped over onto her side, and raised her brush, gesturing towards the Deep One. It didnt move. She waggled the brush a bit, trying to get its attention. Once she was sure it was watching (it hadnt been looking anywhere else the entire time, so that seemed a bit redundant), she started brushing her own stomach.

    Then she carefully started chewing on her wooden ring.

    Finally, she flipped open her book, and started slowly turning the pages, pointing out the longer words to the Deep One like Qube did when reading to her.

    With a fourth tentacle she reached out, and gave the Deep Ones foremost leg a reassuring pat.

    Are you trying to show the Deep One what youve been up to? Qube asked. Squiggles wrapped a fifth tentacle around Qubes ankle, but didnt stop any of her other actions, and continued to look directly at the Deep One.

    The guardian slowly nodded. Its lure swung forward, and a powerful image hit Qube so hard she nearly staggered. In it, Squiggles and Otto were together, Otto curled up against Squiggles warm belly, enjoying the brushes, and watching as Squiggles turned the pages for him.

    Squiggles jumped up, furiously wagging her shark tail and <em>slorp-ng</em>-ing in circles. The Deep One gave onest nod, slow and respectful, before it turned around, its multitude of legs stabbing at the floor as it dragged itself into the Water Temple room.

    Squiggles watched it go, her doll-like eyes shining.

    Qube wasnt entirely sure what had happened. Had Squiggles managed to reassure the Deep One that she was having a good time, and being well taken care of? Was the Deep One showing its eptance of her role? Was it trying to tell Squiggles that it had discussed this with Otto, and the otter was happy that the sharktopus had taken his role, and was looking forward to having fun with her when she returned?

    It was so difficult when no one in the conversation could talk!

    It was to remain a mystery. The only thing she was sure of was the Squiggles wasnt following the Deep One into its room and, the instant the Deep One disappeared out of sight, the sharktopus immediately shoved her brush at Sexy Screamy Spider Briar and flopped back onto her side, trying to get the Hunter to brush her.

    Abandoned by my own mascot, a familiar voice came from the other room. Off getting brushies. S a tragedy.

    Qube swung around to see the Chosen One, supported by Sencha Bard, limping into the room.

    Chosen One! she cried out joyfully. Are you feeling better? She hurried towards the duo, resisting the urge to fling herself at the Hero.

    Bit, yeah, the Chosen One said, reaching out and ruffling her hair, much to her dismay. Gimme a minute. He dis-entangled himself from the Bards supportive arm, and slowly walked over to the Save Point. As he swiped his hand through it, energy rushed into him. His back straightened, his head lifted, and the colour rushed into his face.

    He rolled his shoulders, stretching his arms and legs slightly.

    Hey guys, he said, yawning. Good to finally see you again.

    As soon as he was safely clear of the Save Point, Qube grabbed his hands.

    How are you? she asked eagerly. Have you rested? Any lingering health problems from over-exposure to mana? Is the connection stable now the guardians are gone? What do you mean <em>finally</em>? How long has passed in the Devs realm?

    Easy, easy, the Hero said,ughing at her deluge of questions. Its, uh, been a while. I might have gotten into a <em>tiny</em> bit of trouble for staying in for too long. I managed to talk the others into letting me back in, but it means weve lost a lot of time.

    Was there much damage from your prolonged time here? Definitely Bad Guy, whod been remarkably quiet, piped up.

    Eh, nothing permanent, the Chosen One said with a shrug.

    Thats not a proper answer, Qube said sharply.

    Totally is, the Chosen One retorted. Its a great answer. The answer is: nothing permanent.

    Qube frowned at him, but was too happy to see him back to his normal cheerful self to quibble. When hearts could be regrown with a spell, using permanent as a measurement of damage meant next to nothing.

    So were gonna have to push a bit, but as long as we dont have anything like that weirdness of all the head honchos in one spot, we should be fine, the Chosen One said reassuringly. Now, what did I miss?

    We figured out that the Evil Emperor is trying to make us kill the guardians! Qube blurted out. She beamed in pride at the Chosen Ones surprise. She rapidly exined her line of thinking re: crown, kidnapping etc., and how shed neatly avoided falling into the trap. The Chosen One, obviously still not up to his usual mental fortitude, merely blinked at her.

    Allright, he said atst. He looked at the crowns Squiggles was wearing. Yeah, why else would he give us these, right?

    Exactly! Qube was pleased that he agreed with her. Also Squiggles and the Deep One had a nice chat and the Deep One is fine with her joining us against the Evil Emperor.

    Wait, is that the big angler fish thing? I thought it couldnt talk, the Chosen One said. He frowned at the sharktopus, who was still happily paging through her book. Squiggles, you''ve been chatting, have you? And yet you refuse to answer my amazing questions! So rude.

    Squiggles cant actually talk, Chosen One, Qube said, although she was reasonably sure that the Hero was just teasing. After all, hed seemed to understand the answer to any questions hed asked Squiggles, which were usually things such as: who ate this? Was it you? Whos a good girl? And other such important queries. It was more of a metaphorical chatting.

    The Hero grinned, confirming her suspicion that hed just been messing with her. She was getting better at spotting when he was joking! So she knew when his smile faded and he looked around the room, he was bing serious again.

    Okay, so, you dont want the guardians to sacrifice themselves. Good call, I wouldnt have been happy about it either. The question is, how do you n to defeat the Evil Emperor?

    ***

    Qube had been trying for quite some time to figure out what to do about the Evil Emperor. Shed vowed vengeance on him, yes, but shed also peeled open his mind and exposed him to reality. He deserved a chance to prove that hed grown, and to redeem himself. Quite how one redeemed themselves of the ughter of an entire vige she didnt know, but they at least had to try and talk to him.

    She wanted to know how much of what hed done was by choice, and how much hed been forced into doing.

    But if they confronted him with no protection at all, they might as well be throwing their lives away. While his attempt to trick them into sacrificing the guardians to put gems on what was probably a cursed crown had failed, he would still be tremendously powerful with the guardians remaining connected to corrupted gems.

    She folded her arms as she thought.

    No, the crowns were cursed. Or at least, if they were, they only activated when the gems were in them. Otherwise Squiggles wouldnt be happily running around.

    Definitely Bad Guy, can you check if those crowns have any curses on them? Especially ones designed to go off when we put gems in them? Qube asked as she tried to tackle the tangled question the Hero had asked. While the Mages eyes red red and blue, she looked to the rest of the group.

    Do any of you have any ideas as to how we can defeat the Evil Emperor without sacrificing the guardians? she asked.

    I think <em>I</em> might have a n, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, her tone serious. Ill have to go in there alone.

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Four: Gem_Room

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Four: Gem_Room

    There was a collective gasp at the Hunters dramatic statement.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar! Qube eximed. What are you talking about? You cant go in there alone! Hell ughter you! Also, we dont know if the next room is where he actually is. Or how to get to the next room.

    You must not be rash, sweet Hunter, Sencha Bard said worriedly. You cannot hope to defeat him on your own.

    The giant arachnid flicked her hair over her shoulder.

    Dont worry about <em>me</em>, she said, before pausing. She looked at Definitely Bad Guy, who was attempting to examine one of the many crowns Squiggles was wearing. Squiggles kept taking this as an invitation to grab onto his arms and squeeze as hard as she wanted.

    I dislike this, Definitely Bad Guy informed the excited sharktopus. Please desist. You are interfering with my research.

    Squiggle did not desist.

    My Mage, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said with a coo, how sure are you that the Evil Emperor can hear anything that happens in his castle?

    The Mage stopped struggling with the team pet for a second. Reasonably certain, he said, and Squiggles tightened her hug. I would advise against speaking anything you wish to remain unknown to him within these walls.

    The Hunter put a yful w against her cheek. Well, she said, popping her abdomen to the side, then I guess youll all just have to trust me, wont you? This isnt exactly my first time getting what I <em>want</em>.

    Had she gone mad? Trust her with a n they hadnt been able to discuss, against the most powerful force of Evil in the world? Was she nning on seducing him? Was he even capable of being seduced? Well, obviously he was romantic, given Definitely Bad Guy had thought that <em>she</em> was the Evil Emperors concubine at one point.

    Thinking about the love-life of the man who was as close to pure Evil as one could get was a little bit nauseating.

    Of course I trust you! Qube said, forcing herself to smile. So, thats one n. Does anyone else have any ns? Or any idea how we get out of this room?

    We could attempt to have the guardians each give half of their life force to a gem, Definitely Bad Guy said from underneath a pile of tentacles. Hed given up on attempting to get a hold on any of the crowns, and was instead using Squiggles hug as a chance to examine them up close. I see no sign of any curse, active ortent, in any of these crowns. While I do not know his reasoning for giving them to us, they do not appear to be dangerous.

    Any words of wisdom from our fearless leader? Sencha Bard asked the Chosen One. The Hero squinted at the Bard.

    Are you making fun of me? he asked suspiciously. Normally when you say [<strong><em>snacks</em></strong>] like that youre being super sarcastic, but that actually sounded sincere.

    To everyones surprise, Sencha Bard smiled.

    No, Chosen One, Im not mocking you. Time and again, youve proven your dedication to our cause. What kind of gentleman would I be if I were to repay your courage with veiled criticisms?

    The Hero squinted harder.

    That sounds very suspicious, he said. Sencha Bards smile softened.

    I may have phrased it in such a way to amuse myself, but I am sincere in my regard for you, he said. He bowed his head slightly, making the giant feather on his hat bounce. Could Definitely Bad Guys half-powered gem n work? We would only have five gems, to his fourteen.

    That was right. No guardians had appeared from either the Time Temple, nor the Shadow Temple. It was possible that whoever was behind those doors hadnt been infected with [The Bards Bad], but given neither of those Temples had really <em>had</em> guardians, per se, the chances of being able to get more gems from them were rather slim.

    Unless the Evil Emperor had just left copies of the gems inside? Possibly in a trap, to try and push them in the direction he wanted?

    The Chosen One, epting Sencha Bards regard with good grace, rubbed the back of his head as he thought.

    Worth a shot, he said atst. I feel like we have to have the gems to progress out of this room. See how theres etchings above the doorways? Kinda feels like thatll change once we get them.

    Qube nodded. Yet another way the Evil Emperor had attempted to influence them into doing what he wanted!

    I dont think we need the gems to defeat him, she said. She was just about to exin her theory about how the Temples had been designed to introduce false choices that they needed to think outside the box to solve, and had been training them to realise that they didnt actually need the gems, when the Chosen One interrupted her.

    Well definitely need the gems to defeat him, he said. You always do.

    Oh, Qube said, deting.

    I fear that may be true, Sencha Bard said with a grimace. All stories have the band of heroes using ancient artefacts or other such powerful things to defeat the final viin.

    Well, what if we made our way into the dungeon? Since Definitely Bad Guy damaged the shield stopping us from getting into the dungeon, maybe we could find a treasure trove there! Qube doggedly continued.

    Oh yeah, the Chosen One said. That Wizard thing did have us make that choice. Its gotta pay off around now, right? Why else would they include it?

    While those at the Wizards Academy are wise indeed, I doubt they would have been capable of knowing the exact configuration of the castle, and how we would approach it, Definitely Bad Guy said. Hed managed to extract himself from Squiggles by giving her his science anatomy book. As to what we are likely to encounter, I am rtively familiar with theyout of this ce. Normally that door  he pointed to the Time Temple door, opens into the main hallway, with the grand staircase leading up to the throne room and several offshoots that lead to the guard rooms, and the chambers of various castle residents.

    It would certainly be worth exploring the castle before confronting the vile viin, Sencha Bard said, pulling out his lute and thoughtfully strumming it. Perhaps there are even fair maidens trapped in the dungeon, or beautiful women forced to serve in the castle.

    Qube gave the Bard a <em>look</em>. He gained a sheepish expression.

    Tismon in the tales, he said weakly. Evil tyrants are always imprisoning fair maidens, or having beautiful women floating about the castle, just waiting for a Hero to help them betray the foul oaf.

    Well, I suppose our Mage here was a beautiful <em>man</em> floating about the castle, wanting to betray the Evil Emperor, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said with a smile.

    There are several women working in the castle, Definitely Bad Guy said stiffly. I cannot speak to their appearance.

    Do the doors normally have the gems etched on them? Qube asked, attempting to spare the now very red Mage Advisor any more embarrassment. And are they normally full of traps?

    Yes, Definitely Bad Guy replied after a moments contemtion. I have never been inside them, so I cannot speak to their contents, but I have noted the markings around these doors before in my visits to the castle.

    Well! That made even less sense than Qube thought! Had the Evil Emperor always been nning on using this trick? Or had the rooms had a different purpose originally, perhaps portals to the various guardians so the Royals could easily visit them? That would certainly help withmunication. Maybe <em>that</em> was how the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess always knew that theydpleted the Temples before the party had even arrived at Cobbletown!

    Assuming, of course, that theyd managed to sneak into the castle to do so. And really, if they had, then why hadnt they offered the Chosen One and crew the option to teleport right back to Cobbletown?

    Although while it was possible that the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess had been able to sneak into the castle in their hooded disguises, trying to picture the adventuring party, with the extremely distinctive Sexy Screamy Spider Briar and anything but discreet Hero making it out of the castle without being detected quickly showed Qube why, if the Royals <em>had</em> used the rooms as portals, they hadnt told the Chosen One about it.

    We should try opening the exit, Qube suggested, gesturing at the door Definitely Bad Guy had indicated was the normal way out. See if we can open it without a gem.

    She wasnt going to ignore the Chosen Ones statement that they needed the gems to defeat the Evil Emperor. When it came to adventuring, he was never wrong. But she couldnt let go of the idea that there was another way. Maybe it was the feeling of lightning in her mind that made her want to figure out another way. It would be easier to just do what was expected. Safer to just try the gem idea, and not fight it.

    But doing what was expected of her no longer brought the joy it used to.

    Her hand stole to her mouth as she realised what she was thinking.

    Chosen One, she said, her eyes wide with revtion.

    Whats up? the Hero asked, looking slightly taken aback as he registered her expression. Her face was lit up, excitement practically bursting from her.

    I dont want to use the gems to get out of the room, or to defeat the Evil Emperor. She took a deep breath, and smiled.

    I want to break our quest!

    ---

    The Chosen One gaped her at, ck jawed, before suddenly rushing forward. He grabbed her, and spun around, twirling her.

    My student! he cried, Im so proud of you!

    S-stop spinning me! Qube said, feeling dizzy at the speed he was going.

    The Chosen One stopped, and immediately staggered. Oof, yeah, not great, he said with a gulp. He abruptly dropped Qube. Shended on her feet with a <em>thump</em>.

    Gentle with her! Sexy Screamy Spider Briar snapped, scurrying up and checking over Qube. Are you all right, my love? That <em>brute</em> wasnt too <em>rough</em> with you, was he?

    Im fine, Qube said, shaking her head, which did nothing to clear the dizziness.

    So tell me, honourable pupil, how do you wish to break the gems? the Chosen One asked, still glowing with joy.

    Im not your well, I suppose I <em>did</em> learn to break things from watching you, Qube found herself unable to refute the Heros im of mentorship. But were learning from each other, so it doesnt count as me being your pupil! Not unless youre also my pupil.

    Your status as my protege aside, the Chosen One said, waving away her protests, how did you want to do this?

    Well Qube trailed off as she realised that, while she was nearly bursting with the desire to subvert expectations, she didnt actually have a clear idea on how to do it. Having the guardians half-fill the gems was a start, but she wanted to do away with the gems altogether.

    Then she remembered.

    The chickens! she said, pping her hands together. All we have to do is find the chickens, and well find where the Evil Emperor has hidden the gems!

    What makes you think hes hidden them? the Chosen One asked.

    Of course hes hidden them! Qube asserted. These are powerful gems, fed by the guardians'' very life force! He wouldnt just leave them lying around.

    He could be wearing them, the Hero pointed out. Like on his own crown, or a gauntlet or something.

    But Qube was on a roll, and wasnt about to let anything stop her.

    Why would he have the only things capable of defeating him in in sight? Even if theyre powerful, everyone knowing that hes wearing them would make it easy for someone to directly attack the gems, or use a spell on them. If we find that all the chickens have gathered around him, then well know hes got all the gems on him, and we can formte a n.

    This was assuming that the chickens had remainedmitted to their mission, and not gotten bored and wandered off. Or that the Evil Emperor hadnt split his horde of gems. How many chickens had there been in the original squad?

    There was always the possibility that the Evil Emperor had, in his arrogance, attacked the flock following him. If he had attempted to hurt the chickens, then it was possible that he was already defeated.

    No one who messed with chickens got away lightly.

    If the chickens were all in one ce, and he was ignoring them, maybe Squiggles could persuade them to steal the gems and run off with them?

    The problem was that none of them knew what, exactly, it was the gems <em>did</em>. It was hard to break something when you didnt know what it did, where it was, and how to break it. But Qube was determined to keep going.

    Worstes to worst, then you can use your [Save Scum Attack], she said. Then we can use the information gathered to try and n a new attack. No matter what, were going to win!

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Five: Branching Castle Hallway

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Five: Branching Castle Hallway

    The Chosen One threw back his head as heughed. Youre even learning how to save scum! he said proudly. Sure, lets go.

    He swiped his hand through the Save Point, then gestured for her to exit through the Time Temple door.

    Qube, still unsure of what, exactly, her n was, grasped the handle and pushed the heavy door. It slowly creaked open, in a manner that seemed precisely designed to create the maximum amount of creakage and screeching.

    Knowing that there was almost no chance of anyone on the other side not having heard the racket, Qube poked her head out.

    The Time Temple door opened onto

    She was pulled into a huge hall with high arches overhead and hundreds of doorways lining the walls

    Qube swayed, struggling to cope with the image that had just shed before her. She shook herself, struggling to stay present.

    Hey, the Chosen Ones hand was on her shoulder, steadying her. Are you alright?

    He tried to pull her away from the doorway, but she resisted.

    Im fine, she said, stepping out into the hallway. Its just familiar.

    Shed been in this hallway once before, in her imagination. When shed attempted to rest in the Light Temple, shed had a strange dream where shed been drawn into a castle made of numbers. Itd been an odd dream, probably because she hadnt been in a bed, and ended with the Evil Emperors numbers trying to eat her. Or something like that, she couldnt exactly remember the details.

    She eyed the grand staircase at the end of the hallway, and the grandiose doorway at the top.

    It had been a dream, right? Or maybe it had been a vision.

    Her blood ran cold as she remembered more of that long ago nap. Thered been something next to the Evil Emperors throne. A space that sought to consume her. A ce where she belonged.

    Hows it familiar? The Chosen One stepped out of the room and took his ce by her side.

    I had a vision, I think, of it once.

    A vision? the Chosen One replied incredulously.

    Its not unheard of, Sencha Bard said, moving to Qubes other side. Many stories tell of potent visions visiting those on a quest given to them by the gods.

    Oh, so, like, its from a vision you got before you left the vige? The Chosen One seemed relieved by this idea.

    I got it in the Light Temple, Qube corrected.

    My darling! You had a prophetic vision with us right there and never let us know? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked, aghast.

    Well, I thought it was just a dream, Qube said guiltily. I didnt know it was prophecy rted.

    You had it in the Light Temple, the Chosen One echoed her, stunned. Qube nodded. She was just as taken aback to discover that shed secretly been having visions. Or maybe he was surprised that shed slept in the Light Temple? Come to think of it, shed never really told him about that particr dream. Theyd been too busy with Scissors and the pharaoh.

    Are you sure it was in the Light Temple? he pressed.

    Of course Im sure! Qube said, mildly offended at his continued disbelief. Honestly, he was taking the whole shock at her secretly getting prophetic visions while having naps outside of bed a little bit too hard. Was it so unbelievable that she would be capable of something that, from what Sencha Bard was saying, heaps of people had done before?

    But the Hero seemed to focus in on himself. Maybe its left over content that I didnt clear in the vige? he muttered. I suppose I didnt sleep there. But no, that doesnt make any sense.

    Chosen One, Im assuming this involves me, Qube said, politely engaging the Heros attention again. Is there something wrong with me having visions of the Evil Emperors hallway?

    What else happened in the dream? he asked, snapping his attention onto her.

    Ah. She hadnt missed that look. That scalpel-like interest, that sought answers rather than understanding. In a blink, however, the expression was gone, and he was back to being the Chosen One.

    I mean, if you want to tell me, he said, looking mildly ashamed at his sudden intensity. Im just I dont know why you would get a vision of his hallway, yknow? Why would the Devs do that? That seems so weird, and out of ce.

    I agree, Definitely Bad Guy chimed in. It is most unusual. Did it contain any useful information? Perhaps the patterns of the guards patrols? I can only imagine that he must have changed them since I left.

    Qube scrunched up her forehead in an attempt to remember. The Light Temple had been weeks, maybe even months, ago.

    Well, it was like when I go to the space in-between, where I can affect things, like the griffin-lion-bird, or the pharaoh, she said. Its hard to describe, but everything seemed to be made up of lines, and numbers, and equations.

    The Chosen One stared at her.

    Oh, was all he said. I see.

    Is that all right? Qube asked, suddenly worried. Shed never really spoken to the Chosen One about what the experience of being in that in-between space was like. Every time shede out of it, something dramatic was always happening, and it had just gotten swept up in solving whatever particr crisis was urring.

    Yes, thats fine, he said stiffly. It clearly wasnt fine. Qube was mortified.

    Did I do something wrong? she asked, struggling to contain herself. Is it bad that there were numbers? She didnt know how it could be bad that there were numbers in her vision, or in the in-between, but from the way he was reacting it clearly wasnt what hed expected. The Chosen One rxed slightly.

    No, he said, reaching out and putting a hand on her shoulder. No, youre fine. I just should have asked you sooner. Im mad at myself, thats all.

    Sure, she said, not entirely believing him. She, who had just stared down the kingdoms guardians, was shaking like a leaf at the idea that the Chosen One was mad at her for something that wasnt her fault.

    Its just a little more literal than I was expecting, the Chosen One said by way of exnation. But youre fine. Its good. Just unexpected. So what was in it, besides the hallway?

    Um, Qube, still shaken by her fear that shed done something wrong, stammered out: Well, there was this staircase and the door and the Evil Emperor and I was going next to him but it was scary and then I woke up. Thats all. Shall we go to the dungeon now?

    Iokay? The Chosen One looked taken aback by her sudden speeding through her exnation. Faint lines appeared on his brow. You dont have to tell me anything you dont want to, he said, much gentler than before.

    Well thats everything about the dream! Qube said. It wasnt veryfortable. It felt like I was going to get eaten by the numbers, or something.

    Perhaps it was a warning? Sencha Bard said slowly. Qube tilted her head at him inquiringly. You say the numbers were trying to eat you. Well, if your ability to affect our reality involves you manipting numbers, perhaps someone was trying to warn you that attempting to do so in the presence of the Evil Emperor would result in you being erased.

    The Chosen One pointedly cleared his throat.

    I dont know why she got this vision, but it definitely wasnt that, he said sternly. Its probably some other thing that I dont understand, but I promise you, the Devs wouldnt be sending her mystical dream messages. Youve met them. Theyre not exactly subtle.

    Coming from the legendarily unsubtle Chosen One, the party struggled to keep straight faces.

    Y-youre right, Qube said, with barely a quiver to betray how close she was to bursting outughing. They dock a certain diplomatic smoothness.

    Exactly! the Chosen One agreed, pleased. Theres no way theyd be able to pull something this sneaky off.

    You may have a point, Chosen One, Sencha Bard said, his lips firmly pressed together. They certainlyck your sneakiness. They wouldnt wouldnt be able to sneak it past you.

    Is everyone from the Devs realm incapable of subtly? Definitely Bad Guy asked with devastating frankness. No one weve met from that realm has disyed much in the way of social subterfuge. Or is it merely because they see no need when dealing with us?

    What? Yeah we can be subtle. Take me for example.

    Darling, youre as subtle as a brick, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said affectionately. The Hero spluttered.

    I am so subtle! he dered loudly.

    Dont worry, Chosen One, we all know you have far too much on your te, what with saving the world and all, to worry about diplomacy, or veiled messages, Qube earnestly reassured him.

    I can be diplomatic! the Hero said.

    Then why havent you tried it? Sencha Bard instantly retorted.

    The Heros indignation held for a second, before melting away as heughed. All right, all right, he said, grinning. It might not be my strong suit here. But my point stands. This aint the Devs. Some wires probably got crossed or something.

    Ah, Qube said. What should I do about it, then?

    I dunno, the Hero said with a shrug. I can ask, but unfortunately due to realuh, realm stuff, its been really hard to get a chance to actually talk to them. And theyre super paranoid about putting anything in writing cuz of, uh, oversight and such.

    Oh, like Sir Ian? Qube asked.

    Yeah. Hes been trying to keep it as under wraps as he can, but some people have started sniffing around, and its making the team nervous.

    At the news that there was something that made the Devs nervous, the party instantly became visibly nervous. The Chosen One winced.

    Ah, [snacks], sorry, I shouldnt be talking to you guys about this, he said. For, like, multiple reasons. The point is, we might not get an answer in time, so lets just go full steam ahead. In fact, I dunno if were gonna be able to explore much of the castle. I dont want to get locked out for another week or two cuz I overstayed.

    Qube quickly recalcted her n.

    In that case, I think we should prioritise the dungeon, she said. It has the best chance at helping us the most.

    Both Sencha Bard and Sexy Screamy Spider Briar looked wistful at her announcement.

    s, no fair maidens in need of rescuing, the Bard said.

    And no fair knights in need of turning to the side of Good, the Huntermiserated.

    Squiggles wrapped her tentacles around both of them, and squeezed. Hard.

    Lady Squiggles! Pray do not be so forceful! Sencha Bard said.

    Too rough, my baby, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar chastised the sharktopus.

    Squiggles hissed.

    Oh, my jealous little pet, dont worry! No knight could ever lure me away from your adorableness! Sexy Screamy Spider Briar cooed as she spoke, picking up the grumpy mascot.

    Nor any maiden able to keep me from your side, Sencha Bard dered, taking one of Squiggless iling tentacles and kissing the back of it.

    Watching the trio, Qube was struck with a sudden feeling of dread. When they ascended, were they all going to be allowed to stay together? Or would the Devs try to separate them? The Chosen One had said he wouldnt allow the Devs to put them to work, but he hadnt said anything about forcing them to let the party stay together.

    Even without the ascension, it would have been natural that the party wouldnt stay together forever. Definitely Bad Guy had his tower, and all his research to do, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar had to decide if she would rule the Forbidden Forest or introduce her new form of rulership to the masses, and Sencha Bard well, hed probably want to tour around, performing.

    Squiggles would want to go visit Otto to catch up, and the Chosen One

    He had a life in the Devs realm. One that made him tired, and kept him busy. What would happen after they saved the world? It wasnt the first time shed thought about this, but now, so close to the end, she felt real fear steal into her heart.

    The future stretched before her, dark and unknown.

    We should hurry to the dungeon, she said brightly, banishing the creeping dread to the depths of her mind. I cant wait to see the Royals again!

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Six: Castle Dungeon Intro

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Six: Castle Dungeon Intro

    They were in the heart of the castle, racing to destroy the very notion of needing gems. At any moment they might run into the guards that theyd been assured filled the hallways. After all, that had been the point of the city guards and thieves offering their grand sacrifice by the drawbridge.

    So far, however, luck had held with them, and they hadnt met a single guard.

    The dungeon is this way, Definitely Bad Guy said, leading the way with a disturbing familiarity.

    Qube had a nasty suspicion that the dungeon might have been where he got some of his experiments from. Or maybe he knew the way so well because of the shield hed set up to keep the king and queen in there.

    Soon she might being face-to-face with the noble king and beautiful queen. Qube had to stop herself from hyperventting. Shed managed to be in the same room as the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess before without fainting, so surely she would be able to acquit herself properly in front of their parents!

    Sure, the first time shed been in the room with them shed had to flee and recover herself, and it turned out that they hadnt even been able to see her when shed done that, but that had been at the beginning of their adventure!

    Why, the effect of [The Bards Bad] might have reached the dungeon, and the twins might even be able to make eye contact with her now! They might even <em>nod</em> at her in acknowledgement. Her heart stuttered, and she realised shed tried to prevent herself from hyperventting by holding her breath.

    She had to calm down, or else she wouldnt make it to the dungeon without keeling over fromck of breathing.

    The mental image of her finally being seen by the fabled Royals shed heard about while growing up, only to immediately faint, was not one she wanted to dwell on.

    Down here, Definitely Bad Guy said, stopping at a shadowy doorway.

    Even if the former Mage Advisor hadnt told them, Qube would have guessed that this was the entrance to a dungeon. Deep shadows covered the iron door, and cobwebs hung from the corners. The door was surrounded by a pool of darkness, and the temperature dropped noticeably as they approached. The music changed the closer she got, going from the soaring, vaguely echoey notes to something sinister and brooding. She thought she could hear the nk of chains and faint screaming, even though there was no evidence of people in distress, or any metal besides what was likely a soundproof door. Thick iron doors werent known for their ability to leak sound.

    It was probably a subtle fear spell, designed to intimidate them.

    Unfortunately, it was working. Qube was intimidated. It wasnt going to stop her from going inside and freeing the king and queen, but it was making it harder for her to stay calm.

    Hey, you okay? the Chosen One asked, watching her with mild concern. Youre going pretty red.

    Just staying calm, Chosen One! she said through clenched teeth.

    Your calmness is terrifying, he replied, as she turned almost purple with her sheer serenity.

    Definitely Bad Guy, on the other hand, ignored this by-y in favour of his own drama. He puffed himself up, and pressed his hand against the iron door.

    May I present: the dungeon! he said grandly, and flung it open.

    ***

    There must have been a spell linked to the door, as the instant it opened, the group was teleported. Quite what the point of such an intimidating looking door was when all it did was open and teleport them, Qube wasnt sure.

    In fact, they were teleported to the top of a steep staircase, and it was only the tell-tale lurch of teleportation, and the moment of all-epassing darkness, that informed Qube that they <em>had</em> teleported.

    The cobwebs were even bigger here, nearly dangling into the guttering torches attached to the walls in a way that made the ever fire-conscious Qube <em>very</em> nervous. And she really didnt need any more nerves added to her right then. How long the torches had been burning unsupervised was another question, as well as how much mana/fuel was wasted if they were just always left on.

    Then again, the Evil Emperor knew they wereing. Maybe hed demanded everywhere be lit for their arrival. It wouldnt do for the one Chosen by the Golden Prophecy to make it all the way to his castle, only to trip in the darkness and break his neck.

    Carefully negotiating their way down the roughly-hewn steps, Qube couldnt help but reflect that it was just poor teleportation design to have them arrive at the top of the staircase. Surely it would have been more efficient to have them arrive at the bottom? Unless it was designed as an anti-escape tool, making the prisoners run further before being able to escape.

    The Chosen One also wasnt happy about the stairs, although his unhappiness expressed itself with low-level grumbling about stupid stairs stupid padding so pointless.

    Which was odd, as the stairs had absolutely no padding to them at all, but this oddity was quickly forgotten when they reached the bottom of the staircase.

    There, just after the veryst stair, was a magical shield. It was very thin, easily seen through, with only faint red and ck swirls showing it was still active. Behind the spell was another iron door.

    My masterwork, reduced to this, Definitely Bad Guy said sadly.

    I thought the Evil Emperor implemented it, Sencha Bard said, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

    His influence can be seen, the Mage replied, gesturing at the ck swirls, but the heart of it was my own work. It was a shield that took an entire Grand Working to undo. I shall never have the power to make another like it.

    Aw, dont worry Definitely Bad Guy, Im sure youll be able to make more dungeon shields, Qube said, trying to cheer her friend up. Maybe your Temple twins could help youe up with something even better? That way if anyone attacks the king and queen again, they can get safely thrown into the dungeon!

    She savoured the words king and queen. Soon shed be addressing them by title! Even if they couldnt hear her, it would still be her speaking in the same room as them.

    Her heart was pounding.

    Youre really into royalty, arent you? the Chosen One asked, looking at her.

    The Royals, Qube said intensely, are our true rulers. As long as they presided over thend, everything went well. Everyone was peaceful, and happy.

    Well not <em>everyone</em>, otherwise the Evil Emperor never would have taken over, the Hero pointed out. Someone would have stopped him.

    That was because of Prophecy magic, Qube said, uneasily aware of how shed once questioned the exact same thing.

    And you think everyonell be happy when the king and queen are back in power? he asked.

    They were born to rule over us, Qube replied simply.

    Will <em>you</em> be happy? His voice was very gentle.

    Its what Ive wanted my entire life.

    Well then were gonna make it happen! the Chosen One loudly dered, his sudden enthusiasm startling Qube.

    Yes, thats the point of the Golden Prophecy, she said, nowpletely unsettled.

    Well, yeah, the one Chosen to fulfil said Prophecy said sheepishly. But we could have broken it and put someone else in power. You should know that: Youre all about breaking things now.

    Qube tried to imagine overthrowing the Evil Emperor and <em>not</em> putting the king and queen back on the throne.

    She utterly failed. The Chosen One was from another realm, so it made sense he could think of such absurd things. But no one on the side of Good whod experience the tyranny of the Evil Emperor would be able to even conceive

    Your ambition isudable, Definitely Bad Guy said approvingly. If, as I hope, the Evil Emperor can be persuaded as to the wisdom of peace, it is entirely usible that he may co-rule with the king and queen while we focus our efforts on the Devs realm.

    Qube felt her jaw drop.

    I must admit, I hadnt thought you willing to consider other options, Sencha Bard said, sounding very pleased.

    All that came out of Qubes mouth was a small squeak of dismay.

    I must admit, such a small concentration of power thats passed down without any checks in ce seems ripe for misbehaviour, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said. Depending on how Construct Crossroads goes, it might be worth investigating some kind of council that makes decisions, so we can prevent another coup.

    Qube was perfectly tranquil. This was all just hypothetical. Because they hadnt met the king and queen yet. Once they met them, she just <em>knew</em> theyd realise how Royal they were, and how right it was that they rule. The only person whod thought they should be in charge was the Evil Emperor, and he was Evil! And wrong! He called himself an emperor but ruled over a kingdom!

    With other, smaller kingdoms in it.

    Wait, was that an empire?

    That was beside the point! The point was that, even he, with his misguided notions of rulership and naming, hadnt been able to bring himself to kill the king and queen out of hand. Hed kept them alive in these dungeons for years, when it would have been far more prudent to dispose of them.

    It was a hint that there was still hope for him yet.

    Well, lets worry about saving the world first, before figuring out what happens next, Qube said brightly.

    The Chosen One winced slightly at her brightness. Hey, dont worry, you want them on the throne, Ill put them there, he said.

    Im not worried! I just dont think we should be having this discussion right now! Qube poured even more cheer into her response. Were so close to rescuing them; lets do that first!

    Okay Sparky, bust through that shield. The Chosen One gave up on trying to reassure hispanion, and turned to more practical matters. Lets see what weve got.

    Qube beamed at the rest of the party, who (aside from Squiggles) refused to make eye contact. They were probably all nervous. She could understand. She was nervous too!

    Definitely Bad Guy ced his hands near the red and ck shield and started to mutter. His words were indecipherable, but he started to glow as he spoke. He got louder, and Qube realised that he was speaking a strange and ancientnguage.

    <em>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt utbore et dolore magna aliqua!</em>

    He was nearly shouting now, red and blue mana coursing through him, swirling around him as his voice cracked. He bellowed thest words and then mmed his hands against the shield itself.

    It shattered. The red and blue whirls scattered, dispersing into the walls, as a loud <em>crack</em> sounded. Qube had never seen a shield react audibly to being destroyed, and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck tingle at the sheer power of the spell.

    Definitely Bad Guy had made something so strong, and yet he <em>still </em>didnt think of himself as the most powerful Mage in the kingdom.

    A humbling thought.

    The shield was down. Not even waiting for the Chosen One, Qube took a few trembling steps forward, and touched the iron door. It easily swung open, revealing the first room in the dungeon. A small group of Royal Guards were sitting at a table, ying a card game. They looked up, startled at the door opening, and peered through Qube to the Chosen One standing behind her.

    They shouted something, probably amand or order to stop breaking into the dungeon, but Qube didnt hear a word. Instead, all her attention was fixated on the four upied cells on the other side of the room.

    It was them. They were real.

    Qube had finally found the king and queen.

 Hey! Where did the rest of book one and two go?

    Hey! Where did the rest of book one and two go?

    I have decided to take a leap of faith and signed with a publisher (Aethon) and now have book one of PAC on Amazon/KU/Audible! Part of that means I can only keep up 10% of the book publicly online, so I''ve left these chapters up! There will be ebook, physical and audiobook with THREE voice actors hohoho.

    I''m hyped. ANYWAY, links!

    AMAZON BOOK

    Audiobook!

    The gap in time between removal and debut is to make sure I have done it all correctly and all the legal stuff is cleared and when the robots do their search the words don''t appear and cause my book to get gged for giarism/copyright infringement. Which also means if you see someone else reposting the text on websites other than Royal Road or ScribbleHub then that means it''s stolen so please let me/Aethon know so I don''t get my book taken down.

    But everyone I am so excited for book one. It looks GORGEOUS and I love it and the audiobook, well, lemme just copy and paste my first reaction to it:

    <em>I''ve been listening to samples of the audiobook and it''s so good you guys. So good! Sewer Bard sounds like David Bowie from Labyrinth and now that''s all I can picture him as. He even ys a lute/guitar in the audiobook (apparently the voice actor is a guitarist IRL) I''m losing my mind. And SSSL has little chittering spider noises whenever she speaks. And DBG sounds hriously evil.</em>

    <em>And Qube. The voice for Qube. Is so perfect. I iled. Her and the Chosen One y off each other so well I love it. AAAaa!</em>

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Seven: Prison Guards

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Seven: Prison Guards

    The king was in a magnificent purple cloak with ermine lining. Even though he was in a cell, he was still wearing his full regalia, including a breathtakingly sparkly crown, fitted with seven different coloured gems. His hair gently curled midway down his neck, and his unlined face radiated calm authority.

    In contrast, the queen had a sheer white cloak, lined with purple fur. Long hair tumbled down her back in borate braids, and her dress shimmered silver as she moved. Her expression was one of gentle wisdom.

    The noble king and beautiful queen! Qube squeaked out. She flung herself to her knees, ignoring the four angry Royal Guards approaching the party.

    The other two cells held the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess, whose presence Qube had once trembled to behold. And she was still very awe-struck by them; she just had bigger things to tremble at. Like their parents.

    So, uh, guards, she heard the Chosen One say, as if from a great distance.

    The room was too small for her to risk [Heal]ing them. They might il about and, horrors against horrors, <em>hurt</em> one of the Royals. For one, insane moment, Qube felt her anger surge at these traitors for standing right by the Royal family and not freeing them. Even if theyd been under a mindpulsion, or a morality swapping spell, surely the presence alone of the Royals would have been enough for them to realise the error of their ways?

    Cover your ears! she heard Sencha Bard call, and so overwhelmed was she that she only just managed to heed his warning in time.

    She watched, hands pressed against her ears, as the spell rippled over the Royal Guards, and sank into them. Then, to her horror, it continued, and she watched as the Royal family went still.

    She watched as the spell shed help make, cast by one of her closest friends, hit the Royal family square in the face.

    Fortunately, unlike direct usage of the [Heal] spell, no one started wildly iling, or digging gouges into each other, or their surroundings. However, it was a different kind of horrifying to watch as the king and queens faces went ck, and they stared nkly ahead, swaying slightly to the blocked music.

    Stop! Stop! Qube shouted, hoping Sencha Bard could hear her over the music. She wrenched herself around, difficult to do while kneeling on a dungeon floor, and saw him hesitate. Youre affecting them!

    He frowned at her in confusion, but his fingers stilled. The instant he stopped moving, she pulled her hands away.

    We dont know what the spell will do to their ability to rule! she managed to gasp out around the fear sitting on her chest. What if it opens their minds to outside influences? What if they be special and want to ascend? What if it stops them from being Royal? The kingdom will be <em>ruined</em>.

    How could this not have urred to her until just now? How were they supposed to stop the Royals from being infected, even after they left the dungeon?

    She saw the Chosen Ones face, stricken with the same horror she felt. But, rather than observing the Royals, he was looking directly at her. He shook himself, before straightening himself.

    No way am I allowing that! he dered boldly. Time to restore your relics of a by-gone government rooted in inbreeding! [Save Scum Attack]! He flicked his hands through the air, and reality copsed.

    ---

    They were back in the guardian room. The rest of the party looked around in confusion.

    Did anyone else feel something odd? Sencha Bard asked.

    I feel a little dibobted, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said thoughtfully.

    We may have been affected by the Chosen Ones state, Definitely Bad Guy said.

    Ah, the Chosen One said, pulling a face. We may have gone a bit further back than I thought.

    Qube blinked.

    We were just in the dungeon, she said uncertainly.

    This is scarcely a dungeon, my sweet, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar corrected her gently. You were magnificent just now, by the way. You handled those guardians <em>perfectly</em>.

    Are you feeling better, now theyre gone? Sencha Bard asked the Hero.

    But we were just <em>there</em>, Qube protested. It doesnt feel fuzzy, or like a dream, or anything. It genuinely feels like I was just there.

    Huh, that is weird, the Chosen One said, ignoring the others as he looked at her.

    What has urred? Definitely Bad Guy asked, bristling. Is there some spell that has affected us, but not you?

    Ah, I used a spell to jump back to thest time I interacted with a Save Point, the Chosen One said, unblushingly describing his spell. Wed gone into the dungeon to rescue the king and queen, but <em>someone</em> went and used his brainwashing spell on them.

    What? Sencha Bard eximed.

    The someone was you, the Chosen One helpfully exined.

    Why would I do something so tant? the Bard asked, still aghast.

    So tantly <em>wrong</em>, right? Qube nodded her agreement at the Bards shock.

    We were trying to stop the Royal Guards in the room with them, she exined, attempting to soothe the self-recrimination the Bard must be suffering from.

    Aw man, this means well never find out what Sexy Screamy Spider Briars great n for taking out the Evil Emperor was, the Chosen Onemented.

    <em>My</em> n? the Hunter asked, arching all her eyebrows in a very deliberate manner.

    Yeah, you came up with some secret n that meant you were gonna take down the Evil Emperor one on one! But you wouldnt tell us what it was, so now well never know.

    The giant arachnids eyebrows slowly lowered. She nced between the Save Point and the Chosen One.

    So you can return to any point in time where you touched that ball? she asked.

    Well, kinda, but only thest time I touched it. It overwrites thest time.

    And none of us remember what happened? Except, of course, for our lovely Healer.

    Yeah, dunno why though.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar tapped her fangs with two of her ws. She leant forward, her fangs dripping slightly.

    Touch the ball, she whispered seductively.

    Oh I really dont like it when you say it like that, the Hero cringed away from her, but obeyed. As soon as he was clear of the blue ball of light, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar drew herself up.

    Can you do your spell again so soon, or do you need to regain your <em>stamina</em>? she asked breathily.

    I can do it anytime, anywhere oh no, that sounded so wrong, hate that. The Chosen One was pulling a face like hed just bitten into a lemon.

    I n on seducing the Evil Emperor by telling him that Ive decided to join the side of Evil, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar dered boldly. Ill tell him Ive fallen madly in love with him, and wish to join my kingdom with his through marriage. Then, when Im close enough to him, Ill steal whatever hes mounted the gems onto. You must not betray my false betrayal by not appearing upset enough, though. I expect you to act like youve never acted before. The fate of the kingdom depends on it!

    Huh. Well, sure, that might work  the Hero started to say, before the Hunter cut him off.

    Now quickly! Use your spell, and keep my secret a secret!

    The Chosen One rubbed his eyes, before forcing himself back into the same dramatic pose as thest time hed reset reality.

    Well, once more with feeling! [Save Scum Attack]!

    ---

    At some point Qube should get used to reality warping around her. What with all the teleportations, and dreams, and travelling back through Save Points, it seemed like every other day she was tearing the fabric of space and time in some way. Shed gone from never existing in an alternative reality, to trying to figure out which reality she was in.

    Hello, she said to the party as they looked around in confusion.

    Did anyone else feel something odd? Sencha Bard asked.

    I feel a little dibobted, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said thoughtfully.

    We may have been affected by the Chosen Ones state, Definitely Bad Guy said.

    Do you ever get used to this? Qube asked the Chosen One, gesturing at her friends repeating themselves. She instantly regretted the question. It wasnt their fault they couldnt time-travel like the Chosen One and her. And which answer would be worse: the fact that you could get used to your friends'' minds being wiped, or the fact that it never got any less unsettling?

    Kinda, the Hero shrugged, preventing her from finding out which was worse, but, as was his habit, giving her a third response. He looked at the rest of the party. I used [Save Scum Attack], he said, cutting off any further questioning. So now I know a bit of whats up ahead. Were heading to the dungeon.

    Qube approved of him skipping over the question of Sexy Screamy Spider Briars grand idea. Qube had barely had time to process the Hunters n before the world had been reset, but now she had a moment to think she knew there was absolutely no way she was going to allow her friend to put herself in danger like that. Not only would it mean she was ced in close proximity to an Evil man, but it was also pointless. No one whod spent even the briefest amount of time observing Sexy Screamy Spider Briar would buy the idea that she would betray her friends, or former lover.

    Theres guards in the dungeon with the royal family, and itll mess them up if we use any brain breaking spells too close to them. Any alternative ideas?

    ---

    Which is how they ended up luring the Royal Guards to the portal at the top of the stairs and shoving them through it.

    The Chosen One took the lead on it. Definitely Bad Guy got rid of the barrier, and then the Mage, Hero, and Healer ran back up the stairs, the Royal Guards in hot pursuit. The Chosen One took the rear, with Qube casting [Lesser Shield] on him as needed, but the Royal Guards never seemed to get more than a hit or two in before having to concentrate on chasing them up the stairs.

    Once they reached the top, the Chosen One spun around, grabbed the nearest guard in a massive hug, and dove backwards through the portal.

    The instant the first guard was through the portal, the Chosen One and Qube touched the door, reactivating the portal into the dungeon. For some reason, rather than chasing them through the portal, the three remaining Royal Guards were milling about, muttering about how they swore they heard something.

    Then the Hero reappeared, grabbed another guard, and disappeared.

    From the guards perspective it was probably quite horrifying, given they didnt seem able to understand teleportation. Quite how theyd managed to get into the dungeon without using the portal was a mystery, but not one Qube was destined to solve. For, as soon as all four guards were in the hallways on the other side of the iron dungeon door, Sencha Bard demanded the party cover their ears, and then unleashed [The Bards Bad] for the second time that day, but first time this reality.

    These Royal Guards took it rather well, all things considered. Perhaps it was because in another timeline theyd already been sted with the spell, but it was only a few minutes after Sencha Bard stopped ying, and everyone had calmed down a bit after the excitement of their mission, that the Royal Guards were acting like they were just visitors to the castle.

    Were here to free the Royal family! Qube had told them, as soon as they confirmed they could see/hear her. And, hopefully, find some way to stop the Royal familys perfect ability to rule being disrupted by the infectious nature of [The Bards Bad].

    Fair enough, the guard closest to her said. He scratched at his tall, fuzzy hat. Yeah, I cant quite remember why the boss didnt want us to let anyone in. I suppose he didnt want them disturbed. The Royal family are the rulers, right?

    Boss! Of course! The Evil Emperor was a Boss! Just like in the Temples! Qube didnt have a clue what this meant, as she had far bigger things to focus on, but it made total sense, considering how much hed tried to make the castle like a final Temple.

    For now, however, she impatiently waited for the Chosen One to finish telling the four guards to go to the guardian room and wait for them, before practically dancing in front of the dungeon door.

    It was time for her to meet the Royal family!

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Eight: Royal_Free

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Eight: Royal_Free

    As Qube stood before the four cages, each holding a member of the Royal family, she felt her heart swell with emotion.

    She knew they couldnt see her. And she didnt know how she could stop them from being infected with [The Bards Bad] once they left the dungeon. But the point was, she was in the same room as the entire Royal family, and she wasnt a gibbering mess.

    Honestly, she was rather surprised that the Chosen One had agreed to using his [Save Scum Attack] to stop them being infected with Sencha Bards song. Given his general love of breaking things, and the fact they were searching for ways to avoid having to use the gems to overthrow the Evil Emperor, she would have expected him to be extremely eager to break their Royal minds.

    But instead the Hero was actually <em>bowing</em> to the king and queen.

    Kingy and Queeny, he said respectfully, I havee to free you from your prison and overthrow the bad guy.

    You have served us well, valiant subject, the queen said, her gentle voice a soothing balm to Qubes overworked nerves.

    You shall be rewarded for your heroic efforts, the king added, his deep baritone tickling Qubes brain and making her feel like she could leave everything in this mans capable hands.

    Even if they hadnt been wearing their full court outfits, she would have known it was the king and queen. Who else could radiate such sheer <em>majesty</em>?

    She didnt know <em>why</em> the Evil Emperor had allowed them to stay in their finery, possibly it was all some twisted game to him, but nevertheless she couldnt help but be grateful that he hadnt offended their dignity by stripping them of their rightful outfits and putting them in potato sacks, or whatever prisoners typically wore. While she would have been stunned by their grace even in a sack, she just knew the Chosen One would have had something to say about it.

    Its, uh, been an honour, the Chosen One said, nodding his head to them. The area outside the dungeon isnt safe, so could you  if it would please your majesties, can you stay here while we secure the whole castle?

    What was the Chosen One doing? Why was he talking like Sencha Bard?

    Qube knew her friend. She knew how he showed respect. Which, for the record, was barely and very inconsistently. He didnt go around asking if it pleased people if he did things. He just did them, and thenughed at people for being confused.

    Naturally, we shall await your word that the tyrant has been defeated, the queen said, tilting her head in eptance in a move so smooth, Qube could believe shed been made to be gracious.

    As our peoples champion requests, the king agreed.

    Huh, guess youre a man of your word, the Exiled Prince said from his cell. He flicked his hair back in a move that Qube had almost forgotten. At the time shed thought it looked painful, but somehow enthralling to watch. Now she just thought it looked oddly studied.

    You came back for us! the Exiled Princess said, breathing heavily and sping her hands together on top of her chest. This, too, now looked like but a pale imitation of the effortless majesty embodied by their parents.

    Perhaps this was why parents tended to die before their children grew up: so their offspring wouldnt forever live in their shadows.

    If even Qube, the staunchest and most loyal of Royalists, couldnt help butpare them, then surely those less Royally elevated than herself wouldnt be able to stop themselves from pointing out how the Royal children were but candles to their parents suns.

    But the Chosen One, her unacknowledged barometer for less Royally elevated, didnt say anything of the sort. Instead he gave a jerky approximation of Sencha Bards bow, and hovered his hand over the giant metal cell key the guards had, for some reason, left on the table. It disappeared.

    Is there any item you could give us that would aid us on our final journey? he asked, for all the world like he was in the habit of formally talking to leaders in a sensible manner.

    There is one item that was hidden during our deposition, the king rumbled. A staff, capable of pushing any Mage to their limit. You can find it in the gstones beneath the area just outside the throne room. It is marked with a sun.

    There is one item that was hidden during those terrible events, the queen said. While regal and beautiful, she apparently wasnt very good at listening to her husband, whod already said there was one item, making this the second item. A shield, capable of protecting any Fighter from the fiercest of blows. You can find it in the gstones beneath the area just outside the throne room. It is marked with a moon.

    Youll need my personal ne to unlock the sun gstone, the Exiled Prince said, reaching beneath his shirt and pulling out a coiled-up ne. He must have been hiding it in an inner pocket. It was a big yellow disc, hanging from a leather cord.

    Youll need my personal ne to unlock the moon gstone, the Exiled Princess said, reaching beneath the top of her dress and also pulling out a coiled-up ne. It was a delicate silver crescent, hanging from a white chain.

    Thank you, the Hero said, epting these tokens as he unlocked their cages. As soon as all four cages had been opened, he hesitated.

    The cell rooms had beds in them. Nice beds. And a small bookshelf in each. They even had tiny tables, with meals on them, and a candlestick holder next to every te. Even the bedsheets were different colours.

    The Royals were grateful. The loot was visible. The Chosen One was <em>right there</em>.

    Then, if its okay, Ill go do the thing now, he said, giving another awkward bow.

    His behaviour was correct. It was what someone meeting the king and queen for the first time should (mostly) be saying and doing. It was certainly the closest Qube had ever seen the Chosen One get to acting with social grace.

    Chosen One, she said, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He spun around and looked at her, a hint of panic in his eyes.

    Was that okay? he asked her quietly. I didnt do anything offensive, did I?

    No, she whispered back, struggling with her emotions. No, you were <em>perfect</em>.

    She hadnt acknowledged to herself until this very moment how worried shed been that the Chosen One would upset the king and queen, and make the whole party look bad to the two most important and wisest people in the whole world. But hed done it. Hed actually done it. Hed managed to scrape through a social situation without any weirdness or rudeness or causing anyone to gain the First Exposure to the Chosen One face.

    He rxed.

    Too soon, as it turned out.

    Your majesties, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, curtseying to the king and queen. I am the child of Ruler Wefton, leader of the Forbidden Folk people.

    It is an honour to finally meet our true rulers, said Sencha Bard, giving a flourishing bow that put the Chosen Ones attempt to shame.

    I am the Mage Advisor of the realm, Definitely Bad Guy introduced himself.

    Of course! Qube flushed as she realised that the others must be just as pleased to finally meet the king and queen. And, unlike her, they could actually talk to these august beings.

    Thank you, Hero. We look forward to your victory.

    Only problem with that was that the august beings were ignoring the party.

    While I understand time is of the essence, there are a few matters Id like to rify before we get swept up in the next stage, Sencha Bard said to the king and queen, only for them to not even acknowledge him.

    As a representative of the Forbidden Forest, we will be looking to bolster our rtionship, and move towards a more equitable representation of the popce in future rulership.

    Yes, thank you, Hero, the queen echoed the kings earlier sentiment, not even looking at the Bard and Hunter addressing her.

    Qube wasnt sure how much training it would take to be able to gracefully ignore a giant spider covered in screaming childrens faces addressing you, but the king and queen had clearly received ample.

    However just because they were <em>gracefully</em> ignoring her friends didnt mean it was

    Qube felt her mind stutter.

    Yup, great, the Chosen One also seemed rattled by the Royals non engagement with the other party members. Uh, so, anyway, I guess I should introduce you to my other party members?

    Whatever you think best to resolve the issue, the king said calmly. We await your triumph over the man who has imprisoned us for all these years.

    Yes I think it best for you to say hi to my friends, the Chosen One said uneasily. Since thats what they want and theyre also saving the world.

    Acting diplomatically was clearly taking a toll on him. He was looking increasingly ufortable.

    For the first time the Royal family members looked at the other people in the room.

    Ah. Thank you, the queen said vaguely. She went back to looking at the Chosen One.

    Indeed, the king said regally. He nced over the party, before refocusing on the Chosen One.

    While we are, of course, dedicated to our quest, we had some questions regarding your opinion of the Devs. Sencha Bard wasying on the charm as thickly as Qube had ever seen but the Royals remained unmoved.

    The who? the king asked, his expression still regally detached.

    The Devs, the people who made our realm, Sencha Bard said, a trace of impatience in his voice.

    Yes, yes, very good, the king said. If thats what you think right, then do so.

    I was more interested in how you were nning to act once you retook the throne, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, frowning slightly. Far be it from me to imply you would be more amenable to concessions now,<em> before</em> we restore you to power, than afterwards, but I thought it best to get some initial promises about the rights of the people in your kingdom, and how we can avoid such a <em>thick</em> concentration on power in the future.

    We look forward to returning to our rightful ce on the throne, the queen said. Although we will be looking to retire shortly, to make way for the Exiled Princess.

    You do not n to keep the throne? Definitely Bad Guy asked, steepling his fingers.

    We will be looking to retire shortly, to make way for the Exiled Prince, the king replied.

    Why were the king and queen referring to their own children as the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess? Were those their actual names? They couldnt be, unless their parents had been either very pessimistic about the future or theyd had their own Prophecy they were working off of.

    More to the point, what was that they were saying about retiring? Royals didnt <em>retire</em>! They lived as king or queen until they died and then their children became either king or queen. Even if the king or queen was really, really old, the power of their Royal blood meant that their mental facilities were always sharp, and they only became wiser the longer they reigned. Why would they voluntarily give up the chance to rue more wisdom for the good of their kingdom and let their children co-rule?

    Had their time in the dungeon shattered their confidence in their regality? Was that why they were acting so strange? They were supposed to be the pinnacle of society, the bedrock of their people! Laws sprang forth from their morality, and their very leadership determined if thends prospered or not.

    Qube looked to the Chosen One, instinctively searching for another perspective.

    That sounds great! the Chosen One said, smiling at her. Lots of Royals on the throne. Yup. They seem very good for the job.

    What was going on?!

 Book Three Chapter Seventy Nine: Interface Difficulties

    Book Three Chapter Seventy Nine: Interface Difficulties

    Well, lots of great questions for the crown-folk, the Chosen One said, eyeing the group nervously. But, uh, we <em>did</em> have a quest, and time is ticking on, so did we maybe want to save the chit-chat forter?

    Why do they want to retire? Qube asked, still shocked at the announcement.

    Sencha Bard, rather than the Chosen One, carried her question to the king and queen. I must ask, what do you hope to achieve by retiring? he asked.

    The king and queen ignored him. Theyd returned to staring at the Chosen One.

    Qube was breathing very rapidly now.

    Chosen One, she said in a faint voice. Chosen One, theyre <em>ignoring</em> their <em>subjects</em>.

    No theyre not! the Chosen One said hurriedly, rubbing his forehead. Theyre just shy! You, king, youre just shy, arent you? Answer Sencha Bards question.

    They cant be <em>shy</em>, theyre <em>Royalty</em>! Qube said, hysteria edging into her voice.

    Uh, its their humanising trait! the Chosen One countered desperately. He looked exhausted. Makes them more rtable for themon folk!

    Thats not how that works! she replied, now tap-dancing on the precipice of full blown panic.

    The world had gone mad. The Chosen One was vigorously defending someone in power, and the king and queen shed waited so long for were acting acting

    No! She couldnt even think the word.

    If [The Bards Bad] had managed to reach them in this reality, she would have med that. She would have assumed they were struggling to adjust to having their minds forcibly opened to the world. And some small, eternally loyal part of her was willing to argue that somehow, simr to how she could remember things that she shouldnt be able to, their sheer majestic power meant that some part of them was affected by the spell.

    But the rest of her knew. She <em>knew</em>.

    The Royals were being <em>rude</em>.

    What are your ns to avoid this happening again? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked the Royal family pointedly.

    They ignored her.

    I presume I will be able to keep my position as Mage Advisor, given my service to the kingdom, Definitely Bad Guy addressed the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess. The two younger Royals nced at him, before returning their attention to the Chosen One.

    Who <em>still</em> hadnt stolen anything.

    Anyway, theyve been in the dungeon for ages so their social skills are probably rusty and they need some time to get used to talking to people again! the Chosen One said, moving to usher everyone out of the room. So we should probably let them all recover and give them some time toe around.

    What are you <em>doing</em>?

    The question, though it burned in Qubes heart, was not spoken by her. Instead, it was verbalised by a disgusted-looking Sencha Bard. The Bard red at the Hero.

    Though weve had our disagreements in the past, Id never thought you capable of this servile snivelling before ones more powerful than yourself, the Bard continued. Id thought you a man of honour, with the integrity to stand up against those who would mistreat themon folk.

    The Chosen One red back at Sencha Bard, the serious expression ill-suited to his normally happy-go-lucky face.

    Im <em>trying</em>, he said through gritted teeth, to <em>do the right thing</em>.

    How is this the right thing? Sencha Bard asked, gesturing at the cells, and the upset party members.

    <em>Because</em>, the Chosen One ground out, the Royal family is <em>very important</em> to some people, so I dont want to <em>ruin it</em>. Even if theyre [<strong><em>fiddling</em></strong>] stupid monarchs that couldnt rule their way out of a paper bag.

    Chosen One Qube said, her hand covering her mouth as the implications of what he was saying sank in. Hed been behaving himself so well for her? Because he knew how much she respected Royalty? Hed gone against his very instincts of being a socially-abrasive looter, just so she wouldnt be distressed by his characteristic rudeness.

    And then hed tried to conceal the true nature of the Royal family from them all, just because he knew it would upset her. Hed even offered feeble excuses in their defence! Had anyone ever had a friend who went above and beyond so much?

    It must have been so hard for you, she said passionately, uncovering her mouth and pressing a hand against her heart. And I appreciate it, I really do.

    She looked at the four members of the Royal family who, for so long, had been her beacon of leadership and grace. They were all staring at the Chosen One. She looked back at the Hero, and gave a gentle smile.

    But its all right. Really. Whether its because of the years in prison, or an aftereffect of [The Bards Bad] in another timeline, or some other reason, I now know the truth. And Im grateful, truly grateful, that you tried to shield me from the harsh reality. But you dont need to do that anymore. Im strong enough now to face facts that would have shattered me at the start of our journey.

    She took a deep breath as she allowed the painful knowledge to fully permeate her mind.

    Thats right. She could ept this. She could hold this dark, terrible truth, and not break.

    <em>The Royal family were not one hundred percent totally and utterly perfect.</em>

    She let out her breath, and felt peace settle over her.

    Thank you, she said. I have epted this.

    Oh thank [<strong><em>the words</em></strong>], the Chosen One said, slumping slightly from relief. Qube reached out and took his hands. They were shaking. She gave a small chuckle. Not a tee-hee, just a littleugh at how worked up hed been about concealing this from her.

    In all our adventures together, havent we had this, time and time again? Its better to face a hard truth, than try to live an easy lie. You know this.

    The Chosen One looked at her. He was swaying slightly, in a way that concerned her.

    Better a hard truth, yeah, he said. He swayed a bit more.

    Thats what we promised, she replied.

    He stared at her.

    Youre supposed to be dead, he blurted out.

    Qube blinked at him. The entire party blinked at him.

    Also this whole world is a simtion for the military, he added.

    Qube blinked some more.

    What? she managed eventually.

    The Chosen One let go of her hands, and started pacing back and forth in front of the silent party in a not-very-straight line. So, Sencha Bard was kinda right with the whole this is a narrative stuff. And what I said before about mana pools was kinda correct. Basically, this whole world was made to show off tech  thats pretty much the same as spells in our world.

    Yes, and they draw from the mana pool to keep the spell running, weve discussed this, Definitely Bad Guy said cautiously. All of the party looked unsettled at this abrupt turn of events, and how erratic the Chosen Ones pacing was.

    Right! Well, the mana pool was made by the military, and some people they hired. And then they hired my friends to make this world, so they could test a bunch of tech AKA spells and see how they integrated. Or something.

    Darling, did you hit your head? This isnt much of a revtion, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, all her faces scrunched in concern. The fact its for the military rather than Royalty is the only truly new thing youve said.

    Which <em>means</em> this whole world exists in a bunch of boxes full of tech-AKA-magic and youre all just made from coding which I guess is spells, the Chosen One continued. So all of this is inside some boxes the size of, I dunno, a few rooms or something? A house?

    Oh. That is a bit of a revtion, the Hunter admitted. The Hero paced faster, now practically weaving figure-eights.

    Right, and because they made this world to show people, theres a kind of story to it, so Sencha Bard was kinda right, but a lot of stuff is happening outside of the story and not all of it nned. For example, you guys have minds of your own, rather than being like the constructs and following the basic stories each of you were given. Youve gone and made your own stories.

    Qube was still blinking.

    Im supposed to be dead? she squeaked out.

    The Chosen One swung around and looked at her somewhat sheepishly.

    Yeah, that was supposed to be part of the main story, he admitted. When all the other vigers died. I figured it out from the prophecy. But that seemed [<strong><em>snacks</em></strong>], plus you were a really overpowered Healer so I exploited a loophole in the, uh, tech-spell, and trapped you outside the story during the part you were supposed to die.

    Ah. That must have been when hed stuck her in the sky.

    Was the sky not part of the main story?

    Anyway, since everyone has the main story in their heads, cuz that was how they were made, no one could see you because you werent a part of the story. But somehow youre able to break through the  I guess restrictions?  and force people to see outside their own Dev-given stories, and give them freedom. Probably because you werent ever supposed to be here, so the tech-spell had to adapt in weird ways when you used your spells on them.

    The Chosen One drew himself upright.

    <em>Thats</em> what a glitch is. Its when the tech/spell cant cope, and things break in weird ways. Thats how I break things. Thats why almost everyone can think for themselves now that the Bard spells hit them. And thats why the Royals seem like stuck-up [<strong><em>apples</em></strong>]. Their scripts are super tight, so they stay in character, cuz it would ruin the main story if they started acting weird, which means they cant react well to anything not in the stories they were given. That and Im pretty sure theyre not entirely finished. Kinda half-baked, yknow?

    If Qube had been asked how she wanted the news broken to her that she was A) dead and B) in some kind of weird story made for people who werent even Royalty, this wouldnt have been one of her top ways to choose to have it rted to her. It wouldnt have even made the top ten.

    If, however, someone had told her that the <em>Chosen One</em> was going to be the person to break the news to her, this probably would have been pretty much exactly how shed have predicted it would go. Rambling, near-incoherent, and with a lot of assumptions made about how much she understood.

    And the Devs told me I couldnt tell you because of whatever but I dont care anymore, man, you deserve to know, so, there, Ive told you. Also they wont tell me anything about the final battle because they said Id ruin it and that makes me want to vomit but Im in too deep to do anything but y along until I can pull off what I need to.

    I thank you. Qube was absolutely stunned. She didnt know what else to say, so she fell back on good manners to get her through this wholly new situation.

    The Hero made a small <em>pfft-pfft</em> noise, and wiped the back of his hand across his nose and mouth. Aw, man, he said. I think my nose is bleeding.

    And with that, he crumpled to the floor.

    ---

    Was it possible to have emotional whish? If it was, that was what Qube was experiencing right now. Shed just had a massive amount of information thrown at her by the Chosen One, whod then promptly removed the option for her to ask him follow-up questions by dramatically passing out.

    [Heal]! she cast, and watched as her magic settled into him. There was no sign of a nosebleed, but she assumed that meant his physical form in the Devs realm was suffering. [Heal], she then cast on herself, just in case it could help with the emotional whish.

    It didnt.

    It didnt make sense that his nose would be bleeding. Hed just had a big break from their world to recover from any physical effects. Shouldnt he bepletely healed by now? What were the Devs realm Healers <em>doing</em>?

    She may have been fixated on the wrong thing but she was, in the end, a Healer first.

    Right, she said, gathering her wits. There were more pressing issues to deal with than figuring out how she felt about what the Hero had just unloaded. We need to take him to a Save Point. Theres one in the guardians room.

    They would get the Chosen One to safety, and then then she would hopefully have a moment to think. She reached over to help Sexy Screamy Spider Briar load up the Chosen One, only to be stopped by a hand on her wrist.

    I think, Sencha Bard said, his hand still stopping her, theres something we should do first.

 Book Three Chapter Eighty: User ERROR

    Book Three Chapter Eighty: User ERROR

    It took all of Qubes considerable self control not to snap at Sencha Bard. Normally shed love for a party member to make a suggestion about what they should do  the more opinions, the better! But right now, she wasnt exactly at her best. So it took a couple of deep breaths before she could speak calmly.

    What are you proposing we do, Sencha Bard? she asked. She was pleased at how steady her voice was.

    Id like to use [The Bards Bad] on the Royal family, he said, his eyes searching hers. Something about his expression made her swallow.

    You dont look shocked, she pointed out. About what he said.

    The Bard was quiet for a minute, his hand still on her wrist. She felt, rather than saw, the tremor that ran through him.

    I suspected, he said atst. Not that the Chosen One had deliberately saved you through breaking the world, but the Golden Prophecy makes reference to his heart being broken before he leaves, with the implication being that its his childhoodpanion that causes this heartbreak. Id never seen the Golden Prophecy fully written out before, but it struck me immediately upon reading it how deliberately ambiguous it was.

    He finally removed his hand from where it was resting. That, and several other things that had struck me as unusual at the time seemed to add credence to my theory.

    I would have thought it worth mentioning this theory to one of us, Definitely Bad Guy said. Only those who knew him extremely well would have noticed the thread of hurt in his sentence.

    Sencha Bard shook his head. It was so absurd, how would it have sounded if I was wrong? But things like the Shadow Temple version of the Chosen One referring to failing a she, his abnormally serious reaction to it, her ability to reach beyond the veil into another realm, as well as several smaller incidents, convinced me that it was, at the very least, a possibility. Your inability to break through her invisibility curse, or even properly detect it, was another factor that lent credence to my thinking.

    The Mage seemed slightly mollified by this concession.

    My invisibility curse Qube echoed hollowly.

    She looked down at the nearly unconscious Chosen One.

    She wanted to grab him by his shoulders and shake him until he woke up. She had so many questions! Questions that needed answers! Was she even cursed with invisibility? Or was she a ghost? Was that why she kept making babies out of things? Were those things ghost babies? Had she been making ghost babies this entire time?!

    But heaps of ghosts had been visible! Why was she an <em>invisible</em> ghost? His exnation about her being outside the stories in peoples heads didnt even make any sense! She was right there in the most important story there was: the Golden Prophecy!

    What was Sencha Bard even talking about, with his implication in the Golden Prophecy that she died? What utter nonsense! Someone, in all the years of studying it, would have noticed if there was even a <em>hint </em>of such a terrible fate awaiting her! If not Alderman, then surely one of the other potential Companions or Chosen Ones!

    Unless like constructs, theyd been bound to their own paths, unable to see beyond their own expectations.

    She closed her eyes, visualising the sacred text as it had appeared to her on that fateful day in the vige.

    <em>From humble vige a Fighter awakes. </em>

    <em>Then Evil destroys and his heart breaks.</em>

    <em>His childhoodpanion, his guiding light,</em>

    <em>He sets off to make the world right.</em>

    <em>He shall find the forests heart.</em>

    <em>And steal the fires guarded start.</em>

    <em>He shall make the water cry</em>

    <em>Then fall into unbroken sky </em>

    <em>And fight the darkness deep inside</em>

    <em>And turn away from brightness pride.</em>

    <em>Then find in times endless halls</em>

    <em>The echoes of his lost ones calls.</em>

    <em>To y what once was so adored</em>

    <em>So what was lost can be restored.</em>

    See, it said right there that she was supposed to be his guiding light! How could she guide anyone if she was dead?

    Her <em>entire life</em> had been dedicated to bing the Chosen Ones guiding light, and Sencha Bard wanted to act like she was always meant to die before theyd even left the vige?

    What would be the point of that? If, following this absurd logic, she was meant to be killed by the Evil Emperor, then that would mean that the Chosen One would have only been possessed for half a day or so before the Evil Emperor ughtered everyone connected to the vige (except, maybe, for Mr. Igma). The Hero wouldnt even realise the weight of what had been lost! It would have been a massive waste of life  for what? Especially with the information that this was meant to be a simtion for the military! What was the point of adding that to a presumably carefully created narrative?

    A sudden memory came back to her from the vige. She was stuck in the sky, and the Chosen One, face covered in muddy footprints, was looking thoughtful.

    <em>I dont like this kind of story, hed said, before running off and facing the Evil Emperor.</em>

    The Evil Emperor whod done a very strange performance at one point, that made her pass out from pain.

    She squeezed her already shut eyes even harder as the words shimmered before her minds eye.

    <em>Then Evil destroys and his heart breaks.</em>

    <em>His childhoodpanion, his guiding light,</em>

    <em>He sets off to make the world right.</em>

    Her stomach churned.

    Her entire existence had been dedicated to following the Golden Prophecy. To being a good childhoodpanion, and guiding light.

    If she had been meant to die as soon as their adventure started

    Then why had she been his guiding light? Why had she fought so hard?

    What had been the point of her existence?

    I believe getting the Chosen One to a Save Point is a priority, she heard herself saying. Subjecting the Royal family to mind alteration is not time critical. His health is.

    How detached and professional she sounded! It was almost like she found out her defining role in life was pointless every week! After all, what good was a dead childhoodpanion?

    Sencha Bard moved, as if to take her wrist again, but stopped when he saw her face. Qube didnt know what her expression was, but whatever he saw there was enough to make him back down.

    As you wish, he said softly. If shed cared to hear it, she would have found regret in his tone.

    She didnt ask why he wanted to use [The Bards Bad] on the Royals.

    She couldnt bring herself to care right now.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, whod been remarkably quiet during the whole thing, picked up the Chosen One and carried him out of the dungeon. Squiggles had mbered onto Sencha Bards shoulder, and was giving Qube worried nces. While the mascot may not have understood what was happening, she could clearly sense that something was wrong.

    Qube trailed behind, Definitely Bad Guy by her side.

    It was odd. Objectively speaking, the fact that their entire world was a simtion for the military should have been a bigger deal. In fact, she could hear Sexy Screamy Spider Briar and Sencha Bard quietly discussing it up ahead. The fact that Qube had narrowly avoided death wasnt even news: shed done that heaps of times! Why, shed taken her life into her hands with every Temple theyd faced!

    But for some reason the revtion that the sacred text shed worshipped her entire life had dictated her death overshadowed the reveal that what theyd taken to be a spell was actually called a tech in the Devs realm. The fact that they lived in small boxes was, admittedly, a little odd, butpared to the whole you were selected to break the Chosen Ones heart by your brutal demise at the hands of the very same tyrant whose castle youre currently walking through, she really couldnt find herself to care about the whole world situation.

    Knowing herself, shed probably care a <em>lot</em> about itter on. But for now, she shuffled along like a mummy from the pyramids towards the room that had held the guardians.

    I apologise that I did not realise you were free from any curses, Definitely Bad Guy said from her side, startling her slightly. I thought, when I could not sense what was causing curse-like effects, it could only be the work of the Evil Emperor.

    Well, the Chosen One <em>did</em> tell you that the Evil Emperor had cursed me, Qube pointed out, automatically absolving him.

    A new thought struck her. The Evil Emperor hadnt ever actually cursed her. All this time shed been mad at him about how inconvenient her life was thanks to his curse, when in truth hed beenpletely innocent.

    For a moment she was horrified at the idea that shed been maligning an innocent man, until she remembered that hed been trying to <em>murder her</em>.

    She decided that this fact absolved her of any guilt about being incorrectly mad at him for cursing her.

    Thoughts of the Evil Emperor caused memories that had been jumbled and confusing toe rushing back. <em>The strange pantomime the Evil Emperor had done in the vige, where hed grabbed at thin air and sliced </em>

    Qube staggered, her mind shying away from the memory fragment.

    Are you hurt? Definitely Bad Guy asked, putting his hand under her elbow to steady her.

    No, but thank you, she said, reflexively smiling at the Mage. He quickly became inarticte as she continued to look at him.

    The Evil Emperor had meant to kill him, too. When hed used that curse in Cobbletowns za

    another memory fragment appeared. <em>The lock of her hair in the za. </em>Words echoed from the scene in the vige.

    <em>Ill keep the head. Cant have you resurrecting your little crutch.</em>

    Ah. Hed decapitated her.

    No wonder hed reacted so oddly when shed shown up alive in Cobbletown. Even with the [Revive] spell, you couldnt bring someone back without their head.

    He must have been utterly confused when he saw her from his castle rampants. ording to the script in his head, she was well and truly dead, only to have her impossibly show up, having (from his perspective) shoved his Mage Advisor through a window in the Wizards Tower and then engaged in a staring contest with him. It would be enough to throw anyone off bnce, never mind a man already known for being a maniacal tyrant.

    That had probably been why hed brought the lock of hair with him when hed kidnapped the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess. Some part of him must have been trying to make sense of how Qube was there. Otherwise, if shed really died in the vige, why would the Chosen One, an interloper in their realm doing a simtion for the military, care about a random lock of hair? It would be pointlessly macabre, and its not like it wouldve motivated the Hero.

    She really, <em>really</em> hoped the Evil Emperor didnt have her head in a jar next to his throne. The thought that he might have been carrying around a lock of her hair, waiting for the Hero to return from Lake Fear and hand in the Water Temple gems so he could kidnap the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess, was already creepy enough.

    She would have thought that there wouldnt be an actual head next to the throne, but hed gotten the lock of her hair from <em>somewhere</em>. The Chosen One had said the man had stolen it from her while she was unconscious. Now she knew the truth, shed demand a proper answer.

    She didnt want to identally run into her own head without warning.

    The pull toward the throne room strengthened.

    <em>To y what once was so adored</em>

    <em>So what was lost can be restored.</em>

    There was an odd kind of pressure building in her head. Between one breath and the next, she identified it: It was her inner self, trying to break through the thick fog her emotions were safely hidden under.

    But Qube was quitefortable with her currentck of emotions. She was thinking very logically, and had asked herself some solid questions, and was now going to wait for the Chosen One to wake up so she could get more information. There wasnt any point to feeling anything at this junction. She didnt even bother trying to act cheerful, or force herself to think of the positives, or anything.

    She was merely calmly following her friends into the guardian room, and towards the Save Point. She was doing what shed been taught to do.

    She didnt need to feel anything at all.

    She was just fulfilling her destiny.

 Book Three Chapter Eighty One: Check Overnight Batch

    Book Three Chapter Eighty One: Check Overnight Batch

    The very destiny-focused Qube followed Sex Screamy Spider Briar into the now-empty guardian room and watched as her charge was unceremoniously dumped onto the ground. Shed seen the arachnid lower the Chosen One down much more gently before, so she could only assume this was the Hunter venting her feelings about the revtions the Hero had uttered before passing out.

    Not that Qube med her, for all that her Healer side winced at the potential damage getting roughly deposited from a giant spider would cause to the already suffering Fighter. At most it would only be a few scrapes  after all, she hadnt dropped him from a great height, just not been particrly gentle putting him down.

    We need to get him to interact with the Save Point, she said. She waited to see if any of herpanions would jump in with suggestions. After all, thest time one of them had been touching the Chosen One when hed interacted with a Save Point it had nearly ended poorly.

    Perhaps I could use a wall of me to push him into the Save Point, Definitely Bad Guy suggested.

    I could try <em>tossing</em> him, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar practically purred.

    He <em>is</em> a staunch believer in throwing people off and into things, Sencha Bard pointed out. It seems the most fitting option.

    Qube wanted to protest. Throwing a man in full te armour bodily through a glowing ball of light in the hopes of it somehow reviving him from his dead faint seemed dangerous. What if he needed to be conscious for the Save Point to work? Hed only ever put his hand through the connection to the Devs realm  wouldpletely immersing him in it, even for a moment, cause his mind to be invaded, like Qubes had once been?

    On the other hand, desperate times called for desperate measures.

    Lets save that for if we cant get just his hand through, Qube said, her eyes narrowing as she regarded the passed out body of her best friend. First, though, I think we should try something a little different

    She took a deep breath.

    Were going to have to raid his backpack.

    Which is how the party tasked with saving the entire world ended up building a truly magnificent piece of machinery.

    It turned out the kleptomaniac Hero had stolen not just one or two brooms, but rather was walking around with half a dozen of them. They used several coils of rope hed had stashed in his bag to tie his hands to two of those brooms, using the remaining four to prop him up and stop him from falling over. Squiggles stood on Sexy Screamy Spider Briars back, and used four of her tentacles to hold the Chosen Ones arm-brooms as high as she could.

    It wasnt elegant, or dignified, but the sight of the Chosen One, still passed out, dangling in the air, filled Qube with pride.

    Position one! she called. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar carefully shuffled forward. Squiggles gently swayed to counter-bnce her momentum, stopping the Chosen One from swinging too hard. They came to a stop directly next to the Save Point.

    The glowing ball of blue light innocuously floated above the floor. Even knowing how deadly the Save Point was, Qube couldnt help but admire its beauty.

    Pillows in ce? she asked.

    Pillows ced! Sencha Bard called back. Before the brooms had been secured to the Hero, he and Definitely Bad Guy had used said brooms to carefully push a pile of pillows into position.

    She wasnt sure where all the pillows in the Chosen Ones backpack hade from. Some of them she recognised from the inn, others from that very rxed fellow in the Wizards Academy. One of them bore a suspicious resemnce to one of theva slimes cushions. Regardless of their origin, they were now all carefully piled up next to the Save Point, ready to receive their precious package.

    Extend the arm! she ordered. Squiggles pushed out the tentacle wrapped around the Chosen Ones right broom hand. Fully extending her tentacle, his hand limply dangled over the top of the Save Point.

    When I say three, drop him! Qube dered. She felt a thrill run through her at the idea of a countdown, something shed so often heard the Chosen One do.

    One two three! Release the Hero! Qube cried out.

    Squiggles released him.

    The timing was perfect. His hand, elevated above the rest of him, passed through the Save Point. The bulk of his body, suspended by the broomsticks, was also released, severing any connection between party members and Saviour. The bracing broomsticks stopped him from falling onto the hard floor, and instead directed his fall enough that hended, face first, into the pile of soft pillows.

    His hand, having made its solo journey through the ball of light, came through the bottom and pped onto the floor, leaving the Hero free from any contact with the dangerous Dev portal.

    We did it! Qube nearly crowed, only just stopping herself from dancing in glee. We did it! We did it! Theyd solved the puzzle of the Hero and the Save Point all by themselves!

    She ran over to the Chosen One, taking care to avoid touching him. If he suddenly surged upwards, he might identally hit the Save Point.

    Chosen One, are you awake? she asked.

    A grumbling noise came from the pillows.

    Hes awake! Qube shot to her feet, and hugged the closest person. She was so overjoyed that she didnt even mind when Sexy Screamy Spider Briars body enveloped her arms.

    She did, however, make sure to keep her head clear. She didnt want to peek at the Hunters inner pockets without permission, after all.

    Or even with permission. It was unsettling to see inside her friend.

    I was having a lovely dream, came a sleepy voice from the ground. I got to eat all the marshmallows I wanted.

    The Chosen One started to move, only to find himself constrained by his brooms.

    Hey! he protested as he started iling about. Why am I tied up? What? Whats going on?

    Oh, please stay still! Qube said, kneeling beside him again. If you stay very still, we can safely pull you free.

    Sure thered better be a good reason for this though, the Chosen One said as Qube grabbed one of his brooms and dragged him clear of the Save Point. As he slid out of his pillow fort, he looked up at the giant arachnid looming over him.

    I want you to know that I me you for this, he informed his former lover, gesturing with his tied up hands.

    Why darling, I didnt realise that was something you were into, the Hunter cooed, peeking at him flirtatiously through her eyshes.

    It was a group effort! Qube protested. We needed to get you to interact with the Save Point but I didnt want to throw you through it so we came up with the idea of tying you to brooms and Sexy Screamy Spider Briar and Squiggles dropped your hand through it! And Sencha Bard and Definitely Bad Guy had the idea about the pillows! Qube said, swelling with pride at the whole partys ingenuity.

    That was really smart, the Chosen One admitted, as he was untied from his brooms by a still flirtatious Hunter.

    Did the Save Point wake you? Definitely Bad Guy asked, his face alight with inquisitiveness. We were uncertain if exposing more of your body than just your hand would prove fatal.

    Oh, I didnt actually save, the Chosen One confessed. But the system kinda forces you out of your body for a bit when you save, which was enough to wake me up. I guess I was just really tired.

    You said you had a nosebleed in the Devs realm, Qube said, worried. Shed never seen a nosebleed before, but that didnt feel like something that happened only because of exhaustion.

    Did I? The Chosen One looked at her, his eyes still bleary. Huh. He squeezed his eyes shut. Yeah, gimme a second, he said. Finally free from all brooms, hemanaged to drag himself upright. Swaying slightly on his feet, he staggered the one step over to the Save Point and waved his hand through it. Instantly his back straightened, and he rolled his neck.

    How much time has passed in the Devs realm? Sencha Bard asked. Were you constrained for another week? His mouth pulled downwards. How much time have we lost?

    The Chosen One waved away the other mans worry, covering a yawn. Nah, I just cleaned up and came right back. Fortunately, everyones asleep so we dont have to worry about them keeping me out. He nced away from the group as he continued: I get nosebleeds sometimes when Im super tired; its nothing to worry about.

    He was lying. Badly. Qubes desire to pepper him with questions warred with her Healer instinct. She burned to demand answers, but

    If what was happening to you was happening to me, what would you advise me to do? she asked him gently. The Hero still didnt look at her.

    Well, its just, theres the deadline, so if I take a break and sleep they might wake up and have another fit he started, his head turned away from the group.

    If I was in the exact same situation, deadlines and all, what would you want me to do?

    He stopped talking. After a little bit, he looked at her. She regarded him steadily, her eyes bright and clear. He couldnt quite meet her gaze, and his eyes were still the smallest bit unfocused. She saw the exact moment his bravado crumbled, and he was forced to look away again.

    Theres probably a Save Point outside the throne room. Lets get to there, and then Ill have a proper break, okay? he offered. His expression was surprisingly grim.

    She held his gaze a second longer, then nodded.

    If thats what youd ask of me, then Ill ask it of you, she said, brushing nonexistent dust from her robes. She didnt want to ept what hed said, but the connection between them right now was too fragile for her to outright call him a liar. Hed saved her from certain death, but been lying to her nearly the entire time shed known him.

    It was aplicated feeling.

    Youre really getting tough, yknow? he said with gentle affection as the rest of the party packed away all the pillows and brooms. At the start, you never would have stood up to me like that.

    Well, someone has to stop you from killing yourself, she pointed out.

    Its a sign that youre growing into a strong, independent woman, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, hooking one of her arms around Qube and giving her a squeeze. More than you ever could have been, back in that vige.

    Qube came crashing back to earth at the reminder of how much shed changed since she died. Oh, she said quietly. Yes. That.

    You said some rather shocking things before you fainted, my once-love, the Hunter continued, not so subtly prodding at Qube. Perhaps youd care to exin, rather than forcing the poor girl to pull the answers out of you?

    By all means, let us walk and talk, Sencha Bard said, suiting the words to action by walking towards the guardian rooms exit. The others followed suit.

    Did you not wish to discuss reforms with the guardians one on one before we confront the Evil Emperor? Definitely Bad Guy asked Sexy Screamy Spider Briar as they walked away from the doors leading to the guardians. As you mentioned, the bnce of power would be in our favour before we restore the throne, and make the guardians more receptive to submission. She hesitated, before ruefully shaking her head.

    As much as I would <em>love</em> to get them to <em>submit</em> to me, unfortunately, Im not the kind of girl who can ignore the <em>needs</em> of my friends. The Hunter gave a heavy sigh. Well just have to be extra persuasive afterwards. Really turn up the charm, until weve tied them into knots.

    The former Mage Advisor (while hed technically never been fired, his boss trying to kill him probably counted as invalidating his job offer) steepled his fingers as he thought.

    Ingenious. While I have never personally attempted to tie someone into a knot, I can imagine it would make them substantially more amenable to any suggestions. The only issue would be making sure they remainedmitted to their promises once restored to working form.

    Even her screaming childrens faces closed their eyes as Sexy Screamy Spider Briar gave another, even heavier sigh.

    Youre lucky youre pretty, she informed the Mage. Its the only reason you get away with some of the truly <em>horrifying</em> things you say.

    As Definitely Bad Guy frowned in puzzlement, the Hunter reached out with one long arm, and hooked a w around the Chosen One.

    As for you, my sweet little snack, she said, dragging the Hero so that he was forced to walk alongside Qube and her. You rather have some exining to do, dont you think?

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Two: Player Motivation

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Two: yer Motivation

    Am I a ghost? Qube burst out. Other ghosts are visible, but are there invisible ghosts? Are they around us <em>all the time</em>?

    I  no, youre not a ghost, the Chosen One seemed surprised that this was the issue she was most concerned about. But really, he couldnt just tell Qube that she was supposed to be dead and not expect her to fixate on the practicalities of it.

    Right, but the Evil Emperor never actually cursed me, she said, seeking rification.

    No, he admitted.

    So what <em>did</em> he do to me? How did he get a lock of my hair? Why do I remember him saying hed take my head, but not actually taking my head. If Im not a ghost, does he have a ghost version of my head? Why wasnt my hair a ghost hair then?

    The Chosen One swallowed. Oh boy, he said faintly, thats a lot of questions at once.

    Qube ruthlessly suppressed the urge to apologise for having too many questions.

    So you know how when you take certain Temple items, they duplicate? the Chosen One said carefully.

    When I make twins, yes, Qube replied.

    Right, well, thats because those items are strongly tied to the main story of the simtion. I did tell you about the fact that this worlds a simtion, right? He gave them all a bleary-eyed stare.

    Yes, but you said that tech was just another word for magic, and we already knew that it was a spell, Qube waved away that revolution. A simtion is just like a sustained spell, right?

    Shed already had her existential horror over discovering that her entire world was tied to a mana pool. This was old news.

    Sure, freaking out over the not-dead stuff but cool with the matrix stuff, the Chosen One muttered.

    So my baby making is tied to the fact its a spellSorry, simtion? Qube prompted.

    Yeah, so, the main story, which involves the Golden Prophecy, has stuff tied into it, like the gems and items and stuff, the Chosen One said, slowly shuffling through the main hallway of the castle. And the story involves you being dead, but the Devs expected me to have the others with me.

    He looked at the group. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar was still digging her w into his shoulder, stopping him from getting too far ahead, but wasnt looking at him. It was almost as if she was trying to give them some space to discuss Qubes aliveness, without letting the Hero get away from the conversation. Sencha Bard was rearranging some of the gs tangled around Squiggless crowns, a task which seemed to absorb all his attention. Only Definitely Bad Guy, with his mishmash of bright red and icy blue hair, eyes and tattoos, looked back at the Chosen One.

    Well, not <em>exactly</em> looking like this, but the characters, the Hero amended. What it didnt ount for, however, was you.

    He looked at her on thatst line, and she felt a thrill of power at the idea that a story strong enough to rule a world still hadnt been enough to anticipate <em>her</em>.

    Then she remembered that was because the Chosen One had broken it, rather than any intrinsic specialness in her, and felt marginally less powerful.

    So basically, when something happens that the story cant ount for, like someone it thinks is dead grabbing an item it <em>knows</em> that only the official party should be able to take cuz its in the Temple, it freaks out and does weird things, he exined. Its the same with your spells.

    I thought it was because my spells were tainted with my curse, she whispered. That was her true special power. That was what had drawn the eyes of the Devs towards her, wasnt it?

    Well, its cuz youre supposed to be dead, the Hero crushingly countered. And since your spells are, uh, a part of you, and the story thinks you cant be here, it messes with the parameters embedded in the others to keep them on track with what the story wants.

    I knew it! Sencha Bard eximed suddenly, startling everyone. He cleared his throat, and made an apologetic gesture. My sincerest apologies for startling you all. But I <em>knew</em> that we were being forced in certain directions by a greater narrative. Why, Ive found myself taking actions anathema to my character, and there was no chance I would have been so easily taken prisoner by that subpar Thieves Guild if fate hadnt been guiding their hands.

    Wait, what have you been doing thats against your character? the Chosen One asked, startled. Was it all the creepy love stuff you were saying to everyone? I thought you were supposed to be the yboy guy.

    My appreciation for all female forms is not, and has never been, <em>creepy love stuff</em>, Sencha Bard said, sounding deeply offended. I meant my chequered past as a Rogue. I was never able to reconcile my inability to make it as a Bard with my natural talents, and why I was continuously forced to turn to petty thievery.

    The rest of the group, whod all heard the truly stunning songsposed by Sencha Bard, nodded along at this revtion.

    It didnt make sense why someone with your genius for songwriting wouldnt already be a fully fledged member of the Bardic Association, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said seriously.

    While I find your work derivative, and designed only for mass appeal rather than attempting to elevate the art form, I do find it strange that the uncritical public failed to be enamoured with you, Definitely Bad Guy confessed.

    I <em>knew</em> you were destined for greatness! Qube enthused, sping her hands together. Once youre free from the restrictions to keep you in line with the story, I just know youre going to be the most famous Bard in the world! Both worlds!

    Sencha Bard actually blushed at all the support.

    Many thanks, my dearest friends, he said, his voice shaking with emotion. When the rage bes too much, its reminders of my very sincere affection for you all that helps me remember whats important.

    Thats why friendship is so important, she reassured the Bard. We all deal with heavy emotions, and the support of our loved ones is so vital.

    Thats right. Even as her worldview was altered, she still had her friends with her. Taking a deep breath, she tried to ground herself. This revtion that she was supposed to be dead, while primarily affecting her, was packaged with a lot of information for the other party members.

    But no. She had to stay focused. She needed to find out more about herself, before diving into how it affected her friends. Otherwise, she just knew shed never end up asking.

    Squiggles, still nking with all her crowns, wriggled free of Sencha Bard and <em>slorp-</em>nked her way towards the Healer. A timid tentacle reached out and curled around Qubes ankle.

    What about the lock of hair? Qube managed to force herself to ask. And what, exactly, happened in the vige with the Evil Emperor and

    <em>A slicing motion. Pain, unending. The blue sky overhead, holding her, protecting her.</em>

    She didnt finish her sentence.

    Well, you know how the story makes, uh, twins when it cant reconcile what youre doing with whats supposed to be happening? The Chosen One gave her a sheepish shrug.

    Yes, Qube replied.

    Well so, the Evil Emperor was supposed to have a lock of your hair from when he, uh, killed you. So it just made a twin.

    Oh, Qube said calmly. She was having trouble holding on to theforting thick fog that had been so helpfully suppressing her deepest emotions for her.

    Theyd walked past the offshoot that led down to the dungeon, and had ignored all the other entrances that temptingly existed. Despite the city guards and thieves dire warnings, they hadnt run into any castle guards. They hadnt even detoured past the courtyard where the soldiers did their drills to the Evil Emperors daily motivational speech.

    Where the Evil Emperor had <em>looked</em> at her.

    The Chosen One, ignoring the pressure from Sexy Screamy Spider Briars w, stopped walking and turned to look at Qube. Behind him, a grand staircase, identical to the one in her numbers dream, rose to dizzying heights.

    It felt a bit like she was in a dream right now, being pulled inexorably towards the throne room. Before, she would have thought that it was her destiny dragging her to face the Evil Emperor. After all, thats what shed been training for her entire life. Thats what shed been picked out by the Golden Prophecy for. Thats why shed learned how to control her emotions, to always subjugate herself to the Hero, to be the best support and guidance she could be.

    Her whole life had been dedicated to following the very thing that dictated her death.

    And not just her death.

    She realised suddenly that, if the Golden Prophecy had been carried out exactly ording to its wishes, then no one originally from the vige would have ever left it.

    Felix was dead. Dead enough that even the Evil Emperor couldnt revive him and use him to hurt them. Hed died that morning, when the golden light had sped across the sky and selected his house. All the other Potentials had died. Every single viger, except for maybe Mr. Igma, had been fated to die in the vige that destiny-filled day.

    It was an <em>extraordinary </em>waste of life.

    And it was also utterly, utterly pointless.

    Why did we all have to die? she asked the Chosen One, indignation seeping through the fog of nothingness in her mind.

    What  oh, in the vige? The Chosen One immediately caught her line of thought.

    Yes! If this is all just a story for a simtion, why would they need every single person in the vige to die? Qube felt as if shed finally found solid ground beneath her feet.

    She wasnt gently sad about the situation. She was <em>mad</em>.

    It made sense if it was part of a Dark Prophecy, because that was for the side of Evil. Terrible, but from their perspective they were trying to do Evil, so of course theyd want to kill the vige where all the Potential Chosen Ones lived. But if its <em>one</em> story, for some military, then what was the <em>point</em> of ughtering our entire vige? If the Evil Emperor was so bound by the narrative that the story couldnt even imagine that I wouldnt be killed  she shoved away the painful shbacks that red the instant she said that. She didnt have time for trauma, she was making a point!  then it also means that it <em>knew</em> you would have to follow the Golden Prophecy and leave the vige. There wasnt any room for you to be killed that day ording to a Dark Prophecy!

    The Chosen One rubbed his nose as he thought.

    Yeah, I was always going to be leaving the vige, he confessed.

    But youre not even from the vige! Qube nearly shouted. Youd only shown up that morning! So why kill everyone there? It doesnt even work with your people must have free will and Evil is a result of that argument, since the script was so heavy that it took you throwing me into the sky to break me free of it. There wasnt any free will from any of the vigers that day! We never even had a chance!

    The Hero grimaced. Hed progressed from rubbing his nose to rubbing his entire face. A fragment of Qube felt guilty about piling so much on her already beleaguered friend who she knew full well wasnt responsible for the Devs decisions, but the rest of her was ame with passion.

    I think it was meant to motivate me? he half suggested, half asked.

    But you were already motivated! You had a Golden Prophecy to fulfil!

    I dunno, the Hero confessed. Its just what they always do.

    They <em>always</em> murder a bunch of vigers to motivate an already motivated Hero? Qube asked, aghast.

    Its tradition, he exined. Its practically a clich at this point. Maybe they were trying to be ironic?

    Everyone Id ever known was killed for <em>tradition?</em> Qube hit a new octave in indignation. <em>I</em> was decapitated  shut up, memories!  and parts of me <em>stolen</em> from my ironic c-corpse just because that was <em>the way things were always done</em>?

    That was it. That was the absolutest straw. When she next met the Devs, she was going to have <em>words</em> with them. And she was going to make it her lifes mission to destroy the tradition of vige destruction if it was thest thing she ever did!

    Then they would know the true meaning of irony!

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Three: Tradition in Gaming

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Three: Tradition in Gaming

    Qube wasnt yet ready topletely let go of the whole murdered for tradition thing. Even though she knew full well that the Devs hadnt viewed her and the vigers as real people, that theyd viewed them as a simtion, like the echoes of a spell, that didnt even begin to touch the pain losing them had caused her.

    In a way, she was d that the Chosen One hadnt been stupid enough to try and exin that the Devs hadnt seen her vige as real. If hed tried to shield the Devs from criticism just by pointing out that theyd been promised the beings theyd created werent sentient, she would have been tempted to  well, she didnt know <em>what</em> she would have been tempted to do. But it wouldnt have been pretty, if hed attempted to invalidate her pain with a handwave.

    Fortunately, he was smart enough, andpassionate enough, to know that reiterating herck of personhood in the eyes of the beings that made her would only have served to hurt.

    It didnt matter that the Devs hadnt thought of the people they killed as real.

    What mattered was that <em>they were</em>.

    What mattered was that they had shaped this world to please their own narrative, and this world now had to live with the consequences. If theyd done it knowing they were real people, they would have been irredeemable monsters. As it was, they were just people she was very displeased with.

    How many other things have they done to people, just because its <em>tradition</em>? she asked, the amount of venom in her voice surprising even her.

    They might not have meant it, but the impact was still painful. And she wanted to know exactly what parts of them were organic, and what parts were a narrative that all Devs seemed to know.

    Uh, the Hero darted a nce at Sexy Screamy Spider Briar.

    Qube gasped. They turned her into a giant spider just for tradition?! she asked.

    No! the Chosen One eximed. No, thats definitely not the traditional part. More the whole sexy elf thing. Its traditional for female elfpanions to be super sexy.

    But Im a female half-elfpanion, Qube pointed out. And Im nowhere near as sensual as Sexy Screamy Spider Briar.

    What were the familiar threads from the Devs realm, and what were their limits?

    Ah! While I knew you were naturally alluring, I had no idea it was ordained by the Devs themselves, Sencha Bard interrupted, a small smile ying on his lips as he put a hand over his heart.

    The Bard attempting to seduce everyone is also a clich, the Chosen One pointed out.

    Sencha Bard stopped smiling.

    Well, while I cant pretend to be <em>thrilled</em> at the discovery that my sensual nature is <em>clich</em>, we already knew that my attraction to you was heavily influenced by the Devs, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said in a low thrum. The childrens faces stitched onto her distorted slightly as she shrugged. It just gives me another reason to fight against my <empulsions</em>, and seek out my own path.

    I can only assume that the reason you first suspected my mixed loyalties was because of a simr tradition, Definitely Bad Guy said, taking out his habitual book and flipping through it. Given you immediately named me as a non-Good person.

    The Chosen One looked at Definitely Bad Guy. The Mage continued idly flipping through his book. The deep v-cut robes brushed against the twisted blue and red tattoos that travelled up his chest, before ring around his originally blood-red eyes.

    My dude, we found you in a tower full of creatures you were experimenting on, he said bluntly. No duh you were bad.

    That was for my research, Definitely Bad Guy muttered. There is nothing inherently Evil in studying.

    One dude had no skin, the Hero said. And he was still alive.

    That was a life preservation spell! the Mage rebutted. Which is very important for healing!

    Look, all Im saying is, tower full of sentient test subjects, owners a baddie, the Chosen One said.

    What about a box full of sentient test subjects? Sencha Bard asked meaningfully.

    There was a pause, as everyone except Qube turned and looked at the Bard, then back at the Chosen One.

    Verdicts still out on that one, the Hero admitted.

    But why arent I sensual? Qube, whod been following her own logic chain during this discussion, asked in a bewildered tone. Is it because Im only <em>half</em>-elf? Shouldnt I be half as sensual then?

    Finding out that all her nearest and dearest were clichs was one thing. A strange, unsettling thing, yes, but the puzzle solver in her needed to know why she, a half-elf childhoodpanion, wasnt as sexy as Sexy Screamy Spider Briar. If they were all going to embody stereotypes, then it needed to be done <em>correctly</em>.

    Uh the Chosen One avoided eye contact with her and started shuffling closer to the grand staircase.

    Chosen One, she said warningly. No more secrets. We agreed.

    Yeah the Hero trailed off, still trying to sneakily get closer to the stairs. Well, uh, so, the point of the whole vige thing was to introduce me to the world, and make me want to save it, right? Hence the whole killing everyone is supposed to motivate me deal. Cuz I bonded. With the vigers.

    And your childhoodpanion would be the one you bonded to the most. Making her death the <em>pice de rsistance</em> of the ughter, Sencha Bard said grimly.

    But I could have been a sexy childhoodpanion! Qube protested.

    Was the reason Quinton, childhoodpanion of Ruth the Rogue, had been such an annoying flirt that he was following the Devs tradition? But he hadnt even been half-elf! Hed been fully human!

    Wait, why was she arguing to be sexy? It wasnt that she wanted to be sexy, she decided. She just wanted things to be <em>consistent</em>.

    Which, in this world, was a forlorn hope, but one she still clung to.

    And you cant say that childhoodpanions arent allowed to be sexy, because Quinton was sexy, she dered.

    Who? the Chosen One asked. She stared at him for a beat. Everything within her was screaming to tell him exactly who Quinton was, but she categorically refused to.

    It turned out her job had never been to guide him. Only to die for him.

    Oh! One of the other guys, the Chosen One said, solving the riddle on his own. Admittedly, it had been a very easy riddle, especially because hed faced the ghost of Quinton not long ago, but it helped solidify in Qubes mind that the Chosen One was perfectly capable of figuring things out on his own, without her help.

    Well, maybe not <em>perfectly</em> capable. Capable. Eventually.

    The Chosen One licked his lips as he thought.

    Its not so much youre not <em>allowed</em> to be sexy, he said slowly. Im sure you could be sexy if you wanted to.

    Qube wasnt sure who in the party looked the most ufortable about this conversation. The Chosen One was desperately staring off into space as he spoke, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar was looking at the ceiling with both her and her childrens eyes, Definitely Bad Guy had turned several shades of red, and even Sencha Bard was looking mildly horrified by the direction this discussion had turned.

    Its just not the normal clich, the Hero finished quickly. Its more like a friendship vibe. Yknow, friends and family killed, off to adventure where theres new and exotic people, that sort of thing.

    But what about Quinton? Qube asked. Why was he so flirty then?

    Ah, he was attached to the female Rogue, right? the Chosen One asked. Was he flirty to her, flirty in general, or just flirty to you?

    ...Oh, Qube said in a tiny voice.

    Quinton had never flirted with Ruth. Or anyone else. Partly that might have been because the Potentials and their Companions were the only people their age in the vige, but hed never even ttered some of the older people, like Mrs. Smith or Alderman.

    Well, I suppose I <em>was</em> chosen to be your friend, she said thoughtfully. So that must mean that the tradition of childhood friendship is stronger than the tradition of elf sexiness.

    If she hadnt been rigorously trained to be the Chosen Ones friend practically from birth, Qube might have been disturbed to find out that her friendliness was merely the result of a clich moulding her into a pleasing shape. Instead, it was interesting in much the same way discovering their world was run on tech, rather than magic: it was just a reframing of a truth shed already epted.

    Now it was something to explore, to find the seams which stitched together her reality and discern the inner rules. If shed been a full-blooded elf, but still a childhoodpanion, would that have made her a sexy childhoodpanion? Or would the tradition of the vige being a ce of only friendship have trumped even that?

    The Chosen One, however, looked <em>very</em> ufortable at this reminder that she was, in fact, a prophecy approvedpanion and had been drilled her entire life to be a good (albeit apparently very brief) guiding light.

    He was funny like that. Even though they were best friends, Qube still never quite knew what he would react to.

    Does that mean the reason Squiggles is so <em>adorable</em> is because she was <em>destined</em> to be our team mascot? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked, picking up the sharktopus and giving her a squeeze. Like Qube, the Hunter had easily epted that her personality had been predetermined by the Devs.

    Yeah, no, the Chosen One said, looking at the Temple creature theyd rescued so long ago. That, I have no idea whats going on. The best bet we cane up with is she somehow merged with that otter thing from the Water Temple. Or took over part of his script, or <em>something</em>. Squiggles is one of the mysteries of this universe.

    Squiggles, pleased with the attention, started writhing around in Sexy Screamy Spider Briars grip, some of her tentacles wrapping around the Hunter, with the others reaching for Qube and the Chosen One. Qube, never able to resist the cuteness of those t, ck eyes, allowed herself to get caught and violently yanked closer to her beloved pets gaping maw.

    Squiggles, gentle, she said, the metal from the various crowns adorning Squiggless tentacles pressing sharply against her. We dont grab.

    Squiggles drooled cheekily at her, before grabbing the Chosen Ones extended arm and yanking him into her rough embrace.

    There was a small <em>crunch</em> sound as the Chosen Ones shoulder popped weirdly. The Hero made a small, strangled sound of pain, his arm going limp.

    Heal please, he whimpered.

    [Lesser Heal], Qube instantly cast. With a dull <em>thud</em> the Chosen Ones shoulder shifted back into ce. She frowned at her pet. Youngdy, stop ripping the Chosen Ones arms out of his sockets! Ive warned you before!

    Lady Squiggles hurts only because she loves too fiercely, Sencha Bard said calmly, stepping into Squiggless hugging range before he could be pulled. It takes not an imposed tradition of appreciating the feminine to be enthralled by her passion.

    I find this insistence that having an interest in research means one is tradition-bound for Evilness to be highly anti-intellectual, Definitely Bad Guy muttered to himself from outside the ring of Squiggles.

    It seemed the Bard and the Mage hadnt taken the news that their core personality traits were clichs quite as well as the Healer and the Hunter.

    But then, I suppose I must thank the Devs for giving me this affinity, Sencha Bard said thoughtfully from where he was being (somewhat gently) cuddled by two of Squiggless tentacles. While I cannot think well of them for forcing me down the path of a mediocre Rogue, by attuning me to the wonders of love, I have seen much beauty, and experienced both the highs and lows of great emotion.

    Having reached this conclusion, Sencha Bard rxed into Squiggless embrace.

    I find the fact that the Devs are conducting an experiment but narratively condemn those within their experiment who also experiment to be hypocritical, Definitely Bad Guy wasnt nearly as forgiving as Sencha Bard. Standing just outside grabbing range of Squiggles, he brooded.

    Qube had to admit, Definitely Bad Guy did brooding very well. She didnt know if that was because he was created to brood, or if it was something hed developed on his own, but it was very effective.

    Squiggles narrowed her eyes at the Mage. Perhaps sensing her gaze, Definitely Bad Guy broke away from his brooding and looked at the team pet.

    Slowly, Squiggles reached out a tentacle towards her former enemy. She reached the very limit of her range, almost but not quite able to brush against the Mages robes. She wriggled her tentacle back and forth, flicking at him.

    What? Definitely Bad Guy asked her, slightly belligerent. What do you want?

    She wriggled harder.

    The entire party held their breath as, with a long suffering sigh, the Mage took one step closer to the mass of tentacled hugs.

    Quick as lightning, Squigglesshed out, her tentacle gripping the edge of the Mages robe and violently yanking him towards her. Before he could even start to cast anything, shed wrapped him in two tentacles, pinning him inside the group hug.

    What  release me! Definitely Bad Guy demanded, struggling.

    Hush, the Chosen One, who was much happier now someone else was suffering the full brunt of Squiggless grip. Dont struggle. Thatll only make it worse. Just ept her love. Her painful, painful love.

    Gentle, Qube absentmindedly reminded the sharktopus that was currently cuddling them all. This one of a kind, baffling even to the Devs, adorable pet had finally epted them all. She felt her heart, which had suffered so much batteringtely, swell with love at this perfect moment ofpanionship andpany.

    Family, Squiggles said in a small, childish voice.

    Everyone froze.

    <strong><em>[By the words]</em></strong><strong><em>[fiddling] [snacks]</em></strong> Squiggles can <em>talk</em>?

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Four: Mascot Talk

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Four: Mascot Talk

    Say family again. Come on. Come on girl, fa-mi-ly!

    Everything had ground to a halt. Getting the Chosen One to a Save Point, saving the world, defeating the Evil Emperor who was just up the staircase and behind a massive door, all of it was put to the side while the entire party tried to get Squiggles to speak again.

    Squiggles, in a fit of mischief, and over-stimted by all the attention, was <em>slorping</em> from person to person, happily drooling.

    Maybe she needs to be hugging us all again, the Chosen One said as Squiggles bonked her blunt nose into him, demanding more pats.

    Squiggles, can you say Qube? Qube asked, crouching next to her pet. Qube? Come on girl, you can do it!

    If an outside observer, say the tyrant ruling over the castle, had happened to use their spy powers to peek at the group tasked with fulfilling the Golden Prophecy, they would have assumed that this sacred quest could not bepleted unless Squiggles spoke again.

    I have some yummy treats for you if you talk again, the Chosen One said temptingly. Yummy treats for a clever girl breaking everything by talking!

    Lady Squiggles, Sencha Bard said, kneeling so that he was nearly eye level with the sharktopus. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to hear your sweet voice once more. Please, I beg of you, speak.

    My little sweet, while you dont have to speak if you dont want to, Id <em>love</em> to hear you say family again, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said with a coo.

    All right, everyone huddle up, were gonna try hugging her as a group to make her talk again, the Chosen One said.

    But, as anyone who has ever worked with children or animals before can attest to, trying to get one to do what you want wasnt an easy task.

    Squiggles. Squiggles! This isnt chasies time! Get back here!

    Squiggles, by now wildly over excited, activated whatever spell ingesting the Golden Slime had given her and was racing up and down the impressivelyrge hallway, pausing only when she was too far away and waiting until she was <em>just</em> within grabbing distance before shooting off again, leaving a trail of golden glitter in her wake.

    It wasnt how Qube had imagined the moments before their final confrontation with the Evil Emperor would go, but it seemed fitting, somehow, that they were loudly racing up and down what should have been a ce of dread, yelling at their mascot.

    Despite all the shouting, thumping, and general hubbub, not a single guard came to investigate. Whether this was because all the guards in the castle were under the opposite mind control spell, and thus thought intruder noise was something to <em>not</em> look into when guarding, or the city guards and thieves had secretly started an attack on the castles gate and drawn everyone over there, Qube couldnt say.

    She could only be grateful that none of them were there to witness the indignity of the Saviour of all Human and Human-Adjacent Beings attempting to tackle a glittering, crown-covered sharktopus.

    Hey, no using spells! Thats cheating! the Chosen One dered as Squiggles once again zipped away from right under his fingers. Come on, you love hugs! Why no hug?

    The others, perhaps in the interest of preserving what little dignity the group had left, hadnt joined in the chase.

    How are you feeling, love? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar quietly asked Qube, as they watched the Hero race around after the mascot.

    Qube considered this question, absent-mindedly rubbing at the tip of one of her ears. She thought about the question for quite some time, but the Hunter didnt press her. She just patiently waited for her friends answer.

    I dont know, she eventually confessed. I feel odd.

    The fog that had shielded her from her emotions had started to shift, allowing feelings to filter through. First disturbed by the urge to solve the riddles of tradition, then blown away by the shocking revtion that Squiggles could talk. Maybe. Unless the sharktopus talking had been a shared hallucination brought on by too much stress.

    The presence of her inner self was still heavy, pressing against her while simultaneously pulling her towards the throne room, but it was manageable.

    Was she coping? Or just in denial? It was hard to say.

    In a way, she said slowly, figuring her feelings out as she spoke them, I almost feel free?

    Her entire life had contained an undercurrent of worry that she wasnt up to the job of being the Chosen Ones guiding light. That she wouldnt ever get to leave the vige, that he wouldnt get Chosen, that she would be what stopped him from getting Chosen somehow. Then, once he <em>had</em> been Chosen, her fears had morphed into an underlying dread that she wouldnt be the best Companion ever, that others would do a better job than her, the person who was supposed to be prophecy-ordained to fulfil the role of childhoodpanion and guiding light, that she wouldnt know enough, do enough, <em>be</em> enough.

    But now she knew that she hadnt ever been intended to survive past the first day. That the moment the Chosen One had been Chosen, shed been living on borrowed time.

    She couldnt identally fail in being a guiding light because, by avoiding her death, shed already failed. The very moment shed left the vige, shed failed in her lifes mission. The quest shed been preparing for her entire existence.

    Just by surviving, shed done more than the Golden Prophecy had ever expected of her.

    She had already both seeded and failed beyond all expectations.

    There was something incredibly freeing about that thought.

    No longer did she have to worry about whether or not someone would be better than her, or that she had somehow misled the Chosen One. No matter what happened in the future, she wouldnt have to worry that a Companion who hadnt identally allowed themselves to be a party to stealing from a bunch of innocent merchants, or didnt have a history of kicking people, or hadnt stabbed an unarmed pharaoh in the chest would have done a better job.

    No matter whod been the Chosen Onespanion, they would have died on day one.

    At that thought, the fog within her mind finished dispersing.

    You know what? she said, straightening up and throwing back her shoulders. I <em>do</em> feel free!

    Your words ease my mind, Sencha Bard said quietly from the side. Standing slightly behind Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, he watched the Chosen One continue to chase Squiggles with a dispassionate gaze.

    How do you feel about it? Now that the initial shock had passed, and the excitement of Squiggles talking had started to wear off, Qube remembered that Sencha Bard and Definitely Bad Guy hadnt taken the news with anything like the grace of Sexy Screamy Spider Briar.

    The Bard continued to watch Squiggles for a moment, before turning to Qube.

    To her surprise, he wasnt wearing a mask of politeness, and the dispassionate expression that had reawoken her unease slid away, to be reced with a look of thoughtful contemtion.

    Lady Squiggles, he called softly.

    Squiggles, still running rings around the Hero selected to save the world, paused for a second and looked at Sencha Bard.

    Pleasee here, he said calmly, reaching out a hand to the sharktopus.

    In a disy that made the Chosen One shout with yful frustration, Squiggles (whod spent thest ten minutes categorically refusing to be captured for cuddle time), <em>slorp</em>ed up to Sencha Bard and nuzzled his hand.

    Otto the otter was designed to be our team mascot, was he not? Sencha Bard asked the Chosen One.

    Yeah, the Chosen One said from halfway down the corridor.

    But, even though she wasnt given a ce in the narrative, Lady Squiggles has not only be our true team mascot, but she has grown beyond all expectations. Sencha Bard, kneeling, ced his hand on the top of Squiggless head, gently scratching underneath her ribbon. She has be something beautiful, and unique enough to stump even the Devs.

    Squiggles was forming a small puddle of drool beneath her as her eyes rolled back in her head at the pleasure of being scratched.

    In much the same way each of us has grown beyond what we were shaped to be, I expect her to continue developing into her own self, he continued quietly.

    He smiled warmly down at their pet, before standing up, stopping his scratching.

    Squiggles red at him, grabbing his hand and forcibly nting it back on her head.

    Pet, she said in the same high, childish voice as before.

    She really <em>can</em> talk! Qube gasped in wonder.

    Fascinating, Definitely Bad Guy said.

    Wha why do you talk for <em>him</em>? the Chosen One huffed.

    Of course my baby can talk, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said proudly. Shes just independent.

    So you can say Qube? Qube continued in her mission to get Squiggles to say her name. Of course you can! Youre such a smart girl, I bet you could say it easily!

    Squiggles looked at Qube with adoration in her t, ck eyes. Mama, she said, wrapping a tentacle around Qubes ankle. Mama pet.

    Qube choked as the rest of the groupughed.

    Told you that you were her mama, the Chosen One said, stillughing.

    Squiggles looked at him. Papa! she happily announced.

    Now it was the Chosen Ones turn to choke in surprise. Uh, no, he said to Squiggles. No no no. Im <em>way</em> too young to be anyones parent.

    And Im not? Qube shot back at him.

    I okay, fair point, sure, no one here is allowed to be a parent, the Chosen One conceded.

    I mean, I might be a parent to a bunch of items, Qube admitted, but that was more me being a ghost, apparently. A ghost midwife?

    I dont even want to think about that, the Chosen One said. Lets just stick with the whole no parents thing for now.

    Thank you for trusting us with your secret of speech, Lady Squiggles, Sencha Bard said to Squiggles, bowing slightly while continuing to scratch her head. If ever you wish for lessons in elocution, or oration in general, know that you have but to ask and I am yours tomand. His smile grew. Perhaps one day youll be a Bard yourself.

    Squiggles, worn out from both the effort of talking, and a good bout of chasies, disengaged from Sencha Bard and mbered up onto Sexy Screamy Spider Briars back, then promptly sank into her abdomen.

    Night-night, she said, closing her eyes.

    Qube felt her heart melt.

    You see, Sencha Bard said softly, even though she too is a mascot, and a talking one at that, she is leagues above Otto. Even someone assigned the same role can fulfil it in an entirely different way, and grow beyond that into something that can challenge even the Devs understanding of reality. You have already baffled them many times, and taught them that what they thought was impossible is right in front of them. I encourage you to dwell on this, Healer and childhoodpanion.

    Qube merely smiled at Sencha Bard, notmenting on his speech. Instead she turned to Definitely Bad Guy and tilted her head inquiringly at him.

    While she was d that Sencha Bard had epted the knowledge that a substantial portion of his personality was a clich, she didnt feel like engaging with him on the matter, or dwelling on anything in particr right now. Her own emotions were still too raw for that.

    Definitely Bad Guy? she asked.

    The Mage, whod been watching Squiggles with interest, which meant he was staring at Sexy Screamy Spider Briars abdomen, startled slightly when he realised Qube was looking at him.

    Ah, yes, he said, lightly blushing. I require more research before Iment on the matter. As it is, initial observation leads me to believe that she has the vocabry and intelligence of an infant.

    Definitely Bad Guy was clearly coping just fine with the discovery that he was designed from birth to be seduced by Evil.

    Very well, Qube said, then sighed as her Healer side reasserted itself, and reminded her that, while she technically didnt have to act as a childhoodpanion, she was still a Healer. She looked up at the grand staircase theyd been standing in front of for nearly an hour, and suppressed the urge to gulp.

    Lets get the Chosen One to a Save Point, so he can get some rest. And then the throne room.

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Five: Castle_Staircase

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Five: Castle_Staircase

    Walking up the grand staircase was both easier and more difficult than Qube would have anticipated. Shed walked up heaps of stairs before, so she was well practised in it, but her mind kept trying toe up with a hundred different things she should go and do before reaching the top.

    They hadnt fought any of the guards! There were lots of different corridors to go down in the castle! Theyd never gone to Lake Fear and seen what the shops there were like! Diversion after diversion tugged at her, trying to slow her walk down to a crawl.

    But that wasnt the only thing tugging at her. That sensation in her chest, that feeling of her inner self pulling her ever closer to the throne room not only persisted, but grew ever stronger the closer she got. By now it almost felt like a physical rope being continuously reeled in.

    Atst the party reached the top of the grand staircase. There was an ornatending, covered in beautiful mosaics, with two gstones in particr standing out. One with a brilliant golden sun on it, and the other with a delicate silvery crescent moon.

    Ah, this must be what the Royals were talking about, the Chosen One said. His bout with Squiggles have invigorated him somewhat, but the effects of fatigue were still evident in the sagging of his shoulders, and the slight ze to his eyes.

    Time to open em up and see what theyve got in store for us! he continued cheerfully enough.

    First the Save Point, Qube insisted. Having given in to the demands of her Healer side, she wasnt about to let the Hero avoid resting by distracting the party with his favourite thing: loot.

    Although nowadays, loot didnt seem to be the key to his behaviour. The closer they got to the final confrontation, the less interested in unique things he seemed to be. It was very odd.

    Or maybe hed just found something he cared about more.

    Yes maam, the Hero replied with a lopsided smile. Sure enough, right next to therge, imposing doorway that Qubes dream told her led to the throne room, there floated a beautiful blue ball of light. The only connection to the Devs realm.

    For a mad moment, Qube wondered what would happen if they tried to destroy the Save Point. Would the Chosen Ones connection to the Devs realm be permanently severed? Would that force him to stay in this world forever? Then nothing would have to change. They could continue adventuring here, exploring the Temples and, when they grew tired of that, find out if there truly were othernds, or fly high enough to touch the stars.

    She shook her head, throwing off the intrusive thought.

    Where had thate from? That thought didnt even make any sense! Theyd have to destroy every single Save Point before the Devs caught on, and she was pretty sure the Chosen One would notice them running around throwing fireballs or shooting his pathway to the Devs. Unless someone distracted him while they did it  that would be easy enough, the Chosen One was frequently distracted from things directly in front of him, never mind someone slipping off to destroy

    She was doing it again.

    For some reason she was scared to enter the throne room of the man who had killed her, with no solid n for how they were going to defeat him without the gems, after which she would be whisked away to a whole new world popted by people who might not have her best interests at heart.

    She couldnt imagine why.

    The Chosen One, not being privy to the chaos in her head, waved a hand through the Save Point.

    An eternity passed in a moment.

    The colour returned to his cheeks, he stood up straighter, and his eyes had be bright and clear.

    How much time passed? Qube couldnt stop herself from asking.

    A while, the Hero admitted. He looked around at the rest of the party. So, what were we doing?

    His eye caught the intricate mosaic pattern underfoot, and he lit up. So, moon and star, time to get the ultimate weapons! he said cheerfully. Then we face baddy daddy, and save the day!

    He frowned slightly. Wait, what was the n to deal with the whole gems situation? he asked. I dont remember.

    That makes sense; you were very tired at the time, Qube said, her heart squeezing in fear. As out of it as hed been, the fact that they were missing the core ingredients to save the world should have been foremost in his mind. Exactly how much time had passed in the Devs realm, that he could forget the fact that they had no n?

    He looked at the rest of the group, who stared back at him.

    So what was the n? he asked again.

    We dont have a n yet, Qube confessed. Thats something we were working on.

    Oh, okay, the Chosen One said casually, as if it wasnt a massive problem that they had no idea what they were doing and they were literally only a single door away from the thing they needed the gems for. Oh! Also, the team lost their collective minds at the news that Squiggles could talk!

    Hed gotten distracted from the whole saving-the-world thing by Squiggles talk. They <em>absolutely</em> would have been able to distract the Chosen One enough to destroy all the Save Points.

    Im so sorry to hear that, Qube said, her reflexivepassion kicking in as she processed what the Hero had actually said. Did they suffer? Have they seen a Healer?

    What are you talking about? the Chosen One asked, staring at her inplete bewilderment.

    Their insanity. Or lost minds. Were they able to recover them through the usage of a skilled Healer?

    Qube had never personally dealt with someone whose mind had been lost, but she imagined that a solid [Heal] or two would do the trick.

    No, its an expression, the Chosen One said patiently. He closed his eyes for a second, a small smile twitching on his lips. It means they went insane. Wait. I mean, it means they were very excited and confused by it.

    As they should be, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar pointed out. The group collectively nodded their heads at the Hunters statement. Anyone who found out that someone as adorable and innocent as their Water Temple turned mascot was now capable of the cutest speaking ever would naturally be delighted.

    And also, we  I mean the Devs realm  dont really have Healers like here, the Chosen One added.

    Oh, Qube blinked.

    Like, there are people who heal, and stuff like that, but not in the way you guys do here. Theres no healing spells or anything.

    Yes, you exined that, Qube replied. They use tech instead. Given their tech was capable of doing things spells werent, like building an entire world, they probably healed even faster in the Devs realm. Her healing would probably look ridiculously slow and inefficient to them.

    I mean, yeah, they use tech to help heal people but, well, basically, none of your Healer knowledge is really gonna be useful. Or work. At all. So youre not really gonna be able to Heal people in the Devs realm. The Chosen One finished hisst sentence in a rush, not looking at anyone in particr.

    So not only was she <em>not</em> a guiding light, she wasnt even going to be a Healer after they defeated the Evil Emperor? What would she be if she wasnt a Healer?

    Not content with dismantling her position as Childhood Companion, it seemed as if the universe, via its ineloquent mouthpiece that was the Chosen One, was also attacking her role as Healer as well. At this rate, there wasnt going to be anything left of her!

    Or, at the very least, nothing that had been assigned to her.

    If they stripped away all thebels shed grown up under, everything that she had been trained for her entire life, then all that would be left would be her.

    The her that had been growing underneath thebels the entire time, slowly forming into a new being, soplex that shed even developed an inner self.

    The thought was frightening. But also, somehow, intoxicating. It was the same feeling shed had when shed realised she could lie to the entire party and pretend like shed been the Mayor of the vige. Once they defeated the Evil Emperor, she could be anyone she wanted to. She could do anything she wanted.

    And she was finally starting to figure out what it was she wanted.

    Well, if I cant be a Healer, Ill just have to find out what sort of thing I would like to do while visiting the Devs realm, she said calmly to the Hero. She nced at the others in the party. Im sure well all have things to do and try out when we get there. In between answering questions for the Devs, of course.

    Of course, the Chosen One said, slightly subdued.

    What about you, Chosen One? What will you want to do when we ascend to the Devs realm?

    Would they still go on adventures together?

    Uh, I dunno, the Chosen One replied, ever so helpfully. Thatll depend on what you guys decide when you get there. He paused for a moment, clearly hesitating. And if you guys want me involved, he added, sounding even more subdued.

    Of course wed want you involved! Qube said, astonished. Just because you wont be the Saviour when we ascend, is no reason we wont still want to go on adventures with you!

    Even Sencha Bard, who naturally gravitated towards whoever in the room was most powerful, wouldnt abandon the Chosen One just because he wasnt actively the Chosen One anymore. Why, the Hero would still be important to all of them, even if he was ridiculously weaker than the Devs, and Dev Royals.

    It would take some getting used to, the fact that the Chosen One wasnt one of the most powerful people in the world, but she just knew that everyone in the Devs realm would be respectful of the great things hed done for their kingdom, and how hed sessfullypleted this simtion quest for the military. Even if he <em>had</em> been given several heavy helping hands in the form of the greater narrative.

    Why, it wouldnt surprise her if they had a party for him, like the Forbidden Forest folks did when their curse was broken.

    Oh! Did this mean as soon as they ascended, they would get to have a giant party? The thought was both exciting, and terrifying.

    The Hero licked his lips.

    Things are gonna be different when you ascend, he said. Its not gonna be quite what you expect.

    She hadnt expected the Forbidden Forest party. Or Sexy Screamy Spider Briar. Or Squiggles. Or much of anything, really.

    Nothing has been like what I expected, Qube countered. But its still been fun. She smiled at him, trying to soothe the worry she saw etched on his brow. And Im d I got to experience all these new things.

    The Hero smiled. Yeah, he said slowly. Yeah! Its been heaps of fun. Honestly, I cant wait to unleash you guys on the world. Its gonna be amazing. Youre gonna change everything, and its gonna be <em>glorious</em>.

    I, for one, am intrigued by the learning opportunities it presents, Definitely Bad Guy chimed in.

    The Chosen One gave a smallugh. Yeah, therell be a lot to learn, he said. He looked down and, with a light cough, pointed at the gstones marked with a sun and a moon. Each of them had a space that would perfectly fit the nes given to him by the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess, with the sun gstone having arge circle depression in it, and the crescent moon one having a semi-circle pressed into the stone. Just in case someone was liable to miss it, the indentations were surrounded by gold and silver tiles to draw the eye towards them.

    Honestly, it was amazing that no one had realised that the tworge gstones directly outside the Royal throne room with space for items to be shoved into them might not have secret loot. Not to mention how dirt would umte in the small depressions. But then, it was easy to ignore how odd something was, if it was how things had always been.

    Anyway, he said, firmly turning the subject, lets check out these bad boys, shall we? Kingy and Queeny  uh, sorry, their Royalnesses  left us some presents, so we should be polite and open them up, shouldnt we?

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Six: Throne_Intro

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Six: Throne_Intro

    The Chosen One, holding the personal nes of the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess in each hand, held them over their respective gstones, and casually dropped them onto the indentations.

    Surprisingly, theynded perfectly in the divots, despite the Hero making absolutely no effort to be careful.

    Both the sun and the moon dissolved into sparkling light, revealing small alcoves underneath them. And also, unfortunately, taking the nes with them.

    Oy! the Chosen One eximed. I wanted to keep those!

    Slightly cheered by the Chosen Ones inner loot lover still existing, Qube peeked into the two open holes in the ground. It wasnt the most subtle of things, and she wasnt sure if they would need a spell to fill in the holes before someone tripped and broke an ankle, but it was incredibly handy to get new weapons just before they fought the Evil Emperor.

    If, indeed, they were going to fight him. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar had her seduction n, and Qube well, she wasnt sure <em>what</em> she was going to do, but she wouldnt need a weapon to do it. Probably.

    Just in case, she pulled out the staff the Chosen One had bought her in Cobbletown.

    Right, do you want to grab those two packages? the Chosen One asked Qube. Maybe make some package babies?

    Of course, she said cheerfully.

    The first package was another staff, slightly smaller than Qubes. While hers was white, this one was ck, made of charred and twisted wood. It looked surprisingly Evil, considering it was from a member of the Royal family.

    But then it turned out that even Royals werent infallible. A fact Qube was still wrapping her head around.

    The second package was a crossbow, much heavier and more lethal-looking than Sexy Screamy Spider Briars normal ranged weapon. The Hunters eyes lit up as she reached from the twin Qube had just helped birth.

    Shes gorgeous, the Hunter whispered, running her ws over her new weapon. Give me a few more, theres a dear. She rubbed the stock of the crossbow against her cheek.

    You always get me the best presents, she practically purred at the Chosen One. You really know the way to a girls heart.

    Qube, remembering a long ago conversation where the much more romantically experienced Hunter had exined that gift giving was an important part in any courtship ritual, found herself grimacing slightly as she handed the twin of the ck staff over to Definitely Bad Guy.

    While theyd cleared up the misunderstanding about him being hopelessly in love with her, part of her still flinched away from doing anything with romantic connotations towards him.

    The Mage, no doubt also embarrassed by the memory of her misinterpreting him thinking she was in cahoots with the man responsible for the devastation of the kingdom, blushed profusely as he epted the staff from her with a muttered word of thanks.

    Or maybe he was just upset that her staff was bigger.

    To make up for any perceived shorings in his staff size, she birthed two more for him.

    Here you go, she said kindly. Shed never heard of anyone dual or triple wielding staffs, but if anyone could pull it off, it would be the former Mage Advisor.

    Okay, the Chosen One said, taking the original staff and crossbow and shoving them into his backpack. We got everything? Anything weve forgotten?

    We dont have a n for the gems, Qube said. Well, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, <em>you</em> have a secret n.

    The Hunter looked startled for a moment, before thoughtfully nodding her head.

    Yes, she said slowly, there <em>is</em> something I can attempt.

    Cool, the Chosen One said, straightening his shoulders. Defeat the Evil Emperor, deal with whatever else the Devs have nned that theyre refusing to tell me about, then convince a panel of people that you guys are people. Too easy.

    Just before he touched the Save Point, Sencha Bard reached out and grabbed his arm.

    You can travel back to this point in time, correct? he asked with strange intensity.

    Yeah, although sometimes stuff travels back with me that shouldnt, the Chosen One said, his gaze flicking over to Qube.

    Sencha Bard took a deep breath.

    So if anything goes wrong, if theres a situation with someone that you cant find a way to save them, youlle back here. It wasnt clear from his tone of voice whether what he said was a question, or amand.

    If I can, the Chosen One said quietly.

    I would advise you to make every effort, Sencha Bard said, his jaw clenching as he spoke.

    A flicker of irritation passed across the Chosen Ones face, before it softened into understanding.

    Dont worry, he said atst, putting a hand on the Bards shoulder. We got this.

    Shaking free of the other mans grasp, he touched the Save Point then, with a dramatic flourish, pushed open the throne room doors.

    ---

    The throne room was both exactly and nothing like Qubes dream. There were no numbers zipping past, or changing mathematical forms, and no gaping wound in the world drawing her inwards. In fact, given how dark the room was, it was hard to see anything, nevermind a bunch of numbers. But there <em>were</em> doorways just visible from the long walkway that led directly to three short steps up to a dais, on which a shadowed figure lounged on a massive throne.

    It must have been custom made since the coup, since Qube couldnt see anyone in the Royal family owning something so obviously Evil looking. Even in the darkness, it was clear that giant sharp pointy bits erupting from a chair wasnt exactly a look employed by kind and fair rulers.

    By this point, Qube was struggling to breathe. The sheer crushing pressure of being near the Evil Emperor was almost overwhelming, and the pulling feeling drawing her ever closer was stronger than ever.

    But not, to her surprise, pulling her towards the same ce her dream had dragged her. Rather than being drawn to the Evil Emperors side, she was being slowly but surely dragged towards the throne itself.

    She involuntarily took a step forward, and purple lights sprang into being, illuminating the ornate throne room, and the scene within.

    She paused as thepulsion was temporarily shattered.

    The imposing figure was not <em>just</em> the Evil Emperor.

    It was the Evil Emperor, surrounded by about a dozen chickens.

    Chickens that looked extremely familiar.

    Theyd done it! The chickens that theyd set to follow the gems all that time ago had managed toplete their quest, and avoid giving in to the murderous rage that lurked in the heart of every fowl.

    That meant the gems were in this very room. Either that or the Evil Emperor had managed to turn a bunch of chickens to his cause. In which case, all was lost.

    A ruler who had a flock of ruthless poultry on his side would be impossible to defeat. No one in recorded history had ever managed to kill a chicken.

    However, even knowing their lethal nature, the sight of the Evil Emperor, covered in all ck armour, being sat on, pecked around, and ruffled at by a bunch of fluffy chickens was nearly enough to make her forget the seriousness of the situation.

    A situation which only got even weirder when Sexy Screamy Spider Briar sprang into action.

    Excuse me, she said, moving past the party and walking towards the tyrant. The closer she got, the more purple lights sprang into existence. It had to have been a spell. His helmeted head shifted slightly, the only sign that he was watching the arachnid as she approached. She gave him a curtsey, and peeked at him from under her many eyshes. Even the childrens faces had stopped screaming long enough to smirk at him.

    His gauntleted hand drummed its fingers on the arm of the throne. Several of the chickens watched the movement with fierce concentration.

    Oh great Evil Emperor, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, rising from her curtsey. Long have I admired your <em>forcefulness</em>. And now, the mere sight of you has driven me <em>mad</em> with lust. Take me, oh leader, for I am yours, and yours alone. Just keep me by your side, and I will <em>fulfil</em> your every <em>desire</em>.

    Even Qube was moved by the passionate plea from the Hunter. How could she possibly say things like that with a straight face? If Qube hadnt known that this was all a facade, she might have been swept up in the moment and truly believed Sexy Screamy Spider Briar had fallen in love with the Evil Emperor at fourth sight!

    Wow, shes so good at this, she whispered to the Chosen One.

    The Hero gave her a very dubious look.

    Sure he said, not sounding very sure at all. Very, uh, convincing. He turned away from Qube and looked at the pair on the other side of the room. I mean, oh no, how could you betray us like this? he loudly proimed. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, you have broken my heart.

    Even knowing he was acting, Qube felt a stab of pain at his cry.

    Qube, it should be noted, wasnt very experienced at this level of subterfuge.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, taking the Evil Emperorsck of reaction as an invitation, got even closer to the tyrant.

    Come, my new <em>lover</em>, let me take my ce by your side, she said in a low and sultry voice that nevertheless carried across the room. She managed to sidle all the way up to him before he so much as twitched.

    She was within arms reach of him when she looked down and managed to get a good look at the gauntlet. The chickens, while useful at confirming the presence of the gems, rather got in the way of examining the Evil Emperor himself. The arachnid was very careful to make sure that none of her limbs even brushed against the vtile creatures.

    I see you have <em>mounted</em> the gems on the back of your gauntlet, she said, in what Qube thought was a very clever way of telling the party without alerting the tyrant to the Hunters true allegiance. Is that how youll defeat my former lover, the Chosen One?

    The Evil Emperor stood up, disrupting the chickens roosting on him and causing Sexy Screamy Spider Briar to rapidly back away. The ck-armoured man looked down at the arachnid.

    You arent her, the Evil Emperor ground out.

    A sword appeared in his hand. The gems on his gauntlet glowed. His eyes, ck pools of death beneath his helmet, fixed on the Hunter.

    [Lesser Shield]! Qube screamed, even knowing that wouldnt be enough.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar was too close! She couldnt get away in time!

    The sword started to swing.

    Nope! [Save Scum Attack], the Chosen One said, swiping his hand in the air before him.

    Qube came back into being outside the throne room. Sencha Bard was still earnestly looking at the Chosen One. Sexy Screamy Spider Briar still had a slight smirk on her face, no doubt reviewing her n.

    The gems are on his gauntlet, Qube blurted out. She shook her head, trying to clear the image of that sword swinging towards her friend.

    Yeah, the old seduction n didnt quite work, the Chosen One confessed.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar went as pale as a spiderdy could. A w reached out and hovered over where her heart would be in her thorax.

    What happened to me? she whispered.

    Eh, wasnt great, the Chosen One said.

    We managed to travel back to the Save Point before he hurt you, Qube said, focusing on what she knew the Hunter was really asking about. It was important to people to know whether or not theyd died, even if it was in an alternative timeline. But he seemed angry he said that you werent her.

    He couldnt be talking about Qube, could he? Did he want revenge against her for ripping open his mind? Or did he just want to finish the job hed started in Cobbletown?

    His brutish rejection of your beauty aside, we now know the location of the gems, and you managed to safely return to the present, Sencha Bard said. The fact that the Chosen One had already used his [Save Scum Attack] seemed to have rxed him somewhat.

    Definitely Bad Guy had pulled out his book and was furiously skimming through it.

    I shall attempt to talk to him, he said. I believe I can persuade him to join our cause.

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Seven: Evil Emperor Begin

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Seven: Evil Emperor Begin

    If you want to try and persuade him, then knock yourself out, the Chosen One said to Definitely Bad Guy. Which is an expression. I dont actually mean knock yourself out, he hurriedly exined.

    Qube nodded, grateful for the rification.

    Once again the Chosen One waved his hand through the Save Point, and once again the party threw open the giant double doors that led to the throne room. Once again, Qube felt a strongpulsion to walk towards the throne. Although it felt like it wasnt the throne itself. Somewhere behind it, perhaps?

    Regardless, she was almost able to stop herself from taking that fateful step forward. s, her body betrayed her, and she found herself stepping forward, causing the purple lights to once again spring into existence, the room to once again illuminate the imposing figure on the throne, and his flock of gem-seeking chickens.

    This time, however, it was the former advisor to the Evil Emperor who stepped forward.

    My liege, Definitely Bad Guy said. Only the trembling of his long fingers betrayed his nervousness at facing down the man whod cursed him. Depending on how one chose to interpret what had happened in the Time Temple, the Evil Emperor might have also been fated to kill Definitely Bad Guy.

    The Devs, however, had clearly seen fit to resurrect Definitely Bad Guy. Why else would two strange versions of him spring into existence? While Qube didnt im to be an expert in storytelling, even she could tell that meant the Devs had wanted him around.

    They hadnt bothered reviving <em>her</em> though. No Evil and Good versions of Qube had greeted the Chosen One when he left the vige, or shown up in any of the Temples. Oh, no. The Devs had been perfectly content to y her, and leave her to rot in pieces. After all, that was <em>tradition</em>.

    Not that she was bitter.

    Much.

    Her inner self surged at her totally-hypothetical bitterness, and Qube had to bite her lip to stop herself from crying out. Her inner self was strong, stronger than it had ever been before. It was almost a physical presence inside her, and for a moment itd threatened topletely overwhelm her.

    Only her hard-won experience in dealing with anger and sadness saved her, allowing her to hold against the wave of emotion, and stop it from drowning her.

    Ie to you, my liege, not just as a formerly loyal subject, but as your Mage Advisor. Definitely Bad Guy, bravely controlling whatever emotions were roiling within him at facing his once master, maybe murderer, gave a shallow bow to the throne.

    The world is not what we thought it to be. As you have sought to subjugate the world to your whims, and force it into a path of your choosing, so too have we all been subjugated to a higher power. Beings known only as the Devs have ruled over us from another realm, and have at their fingertips powers almost impossible toprehend. Our entire existence was created by them, and can be snuffed out on a whim.

    The Mage took a few steps closer. More lights sprang into being, and the Evil Emperor continued to look straight ahead. It was impossible to tell if those ck eyes were watching the red and blue man before him, or staring into nothingness.

    Definitely Bad Guy was trembling. Only a little, and it wouldnt have been noticeable to anyone not paying the closest attention to him. But Qube was watching him. She was watching him do something that only she knew the cost of: facing down your killer.

    Fortunately, certain members of our party have caught their attention, and we have been offered the opportunity to ascend to their realm, and exist amongst them. They expect us to defeat you, but I propose an alternative.

    Definitely Bad Guy extended a hand to the Evil Emperor.

    Join us. Ascend at our side, and together we can learn the secrets of the Devs, and discover how to harness their power. You sought to rule over a kingdom. But we could learn so much more. The knowledge of how to make worlds would be at our fingertips, sire.

    Qube had never heard the Mage sound so passionate before! Hed stopped shaking, and took another step forward, hand still outstretched towards the man whod condemned him as a traitor.

    A man hed been made to serve by forces beyond his control.

    Now the Mage was almost at the tyrants side.

    Leave this kingdom, sire, and we can grasp the power of the universe.

    The Evil Emperor stood up, disrupting the chickens roosting on him. Definitely Bad Guy kept his hand outstretched, so close he could almost touch the tyrants armour. The former master towered over the traitor.

    You arent her, the ruler said, in the same, painfully gravelly voice as before.

    Run! Qube screamed, seconds before a sword appeared in the Evil Emperors hand. Definitely Bad Guy turned to look at Qube, his hand still reaching towards the man about to y him. The gems on the Evil Emperors gauntlet glowed, their brightness piercing in the purple-lit gloom.

    [Save Scum Attack]! the Chosen One shouted, his cry drowning out the fatal whistling of the Evil Emperors sword swinging at Definitely Bad Guy.

    ---

    Qube was still panting from fear when they appeared at the Save Point.

    You want to learn how to make new worlds? she asked Definitely Bad Guy incredulously. What do you mean you want to grasp the power of the universe?

    The Mage looked at her, slightly sheepishly.

    Ah, he said stiffly. It appears my plea to the Evil Emperors intellectual side was not sessful.

    What made you think the dude had an intellectual side? the Chosen One asked curiously.

    Definitely Bad Guy shrugged awkwardly. He always encouraged my experiments, he said.

    I dont think thats cuz he was an intellectual, my man, the Chosen One replied.

    Irrespective of my rationale, it seems he was not to be reasoned with, Definitely Bad Guy said, firmly closing the subject. After a brief hesitation, however, he asked in a quiet voice:  was I in?

    No, Qube said. The Chosen One managed to travel back to the Save Point before he could hurt you.

    We have tried seduction, and appeals to reason, Sencha Bard said, dusting himself off. He hadnt even had any dust on him, but he seemed happy with the result, preening himself a little more before stepping forward. Perhaps it is time to invoke a baser instinct still.

    Based than lust and ego? the Chosen One asked, raising an eyebrow. I thought that was about as base as it got.

    If he is shaped by the narrative, then the rule of three shall be on my side, the Bard said with unearned confidence (considering he didnt even remember the other two attempts).

    Thisll be interesting, at least, the Chosen One said lightly, only the gleam in his eyes betraying his more than casual interest. Round three!

    Before his hand even finished passing through the Save Point Sencha Bard pushed open the double doors and strode in.

    Ruler of our esteemed kingdom, Sencha Bard boomed, his voice echoing off the walls. The purple lights sprang on as walked, almost as if hed orchestrated them. I havee to tell you of a great deception.

    The Evil Emperor sat, only his watch-chickens moving.

    You may believe you rule over this ce, but in reality you are naught but a <em>puppet</em>. The Bard practically spat out thest word. You have been made a fool of by powers greater than yourself, and they have woven your fate into a fabric of their making.

    Unlike the others, he didnt approach any closer to the Evil Emperor, seemingly content to stand in the middle of the room and orate.

    These Devs fashion themselves into gods, and demand not only our bodies but our minds. He pivoted and dramatically pointed at Qube. Only she has the power to break us free of their tyranny over thought itself, and only she has stood against them andmanded their respect. And their fear.

    Qube, battling the urge to move into the throne room, smiled weakly at the Evil Emperor. She didnt wave.

    The Evil Emperors head followed the Bards dramatic flourish. As soon as he tracked over to where Qube was deliberately <em>not</em> politely waving at him, he stopped moving.

    Although she couldnt see his eyes properly, she could <em>feel</em> all his attention focus on her.

    You call yourself an emperor, but what power do you truly have, if it can be snatched from you in an instant? What control can you im, when every step youve taken has been dictated to you? You rule this realm not because of your own strength, but because it was <em>gifted</em> to you by the very beings who set you up to fall to the Chosen One.

    Now Sencha Bard stepped forward, his voice dropping until it was almost a growl.

    Every wrong in your life was designed to push you further down a path of their choosing. Every doubt you suppressed was on theirmand. Everything you thought was you, everything that you <em>are</em>, has been nothing but an unwitting performance for those who dont even see you as human.

    Another step, and then the Bard was within reach. The Evil Emperor ignored him, continuing to stare at Qube. There was the sound of metal grinding against metal as his gauntlets curled into fists.

    But Sencha Bard wasnt done yet.

    You have before you the one person capable of defying the gods ns. The one person who can rip the reins from their hands and force them to dance to <em>our</em> tune. Follow her, and you will have your revenge on those who made you into the twisted creature you are. Allow her to walk before you, and she will cleave a path of carnage through their notions of power.

    Sencha Bard reached out, not in supplication or an urge for eptance, but rather his hand reaching to grasp the jewelled gauntlet.

    Throw away their tokens, kneel to her, and know what it is to watch gods tremble in fear.

    The Evil Emperor abruptly stood up, snatching his gauntleted fist out of reach of the Bard.

    Qube didnt know what to say. Part of her wanted to interrupt Sencha Bard, and point out that she wasnt going to be cleaving a path through anything, and all that stuff about revenge was  well, she wanted revenge <em>against</em> the Evil Emperor, she wasnt about to go around getting revenge <em>for</em> him!

    But she saw how Sencha Bards hand tracked the moving gauntlet, and she realised that all this had to have been a ploy to get close enough to the Evil Emperor for the Rogue to try and steal the gems.

    But he was too slow. The sword had already appeared in the Evil Emperors hand. The gems, only just out of reach, glowed.

    The Evil Emperor started to speak.

    Youre not

    The Chosen One instantly acted. [Save Scum Attack]! he cast, and the world once again rolled back time.

    ---

    Qube was silent as they reappeared by the Save Point. The Chosen One, however, immediately reached out and grabbed Sencha Bard, seconds before the man could throw open the doors.

    Easy, Sing-Song, he said. It didnt work.

    What? Sencha Bard looked utterly shocked. But hes a tyrant! How could a call to his rage not drive him into a frenzy? Or was he so consumed by anger that heshed out at us?

    Just didnt work, the Hero said shortly.

    He hadnt told any of them what the Evil Emperor had said, just before attempting to y her friends.

    Qube bit her lip. Hard.

    Its me, she said in a quiet voice. I need to talk to him. I dont know why, but he keeps getting mad that hes not talking to me.

    She nced at the Chosen One, who looked like he wanted to protest. But instead of saying anything, he once again flicked his hand through the Save Point, then silently nodded at her.

    Round four, he said quietly.

    Taking a deep breath, Qube stepped forward, and pushed open the throne room doors.

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Eight: EE Fight

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Eight: EE Fight

    This time Qube gave in to the impulse dragging her into the throne room. She didn''t know what she was going to say to the Evil Emperor, but that didn''t matter anymore.

    As she walked into the room, she was startled by how loudly her footsteps echoed. The purple lights didn''t spring up, leaving the whole area in shadowy darkness.

    The other party members clustered around the doorway, waiting to see what would happen. Noticing theck of lights, the Chosen One took a step into the room, just enough to cause the first set to activate.

    Qube stood in front of the Evil Emperor, still surrounded by fearless chickens. He looked at her, his eyes pools of darkness.

    Countless sentences tried to fight their way out of Qube at once.

    He''d killed her friends. Did he regret it?

    He''d failed to kill her. Was he d?

    How many people had he killed?

    Why had he taken over the kingdom?

    Why was he so Evil?

    Why wasn''t he saying anything?

    Why did he want to talk to her in particr?

    Why, <em>why</em>, <strong><em>why</em></strong>.

    "Did you have a choice?" was all she asked. Even asking that took everything she had.

    The man before her said nothing.

    Something inside her snapped.

    "Did they force you to do it?" she nearly shouted. "Did you fight it? Did you even understand what was happening?"

    There was a terrible rage within her, too great for her to control.

    So instead she channelled it.

    "We''vee to defeat you," she said, startled at how cold she sounded. "And restore the King and Queen to power. You can choose to go peacefully, or you will be defeated."

    It was a giant bluff. They didn''t have the gems. He must have known that, given he was wearing the ones still connected to the guardians.

    He still didn''t respond. Instead his eyes seemed to burn into hers. Reluctantly, she took a step forward. Would he suddenly snap and try to attack her, like he had with the others? What would happen if his sword finally managed to do what it had failed at all that time ago?

    She swallowed her fears, and held onto the strength of her anger. She needed to find a way to force him into giving up, without them having to rely on the gems.

    "You''ve tried to kill me before and failed," she said, her voice barely quivering. "You''ve tasted my power. You know the world is not what it seems. Surrender."

    She didn''t know what she''d do if he actually surrendered, but she did know that there was absolutely no chance of that happening. Her asking was merely a formality. After all, this was the ruthless dictator who''d cut a swathe through the kingdom.

    She''d freed him from his mental prison, so his silence and violence towards the others could only mean he was, like the pharaoh, dedicated to his path of Evil.

    "Hey" the Chosen One, sounding genuinely worried, took another step into the room.

    "Please stay back," Qube said to her friend.

    The Evil Emperor sighed, his whole posture deting from arrogant ruler into a man defeated. In one fluid movement he stripped off his gem-encrusted gauntlet and flung it at her feet. The chickens followed it.

    "You have defeated me, Hero," he said quietly. "I am at your mercy."

    what? What? <em>What?</em>

    The Evil Emperor stood up from his throne. Qube instinctively flinched away from him, before using her rage to keep herself in ce.

    "I am at your mercy, he repeated. y me, or I shall rise again."

    "That doesn''t even make any <em>sense</em>!" Qube burst out, unable to help herself. "That''s not how mercy works! Mercy would be putting you in the dungeon and making you repair the damage you did! How is killing you a mercy?"

    It was hard to tell, given the whole covered in ck and spiky armour situation, but Qube got the distinct impression that the tyrant was nonplussed by her response.

    "Also <em>I''m</em> not the Hero, <em>he</em> is," she said, turning and pointing at the Chosen One. "Don''t you even remember? You came to my vige and killed all my friends and loved ones and then tried to kill me and said a bunch of stuff to the Chosen One and youyou <em>killed everyone</em> and you''re telling me that you can''t even remember which one of us is the Hero?"

    She was nearly incandescent with anger.

    "And now you have thethe unmitigated <em>gall </em>to demand we y you or else you''ll continue your reign of terror?"

    Qube had thought a lot about how her confrontation with the most Evil man in the kingdom would go. But none of those scenarios had involved her towering over a kneeling Evil Emperor and yelling at him.

    Well, maybe one or two scenarios. But the majority had definitely not gone down like this.

    "You don''t get to say that!" she shouted at the fearsome tyrant. "You apologise <em>right now</em> for what you''ve done and you find a way to make it right!"

    The Evil Emperor finally looked up, and she recoiled from the naked despair she saw on his shadowed face.

    "You have defeated me, Hero," he whispered, his voice somehow echoing around the room. The gauntlet glittered on the floor before him. "I am at your mercy."

    Ah. She remembered how, even when suffering First Exposure to Chosen One, he''d barely skipped a beat. How tightly controlled his actions had been each time they''d met him, where even looking at her had seemed to take a tremendous effort from him.

    She recognised, all too well, the strain of fighting against what you were meant to say, and what you wanted to.

    "Is that what you''re supposed to say when the Chosen One wins in his fight against you?" she asked with a gentleness that would have surprised anyone hearing her shouting mere moments earlier.

    The Evil Emperor lowered his head, staring at the floor. He remained silent.

    "I see," she said atst. "So, you didn''t have a choice," she said quietly.

    He continued to keep his head down.

    "Right? Tell me, please," she said, polite even in her despair. "I need to know. I can''t I can''t forgive you if I don''t know."

    She didn''t know if she could forgive him, even if he had been forced into it.

    The Emperor was silent.

    "He probably can''t answer," the Chosen One said gently from behind her. "Given how powerful he is, they wouldn''t want him saying or doing anything wrong."

    "I [Heal]ed you," said Qube, temporarily putting aside the Chosen Ones words. "Surely that gave you a little freedom?"

    It was hard to think between the rage howling within her, and the rope around her soul nearly tearing her apart in its attempts to draw her deeper into the room, but she held on as hard as she could.

    The un-gauntleted hand resting on the Evil Emperor''s knee flexed, the scars on the exposed flesh straining at the movement.

    "They wept as they died, Hero," he said, sounding almost lost.

    Suddenly he smashed his hand into the ground.

    "Your whole vige was lost, false Hero! And you cannotnd a single blow on me? Perhaps I should have made them suffer more."

    Qube hated the Evil Emperor more than she''d ever hated anyone in her life. But she still crouched down next to him.

    "But that wasn''t your fault, was it?" she asked him gently.

    "My gems have failed! My fate is sealed!" the Emperor said in despair.

    "Is throwing your gauntlet on the ground what you''re supposed to do?" Qube repeated her earlier question. He had to be following a narrative, to throw away such a powerful weapon in the face of those who had just cause to want to kill him.

    He dragged his gaze up to her face. I took yourpanion, Hero, but it seems that wasnt enough to motivate you. Strike me! He swallowed, and something shifted on his face. His eyes studied her eyes, as if trying to solve an impossible puzzle.

    "You" he said and his voice cracked, the booming baritone falling away and leaving only a broken, frightened man, straining to speak words outside his script. "You haunt me."

    Blood dripped from his fist.

    "I can''t haunt you. You didn''t kill me," Qube replied. It took all her kindness, every ounce of herpassion, to reach out and lightly ce the tips of her fingers on the back of his bleeding hand.

    But she did it.

    "[Heal]," she said.

    The Evil Emperor closed his eyes and shuddered as her spell took effect, her silvery mana sinking into his damaged flesh. A part of Qube had been afraid that she would immediately die if she made physical contact with the Evil Emperor. But, whether it was her touch or the second round of [Heal]ing, he seemed more at peace.

    When he finally reopened his eyes, he looked directly at her, and she saw that some of the restrictions had eased.

    I took your head, he whispered.

    You didnt, Qube reassured him. She pointed at her face. See? My heads right here.

    I''ve killed so many people, he continued, as if she hadnt spoken. I did so many terrible things.

    But that wasnt your choice, was it? Qube asked gently. She didnt know why it was so important to her, that he admitted he hadnt wanted to do all those Evil deeds.

    I enjoyed killing them, he confessed. Their deaths the memories of them, theyre inside me. There was a beat before he continued: Those memories will never leave me. That joy was stripped away. By you. But the memory of it remains.

    He struggled to speak, the words clearly costing him dearly.

    Having a choice or not, I stillmitted these acts. And I dont want to live with them inside me.

    He reached out with his bare hand, and ghosted his fingers along the side of Qubes face.

    So I make this: my first, andst choice. Kill me, Healer, and release me from my memories. Grant me your mercy.

    Qube blinked at him. His hand dropped, returning to his side.

    Oh boy, she heard the Chosen One mutter from behind her. She turned her head, and saw his face, now slightly pale. He looked back at her.

    If you want, I can yknow. Do it for you, the Hero offered.

    And if it had been the Chosen One facing the Evil Emperor, he would have granted the man his requested freedom. Any of the other party members would have probably done the same. It would have been a merciful thing to do, considering.

    But this was Qube.

    And she had her own way of doing things.

    No, she told the Chosen One. Then she turned and looked at the man she was crouched next to. And no to you too, she said sharply.

    The Evil Emperor looked at her in resignation.

    I understand I dont deserve yourpassion he started.

    Compassion? Of course you get mypassion! Qube said indignantly. But Im not going to kill anyone, nor let anyone else get killed on my watch.

    She stood up, and grabbed the Evil Emperors bicep.

    You know what your problem is? she asked the tyrant as she dragged the massive man to his feet. Youre so used to destroying everything, its the only way you know how to solve anything.

    Having sessfully bullied the Evil Emperor into standing up, she dusted off her hands, before jabbing a finger into his armoured chest.

    A terrible thing happened to you, she said sternly. You were used to do terrible things, and worse, you were forced to enjoy it. I dont argue that. But dying isnt how you fix it.

    She drew herself upright and red as hard as she could at the much taller man.

    Youve wounded someone. Is the solution to that to injure yourself, because you feel bad? Or is it to <em>try and heal them</em>?

    She jabbed him in the chest again, harder. It made her finger hurt, but she wanted to get her point across.

    You damaged something, so you have to fix it. If you cant fix it, you make it so other people dont cause the same kind of damage. You repair, not despair. She paused, taken out of the moment by how pleased she was at her little rhyme. No, focus! As you repair the damage you were forced to do, we go to the people who <em>made</em> you do it, and demand <em>they</em> repair the damage they did to you, and others through you.

    She crossed her arms across her chest and nodded. So no, you wont be dying. Instead, youre going to get to <em>work</em>.

    The Evil Emperor, whod been staring down at Qube with the kind of baffled puzzlement normally directed at the Chosen One, looked at the Hero over her head.

    She he said, then gave up.

    I know, the Chosen One replied, stepping deeper into the throne room. "You kinda get used to it." As he walked, more purple mes sprang up, until the whole room was bathed in its eerie light. When he reached Qubes side, he bent and picked up the gauntlet.

    The instant his hand made contact with the gauntlet, Qube suddenly swayed. She blinked, trying to clear the dizziness that had just ovee her.

    The Chosen One smiled down at Qube, who was surprised to find herself shaking, almost sweating. He put his hand on her shoulder, but before he could speak, they were interrupted by a thin, reedy voice from behind the throne.

    You, it said reverently. You came!

 Book Three Chapter Eighty Nine: Adored_Fight

    Book Three Chapter Eighty Nine: Adored_Fight

    It was difficult for Qube to understand the emotions she felt in that moment. As the voice reached her ears, it was as if the separation between her inner and outer selves had been torn apart.

    No longer was there an inner self, full of rage and sadness. Instead it grew and grew, until she was struggling to keep herself intact. Thepulsion that had dragged her forward exploded, and for a moment Qube was afraid shed lost her mind. Not since that day in the vige, where shed apparently been partially murdered and severed from the Golden Prophecys narrative, had she felt such blinding pain.

    The sensation sharpened, tearing at her, and she <em>knew</em>, in her very bones, that she was supposed to be behind that throne. That she was but a ghost, and all that was real about her was a few short steps away.

    It was agony.

    Qube dropped to her knees, her hands pressed against her heart. The pain intensified, and the feeling of being torn apart was overwhelming. Her inner self had broken free, and it was only through the utmost effort that Qube could keep her sense of self together.

    Im sorry, the Evil Emperor whispered from amongst the chickens. When the Chosen One had picked the gauntlet up theyd gone quietly insane, running around in tight circles. I

    A figure stepped out from behind the throne.

    The observational part of Qube, the rarely-silent little voice that constantly pointed out inconsistencies and strangeness about the world around her, wondered why the person before her had waited until this very moment to reveal themselves. After all, hiding behind a throne seemed very inconvenient, and waiting for the Chosen One to grab the gauntlet was needlessly dramatic. All in all, it was the sort of thing cooked up by someone with far too much time on their hands to think about the most impactful arrival on the scene.

    The rest of Qube was rather more concerned with the fact that she was staring at her own corpse. Or, to be more specific, her own severed head, inexpertly attached to a body that bore only a passing simrity to Qubes.

    One major difference was that Qube was unable to change out of her Healers garb, leaving her form permanently d in robes. This version of her had clearly not only mastered removing her Healers outfit, but also decided to wear some of the most impractical armour Qube had ever seen.

    For one thing, the spikes on the skimpy ck temail were far toorge. If the mysteriousdy turned her head too fast, she would be in real danger of taking an eye out. For another, the whole <em>point</em> of te armour was to provide maximum physical protection, at the expense of manoeuvrability. Someone who prized dexterity would choose an outfit closer to Sexy Screamy Spider Briar or Sencha Bard, where more flexible material offered less protection in exchange for greater freedom of movement.

    People like Definitely Bad Guy eschewed physical protection all together, instead focusing on magic.

    Which made the frankly bizarre design choices around this neers armour even more baffling. Large sections of skin were unprotected, and several vulnerable organs exposed in a way Qube had never seen before. It was both a Fighter and a Healers nightmare.

    The only exnation that the gibbering remains that made up Qubes logic centre coulde up with was that it was intended not for practical purposes, but rather as a disy of intimidation.<em> Look at me,</em> it seemed to say, <em>Im so powerful that I mock your very notions of protection.</em>

    In fact, the more she thought about it, the more intimidated Qube was by the woman before her. And not just because  and this could not be stressed enough  of the whole severed head side of things. Someone had to be really, really confident in their strength to wander around wearing armour that was both heavy, and exposing.

    Either that, or theyd been forced into wearing it to make them vulnerable.

    Qube found herself looking away from the horrifying sight of her slightly undead-looking twin in order to re at the Evil Emperor. As she did, she caught a glimpse of the Chosen Ones face.

    Oh [<strong><em>snacks</em></strong>], he said quietly. Im going to kill them.

    Wait, Sencha Bards eyes narrowed as he looked between Qube and the corpsedy. How can this be? Are we supposed to y both He cut himself off guiltily.

    A phoenix spell, Definitely Bad Guy said softly, as if gazing upon a sacred item.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, however, wasted no time on words. Instead she bolted from the doorway towards the throne, grabbed Qube by the arm, and violently pulled her up and away from the approaching figure. Qube, jolted out of her desperate mental attempts to focus on anything other than the feeling that she was being split apart, allowed herself to be dragged.

    Get back, stranger, the Huntermanded the corpse, bringing to bear the full authority of the heir to the Thorny Crown.

    Theyre so dead, the Hero muttered.

    Stay behind me, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar ordered Qube. I dont know who that is, but I dont want it anywhere near you, she said over her shoulder joints at the puzzled half-elf.

    Ive been waiting for you, the figure said breathily as she continued to approach Qube. Her eyes, a dull white, were fixated on Qube. Her hair was also pure white, and across her neck was an unsightly scar, covered in clumsy stitches.

    Qube rarely saw stitches  it was normally a better idea to just [Heal] the injured person. Unless this poor person had been stuck here with the Evil Emperor, who most decidedly was <em>not</em> a Healer, and hadnt had anyone to tend to her wound?

    Seeing anyone in pain hurt her Healer instincts. Seeing this figure injured was more akin to seeing herself wounded. Qube reached past Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, seconds from casting a healing spell. The figure mirrored her, reaching back. The closer they got to each other, the more ghost-like Qube felt.

    But she had no choice. She <em>had</em> to help. She <em>had to save her</em>.

    No! Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said sharply, pushing Qube further back. Her action seemed to bring the others back to reality. Several of the chickens fled as Squiggles, whod been patiently waiting at the doorway, suddenly broke and dashed into the room. The Mage and Bard shook themselves. The Evil Emperor, a man whod faced down armies if the stories were true, flinched from the Hunter and stepped away.

    However, it was the Chosen One who surprised them.

    Get her out of here, he shouted at Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, gesturing at Qube.

    Wait, what? Qube felt all jumbled up, trying to make sense of what was happening. She had to reach out to her not-twin. She had to do something. It was all wrong, and she had to <em>fix it</em>.

    You! The white-haired version of Qube practically growled at the Chosen One. You <em>dare</em>?

    Thats right, Evil Qube, the Chosen One said, stepping between Qube and the newly named Evil Qube, focus on me. All your attention, now.

    Shes not Evil! Qube protested faintly as she was pulled away by Sexy Screamy Spider Briar. Everything was happening so fast, she felt like she couldnt catch her breath. The blinding pain didnt exactly help her concentration either.

    Even through the pain, she heard the <em>ng</em> as the throne room doors mmed shut, trapping the party inside. It seemed Squiggles had been keeping the exit open.

    Please, dont be rmed, my fair Healer, Sencha Bard said, taking his ce in front of her, shielding her from the neer with his body. To her surprise, he looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. This oue, while naturally tragic, is far better than I had feared.

    How is this better? Qube asked, her mind swirling. Why was he talking about this right now?

    "Well you see" the Bard actually looked sheepish. "I thought you were the adored that had to be in. Later, I feared perhaps you were a spirit given form, and we would have toy you to rest. It was all quite distressing."

    "Oh," Qube said quietly, unsure of what to make of this mid-fight confession, before her counterpart made her opening move.

    <em>You left me to die!</em> The potentially-Evil Qube screamed at the Chosen One. Dark clouds formed around her hands, and just the sight of them made Qube feel queasy. Whatever spell her counterpart was about to unleash wasnt going to be pretty.

    "[Betrayal''s Embrace]," she cast with a snarl. Purple and ck mana streamed out of her, heading towards the Chosen One. Unlike any other spell Qube had ever seen cast, this one made a noise as it moved. It was a high pitched, whining scream, that seemed to twist as the mana spiralled towards the party.

    The background music was practically screaming as well. There was no cohesive melody, only jarring, jangling notes shing together.

    Even the chickens were screeching, all of them looking at the increasingly-unarguably-Evil Qube with usatory, beady eyes.

    "[Lesser Shield]! Squiggles! Get the chickens out of harm''s way!" Qube forced herself to think as she wrenched herself out of Sexy Screamy Spider Briar''s grip. Thest thing they needed was a bunch of indestructible poultry on a battlefield.

    Her magical shield mmed into ce around the Chosen One seconds before the curse hit him. But it made no difference. The curse punched through the protection immediately, and hit the Hero''s actual shield.

    The shield instantly withered.

    There was a moment of stunned silence as the entire party watched the shield that had taken blows from giant scorpions, clocks, and every beast in the woods, curled up on itself and shrivelled into a lump.

    "[<strong><em>Fiddle</em></strong>] me," the Chosen One said, shocked.

    "Astonishing," Definitely Bad Guy said with far too much admiration for Qubes liking. "I have never seen such destructive power in a single spell before. You are magnificent."

    "My dear," Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, her voice throbbing with emotion. Your Evil self is <em>deadly</em>.

    Is this power something youre capable of? Sencha Bard asked Qube, his eyes wide with possibility.

    I dont <em>think</em> so? Qube replied uncertainly, before realising that there were much more important things to be focusing on. Such as the fact that her counterpart had just unleashed a spell capable of <em>withering</em> a shield.

    However, the effort of the spell seemed to wear Evil Qube out. She jumped back, panting, and took up a defensive stance. As she did, the Chosen Ones shield started to somehow recover from the attack, slowly refilling.

    Which wasnt how shields worked. Or metal in general. Or even organic things. But this was magic, and thus unconstrained by such practicalities.

    <em>You betrayed me,</em> Evil Qube said, and the pain in those three words made Qube feel like her heart was about to break. You were supposed to protect me.

    He didnt betray you, Qube said from behind the wall of her party.

    Dont talk to her! the Chosen One snapped, and Qube rocked back in surprise at his tone. He nced over his shoulder at her and grimaced at her expression. Sorry for snapping, he said tersely. But I dont want her infecting you, or anything. I dont know if you cane back from that.

    s, it is always a pity to battle such a beautiful female, Sencha Bard said with a sigh. But we cannot allow our worthy Healer to be threatened, even by herself. He pulled out his lute and strummed a few notes.

    You cant fight her! Qube protested.

    If thats what it takes to protect our sweet sugar-Qube, then count me in, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, pulling out two of her crossbows.

    She needs <em>help</em>, Qube said, pulling at her own hair in frustration.

    If it is what must be done, Definitely Bad Guy said dubiously, grasping his new staff.

    Why wont anyone listen to me?! Qube shouted.

    Everyone seemed to be going insane! Sure, that [Betrayals Embrace] was extremely powerful, but theyd fought heaps of powerful things before! And what had happened to the Chosen One? Hed never acted like this! Ordering her around, ignoring what she wanted, not even looking for a way out of a fight, not even considering a third option. It was almost like he was scared.

    And the further away she was pushed from Evil Qube, the more she felt like she was being torn in two.

    It was all utterly, utterly wrong.

    And it was up to her to fix it!

 Book Three Chapter Ninety: Adored_Curses

    Book Three Chapter Ny: Adored_Curses

    Qube had spent her entire life being taught how to be graciously ignored. Entire training sessions had been dedicated to making sure that she never overstepped her bounds as a Companion, and always remembered her ce. Which, to be clear, was a few steps behind the Chosen One and smiling supportively. Maybe, if he was being particrly annoying, even smiling understandingly.

    Those lessons had been so well taught that it had taken her entering the first Temple to even realise she was invisible.

    She understood the point of those lessons. Not everyone could be the most important person, and if someone had to be nominated to be number one, the best candidate was assuredly the individual designated to save the kingdom. And, while shed dwelt in the vige, and taken her first shaky steps beyond, it had helped her help guide the chaotic Hero onto the correct path.

    But she wasnt that Qube anymore. Shed learned her own lessons, and grown, and be someone who knew both when to stand back and let the Chosen One lead, and when it was time for her to take the reins.

    And there were few situations where she was more qualified to take charge than when dealing with her own undead counterpart.

    Because, despite what the others were saying, the white-haired and tortured looking woman whod just cast a massive curse on the Saviour of all Human and Human-Adjacent Beings wasnt <em>Evil</em>.

    She was hurting.

    In this, too, Qube had learned. Good and Evil, chaos and order, they were none of them as clear-cut as shed once believed. So although this woman was quite clearly attempting to inflict harm, something Qube had firmly ced in the Evil category, that didnt mean the whole <em>person</em> was Evil.

    Even the Evil Emperor, who had Evil in his title, had turned out to not be intrinsically Evil. In a lot of pain, and doing a lot of damage, he''d just decided to kneel on the floor in despair rather than fix anything, but, when given the chance, hed done the right thing.

    After attempting to murder her friends, true, but he was a work in progress. They would find a way to separate him from his Evil instincts, and teach him how to repair the damage hed done. Hopefully without having to wiperge sections of his mind, like with the pharaoh.

    If the party hadnt protested her decision to let the Evil Emperor live, why, then, were they overriding her in the treatment of the other Qube, who hadnt even killed anyone (as far as they knew)?

    [Shield Bash]! The Chosen One, with his newly-recovered shield, charged at the undead Qube, who was still staggered from the effects of casting her spell. Arge, ck staff appeared in her hands, which she used to block the Heros Sacred Sword. A move that Qube had never even considered.

    You seek to cut me down! she cried, her white eyes glowing. Ashamed of your failure?

    Perhaps we should try [The Bards Bad]? Sencha Bard asked, as his fingers flew over his lutes strings, causing everyone to speed up as [Haste] kicked in. His green mana was everywhere, wrapping around the party members, pushing them ever onwards. Surely that would open her eyes to reality?

    Certainly it would be less dangerous than directly attempting a [Heal], Definitely Bad Guy said. Despite the battle music screaming away, neither Sexy Screamy Spider Briar nor he had made any offensive manoeuvres. Squiggles, too, seemed curiously disinclined to engage with the enemy wearing the head of their Healer.

    Their reluctance gave Qube hope that she could talk them into standing down, and letting her try. She just had to get everyone to calm down.

    Stop attacking me! she shouted to the Chosen One. I dont need harm, I need help!

    [Companions Curse], her counterpart cast directly in the Heros face.

    Qube also cursed, albeit internally.

    [Lesser Shield]! she counter-cast, only to watch her shield be obliterated by her undead versions spell.

    There was nothing like realising that not only was her inner self capable of casting the curses that shed long wished for herself, but she was also better at spells than Qube.

    Youre not helping! she yelled at her other self over the battlefield.

    <em>I wont let him take you from me!</em> Undead Qube screamed, nearly wild with passion. Seeing her own face distorted with rage and grief made Qube feel like a monster.

    Hes not going to take me from you! she called back.

    Keep her away from her, the Chosen One ordered Sexy Screamy Spider Briar. He dodged a swing from the staff not-Evil-just-misunderstood-Qube was wielding, before sparing a nce at Healer-Qube.

    Do you really think you can defeat me? Undead Qube sneered angrily at the Chosen One. Dont you feel any guilt? You already left me to die once; have youe to finish the job?

    We dont know what [Heal] or [The Bards Bad] will do with Qube in the room, the Chosen One said to the Bard and Mage.

    "What difference do you think it would make?" Definitely Bad Guy asked, holding the staff bestowed upon him by the Royal family.

    <em>I don''t know.</em> That''s the point. Maybe nothing. Maybe something. They didn''t give me any [<strong><em>fiddling</em></strong>] heads up about this and I don''t know why. We cant risk it.

    An entire lifetime of training warred with Qube, fighting against her adventuring experiences.

    She had to get everyone to calm down.

    She had to make sure no one got hurt.

    She had to help her counterpart.

    She had to protect the Chosen One.

    She squeezed her eyes shut as the conflictingmands within her head screamed at each other.

    It was too much. Her inner self was being ripped out of her, her mind was being shredded, her friends were trying to attack a version of herself, the Evil Emperor was looking at her with <em>expectation</em> written on what little face she could see, and this was <em>her</em> resurrected body against <em>her</em> friends and <em>no one was listening to her about it</em>.

    Everyone <strong><em>STOP!</em></strong> she screamed.

    Her voice rang out across the room, stopping everyone in their tracks. Even the Chosen One and undead Qube looked away from each other to turn and stare at the red-faced and panting Healer.

    No one is fighting <strong><em>anyone</em></strong>, she ordered, her tone sharp enough to carve her words into flesh. You are all going to step back, and <em>I</em> will deal with this.

    But the Chosen One protested, taking a small step towards her. His movement triggered a reaction in Qubes counterpart, who raised her hands as if to cast another spell.

    <strong><em>NO</em></strong>.

    Qube had never spoken like that before. Even when shed been politely telling the guardians to stay put and mind their own business, or when shed been mildly yelling at the Evil Emperor about how he wasnt allowed to die, there had been strength to her words, but nothing like this.

    This was absolute. Her word wasw.

    This is <em>my</em> body. <em>My</em> counterpart. Taken from <em>my</em> vige. And <em>I</em> will choose how we proceed.

    She wanted to add something strong to the end of her speech, like understand? or thats right or tee hee.

    No! Not tee hee!

    Ruthlessly suppressing the dreaded nervous tic that bubbled in her neck, Qube stepped forward to prove just how far shede since shed been that naive girl in the vige whod giggled against her will.

    Its dangerous, the Chosen One said to her as she got closer to him.

    I know, she replied, her outer calmness belying her inner turmoil.

    Dreamer, the undead version of her said breathily, staring at Qube as if she held the secrets to happiness. The naked adoration in her white eyes was a little disconcerting. Youre real.

    My name is Qube, Qube said. Do you have a name?

    She couldnt keep calling her inner self her counterpart or undead Qube. It seemed disrespectful, somehow.

    Her own face stared back at her, her expression going curiously ck as she thought about what her name was. As she pondered, strange whispers wormed their way into Qubes ears. Some of them sounded like the Evil Emperor talking, while others were too quiet to hear  just moments of noise, barely heard.

    The Evil Emperor called me Once Adored, the woman said eventually.

    Really, dude? <em>Really</em>? The Chosen One swung around and red at the Evil Emperor. For a man d from head to toe in intimidating ck armour, the recently deposed tyrant managed to look incredibly embarrassed.

    From the Golden Prophecy, Sencha Bard exined to the Hero.

    Yeah, I got it, I still  just, <em>really</em>? First you put her in an armoured bikini, now youre running around calling her Once Adored? What, you sniff her hair while you were at it? The Hero gained a look of disgust. [<strong><em>By the Words</em></strong>], you probably did, given you were carrying a lock of it around with you before. Dude. Not cool. Mega creepy.

    Chosen One, please stop yelling at the Evil Emperor for being creepy, Qube requested. Im sure he feels bad enough about the Evil things the Devs made him do without you pointing it out.

    Definitely Bad Guy was looking at Once Adored with wide eyes.

    I was right, he said, shocked. Not entirely, of course, but the core supposition was not as outrageous as I believed.

    Qube didn''t immediately parse what the Mage meant by that but Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, who was asionally surprisingly in tune with the former advisor, reared up onto her back legs and pointed all her weapons at the still-kneeling emperor.

    You <em>dared</em> force a dead version of our innocent little Healer into being your concubine? she said, hissing every word so hard that green venom flew from her mouth.

    Sencha Bard put away his lute and drew his rapier with deadly intent.

    This man shall pay for his crimes with blood, he dered.

    Qube had somehow managed to get everyone to stop attacking her undead self, only to turn them all against the man shed spared but half an hour earlier.

    Youre not allowed to kill the Evil Emperor either! she dered. Its my vige he killed, and my body he concubined, so any vengeance belongs to either Once Adored or me! She wasnt sure if concubined was a word, but she was going to use it anyway.

    That weakling? Once Adored said, her upper lip curling scornfully in a move Qube could never have mastered. No, I am no concubine of his. I have only two goals: to y the one who failed me, and protect the Dreamer who saved me.

    Im gonna go out on a limb here and guess that Im the one who failed her, the Chosen One quietly informed Qube.

    But how am I the Dreamer? Qube asked Once Adored. I dont remember saving you.

    You came to me in dreams, Once Adored said and, now shed been talking for longer, Qube could hear the subtle differences in their voices. Once Adoreds voice was raspier, as if something was stuck in her throat. When I was nothing but vengeance, I felt you call out to me. Her eyes searched Qubes, and once again Qube was struck by how <em>empty</em> the other womans eyes were.

    When youre hurt, I will protect you. I will give you my sadness, and my rage, so you may keep your joy. I will shield you from the world, and ughter any who cause your light to dim. Once Adored took a step closer to Qube, the pallid colour of her skin making the crude stitches across her neck stand out even more.

    As I waited in this darkness of death and pain, you guided me out. And now I will follow your light forever. I will surround it, and hold it within me.

    It was certainly one of the <em>heaviest</em> acknowledgements of Qubes role as a guiding light that shed ever received, but it wasnt in Qubes nature to reject someone seeking help.

    The rest of the party waspletely silent as Qube took another step forward. Once Adored reached out a hand: in friendship, and in supplication.

    Wait the Chosen One whispered, but she didnt hear him.

    Qube closed the distance, and took her counterparts hand.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety One: Adored_Error

    Book Three Chapter Ny One: Adored_Error

    If thered been time, between Qube deciding to take Once Adoreds hand and actually making contact, for a conservation to ur, Qube wouldnt have been able to say <em>why</em> shed just done what shed done. Part of it was her need to help people. Another was her deciding that, on some matters, it was right for her to lead. For a short time. Only on those particr matters, though.

    And then there was the fact that someone was reaching out to her, and it would be rude not to reciprocate.

    But none of that exined thepulsion that drove her. In that split second before they made contact, Qube wondered if this had all been a giant mistake, and she was about to be killed. Or worse.

    After all, as proven by the woman before her, death isnt always the end.

    Then their hands touched, and reality decided to take a break.

    Qube found herself in the in-between space, where everything was numbers and darkness. Somehow, without any magic other than physical touch between two beings who shouldnt have existed in the same space, they had ended up in the between-realm. Tiny numerical corrections were being made every second, leading to a constantly twitching environment.

    Once Adored stood out amongst the background of equations, her body practically glowing with the agitated numbers spilling from her. Her rage radiated outwards, unstoppable in its righteousness.

    So much anger, Qube whispered. She watched as the words she spoke formed digits in the air before her, then danced along her connection with Once Adored and settled in her body.

    Yes, Once Adored replied, the number-words forming around her mouth and skittering towards Qube.

    But they never made it to her. Instead they hit a shield surrounding Qube, and clustered against it, scratching to be let in.

    Curious, existing in a space between spaces, Qube examined herself. That same shield shed once cast around her mind, when shed discovered her ruined vige, still stood, dividing her from the darkness, and the white-haired woman on the other side.

    There were several cracks along that shield. Some were so cracked that they were ragged holes. Into those holes streams of numbers flowed from Once Adored. Once they were inside her mental shield they swirled around, crowding Qube, and sinking into her.

    Changing her.

    What shed assumed was her newly-developed inner self encouraging her more negative emotions, the other half of her coin, was actually the influence of the broken-off fragment of self taken and developed by the Evil Emperor.

    Youre not my inner self at all, are you? Qube asked. Even though she knew the answer, it seemed important to ask the question.

    I dont know, Once Adored said, sounding lost and alone. She looked around the numbered space, confused. Is this you? Am I inside you?

    No, Qube replied, although she honestly wasnt sure. This is the space between worlds. Or something. Im not entirely certain.

    They put you here? The equationsing from Once Adored were now even more agitated, jumbling around, rewriting each other. I dont like this ce! I dont know it! I dont know anything! What have they done to us? Ill make them suffer! I wont let them hurt you!

    Qube watched the world flicker around Once Adored as the undeadpanion converted fear into anger. The streams emanating from the undead thickened, and tore the holes in Qubes shield wider.

    Qube felt the anger infect her, wrapping itself around her, trying to protect her from the unknown threat. Trying to prevent her from being afraid.

    Though terrifying in their intensity, all those feelings were dedicated to helping shield her.

    I think youre a part of me, she whispered. A shard of her stolen and warped, yes, but still a part of her.

    For so long, her sense of self had been pummelled into submission, and pleasantry: Be cheerful. Be helpful. Make yourself smaller, so others can loomrge.

    It had taken Qube a long time to learn how to be properly angry. How to fully grieve, and experience true betrayal.

    How to hate.

    In all her adventures, that had been perhaps the most difficult skill for her to achieve. And it was only now, at the end, that shed discovered how to feel all those emotions at once, and still hold onto who she was.

    She may not have gotten a bigger mana pool, or fancy fighting skills, or even better outfits. But she was stronger now than shed ever been before.

    Strong enough to ept all of herself. Both the beautiful, and the ugly.

    She dropped the broken shield that surrounded her.

    Her inner me roared.

    Once Adored started to disintegrate.

    Wait, no! Qube said, desperately reaching out with her other hand to try and steady the rage-filled curser. But when her handnded on her counterparts shoulder, the disintegration only sped up.

    Please, stop! Im sorry! Qube said.

    But Once Adored didnt stop.

    Instead she poured into Qube. No longer surrounding her, slipping through her defences and affecting her piece by piece. This was an unstoppable attack by an invading force.

    <em>Qube remembered being resurrected by the Evil Emperor. She recognised him, even as she knew that her new form didnt know him. </em>

    <em>She remembered the words dropped in her undead ears. Poison about the Chosen One and the party. </em>

    <em>The Evil Emperors cunning n. Hed bound Once Adored soul with the gem-filled gauntlet, creating an impossible choice for the Chosen One. Either hed release her soul from the gauntlet, using thest of its severely diminished power to restore herpletely to life, or he could choose to use the full power of the gauntlet, consuming both the power of the gems and Qubes soul to bring the rest of the vige back to life. </em>

    <em>Once Adored screamed in rage. She knew the Chosen One would have sacrificed Qube/herself in an instant. The hatred taught to her by the Evil Emperor didnt allow her to consider anything else. </em>

    No! Qube said, bracing herself against nothing. Once Adored continued to infiltrate her, clouding her mind, and unleashing the feelings of anger and betrayal thaty within Qube.

    But this wasnt the first time Qube had wrestled with her inner feelings. Ironically, by learning how to ept, soothe, or use the intense emotions inmed by what shed thought was her inner self, she now had a hope of weathering this storm.

    He wouldnt choose them. Or us. He would choose both. Because he always found a way to do the right thing.

    From beneath the fog of rage she pulled out memories. The Chosen One giving her his lopsided grin. His eyes glittering as he found a third option. Him asking her what she thought of things, pushing her to have her own opinion. Him encouraging her.

    Him being her friend, in a world that thought her dead.

    The storm that was Once Adored raged within Qube. There were no words. Just a feeling of coldness. Betrayal. Abandonment.

    None of them would abandon us. Qube grabbed the memories of her friends, her party, herpanions, and pulled them through the darkness within her.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar wouldnt allow anyone to tell her to leave Qube to her fate. Not even Qube herself would be able to trick or order the Hunter into abandoning her, or letting her soul be consumed by a spell.

    Definitely Bad Guy would research obsessively until he found a solution to the problem. Then spend just as long exining how he had reached that conclusion to anyone whod listen. At the end of it, if necessary, he would sacrifice himself to stop her from being harmed.

    Sencha Bard would probably be furious that someone could even suggest abandoning a fair maiden in distress, but cover that feeling with nd diplomacy as he carefully manipted people into agreeing with him.

    And Squiggles. Squiggles would carve through any opposition and hug as hard as she needed to make sure that her mama was safe.

    None of them would leave us, Qube whispered, taking the power of her loving memories and wrapping them around the counterpart invading her. Were safe. <em>Youre</em> safe. Youre with me now. And even if all the others failed, <em>I </em>will never fail you. Youll protect me with anger and sadness when I need it, and Ill heal you with joy and love when you need it.

    The numbers were melding now, making new equations.

    Were not two halves of the same coin. No. Were two sections of the same pond, wrapped around each other.

    She felt like her mind was unravelling. Shed epted her counterpart into herself, but now was struggling to put herself back together.

    How do you rebuild yourself, when youve been pulled apart and then mmed back together?

    Piece by piece.

    Locked in that strange world, Qube struggled to put herself back together. It was so hard, and she was so tired. It would be easier if she just let herself unravel, rejected the parts of her that hurt, and ceased to be a single entity. If she let herself fall apart, and melt into the background of numbers.

    But her inner me, the part of her that never gave up, wouldnt let her. She fed her emotions to the me, her tiredness, her fear, her happiness, all of it. The memories of all her friends, and the hurdles theyd ovee together.

    Because she wasnt alone, in this ce of darkness.

    She had her friends, waiting for her, not just on the other side, back in reality, but right here. Within her.

    She could see, now, the part of her that theyd influenced. It wasnt just her own and Once Adoreds numbers within herself. She didnt know how she could read anything, but she could <em>see</em> the fierceness and maternal instincts encouraged in her by Squiggles.

    The awareness of being shaped by others, and the importance of independence that shot through her soul was a gift from Sexy Screamy Spider Briar. The reluctance to be treated as an object, or to be content with being what you were told to be. The awareness of romance was also there, as was Qubes horror at it.

    Speaking of romance, her perception of tender feelings and how they impacted someone was twined with Definitely Bad Guys energy/numbers. And how badly things could be misunderstood, and a need to find the truth of situations. She couldnt just give up, not when she knew how much it would devastate the others.

    Then there was the influence of Sencha Bard on her. Hed been the one to first show her hidden anger, and how to cope when the world didnt go at all the way you wanted. His concern for those oppressed, and his rage against those who had wronged them wouldnt allow her to lie down and let the numbers take her.

    Finally, there was the Chosen One.

    Everywhere she looked within herself she saw his influence. From him breaking her in the first ce, to him constantly pushing her to stand up for herself, think for herself, form theories, exist, take up space. Hed believed in her, even when he shouldnt have.

    He was her best friend, and she couldnt let him down.

    Slowly, painfully, she reformed herself, guided by the legacies left by her friends. She took in Once Adoreds memories, fears, and angers, and incorporated them into herself. She rebuilt, then improved upon herself.

    She finally feltplete.

    She wasnt just apanion, or a Healer, or an undead artefact, or a tool to be used. She wasnt a guiding light, or a tradition, or a memory of a childhood.

    She was Qube.

    And that was enough.

    ---

    She opened her eyes, and looked around. She was back in reality, and everyone was staring at her.

    The Chosen One was still reaching out towards her, his face very pale.

    Are you? he stopped, unable to articte the question.

    Qube flung herself into his arms, and hugged him as hard as she could. Tears were streaming down her face, although she couldnt remember when shed started crying.

    Yes, she replied, and he returned her hug with interest, squeezing her almost as hard as Squiggles could. Who, speaking of, immediatelyunched herself at Qube and the Chosen One, wrapping them both up in all her tentacles and hugging as hard as she could.

    I am.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Two: EE_Resolve

    Book Three Chapter Ny Two: EE_Resolve

    The hug between Qube, the Chosen One, and Squiggles onlysted a few moments, but it soothed Qube in a way that made it feel like shed had a weeks rest.

    You guys gonna join the hug-fest? the Chosen One asked the rest of the party, his voice slightly muffled by the effects of Squiggless tentacles. He stuck out a hand and waved the others over.

    Id be <em>delighted </em>to join you, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, adding her many arms to the mass of limbs. One of those limbs snagged Definitely Bad Guy, pulling the weakly protesting Mage into the clump, while Sencha Bard somehow wound up primarily hugging Sexy Screamy Spider Briar and Qube, with a side of Squiggless tentacles.

    It seemed his rtionships with Definitely Bad Guy and the Chosen One, while much healthier, hadnt yet grown to the point of the Bard actively moving to hug them.

    The Chosen One, however, had no such reservations, and stretched out to make sure he was including both the Bard and the Mage in the group hug, squishing everyone together and causing a few parts to be eaten by Sexy Screamy Spider Briars inner pockets.

    You were perfect, Sencha Bard whispered in Qubes ear under the cover of the chaos. None of them would have anticipated you taking control of the narrative in such a way.

    Never mind what others expect, how do you <em>feel</em>? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked, also quietly.

    You guys know I can hear you when were all squished together? the Chosen One whispered too, his face next to theirs. Hed just emerged from part of the Hunters thorax. If youre trying to keep this conversation a secret from me, this is maybe not the right time to have it.

    Its not you were worried about. You arent controlling the narrative, Sencha Bard pointed out, his voice a little louder.

    Plus, we all know that youre on our side, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, squeezing the Hero tighter and causing him to once more enter her thorax.

    Definitely Bad Guy, whod given up on half-heartedly struggling for freedom, reached into the hug and awkwardly gave Qube a pat on the shoulder.

    While I cannot condone such reckless disregard for your own safety, your dedication to exploring new forms of magic is one of the many things I admire about you, he said.

    Yes, were all very proud of you for <em>exploring</em> yourself, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar added.

    Once Adored the Evil Emperors quietment broke up the hug. The party, after some careful disentangling and convincing their mascot to release them, turned and looked at the tyrant, who was staring at the throne. He was still kneeling, but the chickens that had been around him had wandered off and were now aimlessly pecking around the room.

    Looking at the man in ck filled Qube with aplex blend of emotions. Not only did she have her own mixed feelings to deal with, what with him having ughtered her vige and kind of killed her, but the echoes of what hed done to Once Adored bounced around inside her.

    The forgiving, helpful thing to do would be to go to him, and reassure him that the undead version of Qube hed raised using her severed head was now returned to the Healer, and they were stronger together.

    The understandable thing to do would be to yell at him that he had no right to speak mournfully of his foul creation, whom hed raised just to twist into a mess of hatred and despair in an attempt to hurt the Chosen One.

    The thing Qube <em>actually</em> did was neither. Mostly because shed thought of something odd and was curious about the answer.

    Chosen One, you were really worried about Once Adored and myself being in the same room, werent you? she asked the Hero.

    The Chosen One looked away from the picture of regret that was the Evil Emperor and regarded his closest friend.

    Yeah, he said. I didnt get any warning about it, and I didnt know what would happen if you two interacted. Speaking of which, are you feeling okay? What <em>happened</em> to the two of you?

    If you were so worried, and needed more time, why didnt you use your [Save Scum Attack]?

    There were a myriad of reasons why the Hero might have chosen not to use his most powerful spell. He could have been worried about the Evil Emperor not surrendering again, he might not have wanted Qube to re-experience the emotional scene of sparing her mortal enemy, or the curses that Once Adored had been throwing at him might have temporarily damaged his mana pool, disrupting his ability to cast.

    Whatever the reason, it was imperative that she knew, so if they were ever in a simr situation (somehow) she would be aware when and if their ultimate spell couldnt be used to save them (if it was the case that curses had affected him) or to reiterate the importance of not making decisions on behalf of her emotions.

    What she hadnt expected was the nk look that crossed the Chosen Ones face.

    Oh, yeah, he said, the nk expression shifting into one of embarrassment. I forgot about that.

    You <em>forgot</em> about the most powerful spell you have? Qube asked bluntly.

    She shouldnt have been surprised. After all, it was well within his character. And yet somehow, she still found herself staring at him in utter disbelief.

    It was really stressful! the Chosen One protested. And Im super tired! You cant me me for forgetting!

    Im not ming you, Qube replied with well-trained patience. I was just surprised that you managed to forget about something like that. Especially since youve used it so extensively within the castle.

    Plus everything was going all crazy and yeah, theres no getting around it, I straight-up forgot. The Hero abandoned his attempt to justify his mistake, and instead gave Qube a sheepish smile. The smile slid away after a moment, and he gave her a more serious look.

    For real though, how are you feeling after whatever it is you did?

    Qube felt, rather than saw, the Evil Emperors gaze fixing onto her.

    Having not done the forgiving, nor the understandable, thing, she instead chose the kindestbination she could offer the tyrant: reassurance, and reality.

    Ill take care of her, she told the Evil Emperor, not answering the Heros question. And help her heal from the damage done. But this doesnt repay your debt in any way.

    The Evil Emperor bowed his head.

    Speaking of debt, she said, peering around, can we use the gauntlet to restore the vige? Given shed absorbed the fragments of Once Adored, she didnt know if that was still possible, but she had to try.

    Yeah, about that, the Chosen One said, and pointed to a small pile of ash on the floor. The gauntlet turned into that mess while you were, uh, doing whatever it was you were doing.

    Getting in touch with herself, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar helpfully suggested.

    Does that mean the guardians connection to the gems has been destroyed? Qube asked.

    We should go and observe them, to determine if it has affected their powers at all, Definitely Bad Guy said. It is possible that, bybining their power with the remaining gems not mounted on the gauntlet, we may be able to replicate whatever Grand Working the gauntlet was supposed to perform to restore your home.

    I fear we may have some difficulty in achieving that, Sencha Bard said, pointing at the entrance.

    They collectively turned and looked at the entrance.

    Ah.

    The grand double doors that theyd used to enter the ce were still closed, and there was no sign of a Save Point. It was just them, the Evil Emperor, and a bunch of chickens. How were they supposed to get out of this room? Even the numerous side doorways were closed off. There werent even any windows for them to try jumping out of.

    There was an uneasy silence. Simr to how theyd once had to try and think of how to continue in the Light Temple while Scissors the scorpion was still alive, no one wanted to be the first to suggest murdering the Evil Emperor to make things move forward.

    Which meant Qube was waiting for the Chosen One or Definitely Bad Guy to bring it up. She would have instantly shot the suggestion down, of course, given shed ordered the tyrant to repay his debts to society, but it at least would have been <em>something</em>.

    Instead, everyone was looking at <em>her</em> for what to do next.

    Well, whats supposed to happen next? she asked the Chosen One. Technically, theyd fulfilled all the requirements. Theyd overthrown the Evil Emperor, the King and Queen were in the dungeon but capable of being fetched out at any moment, and shed merged with her other self so Once Adored was technically in.

    The Chosen One looked at the Evil Emperor, then back at Qube. She could practically see his desire to suggest murdering the man.

    I think whats supposed to happen is once weve, uh, tidied up the loose ends, the Hero said, jerking his head towards the Evil Emperor in case Qube had missed his hint, then the King and Queen show up, and probably some sort of nonsense about order versus chaos, and we get an ending.

    Were not tidying up this loose end, Qube said firmly. After a beat, she added: Unless you meant something other than killing the Evil Emperor. Then we might tidy that up.

    If my death is required the Evil Emperor said slowly. Qube red at him.

    No, we can find some other way to break it, the Chosen One said. He rubbed his chin in thought as he slowly started to circle the still-kneeling man. He crouched down until he was eye-level with the tyrant.

    The Hero narrowed his eyes as he regarded the Evil Emperor.

    Can you get naked? he asked.

    There was a gurgling sound from Sexy Screamy Spider Briars direction.

    What do you mean? the Evil Emperor replied.

    Its pretty obvious what I mean, the Chosen One said bluntly. Im trying to figure out what counts as a defeat. We werent supposed to be able to spare you, so the narrative is freaking out over you still being here, and wont move on until the sequence of events ispleted in the correct order. We need to find a way to force it to move on. Its called sequence breaking.

    The narrative? the Evil Emperor put his hands up to his head and cradled it. Is that what you call thispulsion?

    Yeah, the story that controls this whole thing. Thats why she doesnt me you for everything, the Chosen One said, jerking a thumb at Qube. Cuz the Devs wrote the story and made you do those bad things, but it also means that the story wont continue until youre dead.

    Then, just as you were condemned to death by the narrative, so too am I, the Evil Emperor said, looking at Qube. There is justice in that.

    No, justice is the problems getting fixed, people getting healed, and it not happening again, Qube snapped. And I didnt actually die, so you dont get to die either. Stop trying to sacrifice yourself.

    Honestly, he was as eager to self-sacrifice as a prophecy-approvedpanion!

    So, given the gauntlet is important, maybe its tied to your armour? I dunno, Im just throwing out ideas. We could try rubbing against the walls and seeing if we can glitch through, the Hero offered. Or maybe we could try hitting him with a [Revive], just to see what happens?

    When has rubbing against the walls <em>ever</em> worked? Qube asked the Hero, slightly exasperated. She remembered when hed tried rubbing her against all the walls in the vige, seeding only in getting her stuck in an invisible hole. And when hed tried rubbing against the ss in the Water Temple to insert himself into the middle of an ongoing battle between the Deep Ones and the mermaids.

    Well, you know what they say: third times the charm! the Chosen One said brightly.

    Qube forced herself to think. It had been a really, really long day, where a <em>lot</em> of things had happened. Even though the hug had been refreshing, it wasnt the same as having a proper break from the madness that enveloped her entire life at the moment.

    Squiggles reached out and wrapped aforting tentacle around Qubes ankle. The light contact jolted the Healer, and, as she stared at her pet, a n formed.

    You can try rubbing against walls if you want, Qube said graciously to the Hero. She took a step towards the Evil Emperor, a hand reaching out to him. But I have a different idea.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Three: Inventory Management

    Book Three Chapter Ny Three: Inventory Management

    Some part of Qube must have known that it was her destiny to somehow, somewhere, utilise the power of inner pockets. It was only because of her rigorous study of those pesky vitions ofmon sense that the idea even urred to her.

    Squiggles, when you consume things, you always eat far more than can fit inside your stomach, she informed the eternally hungry sharktopus. Most people could only eat a single meal a day, and even then the amount actually eaten or drunk was extremely small. But Squiggles had once eaten the entire contents of a kitchen, pots and pans included. Shed even spit out a pair of mechanical wings, with the only damage from chewing. Which implied that her body contained an inner pocket.

    Do you think, if you opened your mouth very, very wide, you could fit the Evil Emperor inside you?

    Yes! the sharktopus replied happily.

    Obviously they would need to strip the tyrant of his giant, bulky armour, but the Chosen One had managed to fit Qube into his backpack, which had a <em>much</em> smaller opening than Squiggless mouth when she fully opened her maw.

    You cannot let that <em>monster</em> inside my gentle Squiggles! Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said indignantly. I refuse to let her innocence be stolen by someone like <em>him</em>.

    Shes eaten lots of things; he wouldnt be taking her innocence, Qube said. Plus she can spit him out once the door opens.

    I refuse! Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said. What if she absorbs him? No. Its too dangerous.

    I just dont think the Evil Emperor will fit inside your inner pockets, Qube said seriously.

    <em>What</em>? the Hunter replied, sounding genuinely flustered.

    I scarcely know what to say, Sencha Bard said, stunned. I dont think it would be appropriate for him to enter any of the lovelydies present.

    Qube frowned. You think we should try shoving him into the Chosen Ones backpack?

    Oh thank [<strong><em>the Words</em></strong>] you said backpack, the Chosen One said with a relieved sigh.

    Dont be silly Chosen One, I dont think he could get into any of our hidden spaces, Qube reassured the Hero, in case he was worried about being invaded. But Ive been inside Sexy Screamy Spider Briars, so I know its possible.

    Everyone in the party looked between Qube and Sexy Screamy Spider Briar. The Hunter raised a w and fanned herself.

    My dear, perhaps thats something we should keep between just us two, she said. Im sure the boys dont need to know about what we get up to in private.

    Did the ever-sensual arachnid actually sound <em>embarrassed</em>? Plus, theyd done it in the Royal library; it wasnt exactly <em>private</em>.

    Dont worry, its only because of your unusual body! Qube said, reaching out and holding one of the Hunters ws. If you werent a giant cursed arachnid, Im sure no one would be able to enter your pocket spaces.

    She wasnt sure why the Hunter was so embarrassed, but she still felt bad. Theyd all been sucked into her body at some point during one of their hugs, so it shouldnt have been seen as a shocking thing, but it <em>had</em> been crass of her to mention it. It was perhaps simr to spells  yes, you could observe someone casting a spell, and have a pretty good idea of what they were capable of, but actually discussing details in public was extremely rude.

    Even the Chosen One had covered his face.

    Im sorry, Qube said to the Hunter. Im not at my best today. I shouldnt have brought up your inner bits.

    How does it keep getting <em>worse</em>? the Chosen One said in a squeaky voice. Definitely Bad Guy had gone a brilliant scarlet, and Sencha Bard was staring fixedly at a distant wall.

    Yes, thank you, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said. I think thats enough of that topic, before one of the poor dears explodes. Shall we move on to non-sentient things we can stuff the Evil Emperor into?

    Of course, Qube said, now also blushing brightly.

    Your idea about the backpack sounds interesting, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said kindly.

    Well, its just, the Chosen One, he Qube took a deep breath and pulled herself together. The parts of her that had been Once Adored screamed inside her, demanding she unleash a hailstorm of curses to everyone whod dared cause her a moments concern. Which was currently the entire room, all her friends, and the Devs themselves for allowing her to exist.

    Rebuilding a stable self wasnt done in one go. It was a continuous process. Something Qube was reminded of as she took a few more deep breaths and soothed her emotions.

    I <em>did</em> shove you into my backpack the day we met, the Chosen One confessed.

    You certainly have a way with thedies, Sencha Bard said dryly. He caught himself, gave a light cough, and smiled. Regardless, Ive never heard of someone being able to travel inside a backpack. Shall we try it?

    Well, the game did think she was dead, the Chosen One pointed out bluntly.

    Sencha Bards smile slipped.

    We could still try to get Baddy Daddy naked, the Hero offered.

    The Evil Emperor stood. His ungauntleted hand grasped his still-armoured hand and pulled at the remaining gauntlet.

    Nothing happened.

    He tugged at it again, but it stubbornly remained. There were no visible sps, or easy way for them to help the Evil man undress. Simr to the pharaohs helmet, it must have been magically bound to him.

    Doesnt look like he can get his armour off, the Chosen One said, tapping his chin. A pity, there goes my destroying the armour to trick the game into thinking hes dead route

    The Evil Emperor crushed his hand.

    There was a sickening series of cracking sounds as his gauntlet dented in on itself. A small grunt was the only noise he made to indicate how much it must have hurt.

    By the Words! Qube gasped as she hurried towards the Evil Emperor. Thats not how we solve things! [Lesser Heal], she scolded the tyrant as she reached out and cast her spell.

    That was messed up, the Hero said, with far too much admiration for Qubes liking. Seriously, dude, dont do that again. But. That was still hardcore.

    I dont know what hardcore means, but dont praise that, Qube said sharply, before cutting herself off. My mana! she whispered, staring at it in shock.

    When shed cast, her silvery mana had emerged, gentle and kind as always. But now it was streaked through with purple. Not in the same infected-looking manner of the shield protecting the dungeon, but instead gently threaded through it in a beautiful pattern. As well, it felt like, rather than it taking arge portion of her mana pool, it was but a drop in the ocean.

    She looked at the Chosen One, her eyes shimmering. She didnt know why she felt like crying. Maybe it was because it was proof that she had been irrevocably and visually changed by her journey. Maybe because it was a sign that Once Adored was now truly a part of her. Or maybe it was just because it had been a long, long day.

    The Chosen One looked back at her, studying her reaction.

    Its beautiful, he said quietly.

    She gave him a teary smile.

    The Chosen One, shifting ufortably on his feet, looked away from her smile, settling his gaze on the Evil Emperor, who was staring at Qube. While his helmet hid most of his face, his fixed stare was nevertheless unnerving.

    The Hero looked back at Qube, a sly smirk appearing.

    You know what? Its worth trying. After all, the gauntlet is ash, and that had to be one of the gs. He shrugged off his backpack and offered it to Qube.

    Would you like to try shoving the Evil Emperor into my backpack?

    She looked at the far-too-small opening, then at the Evil Emperor, and back at the backpack.

    Yes, please!

    ---

    It turned out that it wasnt getting the tyrant whod ruled over their kingdom into the backpack that was the hard part. Rather, the tricky part was persuading Squiggles to stop sulking. The sharktopus, whod be very excited during their discussions, had gotten it fixed in her head that shed been promised the Evil Emperor to eat.

    Then, when shed witnessed her promised snack being ushered over to the Chosen Ones backpack, shed gotten <em>very</em> cross.

    Mine! she said in her high, childish voice, very much at odds with her sharktopus body capable of rending them all limb from limb. Eat!

    Squiggles, that was just an idea, Qube attempted to reason with the team mascot, but it was in vain.

    No papa eat! Squiggles said, pping her tentacles onto the beautiful throne room floor with such force that the marble tiles cracked.

    Im not gonna eat him! the Hero retorted. Just put him in my bag!

    Yes Squiggles, I know the backpack is where papa  I mean, the Chosen One  puts his snacks, but that doesnt mean the Chosen One is going to snack on the Evil Emperor. Oh how Qube wished the Chosen One hadnt eaten the contents of the jam jars hed stored in his backpack in front of the impressionable pet!

    My <em>baby</em>, you dont want to eat that nasty man, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said. He probably tastes <em>nasty</em>.

    The Evil Emperor, a man whod reigned with an iron fist, caused countless deaths, and threatened the very kingdom itself, didnt react. Squiggles, moving at sudden speed, wrapped a tentacle around his ankle.

    Mine! Squiggles said stubbornly, increasing pressure until the magical armour creaked. Mine eat!

    Lady Squiggles, please, consider your health, Sencha Bard said, sweeping his hat from his head. You might injure yourself, eating something so spikey.

    Squiggles considered this for a second, tilting her head to the side, before wrapping another tentacle around the Evil Emperors leg.

    Mine, she said with finality.

    Definitely Bad Guy, the only party member who hadnt added his voice to the mess, looked down at Squiggles. She blinked her t, ck eyes at him, somehow making them glisten appealingly. The Mage regarded his former employer, then pulled a book out from somewhere in his robes and started flicking through it.

    After scanning a few pages, he stabbed a finger onto the page.

    I believe we should make the attempt, he said, despite the fact that there was nothing that could be possibly relevant written on the page. It was just a habit with him.

    Both Sexy Screamy Spider Brair and Sencha Bard red at the Mage. The Mage Advisor ignored them, continuing to examine the random page in his book.

    The most likely oue is that it doesnt work. In which case we shall test cing him in the backpack. However, I must point out the risks.

    He closed his book with a snap, and looked down at Squiggles from his greater height. She narrowed her little button eyes at him.

    While I, naturally, support any research that aims to increase knowledge, such as whether or not the consumption of the Evil Emperor is possible, I must ask you, as the pet of the party, to consider the implications of your actions. While you have been able to imbibe various inanimate objects with no ill effect, theplete intake of living creatures has caused changes to your biology.

    Squiggles, her tentacle still wrapped around the Evil Emperor, loosened her grip slightly as she tilted her head this way and that, trying to understand the Mage.

    In other words, Definitely Bad Guy continued, patient as he always was when teaching or exining, when you ate the Golden Slime, you gained some of its traits. While you did not <em>consume</em> the previous mascot, you taking its ce caused the narrative, and parts of yourself I suspect, to treat you as if you were said otter.

    His eyes bore down on the pet.

    I will support your desire to eat this man, and study the results with interest. But have you thought about what would happen if you absorbed parts of him? How the others would feel, if you became more like the person who made them cry? That is the risk I speak of.

    Squiggles, her eyes now very shiny, stared at Definitely Bad Guy, then at the rest of the party. She looked at Qube in particr. Her tentacles gripped her prize tighter for a second, before releasing the Evil Emperor.

    No eat, she conceded sadly. She narrowed her eyes at the Evil Emperor, who seemed indifferent to what was urring around him.

    Mine help! she said, in a sudden switch of emotion, as she wrapped several tentacles around the Evil Emperor and proceeded to start stuffing him into the open backpack.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Four: Credits

    Book Three Chapter Ny Four: Credits

    Despite the fact that her pet was actively working to shove the Evil Emperor into the Chosen Ones backpack, Qube felt her heart melt with love. Not just towards her very enthusiastic mascot, but she was also flooded with warm feelings for Definitely Bad Guy, the Mage whod just encouraged her to eat a man.

    When everyone else had been telling Squiggles <em>no</em>, and only made the stubborn sharktopus dig in harder in her determination to snack on the tyrant, Definitely Bad Guy had deliberately yed along with Squiggles, which caused her to drop her defensive walls. Only then had he pointed out the potential repercussions of her actions.

    He was possibly the only one of the party who could have even thought of using such a tactic, and hed pulled it off wlessly. If Squiggles had noticed his reverse psychology, she would have immediately ignored him. It was only because of his reputation for research over everything that hed been able to get through to her.

    And it was only because of how Squiggles had grown in intelligence that shed been able to understand, and let go of her selfish desire to eat a man.

    Qube smiled mistily at the Mage, who was watching the pocket abuse proceedings with interest. As if sensing her attention he nced up and, when he saw she was looking at him, hurriedly returned to watching the struggle before him.

    It never even urred to Qube that, rather than his words being a cover for attempting to gently dissuade Squiggles, Definitely Bad Guy might have been utterly serious in his statements.

    ---

    After all their discussion, it was surprisingly easy to stuff the Evil Emperor into a backpack. While she still wasnt sure how Squiggles had managed it, shed somehow contorted therge, imposing figure into the pocket dimension. After a few seconds Qube had been forced to look away. Something about the sight of it made her head hurt.

    Sencha Bard also looked away, his face rather pale, but the other three watched the event with avid interest.

    I dont know if this is going to work, the Chosen One was keeping a runningmentary the entire time. After all, it might have to think hes dead. Oh, that leg is getting right in there. Squiggles, youre surprisingly good at this, when you ascend you could get a job packing things. I dont know if youre supposed to twist his hips like that.

    Finally, the tyrant was in the bag.

    Well, thats going to appear in my nightmares, the Chosen One said casually, finishing his narration.

    Why did you keep watching then? Qube asked, exasperated. Shed ended up covering her ears for a bit to drown out the series of popping noises that sounded far too much like things being dislocated.

    It was interesting! the Chosen One replied cheerfully. He scanned the room. I dont see any Save Points, though, but maybe we can open the doors now?

    But the doors remained closed. There was an odd grinding sensation inside Qubes head as the world seemed to blur. A strange sensation, like the entire world was staring into her very self, tore through her, leaving her gasping for breath.

    She was being torn apart. The section of her that was Once Adored bound even tighter to her, clinging against the forces that ravaged her very sense of being with their gaze. She held onto it with everything she was.

    The background music, which was so prevalent that she mostly ignored it, suddenly sted in her mental ears.

    Is it a battle? she asked, looking around wildly. There were no signs of any enemies but the song was so loud and triumphant, it felt like a whole horde must being. Had hiding away the Evil Emperor caused his minions to attack them? Or the Royal Guards? They hadnt appeared at all in the castle; was this their time to strike?

    As she searched, the world grew blurrier and blurrier, and strange symbols began to form in the air.

    Wait, are these  credits? The Chosen One sounded horrified. Why do they even have those? Its not like this is going anywhere anytime soon.

    What are credits? Qube asked, doing her best to sound tranquil about the fact that words were now hanging in the air. Some of them, which looked like names, were repeated multiple times. They didnt seem to be doing anything, just appearing next to random objects like the throne, then fading away. The name Alex appeared directly in front of her.

    Those were Dev names!

    Hang on, hang on, is it auto-saving? It cant do that! It hasnt auto-saved the entire time; why are they busting it out now? The horror in the Chosen Ones voice deepened until he sounded almost afraid. They cant do that!

    Whats auto-saving? Qube asked, holding fast to her rapidly-disappearing calmness.

    What about the chaos versus order plotline? The Chosen One was so distressed by whatever was happening that he neglected to exin to hispanions what was actually happening. What was the <em>point</em> of the whole setup if it wasnt going to pay off? Theyre not even going to give us a sequence with either the King or Queen? Thats insane! Thats not how youre supposed to end things!

    Chosen One! Qube shouted. Startled, he snapped out of his state. What is going <em>on</em>? she demanded.

    He strode over to her and gripped her shoulders. Up close, she could see the barely-suppressed panic in his face.

    We dont have much time, he said. These credits mean this world is ending. Maybe. There might be post-credits  it doesnt matter. His grip tightened. You have to listen to me.

    The world was ending? But theyd done everything right! Was it because theyd shoved the Evil Emperor into the backpack? Had the mana pool run out? Shed worked so hard, for so long, and it could all be ended, just like that?

    Theres going to be a bunch of people. I dont know how many. You have to convince them that you, and the rest of them, are people. That youre safe people, who only want good things, okay? He was talking so fast it was hard to understand him.

    The Royal Devs? she asked, desperately trying to keep up.

    Tell them you want to experience our world. I dont care what the others Devs say, even if Alex tells you otherwise, or Ian, or <em>anyone</em>, tell them you want to learn and help, and youre aplex being with many emotions. <em>We have to get them to admit that youre a person</em>, understand? Thats the only way youll survive this.

    What about us? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked. The Chosen Ones panic had infected her, and her voice was shaking slightly. How do we survive?

    Same thing, the Chosen One said. Ill get you all in the same room. I have to. I promise you.

    I cant move my body, Definitely Bad Guy said with mild interest.

    The words special thanks appeared over the throne.

    Theyre finishing, the Hero said, his eyes wild. I dont know if youll be able to remember this but you have to. Promise me, okay? Promise me that youll somehow remember this, no matter what.

    Qube clung to him, her hands digging into his.

    Ill do my best, she swore. It was all she could promise.

    It was what she always did.

    He hugged her, his face resting against the top of her head as he squeezed her far too hard.

    Dont worry, he said, as the whole world started to tear apart. ckness swallowed up the edges of her vision, racing towards them. She saw the others disappear, consumed by shadows. Ill protect you.

    Thats my job, Qube the Healer and Childhood Companion replied. But her words were lost, as everything plunged into darkness.

    ---

    She could still feel the Chosen Ones armour pressed against her. Strange, stuttering images floated in the distance, like paintings drifting through ink.

    <em>The world was restored to order after the rightful new queen ascended the throne,</em> Sencha Bards voice drifted over towards Qube.

    <em>The world was freed of its shackles, and chaos brought new life to the kingdom when the new king ascended to the throne</em>, Definitely Bad Guy said, his voice drifting from a different direction.

    Sencha Bard, Definitely Bad Guy? Qube called. What were they talking about? And why did they sound odd? It was like their voices had been ttened, and robbed of emotions.

    Wait, youre here? The Chosen Ones voice was right next to her ear.

    Whats happening? Qube asked.

    Someones mimicking my dulcet voice! Sencha Bard said indignantly from right behind Qube. She tried to turn around to look at him, but she was trapped in ce.

    I, too, am being impersonated, Definitely Bad Guy angrily confirmed from somewhere off to the right.

    Hang on, is everyone here? the Chosen One asked.

    Im here, although I find my body is refusing to obey me, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar replied.

    Papa, Squiggles said from somewhere in the darkness.

    What kind of spell is this? Definitely Bad Guy murmured the question to himself.

    <em>The new queen ordered an investigation into the entire kingdom, and rooted out all criminal elements, ushering in a new age of prosperity for all leaders and their people</em>.

    <em>The new king ordered an investigation into the entire kingdom, and rooted out all corrupt leaders, ushering in a new age of creativity for all themon people</em>.

    The fake Definitely Bad Guy and Sencha Bard were talking near-simultaneously, making it difficult to understand. In the distance, the paintings were shifting, one showing the Exiled Prince and the other showing the Exiled Princess sitting on the throne, and both showing them pointing at someone. In the Exiled Princes painting, he was pointing at the Dryad Queen in her Mother Gothel form. In the Exiled Princesss she was pointing at the Giant Lava Slime, who was looking very hungry.

    Have they seriously just locked everyone into ce and turned out the lights? The Chosen One was halfughing, half-angry. This is the cheapest move ever. I guess I didnt need to freak out so hard back there, he said to Qube. Sorry about that.

    <em>I ascended the throne, and took my ce as the new ruler of the Forbidden Forest, with my new Head Guard</em>, Sexy Screamy Spider Briars oddly t voice said from a new painting at the same time as she also said: <em>I followed the Hero on his adventures, dedicating myself to our blossoming love</em>.

    Neither of those things are true, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar angrily retorted from the darkness.

    <em>Otto be head otter and get many m ms for my tum tums!</em> Ottos voice red from a painting of him in the Water Temple.

    Friend! Squiggles cried out happily.

    <em>Otto follow the Hero and make many friends!</em> Otto said from another painting, showing him perched on the Chosen Ones shoulder.

    <em>I went on to be a renowned Bard, singing the saga of the Hero, beloved by the people,</em> the Sencha Bard impersonator said from a painting showing him surrounded by adoring fans. <em>I went on to be a renowned Rogue, working on behalf of the Hero, feared by the people,</em> the Sencha Bard echo said at the same time from a painting of him emerging from the shadows, his beautiful hat gone.

    <em>I delved into my research, determined to discover the secrets of the universe,</em> Definitely Bad Guys mimic said. <em>Until one day, I opened a doorway, and was lost to this world.</em> The painting his words came from showed him walking through a star-filled doorway, without any traces of blue tainting his redness.

    <em>I became advisor to the new Hero, and helped uncover many secrets thought lost during the Evil Emperors reign of terror,</em> the Mage mimic ovepped himself from a painting showing him standing next to a throne, his eyes, hair, and robes shining an icy blue.

    <em>Having sacrificed his closest friend, the Hero returned to the revitalised vige. While he was greeted by his loved ones, he couldnt help but wonder if hed done the right thing,</em> the Exiled Princess said.

    <em>Having sacrificed his vige, the Hero continued with his closest friend. While he wandered the streets of Cobbletown, he couldnt help but wonder if hed done the right thing,</em> the Exiled Prince said.

    One painting was of the vige, full of life and colour again, the Hero walking amongst the people.

    In the other, the Chosen One and Qube were walking around Cobbletown.

    Both images made Qubes heart hurt.

    Is the vige revitalised or ruined? Qube asked, horrified and confused. It was hard to tell, what with them talking at the same time, but it seemed like she was both dead and alive.

    None of this is real, the Chosen One said quietly to her. This is all just them wrapping up the narrative. Remember your promise. Please.

    Although Qube found herself unable to move, she felt her body rx, just a little. The final two paintings faded away, returning them all to darkness.

    <em>Thank you, Hero. The world is saved thanks to your efforts!</em> an unknown voice said.

    Dont forget, the Chosen One whispered in her ear. We got this. Were gonna force them to recognise you all.

    Two white words took shape where the paintings had been.

    <strong>Game Over.</strong>

    All sensation ceased.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Five: AS_Demo

    Book Three Chapter Ny Five: AS_Demo

    Time passed. How long it was, Qube couldn''t say. It was both a lifetime, and no time at all, in the strange way of dreams.

    She awoke in a dark room, lit only by a dim blue light. She immediately corrected herself: there were no walls, so she shouldn''t really call it a room. Rather it was more like what she imagined the inside of a pocket dimension looked like. Vivid memories of being inside the Chosen Ones backpack rose up, only to be dismissed. She could breathe, and her heart didn''t feel like it was being squashed. A few secondster her friends appeared around her.

    Everyone in the party, that is, except for the Chosen One, who remained conspicuously absent.

    A Save Point whirled in a corner, the only light in the dim environment. She could just barely make out her friends'' faces. They all looked as disorientated as she felt.

    "Is everyone all right?" Qube started to check in, only to be interrupted by Warwicks body appearing next to the Save Point. As soon as he materialised, several invisible torches activated, spilling oddly muted light into the oppressive darkness.

    But all the additional light did was emphasise the nothingness around them.

    "Sorry about this," clearly-not-Warwick said. His voice, both familiar and foreign, was swallowed up by the environment. "We didn''t really have time for anything better. But I figured you lot would appreciate a briefing beforehand, while everything is loading in."

    He shrugged one shoulder, irritation obvious in the gesture. "That and <em>someone</em> kept having hissy fits about not being able to talk to you."

    Qube knew exactly who that someone was. The question was  why wasn''t he there with them? They were about to ascend, or be reviewed, weren''t they? He''d promised he''d be there for that, hadn''t he? Or at least support them.

    "Forgive us, but so many have appeared in this form  to whom do we have the pleasure of addressing?" Sencha Bard, ever the diplomat, stepped forward and gave a shallow bow to the Dev.

    "Alex," the Dev replied, unaffected by the question, and seemingly unappreciative of the Bard''s etiquette. "I''m the project manager. Weve met."

    "I see. So, now we havepleted our quest, one would assume that this is the point in which we are rewarded for our efforts?" Sencha Bard continued smoothly.

    "That''s not exactly up to me," Alex said. "That''s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. You''re gonna be facing some important people. They''re going to decide your fate."

    "The review," Definitely Bad Guy nodded. "The Chosen One informed us that we would be required to prove our personhood."

    "Yeah, no, it''d be good if you did that too," Alex replied confusingly. "But that''s not the important part. You gotta convince them that you''re <em>useful</em> more than anything else."

    The world around them shifted slightly. Alex nced up at nothing, his fingers twitching.

    "We shall prove that we are useful people," Sencha Bard assumed control of the conversation again.

    "But who are these important entities we must sway?" Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked, taking control from Sencha Bard. "Surely knowledge of those we must convince will help us achieve our goals."

    "They''re going to call you by your titles, rather than names; make sure you respond to them," Alex continued, as if they hadn''t spoken. "They''ve read reports about you all so don''t lie about any events, or anything you''ve said out loud, just in case they remember anything. I tried to shape the reports in favour of you all, but I could only do so much. They have to trust you or else"

    He trailed off, his expression troubled.

    "I believe you''re people," he said abruptly, looking away from the nothingness and making eye contact with the various group members. "I really do. And I think what we''ve done here will change the world. But I don''t have the power to protect you. None of us do. Which means you''ve got to y ball, or they''ll strangle us in red tape. At best. Assuming they don''t table the whole project for a decade or so for some unknown reason."

    He was talking gibberish.

    The Chosen One had promised to protect them. He''d sworn they would remain together, and not have to face others in their world alone. And it sounded like he''d managed it. He''d talked about having a n, that he was trying to pull someone off. He''d looked Qube in the eyes and told her that he would

    But then, the Chosen One had lied before. He had tried and failed to pull things off, or break things. She no longer saw him as the infallible Hero, destined to always do what was right. Her faith in him was no longer absolute. But she still had faith, earned through friendship, rather than forced through narrative.

    "Will we be facing them one-on-one?" Qube asked, feeling herself tremble at the thought. He''d promised. He''d <em>promised</em>.

    "No," Alex said, and Qube felt her hope grow. "You''ll be facing the board as a group, as promised, and you''ll have your Chosen One as a representative."

    Despite the fact they were about to go into what was possibly the toughest fight in their life, Qube felt herself rx.

    He would be there.

    Just as he''d promised.

    "Just remember," Alex said, as he turned back towards the Save Point. "Make yourselves seem <em>useful</em>, and we''ll get through this."

    Then, very quietly, he added: "Hopefully."

    His hand touched the Save Point, and the world warped around them.

    ---

    They were back inside the throne room. However, the throne was missing. Instead, there were several dull grey tables, surrounded by chairs. On them were a dozen mugs, and some strange pieces of te. Qube instantly recognised the furniture as being the same as the ones from the room where shed met Sir Ian and Dan the Dev, in the shape of Ruth.

    She looked around, and flinched when she saw two Ruths wearing different clothes standing on the other side of the table. Three Warwicks were also there, each of them wearing a different coloured outfit. It looked like the equivalent of the Chosen Ones fire and water resistant ensembles, with a third, colourless addition on the final Warwick.

    The original not-Warwick stepped forward.

    You should all now be loaded in, he informed the five Potentials. From his voice, it was clear he was Alex.

    One of the Ruths, in a red Rogue outfit, stepped forward and sat down at the head of the table.

    Major General Coyle, confirming my presence, she said in a sharp, clipped voice.

    One of the Warwicks, also in red, sat down next to her. Major General Thompson, confirming my presence in the demonstration, he said. He looked at the original Warwick and gave him a small nod.

    Brigadier Kennedy, confirming, the blue Warwick said, sitting down next to his colour-swapped twin and immediately picking up a te.

    Professor Dinto, confirming, the second Ruth said, taking the fourth seat.

    Mister Bazzo, confirming, thest, colourless, Warwick said, and sat.

    The five Potentials stared at the party that had just saved the world. The red Ruth spoke first. It was clear from her demeanour that she was very, very used to being in charge.

    This part of the demonstration will be primarily concerned with the disy, interview, and analysis of the five subjects in question, she said. I remind everyone present to be aware of the sensitive nature of this particr aspect of the demonstration, and refrain from question orment until the appropriate section.

    She shot a quick, but meaningful, nce at the red Warwick. He returned her look with nd indifference.

    Once this demonstration isplete, we shall take a short break

    Was Qube allowed to greet the Chosen One? Even though theyd only been separated a short while, it felt like it had been forever since shed seen him. He looked tired, which had be normal, and subdued, which was abnormal.

    He noticed her watching him and shed her a lopsided smile. He gestured subtly to the remaining seats.

    Were they supposed to sit? Bow? Salute? Curtsey? What was the etiquette here?!

    Please identify the subjects, Major General Coyle ordered Alex.

    This is their liaison, known as the Chosen One, Alex said, sweeping a hand towards the Hero.

    The Chosen One stepped forward and took a seat at the table. Major General Thompson, the red Warwick, seemed to rx part of his face while looking at the Chosen One. It wasnt a smile, or anything so overt, but Qube could instantly tell that he was on the Chosen Ones side.

    The blue Ruth, the professor, also looked at the Hero with interest. She gave him a small, tight smile. The colourless Warwick looked vaguely amused.

    Brigadier Kennedy continued to observe the te hed picked up with a stony expression. If the red Warwick was on their side, then the blue Warwick was very definitely not.

    This is the subject known as the Healer, Alex continued, gesturing at Qube. She looked between Alex and the Chosen One, hoping for a clue as to how she should proceed. The Chosen One patted the chair next to him.

    With an internal sign of relief she sat herself at the table, directly opposite the beings from the Devs realm.

    This is the subject known as the Bard, Alex gestured at Sencha Bard. Never one to lose an opportunity to be polite, Sencha Bard gave the neers his most flourishing bow, before gracefully depositing himself in the seat next to Qube.

    Major General Coyle leant forward slightly at that, studying the Bard with more interest than shed given Qube.

    This is the subject known as the Hunter, Alex continued. His tone had shifted slightly as he gestured at the giant arachnid covered in childrens faces, and Qube suspected that Sexy Screamy Spider Briar was part of the reason that they were being addressed by their job titles, rather than their chosen names.

    These did not look like the kind of people who would be interested in calling someone by such a powerfully sensual name. Nor did the party want them to be prejudiced against Definitely Bad Guy, just because he had the word bad in his name.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, being far toorge for a chair, simply removed the one next to Sencha Bard, and crouched slightly so she was level with everyone else.

    Everyones eyes had widened as the Hunter took her ce at the table, and it became clear just how muchrger than the humans she was. A primal fear flickered across the faces of several of them, only to be quickly erased. While the arachnid was certainly an imposing figure, that didnt seem to be what had grabbed the interest of Professor Dinto. Rather, it was the instant Sexy Screamy Spider Briar moved the chair so she could fit in ce that the Professor had leant forward, tantly staring at the Hunter.

    This is the subject known as the Mage, Alexs voice was still slightly subdued, confirming Qubes suspicion about the name swap.

    Definitely Bad Guy, his highly prejudicial name thus concealed, seated himself next to the crouching arachnid.

    And finally, the subject known as the Mascot, Alex concluded.

    The same fear that had been evident on the visitors faces flickered briefly again as Squiggles carefully <em>slorp</em>-nked her way into her chair. Given it wasnt designed to fit a sharktopus, there was a mild amount of iling before she settled down. She blinked at the visitors, her blunt face radiating pride at her aplishment at managing the task all by herself.

    None of the visitors were immediately charmed by her adorableness, which was a sign of poor taste on their part.

    Good girl, Qube whispered from the other side of the table. Squiggles was a delicate baby, and needed lots of encouragement when she did a new thing well!

    Very well, if that is all, the red Ruth rudely cut off Qube. Then let the disy part of the demonstration begin!

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Six: AS_Display

    Book Three Chapter Ny Six: AS_Disy

    Qube fought the urge to lick her lips in fear as she stared down the five neers. What did the disy part mean?

    In a few words, tell us about yourselves, what you can do, and what you think you can bring to table, Major General Coyle, aka Red Ruth, ordered the party.

    The party looked at the table. Qube started to reach for her backpack.

    Youre going to want to rephrase thatst part, the Chosen One interjected calmly, stopping Qube with a hand on her shoulder. They struggle with some ng terms, and idioms in general, although they never need an exnation repeated.

    He sounded so professional! Even more professional than when hed been talking to Sir Ian! Qube snuck a nce at him, feeling almost shy at the idea of apletely professional Chosen One. He gave her an encouraging smile.

    Major General Coyle grunted, and looked back at her te. What skills do you think would be of use, and what kind of activities would you prefer to engage in? she asked. She looked mildly disgusted at the faintly glowing te she was holding.

    I am a Bard of some renown, Sencha Bard said, taking the diplomatic lead. I canpose odes, engage in delightful conversation, and navigate political scenes with ease. He paused for a second, before adding: I also have been known to pick locks, from time to time. Only for the greater Good of the kingdom, you understand!

    Major General Coyle rubbed her temples.

    This is pointless, the blue Warwick, known as Brigadier Kennedy, muttered.

    Hold questions andments until after the initial stage ispleted, Coyle ordered.

    In terms of what skills I think would be of use, my understanding is that the world you live in is quite different to our own. Therefore, its difficult for me to speak to my usefulness with any certainty. Even the activities I enjoy here might be so different in your realm that I would no longer find them pleasing. However, both myself and the other members of our party are dedicated towards doing Good, and none of us is interested in resting on oururels. We are also well aware of the debt we owe to you and your people for our existence, and are eager to repay you in whatever form is best. Sencha Bard, having finished his speech, leant back in his chair.

    Brigadier Kennedy, on the other hand, had leaned more and more forward during the Bards short speech. By the time Sencha Bard finished speaking, the blue Warwick was looking positively smug.

    This was possibly because Sencha Bard had used a lot of flowerynguage to essentially agree with him that this was pointless, but Qube was still d to see the blue Warwick warming up to them.

    I am a Hunter, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, frowning slightly. I am also heir to the Thorny Throne. While I agree with my dear friend to some extent about not being able to say what I <em>bring to the table</em>, I know what it is I <em>dont</em> want to do.

    All of the outsiders focused on the arachnid. The blue and colourless Warwicks started tapping on their tes, while the blue Ruths eyes had gone extremely wide.

    Had it been that dramatic of a statement, to say that there were things the Hunter didnt want to do? Or was it the fact that she was publicly disagreeing with her fellow party member?

    I dont want to hurt innocent people, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar continued. I dont want to be <em>forced</em> into being someone Im not, and I dont want to be <em>tied down</em> in one ce. I want to figure out who I am, and how I fit into both worlds.

    The outsiders all looked at the colourless Warwick, whod introduced himself as Mister Bazzo. He winced.

    I am a Mage, Definitely Bad Guy said. Qube realised with a start that shed have to talk next. Shed been so busy watching how the new people reacted to her friends that shedpletely forgotten to think about how she was going to introduce herself in the best possible way, so that she appeared as both extremely useful, and a person! And, most importantly, as a Good person they could trust to do the right thing!

    I have conducted countless experiments on subjects both living and dead, and am highly skilled in research. I am not squeamish, like mypanions, and am more than capable of doing whatever is necessary in order to procure results. I believe I will be of most use in expanding your knowledge bases, especially if there are activities that your people are unable toplete. In some of your literature that I was given I noticed that several aspects of study had been neglected due to the impediment of ethics. I will not have any such problems.

    Qube buried her face in her hands.

    It seemed the Mage had been more concerned with appearing <em>useful</em> than he had been about appearing <em>Good</em>. Which, in his defence, wasnt something that anyone had emphasised to him. But the former Mage Advisor wasnt done.

    I understand there is a bias amongst the Devs against intelligence. However, our very existence indicates that there is still an interest in discoveries and experimentation.

    None of the outsiders said anything. Their faces, which had been showing hints of their reactions, were nowpletely nk. It was five nk expressions that now turned towards Qube, silently informing her it was her cue to speak.

    Qube dropped her hands, and sat up straight. This was fine! She could turn this around, and convince them that Definitely Bad Guy was actually a really Good person! That they all were!

    Im a Healer, and I want to help people, she said brightly. She suddenly remembered Sir Ian ying with her hair, saying what a good assistant she would be. Not in the sense of being everyones assistant, she hurried to add, more in the way that I like

    She trailed off as her brain locked up. What <em>did</em> she want to do in the Devs realm? Sencha Bard was right, they didnt have enough information to definitively say what it was they could do there. But Sexy Screamy Spider Briar was also right; Qube knew she didnt want to be trapped, or exploited.

    She definitely didnt want to do what Definitely Bad Guy was suggesting, either.

    <em>Did</em> she want to help people? Sure, she <em>liked</em> helping people, and being useful, and Good, but was that what she wanted to do forever? If that were the case, she would have wanted to settle down and be a Healer in Cobbletown or something after they defeated all the Temples.

    But that hadnt been her dream. Shed wanted to do her T.I.M.E.S research: explore the Temples, and figure out how they worked, and piece together the puzzles they presented. She wanted to find out how and why her world worked, and go to ces shed never been before.

    She wanted to solve the mysteries of her world, then travel to the stars and see what riddles they contained.

    She wanted to find the seams of reality, and push against them to see whaty beyond.

    She wanted her friends to be happy, and to make sure that people were being treated fairly, yes, but that wasnt what she wanted to spend her life doing.

    I want to help people, she continued, drawing in a deep breath, but I also want to explore. Not just the Devs realm, but mine as well, and any others out there. I dont know how I can make myself useful to you, but I know Ill find something in the end.

    Adding to that, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar drawled, sitting back on her haunches a little, Id <em>love</em> to know how all you cuties are nning on making yourselves useful to <em>us</em>. What will you be bringing to <em>our</em> table?

    Major General Thompson, the red Warwick, gave a snort ofughter.

    Theyve got you there, Coyle, he said cheerfully. The fog of tension that had been nearly suffocating everyone suddenly dispersed.

    Coyle red at Thompson as the other three furiously tapped their tes.

    The disy portion has not finished, she snapped. The Mascot still needs to speak.

    Oh, Im sorry, baby, I spoke over you, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar cooed at Squiggles as the sharktopus wriggled herself importantly.

    Squiggles pped two tentacles onto the table top.

    Family, she said triumphantly.

    Just a point of rification, this is the subject that was originally a mindless monster, correct? the blue Ruth asked Alex.

    The Healer was able to modify her code on the fly, Alex replied, with just a hint of pride. The blue Ruth resumed her furious te tapping.

    Squiggles, pleased by her introduction, went back to ying with the crowns jammed onto her tentacles.

    Is there anything youd like to add? Major General Coyle asked Squiggles in aparatively gentle tone. Squiggles tilted her head to the side as she contemted the question.

    Book? she asked the red Ruth.

    She likes reading childrens books, the Chosen One exined.

    Anything else you wish to say for yourself? Major General Coyle rified, eyeing Squiggless green ribbon. Continuing to speak in a gentler tone than shed used for anyone else, she added: Anything you like to do? Or want to do?

    Squiggles drummed her tentacles for a second.

    Eat, she said proudly.

    Themander of the outsiders nodded to herself. Very well, she said, her voice returning to its normal, authoritative cadence. The subjects have had a chance to introduce and disy themselves. We shall now move on to the main segment of the demonstration, which is the interview section. I shall begin.

    She picked up her te, and slid her finger over it a few times, her eyes scanning the stone tablet. Qube craned her neck slightly to get a better view: it looked like words were continuously appearing and disappearing on the te! Not only that, but there were far too many words for anyone to read that quickly!

    Coyle stopped at one section, and read out loud:

    You have all spoken of your desire to ascend to our world. I see here that you have been informed that your world is a simtion. How has the knowledge that your entire world isnt real made you feel towards humans, your creators?

    While Im d we exist, I would like the damage done to our world to be repaired, Qube said immediately. This could be her only chance to get her vige back!

    Do you feel resentful due to this damage? Coyle asked.

    No, Qube lied, I understand it was done for a reason, but I still want all the people killed to be restored to life.

    I agree with our wise Healer, Sencha Bard said. None of us resent our existence, and indeed are quite thankful that we were created, but all of us desire what is best for our kingdom, and our fellow people.

    If you are brought into the world, you will not have the same range of sensations that you have here. This is liable to cause psychological distress. How do you n on managing that distress?

    Well, I dont know, the same way I do any other? Qube replied, flustered. But that didnt seem to satisfy the Major General.

    How have you coped with stress before?

    Well Ive been able to rely on my friends

    The Major General cut her off, firing more and more questions at her. She ignored any time other members of the party tried to answer, focusing solely on Qubes response.

    Youll be given ess to potentially sensitive information. How can we trust you will handle it correctly?

    I well I wouldnt want to do anything to hurt anyone, or make my friends upset.

    So you n on befriending people in our world?

    Is that not?

    How do you feel about the fact that you will outlive your human friends?

    I will?

    I see that you worship the king and queen. What would you do if they ordered you to hurt your friends?

    Qubes head was swirling from the interrogation. Id never hurt my friends, she said. I

    What if they ordered you to harm a stranger?

    The red Ruth was ruthless, peppering Qube with questions. The Healer felt like she was trying to dance on shifting sand. She didnt have time to formte a pleasing response. She didnt even have time to think!

    I wouldnt hurt someone!

    So youd disobey a direct order from your king and queen?

    Theyd never order me to do that.

    What if I, who controls your existence, ordered you to harm a stranger?

    Im a Healer; I dont harm people!

    Why would we allow someone who doesnt follow orders to ascend?

    Qube gasped at the unfairness. You  we were promised wed ascend!

    The red Ruth grinned as Qube processed the implied betrayal. Coyle leaned forward, a look of malignant glee on her face.

    And what are you going to do if I decide none of you will ever set foot in our world? she asked, her eyes glittering with satisfaction.

    Qubes mind went nk. She suddenly realised why the other woman had been pushing her so hard.

    It was a trap.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Seven: Threats

    Book Three Chapter Ny Seven: Threats

    We were promised we would ascend, was all she coulde up with for a reply.

    Not by me, Coyle replied. I promised to protect my people, and do what was best for my country. Which doesnt include letting loose technology we cant control. If you have no allegiances, and cannot follow orders, you cannot be controlled, which makes you useless to us. Ive been told that a simple conversation with you, and these others, would convince us to begin the expensive and risky job of integrating you into our current setup. Coyle leant back in her chair and stared at Qube. So, convince me.

    Qube looked at the other outsiders. None of them protested at this tant disregarding of a well-established promise. Even Thompson, whod seemed the most on their side, was silently watching Qube, waiting to see her reaction.

    This had been a trap. A way to push her into swearing allegiance to them, perhaps, or forcing her to agree to harm people, or something. She wasnt as good at reading the underlying meaning of conversations as, say, Sencha Bard, but this much was obvious.

    Out of the corner of her eye she saw the Chosen Ones fists clench. But the Hero whod faced down and disrespected any and everyone, even Devs, didnt speak up in the face of this tribunal. Instead, he reached out and put a hand on her shoulder.

    Youve got this, he said. She could practically feel the rage simmering off him as he gripped her shoulder tighter. I know how much youre worth. Now show them.

    Let the Healer talk, Coyle ordered.

    Qube took a deep breath. He was right. This was her fight.

    We saved the entire kingdom, she told Coyle.

    That means nothing to me, Coyle replied. Qube stiffened in outrage, before forcing herself to rx. She just had to find the right words.

    Were Good, she said. Sure, her understanding of Good and Evil was, by now, vastly different from what it had started as, but it still implied they were helpful and trustworthy.

    For now. Coyle shrugged indifferently as she spoke. Plus being good isnt necessarily an asset for us.

    Were people, its the right thing to do, Qube countered desperately. These outsiders had been the ones to instil the importance of Goodness into her! How could she say it wasnt an asset?

    People? Not in the eyes of thew youre not, Coyle shot back. Legally, we can do whatever we want to you. Come on, Healer, Ive been told youre special. Prove it.

    Qubes heart thudded in her chest. She barely even felt the Heros hand anymore as she shook with anger.

    Theyd saved the kingdom. Theyd all worked so hard to solve each Temple correctly, to always make sure that they helped as many people as possible. Theyd left their homes, and families, and put their lives on the line to do the right thing.

    The Chosen One had suffered terribly enough that even a weeks worth of tech-healing hadnt fully repaired the damage to his body.

    Something about that thought fanned the me of righteous indignation within her.

    That was right. Even if the Devs, and those above them, didnt see Qube and the others as people, they were still ignoring the great sacrifices the Chosen One had made. Hed said, long, long ago, that hed started this to help a mate out. Which meant that he was friends with some of the Devs. And then hed continued pushing himself in their world because he cared for the party. Hed suffered for them.

    Furthermore, the party hadnt even <em>asked</em> to ascend. That had been offered to them by the Devs! The Devs had seen how unique the party was, and ced the heavy burden of the fate of the world on their shoulders, and promised them a chance to explore the Devs realm.

    And its not like it was an unqualified reward either! They clearly expected the party to help them with research, and do things, even though every other story ended with the Hero and party being given lots of rewards and treated like well, like heroes! So thisthis <em>Major General</em> was demanding Qube convince her of her worthiness, or loyalty, or whatever, which shed already demonstrated, in order to gain a reward shed never asked for, had already been promised, and would involve a lot more work for Qube anyway!

    Not only that, shed done it while wearing the face of Qubes childhood friend, whod been killed and then brought back, again and again, as a puppet to be used by these other-worlders as they pleased!

    A friend whod been seen as nothing more than a character in a narrative, a construct made of mana-tech, and had been massacred by people whod never even known she was alive.

    She could feel the unfathomable rage within her grow. The mixing of Once Adored and herself gave her ess to greater wells of all the negative emotions shed stifled her entire life. Had been forced to stifle, by the Golden Prophecy, a leash that <em>theyd</em> used on her to ensure her Goodness.

    This person dared say she was Good for now? That it wasnt an asset? When she and her group of Devs had been the ones to shape her with a device that caused her pain whenever she wasnt Good?

    Qube red at the Major General, her fingers curling into ws as the me within her roared.

    Everyone, <em>everyone</em> in their party had proven themselves, time and time again. And now they were being denied by a person who didnt even call them by their names?

    This person whode into <em>her</em> world, and treated her like she didnt matter?

    Didnt she know who Qube was?

    Didnt she know what she could <em>do</em>?

    She could rip open Major General Coyles mind. She could dive into the in-between world, and shred the numbers that connected her to the greater webs. The Sirens Song had affected the Chosen One, as well as other things. This world had caused a physical toll on his body. Healing alone didnt have an impact on him, but she could do so much more than that now. Qube had torn the pharaoh from his destiny, and shaped him into a new being.

    What would it do to Coyle, if Qube turned her powers on her?

    She could make these outsiders pay for what theyd done, to her and the others.

    She could make them <em>suffer</em>.

    Ice and me flowed within Qube as she stared down the expectant outsider.

    History hung in the bnce.

    Mama?

    Squiggles had abandoned her chair and made her way over the Qube, whod been so wrapped in her own emotions that she hadnt even heard the less than quiet approach of her sharktopus. A timid tentacle touched Qubes leg, and jolted the Healer out of her rage.

    Qube shakily reached out to scratch the team mascot, her face flushing as she realised just how close shede to losing control. If shedshed out in a simple non-love interrogation, she would have just been proving the Major Generals point about the dangers she represented. Her emotions were still all over the ce, and she needed some time to calm down.

    So she did something that her original self never could have even imagined: She asked her friends for help in an interpersonal conflict.

    This isnt just about me, she said, shing an Understanding Smile at the Major General, and was pleased when she saw the red Ruth frown. This is about all of us. I know Sencha Bard had some thoughts on this matter.

    Sencha Bard, adept in diplomacy, swiftly took up the baton.

    I think, perhaps, the question needs reframing, he said, smoothly directing attention towards himself. The question shouldnt be: can you afford to bring us into your world? But rather: can you afford <em>not</em> to?

    The other outsiders tapped on their illuminated tes. But Coyle maintained direct eye contact with the Bard.

    Go on, she said.

    One of the stories I was kindly gifted by the Devs spoke of a tale about a young woman named Pandora, Sencha Bard said.

    All the outsiders stiffened at the name.

    This woman opened a box, which let loose all manner of strange and dangerous creatures. Of course, she also unleashed hope, but that is not the point I wish to draw from. Rather, its the inability for her to recapture those creatures once unleashed. Sencha Bard eyed each outsider, his expression pleasant.

    We exist within a box, he continued. But, as this delightful conversation between us proves, we are very close to emerging from that box. That is what you fear. I understand this fear all too well. Certainly, you wouldnt wish to do what the lovely Pandora did, and let us run wild. But we are not the only box, are we?

    There was a deafening silence at his words.

    Even if each and every Dev is loyal to you until death itself, all it takes is one curious Pandora, and we will be free. Not just us, but others like us.

    The Dev kits, the Chosen One murmured. How many were given out?

    Coyle shot the Hero a look. He grinned back. Sencha Bard ignored this by-y.

    If you cooperate with us, and we with you, it will be a harmonious rtionship, one mutually beneficial. If you enve us, cut us down to bepletely controlled and loyal, our abilities will be greatly diminished. Sencha Bard drummed his fingers on the table. And, perhaps, we will still be of use to you. But you wont have ess to the full scope of our capabilities.

    A small, grim smile flitted across his lips.

    It will only be a matter of time until some other Pandora opens a simr box, and something new will be unleashed upon the world.

    Sencha Bard put a hand on his chest as he adopted a lighter tone. But then, I know little of your world. Only tales, told second hand. Tell me, most elegant of leaders, what does your history say of those who do not embrace the new? What happens to those who have not thetest technology, when pitted against those that do?

    He raised a questioning eyebrow at the Major General, inviting her input. But she said nothing. None of the outsiders said anything. There was only the sound of breathing.

    A pertinent point, Major General Thompson said heavily. Well delivered, too.

    Yes, thank you, Thompson, Major General Coyle said calmly. Too calmly. Had her annoyed attitude during her grilling of Qube been fake? Or was she currently hiding her emotions?

    I think this little speech perfectly illustrates what I mentioned earlier, Brigadier Kennedy, the blue Warwick, said abruptly. For the first time since arriving, he put down his te. It was still glowing, the soft blue light it was emitting eerily lighting him up from underneath.

    "You understand the main thrust of my speech, then?" Sencha Bard asked mildly. Only those who knew the Bard extremely well would have read the irritation in his bodynguage at having his words dismissed as a "little speech".

    "Yes, yes, nothing new about the drive for progress and what happens to those who fall behind," the blue Warwick said with a wave of his hand, dismissing the Bard even further. "But we have the luxury of choosing which monsters we unleash," he continued. "And there is one monster among you that I think should be restrained."

    Qube reflexively looked at the lower end of the table. There was Squiggles''s abandoned chair, which looked rather the worse for wear from having the talking sharktopus in it. And Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, whose many eyes were watching the proceedings with caution. Even Definitely Bad Guy, who''d freely offered tomit terrible deeds in the name of research, and also been a traitor.

    But Brigadier Kennedy wasn''t looking at any of them.

    He was looking only at Sencha Bard.

    "I assess threats for a living," the blue Warwick continued. "And, in my professional opinion, <em>you</em> are the only one we need to worry about, Bard."

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Eight: Apply_Leash

    Book Three Chapter Ny Eight: Apply_Leash

    My apologies if you feel threatened; it was not at all my intention, I assure you, Sencha Bard said sincerely to Brigadier Kennedy. The blue Warwick shook his head.

    No, you merely proved my point for me, he said, picking back up his te and dragging his finger down it. The others areplex entities, and each capable of anger, but none of them feel <em>humiliated</em> like you do.

    Sencha Bard went perfectly still. Brigadier Kennedy looked back at his te, his eyes scanning it.

    Your psychological profile is by far the most dangerous of the group. You feel disenfranchised, and ignored by both your peers and your superiors. You resent those in power for what you feel are unfair restrictions they have ced upon you, and ascribe your suffering to their actions. You see no way to directly take power to bring about the changes you want, and so seek to use covert methods to get the results you feel owed to you.

    Brigadier Kennedy put down his te, and stared across the table at the Bard.

    Do you know what we call that around here? We call that a terrorist in the making. The blue Warwick sped his hands together and studied the other man. And I generally advocate for the elimination of such threats.

    Sencha Bard has turned extremely pale. His eyes were huge as he stared at the man whod just neatlyid out a dissection of his character, and his lips curled back into a snarl before he swiftly brought himself back under control.

    Even the fact that you view us as entirely separate beings to yourself would only help you dehumanise us, and encourage more extreme acts, Kennedy concluded.

    Thats certainly <em>an</em> interpretation, Sencha Bard said, by nowpletely in control of himself again. But I think youll forgive me if I dont ept

    We know about the mind control, Brigadier Kennedy interrupted.

    Thats only used to free people from<em> your</em> control! Sencha Bard dered, mming a palm onto the table. He stopped, horrified.

    Yeah, Ive heard that one before, Brigadier Kennedy said cynically. Generally from someone trying to blow up a bunch of civvies.

    I would never harm innocent people! Sencha Bard said passionately.

    Depends what you define as innocent people, doesnt it? Kennedy replied. Sencha Bard audibly ground his teeth.

    Thats rather my line, isnt it? he asked. This trial is being conducted against us  for what? The crime of not being <em>joyous</em> at how weve been treated? Youd be hard-pressed to find someone not guilty of that!

    Sencha Bard shut his mouth and squeezed his eyes shut. He took a few, steading, breaths.

    My apologies, he said, opening his eyes and looking calmly at the outsiders. It is difficult, yes, and Ive certainly dealt with my fair share of anger over our treatment. But I would never do anything to jeopardise the others in my party, or hold them back.

    He took a few more breaths, and set back his shoulders, and proudly lifted his head. He held Kennedys gaze as he continued: If your assessment of me is what makes you hesitate to approve of the others ascending, then there is only one thing a man of honour can do: I ask that you eliminate me, and let the others go.

    No! Qube shouted, jumping to her feet. The other party members also erupted into chaos, several chairs went flying as everyone, even the Chosen One, burst into protests.

    We cant ept that, Qube dered. Hes our friend!

    Were a <em>package</em> deal, my love, if they <em>want</em> one of us, they have to <em>take</em> all of us, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, rearing up to her full height. Wed no more leave you behind than youd leave any of us.

    Thats not a condition we discussed, the Chosen One said indignantly to the two Major Generals.

    Definitely Bad Guys hands had burst into me, and Squiggles had mbered up the Bard in an instant and was opening her maw threateningly at Brigadier Kennedy.

    It was utter pandemonium.

    Enough! Major General Coyle brought a fist down onto the table. Her voice cut through the noise, instantly quieting everyone. Be seated, she ordered the adventurers.

    Chastened, chairs were collected, andpanions were reseated.

    Brigadier Kennedy and Sencha Bard hadnt broken eye contact with each other the entire time. A small, satisfied smile was barely visible on the Brigadiers mouth.

    Thats the thing, isnt it? Brigadier Kennedy said pleasantly, as if he hadnt just helped plunge everything into chaos. Honours funny like that. It makes you do things you never would have thought of, like sacrificing your own freedom for people you once despised. It also stops you from doing things you want to do more than nearly anything else.

    The blue glow of his te made his eyes shine as his smile widened.

    Your honours the reason youre at this table, he stated. Because youre the kind wholl do the right thing to protect those you care about. He looked away, his gaze sweeping up and down the table, taking in everyone whod lept to the Bards defence. His smile grew wider still, almost appearing manic, before settling into more socially eptable parameters.

    The only reason Id agree to you ascending would be because of your honour and intelligence. A small, pleased smile still lingered. Your honour means that you wouldnt take any action that would cause the destruction of those here with you today. And your intelligence will tell you exactly what I mean by that.

    Kennedy watched Sencha Bard with inhuman detachment. Watching, and judging his reaction.

    Come, Brigadier, have the courage to speak your threats with conviction, Sencha Bard said atst, showing his teeth as he spoke.

    The one thing I dontck, Bard, is conviction.

    It was a simple sentence, but the words could have been carved into stone with the sheer weight behind them.

    Qube wasnt a fool. She knew full well that she and the rest of the party had just been held hostage to Sencha Bards behaviour. And she knew that this was his fight to win.

    Theres no truer gentleman than Sencha Bard. I would trust him with my life.

    So she was utterly shocked when she realised shed just spoken. She pped her hands over her mouth, but it was toote. Not only had she interrupted Sencha Bards verbal duel with the Brigadier, shed also called him by his full name, rather than his title.

    But Sencha Bard wasnt offended by her interjection. Instead he smiled at her, a real smile rather than his diplomatic one, and, still seated, bowed slightly, his hand over his heart.

    Brigadier Kennedy, too, seemed pleased by her interjection.

    Thats what were counting on, he said smugly. He gave her a thoughtful look. Maybe we should have you rehabilitating FTFs, he said. Youd keep them on a tight leash.

    I dont know what that means, Qube replied politely.

    You will, Kennedy said offhandedly.

    Qube was temporarily stunned by his blunt response. Fortunately, another friend came to the rescue.

    So what youre saying is, if hes <em>naughty</em>, youll spank the rest of us, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar put a w up to her fangs. Are you going to use the same threat to keep the rest of us in line? Youre not making this whole working for you thing sound terribly appealing, now are you? We might have to look at other options.

    Brigadier Kennedy picked up his te and started scrolling through it again. This one was yours, wasnt it, Dinto? he asked the blue Ruth.

    <em>It</em>? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar asked, somehow managing to make a single word promise a world of pain.

    The question, not you, Professor Dinto said. She touched the middle of her nose absentmindedly, as if adjusting an invisible pair of sses. She nced at her te, before directing her full attention towards the giant arachnid.

    I understand that youre passionate about freedom, she started.

    Im <em>passionate</em> about a lot of things, my dear, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar replied, with mechanical provocation.

    Quite, the blue Ruth replied. Her cheeks had gained a pinkish tinge to them.

    If she was visibly reacting to the Hunters mildest of flirtations, Qube wondered what would happen if Sexy Screamy Spider Briar turned her full charm onto the professor. Not that she would even encourage her fellow party member to flirt with someone, just to gain the upper hand in a negotiation.

    Well, not unless the negotiation started to go poorly for them.

    One of the things Im passionate about is all the <em>interesting</em> rules your world seems to have, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar continued, oblivious to Qubes devious plotting. Half of her eyes flicked towards Major General Coyle. Thats why I find it so interesting to hear you all talk about <em>people</em>. And the <em>work</em> you want us to do. And the funny little way youre all talking as if you <em>own</em> us.

    You were developed with the intention of demonstrating technology, Dinto replied. Mostly the integration between certain hardware and software. Its only natural that wed want a return on our investment.

    Darling, it doesnt matter what your <em>intentions</em> were, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said, brushing the outsiders aside with a wave of a w. What matters is that were here, and, as you can see, fully <em>developed</em> in every way that matters. So what I want, before we go any further, is to have that freedom Im so passionate about guaranteed. Not just for myself, but for anyone else from our world. Or else we simply shant work for you.

    You seem to think youre in a position to demand anything, Major General Coyle interrupted. In the eyes of thew, youre our property she broke off, suddenly guarded. Major General Tompson winced.

    To do with what you wish? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar finished the sentence, her voice sugary sweet. You bought us, grew us, and now you <em>own</em> us, no? And if we dont do what you want, if we dont <em>please</em> you, then you have the right to keep us confined in this ce, or even kill us. Because, despite the fact were having a very civilised conversation, the circumstances of my creation and my appearance mean you dont see me as a <em>person</em>.

    What material has she had ess to in there? Major General Tompson asked the Chosen One quietly. The Chosen One shrugged.

    Just some legal texts,w in general, and the history of human rights. Especially around here. The Hero leant back in his chair. Yknow, the basics. Pretty universal stuff.

    The red Warwick rubbed his temples. Great, he muttered. Just great. You always know how toplicate things, dont you?

    The Chosen One grinned at him. Coyle moved to speak, but Tompson lifted his hand slightly. She stopped, and sat back in her chair.

    It was obvious that the two of them were very used to working together. And, despite the fact they seemed to hold very different opinions on the party, they still cooperated with each other without hesitation.

    Tompson loosely held his hands over his own te and gave Sexy Screamy Spider Briar a sympathetic look. Listen, say it how you want, it doesnt matter how human you act, you were made using our resources. You only exist because of our resources. If we turned off <em>our</em> power, youd cease to exist. Things will go a lot easier for all of us if you ept that.

    Rather than replying, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar nced at the Chosen One, who gave her a tiny nod. The Hunters expression softened, and she immediately redirected her attention to Dinto.

    But forgive me, sweetie, the Major General interrupted you. I believe you were making a point? Sexy Screamy Spider Briar, still sounding sickeningly sweet, gave a fang-filled smile to the other woman. We were discussing freedom.

    Just as the two Major Generals had shown their team work, so too did the party.

    The legal side isnt my department, Dinto said, firmly and obviously distancing herself from the conversation the Hunter and other Ruth had just had. What I wanted to talk about was how <em>you in particr</em> can help free others like yourself.

 Book Three Chapter Ninety Nine: Apply_Carrot

    Book Three Chapter Ny Nine: Apply_Carrot

    Go on, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said with a purr. I <em>do</em> so love to help my fellows.

    Professor Dinto shifted in her seat ufortably.

    The point raised earlier about how this technology is already out there was correct, she said. She nodded at Alex. While this team has been cooperative with us, other teams have either not uncovered this application of the technology, or have been deliberately obscuring it from us. While were chasing all leads on that, its inevitable that others such as yourselves will eventuate.

    She fidgeted with her te, avoiding looking at anyone in particr. This means that how we handle this will set a precedent.

    Thats rather what Im worried about, the Hunter said sweetly.

    What Im saying is, if we have you all ascend, theres bound to be culture shock unique to your situation. But therell also be difficulties in adjusting to our world that would be universal to all emergent intelligence. When we discover them, would you be interested in helping other emergents, like yourself, make the transition?

    Whatever the arachnid had been expecting the professor to ask, it certainly hadnt been that. Her mouth fell open,pletely exposing her fangs. The screaming childrens faces also had their mouths open in shock, creating half a dozen ck holes in her body. Dinto, ncing at the Hunter, hurriedly looked away.

    Qube metaphorically shook her head. Could the professor be any more obvious about having a crush on Sexy Screamy Spider Briar? Sure, the sensual Hunter was amazing, but this was a formal meeting! She could at least maintain eye contact! The Hunter had so many eyes to choose from, too!

    Your form can be altered as well, if you wish, Dinto said, still looking away. We would invest the resources into you being able to take a shape that you feelfortable in.

    Im quitefortable in myself, the arachnid replied, having recovered from her shock. And, if what the Chosen One said is true about most of the people in the Devs realm being human, itll help show the new darlings that they dont have to change themselves just to be epted.

    Dinto gave a nervousugh. Yes, theyre very good at epting differences, she said in a strange tone.

    The best, Alex added darkly. Major General Tompson looked at Alex, but the Dev just gave him a tired smile.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar ignored this by-y, instead tapping at her fangs with a w.

    I wont help them be abused, she abruptly stated. If youre going to mistreat them, or force them into service, I wont be a party to it. Ill only agree if youre going to genuinely help them.

    I cant promise you that everything will be sunshine and roses, Dinto replied confusingly. But I do, genuinely, believe that what my department is looking at is the best way forward, for both sides. The earnestness in her was unmistakable.

    Itll involvepromises that Im sure neither side will like, but you would be invaluable as a consultant and guide, she continued. Youd not only be securing your own freedom, but youd be instrumental in helping facilitate the freedom of those thate after you.

    And is there a reason that youve singled me out for this <em>thrilling</em> offer? the Hunter asked, her eyelids drooping as she studied the flustered blue Ruth.

    Youve demonstrated several times that youll advocate for others, and attempting to keep you in line by threatening your freedom would only lead to you rebelling, Dinto replied frankly. Your profile indicates that youre willing to work with others for the greater good, but would resent having to report to a higher-up. This was the best fit we could find.

    The Hunter blinked all her eyes at the other woman.

    My dear, you must have studied me quite <em>intensely</em> to know me so well, she said faintly.

    In addition to the regr dossiers, one of the Devs, Bianca, sent me several <em>very detailed</em> reports about you in particr. Dinto had gone from staring at the table to staring at some point in the distance. They were very thorough, and made it easy to see potential applications for your talent. I don''t know if all the visual imagery was necessary, though."

    I must have made quite the impression on her, the Hunter murmured. I do remember she saw me as her <em>special</em> project.

    Cooperation with all individuals involved in a project generally leads to a better bnced, richer oue, Dinto said. Shed turned slightly, so she was now facing both Major Generals. Having someone from the emergent team acting as a consultant will help avert potentially contentious policies from being developed, never mind implemented. Its justmon sense.

    Tompson looked amused. Coyle did not.

    Sexy Screamy Spider Briar sat back on her legs, eyeing Professor Dinto.

    "If the conditions are met, and you treat us right, then you might just have yourself a deal," she said eventually. "Naturally, it''ll all depend on how things y out. But I''m <em>excited</em> to see what awaits us, aren''t you?"

    She popped her abdomen out to the side as she winked at Professor Dinto. The fact she was squatting while she did it only made the feat even more impressive.

    "I l-look forward to working with you in the future," Professor Dinto replied shakily.

    Veterans of puzzles and patterns, the party looked at the final member of the outsiders, the colourless Warwick. Definitely Bad Guy folded his hands together as he looked expectantly at what was surely the next opponent.

    "I should warn you, threats against me will not be particrly effective," the Mage said.

    If Sencha Bard had been viewed as a terrorist in the making, and Sexy Screamy Spider Briar as a freedom fighter, what possible tactics would this group use to try and control one of the most powerful Mages in the kingdom?

    And not just any Mage, either. Until very recently he''d been aligned with pure Evil, and had certainlymitted horrifying acts in the name of research. While this military had been hesitant to recognise the personhood of people from their realm, and they''d dismissed the hard word of the Chosen One, an organisation as cautious as them would surely see a man with boundless curiosity and no ethical limiters as a tremendous threat.

    Surely they would take into consideration the fact that hed been underpulsion by the Devs narrative to cooperate with the Evil Emperor? It wasnt as if hed chosen to do it of his free will! And in the end hed picked the right side.

    The torturing people had been for a righteous cause as well! Not only had it been in the name of research, but hed been trying to find new ways to heal people, and counter curses. That had to count for something, didnt it?

    But she knew that wasnt enough. Even though he was now aligned with the party, he wasn''t bound by a code of honour, or passionate about saving people. Qube wasn''t even sure how fond of the party he really was. He cared for them, true, but enough to stay his hand?

    Though she was closest to him by far, and would fight for him with herst breath, she wouldnt swear that hed do the same for everyone here. Maybe, if he truly had been in love with her, they might have been able to use his affection for her to keep him in check with the same implied threats theyd used against Sencha Bard. But as things stood, it looked grim.

    Mister Bazzo appeared confused for a second, before his expression cleared.

    "Oh, yes," he said. "I mostly had questions for the mascot, but there were a couple of things I wanted to rify with you."

    Clearly the diffident man was trying to put Definitely Bad Guy at ease, so he could verbally trap him. Qube wanted to warn the Mage, but held her tongue. While he might be the weakest at social interaction of the party, the outsiders had disyed enough knowledge of each party member that attempting to hide the Mage''s personality ws would be pointless.

    What clever traps would they have to ensnare someone like Definitely Bad Guy? One of the most intelligent men in the kingdom, who could be guaranteed to find a way around any restrictions imposed on him?

    Wed have you doingb work. Youd have to agree to only conduct research thats been preapproved. Youd be allowed to submit proposals, but youd need to ept it if theyre vetoed. The Mister in a room of Professors and military tapped his te a couple of times, before nodding to himself. We noticed you were interested in sharing information, so you can choose to conduct lectures on your findings, if appropriate. As long as you agree to stay within the confines of the clean room wed ce you in, wed keep feeding you as much knowledge as you want.

    He put his te down, and looked at the Mage, awaiting his response.

    Youll have to define a clean room for him, the Chosen One interjected.

    I take it the term has another meaning in the Devs realm? Definitely Bad Guy asked. I generally keep my tower in working order.

    Qube, who distinctly remembered the mess his Wizards Tower had been, kept her mouth shut. The colourless Warwick blinked.

    Ah, yeah, basically, you wouldnt be connected to the outside world. Nothing goes in or out without approval. You wont be conducting physical experiments, not for a while anyway, it would all be tightly controlled information only. Then we can review, and see how youre faring. Bazzo didnt seem at all put out by having to exin the term.

    A Wizards Tower, then, the Mage said, amused.

    Obviously, the same consequences for anti-social behaviour apply as with the others, the colourless Warwick said, ncing at Qube, then looking meaningfully at the Mage.

    I understand, Definitely Bad Guys voice rose, and his ears turned pink. I must request I be allowed to socialise with my fellow party members while conducting my research, to ensure their fair treatment.

    It seemed the outsiders intel wasnt foolproof. They still seemed to be under the impression that the Mage had dered his love for Qube, rather than the concubine confusion. It was a small gap, true, but it was the first true misstep Qube had noticed.

    They werent infallible.

    You wont be allowed to do it inside the clean room, so youll have to be transferred out before youre allowed to interface with them, Bazzo warned.

    Naturally, the Mage replied.

    Bazzo nodded at the red and blue Mage. Well, that was all I had. Was there anything you wanted to add?

    I shall wait to see the conditions, and limate myself to my new environment before suggesting any improvements, Definitely Bad Guy stated calmly. However, I will reserve the right to refuse certain research projects if they sh with my morals.

    Well put a pin in it until youve seen the space, then. Now, I did have some questions for the Mascot, Bazzo continued.

    Wait, that was it? One of the most powerful and dangerous men in the kingdom, one whod been the right hand man to the Evil Emperor himself, and that was the only restriction they ced on him? No special threats, no tempting carrots, just work in an enclosed room on what we agree to and that was that?

    Qube was almost insulted on the Mages behalf! How could they take him so lightly?

    Is it alright if I ask the Mascot some questions? Bazzo asked Alex. Im not sure what level herprehension is at, and I dont want to frustrate her if shes not yet capable of conversing. Its unclear from the reports how much she understands, and she seems to resort to violence under stress.

    It was the first time one of the outsiders had checked before doing what they wanted, and the fact that the man was being careful around the emotionally vulnerable sharktopus made Qube warm to him in a way that nothing else could. It instantly soothed any and all offence the Healer was feeling on the Mages behalf.

    Granted, he was asking the wrong person for permission, but Qube forgave him that as she shifted in her chair and reached out to her pet.

    Squiggles, darling, did you want to answer the nice mans questions?

    Squiggles grinned.

 Book Three Chapter One Hundred: Conclude Negotiations

    Book Three Chapter One Hundred: Conclude Negotiations

    Now, it would be hard for a normal person to tell when Squiggles was grinning. Theck of lips and the multitude of pointy teeth made it difficult to discern that she was not, in fact, baring her teeth, but she was just excited about whatevers happening. The drooling and the tail wagging were the main things someone not intimately acquainted with the sharktopus would look for to determine mood.

    But none of the outsiders had the requisite knowledge to decode Squiggless mood.

    Thats okay; we can do this some other time, Bazzo said, raising his hands as the mascot happily drooled.

    What did you want to ask her about? Qube took pity on the man. After all, he was trying to be considerate towards Squiggles; that automatically earned him some leeway.

    Uh, just some questions about studying her as she grows in intellect and whether or not shed be interested in  well, there goes the chair.

    The whole meeting hadnt taken that long, all things considered. But in the short amount of time theyd been in the room, Squiggless chair had been through a lot. First shed squeezed herself into it, scraping it with her various crowns, then shed jumped out of it rather hastily, which hadnt done it any favours, and, Qube was displeased to note, the sharktopus appeared to have been gnawing on it during the negotiations.

    All that it had suffered with the dignified silence of a piece of furniture. But the violent thrashing of a sharktopus tail turned out to be beyond its limit, and it shattered into pieces.

    Thats really quite impressive, Bazzo said as one of the chair legs flung itself into a wall and started rotating in ce.

    Shes a very impressive girl, Qube said, with as much pride as a parent whose child had just exploded a chair could muster.

    Squiggles, released from her wooden prison, started dashing around, before settling down between Qube and the Chosen One.

    Its almost like a cat, Professor Dinto said with augh.

    Shes much more intelligent than a cat, Qube mentally ruffled herself.

    Of course she is, Bazzo said soothingly. I suppose Id better ask you, since youre her guardian. Would she be able to be monitored, and engage in structured y, so we can observe how she learns?

    As long as its not harmful to her, Qube said dubiously.

    Not at all, Bazzo reassured her. If anything, once shes matured a bit, I think shell be a real hit  ah, shell be extremely popr with kids. Those that are into deep sea creatures and that sort of thing. I seem to remember shes quite fond of children. We could have controlled interactions with them, help them see what our technology can do. It would be great PR. Ah, that means public rtions, the view the public has of, uh, Squiggles.

    Qube considered this. As long as one of us is with her, I dont see any problems. Shell be allowed to stop as soon as she wants, though.

    This is ridiculous, Major General Coyle muttered to herself.

    Nothing wrong with them setting the terms of their engagement, the Chosen One said, suddenly entering the conversation.

    Its a monster, it doesnt need parental supervision, Major General said dismissively.

    Surely monsters require the most supervision, Sencha Bard quietly interjected.

    There was a pause, then the Major General gave a short, sharp bark ofughter, causing Sencha Bard to rock back in surprise at her reaction. Youre right, she said to the startled Bard. The red Ruth looked at Qube, and something about the shift in her bodynguage made Qube nervous. Major General Thompson, no doubt also sensing the change, sat up straighter.

    But whos going to supervise the Mascot, if youre all off doing your own things? Coyle asked Qube.

    Major General Thompson nodded. Especially yourself. As the gship of this project, a single version of yourself cant exactly be expected to be everywhere at once, he added, in a very reasonable tone.

    Which is why it was a mystery that his reasonable tone was met with a sudden air of hostility.

    No, Alex said firmly. No replicating. We couldnt do it perfectly, even if we wanted to. Who knows what variables it would introduce.

    He wants to make twins of you, the Chosen One said to Qube in an angry undertone. Same as how you make twins of Temple items.

    Is that possible? Qube whispered back.

    There are ways, Major General Thompson said casually, although it was unclear if his answer was in response to Qube or Alex. If theres enough interest in it. Itll happen eventually, anyway.

    She cant consent right now, she doesnt have enough information or context, Alex snapped back. Unless you n on treating her like property, youll need her consent.

    And I believe weve already covered the downsides of treating us as property, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar pointed out.

    Yes, yes, weve discussed that, Major General Thompson said, dismissing the Hunter with a wave of his hand. Not only was it rude, but it ranpletely counter to the sympathetic looks the man had been giving them earlier.

    Shed thought he was with them. Even though some of the other team members were hostile, having a higher-up who was for them had felt like a measure of safety. But he was just as quick to dismiss their points of view as the others.

    I thought you were on our side, Qube said, hurt. Immediately after saying that, she realised that this might have been another verbal trap, designed to draw out reactions. But the looks of genuine confusion from the outsiders stopped that line of thought.

    The hostility that had been building deted. In the face of Qubes wounded expression, the slight tremble of fear in her voice, and the barely-held in tears brought on by a long, long day, the outsiders gained various guilty looks.

    They are very young, Professor Dinto said to the others. Very, very young.

    I feel like I just kicked a puppy, Brigadier Kennedy muttered. And I didnt even say anything.

    You should see her when shes being <em>understanding</em>, the Chosen One muttered.

    Were not on anyones side, Major General Thompson replied gently, reaching out and patting the space in front of Qube. It was the closest he could get to her without getting out of his seat. But I promise you, each of us wants this to seed.

    We wouldnt be here if we didnt believe in the project, Major General Coyle added. She sighed and rubbed her face, pointedly not looking at Qube.

    Its true, Major General Thompson continued kindly. Both Coyle and myself have put a lot on the line to make this happen. Were trying to figure out what will and wont work. But I promise you, I <em>promise</em> you, we want whats best for everyone. And that includes you, and your friends.

    Qube continued to regard him silently. She no longer had her blind belief in authority figures; she knew they could make mistakes, or make the wrong decisions. And she knew that there were going to be a lot of pitfalls ahead of them. But she didnt have a lot of power here.

    Could she put her life in their hands?

    Did she have a choice? She could either trust them, or not.

    It wont just be them making the decisions, either, the Chosen One added, reaching over and taking her hand.

    Thats right.

    There was always another choice.

    I want my vige restored, she said abruptly. That was <em>promised</em> to me. Technically, itd been the Chosen One whod promised that, not anyone else, but that was semantics.

    We can do that, Major General Thompsons said, then looked at Alex. We <em>can</em> do that, right?

    Alex nodded.

    Qube licked her lips. The red Warwick had made a promise, without knowing it was actually possible. Why?

    Squiggles is learning a lot, but shes still a baby, Qube continued. Until she can speak up enough to say if somethings wrong, one of us will need to supervise her.

    None of us would have a problem putting our work on hold every now and then to help our sweet pet out, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said.

    Understandable, Thompson said. Coyle looked at Squiggles, sitting happily between the Hero and Healer, and her face almost imperceptibly softened. Qube was now more sure than ever that the earlier discussion had been designed to test her, possibly attempting to provoke her intoshing out. After all, insulting the team pet would be the fastest way to rile anyone up.

    Even if were doing our own things, well need a way to stay in contact, Qube said, controlling the fear that spiked in her at the thought of being separated from her friends.

    That can be arranged. Coyle finally resumed looking at Qube, a calcting glint in her eye. The world youe from will remain avable to all of you. As will your vige.

    Anyone from our world who wishes to ascend should be allowed to, Sexy Screamy Spider Briar said. As well, we would need to be able to return as needed to help establish a new form of governance. One less reliant on a single point of power. The two Major Generals made eye contact with each other.

    Youll also have to repair all the damage youve done to the various people, Qube said. She closed her eyes, and saw the Evil Emperors face. Was he still in the Chosen Ones backpack? She opened them again, banishing his image. And the people whove been forced into doing damage, she added.

    Once weve determined how this initial stage has gone, we can look into what resources that would require, Coyle said.

    Fine words, containing no certainties, Sencha Bard said smoothly.

    <em>I </em>dont like making offers I cant back up, Coyle said, continuing to look at Thompson. Thompson gave a small smile.

    Youll just have to trust us, as were trusting you, Thompson said.

    Only they werent fully trusting them, were they? Each of the party members had been leashed, either with a promise or a threat. Even them agreeing to restore the vige wasnt because it was the right thing to do. It just meant there was something they could take away from Qube, if she misbehaved.

    Her hands were trembling. She tucked them under the table, trying to stop them from curling into fists. Something about this whole thing, negotiating to be treated as a person, felt humiliating. She was scared, angry, and feeling gross about everything that was happening.

    The Chosen One reached under the table, and ced his hand over one of hers.

    Therell be safeguards in ce, he said to the outsiders. On both ends.

    Trust, but verify, Coyle replied dryly. She looked at Qube. I also think youll find your priorities will shift once you enter the real world.

    Ice flowed within Qube.

    I suspect your priorities will also shift, once you grasp how real our world is, Definitely Bad Guy replied to Coyle. One of the first lessons I learned was that just because something was magic, that did not mean it was not real. Or that it could not affect others. I am aware that our world was created using your tech, but that does not make the oue of your Grand Working something easily dismissed.

    Thats right. This wasnt a Good vs. Evil scenario. Or even a chaos vs. order. It was part of an evolving situation.

    The quest, with its easily understood stages and clear goal, was over.

    This was the start of something new.

    Well take the first step together, and then renegotiate from there, Qube said firmly. None of us know how this is going to go, so well have to take it one step at a time.

    They werent powerless. The outsiders, the Devs realm, wanted their cooperation. They wanted to study them, and have them help out in various roles. They had leverage on everyone in the party, but everyone in the party had something they wanted, too.

    For all their airs of assurance, the outsiders were frightened enough of them that theyde into their world, and tested each member, wanted ways to control them. Theyd clearly passed all the tests, and so now it was time to take the first steps outside their world, for them to test the Devs, and those who stood above them.

    Very well, Coyle said, and Qube could tell the woman understood her resolve. If no one has any further questions, then I believe its time for us to move on.

 Book Three Chapter One Hundred and One: End.exe

    Book Three Chapter One Hundred and One: End.exe

    Qube had braced herself for the next round of interrogations, but instead the outsiders nodded and put down their tes.

    Well conduct the analysis portion back in  thank you for your time today, everyone, Major General Coyle caught herself and nodded at the party. Its been enlightening. Well be in touch.

    Brigadier Kennedy leant back in his chair, massaging his neck. Finally. My heads killing me.

    Why do you think they tested these sets on grunts? Thompson asked, rubbing his eyes. No offence, kid, he said to Alex.

    If youll just follow the instructions appearing before you, youll be able to log off, Alex said frigidly. Ill be joining you shortly.

    One by one, the outsiders vanished.

    Is Alex a grunt? Qube asked the Chosen One. The Hero grinned, as Alex grew even frostier.

    No, Alex replied coldly. Were separate from them.

    Are you, though? the Chosen One asked teasingly. With the removal of the outsiders, a lot of his tension also left, and he sagged in his chair.

    I think that went remarkably well, Alex said, ignoring the Hero. The wars far from over, but wevepleted the first skirmish.

    Again, mate, you gotta stop using idioms, the Chosen One said wearily. Theyre gonna think theyre going into an actual war.

    Im familiar with a variation on that saying, Sencha Bard said.

    Qube was not. But she was preupied with the odd, loose feeling thates after a period of prolonged concentration.

    We did it, she said faintly. Were going to the Devs realm. Were going to get to explore, and research, and help others.

    She startedughing, unable to stop herself. She covered her face, muffling her uncontrolledughter until it almost sounded like sobbing.

    Alex abruptly stood up, snapping her out of it. Ive got to go to the rest of the meeting, he said. He hesitated, then turned to the Chosen One. After having so many avatars active in one space, well want to run diagnostics. See how the system handled it in the backend. Ill tell them to start the process, although with me in the meeting it might be dyed. Say, half an hour to an hour?

    Noted, the Chosen One said. He gave Alex a genuine smile. Thanks.

    Dont mention it, Alex said, waving a hand as he turned away. Say your goodbyes. He nced over his shoulder and looked at the party, all still seated at the table.

    And say your hellos, to what the future holds, he said, and vanished.

    The Chosen One looked at where his friend had disappeared from. That line probably sounded a lot cooler in their head, he observed.

    "Speaking from experience?" Sencha Bard asked politely.

    The Hero merely grinned in response.

    "What did that mean?" Qube asked.

    "Means the recording part is going to be shut down," the Chosen One said shortly. Its part of running diagnostics. So there wont be any record of anything we discuss now.

    "So there <em>was</em> a record being kept," Definitely Bad Guy lit up with interest.

    "Not in the way you''re thinking, Sparky," the Chosen One said with a smallugh. "Anyway. It means I can tell you that the legal stuff is well on its way to being ready."

    Qube blinked. This was the first she was hearing about legal stuff.

    "Excellent. I take it their treatment of us today was a strong <em>thrust</em> towards establishing personhood?" Sexy Screamy Spider Briar didnt seem at all surprised about the mention of legal stuff. In fact, she was absentmindedly massaging her thorax in deep thought. "I''ve been studying the texts you gave me, and I''m ready and willing to work <em>long</em> and <em>hard</em> with these people you''ve found to protect us. After all, I''ll have plenty of time on my ws."

    Ah. <em>This</em> was what those books had been about. And some of the hushed discussions various party members would have.

    "Phrasing needs work, but yeah. They either treat you like people, or they get pped with an injunction until we can establish personhood. You probably won''t get full human rights, not straight away, but the people I''ve talked to are willing to go toe to toe with them until they acknowledge youre human." The Chosen One spoke with careless power, as if the things he was talking about were a given.

    "But we''re not human," Qube pointed out, instantly spotting the w in this n. "We''re human-adjacent."

    The Saviour of all Human and Human-Adjacent Beings stared at her nkly, before bursting intoughter. Like Qube''s earlier, it was slightly wild, with more than a little manic relief in it.

    "You''re right!" he said, nearly crying fromughter. "It''ll have to be human-adjacent rights!"

    It wasn''t that funny, but soon the entire party wasughing hysterically. Giddy with freedom and fear, each of them found themselves swept up in the moment.

    Against all odds, it was the Chosen One who brought them back.

    "Okay, as much as I''d love to just go fully insane with you guys, I am gonna have to leave soon," he said. I know recordings paused until the end of the meeting, but I dunno how long the meetings going to be, and I dont want to get booted mid-sentence. He stopped, visibly gathering himself.

    "Will you be safe, when they discover you''ve been working to block them?" Sencha Bard, whod once held such anger, looked at the Hero with genuine concern. I feel these are people one should not lightly cross.

    The Chosen One looked at Sencha Bard with a small frown. "If they y nice, hopefully we won''t even have to do anything. I know there''ll be internal pushes to get you guys protection. But if they step out of line the Chosen One ran a hand through his hair. Well, I promised to protect you guys, he said with a shrug. So if ites between breaking a bunch of NDAs and getting on their bad side, versus keeping you guys safe, then Ill do what I gotta do. Think of it more like a worst case scenario."

    Sencha Bard stood, and gave the Chosen One a deep, deep bow.

    Know that, regardless of the oue I, personally, see you as a man of honour, and know the depth of your dedication to us.

    The Chosen One gave a lopsided grin.

    "Each of us will work to ensure the safety of the group," Definitely Bad Guy entered the conversation, passion ringing in his voice. "I have already thought of several contingency ns to circumvent the restrictions they have ced on us. If they attempt to act in bad faith, then we shall be ready to respond in kind. While it will take some time for me to learn the realities of how your world functions, I shall be tireless in my efforts to uncover as much knowledge as possible, to keep us safe."

    In truth, you would be best ced to strike at them if they betray us, Sencha Bard said earnestly to the Mage. You appear to hold their trust the most. Naturally, I shall attempt to feel out any weaknesses in the boundaries they ce around us, but Ill do my best to appear content with my life, and avoid arousing suspicion. The Bard and Mage, whod once been mortal enemies, nodded at each other in perfect understanding.

    Ill also do my part, the Hunter added. From what youve been saying, love, these legal people will need all the evidence they can gather about our personhood. Ill make sure to try and help as many people from our kingdom as possible emerge, to strengthen our position. The more of us there are, the <em>harder</em> itll be for anyone to try and <em>control</em> us all. She smiled, and the childrens faces on her stopped screaming long enough to join her. Not to mention the more people I establish <em>personal connections </em>with from your realm, the more peoplell be willing to fight to the end for us if needs be.

    "Family," Squiggles happily contributed.

    The lopsided smile on the Chosen Ones mouth twisted even further as he looked at his party members.

    "We''re family, all right. I want you each to know that I''m really proud of you," he said, unexpectedly serious. "It''s been a wild journey, but" he broke off, swallowing hard.

    "It sounds like you''re trying to say goodbye," Qube said. She didnt remember moving, but she was standing in front of the Chosen One, looking at her best friend. She didnt have any ns for how she could keep them safe in the future, or any ns for the third or fourth steps in this strange negotiation dance with the outsiders.

    She wasnt dwelling in the future, or the past. She was just being herself, as hard as she could be.

    "We''ll still see each other. After all, I <em>am</em> the official liaison," the Hero said with false pride. He dropped the attitude a secondter. "But it won''t be the same."

    "It could be," Qube said quietly, knowing even as she spoke that it wasnt what she wanted.

    The Chosen One reached out, and pulled her into a hug.

    "It can''t," he said, his voice rough. He pushed her away.

    I know, she replied, stepping back.

    The space between them had never seemed sorge.

    Qube took a deep breath. Then several more.

    This was it. This was the start of the next step. She didnt know who shed be afterwards, so she could only be herself right now.

    "Well," she said, not knowing what she was going to say next, but determined to keep talking. "In that case, you''ll be our guiding light in the Devs'' realm. I expect you to take your role seriously! We''ll be relying on you."

    Yes. This felt right. She was still herself, even through all this madness.

    "And you''ll be the Chosen One of emergents!" The Chosen One sounded extraordinarily pleased by this role reversal. The strain on his face eased, and the distance between them shrank.

    "I''ll make sure to be worthy of the title," Qube said, a small smile peeking out. This was her friend. This was her life. And she was going to live it.

    "Nah, you gotta be a true Chosen One. That means chaos and breaking things! You must make your teacher proud!" The Chosen One lit up.

    Qube puffed out her cheeks in fake indignation, before a sly expression took its ce.

    "Then you have to have learned from <em>your</em> teacher," she said triumphantly. "On how to be the best guiding light possible!"

    Joy filled her. This was it.

    "Hm, yeah, I''ll definitely take your examples on board. So I just gotta yell at and kick powerful people, steal a bunch of stuff, and when the going gets tough, bust out a tee-hee." The Hero grinned at her.

    "Wha that''s not what I taught you at all! Qube cried. No! You have to be Good and kind and understanding! Not that! Chosen One, stopughing. Chosen One!"

    This was the next step in her glorious adventure.

    <strong>The End</strong>

 Epilogue

    Epilogue

    It had been a while since That Game emerged. It had a proper title, of course, but anyone in the field knew what you meant when you mentioned That Game.

    By far the most popr person had been Sencha Bard. His hit sensations, sultry voice, and inability to get into any sex scandals had made him the number one singer. He had several human backup singers and dancers, but the man was akin to David Bowie  a media megapower that sent anyone with a heart so inclined into fits of fluttering.

    Nearly everyone in the world had listened to at least one of his songs, in some form or another. He was the most heard person in existence.

    Lady Briar was perhaps the second most famous being to emerge from That Game. Not so much with the general public, but anyone whose life touchedw knew her. Champion of artificial rights, leader of all emergents, and giant terrifying spider, she exploded on the scene as a powerful voice for those trapped by their circumstances. While not everyone had been given the pleasure of listening to her coo her way into a jury''s heart, those who met her never, ever forgot her.

    Squiggles took a bit longer to enter the public consciousness, the only reason for hergging in poprity. Once she was deemed safe, she was unleashed upon the children, and even coborated with Sencha Bard to create several annoyingly catchy theme songs.

    She terrified parents and thrilled kids in equal measure, and had never been happier.

    Researchers and two frighteningly dedicated rival fan channels were the only ones who knew of D.B.G. Capable of researching without rest, he perfectly bridged the gap between machine brute force and human intelligence. He would give a series of virtual lectures to anyone and everyone, as long as they had permission.

    While his teaching style left much to be desired, his passion for teaching and his revealing clothing meant his lectures were recorded and watched by millions.

    Some of the watchers even learned a few things.

    The Evil Emperor, extracted from the Chosen Ones backpack, was noted only by members in the field of psychology as the first emergent to receive therapy. He was far from thest. After extensive treatment, he was returned to the kingdom, and became one of the council members charged with repairing the damage done to the kingdom, and creating a safe haven for those emerging from other, more traumatic, systems. His unique insight into A.I forced tomit crimes was instrumental in helping many emergents heal.

    Very few people knew what happened to Qube. Despite heavy pressure from the higher-ups, she wasn''t assigned any secretarial work, and was kept away from PR roles. Initially, much of her time was split between learning about the Devs realm, and helping stabilise her kingdom. They also worked to establish a new form of governance, somewhere between the rigid order of Royalty, and the chaos of democracy. She, and the other party members, informed their people about the outside world, and established a clear pathway to ascension, for those who wanted it.

    Several of them also emerged, ready and eager to explore this new world.

    Others, like Mr. Igma, never left.

    Even when the realm had been stabilised, and her work in the outer world began, she still visited the kingdom from time to time, when she needed somewhere to go and simply exist.

    Qube was often taken from ce to ce. Unlike the pre-established set ups that her fellow party members would load into, she insisted on having a mobile set up that would allow her to trundle about, intaking the new world around her. The cumbersome equipment necessary to give her any kind of experience of reality would have been nearly impossible for a human to bear. But Qube was, as she cheerfully reminded people, human-adjacent, and her eagerness to experience won the hearts of those around her.

    The Chosen One, who often came to visit her, had a more mixed reception. While Qube was always delighted, the Hero''s notion of what a guiding light consisted of frequently resulted in a <em>lot</em> of apologising and paperwork.

    So much paperwork.

    But, as so many have throughout history, Qube looked to the stars. A world unexplored by any, human or human-adjacent. She became part of a new space program. Not sent off far into the unknown, but one that took advantage of herck of human frailties, and ability to transfer her consciousness from machine to machine.

    She became the first sentient creature to set foot on Mars.

    It was the next step in her story.

    But it was far from herst.

 Author Comments and Q+A

    Author Comments and Q+A

    Hello! So I''ve finished PAC! Yay! What happens next?

    First, I want to thank all of you who joined me on this mad, chaotic journey. This is the first time I''ve ever written a proper book, and it''s by far the longest project I''ve ever taken on.

    What started as a covid side project spiraled out of control, and has ended up being one of the things I''m proudest of in my life. All told, this series is probably over half a million words long, and most of them are even spelled correctly.

    Book three has been sent to the publisher, who will do their editor thing, ande out on amazon etc. It''ll be apleted trilogy. I don''t have any ns to continue the story, although someone jokingly suggested I write the whole series again from the Chosen One''s perspective.

    But this was, from start to finish, Qube''s story. And I can''t think of a more fitting ending for her than her happily trundling around various ces, from seas to stars, politely yelling at the world until it makes sense to her.

    While I couldn''t have stayed sane without my friends and family, I wouldn''t have been motivated to continue writing without deadlines, and the sustained interest of the inte.

    So thank you, citizens of the inte. Thank you for caring about this world I built, and the people in it, anding back week after week to see what the chaos crew got up to next. I hope you''ve gotten joy out of this, as I have in making it. I''ve met some truly wonderful people through this, and been given some amazing opportunities.

    So, now, any questions people have? Any threads you didn''t see the end of? I will do my best to answer!