IF - Slumbertale

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<div align='center'>[[Start A New Game]] <<set $poem = 1>> <<link "Continue">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> <<link "Delete">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>></div>

This is a test to see what the backgrounds look like. [[Test forest.]] [[test hotlands]] [[test limbo]] [[test ruins]] [[test slumber]] [[test snowdinforest]] [[test snowdintown]] [[test void]] [[test waterfall]] test test test. <<return>>

This is a test to see what the backgrounds look like. test test test. <<return>>

t t t t t <<return>> t t tt t t t t t t t t

/* custom widgets go in here */ <<widget "are">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>

SLUMBERTALE

[[Credits]] & [[Music Selection]] & [[The Archmage]]

Undertale (c) Toby Fox Slumbertale is an Undertale fan AU created by Rainingskeletons (tumblr) 'https://rainingskeletons.tumblr.com/post/658968115112263680/slumbertale-masterpost' This version was written & programmed by Darkpetal16 Artwork used was purchased from the Unity Store. *Eder *Gazielle *Digital Moons *Pint-Sized Overlord Music used is copyright free *BG music - //Magical Fantasy// by Dmitriy Sevostyanov *Gaster's theme - //Undertale - Gaster's Theme Remix [Kamex]// by Kamex *Void - //Dark Empty Void// by Pixaby *Putting Yourself Back Together - //Ashess - Sometimes// by dreamscape <<return>>

Another page to do whatever you want with! I really just wanted another page to fill out the footer menu<3 ---- !Heading 1 !!Heading 2 !!!Heading 3 <<cycle "$cycling" autoselect>> <<option "Cycling link 1">> <<option "Cycling link 2">> <<option "Cycling link 3">> <</cycle>> <<textbox "$textbox" "Type here...">><<button "Submit">><</button>> * List item 1 * List item 2 * List item 3 <<button "Return" $return>><</button>>

<<set $poemTerms to ["All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream", "Every morning when I open my eyes I find an empty bed and I'm always surprised because all through the night you never left my head.", "My dreams are born with wings and all my soul ever sings are songs of the sky."]>> <<cacheaudio "bg" "slumberaud/bg.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "gaster" "slumberaud/gaster.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "void" "slumberaud/void.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ashes" "slumberaud/ashes.mp3">>

<> <li>[[Progress]]</li> <li><<link "Credits">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li> <> put in footer if you want

test does this work? gosh I hope it looks cool <<return>>

//<<if $poem eq 1>><<print either($poemTerms)>><<endif>>//

Your eyes are: <<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "green">> <<option "blue">> <<option "brown">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "gray">> <<option "black">> <<option "white">> <<option "purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "red">> <<option "blue and green">> <<option "pink and red">> <<option "black and white">> <<option "brown and blue">> <<option "gold and silver">> <<option "otherwordly">> <</cycle>>. You <<cycle "$glasses" autoselect>>\ <<option "wear glasses">> <<option "do not wear glasses">> <</cycle>>. You <<cycle "$facial" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not have facial hair">> <<option "have a beard">> <<option "have a moustache">> <<option "have a beard and moustache">> <</cycle>>. Your hair is: <<cycle "$hairlength" autoselect>>\ <<option "long">> <<option "very long">> <<option "short">> <<option "very short">> <<option "shoulder-length">> <</cycle>> , <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "jet black">> <<option "black">> <<option "expresso">> <<option "cinnamon">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "brown">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "ruby red">> <<option "burgundy">> <<option "strawberry blonde">> <<option "golden blonde">> <<option "ashy blonde">> <<option "butterscotch">> <<option "white">> <<option "silver">> <<option "gray">> <</cycle>> , and <<cycle "$hairtype" autoselect>>\ <<option "tightly curled">> <<option "loosely curled">> <<option "coily">> <<option "bouncy">> <<option "fine">> <<option "straight">> <<option "thick">> <<option "thin">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>>. You wear it <<cycle "$hairstyle" autoselect>>\ <<option "loose">> <<option "pulled up into a high ponytail">> <<option "pulled back into a low ponytail">> <<option "pulled up into a high ponytail using a ribbon">> <<option "pulled back into a low ponytail using a ribbon">> <<option "braided">> <<option "in a bun">> <<option "in a messy bun">> <<option "pulled to the side">> <<option "pulled to the side with a ribbon tied into it">> <<option "pushed back with a headband">> <</cycle>> Your skin color is: <<cycle "$skincolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "ivory">> <<option "porcelain">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "honey">> <<option "umber">> <<option "almond">> <<option "bronze">> <<option "chocolate">> <</cycle>>. You <<cycle "$beauty" autoselect>>\ <<option "have umblemished skin">> <<option "have a beauty mark under your right eye">> <<option "have a beauty mark under your left eye">> <<option "have some freckles">> <<option "have a lot of freckles">> <<option "have a scar down your left eye">> <<option "have a scar down your right eye">> <<option "have a scar over your lips">> <<option "have a scar across your nose">> <<option "have a burn on the side of your face">> <<option "have a a burn over your eyes">> <</cycle>>. You are a <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>>\ <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <<option "person">> <</cycle>>. Please enter your first name properly: <<textbox "$Name" "">> Ex: Frisk, Sans, Papyrus, Wingding Ex: Don't actually use their names. They will protest. Please enter your last name properly: <<textbox "$LName" "">> Ex: Gaster, Dreemur, Riverra [[Continue]]

<<if (($Name eq "Sans")) or ($Name eq "Sans ")>> Uh. . . ehh. . . yeah. . . no. <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Papyrus")) or ($Name eq "Papyrus ")>> While I am HONORED you want to emulate me, I don't think that would be good for this story. <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Wingding")) or ($Name eq "Wingding ")>> My dear, would you rather not use yours? <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Toriel")) or ($Name eq "Toriel ")>> Thank you, my child, but I would much rather learn your name. . . <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Asgore")) or ($Name eq "Asgore ")>> . . . <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Asriel")) or ($Name eq "Asriel ")>> . . . who. . . <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Flowey")) or ($Name eq "Flowey ")>> I want to watch you bleed. <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Chara")) or ($Name eq "Chara ")>> ;) //CHARA USES FLIRT.// Is it effective? [[yep, gimme the secret romance]] [[nope, nope, nope. take me back.]] <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Alphys")) or ($Name eq "Alphys ")>> Please no. <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Undyne")) or ($Name eq "Undyne ")>> FIGHT ME! <<return>> <<elseif (($LName eq "Gaster")) or ($LName eq "Gaster ")>> Sans, Papyrus, and Wingding give you a long look. "Can you not wait until //after// one of us has proposed?" Wingding gently asks. . . . "Stick to your own last name for a bit longer, 'kay pal?" Sans asks. "You can upgrade later!" Papyrus says cheerfully. <<return>> <<elseif (($LName eq "Dreemur")) or ($LName eq "Dreemur ")>> Toriel and Asgore gasp. "Whoa, whoa, whoa," says Chara. "I did //not// propose to you." "I haven't either?" Asriel says. "Um. . . I think." "Well I haven't either," says Toriel. "You're an option?" Asgore asks. "Not for //you//," Toriel says snidely. "Um, well, uh. . . Please use your last name for now," says Asriel. "We, can, um. . . talk about it more later?" "Wait, why do you assume $Name wants //you// to propse?" Chara asks. ". . . Because I'm fluffy." "I can put on a coat." "Chara--" Chara gives you finger guns and winks. "Hit me up later, baby." "CHARA!" <<return>> <<elseif (($Name eq "Frisk")) or ($Name eq "Frisk ")>> That's meant to be a nickname. No one will stop you from using it, but uh. . . your choice. You are $Name $LName. Of course you could never forget about the most important part of you. Your ''SOUL''. It shines a. . . [[Red]] ✧ [[Vermilion]] ✧ [[Rosy red]] [[Orange]] ✧ [[Ginger]] ✧ [[Honey]] [[Yellow]] ✧ [[Sunglow]] ✧ [[Daisy]] [[Green]] ✧ [[Mint green]] ✧ [[Dark green]] [[Blue]] ✧ [[Bright blue]] ✧ [[Dark blue]] [[Purple]] ✧ [[Lavender]] ✧ [[Berry]] [[Pink]] ✧ [[Pastel pink]] ✧ [[Magenta]] ✧ [[Sweet]] [[White]] ✧ [[Iridescent]] ✧ [[Black]]<<else>> You are $Name $LName. Of course you could never forget about the most important part of you. Your ''SOUL''. It shines a. . . [[Red]] ✧ [[Vermilion]] ✧ [[Rosy red]] [[Orange]] ✧ [[Ginger]] ✧ [[Honey]] [[Yellow]] ✧ [[Sunglow]] ✧ [[Daisy]] [[Green]] ✧ [[Mint green]] ✧ [[Dark green]] [[Blue]] ✧ [[Bright blue]] ✧ [[Dark blue]] [[Purple]] ✧ [[Lavender]] ✧ [[Berry]] [[Pink]] ✧ [[Pastel pink]] ✧ [[Magenta]] ✧ [[Sweet]] [[White]] ✧ [[Iridescent]] ✧ [[Black]]<</if>>

this isn't in the game yet. Come back later. :) [[Character Creation]]

Now you must think of your name. It's on the tip of your tongue. Please enter your first name properly: <<textbox "$Name" "">> Ex: Frisk, Sans, Papyrus, Wingding Ex: Don't actually use their names. They will protest. And your surname. . . Please enter your surname properly: <<textbox "$LName" "">> Ex: Gaster, Dreemur, Riverra [[Continue]]

<img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> Green is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "green">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a green shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal green. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> Mint green is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "mint green">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a mint green shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal mint green. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> Dark green is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "dark green">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a dark green shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal dark green. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/redheart.png" class="center"> Red is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "red">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a red shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal red. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> Vermilion is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "vermilion">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a vermilion shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal vermilion. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> Rosy red is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "rosy red">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a rosy red shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal rosy red. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/orangeheart.png" class="center"> Orange is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "orange">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a orange shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal orange. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/gingerheart.png" class="center"> Ginger is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "ginger">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a ginger shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal ginger. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/honeyheart.png" class="center"> Honey is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "honey">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a honey shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal honey. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> Yellow is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "yellow">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a yellow shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal yellow. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> Sunglow is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "sunglow">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a sunglow shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal sunglow. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> Daisy is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "daisy">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a daisy shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal daisy. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> Blue is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "blue">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a blue shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal blue. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> Bright blue is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "bright blue">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a bright blue shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal bright blue. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> Dark blue is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "dark blue">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a dark blue shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal dark blue. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> Purple is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "purple">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a purple shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal purple. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> Lavender is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "lavender">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a lavender shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal lavender. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> Berry blue is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "berry blue">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a berry blue shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal berry blue. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> White is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "white">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a white shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal white. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> Pink is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "pink">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a pink shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal pink. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> Pastel pink is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "pastel pink">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a pastel pink shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal pastel pink. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> Magenta is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "magenta">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a magenta shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal magenta. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> Iridescent is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "iridescent">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see an iridescent shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal iridescent. [[You love your color.]]

You love your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. That's better. <<set $barrier1 = 0>><<set $barrier2 = 0>><<set $barrier3 = 0>><<set $barrier4 = 0>><<set $barrier5 = 0>> <<set $barriercontrol = 0>> You're more //you// now. You flex your fingers, enjoying the solidity that comes from knowing who you are. This place is fluid like the ocean, its unseeing waves seek to constantly pull you apart again. It is only through your <<cycle "$soultrait" autoselect>>\ <<option "DETERMINATION">> <<option "HOPE">> <<option "FAITH">> <<option "LOVE">> <<option "PASSION">> <</cycle>> that you can [[keep yourself together.]]

DETERMINATION: firmness of purpose; resoluteness. <<set $soultrait = "DETERMINATION">> It is a powerful sensation; sturdy and strong. In the face of adversity you are filled with $soultrait. That's good. You'll need that strength. [[Begin.]]

HOPE: a feeling of trust for certain things to happen. <<set $soultrait = "HOPE">> It is a warm sensation; positive and pure. In the face of adversity you are filled with $soultrait. That's good. You'll need that positivity. [[Begin.]]

FAITH: a complete trust or confidence in someone or something. <<set $soultrait = "FAITH">> It is a cool sensation; steady and grounding. In the face of adversity you are filled with $soultrait. That's good. You'll need that stability. [[Begin.]]

LOVE: an intense feeling of deep affection. <<set $soultrait = "LOVE">> It is a burning sensation; pure and unyielding. In the face of adversity you are filled with $soultrait. That's good. You'll need it. [[Begin.]]

PASSION: a strong and barely controllable emotion. <<set $soultrait = "PASSION">> It is a powerful sensation; strong and honest. In the face of adversity you are filled with $soultrait. That's good. You'll need that strength. [[Begin.]]

You stride down the castle corridor with a steady purpose. The white stone floors have been polished to such a degree that the light from the magic torches reflect off it. Your boots make no noise as you walk, a lingering side-effect from the feather-touch spell you used previously. You had flown in only moments ago, the urgency of your summons hastened your approach. Had the castle not been built against teleportation, you would have teleported directly in. Unfortunately, you're simply too good of a mage. The teleportation wards //you// created work exceptionally well. So well that even you cannot bypass them. Being amazing has its downsides. . . . Sometimes. Others notice you as you continue. Some bow their head in deference. Others narrow their eyes in contempt. A few turn pale and scurry away in fear. This is expected. You are no ordinary mage. You are //the// [[Archmage]].

You are the youngest in history to earn the title. Your predecessors were well into their two-hundreds, and you nabbed the title <<cycle "$age" autoselect>>\ <<option "before you even turned fifty">> <<option "before you turned one hundred">> <<option "shortly after turning one hundred">> <</cycle>>. It is a title hard fought and well deserved in this kingdom. //Your kingdom.// The Kingdom of Stars is a prosperous kingdom. Magic runs freely throughout the land, and every citizen born can use it to some degree. Those fortunate enough to be born with an excess amount are able to train as mages at the prestigious Mage Tower. You are one of those Mages. [[You were orphaned the same day you were born, forced to live at the local orphanage.]] [[You were raised by a loving family that was neither well off, nor poor.]] [[You were raised in nobility.]] [[You do not remember your time prior to the Mage Tower.]]

<<set $background = "orphan">> It was not an easy beginning, but that was decades ago. When your talent for magic became known, you were formally invited into the Tower. You accepted because you had nowhere else to go. At the Tower, you excelled. Magic is as natural as breathing, and as intuitive as walking for you. You feel it like a second limb, along with your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> You found that you had an exceptional talent in a unique form of magic. [[Celestial Magic. The stars and sun heed your call.]] [[Elemental Magic. The elementals dance to your whims.]] [[Knight Enchanter Your control over magic has allowed you to enhance your own body and fight with weapons.]]

<<set $background = "family">>It was a nice start, but unfortunately, your parents are very much mortal and passed away some time ago. When your talent for magic became known, you were formally invited into the Tower. You accepted at your parents’ insistence. They only wanted what was best for you. At the Tower, you excelled. Magic is as natural as breathing, and as intuitive as walking for you. You feel it like a second limb, along with your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. You found that you had an exceptional talent in a unique form of magic. [[Celestial Magic. The stars and sun heed your call.]] [[Elemental Magic. The elementals dance to your whims.]] [[Knight Enchanter Your control over magic has allowed you to enhance your own body and fight with weapons.]]

<<set $background = "noble">> It was an easy start, but unfortunately, your parents were very much mortal and passed away some time ago. Your nephew inherited the official title, as mages must forfeit their noble rankings upon entering the Tower. When your talent for magic became known, you were formally invited into the Tower. You accepted because you didn’t want to squabble with your family over inheritance. At the Tower, you excelled. Magic is as natural as breathing and and as intuitive as walking for you. You feel it like a second limb, along with your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. You found that you had an exceptional talent in a unique form of magic. [[Celestial Magic. The stars and sun heed your call.]] [[Elemental Magic. The elementals dance to your whims.]] [[Knight Enchanter Your control over magic has allowed you to enhance your own body and fight with weapons.]]

<<set $background = "unknown">>It’s a blank spot in your mind. When your talent for magic became known, you were formally invited into the Tower. And by formal invitation, you mean you literally woke up in the Tower and were told: //Congratulations, you are now a student!// At the Tower, you excelled. Magic is as natural as breathing, and as intuitive as walking for you. You feel it like a second limb, along with your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. You found that you had an exceptional talent in a unique form of magic. [[Celestial Magic. The stars and sun heed your call.]] [[Elemental Magic. The elementals dance to your whims.]] [[Knight Enchanter Your control over magic has allowed you to enhance your own body and fight with weapons.]]

<<set $specialization = "celestial">>This unique magic is what sets you apart from the others. . . enough to get noticed. <<set $nickname = "Child Loved by Stars">> You enter the throne room. Appleblossom and sweet incense tickle your nose as soon as you step inside. It is a long, rectangular room. Down the center of the room is a pathway of gold-tinted marble with a delicate design inscribed into it. Tall white pillars are raised along the gold path, each one engraved with a remarkable story about the kingdom. There is only one pillar left untouched, and it sits nearest to the throne. Nobles and stewards linger in the throne room. It is here that politics are discussed as the monarch watches over. They are not assembled daily–only a few times a week–and so the throne room sits empty most of the time. The ceiling is a crystal mirror that reflects the floor. At a single command, the crystal will react to magic and display whatever the monarch requests. At the moment it remains a mirror. With each step down the path, the nobles and stewards move out of your way. You only enter the throne room when summoned over grave matters. It is convenient that they part ways for you. Even fresh faces are able to recognize who you are by what you wear. All mages affiliated with the Mage Tower wear a standard uniform. You wear <<cycle "$tightpants" autoselect>>\ <<option "tight">> <<option "loose">> <</cycle>> fitting <<cycle "$pants" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> pants that are tucked into knee-high <<cycle "$boots" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> boots. The front end of your boots are heavily fortified to protect your shins. They make a satisfying knocking sound when you rap your knuckles against them. Over top you wear a long sleeved <<cycle "$robes" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> robe with a <<cycle "$lining" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> lining. The robe is split down the middle from the waist and ends just below your knees. The sleeves are loose at the end. Around your waist is a thick <<cycle "$belt" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> belt that can be used to hang potions or scrolls. <<cycle "$belthanging" autoselect>>\ <<option "You prefer to keep it empty.">> <<option "You prefer to keep a few scrolls attached.">> <<option "You prefer to keep a few potions attached.">> <<option "You prefer scrolls and potions attached.">> <</cycle>> The robes have an enchanted hood <<cycle "$hood" autoselect>>\ <<option "that you kept down so others can see your face and hair">> <<option "that you keep pulled up so no one can see your face. Only your eyes become visible when you use magic">> <</cycle>> . The shoulder sleeves are cut out to display your left and right shoulders. It is here that others can see what marks you as //the// Archmage. On your right shoulder there is a unique insignia; a vivid $soulcolor <<cycle "$insignia" autoselect>>\ <<option "heart">> <<option "flower">> <<option "butterfly">> <<option "moth">> <<option "flame">> <<option "teardrop">> <<option "x">> <<option "lightning bolt">> <<option "cloud">> <<option "sword">> <<option "sun">> <<option "moon">> <<option "four point star">> <<option "five point star">> <<option "cat">> <<option "dog">> <<option "owl">> <<option "fox">> <<option "snake">> <<option "spider">> <</cycle>>. <<cycle "$displayinsignia" autoselect>>\ <<option "You always leave it on full display so all can identify you.">> <<option "You normally keep it hidden. You only allow your magic to display it at necessary moments, such as now.">> <</cycle>> You stop before the monarch. [[His Majesty, King Sun.]] [[Her Majesty, Queen Summer.]] [[Their Majesty, Monarch Sunny.]]

<<set $specialization = "elementalist">>This unique magic is what sets you apart from the others. . . enough to get noticed. <<set $nickname = "Child Cherished by the Lifegivers">> You enter the throne room. Appleblossom and sweet incense tickle your nose as soon as you step inside. It is a long, rectangular room. Down the center of the room is a long line of gold-tinted marble with a delicate design inscribed into it. Tall white pillars are raised along the gold path, each one engraved with a remarkable story about the kingdom. There is only one pillar left untouched, and it sits nearest to the throne. Nobles and stewards linger in the throne room. It is here that politics are discussed as the monarch watches over. They are not assembled daily–only a few times a week–and so the throne room sits empty most of the time. The ceiling is a crystal mirror that reflects the floor. At a single command, the crystal will react to magic and display whatever the monarch requests. At the moment it remains a mirror. With each step down the path, the nobles and stewards move out of your way. You only enter the throne room when summoned over grave matters. It is convenient that they part ways for you. Even fresh faces are able to recognize who you are by what you wear. All mages affiliated with the Mage Tower wear a standard uniform. You wear <<cycle "$tightpants" autoselect>>\ <<option "tight">> <<option "loose">> <</cycle>> fitting <<cycle "$pants" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> pants that are tucked into knee-high <<cycle "$boots" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> boots. The front end of your boots are heavily fortified to protect your shins. They make a satisfying knocking sound when you rap your knuckles against them. Over top you wear a long sleeved <<cycle "$robes" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> robe with a <<cycle "$lining" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> lining. The robe is split down the middle from the waist and ends just below your knees. The sleeves are loose at the end. Around your waist is a thick <<cycle "$belt" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> belt that can be used to hang potions or scrolls. <<cycle "$belthanging" autoselect>>\ <<option "You prefer to keep it empty.">> <<option "You prefer to keep a few scrolls attached.">> <<option "You prefer to keep a few potions attached.">> <<option "You prefer scrolls and potions attached.">> <</cycle>> The robes have an enchanted hood <<cycle "$hood" autoselect>>\ <<option "that you kept down so others can see your face and hair">> <<option "that you keep pulled up so no one can see your face. Only your eyes become visible when you use magic">> <</cycle>> . The shoulder sleeves are cut out to display your left and right shoulders. It is here that others can see what marks you as //the// Archmage. On your right shoulder there is a unique insignia; a vivid $soulcolor <<cycle "$insignia" autoselect>>\ <<option "heart">> <<option "flower">> <<option "butterfly">> <<option "moth">> <<option "flame">> <<option "teardrop">> <<option "x">> <<option "lightning bolt">> <<option "cloud">> <<option "sword">> <<option "sun">> <<option "moon">> <<option "four point star">> <<option "five point star">> <<option "cat">> <<option "dog">> <<option "owl">> <<option "fox">> <<option "snake">> <<option "spider">> <</cycle>>. <<cycle "$displayinsignia" autoselect>>\ <<option "You always leave it on full display so all can identify you.">> <<option "You normally keep it hidden. You only allow your magic to display it at necessary moments, such as now.">> <</cycle>> You stop before the monarch. [[His Majesty, King Sun.]] [[Her Majesty, Queen Summer.]] [[Their Majesty, Monarch Sunny.]]

<<set $specialization = "knight">>This unique magic is what sets you apart from the others. . . enough to get noticed. <<set $nickname = "Child Endeared to the Knights of Old">> You enter the throne room. Appleblossom and sweet incense tickle your nose as soon as you step inside. It is a long, rectangular room. Down the center of the room is a long line of gold-tinted marble with a delicate design inscribed into it. Tall white pillars are raised along the gold path, each one engraved with a remarkable story about the kingdom. There is only one pillar left untouched, and it sits nearest to the throne. Nobles and stewards linger in the throne room. It is here that politics are discussed as the monarch watches over. They are not assembled daily–only a few times a week–and so the throne room sits empty most of the time. The ceiling is a crystal mirror that reflects the floor. At a single command, the crystal will react to magic and display whatever the monarch requests. At the moment it remains a mirror. With each step down the path, the nobles and stewards move out of your way. You only enter the throne room when summoned over grave matters. It is convenient that they part ways for you. Even fresh faces are able to recognize who you are by what you wear. All mages affiliated with the Mage Tower wear a standard uniform. You wear <<cycle "$tightpants" autoselect>>\ <<option "tight">> <<option "loose">> <</cycle>> fitting <<cycle "$pants" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> pants that are tucked into knee-high <<cycle "$boots" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> boots. The front end of your boots are heavily fortified to protect your shins. They make a satisfying knocking sound when you rap your knuckles against them. Over top you wear a long sleeved <<cycle "$robes" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> robe with a <<cycle "$lining" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> lining. The robe is split down the middle from the waist and ends just below your knees. The sleeves are loose at the end. Around your waist is a thick <<cycle "$belt" autoselect>>\ <<option "black">> <<option "gray">> <<option "silver">> <<option "white">> <<option "blue">> <<option "dark blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "dark green">> <<option "yellow">> <<option "gold">> <<option "orange">> <<option "dark orange">> <<option "red">> <<option "dark red">> <<option "purple">> <<option "dark purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "dark pink">> <</cycle>> belt that can be used to hang potions or scrolls. <<cycle "$belthanging" autoselect>>\ <<option "You prefer to keep it empty.">> <<option "You prefer to keep a few scrolls attached.">> <<option "You prefer to keep a few potions attached.">> <<option "You prefer scrolls and potions attached.">> <</cycle>> The robes have an enchanted hood <<cycle "$hood" autoselect>>\ <<option "that you kept down so others can see your face and hair">> <<option "that you keep pulled up so no one can see your face. Only your eyes become visible when you use magic">> <</cycle>> . The shoulder sleeves are cut out to display your left and right shoulders. It is here that others can see what marks you as //the// Archmage. On your right shoulder there is a unique insignia; a vivid $soulcolor <<cycle "$insignia" autoselect>>\ <<option "heart">> <<option "flower">> <<option "butterfly">> <<option "moth">> <<option "flame">> <<option "teardrop">> <<option "x">> <<option "lightning bolt">> <<option "cloud">> <<option "sword">> <<option "sun">> <<option "moon">> <<option "four point star">> <<option "five point star">> <<option "cat">> <<option "dog">> <<option "owl">> <<option "fox">> <<option "snake">> <<option "spider">> <</cycle>>. <<cycle "$displayinsignia" autoselect>>\ <<option "You always leave it on full display so all can identify you.">> <<option "You normally keep it hidden. You only allow your magic to display it at necessary moments, such as now.">> <</cycle>> You stop before the monarch. [[His Majesty, King Sun.]] [[Her Majesty, Queen Summer.]] [[Their Majesty, Monarch Sunny.]]

<<set $King = "King">> <<set $Sun = "Sun">> <<set $His = "His">>His Majesty, King Sun, is the highest authority in the Kingdom of Stars. <<set $king = "king">> <<set $him = "him">> You stop before the throne. You move your left hand behind your lower back, and place your right hand over your heart. You give a brief <<cycle "$curtsy" autoselect>>\ <<option "curtsy">> <<option "shallow bow">> <</cycle>>. You are the only one in the kingdom who may greet King Sun in this manner. This is because you are his Right Hand. The $insignia on your right shoulder mirrors the one on his right shoulder. The Left Hand has a similar right, and he is identified by the raven insignia on his left shoulder. You straighten and raise your $eyecolor eyes to meet the golden gaze of King Sun. King Sun looks at you and smiles warmly. “I appreciate your promptness in this matter.” “I will always heed your call, Your Majesty,” you politely demure. Sun inclines his head. He stands up from his throne and addresses the room. “My advisors and friends, I must step out with my Right Hand to attend to matters. Let us reconvene tomorrow.” They bow and murmur words of agreement. As they leave, the king steps down from his throne and moves to walk out the back doorway. You follow closely at his heels. This pathway is restricted, and you notice that even the Royal Guards do not follow behind you. [[. . . A private meeting, then.]]

<<set $King = "Queen">> <<set $Sun = "Summer">> <<set $her = "her">>Her Majesty, Queen Summer, is the highest authority in the Kingdom of Stars. <<set $king = "queen">> <<set $him = "her">> You stop before the throne. You move your left hand behind your lower back, and place your right hand over your heart. You give a brief <<cycle "$curtsy" autoselect>>\ <<option "curtsy">> <<option "shallow bow">> <</cycle>>. You are the only one in the Kingdom who may greet Queen Summer in this manner. This is because you are her Right Hand. The $insignia on your right shoulder mirrors the one on her right shoulder. The Left Hand has a similar right, and he is identified by the raven insignia on his left shoulder. You straighten and raise your $eyecolor eyes to meet the golden gaze of Queen Summer. Queen Summer looks at you and smiles warmly. “I appreciate your promptness in this matter.” “I will always heed your call, Your Majesty,” you politely demure. Summer inclines her head. She stands up from her throne and addresses the room. “My advisors and friends, I must step out with my Right Hand to attend to matters. Let us reconvene tomorrow.” They bow and murmur words of agreement. As they leave, the Queen steps down from her throne and moves to walk out the back doorway. You follow closely at her heels. This pathway is restricted, and you notice that even the Royal Guards do not follow behind you. [[. . . A private meeting, then.]]

<<set $King = "Monarch">> <<set $Sun = "Sunny">> Their Majesty, Monarch Sunny, is the highest authority in the Kingdom of Stars. <<set $king = "ruler">> <<set $him = "them">> You stop before the throne. You move your left hand behind your lower back, and place your right hand over your heart. You give a brief <<cycle "$curtsy" autoselect>>\ <<option "curtsy">> <<option "shallow bow">> <</cycle>>. You are the only one in the Kingdom who may greet Monarch Sunny in ther manner. This is because you are their Right Hand. The $insignia on your right shoulder mirrors the one on their right shoulder. The Left Hand has a similar right, and he is identified by the raven insignia on his left shoulder. You straighten and raise your $eyecolor eyes to meet the golden gaze of Monarch Sunny. Monarch Sunny looks at you and smiles warmly. “I appreciate your promptness in this matter.” “I will always heed your call, Your Majesty,” you politely demure. Summer inclines their head. They stand up from their throne and address the room. “My advisors and friends, I must step out with my Right Hand to attend to matters. Let us reconvene tomorrow.” They bow and murmur words of agreement. As they leave, the Monarch steps down from their throne and moves to walk out the back doorway. You follow closely at their heels. This pathway is restricted, and you notice that even the Royal Guards do not follow behind you. [[. . . A private meeting, then.]]

You reach out with your <<cycle "$right" autoselect>>\ <<option "right">> <<option "left">> <</cycle>> hand. You press your palm flat against the crystal. You feel magic as keenly you feel the sun’s warmth on the summer solstice; as vividly as you feel ocean waves lapping against your bare feet; as gently as you feel the wind through your hair. You know magic like you know your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. You have felt the volatile, eruptive heat of a demon’s magic. You have felt the cooling, tranquil touch of an elf’s magic. You have felt the mischievous, coy tickle of a fairy’s magic. This feels like nothing you have encountered before. It is deep, heavy. . . gentle? You run your hands along the crystal as you feel the magic. The longer you probe it, the heavier it feels in your mind. It is the warmth of a hearth that seeps into your aching body after a long day in the snow. It calls to you like a sweet lullaby. You brush past the feeling, easily able to ignore it. You glance at your fellow mages. They are all looking to you with expectant eyes. The tallest one, a mage named Tula, steps forward. “We believe this magic is the work of Monsters.” Monsters. //Monsters?// It takes you several moments to process their guess. Monsters were a race of beings that belonged to the Delta Kingdom several centuries ago. There was a war between them and the Rune Kingdom. Supposedly, the Rune Kingdom banished the entire race into the Realm of Dreams. The Rune Kingdom–along with several others–were destroyed scarcely a century later in the first demonic invasion. The Kingdom of Stars was built over their ashes. You thoughtfully probe the magic. Magic from the Realm of Dreams, huh. . . ? It certainly has a sleepy-touch to it. You’ve also never encountered such a strange signature, not in all your many years of traveling the world. “It. . . could be,” you allow slowly, carefully considering it. You know monsters existed at some point. You have met fae and elves who were alive when they shared this world. It is the existence of the Realm of Dreams that you doubt. More than likely, the monsters would have perished as soon as they were “banished.” The old texts use the word //Dream// and //Death// interchangeably in some stories. However. . . The more you feel this magic that lingers on the children, the more inclined you are to agree with the mages. “If it is true,” says $Sun, “what does that mean?” “It means that monsters have been banished in a fluid reality for centuries and are now stealing the ''SOULs'' of our children,” you murmur. $Sun’s brow furrows. “Why?” “Could be out of revenge,” you say. “Could also be collecting the ''SOULs'' for a ritual. Perhaps they are trying to leave their realm now?" That's what you would do. If the Realm of Dreams is true, you would detest the lack of stability. It sounds like the place where up isn't always up, and right and left can be swapped at a moments' notice. "There’s no way to know for certain without directly interacting with them.” “We need to find out,” says $Sun. “I want you to handle this, $Name.” You glance over at your ruler. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” “Prioritize rescuing our children,” your old friend says, “and confirm their intentions.” “If they seek to use the ''SOULs'' to escape?” you ask. $King $Sun considers it. “We should help them, if possible. But //not// if it puts our people in danger. I trust your judgement.” “And if they act in malice?” “Ensure they can never touch our people again, no matter what.” You place your right hand over your heart, and your left hand behind your back. You $curtsy as you say, [[“Yes, Your Majesty.”]]

That's right! You are on a mission--a quest--to rescue the lost ''SOULs''. This place--this limbo--is not the Realm of Dreams, but it must be close. You stare down at your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> and focus inward again. Think carefully. What did you do after being ordered? You must have done research. You knew nothing of the Realm of Dreams, nor of monsters. What did you do? [[Consult the fae, you have a contact you can barter for information.]]

That's right, you went to a contact in the fae. You chose this path because you have an advantage in this. The fae eat magic. The more unique or powerful the magic, the more of a delicacy it is considered. Your magic meets both criteria, and for a small (for you) price of your magic, most of the fae will indulge you. On your campaigns and quests, you have met many fae. You can think of one who was likely alive at the time of monsters, and also willing to bargain with you. She will not give you her name, you may only address her as a matriarch. You teleport to her forest at edge of the mountains. Her den rests in the tallest tree. The magic around it would dissuade surprise visitors, but you are always welcomed. //Magic always remembers.// It knows you, inside and out, and the magic of this forest is no exception to this rule. You are allowed entry into her den. She, the Mother of Moths, lays back in a golden bed of leaves. Her wings are dusted gray from age, but the rest of her has remained youthful. This is one of the blessings of powerful magic. Your own magic stopped you from aging in your <<cycle "$ageappearance" autoselect>>\ <<option "late teens / early twenties">> <<option "twenties">> <<option "thirties">> <<option "forties">> <</cycle>> . Her voice is softer than a feather and lighter than bells. "$nickname, why have you come?" You step into her den and sit across from her. Hundreds of her children, tiny moths in a variety of colors, watch you from the walls of her den. You pull out a velvet pouch and hold it close. You say, "I wish to hear your tales of the monsters. . . and the Realm of Dreams." Matriarch looks at you with her bulging eyes. "What has become of them cannot be undone, not until the end of the sun." You smile briefly at that. "That might have been true in the past, but $King $Sun has given me an order." <<if $King eq "King">> She lets out a hushing coo, her wings flutter behind her. "Obedient dog, has the king become your god?" <<elseif $King eq "Queen">> She lets out a hushing coo, her wings flutter behind her. "Obedient dog, has the queen become your god?" <<elseif $King eq "Monarch">> She lets out a hushing coo, her wings flutter behind her. "Obedient dog, has the ruler become your god?" <</if>> You open the pouch and place a handful of rose petals on the table in front of you. They are imbued with your magic and glow a faint $soulcolor. Mother of Moths reaches out a clawed leg and plucks one of the petals up. She eats it daintily. ". . . Hm. Monsters are magic, their ending was tragic. The world is out of balance as there's no one with their talents. They are the shepherds to the untamed and put the humans to shame." She pauses and looks to you, her antenna twitches. You place more rose petals on the table. "Envy lead to impulsive war and demons devoured the lore. In my memories they are kind, but the loss might have made them blind. The Realm of Dreams is an echo of a thought, and land overwrought." She stops again. "Can you guide me there?" you ask her. "Can. . . yes." You offer her the entire sack. "//Would// you guide me there?" Her eyes shine. She extends a leg. "If your ''SOUL'' is whole in the state of between, count to sixteen." Her magic stretches out to you. It pushes against your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>, a light touch that barely tickles you. [[Count to sixteen.]]

~Not for Early Access~ <<return>>

@@.delayed;. . . What. . . @@ <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "void" loop play>> @@.delayed;. . . @@ @@.delayed; Who. . . are. . . [[you?]]@@

@@.delayed;You. . . @@ @@.delayed;We. . . @@ @@.delayed;[[. . .]]@@

@@.delayed;What. . . @@ @@.delayed;. . . no, no. . . .@@ @@.delayed; This is. . . Something is wrong.@@ @@.delayed;You are. . . not you?@@ @@.delayed;No. . . @@ @@.delayed;Who. . . [[are you?]]@@

@@.delayed;Everywhere and nowhere.@@ @@.delayed;Here and there.@@ @@.delayed;Then and now.@@ @@.delayed;If this is that@@ @@.delayed;then@@ @@.delayed;[[who are you?]]@@

@@.delayed;Think.@@ @@.delayed;Remember.@@ @@.delayed;Focus.@@ @@.delayed;You must be you.@@ @@.delayed;You are [[you.]]@@

@@.delayed; Clarity comes.@@ @@.delayed;[[You know who you are.]]@@

You are somewhere you are not supposed to be. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "ashes" loop play>> All around you is a sea of color that encompasses your entire being. It constantly shifts and brightens to a variety of colors. With each transition you can feel it tugging at you. It yearns to pluck you apart like a kitten playing with yarn. This place has left you shattered and asundered. The only thing that is keeping you together is the power of yourself. //Concentrate.// You must remember every bit of you. The longer you remain in this state of uncertainty, the stronger the influence this place will have on you. //Focus.// You can do this. Start from the top. From head to toe. . . Your hair is <<cycle "$hairlength" autoselect>>\ <<option "long">> <<option "very long">> <<option "short">> <<option "very short">> <<option "shoulder-length">> <</cycle>> , <<cycle "$haircolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "jet black">> <<option "black">> <<option "expresso">> <<option "cinnamon">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "brown">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "ruby red">> <<option "burgundy">> <<option "strawberry blonde">> <<option "golden blonde">> <<option "ashy blonde">> <<option "butterscotch">> <<option "white">> <<option "silver">> <<option "gray">> <<option "pink">> <<option "purple">> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <</cycle>> , and <<cycle "$hairtype" autoselect>>\ <<option "tightly curled">> <<option "loosely curled">> <<option "coily">> <<option "bouncy">> <<option "fine">> <<option "straight">> <<option "thick">> <<option "thin">> <<option "wavy">> <</cycle>>, you wear it <<cycle "$hairstyle" autoselect>>\ <<option "loose">> <<option "messy">> <<option "wildly trimmed with layers">> <<option "pulled up into a high ponytail">> <<option "pulled back into a low ponytail">> <<option "pulled up into a high ponytail using a ribbon">> <<option "pulled back into a low ponytail using a ribbon">> <<option "braided">> <<option "in a bun">> <<option "in a messy bun">> <<option "pulled to the side">> <<option "in dreadlocks">> <<option "in cornrows">> <<option "pulled to the side with a ribbon tied into it">> <<option "pushed back with a headband">> <</cycle>>. Your eyes are <<cycle "$eyecolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "green">> <<option "blue">> <<option "brown">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "gray">> <<option "black">> <<option "white">> <<option "purple">> <<option "pink">> <<option "red">> <<option "blue and green">> <<option "pink and red">> <<option "black and white">> <<option "brown and blue">> <<option "gold and silver">> <<option "otherwordly">> <</cycle>>, and you <<cycle "$glasses" autoselect>>\ <<option "wear glasses">> <<option "do not wear glasses">> <</cycle>>. You <<cycle "$facial" autoselect>>\ <<option "do not have facial hair">> <<option "have a beard">> <<option "have a moustache">> <<option "have a beard and moustache">> <</cycle>>. Your lips are <<cycle "$lipstatus" autoselect>>\ <<option "painted">> <<option "bare">> <<option "two-toned">> <</cycle>>. Your skin color is <<cycle "$skincolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "ivory">> <<option "porcelain">> <<option "rosy">> <<option "honey">> <<option "umber">> <<option "almond">> <<option "bronze">> <<option "chocolate">> <<option "vitilgo">> <<option "dotted">> <<option "sensitive">> <<option "ashy">> <<option "heavily scarred">> <<option "heavily burned">> <</cycle>> and you <<cycle "$beauty" autoselect>>\ <<option "have umblemished skin">> <<option "have a beauty mark under your right eye">> <<option "have a beauty mark under your left eye">> <<option "have some freckles">> <<option "have a lot of freckles">> <<option "have a scar down your left eye">> <<option "have a scar down your right eye">> <<option "have a scar over your lips">> <<option "have a scar across your nose">> <<option "have a burn on the side of your face">> <<option "have a a burn over your eyes">> <<option "are covered in scars">> <<option "are covered in burns">> <</cycle>>. You are a <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>>\ <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <<option "person">> <</cycle>>. [[Yes, this is you.]]

$Name $LName. <<set $sans = 0>><<set $sansmet = 0>><<set $flowey = 0>><<set $floweystatus = 0>><<set $muffet = 0>><<set $muffetmet = 0>> $Name $LName. <<set $papyrus = 0>><<set $papyrusmet = 0>><<set $grillby = 0>><<set $grillbymet = 0>><<set $alphys = 0>><<set $alphysmet = 0>> $Name $LName. <<set $cat = 0>><<set $catmet = 0>><<set $toriel = 0>><<set $torielmet = 0>><<set $mettaton = 0>><<set $castle = 0>><<set $castlegarden = 0>> You repeat this to yourself over and over again. <<set $snowdintown = 0>><<set $snowdinvisited = 0>><<set $lab = 0>><<set $labvisited = 0>><<set $city = 0>><<set $cityvisited = 0>> In your hands, you hold your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "vermilion">><img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "rosy red">><img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">><img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sunglow">><img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "daisy">><img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">><img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "mint green">><img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark green">><img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">><img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "bright blue">><img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark blue">><img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">><img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">><img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "berry blue">><img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">><img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">><img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "magenta">><img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "iridescent">><img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "black">><img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">><img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"><</if>> Think back. . . think carefully. . . You are here for a reason. //You// put yourself here for a reason. Why? What did you do? [[What do you remember?]]

Please enter your first name properly: <<textbox "$Name" "">> Ex: Frisk, Sans, Papyrus, Wingding Ex: Don't actually use their names. They will protest. Please enter your last name properly: <<textbox "$LName" "">> Ex: Gaster, Dreemur, Riverra [[Continue.]]

<img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"> A sweet pink is the best color to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "sweet pink">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' you see a sweet pink shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become an ethereal sweet pink. [[You love your color.]]

<img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> Black with an otherwordly deep red hue is the best way to describe it. <<set $soulcolor = "black">> When you look at your ''SOUL'' it is black with a deep red shine to it. The magic that you command mimics this color. Each time you call upon it, your eyes become a deep, dark, dreadful black. [[You love your color.]]

@@.delayed;//You remember you were called. . . // . . . Yes.@@ @@.delayed;You were summoned. Your old time friend called upon you with urgency.@@ @@.delayed;You are no ordinary <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>, after all. [[You answered the call.]]@@

You stride down the castle corridor with a steady purpose. The white stone floors have been polished to such a degree that the light from the magic torches reflect off of it. Tall stone walls surround you, each of them covered in expenseive tapestry, artwork, or carved designs. Everything has been tastefully placed to give an air of elegance. The servants that tend to this immaculate castle are even dressed in stylish, crisp, uniforms. Appearances are vitally important to the royal family. Heh. . . //most// of the royal family. Your boots make no noise as you walk, a lingering side-effect from the feather-touch spell you previously used. You had flown in only moments ago, the urgency of your summons hastens your approach. Had the castle not been built against teleportation, you would have teleported directly in. Unfortunately, you're simply too good of a mage. The wards //you// created work exceptionally well; so well that even you cannot bypass them. Being amazing has its downsides. . . . Sometimes. Others notice you as you continue. Some bow their head in deference. Others narrow their eyes in contempt. A few turn pale and scurry away in fear. This is expected. You are no ordinary mage. You are //the// [[Archmage]].

Yes, you remember that. . . <<if $King eq "King">> In the past years, it became a rare occurence for Sun to call upon you. You take a deep breath. It is unlikely you need to breathe in this place, but you find the act of doing so calms you. Sun is an old friend. You met him thirty some years ago--when you were only a mage--and the Kingdom of Stars was under threat by a powerful Archdemon. Sun--who was only a prince at the time--snuck out of the castle and posed as an adventurer to help fight back the invasion. You, him, and Devon--the now Left Hand--grouped together and vanquished the demon. It was a legendary story at the time, and the three of you were hailed as heroes. Your story was so. . . //appreciated// by the public and royal family, that it was inscribed on one of the pillars in the throne room. It also allowed Sun to prove to his parents that he was strong enough to leave the castle and directly help the people. It was not the last time you grouped together. The three of you frequently joined forces to fight something or save someone. Sun is a paladin through and through, always wanting to help those who ask. Enough victorious campaigns lead to your heroic status, and you were subsequently promoted to Archmage by the Tower. When he ascended to the throne as King, he appointed you as his Right Hand and Devon as his Left Hand. He may no longer be able to join you on quests, but he never stopped giving them to you. This. . . . . . Yes, you are here because of him. . . probably. . . . You think. . . . Hopefully it's for a good reason, and not one of your wayward experiments blowing up in your face. Your brow furrows as you try to remember what happened next. [[“We have a situation,” Sun begins to say as the two of you walk. “One where time is of the essence.”]]<<elseif $King eq "Queen">>In the past years, it became a rare occurence for Summer to call upon you. You take a deep breath. It is unlikely you need to breathe in this place, but you find the act of doing so calms you. Summer is an old friend. You met her thirty some years ago--when you were only a mage--and the Kingdom of Stars was under threat by a powerful Archdemon. Summer--who was only a princess at the time--snuck out of the castle and posed as an adventurer to help fight back the invasion. You, her, and Devon--the now Left Hand--grouped together and vanquished the demon. It was a legendary story at the time, and the three of you were hailed as heroes. Your story was so. . . //appreciated// by the public and royal family, that it was inscribed on one of the pillars in the throne room. It also allowed Summer to prove to her parents that she was strong enough to leave the castle and directly help the people. It was not the last time you grouped together. The three of you frequently joined forces to fight something or save someone. Summer is a paladin through and through, always wanting to help those who ask. Enough victorious campaigns lead to your heroic status, and you were subsequently promoted to Archmage by the Tower. When she ascended to the throne as Queen, she appointed you as her Right Hand and Devon as her Left Hand. She may no longer be able to join you on quests, but she never stopped giving them to you. This. . . . . . Yes, you are here because of her. . . probably. . . . You think. . . . Hopefully it's for a good reason, and not one of your wayward experiments blowing up in your face. Your brow furrows as you try to remember what happened next. [[“We have a situation,” Summer begins to say as the two of you walk. “One where time is of the essence.”]]<<elseif $King eq "Monarch">> In the past years, it became a rare occurence for Sunny to call upon you. You take a deep breath. It is unlikely you need to breathe in this place, but you find the act of doing so calms you. Sunny is an old friend. You met them thirty some years ago--when you were only a mage--and the Kingdom of Stars was under threat by a powerful Archdemon. Sunny--who was only an heir at the time--snuck out of the castle and posed as an adventurer to help fight back the invasion. You, them, and Devon--the now Left Hand--grouped together and vanquished the demon. It was a legendary story at the time, and the three of you were hailed as heroes. Your story was so. . . //appreciated// by the public and royal family, that it was inscribed on one of the pillars in the throne room. It also allowed Sunny to prove to their parents that they were strong enough to leave the castle and directly help the people. It was not the last time you grouped together. The three of you frequently joined forces to fight something or save someone. Sunny is a paladin through and through, always wanting to help those who ask. Enough victorious campaigns lead to your heroic status, and you were subsequently promoted to Archmage by the Tower. When they ascended to the throne as Monarch, they appointed you as their Right Hand and Devon as their Left Hand. They may no longer be able to join you on quests, but they never stopped giving them to you. This. . . . . . Yes, you are here because of them. . . probably. . . . You think. . . . Hopefully it's for a good reason, and not one of your wayward experiments blowing up in your face. Your brow furrows as you try to remember what happened next. [[“We have a situation,” Sunny begins to say as the two of you walk. “One where time is of the essence.”]]<</if>>

Your eyes narrow in thought. “Over the course of a year, there has been an influx of. . . ''SOULs'' disappearing,” he says. “Specifically, children ''SOULs''. Six are currently missing.” “Missing,” you repeat. “As in. . .” “The body remains alive,” confirms Sun. “Local mages placed them in a stasis to keep the body from decaying, however–” “--without a ''SOUL'', once the stasis is lifted, they will die.” “Yes.” It is an unfortunate circumstance, but you are not yet sure why //you// are being called for this. There are all manner of creatures and demons that can spirit away a ''SOUL''. Demon hunters, inquisitors, and other mages are perfectly capable of investigating and hunting down the cuplrit. Six ''SOULs'' is a lot–a human ''SOUL'' can be a powerful ingredient in spells and rituals–but not enough to warrant urgent summons. You glance at King Sun, trying to read his face. His bronze face is twisted into a grimace. You can plainly see he is troubled by this news. This does not surprise you. For as long as you’ve known him, the paladin has had a bleeding heart. He is the first to extend a hand to those in need, and always barrels into dangerous situations without regard to his own safety. He is limited in what he can do as king, hence the need for Right and Left hands. You are his Right Hand. What he cannot do, //you// can. That is why, although there are other Archmages. . . you are //the// Archmage. King Sun guides you to the Arcane Room. It is a large, circular room where the Royal Mages work. It is several stories tall, and the walls are filled with books, and arcane equipment. At the center of the room is a wide stone table with magic crystals embedded. The table is used to enchant equipment, and can also be used to reflect visions that the mages see. A dozen mages are floating in this room when you and Sun enter. They immediately rush to the floor and deeply bow. They were in such a hurry, that many of them left their books and parchments floating in the air. “We humbly greet Your Majesty, and Archmage $LName.” Your eyebrows raise at that. The children are at the castle? Two of the mages float up to the higher reaches of the room. In quick succession, purple-blue crystals about half your size are levitated down. They hover a scarce few inches off the ground. Inside each of them, you see the sleeping faces of children and– . . . ? [[You step closer and reach out a hand to touch the crystals.]]

You remember enough now. You count outloud. With each number said, you feel the reverberation of her magic against your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. At sixteen, there is a burst of light and a swarm of moths surround you. They envelop you. [[And take you to the Realm of Dreams.]]

<div align='center' style='font-size: 150%;'>SLUMBERTALE</div> <div align='center'>"<<if $poem eq 1>><<print either($poemTerms)>><<endif>>"</div> <a data-passage="The Start" class="link-internal link-image"> <<if $soulcolor eq "red">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "vermilion">><img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "rosy red">><img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">><img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sunglow">><img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "daisy">><img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">><img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "mint green">><img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark green">><img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">><img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "bright blue">><img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark blue">><img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">><img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">><img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "berry blue">><img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">><img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">><img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "magenta">><img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "iridescent">><img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "black">><img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">><img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"><</if>> </a>

You pass through something unseen and strange. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "bg" loop play>> You shiver. The strangeness of the limbo fades away. You are somewhere more tangible, but still uncomfortably fluid. There is structure to this in-between, yet it seems to barely hold together; as if someone could pluck a string and it would all unravel. . . . This must be it. With a deep breath in, you stretch your magic out as you gently feel where you are. There is an echo back. //Human magic.// It responds to your touch, old and frayed. You carefully manipulate your magic around it as you get a feel for it. Images are burned into your head–symbols and chants. //Magic always remembers.// [[You are in the Realm of Dreams, and its magic welcomes you.]]

There is a veil over this world–a //barrier//–that keeps it from bleeding into limbo. It is thin enough that some magic could occasionally leak it, but strong enough that it will take an incredible amount of power to destroy. It is this veil that reacts most strongly to your presence, as if it's been searching for a human ''SOUL'' for a long time. Perhaps it has. Its reaction is strong enough to note, but you can't do anything with it. You have no control over this barrier. . . yet. You stretch out your magic as you prod it. Five points echo back to you. //A five point barrier, perhaps?// If you can control those five points--consume it yourself, or take over it with your magic--you could assume authority over the entire barrier. It would be a cinch to find the ''SOULs'' of the missing children from that point as you could use the barrier to expand your senses. From that point, you could either destroy the barrier--free the monsters from the Realm of Dreams--overload the barrier--destroy the monsters--or reinforce it with your own magic--permanently seal them. Hypothetically. This world is strangely malleable to magic. Its responsive the same way a puppy responds to its master. Yet simply keeping yourself together takes a toll on you. As water wears down even the largest rocks, the longer you linger in this world, the more influence it has over you. You wonder how the monsters have managed this for so long. Scarcely a few minutes in and already you feel it nip at your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. . . . You should move quickly. [[You choose to go to the nearest point in the barrier. You must test your theory.]]

Oh. //Oh.// That is strange. Teleportation in reality is a snap and crunch. You squeeze yourself through a space in one point to another. It's quick, one blink and it's over. Teleporting here is melting through a grater and re-assembling on the other side. It is not painful, but it takes you much longer because you have to actively focus on re-assembling yourself. If you're not careful, you might shatter again. Your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> is powerful, but is it strong enough to withstand falling apart several times? That's not a theory you want to test. Your $soultrait is strong, but you are not immortal. You think. Probably. . . . //Let's not test it here, $Name.// You glance around at this new area. You can hear water running. You must be deep inside a cave. A look down tells you the path you are on is not one often used. It could barely be considered a path given how cramped and tight it feels. The point in the barrier is near here. You lightly walk around, trusting the sensation in your magic to guide you. It is not a tangible object, but rather an accumulation of magic. You doubt it could be seen, you can only feel for it. [[The first point does not take long to find.]]

You reach out with your magic to touch it as soon as you are close enough. <<masteraudio stop>> And the world changes. You are thrown into an abyssal darkness that weighs heavily on your heart. There's a chill in the air sharper than winter's harshest wind. The ground beneath you is gone and you are forced to expend more magic to keep you floating in place. You don't want to consider what happens if you fall. Unease settles into the back of your mind. You peer around-- [[Something appears from the darkness.]]

<<audio "gaster" loop play>> ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? A humanoid figure emerges from the shadows, their form constantly oozing like a heavy liquid. It runs down and disappears into the shadows. Their head is obscured by odd blocks, many jagged crystals stick out from this being at different angles. Immediately, your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> comes to life. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "vermilion">><img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "rosy red">><img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">><img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sunglow">><img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "daisy">><img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">><img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "mint green">><img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark green">><img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">><img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "bright blue">><img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark blue">><img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">><img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">><img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "berry blue">><img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">><img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">><img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "magenta">><img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "iridescent">><img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "black">><img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">><img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"><</if>> Surprise and alarm go through you. You sense no malice from this creature, and yet its very presence has pulled your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> out into an encounter. Coming face to face with this oddity fills you with $soultrait. [[ACT: CHECK]]

Name: It Does Not Remember LV: ? ? ? HP: ? ? ? DEF: ? ? ? ATK: ? ? ? 🕈︎♒︎□︎ ♋︎❒︎♏︎ ⍓︎□︎◆︎ . . . ?! If you cannot read its LV, that means that it's higher level than you-- Or so it goes. You don't think that's the case here. In an encounter where ''SOULs'' are visible, //both// parties must present. You see your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>, yet you only see a tiny fraction of something floating in front of this being. Its ''SOUL'' is but a fraction of itself. [Check] only works on beings with complete ''SOULs''. This being. . . it's hardly enough of a ''SOUL'' to hold a thought. //Conversation is out of the question, then.// [[ACT: Talk. Try anyway.]] <<if $specialization eq "elementalist">> [[FIGHT: [Lava Plume]!]] [[FIGHT: [Lightning Bolt]!]] [[FIGHT: [Freezing Shot]!]] <<elseif $specialization eq "celestial">> [[FIGHT: [Starblast]!]] [[FIGHT: [Sunbeam]!]] [[FIGHT: [Nightchoke]!]] <<elseif $specialization eq "knight">> [[FIGHT: [Sword Dash]!]] [[FIGHT: [Hammerfall]!]] [[FIGHT: [Arrow Shot]!]]<</if>>

"There is no need for this fight," you tell the monster. "🕆︎◻︎ ♎︎□︎⬥︎■︎ ●︎♏︎♐︎⧫︎ ❒︎♓︎♑︎♒︎⧫︎ ⧫︎◆︎❒︎■︎ ♋︎❒︎□︎◆︎■︎♎︎ ♓︎ ♋︎❍︎ ●︎□︎⬧︎⧫︎," it speaks in a language you do not understand. "I don't want to hurt you," you insist. "Kindly step aside." "⍓︎□︎◆︎ ⬧︎♏︎♏︎🙵 ⧫︎□︎ ◆︎■︎♎︎□︎ □︎◆︎❒︎ ⬥︎□︎❒︎●︎♎︎," it responds. Spiked shadows lurch from underneath you. You are forced to jump away. . . . Very well. <<if $specialization eq "elementalist">> [[FIGHT: [Lava Plume]!]] [[FIGHT: [Lightning Bolt]!]] [[FIGHT: [Freezing Shot]!]] <<elseif $specialization eq "celestial">> [[FIGHT: [Starblast]!]] [[FIGHT: [Sunbeam]!]] [[FIGHT: [Nightchoke]!]] <<elseif $specialization eq "knight">> [[FIGHT: [Sword Dash]!]] [[FIGHT: [Hammerfall]!]] [[FIGHT: [Arrow Shot]!]]<</if>>

You raise your hand up. In the same motion, lava forms underneath the monster and shoots up in a pillar of flames. It screeches loudly and moves out. Their plasma-like body quickly douses the lingering flames. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You slice down with your left hand, sparks of electricity dance off your fingers. A bolt of lightning appears through the air and slams into the monster. It is lit up and the thunder that follows your attack is loud enough to hurt your ears. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You point at the monster. Dozens of ice shards form in the air around you and launch themselves at it with enough speed it cannot dodge. They pierce into it. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You raise your right hand and slice through the air. A white beam of light briefly appears over the monster and then blasts upon it with the force of the stars. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You raise your right hand and slice through the air. A gold beam of light briefly appears over the monster and then blasts upon it with the force of the sun. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You raise your right hand and command the shadows to consume the monster. The monsters' shadows turn against it. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You conjure a magic sword and dash in quickly. You slice straight through the being. . . . ? You do not feel much resistance. You leap back and watch the plasma-like body reform. It must be to a slime demon, then. It will take you a few more cuts. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You conjure a heavy hammer in the air above the creature. You slam it down with your magic. It hits the monster squarely on the head, very nearly squashing it, but its gelatinous form allows it to absorb the impact better. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You point at the monster. Dozens of arrows form in the air around you and launch themselves at it with enough speed it cannot dodge. They pierce into it. The being shudders as the crystals embeded into the creature cracks. Black sludge oozes out of the cracks. It launches itself at you. [[Sidestep.]] [[Reflect with magic.]]

You sidestep as the monster rushes by you. Suddenly, black spikes shoot out from the side of it. They impale you instantly. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]

You raise a barrier of magic between you and the monster. It slams into it hard enough to crack. You power more magic to repel the monster back. <<if $specialization eq "elementalist">> [[FIGHT: [Lava Plume]|FIGHT: [Lava Plume]2]] [[FIGHT: [Lightning Bolt]|FIGHT: [Lightning Bolt]2]] [[FIGHT: [Freezing Shot]|FIGHT: [Freezing Shot]2]] <<elseif $specialization eq "celestial">> [[FIGHT: [Starblast]|FIGHT: [Starblast]2]] [[FIGHT: [Sunbeam]|FIGHT: [Sunbeam]2]] [[FIGHT: [Nightchoke]|FIGHT: [Nightchoke]2]] <<elseif $specialization eq "knight">> [[FIGHT: [Sword Dash]|FIGHT: [Sword Dash]2]] [[FIGHT: [Hammerfall]|FIGHT: [Hammerfall]2]] [[FIGHT: [Arrow Shot]|FIGHT: [Arrow Shot]2]]<</if>>

You point at the monster. Dozens of arrows form in the air around you and launch themselves at it with enough speed it cannot dodge. They pierce into it. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You raise your hand up. In the same motion, lava forms underneath the monster and shoots up in a pillar of flames. It screeches loudly and moves out. Their plasma-like body quickly douses the lingering flames. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You slice down with your left hand, sparks of electricity dance off your fingers. A bolt of lightning appears through the air and slams into the monster. It is lit up and the thunder that follows your attack is loud enough to hurt your ears. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You point at the monster. Dozens of ice shards form in the air around you and launch themselves at it with enough speed it cannot dodge. They pierce into it. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You raise your right hand and slice through the air. A white beam of light briefly appears over the monster and then blasts upon it with the force of the stars. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You raise your right hand and slice through the air. A gold beam of light briefly appears over the monster and then blasts upon it with the force of the sun. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You raise your right hand and command the shadows to consume the monster. The monsters' shadows turn against it. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You conjure a magic sword and dash in quickly. You slice straight through the being. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You conjure a heavy hammer in the air above the creature. You slam it down with your magic. It hits the monster squarely on the head, very nearly squashing it, but its gelatinous form allows it to absorb the impact better. It screeches loudly, more ooze pours from the cracks you created. Dozens of bone-white hands are created in the air. They vibrate, blinking in and out of existence. A few fall apart. The rest begin to glow a pale purple. Each of them blasts out a sharp beam. [[Fade Step out of the way.]] [[Create a magical shield.]]

You become a blur as you use your magic to sling-shot you forward and out of the way. The lasers blast in the area you were in previously. You only have a moment when more hands are created and dozens more attacks are launched your way. [[Dodge right.]] [[Dodge left.]] [[Briefly cancel your flying spell to fall quickly.]]

Your shield holds for a second but then is overwhelmed. The magic tears through you as if you were wet paper. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]

The lasers follow you. The magic tears through you as if you were wet paper. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]

The lasers consume the entire area you were in previously. The monster does not relent. There is a surge of darkness, a tidal wave of forceful magic erupts from the fractured being. There is no where to dodge, and teleporting is too slow in this world. You are forced to expend a chunk of your magic to create a bubble around yourself. It slams into you and forces you back. Your bubble shatters like glass dropped on rock. Hands are created around you and one grabs your calf. It yanks you up and whips you forward. You are being thrown into a created pit of shadowy spikes. You reflexively shoot out a blast of raw magic and destroy most of the shadows. A few reform fast enough that when you pass through, they shoot out and slice at you. You regulate your magic and re-activate your [Fly] spell. It takes you a few more tumbles to reorientate yourself. . . . <<if $specialization eq "elementalist">> [[FIGHT: [Lava Plume] |FIGHT: [Lava Plume]3]] [[FIGHT: [Lightning Bolt] |FIGHT: [Lightning Bolt]3]] [[FIGHT: [Freezing Shot] |FIGHT: [Freezing Shot]3]] <<elseif $specialization eq "celestial">> [[FIGHT: [Starblast] |FIGHT: [Starblast]3]] [[FIGHT: [Sunbeam] |FIGHT: [Sunbeam]3]] [[FIGHT: [Nightchoke] |FIGHT: [Nightchoke]3]] <<elseif $specialization eq "knight">> [[FIGHT: [Sword Dash] |FIGHT: [Sword Dash]3]] [[FIGHT: [Hammerfall] |FIGHT: [Hammerfall]3]] [[FIGHT: [Arrow Shot] |FIGHT: [Arrow Shot]3]]<</if>>

You raise your hand up. In the same motion, lava forms underneath the monster and shoots up in a pillar of flames. It screeches loudly and moves out. Their plasma-like body quickly douses the lingering flames. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You slice down with your left hand, sparks of electricity dance off your fingers. A bolt of lightning appears through the air and slams into the monster. It is lit up and the thunder that follows your attack is loud enough to hurt your ears. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You point at the monster. Dozens of ice shards form in the air around you and launch themselves at it with enough speed it cannot dodge. They pierce into it. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You raise your right hand and slice through the air. A white beam of light briefly appears over the monster and then blasts upon it with the force of the stars. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You raise your right hand and slice through the air. A gold beam of light briefly appears over the monster and then blasts upon it with the force of the sun. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You raise your right hand and command the shadows to consume the monster. The monsters' shadows turn against it. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You conjure a magic sword and dash in quickly. You slice straight through the being. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You conjure a heavy hammer in the air above the creature. You slam it down with your magic. It hits the monster squarely on the head, very nearly squashing it, but its gelatinous form allows it to absorb the impact better. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

You point at the monster. Dozens of arrows form in the air around you and launch themselves at it with enough speed it cannot dodge. They pierce into it. The moment it connects with the being, the monster quivers and explodes outward. The tiny piece of its ''SOUL'' trembles. [[MERCY: Ignore the piece.]] [[FIGHT: Obliterate the piece.]] [[ACT: Capture the piece.]]

<<set $wd1 = "spared">> You ignore the piece. You could kill it. It might be considered a mercy, considering how small it is. You doubt it could ever be whole again. [[The abyss leaves you.]]

<<set $wd1 = "dead">> You crush the piece with your magic. //EXP gained.// Hm. It's for the best. A piece that tiny could likely never be whole again. It looked more beast than anything. At least you confirm you can continue to gain EXP while in this realm. Interesting. [[The abyss leaves you.]]

<<set $wd1 = "captured">> You carefully pick up the piece with your magic. You gently cradle it. It shivers in your hold like a newborn babe. //Poor thing,// you think to yourself. To be split into such a tiny piece. . . it must be uncomfortable. "There, there," you soothe the piece. "You're in safe hands. I won't hurt you." It doesn't respond--it can't--but that's okay. Maybe once you're done with your objective, you could spare the time to help put this monster back together. For the time being, you'll store it with your magic. You tuck it inside of you. It shudders and feels odd inside your magic, but it doesn't react further. [[The abyss leaves you.]]

You're back on firm ground. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "bg" loop play>> <<set $barrier1 = 1>> <<set $barriercontrol +=1>> Or as firm as the ground can get in the Realm of Dreams. With that monster dealt with, you have free access to the first point in the barrier. //What was that, anyway?// The monster was powerful. It boggles your mind to think it could utilize such attacks as only a fraction of a ''SOUL.'' It takes considerable magic and willpower to keep yourself stable and whole--to simply //exist//--yet a tiny piece of that being's ''SOUL'' was strong enough to do that //and// dish out impressive spells. It would be a very dangerous foe to face if ever whole. Not only that. . . but outside this realm? Where it doesn't need to expend the focus and energy to stay together? <<cycle "$Curse" autoselect>>\ <<option "Goodness">> <<option "Gracious">> <<option "Damn">> <<option "Dang">> <<option "Sugar">> <<option "Phooey">> <<option "Yikes">> <<option "Hell no">> <<option "Biscuits and cookies">> <<option "By the stars">> <<option "Yeesh">><</cycle>>. <<if $wd1 eq "dead">> Good thing you destroyed it. <</if>> You reach out to the first point. Your magic wraps around it and the barrier reacts by greedily devouring your magic. Its similar to how the fae consume, and with each portion of your magic drained, you feel a deeper connection with the barrier. . . . Your senses are broadened. You can more keenly feel the other points. You could leave now, or you could linger in the area. [[Linger in the area.]] [[You leave this place.]]

The sensation of teleporting in this realm is unsettling. It grates on you how slow it feels, a needlessly dragged out uncomfortable sensation. You fall through the Realm of Dreams and reside on the precipice between it and the barrier. This place of in between is the most comfortable spot for you. It feels more solid. There is no ground beneath you, only a vast blue and pink expanse. There is no gravitational pull, either, so you simply exist peacefully here. You have control over one portion of the barrier. You can feel four other points, but you can only vaguely locate three. One in some place cold. One in some place hot. Another in some place dark. Where should you go? [[Go to the point that is cold.]] [[Go to the point that is hot.]] [[Go to the point that is in the dark.]]

Your eyes narrow in thought. “Over the course of a year, there has been an influx of. . . ''SOULs'' disappearing,” she says. “Specifically, children ''SOULs''. Six are currently missing.” “Missing,” you repeat. “As in. . .” “The body remains alive,” confirms Summer. “Local mages placed them in a stasis to keep the body from decaying, however–” “--without a ''SOUL'', once the stasis is lifted, they will die.” “Yes.” It is an unfortunate circumstance, but you are not yet sure why //you// are being called for this. There are all manner of creatures and demons that can spirit away a ''SOUL''. Demon hunters, inquisitors, and other mages are perfectly capable of investigating and hunting down the cuplrit. Six ''SOULs'' is a lot–a human ''SOUL'' can be a powerful ingredient in spells and rituals–but not enough to warrant urgent summons. You glance at Queen Summer, trying to read her face. Her bronze face is twisted into a grimace. You can plainly see she is troubled by this news. This does not surprise you. For as long as you’ve known her, the paladin has had a bleeding heart. She is the first to extend a hand to those in need, and always barrels into dangerous situations without regard to her own safety. She is limited in what she can do as queen, hence her need for Right and Left hands. You are her Right Hand. What she cannot do, //you// can. That is why, although there are other Archmages. . . you are //the// Archmage. Queen Summer guides you to the Arcane Room. It is a large, circular room where the Royal Mages work. It is several stories tall, and the walls are filled with books, and arcane equipment. At the center of the room is a wide stone table with magic crystals embedded. The table is used to enchant equipment, and can also be used to reflect visions that the mages see. A dozen mages are floating in this room when you and Summer enter. They immediately rush to the floor and deeply bow. They were in such a hurry, that many of them left their books and parchments floating in the air. “We humbly greet Your Majesty, and Archmage $LName.” Your eyebrows raise at that. The children are at the castle? Two of the mages float up to the higher reaches of the room. In quick succession, purple-blue crystals about half your size are levitated down. They hover a scarce few inches off the ground. Inside each of them, you see the sleeping faces of children and– . . . ? [[You step closer and reach out a hand to touch the crystals.]]

Your eyes narrow in thought. “Over the course of a year, there has been an influx of. . . ''SOULs'' disappearing,” they say. “Specifically, children ''SOULs''. Six are currently missing.” “Missing,” you repeat. “As in. . .” “The body remains alive,” confirms Sunny. “Local mages placed them in a stasis to keep the body from decaying, however–” “--without a ''SOUL'', once the stasis is lifted, they will die.” “Yes.” It is an unfortunate circumstance, but you are not yet sure why //you// are being called for this. There are all manner of creatures and demons that can spirit away a ''SOUL''. Demon hunters, inquisitors, and other mages are perfectly capable of investigating and hunting down the cuplrit. Six ''SOULs'' is a lot–a human ''SOUL'' can be a powerful ingredient in spells and rituals–but not enough to warrant urgent summons. You glance at Monarch Sunny, trying to read their face. Their bronze face is twisted into a grimace. You can plainly see they are troubled by this news. This does not surprise you. For as long as you’ve known them, the paladin has had a bleeding heart. They are the first to extend a hand to those in need, and always barrels into dangerous situations without regard to their own safety. They are limited in what they can do as a ruler, hence the need for Right and Left hands. You are their Right Hand. What they cannot do, //you// can. That is why, although there are other Archmages. . . you are //the// Archmage. Monarch Sunny guides you to the Arcane Room. It is a large, circular room where the Royal Mages work. It is several stories tall, and the walls are filled with books, and arcane equipment. At the center of the room is a wide stone table with magic crystals embedded. The table is used to enchant equipment, and can also be used to reflect visions that the mages see. A dozen mages are floating in this room when you and Sunny enter. They immediately rush to the floor and deeply bow. They were in such a hurry, that many of them left their books and parchments floating in the air. “We humbly greet Your Majesty, and Archmage $LName.” Your eyebrows raise at that. The children are at the castle? Two of the mages float up to the higher reaches of the room. In quick succession, purple-blue crystals about half your size are levitated down. They hover a scarce few inches off the ground. Inside each of them, you see the sleeping faces of children and– . . . ? [[You step closer and reach out a hand to touch the crystals.]]

[[Play "Shattered"]] [[Play "Put Back Together"]] [[Play "Slumbertale BG"]] [[Play "Gaster Theme"]] [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "void" loop play>> Playing Shattered. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "ashes" loop play>> Playing Put Back Together. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "bg" loop play>> Playing Slumbertale BG. [[Return|$return]]

<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "gaster" loop play>> Playing Gaster Theme. [[Return|$return]]

You teleport into a snowy forest. It's frigid and prickles at your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> when you reform. Moving between points in this realm will never be easy to you. What a horrible sensation. The tall trees loom above you, and the snow is deep enough to go up to your knees. You quickly cast a [Featherlight] spell on you so you can casually walk atop the snow without sinking. <<if $floweystatus eq "with">> This part is not ready yet~ not ready yet~ not ready yet~ If you can read this shhhh~ <<else>> In addition, you also cast a self-warming spell. //The point is somewhere north of here,// you think to yourself. It's hard to pinpoint exactly where it is. You'll have to find it yourself. [[Enter the forest.|SF21]]<</if>>

<<if $floweystatus eq "with">> This part is not ready yet~ not ready yet~ not ready yet~ If you can read this shhhh~ <<else>> You wince immediately upon teleporting into this area. The heat scorches at your skin and makes you wince. You quickly cast a [Bubble] spell around you to protect you from the enviornment. As soon as the spell envelops you, the discomfort of the burning air vanishes. Bubbles of magma pop in rivers of molten rock. You're hesitant to directly walk on the provided path. Perhaps monsters have a higher resistance to temperature differentials? You cannot imagine any non-mage human choosing to build a path through magma rivers. Then again, how much of a choice do they have? In the Realm of Dreams. . . how much space is available? You have a vague sense of the realm thanks to your connection to the barrier, but it's too fluid to say. It constantly shifts. Some movement is small, and others are big. You cast a fresh [Fly] spell on you so you can hover off the ground. //Hmm. Now where is the piece. . . ?// [[You feel it further east, so you follow the path in that direction.]]<</if>>

Your body slowly squeezes through unseen darkness. Its a sickening sensation of being plucked apart and put back together. It's impossible not to wince when you complete the teleportation. You step lightly into this new portion of the realm. The magic feels thick and condensed here. The moment your boots touch the ground, you see that the magic has hardened and crystalized into physical form. Massive crystal pillars extend out from both the cave floor and the cave ceiling. There is a hue of deep purple that darkens the entire area. The only sources of light are from the red crystals that faintly glow. You immediately cast [Magelight]. A bright ball of light is conjured in the air. It hovers slightly above and behind you. <<if $floweystatus eq "with">> This part is not ready yet~ not ready yet~ not ready yet~ If you can read this shhhh~ <<else>> //A crystal cavern, huh?// It's been a while since you've ventured through a cave. Almost makes you feel nostalgic. You test your connection to the barrier. You turn in the direction of the point and you start to walk. Interestingly enough, even your light takes on a purple hue. The cave opens wider as you walk. It's completely silent, even your footsteps are swallowed by this magical atmosphere. Eventually, you are lead to something unexpected. There is a dark crystal. . . temple? It is embedded into the cave walls, clearly built with purpose. The level of care put into the walls and large door imply this place was important. Yet it is decrepit: there are cracks in the stone and chunks of crystal missing. It's more of a ruin than a temple now. The barrier point is somewhere inside. You approach the entrance. Two massive dark stone doors prevent you from moving forward. There is no obvious handle. You give them a push and they do not budge. Upon touching the doors, you get the impression they are magically sealed. //Hmm.// You'd like to refrain from destroying the doors. Given the cracks and state of the outside, you could collapse the entire thing. It would take a stupid amount of your magic to bulldoze through all the rubble to find the barrier point. You should not needlessly waste your magic when you do not know what you face yet. It does not react to any of your standard unlocking spells. There must be a way forward. //It's locked through magic, which means magic can unlock it. It's simply a matter of finding the "key."// You step away from the doors and glance around. Ah. There's three levers to your right. One is clearly more used than the others. //. . . Surely not?// [[You pull the lever.]]<</if>>

<<set $barrier1 = 1>> --> Barrier part at waterfall <<set $barrier2 = 0>> --> Barrier part at ruins <<set $barrier3 = 0>> --> Barrier part in Snowdin <<set $barrier4 = 0>> --> Barrier part in hotlands <<set $barrier5 = 0>> --> Barrier part in death <<set $barriercontrol = 0>> --> How much of the barrier the player has control over. <<set $sans = 0>> --> Sans affection <<set $sansmet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Sans <<set $papyrus = 0>> --> Papyrus affection <<set $papyrusmet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Papyrus <<set $flowey = 0>> --> Flowey affection <<set $floweystatus = 0>> --> Flowey's status (with / dead / spared) <<set $grillby = 0>> --> Grillby affection <<set $grillbymet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Grillby <<set $muffet = 0>> --> Muffet affection <<set $muffetmet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Muffet <<set $alphys = 0>> --> Alphys affection <<set $alphysmet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Alphys <<set $cat = 0>> --> Cat guy affection <<set $catmet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Cat <<set $toriel = 0>> --> Toriel affection <<set $torielmet = 0>> --> times player has encountered Toriel <<set $mettaton = 0>> --> Mettaton affection <<set $snowdintown = 0>> --> If player has unlocked Snowdin <<set $snowdinvisited = 0>> --> Times player has visited Snowdin <<set $lab = 0>> --> If player has unlocked the laboratory <<set $labvisited = 0>> --> If player has visited the lab <<set $city = 0>> --> If player has unlocked the city <<set $cityvisited = 0>> -->If player has visited the city <<set $castle = 0>> --> If player has unlocked the castle <<set $castlegarden = 0>> --> If player has unlocked the castle garden <<set $papyrusmet = 0>> -

Why not? You understand time is important, but. . . well. When are you going to come back here? You tilt your head as you listen to the running water. You lightly step on the path and follow the stream up. Experience as an adventurer has made your footsteps soundless. It's a habit instilled in you from years of needing to quietly move around enemy forces. With each step forward, you can hear the running water pounding louder. Eventually, the area clears out and you see an underground lake with several waterfalls pouring into it. Small and large orbs of yellow-green light lazily float around and illuminate the area. One of them meanders close to you. You reach out a hand to gently touch it. It feels warm and brightens on contact. More come your way. They hover around you. There's a tiny pull on your magic. These little orbs are feeding off you. It's by no means a danger to you--what they take is scarcely worth mentioning--but it's interesting to you. You feel no ''SOUL'' to these orbs, yet they seek out magic to eat? Are they part of this realm, then? Does the Realm of Dreams require a constant sacrifice of magic to stay connected? Curious. "Who are you?" You turn around--the orbs follow you--and face a tall skeleton. You feel no threat from him and stay cautiously relaxed. He must be a monster. This skeleton is dressed in bright clothes. He has tall red boots with pale yellow bones designed on the sides of them; they match his equally bright red gloves. He has pale blue shorts with a yellow outline. Most of his body is covered in a black under armor. Over top his torso is a long, bright red poncho with a longer back than front. There are pale yellow stars on the poncho. There's a yellow diamond mark on his forehead. The skeleton's expression conveys surprise when you face him. "Huh? WAIT! Are you a human?!" [[Stay silent.]] [[Answer honestly.]] [[You leave this place.]]

You remain silent as you continue to watch this monster. The skeleton tilts his head. "You must be! I've never met a human before." [["Then how do you know I'm human?"]] [[Continue to stay silent.]] [["Yes. I am human."]] [[You leave this place.]]

"Yes," you say. "I am human. Why?" The monster's demeanor brightens. "Wow! I've never met a human before. It's nice to meet you. I'm Papyrus!" [[Smile. You casually introduce yourself.]] [[Offer a formal introduction.]] [[Remain distant. You're not here to make friends.]] [[You leave this place.]]

The skeleton monster considers this. "Hmm. I don't know. I just do!" [[Continue to stay silent.]] [["Yes. I am human."]] [[You leave this place.]]

It's clear the monster has no intentions of attacking you. [["Yes. I am human."]] [[You leave this place.]]

You $curtsy and say, "It is an honor to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." <<set $greeting = "formal">> Papyrus smiles brightly back at you. "Honor?! Nyeh-heh-heh, thank you! What are you doing here? Are you busy?" "I was looking around. . . admiring the view," you say as you nod to the waterfalls. Papyrus follows your gaze. "Oh! It's pretty, right? I like coming here a lot. Not a lot of monsters want to risk getting wet so they avoid this area, but it's no problem for me. One of my best friends is a fish." "What are you here for?" you inquire. Papyrus says, "I'm looking for something. My brother fell asleep around here and left behind his mug. I'm going to find it." [[You offer to help.]] [[You wish him good luck.]] [[You leave this place.]]

You smile and say, "Pleasure to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." <<set $greeting = "casual">> Papyrus smiles brightly back at you. "Likewise! What are you doing here? Are you busy?" "I was looking around. . . admiring the view," you say as you nod to the waterfalls. Papyrus follows your gaze. "Oh! It's pretty, right? I like coming here a lot. Not a lot of monsters want to risk getting wet, they avoid this area. It's no problem for me. One of my best friends is a fish." "What are you here for?" you inquire. Papyrus says, "I'm looking for something. My brother fell asleep around here and left behind his mug. I'm going to find it." [[You offer to help.]] [[You wish him good luck.]] [[You leave this place.]]

"Well. . . it was nice to meet you," you say slowly. [[You leave this place.]]

"May I help?" you offer. "That's nice of you! It'll go a lot faster with both of us searching," he says. //Quick to accept help?// You think privately to yourself. //Is it a ruse?// After all, human ''SOULs'' have disappeared here. This monster does not exude malice, but does that mean you can still trust him? [[No. You shouldn't trust him. Keep your guard up.]] [[Yes. You want to trust him.]]

"Well. . . good luck," you say slowly. [[You leave this place.]]

You and Papyrus begin to search the area. Thankfully, it doesn't take you long to find the mug. You pick it up and present it to Papyrus who beams at you. "Wowee, thank you," he says. "I'm happy to help," you tell him. Papyrus gives you a polite smile. "That's nice of you." You shrug. "I should get going. Goodbye, Papyrus." "Goodbye!" [[You leave this place.]]

You've always had a good intuition about others. This monster //feels// kind to you. Warm, even. It's enough to lower your guard to give him an honest chance. You want to trust him. You and Papyrus begin to search the area. Thankfully, it doesn't take you long to find the mug. It's a pale blue ceramic mug, it was near the edge of the path. You wonder how it could have been forgotten there. Is his brother an absent-minded monster? You pick it up and present it to Papyrus. He beams at you. "Wowee, thank you," he says. "I'm happy to help," you tell him. And is that true? Do you like to help others? Why did you join the campaign against the demon lord? [[. . . because it would make you famous.]] [[. . . because others would like you for it.]] [[. . . because it was the right thing to do.]] [[. . . because it would give you insight into powerful magic.]] [[. . . because the reward was too good to pass up.]]

<<set $motive = "right">> You like to help others. It makes you happy. Papyrus accepts the mug. He's surprisingly gentle about it. "Are all monsters like you?" you muse out loud. Papyrus lets out an amused, "//Nyeh-heh-heh.// Are you like most humans?" You chuckle. "Fair. I'm sorry if my question offended--you're the first monster I've talked to here. I'm hopeful any other monsters I meet will be as kind as you." "I think everyone here is nice," says Papyrus. //Nice. . . but there are still children missing here.// You keep your tone light as you ask, "Can you tell me what most monsters think of humans?" "It's not something talked about often," thoughtfully says Papyrus. "It's hard to say." "I see. Thank you for answering my question." "Thank you for the positive impression," he says. "You're the first human I've met--I really hope we can meet again." You smile warmly at him. "I hope the same as well." "Nyeh-heh-heh. Then the next time we meet, let's play something together." "Do you like games?" "I'm very good at them," he says proudly. "There isn't a game nor puzzle I cannot best!" [[You hold out your pinky, you want to promise to play with him next time you meet.]] [[You don't want to go that far. You tell politely tell him goodbye and leave.]] [[You leave this place.]]

<<set $motive = "famous">> It's as simple as that. Papyrus accepts the mug. He's surprisingly gentle about it. "Are all monsters like you?" you muse out loud. Papyrus lets out an amused, "//Nyeh-heh-heh.// Are you like most humans?" You chuckle. "Fair. I'm sorry if my question offended--you're the first monster I've talked to here. I'm hopeful any other monsters I meet will be as kind as you." "I think everyone here is nice," says Papyrus. //Nice. . . but there are still children missing here.// "It was nice to meet you, Papyrus," you say. "I should get going though." "Bye-bye!" [[You leave this place.]]

<<set $motive = "insecure">> It's as simple as that. Papyrus accepts the mug. He's surprisingly gentle about it. "Are all monsters like you?" you muse out loud. Papyrus lets out an amused, "//Nyeh-heh-heh.// Are you like most humans?" You chuckle. "Fair. I'm sorry if my question offended--you're the first monster I've talked to here. I'm hopeful any other monsters I meet will be as kind as you." "I think everyone here is nice," says Papyrus. //Nice. . . but there are still children missing here.// "It was nice to meet you, Papyrus," you say. "I should get going though." "Bye-bye!" [[You leave this place.]]

<<set $motive = "wisdom">> It's as simple as that. Papyrus accepts the mug. He's surprisingly gentle about it. "Are all monsters like you?" you muse out loud. Papyrus lets out an amused, "//Nyeh-heh-heh.// Are you like most humans?" You chuckle. "Fair. I'm sorry if my question offended--you're the first monster I've talked to here. I'm hopeful any other monsters I meet will be as kind as you." "I think everyone here is nice," says Papyrus. //Nice. . . but there are still children missing here.// "It was nice to meet you, Papyrus," you say. "I should get going though." "Bye-bye!" [[You leave this place.]]

<<set $motive = "money">> It's as simple as that. Papyrus accepts the mug. He's surprisingly gentle about it. "Are all monsters like you?" you muse out loud. Papyrus lets out an amused, "//Nyeh-heh-heh.// Are you like most humans?" You chuckle. "Fair. I'm sorry if my question offended--you're the first monster I've talked to here. I'm hopeful any other monsters I meet will be as kind as you." "I think everyone here is nice," says Papyrus. //Nice. . . but there are still children missing here.// "It was nice to meet you, Papyrus," you say. "I should get going though." "Bye-bye!" [[You leave this place.]]

You extend your $right hand and raise your pinky finger. Papyrus stares at it. <<set $papyrus += 1>> "It's how humans make a promise," you explain to him. "Oh!" he goes. He pulls off his glove on his $right hand. He raises his own pinky finger. "Like this?" You hook your pinky finger around his. "Like this. It's a promise. Next we meet, let's play games together." His demeanor brightens even further. He was already smiling, yet somehow he looks even happier. From the direct contact, you catch an echo of his magic. It's warm and gentle like the morning sun. You were right to trust him. Perhaps under different circumstances, you could linger to talk further. He seems receptive to answering questions, but you really should move on. You need to take control over the barrier and rescue the children. You bid him a short, but kind goodbye and you leave. [[Enter the In Between.]]

You bid him a short, but kind goodbye and you leave. [[Enter the In Between.]]

$Curse. You barely restrain your shudder from the teleportation. If you had any food in your stomach, you're certain you would be queasy by this point. You have control over two portions of the barrier. You can feel three other points, but you can only vaguely locate two. <<if $barrier2 eq 1>> One in some place cold. Another in some place hot. [[Go to the point that is cold.]] [[Go to the point that is hot.]] <<elseif $barrier3 eq 1>> One in some place hot. Another in some place dark. Where should you go? [[Go to the point that is hot.]] [[Go to the point that is in the dark.]] <<elseif $barrier4 eq 1>> One in some place cold. Another in some place dark. Where should you go? [[Go to the point that is cold.]] [[Go to the point that is in the dark.]] <</if>> <<if ((((($snowdintown eq 0))))) and (((($lab eq 0)))) and ((($city eq 0))) and (($castle eq 0)) and ($castlegarden eq 0)>> You have no reason to visit anywhere else. <</if>> <<if $snowdintown eq 1>> [[Visit Snowdin.]] <</if>> <<if $lab eq 1>> [[Visit the lab.]] <</if>> <<if $city eq 1>> [[Visit Ebott.]] <</if>> <<if $castle eq 1>> [[Go to the castle.]] <</if>> <<if $castlegarden eq 1>> [[Go to the castle garden.]] <</if>>

<<if $snowdinvisited eq 0>> Snowdin. This must be the place Sans mentioned. It's not too far from the barrier point you previously captured. It's a quaint, picturesque snowy village with wooden houses at sharp angles that are covered in snow. <<set $snowdinvisited +=1>> It reminds you of a time--many years ago--you had to stay in a tundra village. Although that village was built over a frozen lake that housed a dangerous sea creature that recently awokened and you had to fight underwater. Fun times. You linger on the outskirts of the village, not yet commiting to entering. <<return>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]] <<elseif (($snowdinvisited eq 1)) and ($barriercontrol gt 1)>> <<set $snowdinvisited +=1>> <<set $sansfound = 0>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]] <<elseif (($snowdinvisited eq 2)) and ($barriercontrol gt 2)>> <<set $snowdinvisited +=1>> <<set $doggosmet = 0>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village3]] <<elseif (($snowdinvisited eq 3)) and ($barriercontrol gt 3)>> <<set $snowdinvisited +=1>> <<set $sansfound = 0>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]] <<elseif (($snowdinvisited eq 4)) and ($barriercontrol gt 4)>> <<set $snowdinvisited +=1>> <<set $sansfound = 0>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village5]] <<elseif $snowdinvisited eq 5>> It's time to end things. You should leave. <<return>> <<else>> There is nothing for you here. <<return>><</if>>

<<if $labvisited eq 0>>Curiosity compels you to investigate the building you saw earlier. Hotlands burns at your skin, and a quick bubble protects you from the worst of it. You refresh your [Fly] spell so you don't have to walk across the paths and bridges that go over magma. The building sits nestled in a corner of brown stones with strange foliage growing along it. There's a wide metal white door at the front, and in big bold letters you can see the word: ''//LAB//'' written over top. The door has no handles. You're about to perform a [Check] spell on it when you notice something strange in the corner of your eye. At the top corner of the door is an odd. . . thing? It looks like a strangely built telescope mounted into a wall. It moves side to side, as if tracking you. //That looks weird,// you think to yourself. You move to the left and the device follows you. You move to the right and it follows you. Its level of focus makes you think something sentient controls it, yet you sense no ''SOUL'' from it, nor active magic. There’s magic in it, but it feels more like wild magic found in a river—something flowing and natural, but not being actively used for spells. How peculiar. What makes it move? You cast a strong [Check] spell at it. A high pitch whirring sound comes from the device and it promptly explodes. “$Curse,” you let out in surprise. You blow the smoke away from you. //What in the name of the stars was that?// As a mage, you can't ignore the swell of curiosity. All mages love magic--it's impossible not to. You are no exception to this, and your fondness for magic has lead to you experimenting and dabbling in different arts of magic. Mages at the Mage Tower are the lead investigators, inventors, innovators, and practictioners in all things magic for humanity. They work together, or individually and constantly seek to improve themselves and the lives around them. There have been joint projects with the elves and dwarves, which always leads to something fun to pla--er--you mean. . . which always leads to something that //betters society as a whole.// There most be monsters who think similarly to mages in this regard--monsters who love magic and seek to use it to improve their lives. You can't think of any other spot they could be at besdies a "lab". That device and the strange way it uses magic must be one of their inventions. How exciting! You wonder what a project worked on by monsters and mages would be like. You glance at the white metal door. You might be able to answer that question if you. . . take a peek. Typically, only those invited could enter the Mage Tower. Mages at the tower tend to be. . . very focused on their work and become oblivious to their surroundings. Civilians could accidentally be harmed if they walk in on an experiment gone awry. You could be needlessly endangering yourself by entering this laboroty. Are you really going to do that, simply to satisfy your curiosity? [[Yes, absolutely. Immediately phase through the door.]] [[No, your mission is too important.]] <<elseif (($labvisited eq 10)) and ($barriercontrol gt 1)>> [[Enter the laboratory.|Enter the laboratory2]] <<elseif (($labvisited eq 20)) and ($barriercontrol gt 2)>> [[Enter the laboratory.|Enter the laboratory3]] <<else>> There is nothing for you here. <<return>><</if>>

This area is not currently available. The special interactions will be added in the next major update. <<return>>

You have control over three portions of the barrier. You can distinctly feel one point, and for the first time. . . you can vaguely feel the other point. <<if $barrier2 eq 0>> The point you feel strongest is some place dark. The other feels. . . hazy. [[Go to the point that is in the dark.]] [[Go to the point that feels hazy.]] <<elseif $barrier3 eq 0>> The point you feel strongest is some place cold. The other feels. . . hazy. [[Go to the point that is cold.]] [[Go to the point that feels hazy.]] <<elseif $barrier4 eq 0>> The point you feel strongest is some place hot. The other feels. . . hazy. [[Go to the point that is hot.]] [[Go to the point that feels hazy.]]<</if>> <<if ((((($snowdintown eq 0))))) and (((($lab eq 0)))) and ((($city eq 0))) and (($castle eq 0)) and ($castlegarden eq 0)>> You have no reason to visit anywhere else. <</if>> <<if $snowdintown eq 1>> [[Visit Snowdin.]] <</if>> <<if $lab eq 1>> [[Visit the lab.]] <</if>> <<if $city eq 1>> [[Visit Ebott.]] <</if>><<if $castlegarden eq 1>> [[Go to the castle garden.]] <</if>>

End of part 1. Part 2 will include the extra interactions in Snowdin, City, and Lab to advance friendships / relationships. Snowdin Interactions *Sans *Papyrus *Grillby City Interactions *Muffet *Surprise! Lab Interactions *Alphys *Mettaton *Undyne Part 3 will add access to the final point & finale. Thank you so much for playing, and super duper special thanks to @RainingSkeletons who gave me permission to use this AU. Highly recommend checking out their tumblr & the official comic for this AU. :) ''SAVE ON THE PASSAGE BEFORE'' ''SAVE ON THE PASSAGE BEFORE'' ''SAVE ON THE PASSAGE BEFORE''

You have control over four portions of the barrier. There is only one point left to control. <<if $barrier2 eq 0>> It's somewhere in the dark. [[Go to the point that is in the dark.]] <<elseif $barrier3 eq 0>> It's somewhere cold. [[Go to the point that is cold.]] <<elseif $barrier4 eq 0>> It's somewhere hot. [[Go to the point that is hot.]] <</if>><<if ((((($snowdintown eq 0))))) and (((($lab eq 0)))) and ((($city eq 0))) and (($castle eq 0)) and ($castlegarden eq 0)>> You have no reason to visit anywhere else. <</if>> <<if $snowdintown eq 1>> [[Visit Snowdin.]] <</if>> <<if $lab eq 1>> [[Visit the lab.]] <</if>> <<if $city eq 1>> [[Visit Ebott.]] <</if>> <<if $castlegarden eq 1>> [[Go to the castle garden.]] <</if>>

You have control over four portions of the barrier. There is only one point left to control. It's somewhere. . . hazy. [[Go to the point that feels hazy.]] <<if ((((($snowdintown eq 0))))) and (((($lab eq 0)))) and ((($city eq 0))) and (($castle eq 0)) and ($castlegarden eq 0)>> You have no reason to visit anywhere else. <</if>> <<if $snowdintown eq 1>> [[Visit Snowdin.]] <</if>> <<if $lab eq 1>> [[Visit the lab.]] <</if>> <<if $city eq 1>> [[Visit Ebott.]] <</if>> <<if $castlegarden eq 1>> [[Go to the castle garden.]] <</if>>

You have complete control of the barrier. <<if $castle eq 1>> You are ready to go to the castle and confront the king. <<else>> There is nothing else for you to do here. <</if>>

The front doors slide open. You almost laugh. You step inside and the doors slide close behind you. Your magelight illuminates this new area. It's made of smooth marble with many benches and unlight candles. There are tapestry rugs lined in between the benches. In the corners, you notice there are several stacks of books and cracked statuettes. //It truly is a temple, then?// You think to yourself. There are sculptures etched into the the walls. Some depict a goat-like monster, and others show you fae. You see a handful of humans, and even a demon. Slowly, carefully, you begin to walk through this dark temple. It is clean. Someone tends to it. There are cracks. It is falling apart. No dust. . . no dirt. But ruins nonetheless. Whoever tends to this place does not have the ability to restore stonework. Perhaps only one person? You go down a hallway and find yourself at another door. Again, there are no handles. Etched at the top of the door is a sun symbol and beneath that is written:// @@.mirror;as black is to white@@// You see five levers, each lever has something inscribed on them. [[Pull the sun lever.]] [[Pull the star lever.]] [[Pull the moon lever.]] [[Pull the fire lever.]] [[Pull the cloud lever.]]

Nothing happens. <<return>>

The doors slide open. Simple enough. You carry on, your magelight keeps the marble path well lit for you. This hallway is long, skinny, and there are several portraits hung up. It's mostly of landscapes, but you do see some monster paintings. Eventually, you reach another doorway with more levers. This door has no handles, and at the top you see a tree. [[Pull the lever with a seed on the end.]] [[Pull the lever with the sun on the end.]] [[Pull the lever with rain on the end.]] [[Pull the lever with a tree on it.]] [[Pull the lever with a flower on it.]]

Nothing happens. <<return>>

You hear a click. [[Pull the lever with the sun on the end.]] [[Pull the lever with rain on the end.|Pull the lever with rain on the end.2]] [[Pull the lever with a tree on it.]] [[Pull the lever with a flower on it.]]

Nothing happens. <<return>>

You hear a click. [[Pull the lever with rain on the end.]] [[Pull the lever with a tree on it.]] [[Pull the lever with a flower on it.]] [[Pull the lever with the sun on the end.|Pull the lever with the sun on the end.2]]

The door slides open. You carry on through the temple. There are several more doors with similar puzzles, but they are all simple enough. You finally are close enough to the point in the barrier you can practically feel it buzzing. You mean to head straigh to it, but as you go down another hallway you notice there's light coming from a room. You peek inside the room. It's a library, massive in size. At the back end of the library, you see a monster. Their back is turned to you, you can only note that they are tall in stature and wear dark purple robes with their hood pulled up. There are two points sticking out from the top of their hood. Could be caused from ears or horns, hard to say at this distance. <<if $papyrus gt 0>> [[Approach the robed monster.]] <</if>> [[Ignore the robed monster. You have more important things to do.]]

Perhaps this monster is as friendly as Papyrus. "Hello," you say. The monster quickly turns around. Dark big eyes stare at you in surprise. She is a white-furred goat-like monster. Long, floppy ears peek out from the front of her robes. She has a soft, pretty face. "A human?" she whispers in amazement. "What are you--How did you--?" "I'm sorry for startling you," you say. "It's--It's quite all right," she says after a moment. She blinks slowly at you, her surprise melts away to genial warmth. "Hello, human. I am Toriel, caretaker of the ruins." <<if $greeting eq "casual">> You smile and say, "Pleasure to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." <<else>> You $curtsy and say, "It is an honor to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." <</if>> "What brings you here, $Name?" she inquires. [[Answer Toriel honestly.]] [[Sidestep Toriel's question.]]

That's right. [[The piece of the barrier is not far.]]

"I'm on a rescue mission," you tell her. "Something here might help me with that." "Knowledge can always be useful," she says. "Rescue. . . humans, I take it?" "Yes. Children." Her face contorts briefly with fierce grief. It smooths out after a few moments and she glances away from you. . . . ? "I am sorry to hear that," she says. [[Inquire about her reaction. Does she know anything?]] [[Bid her goodbye and leave.]]

"And what are you doing here?" you ask instead. Toriel smiles faintly at you. "An answer for an answer, human." Mn. [[Answer Toriel honestly.]] [[You don't want to. You decide to leave.]]

You go down another hallway that leads to a small room. <<set $barrier2 = 1>> These piece of the barrier is interwoven in the stonework and magic. You place your palm against the back of the room and press. The barrier's magic responds to your touch with a pulse. Your magic wraps around it and the barrier reacts by greedily devouring your magic. With each portion of your magic drained, you feel a deeper connection with the barrier. . . . Your senses are broadened. The piece of the barrier is not far anyway. You can more keenly feel the other points. <<set $barriercontrol +=1>> All right. It's time to leave. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

"Have you encountered any other humans?" you ask. Toriel shifts her weight. She remains silent. //That's a yes.// [[Intimidation. Warn her she needs to tell you the truth.]] [[Remain polite. You don't know the entire situation. Ask again.]]

~this branch has not been completed.~ <<return>>

"Please," you say gently, "I only want to help. If you know anything. . ." Toriel gives you a long look. "A few dreamers came through the ruins. They all chose to leave." She pauses. "I hoped that meant they woke up and left the Realm of Dreams." You shake your head. "Their ''SOULs'' are still here." "How many?" "Six." She breathes out slowly. [[She is silent for several minutes.]]

"They might be at the castle." "Why do you say that?" "The king," she says slowly, somberly, "wants to use ''SOULs'' to destroy the barrier." That was one of your guesses back in reality. It does not surprise you. You nod along. "The castle is difficult to reach," she says. "Only those with permission may enter it." "How do I obtain that permission?" She smiles wryly. "Before I answer that, I want to know your intentions. After you save the children. . . what will you do?" "What do you mean?" "Monsters have imprisoned the ''SOULs'' of children," she says. "The humans have sent you into save them, so they are aware of the kidnappings. What is their stance? If the barrier goes down. . . does another war await us?" "I will do everything in my power to prevent a war," you answer honestly. "$King $Sun would prefer peace if that is possible." [[Tell Toriel your intentions with the barrier.]] [[Leave it at that.]]

"My $king has made it clear. . . if peace is possible, I should assist the monsters in obtaining freedom," you explain to her. "I am taking over the barrier." Her eyes widen. "You're--//what?//" "The barrier is created using a five-point seal," you say. "It's responded well to human magic. I am taking advantage of that. If peace is possible, I will follow through." "Peace. . . freedom. . . " Toriel echoes back faintly. "You--You are not lying." You blink slowly. "Why would I? As you have answered me honestly, I will return the favor." "Forgive me, $Name, this is. . . a lot." "I understand." She looks thoughtful. "Peace--Peace is possible. I want to believe that. Our people are good. However, the king. . . he's changed. I'm not certain you could peacefully persuade him, mage." You close your eyes as you consider this. "I'm not a diplomat," you say after a moment. You reopen your eyes. "I will leave the talks between the professionals. If he is a threat, I will contain him before the barrier goes down, and the ambassadors may worry about the semantics later. It is against my nature to a condem a kingdom over the folly of their ruler." Toriel smiles at you. She folds her hands together. "You'll need to gain access to the castle first." You nod in agreement. Toriel extends a hand to you. "I can grant you that access." Your eyes widen briefly in surprise. You accept her hand. "I would appreciate your help." Her magic flows out of her and intertwines with yours. It's the touch of a gentle mother, and the strength of a mountain. <<set $castle = 1>> It lingers on you: an imprint. Her magic will act as a key to unlock your way to the castle when you are aready. You should not go there until you have control over the barrier. "Thank you," you sincerely tell her. "I should be thanking you," she murmurs to you. [[You wink. She can thank you after the barrier is down.]] [[You raise her hand and kiss the back of it. You're happy to help someone as lovely as her.]] [[Smile at her. She can thank you after the barrier is down.]] [[Offer her a polite bow. It is your duty and honor to help.]]

You thank her for her time and you bid her goodbye. You go down another hallway that leads to a small room. <<set $barrier2 = 1>> These piece of the barrier is interwoven in the stonework and magic. You place your palm against the back of the room and press. The barrier's magic responds to your touch with a pulse. Your magic wraps around it and the barrier reacts by greedily devouring your magic. With each portion of your magic drained, you feel a deeper connection with the barrier. . . . Your senses are broadened. The piece of the barrier is not far anyway. You can more keenly feel the other points. <<set $barriercontrol +=1>> All right. It's time to leave. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

<<set $toriel +=1>> You wink at her. "You can thank me after the barrier is down." Toriel lets out a quiet chuckle. "I will do exactly that, then." She glances around the library. "I spend much of my time here. If you need me, or have any further questions. . . you are welcome to return." "I will remember this." <<if $greeting eq "casual">> You casually say goodbye to her. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <<else>> You offer her a $curtsy and say goodbye. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <</if>> [[The piece of the barrier is not far.]]

<<set $toriel +=2>> You raise her hand and kiss the back of it. "Think nothing of it. I am happy to help a lovely ''SOUL'' such as yourself." "Oh my," Toriel giggles. She looks amused by you. "I am likely centuries your senior, young one." "A timeless beauty, then." She laughs. "What a flirt you are." "Only for those who catch my attention." "Sweet of you," she says. She smiles and pats your shoulder. "Thank you." She glances around the library. "I spend much of my time here. If you need me, or have any further questions. . . you are welcome to return." "I will remember this." <<if $greeting eq "casual">> You casually say goodbye to her. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <<else>> You offer her a $curtsy and say goodbye. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <</if>> [[The piece of the barrier is not far.]]

<<set $toriel +=1>> You smile at her. "You can thank me after the barrier is down." Toriel lets out a quiet chuckle. "I will do exactly that, then." She glances around the library. "I spend much of my time here. If you need me, or have any further questions. . . you are welcome to return." "I will remember this." <<if $greeting eq "casual">> You casually say goodbye to her. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <<else>> You offer her a $curtsy and say goodbye. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <</if>> [[The piece of the barrier is not far.]]

<<set $toriel +=1>> You $curtsy. "It is my duty and honor to help." "A noble ''SOUL'' like yourself is a rare sight to see," she murmurs. "Your $king is fortunate to have you." "I remind $him of that every day," you lightly joke. She laughs. "As you should!" She glances around the library. "I spend much of my time here. If you need me, or have any further questions. . . you are welcome to return." "I will remember this." <<if $greeting eq "casual">> You casually say goodbye to her. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <<else>> You offer her another $curtsy and say goodbye. It's time to take the next piece of the barrier. <</if>> [[The piece of the barrier is not far.]]

You go down another hallway that leads to a small room. <<set $barrier2 = 1>> This piece of the barrier is interwoven in the stonework and magic. You place your palm against the back of the room and press. The barrier's magic responds to your touch with a pulse. Your magic wraps around it and the barrier reacts by greedily devouring your magic. With each portion of your magic drained, you feel a deeper connection with the barrier. . . . Your senses are broadened. You can more keenly feel the other points. <<set $barriercontrol +=1>> All right. It's time to leave. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[East.|SF2]] [[South.|SF6]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[East.|SF3]] [[West.|SF1]] [[South.|SF7]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[East.|SF4]] [[West.|SF2]] [[South.|SF8]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[East.|SF5]] [[West.|SF3]] [[South.|SF9]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[West.|SF4]] [[South.|SF10]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF1]] [[East.|SF7]] [[South.|SF11]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF2]] [[East.|SF8]] [[West.|SF11]] [[South.|SF12]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Ah. This is the spot. You can feel the barrier point here. However, the moment you reach out with your magic to touch the barrier [[everything goes dark.]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF4]] [[East.|SF10]] [[West.|SF8]] [[South.|SF14]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF5]] [[West.|SF9]] [[South.|SF15]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF6]] [[East.|SF12]] [[South.|SF16]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF7]] [[East.|SF13]] [[West.|SF11]] [[South.|SF17]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. <<if $papyrus eq 1 and $sansmet eq 0>> "Lost, human?" You tense and immediately turn around to face the voice. Lazily floating in the air is a skeletal head. It has a wide smile, empty eyesockets, and a diamond in the center. A wispy blue aura surrounds it. You're certain you did not sense his presence before. Either he's very good at hiding it, or he teleported in. <<set $sansmet +=1>> [[Politely introduce yourself.]] [[Remain aloof. You dislike this monster snuck up on you.]] [[Do not respond to the monster. Stare at him.]] <<else>> The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF8]] [[East.|SF12]] [[West.|SF14]] [[South.|SF18]]<</if>>

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF9]] [[East.|SF15]] [[West.|SF13]] [[South.|SF18]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF10]] [[West.|SF14]] [[South.|SF20]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF11]] [[East.|SF17]] [[South.|SF21]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF12]] [[East.|SF18]] [[West.|SF16]] [[South.|SF22]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF13]] [[East.|SF19]] [[West.|SF17]] [[South.|SF23]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF14]] [[East.|SF20]] [[West.|SF18]] [[South.|SF24]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF15]] [[West.|SF19]] [[South.|SF25]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF16]] [[East.|SF22]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF17]] [[East.|SF23]] [[West.|SF21]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF18]] [[East.|SF24]] [[West.|SF22]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. Go: [[North.|SF19]] [[East.|SF25]] [[West.|SF23]]

The forest smells of fresh snow and trees. <<if $sans eq 1>> This is the spot Sans directed you to, but you see nothing of note here. You're certainly no closer to the barrier point. There's a wisp of blue magic in the air and Sans materializes before you. He's chuckling, "Ya followed my directions?" Judging from his expression of amusement and chuckling. . . it seems as though you've been tricked. [[Respond agrily. Turn away in a huff.]] [[Laugh with him. What did you expect anyway?]] [[Stoically stare at him. Turn away.]] <<else>> Go: [[North.|SF20]] [[West.|SF24]]<</if>>

<<if $greeting eq "casual">> You smile and say, "Hello, it's nice to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." A body appears underneath the head. He's a skeleton monster with long dark pants, fuzzy pink slippers, and a long pale blue robe left open. It has a fuzzy lining in the hood. Pale yellow eyelights look down at you from empty eye sockets. The skeletal body holds the head separately. From the base of the skeleton's neck is a matching wispy blue aura. "The name's Sans. . . Sans the skeleton," he says, his grin widening. <<else>> You $curtsy and say, "It is a pelasure to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." A body appears underneath the head. He's a skeleton monster with long dark pants, fuzzy pink slippers, and a long pale blue robe left open. It has a fuzzy lining in the hood. Pale yellow eyelights look down at you from empty eye sockets. The skeletal body holds the head separately. From the base of the skeleton's neck is a matching wispy blue aura. "The name's Sans. . . Sans the skeleton," he says. <</if>> The skeleton casually tosses his head up and down. "Are ya lost?" "Lost. . . " you trail off thoughtfully. "Too strong of a word. I have a vague sense of where to go, albeit I don't know where I am right now." "If I were ya," says Sans, "I would go south a couple more times, and east a few more times." "You would?" "I would," says Sans. Your lips twitch. "And you know what I seek?" <<set $sans +=1>> "Certainly," he says. "Certainly," you repeat in amusement. "Then I thank you kindly for your directions." He gives you a grand bow in the air. "That's me. Kind and helpful." He disappears as he is enveloped by the blue aura of his magic. Go: [[North.|SF8]] [[East.|SF12]] [[West.|SF14]] [[South.|SF18]]

You stare at the skeletal head. You coldly ask, "And who are you?" "Me? A harmless little skeleton. And you?" You smile mirthlessly. "A harmless little human." The skeletal head tilts to the side. "Ya don't look harmless." "I assure you, I don't bite." //I use spells.// "There's other ways ta hurt someone," he says. The monster makes a noncommital noise, and then disappears as its enveloped in a blue aura. //Hmm.// Go: [[North.|SF8]] [[East.|SF12]] [[West.|SF14]] [[South.|SF18]]

You stare at the skeletal head. The skeletal head stares at you, and then diseaprs as its enveloped in a blue aura. //Hmm.// Go: [[North.|SF8]] [[East.|SF12]] [[West.|SF14]] [[South.|SF18]]

This was a waste of time. Go: [[North.|SF20]] [[West.|SF24]]

You laugh. It was silly of you to trust him that way. You ask him, "What did you think I was looking for?" "A good spot to nap," he says. "Everyone needs one of those." You laugh harder. "You sleep out here? In the snow and forest?" Sans quietly steps onto one of the tall tree branches. He takes a seat and leans against the trunk. "Perfect spot right here." You cast [Fly] and lightly jump up to the branch beside him. It's a wide enough branch that you can comfortably sit on it. You suppose it could be a good place to nap. You say, "Not a bad spot, certainly." Sans grins at you. "What would ya recommend?" "A bed is always nice to sleep in," you (reasonably) point out. "Uncreative, but yes." "For something more //imaginative//," you muse. "How about. . ." [[A kitchen table. You can sleep until someone decides to make food. Win win.]] [[Top of a bookcase at a library. It's always quiet and no one thinks to look there for you.]] [[A roof. Any roof will do. A good view of the sky, and not many people climb roofs.]] [[Under someone else's bed. They will never suspect it and you get the added bonus of potentially traumatizing someone.]]

This was a waste of time. Go: [[North.|SF20]] [[West.|SF24]]

Sans laughs. "Innovative! I'll keep that in mind." "Happy to help," you say. Sans' grin is wide as he looks up at you. "Yer a good sport. Tell ya what, next time yer in Snowdin I'll treat ya to my favorite drink at Grillby's." "Snowdin?" Sans points further south. "Keep going down. The path isn't far from here." "Ah. Thank you. I'll be sure to visit, then." <<set $snowdintown = 1>> <<set $sans +=1>> "Sure," he says with a wink. "Although it's snow big deal." With a wave goodbye, Sans disappears again. What a funny little skeleton. Go: [[North.|SF20]] [[West.|SF24]]

Sans smiles. "Okay, not a bad spot. I've done that a few times." "Happy to help," you say. Sans' grin is wide as he looks up at you. "Yer a good sport. Tell ya what, next time yer in Snowdin I'll treat ya to my favorite drink at Grillby's." "Snowdin?" Sans points further south. "Keep going down. The path isn't far from here." "Ah. Thank you. I'll be sure to visit, then." <<set $snowdintown = 1>> <<set $sans +=1>> "Sure," he says with a wink. "Although it's snow big deal." With a wave goodbye, Sans disappears again. What a funny little skeleton. Go: [[North.|SF20]] [[West.|SF24]]

Sans laughs. "I shouldn't laugh at that one. Okay, not a bad spot. I'll keep that in mind." "Happy to help," you say. Sans' grin is wide as he looks up at you. "Yer a good sport. Tell ya what, next time yer in Snowdin I'll treat ya to my favorite drink at Grillby's." "Snowdin?" Sans points further south. "Keep going down. The path isn't far from here." "Ah. Thank you. I'll be sure to visit, then." <<set $snowdintown = 1>> <<set $sans +=1>> "Sure," he says with a wink. "Although it's snow big deal." With a wave goodbye, Sans disappears again. What a funny little skeleton. Go: [[North.|SF20]] [[West.|SF24]]

You are back in the void and before you is another piece of a ''SOUL'' fragment. This one is far tinier than the last one. Too small to even form much of anything. It looks like it was somehow embedded into the barrier. You may act while it is vulnerable. [[FIGHT: Destroy this piece.]] [[MERCY: Ignore this piece.]] <<if $wd1 eq "captured">> [[ACT: Capture this piece.]]<</if>>

<<set $wd2 = "spared">> You ignore the piece. You could kill it. It might be considered a mercy, considering how small it is. You doubt it could ever be whole again. [[The void leaves you.]]

<<set $wd2 = "dead">> You crush the piece with your magic. //EXP gained.// It's for the best. [[The void leaves you.]]

<<set $wd2 = "captured">> You carefully pick up the piece with your magic. You're glad you don't have to fight it, but you're sorry to see a ''SOUL'' so badly damaged. Poor thing. You gently tuck it into your own magic. [[The void leaves you.]]

You return to the forest. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "bg" loop play>> Now to take control over this barrier point. Your magic wraps around it and the barrier reacts by greedily devouring your magic. With each portion of your magic drained, you feel a deeper connection with the barrier. . . . Your senses are broadened. You can more keenly feel the other points. <<set $barriercontrol +=1>> <<set $barrier3 = 1>> All right. It's time to leave. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

Some of the paths are broken off. There are strange rectangular tiles at the end of the paths. They flash and puff out strong steam. Thanks to your [Fly] spell, you simply fly over the missing gaps. In the distance, you spot a large building. On the front you can read a sign that says: ''//LAB//''. <<if $papyrus gt 0>> <<set $lab = 1>> //Hmm. Might be something to check out later.// Not now. You can feel the barrier piece nearby. <</if>> Your magic pulls you in the direction of the piece. It's in the magma. <<if $specialization eq "celestial">> Annoying, but workable. You cast a wide-area cooling spell to rapidly freeze the magma. As soon as it cools enough to harden, you follow up with blasting spell after blasting spell. You forcibly tunnel your way down with this method. Cool the lava. Blast it away. Move further down. It is tiring. You can feel the drain on your magic. It is fortunate that you don't have to travel far down. You can feel the point and as you approach it [[your vision darkens and you are swallowed up by the abyss.]] <<elseif $specialization eq "elementalist">> This is easy. You part the magma with a wave of your hand. Your magic commands the elements, and while this world is strangely fluid it holds true enough to what you know. You fly down to where you feel the point. As you approach it, [[your vision darkens and you are swallowed up by the abyss.]] <<else>> You want to sigh. You reinforce your bubble with many defensive and resistant spells. Then you fall into the magma. You keep your eyes shut--aided by a [Darkening] spell so you are not blinded by the magma. You swim down, following your magical instinct. It is incredibly unpleasant. You dislike the sensation of swimming in magma. You can feel the point and as you approach it [[your vision darkens and you are swallowed up by the abyss.]]<</if>>

Here again.<<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "gaster" loop play>> ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? A humanoid figure emerges from the shadows, their form constantly oozing like a heavy liquid. It runs down and disappears into the shadows. Their head is obscured by odd blocks, many jagged crystals stick out from this being at different angles. Immediately, your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> comes to life. <<if $soulcolor eq "red">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "vermilion">><img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "rosy red">><img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">><img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sunglow">><img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "daisy">><img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">><img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "mint green">><img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark green">><img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">><img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "bright blue">><img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark blue">><img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">><img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">><img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "berry blue">><img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">><img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">><img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "magenta">><img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "iridescent">><img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "black">><img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">><img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"><</if>> The figures' hands move in a strange manner. It suddenly lunges at you with incredible speed. [[Fade Step away.]] [[Dive down and away.]] [[Create a reflective shield of magic.]]

You move out of the way. The monster expands and explodes out with hundreds of black spikes. [[Create a barrier to block the attack.]] [[Create a reflective shield of magic.]] [[Fade Step away again.]]

It grabs your face and crushes you. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]

It slams into your shield and shatters it with startling ease. It grabs your face and crushes you. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]

Your shield absorbs the attack. As soon as its gone, you have an opportunity to attack. Since confronting the first fragment of this monster, you have a better grasp of its health. You need to use your bigger spells this time. <<if $specialization eq "celestial">> [[FIGHT: Night Rain]] [[FIGHT: Solar Flare]] <<elseif $specialization eq "elementalist">> [[FIGHT: Blizzard]] [[FIGHT: Eruption]] <<else>> [[FIGHT: Arcane Slash]] [[FIGHT: Raining Knives]] <</if>>

A black spike pierces your heart. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]

You raise your $right hand and slam it down in the void. Above both you and the monster, a dark cloud emerges. Black and red rain drops pelt down, laced with your magic. Each drop pierces through the monster who makes an ear-splitting noise in response. However, every hole created is repaired. It creates dozens of hands and each begin to glow a faint purple. //Not this time,// you think. [[FIGHT: Sun's Halo]] [[FIGHT: Moon's Halo]]

You raise your $right hand and shoot out a blinding flare of raw solar polar. It cuts straight through the monster. However, the monster reforms quickly afterward. It creates dozens of hands and each begin to glow a faint purple. //Not this time,// you think. [[FIGHT: Sun's Halo]] [[FIGHT: Moon's Halo]]

You raise your $right hand and slam it down in the void. Above both you and the monster, a dark cloud emerges. Ice shards shoot down, laced with your magic. Each piece pierces through the monster who makes an ear-splitting noise in response. However, every hole created is repaired. It creates dozens of hands and each begin to glow a faint purple. //Not this time,// you think. [[FIGHT: Winter Blast]] [[FIGHT: Summer Halo]]

You raise your $right hand shoot out a blinding flare of blazing fire and magma. It shoots straight through the monster. However, the monster reforms quickly afterward. It creates dozens of hands and each begin to glow a faint purple. //Not this time,// you think. [[FIGHT: Winter Blast]] [[FIGHT: Summer Halo]]

You raise your $right hand and slice it through the air. Where your fingers trailed a sharp blade of arcane power shoots out and cuts the monster in half. However, the monster reforms itself. It creates dozens of hands and each begin to glow a faint purple. //Not this time,// you think. [[FIGHT: True Shot]] [[FIGHT: Cannon Blast]]

You raise your $right hand and slam it down in the void. Above both you and the monster, a dark cloud emerges. Conjured knives shoot down, laced with your magic. Each blade pierces through the monster who makes an ear-splitting noise in response. However, every hole created is repaired. It creates dozens of hands and each begin to glow a faint purple. //Not this time,// you think. [[FIGHT: True Shot]] [[FIGHT: Cannon Blast]]

You hold your hands together and compress your magic to a single ball of blinding golden light. The monster's hands fire off their deadly purple laser. You release the magic on your attack and a halo of burning magic ripples away from you. The golden light flares in the void. Each laser that hits it is repelled back and swallowed by your magic. The attack hits the monster and cuts it right in half. It reforms a moment later. It extends one hand out to you. To your surprise and horror, its magic latches onto your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. The monster's magic flings you forward like a slingshot. It has thrown you into a pit of created bone spikes. You have very little room to manuever your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. It's hard to see, your vision is shaking terribly because of how fast you are being flung forward. @@.rumble;The spikes closest to you are on the right.@@ [[Lean left.]] [[Lean right.]] [[Cancel your [Fly] to fall quickly.]]

You hold your hands together and compress your magic to a single ball of blinding white light. The monster's hands fire off their deadly purple laser. You release the magic on your attack and a halo of freezing magic ripples away from you. The white light flares in the void. Each laser that hits it is repelled back and swallowed by your magic. The attack hits the monster and cuts it right in half. It reforms a moment later. It extends one hand out to you. To your surprise and horror, its magic latches onto your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. The monster's magic flings you forward like a slingshot. It has thrown you into a pit of created bone spikes. You have very little room to manuever your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. It's hard to see, your vision is shaking terribly because of how fast you are being flung forward. @@.rumble;The spikes closest to you are on the right.@@ [[Lean left.]] [[Lean right.]] [[Cancel your [Fly] to fall quickly.]]

@@.rumble;You lean left and narrowly avoid the first round. More are coming your way, this time from the left side. [[You lean right.]] [[You lean left.]] [[Cancel your [Fly] to fall quickly.]] @@

@@.rumble;You lean right and are immediately pierced through the head. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]@@

@@.rumble;You cancel your spell and are immediately pierced through the head. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]@@

@@.rumble;As you continue to be flung forward, the monster has created more and more hands. [[ACT: Try to break its hold on your SOUL.]]@@

@@.rumble;You lean left and are immediately pierced through the head. [[You have been shattered again|Start A New Game]]@@

@@.rumble;You feel your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>> quiver under its suffocating magic. You can do this. Focus. You take a deep breath. You focus on your feelings of $soultrait.@@ <<timed 10s>> @@.pulse;<<if $soulcolor eq "red">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "vermilion">><img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "rosy red">><img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">><img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sunglow">><img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "daisy">><img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">><img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "mint green">><img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark green">><img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">><img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "bright blue">><img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark blue">><img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">><img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">><img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "berry blue">><img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">><img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">><img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "magenta">><img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "iridescent">><img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "black">><img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">><img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"><</if>>@@ . . . ! You've freed yourself. You quickly lash out in an explosion of raw magic to rapidly destroy all the spikes that would have killed you. [[When your magic is cleared away, the monster attacks again.]]<</timed>>

A cacophony of powerful lasers shoot down at you. You [Fade Step] out of the way. The monster is oozing and squelching, its barely keeping itself together. Yet it creates more and more hands to attack you. <<if $specialization eq "celestial">> [[FIGHT: Sun's Halo|FIGHT: Sun Halo]] [[FIGHT: Moon's Halo|FIGHT: Moon Halo]] <<elseif $specialization eq "elementalist">> [[FIGHT: Summer Halo|FIGHT: Summer Halo2]] [[FIGHT: Winter Blast|FIGHT: Winter Blast2]] <<else>> [[FIGHT: True Shot|FIGHT: True Shot2]] [[FIGHT: Cannon Blast|FIGHT: Cannon Blast2]]<</if>>

<<set $wd3 = "captured">> You carefully pick up the piece with your magic. Poor thing. You gently tuck it into your own magic. [[The abyss now leaves you.]]

<<set $wd3 = "dead">> You crush the piece with your magic. //EXP gained.// It's for the best. [[The abyss now leaves you.]]

<<set $wd3 = "spared">> You ignore the piece. You could kill it. It might be considered a mercy, considering how small it is. You doubt it could ever be whole again. [[The abyss now leaves you.]]

You return to the magma. <<masteraudio stop>> <<audio "bg" loop play>> Now to take control over this barrier point. Your magic wraps around it and the barrier reacts by greedily devouring your magic. With each portion of your magic drained, you feel a deeper connection with the barrier. . . . Your senses are broadened. You can more keenly feel the other points. <<set $barriercontrol +=1>> <<set $barrier4 = 1>> All right. It's time to leave. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

You clap your hands together and pull them apart. In the space between a $soulcolor bow is created. You pull back the string and a huge arrow is notched. You release it. The monster's hands fire off their deadly purple laser. With one arrow shot, hundreds more are conjured around it. Each arrow slices straight through the laser and carries on. The attack hits the monster and cuts it right in half. It reforms a moment later. It extends one hand out to you. To your surprise and horror, its magic latches onto your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. The monster's magic flings you forward like a slingshot. It has thrown you into a pit of created bone spikes. You have very little room to manuever your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. It's hard to see, your vision is shaking terribly because of how fast you are being flung forward. @@.rumble;The spikes closest to you are on the right.@@ [[Lean left.]] [[Lean right.]] [[Cancel your [Fly] to fall quickly.]]

You raise your $right hand and point at the monster. At the tip of your, you condense your magic to a single point. You release it. The monster's hands fire off their deadly purple laser. With one blast, hundreds more are conjured around it. Each bullet slices straight through the laser and carries on. The attack hits the monster and cuts it right in half. It reforms a moment later. It extends one hand out to you. To your surprise and horror, its magic latches onto your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. The monster's magic flings you forward like a slingshot. It has thrown you into a pit of created bone spikes. You have very little room to manuever your <<if $soulcolor eq "red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "vermilion">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "rosy red">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "yellow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sunglow">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "daisy">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "mint green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark green">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "bright blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "purple">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "lavender">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "berry blue">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "magenta">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "white">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "iridescent">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "dark">>''SOUL''<</if>><<if $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">>''SOUL''<</if>>. It's hard to see, your vision is shaking terribly because of how fast you are being flung forward. @@.rumble;The spikes closest to you are on the right.@@ [[Lean left.]] [[Lean right.]] [[Cancel your [Fly] to fall quickly.]]

The Archmage ---- <<if $soulcolor eq "red">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "vermilion">><img src="hearts/vermilionheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "rosy red">><img src="hearts/rosyredheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "yellow">><img src="hearts/yellowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sunglow">><img src="hearts/sunglowheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "daisy">><img src="hearts/daisyheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "green">><img src="hearts/greenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "mint green">><img src="hearts/mintgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark green">><img src="hearts/darkgreenheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "blue">><img src="hearts/blueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "bright blue">><img src="hearts/brightblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "dark blue">><img src="hearts/darkblueheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "purple">><img src="hearts/purpleheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "lavender">><img src="hearts/lavanderheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "berry blue">><img src="hearts/indigoheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pink">><img src="hearts/pinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "pastel pink">><img src="hearts/pastelpinkheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "magenta">><img src="hearts/magentaheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "white">><img src="hearts/whiteheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "iridescent">><img src="hearts/iridescentheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "black">><img src="hearts/blackheart.png" class="center"> <<elseif $soulcolor eq "sweet pink">><img src="hearts/sweetpinkheart.png" class="center"><</if>> That's you. Your hair is $hairlength, $haircolor, and $hairtype. You wear it $hairstyle. Your eyes are $eyecolor and you $glasses. You $facial, and your lips are $lipstatus. Your skin is $skincolor and you $beauty. You are a $gender. Your soul is $soulcolor and you value $soultrait the most. ---- You wear $tightpants fitting $pants pants that are tucked into knee-high $boots boots. The front end of your boots are heavily fortified to protect your shins. Over top you wear a long sleeved $robes robe with a $lining lining. The robe is split down the middle from the waist and ends just below your knees. The sleeves are loose at the end. Around your waist is a thick $belt belt that can be used to hang potions or scrolls. $belthanging The robes have an enchanted hood $hood. The shoulder sleeves are cut out to display your left and right shoulders. On your right shoulder there is a unique insignia; a vivid $soulcolor $insignia. $displayinsignia [[Return|$return]]

You move into the snowy village. You keep a [Featherlight] spell on you so you can walk across the snow without sinking in. As you walk in, you catch the smell of fresh food. Mm. Smells good. <<if $sans eq 2>> [[Sans notices you.]] <</if>> <<if $papyrus eq 1>> [[Papyrus notices you.]] <</if>> <<return>> <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

It's chillier than usual. You cast a warming spell on your robes. <<if (($sans gt 2)) and ($sansfound eq 0)>> [[You decide to look for Sans.]] <</if>><<if $papyrus gt 1>> [[You decide to look for Papyrus.]] <</if>><<if $grillby eq 1>> [[You decide to visit Grillby's.]] <</if>> <<return>> <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

The village is bustling! <<if (($sans gt 3)) and ($sansfound eq 0)>> [[Something touches your shoulder.]] <</if>> <<if $doggosmet eq 1>> [[Welp! Time to go to Grillby's again.]]<</if>> <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

It's snowing this time. You catch a snowflake on your tongue. <<if $sans eq 8>> [[You go to look for Sans.]] <</if>><<if $papyrus gt 1>> [[You decide to look for Papyrus.]] <</if>><<if (($grillby gt 0)) and ($doggosmet eq 0)>> [[You decide to visit Grillby's again.]] <</if>> <<return>> <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

This is a WIP. <<return>>

"Well, well, well," says Sans the skeleton. The short skeleton monster appears before you in a wispy blue aura. He floats slightly above the ground, careful to keep his fuzzy pink slippers from touching the snow. His pale yellow eyelights glow as he looks you up and down. "I almost thought ya wouldn't show," he says. "Welcome ta Snowdin, there's //snow// place like like it." That's his second snow pun. [[Kindred. Friend. Pal. Buddy. You know what must be done.]] [[You smile. You thank him for the invite.]] [[You resist the urge to roll your eyes.]]

10. If snowflakes were kisses, I’d send you a blizzard. 7. Snow happy to see you. 69. What is a snowman’s favorite food? Brrrr-ritos! 72. What is a snowman’s favorite drink? A slushy It was love at frost sight. I’m s-mitten with you. Sippin’ hot tea with a hottie. There’s snow one like you. You are the coolest person I snow. Say it ain’t snow Sweater weather! This weather is snow joke. Do you want to build a snowman? Just like a snowflake, you are one of a kind.

You have a wide smile on your face. $Sun, Raven, and you adore puns and knock knock jokes. It's a consistent joy across quests and campaigns together. You've had many years to hone your joking capabilities. "I'm //snow// happy for the invite," you say cheerfully. "This place looks lovely." <<set $sans +=1>> "Fan of the snow?" "Certainly," you say. With enough warming and water deflection spells you are capable of spending days in a blizzard without getting cold nor wet. At that point, snow is simply a pretty part of nature. You get to enjoy all of its benefits, and face none of the consequences. Sans chuckles. "Glad ta hear, we've got plenty around. C'mon, I'll take ya to Grillby's." The skeleton monster turns around and starts to float away. You lightly step after him; your feet don't sink into the snow at all so you leave no prints behind. Sans guides you down the main road and stops outside a building--ah. It's a bar. You can tell immediately from the smell of deliciously greasy food. It has a large window on the left of the door where golden light pours out. Sans opens the door and at once you hear merry laughter and feel the warmth of a fire. The two of you step inside. Sans raises a hand in hello to the monster behind the counter. A fire monster. He's tall. You see no mouth, nor nose, but he has a pair of glasses that sit over his eyes. He wears a long sleeved white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Overtop is a black vest and a black bow tie. You've never seen this kind of dress wear before. Actually, now that you consider it, all the monsters are dressed differently than you expected. Not that you had an expectations. . . ? You're accustomed to long mage robes that cover most of the body, or tight-fitting colorful garments of nobility and royalty, or the shiny plate armor of warriors and knights. You like their clothes. They look comfortable to wear. Especially Sans' robe. The inside of it looks like a magical night sky. You wonder if it's an enchantment, or something he's able to conjure himself because he lives in the Realm of Dreams. "My usuals," says Sans. He takes a seat at the counter and you mimic him. Sans winks at you. "Yer gonna love 'em." The monster glances at you. "His usuals, please," you confirm. Why not? Fellow pun lovers must share similar tastes, right? The fire monster nods once and sets to work. Sans looks like a kitten with warm milk: smugly satisfied. . . . You hope you did not make a mistake. "Love them. . . like you love finding napping spots?" you ask. "Maybe not //that// far," says Sans. "Close." "High praise." Sans' smile widens briefly. Now that you're sitting closer to him, you notice he has dark circles under his eyesockets. Strange. You would imagine a monster in the Realm of Dreams would always get good-- No. Who would be comfortable in this world? It's fluid. Unnatural. //And they're trapped.// The fire monster starts to set several drinks on the counter in front of you and Sans. "Thanks Grillz," says Sans. "Take yer pick, these are monster classics." Sans points to the first mug on the left. It's a large glass mug with a straw sticking out of it. "Heated marshmallows with a little hot chocolate." It is almost entirely just partially melted marshmallows. You see a very small pool of chocolate at the bottom. Sans points to the second item. "A full jar of coffee." It's a jar of coffee grinds. "A whole cup of melted butter," Sans continues as he points to the mug. It is indeed a white ceramic mug filled with melted butter. Sans points to the next cup. "Warm milk with whipped cream." Sans then takes one of the last two glass jars at the end. "And of course, maple syrup," says Sans. He then proceeds to start to chug the maple syrup. He stops halfway and says, "Oh. Almost downed it. Want some?" . . . [[Look to Grillby with pleading eyes for assistance.]] [[Look Sans dead in the eye, take the other maple syrup jar and chug it.]] [[Look Sans dead in the eye, take the heated marshmallows with a little hot chocolate and chug it.]] [[Look Sans dead in the eye, take the full jar of coffee grinds and devour it.]] [[Look Sans dead in the eye, take the whole cup of butter and chug it.]] [[Look Sans dead in the eye, take the warm milk with whipped cream and chug it.]]

You're used to this kind of humor. $King $Sun and Raven love puns. Between the two of them, it was non-stop inappropriate puns Raven plucked the heart from a demon and would //not// stop making heart knock knock jokes for the rest of the fight. "Knock Knock!" he would go. "Who's there?" $Sun would enthusisatically ask. "Don't go!" "Don't go who?" "Don't go breaking my heart," Raven would start sing //ugh// $Sun followed it up with singing: "//I won't go bacon your heart~//" And then one of the demon overseers entered to witness two humans dancing and signing terrifically off-key with the heart of one the grunts. You are very, very used to puns. No matter the circumstances. Your smile is genuine as you say, "Thank you for the invite." Sans smiles at you. "C'mon. I'll show ya to Grillby's." The skeleton monster turns around and starts to float away. You lightly step after him, your feet don't sink into the snow at all so you leave no prints behind. Sans guides you down the main road and stops outside a building--ah. It's a bar. You can tell immediately from the smell of deliciously greasy food. It has a large window on the left of the door where golden light pours out. Sans opens the door and at once you hear merry laughter and feel the warmth of a fire. The two of you step inside. Sans raises a hand in hello to the monster behind the counter. A fire monster. He's tall. You see no mouth, nor nose, but he has a pair of glasses that sit over his eyes. He wears a long sleeved white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Overtop is a black vest and a black bow tie. You've never seen this kind of dress wear before. Actually, now that you consider it, all the monsters are dressed differently than you expected. Not that you had an expectations. . . ? You're accustomed to long mage robes that cover most of the body, or tight-fitting colorful garments of nobility and royalty, or the shiny plate armor of warriors and knights. You like their clothes. They look comfortable to wear. Especially Sans' robe. The inside of it looks like a magical night sky. You wonder if it's an enchantment, or something he's able to conjure himself because he lives in the Realm of Dreams. "My usual," sans Sans. "Ehh. . . probs somethin' normal for this one." "Normal is good," you agree. The fire monster disappears for a moment. He's not gone for long and returns with a bottle of maple syrup and a bubbly blue drink with something creamy on top. He gives Sans the maple syrup, and you the blue drink. You watch in fascinated horror as Sans proceeds to drink the maple syrup. You are very glad to have something normal. You try the drink. It tastes sweetly sour. <<set $drink = "float">> "Oh this is nice. What is this?" <<set $grillbymet = 1>> <<set $grillby +=1>> "Dream float," says Grillby. "It's very good," you tell him. "Thank you." You enjoy your drink. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

$King $Sun and Raven love puns. Between the two of them, it was non-stop inappropriate puns on your campaigns. Raven plucked the heart from a demon and would //not// stop making heart knock knock jokes for the rest of the fight. "Knock Knock!" he would go. "Who's there?" $Sun would enthusisatically ask. "Don't go!" "Don't go who?" "Don't go breaking my heart," Raven would start sing //ugh// $Sun followed it up with singing: "//I won't go bacon your heart~//" And then one of the demon overseers entered to witness two humans dancing and signing terrifically off-key with the heart of one the grunts. It was horrible. Still, being around those two taught you to keep a good poker face when dealing with puns and knock knock jokes. You force a strained, polite smile. "Thank you for the invite." Sans smiles at you, as if he knows you're forcing the facade. "C'mon. I'll show ya to Grillby's." The skeleton monster turns around and starts to float away. You lightly step after him, your feet don't sink into the snow at all so you leave no prints behind. Sans guides you down the main road and stops outside a building--ah. It's a bar. You can tell immediately from the smell of deliciously greasy food. It has a large window on the left of the door where golden light pours out. Sans opens the door and at once you hear merry laughter and feel the warmth of a fire. The two of you step inside. Sans raises a hand in hello to the monster behind the counter. A fire monster. He's tall. You see no mouth, nor nose, but he has a pair of glasses that sit over his eyes. He wears a long sleeved white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Overtop is a black vest and a black bow tie. You've never seen this kind of dress wear before. Actually, now that you consider it, all the monsters are dressed differently than you expected. Not that you had an expectations. . . ? You're accustomed to long mage robes that cover most of the body, or tight-fitting colorful garments of nobility and royalty, or the shiny plate armor of warriors and knights. You like their clothes. They look comfortable to wear. Especially Sans' robe. The inside of it looks like a magical night sky. You wonder if it's an enchantment, or something he's able to conjure himself because he lives in the Realm of Dreams. "My usual," sans Sans. "Ehh. . . probs somethin' normal for this one." "Normal is good," you agree. The fire monster disappears for a moment. He's not gone for long and returns with a bottle of maple syrup and a bubbly blue drink with something creamy on top. He gives Sans the maple syrup, and you the blue drink. You watch in fascinated horror as Sans proceeds to drink the maple syrup. You are very glad to have something normal. You try the drink. It tastes sweetly sour. <<set $drink = "float">> "Oh this is nice. What is this?" "Dream float," says Grillby. "It's very good," you tell him. "Thank you." You enjoy your drink. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

The fire monster immediately understands. He says, "Sans is the only one who orders these. They are //not// classics."<<set $grillbymet = 1>> <<set $grillby +=1>> "Aww, Grills, they're still delicious," says Sans as he chugs his maple syrup and then reaches for the cup of butter. Grillby gives Sans a look that can only be desrbied as resigned acceptance for this disgusting habbit. Sans says, "All right, all right. Give <<if $gender eq "woman">>her<<elseif $gender eq "man">>him<<elseif $gender eq "person">>them<</if>>something //normal//." Grillby looks much happier to provide you a bubbly blue drink with something creamy on top. It tastes sweetly sour. <<set $drink = "float">> "Oh this is nice. What is this?" "Dream float," says Grillby. "It's very good," you tell him. "Thank you." "Think nothing of it. It's on Sans' tab." Sans laughs. "Mean." Grillby pointedly looks at the abonimations Sans ordered. Sans shrugs. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

It is room temperature, overly sweet, and is so thick and sticky it is hard to swallow. You do it anyway. <<set $drink = "maple syrup">> Honestly, not bad. You have definitely drank worse. You chug it, set the glass back down, lick your lips and say, "Not bad. I'll take another one. Thank you." Grillby is holding a hand over the lower half of his face, as if he simply could not believe you did that. Sans looks utterly delighted. His pale eyelights shine. He looks to Grillby. "Put <<if $gender eq "woman">>her<<elseif $gender eq "man">>him<<elseif $gender eq "person">>them<</if>> on my tab." Sans finishes his maple syrup. Grillby comes back with a second round of $drink for you, and maple syrup for Sans. The two of you raise your respective drinks, and then proceed to chug. <<set $sans +=1>> <<set $grillbymet = 1>> <<set $grillby +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

This was a mistake. It is dry, bitter, and you have to secretly conjure water in your mouth to get it down. But you do it. Your ==pettiness== stubborness will allow nothing less. <<set $drink = "coffee grinds">> It's horrible. You keep a poker face and don't break eye contact as you do. You the glass back down once done, lick your lips and say, "Not bad. I'll take another one. Thank you." Grillby is holding a hand over the lower half of his face, as if he simply could not believe you did that. Sans looks utterly delighted. His pale eyelights shine. He looks to Grillby. "Put <<if $gender eq "woman">>her<<elseif $gender eq "man">>him<<elseif $gender eq "person">>them<</if>> on my tab." Sans finishes his maple syrup. Grillby comes back with a second round of $drink for you, and maple syrup for Sans. The two of you raise your respective drinks, and then proceed to chug. <<set $sans +=1>> <<set $grillbymet = 1>> <<set $grillby +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

It is sweet, warm, and oily. <<set $drink = "melted butter">> Honestly, not bad. You have definitely drank worse. You chug it, set the glass back down, lick your lips and say, "Not bad. I'll take another one. Thank you." Grillby is holding a hand over the lower half of his face, as if he simply could not believe you did that. Sans looks utterly delighted. His pale eyelights shine. He looks to Grillby. "Put <<if $gender eq "woman">>her<<elseif $gender eq "man">>him<<elseif $gender eq "person">>them<</if>> on my tab." Sans finishes his maple syrup. Grillby comes back with a second round of $drink for you, and maple syrup for Sans. The two of you raise your respective drinks, and then proceed to chug. <<set $sans +=1>> <<set $grillbymet = 1>><<set $grillby +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

It is sweet, warm, and creamy. <<set $drink = "warm milk with whipped cream">> Honestly, not bad. You have definitely drank worse. You chug it, set the glass back down, lick your lips and say, "Not bad. I'll take another one. Thank you." Grillby is holding a hand over the lower half of his face, as if he simply could not believe you did that. Sans looks utterly delighted. His pale eyelights shine. He looks to Grillby. "Put <<if $gender eq "woman">>her<<elseif $gender eq "man">>him<<elseif $gender eq "person">>them<</if>> on my tab." Sans finishes his maple syrup. Grillby comes back with a second round of warm milk topped with whipped cream for you, and maple syrup for Sans. The two of you raise your respective drinks, and then proceed to chug. <<set $sans +=1>> <<set $grillbymet = 1>><<set $grillby +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

It is sweet, warm, and creamy, and then you get that little touch of chocolately bitterness at the end. <<set $drink = "heated marshmallows with a little hot chocolate">> Honestly, not bad. You have definitely drank worse. You chug it, set the glass back down, lick your lips and say, "Not bad. I'll take another one. Thank you." Grillby is holding a hand over the lower half of his face, as if he simply could not believe you did that. Sans looks utterly delighted. His pale eyelights shine. He looks to Grillby. "Put <<if $gender eq "woman">>her<<elseif $gender eq "man">>him<<elseif $gender eq "person">>them<</if>> on my tab." Sans finishes his maple syrup. Grillby comes back with a second round of $drink for you, and maple syrup for Sans. The two of you raise your respective drinks, and then proceed to chug. <<set $sans +=1>> <<set $grillbymet = 1>><<set $grillby +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village1]]

It doesn't take you long to find him. With your connection to the barrier, you have an easier time sensing for specific magic. You've been around the monster long enough to identify his magical signature. <<set $sansfound = 1>> You teleport to where he is. He sits on the roof of a building that is oddly not covered in snow. This building--house, you think--sits on a floating island above Snowdin. He loosely holds a pipe and blows bubbles on the frigid wind. You hover in the air in front of him, a wordless [Fly] spell keeps you in place. "Hello, Sans." <<if $sans eq 4>> Sans' eyelights shine brighter. "Hey." <<else>> Sans nods to you. "Hi." <</if>> "May I join you?" Sans pats the spot beside him. You take a seat. Sans blows out another stream of bubbles. You ask him, "What do bubbles get when they're sick?" Sans gives you a side-eye. "The suds." "Know that one?" Sans cocks his head, his smile turns sly. "Yer gonna have ta try harder to find stuff I //don't// know." "Challenge accepted." You give it some thought. <<set $sans +=1>> You ask, "What's a snowman's favorite food?" "Brrrr-itos!" Sans finishes. "And their favorite drink is a slushy." //Hmmm.// <<if $sans eq 5>> [[Choose flirty jokes.]] [[You won't be out-matched so easily.]] <<else>> [[You won't be out-matched so easily.]]<</if>>

This part has not been added yet. <<return>>

Why not? You enter Grillby's. The flame monster stands behind the counter. It looks less crowded than before, but there's still a fair few monsters. You take a seat at the bar and politely greet Grillby. The fire monster gives you a curt nod. . . . He stays silent. Ah. You know what this means. He's the quiet type. [[That's okay with you. You can stay quiet and simply enjoy the ambience.]] [[That's okay with you. You are a master of one-sided conversations.]]

"Knock-knock," you say. <<set $sans +=1>> "Who's there?" "Hugh." "Hugh who?" "//Hugh// have an amazing smile," you say. Sans' smile widens. "Is that yer opener?" You pause. "Let me redo." He motions for you to try again. "I'm sorry, I wasn't part of your past," you say slowly, "but I can make it up by being in your future--" He snorts and starts to laugh. "No, no, no--" "I can do worse." "Don't you mean better?" "No." He chortles loudly. "Go for it." "Are you a campfire?" "'Cause I'm hot and ya want //s'more?//" "$Curse," you laugh. "Uhh--if snowflakes were kisses, I'd send you a blizzard." "That weather would be //snow// joke." "Sweater weather makes for--" "--double cuddle?" "Gah!" You lap your knee and sit up straighter, a wide grin on your face. "You're too punny, but I'll find stuff you don't know!" "I didn't know the hugh one," he happily points out. <<set $sans +=1>> "Okay. . . Knock knock." "Who's there?" You pause and think for a moment. You grin widely. "Gopher." Sans is already chuckling. "Gopher who?" "Gopher me?" He laughs. "Knock knock." "Who's there?" "Aherd." "Aherd who?" you ask. "Aherd ya like skellies who tell knock knock jokes." "You heard correctly!" [[The two of you continue to swap jokes for half an hour.]]

The two of you continue to swap jokes for half an hour, although you sadly aren't able to find any jokes that he hasn't heard. And then, to your surprise, Sans starts to nod off mid-sentence. His words turn into a slow drawl, his head bobs. He had already shifted to laying on his back earlier, so when his entire form goes limp. . . You start to hear a soft snore. He fell asleep. You bite your lip to keep from smiling. You conjure a blanket over him and enchant it to keep him warm. <<set $sans +=1>> "Sweet dreams," you tell him. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]

And then, to your surprise, Sans starts to nod off mid-sentence. His words turn into a slow drawl, his head bobs. He had already shifted to laying on his back earlier, so when his entire form goes limp. . . You start to hear a soft snore. He fell asleep. You bite your lip to keep from smiling. You conjure a blanket over him and enchant it to keep him warm. <<set $sans +=1>> "Sweet dreams," you tell him. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]

You try to find Sans, but you don't see him around Snowdin and you can't feel his presence. <<set $sans +=1>> That's a shame. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village3]]

Something touches your right shoulder as you walk around Snowdin. <<set $sansfound = 1>> You turn to the right and see nothing. Something taps on your left shoulder. You turn to your left and see nothing. //Hmm. Now who, oh who, could be behind this?// You try to fight back your smile, thinking of the mischevious skeleton. You feel a tap on your right shoulder and immediately turn to your left-- --and see nothing. He expected you to expect him there. Sneaky skelly. You feel a poke on your back and whirl around to see nothing there. You can't hide back your laughter. He's good! You'll have to get serious. You push out a faint aura of your magic around yourself. The moment you feel something cross the barrier, your magic lashes out and snatches it. You turn to face the trickster, only to find it is a single skeletal hand. He detached his captured hand. You snort. <<if $sans eq 9>> [[The fingers wiggle at you.]] <<else>> But you release the hand with a smile. "All right, gremlin. Fair warning, I get mean if someone tickles me." The hand gives you a thumbs up then vanishes in a blue aura. What a funny man. <<$sans +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]<</if>>

You carefully pick up the hand, your smile softening. "You almost tickled me. That's a very dangerous game, skeleton." The hand makes a side ways motion as if to say, //ehhhh.// "You'll have to pay a fine for emotional distress," you playfully warn him. The hand makes a thumbs up motion. [[Take it slow. . . nuzzle into the palm.]] [[Nah. Straight to teasing. Kiss the hand.]]

You raise the hand up to your face and gently nuzzle into the palm. The hand stiffens and then gently cups your face. You take that as a good sign, so you turn your face further into it and kiss the palm. The hand freezes. The hand abruptly disappears into a plume of blue magic, and you can practically see the flustered look on a certain skeleton's face. You snicker to yourself. <<set $sans +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]

You turn your face further into it and kiss the palm. The hand freezes. The hand abruptly disappears into a plume of blue magic, and you can practically see the flustered look on a certain skeleton's face. You snicker to yourself. <<set $sans +=1>> [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]

It's quiet. <<if $drink eq "float">> Grillby sets down the blue float. "I didn't order anything," you say. "I'm afraid I don't have any money." "On the house," he says. "In that case, thank you!" You happily drink up and leave. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]] <<else>> Grillby sets down a $drink. He stares at you. You stare at him. You take the $drink and you start to chug it in front of him. It is exactly the same as the first time. You cough, lick your lips and whisper, "Delicious. L-Love monster drinks." Grillby gives you an incredulous look. You decide it's best to leave before he tries to make you drink something else. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]<</if>>

The question now is. . . what do you want to talk about? [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV1]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF1]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL1]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM1]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC1]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD1]]

As you approach the lab, you are surprised to find that the door slides open for you when you get near. "$Name!" You reflexively smile at hearing Dr. Alphys. The monster hurries over to you with a smile. "I tested those glyphs you gave me," she says. "Do you think you could make more?" "Certainly," you say. "Happy with the results?" "They're very pr-promising. Who c-came up with this?" "It was a joint project between the humans and the dwarves," you explain. "Fascinating!" she exclaims. "D--" "WELL, WELL, WELL~!" Dr. Alphys falls silent as a metalic monster in the shape of a rectangle enters the room. This monster has long metalic arms with fluff surrounding the point of attachment between the box and arms. It rolls in on a single wheel. Dr. Alphys flinches in surprise at the monster's entry. "M-Mettaton! This isn't--er--" "You mean to tell me this //isn't// a human in your laboratory?" Mettaton asks. "Well, yes, but<<if $gender eq "woman">> she's not an intruder o-or a threat," says Alphys. "Actually, she's a fellow scientist and has helped me. <<elseif $gender eq "man">> he's not an intruder o-or a threat," says Alphys. "Actually, he's a fellow scientist and has helped me. <<else>> they're not an intruder o-or a threat," says Alphys. "Actually, they're a fellow scientist and has helped me. <</if>> Mettaton rolls into the main room and circles you. "A scientist?" That's not a term you've heard often. "I'm a mage," you say. "Clever?" "Yes," you say. Mettaton makes an amused cooing sound. "Ooh, are you? Care to be my guest then? It's about time I hosted another quiz show." [[No thank you. You would rather not.]] [[Sure. Could be interesting.]]

You strongly dislike using the phase spell--it drains your magic each second it's in use, and it can cause you to dissociate for the rest of the day--but you decide it's okay to use it now. You don't want to rudely break their door, and you're concerned using any of your direct spells on it could cause it to explode like that strange device. Besides, you're already in a fluid state thanks to the nature of this realm. As soon as half your body is through the door, you hear that strange whirring sound and the door promptly explodes. Electricity shoots out in wild directions and smoke billows out. $Curse. You cancel your phase spell and step into the lab. You cough and wave your hand to conjure a small breeze to help blow the smoke away. "AH!" Your eyes move to the source of the noise. You see a small monster. <<if $sans gt 1>> This monster is looks the same size as Sans. <<else>> They're half the size of Papyrus. <</if>> They wear a long, pure white robe with black gloves that go up to their elbows. Their face is reptilian in nature, but their pale yellow skin looks much smoother than normal scales. They have two hanging teeth at the end of their snout, and a pair of round glasses. The back of their head is covered in dark yellow spikes. A long, thick tail curls anxiously around their their feet. Their shoulders are hunched in either a show of insecurity, or fear. Or perhaps both. //A long robe. . . an insecure hunch. . . an air of social anxiety. . .// You smile. //This must be the monster equivilant of a mage!// <<if $greeting eq "casual">> You soften your smile and say, "Pleasure to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." <<else>> You $curtsy and say, "It is an honor to meet you. I'm $Name $LName." <</if>> With a wave of your hands, you use a wind spell to blow out the rest of the smoke. "I do apologize for harming your door," you say. "I did not mean to." "Y--You're--human," the monster stammers, her voice soft and feminine. "Wh-What are you doing here. . . ?" You have the decency to look sheepish. "I--I was curious. I know this area is likely off-limits to civilians, but that device outside the door--the telescope thing? What is it? It's so strange, I've never seen any--" As you talked, you also looked around. You are able to better see the area without the smoke blocking most of it. The inside is similar to the outside--brown walls with vegetation growing around along it. Propped against the wall--or perhaps embeded?--are a variety of devices you have not seen before. Metal, glass, and plastic tubes that make strange noises and light up. The metal boxes with glass centers flash with symbols and imagery, as if an illusion. Yet you sense no spells have been cast. It's the same flat feeling the telescope gave. "--anything like this," you finish quietly, your eyes wide as you take everything in. Your gaze zeroes in on the images flashing. They're graphs, and equations. You do mental conversions in your head to try and understand what you're seeing. You're grateful that math is at least a universal language. //J = (VQ/t) x t? J being the output--Is J actually E as in energy? Their VQ/t could be a substitute for--power? Power as in ''magic''? Is this a direct conversion of magic straight to power?// "Are you--Are you converting magic into a different type of energy source? A //general// type of energy source?" you realize with wide eyes. "W--" "That's amazing!" What an invention! What a creation! With that--With that-- Your mind works quickly. You can easily envision capturing wild magic that is naturally generated and converting it to a general power source. Why, the sheer potential of what that could lead to-- Marvelous! If this monster was your apprentice, you'd be heaping praises upon them and then man-handling--er--//poliltey asking// $Sun to fund research into this. The monster shifts side to side, giving you a strange look. "You--You--um--yes?" "Whoever came up with is is a genius," you say. "Th-Thank you." You whirl around to face the monster, your academic mind still happily chewing over the formulas. Astonishment and awe are difficult to keep out of your voice as you ask, "//You// came up with this?" The monster smiles hesitantly. "Y-Yes. I'm Dr. Alphys." "You have a brilliant mind, Dr. Alphys. You monitor the conversions using this illusion projection?" "It's called a monitor and yes," she says. "I'm--I'm impressed you were able to grasp it so quickly." "I'm a mage," you say. "Magic is my business. The Tower has always dabbled in alternative energy sources. Magic crystals are a finite resource and are dangerous for civilians to use, as if they become unstable they can explode." <<if $lipstatus eq "painted">> You put a finger to your <<cycle "$lipcolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "rosy">> <<option "scarlet">> <<option "sweet pink">> <<option "blush pink">> <<option "violet">> <<option "lavender">> <<option "sky blue">> <<option "indigo">> <<option "mint green">> <<option "emerald">> <<option "daisy">> <<option "butterscotch">> <<option "pumpkin">> <<option "coral">> <<option "pearl">> <<option "onyx">> <<option "iridescent">> <</cycle>> $lipstatus lips. <<elseif $lipstatus eq "two-toned">> You put a finger to your $lipstatus lips. You absently rub the bottom one which is <<cycle "$lipcolor" autoselect>>\ <<option "darker than the top">> <<option "lighter than the top">> <<option "lighter than the top; most of the lightness is in the center of your lips">> <<option "darker than the top; most of the lightness is in the center of your lips">> <</cycle>>. <<else>> You put a finger to your $lipstatus lips. <</if>> "It looks like a delicate process," you observe. "Is that why you use metal to contain it?" "Yes," she says. "Ah. . . I'm sorry, I did not realize. When I used a [Check] spell, my magic must have caused an imbalance and resulted in the explosion on the telescope," you say. "The same thing must have happened when I phased through the door." Dr. Alphys nods slowly. "Yes, it's not a perfect system. Outside magic can cause it to overheat quickly and, uh, w-well. . . you've seen the results." "Is it only magic that impacts it that way?" you ask, deeply intrigued. Your $eyecolor gaze meets her own. She blinks, as if surprised. Dr. Alphys remains silent for a long minute. She eventually says, "No." //Metal is likely the strongest material she has access to in this world,// you think. //She's trying to keep the things safe from external interference.// Metal is one of the sturdiest materials any craftsman can use, however, //bare// metal always falls short of enchanted metal. You haven't come across any runes or glphys embedded in stone or walls in the Realm of Dreams. It doesn't surprise you. Glyphs and runes are a fairly recent innovation from a joint project between the Mage Tower and the dwarves. You pinch your $right fingers in the air and pull down. Paper materializes between your fingers. You hold it a loft, and with your other hand's index finger you draw a glyph. You do this on three pieces of paper. You hand the paper to Dr. Alphys with a smile. She hesitantly accept it. "These are glyphs," you explain. "To compensate for the damage done, I hope you will find these useful." "What do they do?" she asks, examining the $soulcolor symbols that faintly glow. "They can be transposed onto different objects. These specific glyphs act as a deflection of magic," you explain. "Test them out for yourself. They might help protect your devices." Her eyes widen. "Oh. That's--that's--um--why are you--?" You blink. Did she not hear you earlier? "To compensate you for destroying your door and telescope thing." "Why?" she asks you. "You're--You're a human. Aren't you--" Dr. Alphys glances away. "Aren't we supposed to be e-enemies?" <<set $labvisited +=1>> [["I'd rather we weren't."]] [["Why? Do you want to fight?"]]

<<set $lab = 2>> That's right. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

"But--" <<set $alphys +=1>> "I'm not on a mission to fight monsters," you tell her. "There's no need for us to fight. Rather, let's treat each other as peers who share a love of magic." Dr. Alphys' smile is small. ". . . O-Okay. I, I guess it would be fine. Kind of like that moment in Mew Mew Kissy Cutie where Mew Mew teams up with Woof Woof to investigate the reappearance of Sky Red and it turns out that Cake was actually part of Sky Red's plans and only by working together can Mew Mew and Woof Woof--" Dr. Alphys abruptly stops herself to suck in a gulp of air. There is a deep red tint over her face and she struggles to look you in the eyes. "--S-Sorry." [[You have to ask. What is Mew Mew Kissy Cutie?]] [[Smile and say it's fine.]]

She stays silent. . . . Ah. Hmm. That's a shame. You'd rather not fight, so you take your leave instead. <<set $lab = 2>> <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

Dr. Alphys gasps. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT MEW MEW KISSY CUTIE IS?!" "Um--" <<set $alphys +=1>> "IT'S MADE BY HUMANS!" "//Um--//" "It's the greatest story ever drawn," she starts to ramble. "--drawn?" You hesitantly ask. Most stories are told through books, orally or through illusion magic. The only group that //draw// stories are mages. They'll also cast small illusion spells to briefly animate parts of their drawings. You're not certain how reality bleeds into the Realm of Dreams. Could physical objects be manifested here, or must everything here only exist as an echo of someone else's dream? Hard to say. "It's a masterpiece," she insists. "You--" There is an odd beeping sound. Dr. Alphys jumps. "I--I have to go," she says. "Come back again! I'll show you //Mew Mew Kissy Cutie//." You watch the monster scurry away, still clutching the glyph papers. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

There is an odd beeping sound. Dr. Alphys jumps. "I--I have to go," she says. "Goodbye." <<set $lab = 2>> You watch the monster scurry away, still clutching the glyph papers. <<if $barriercontrol eq 2>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (2)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 3>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (3)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 0>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (HAZY LAST)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 4 and $barrier5 eq 1>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (AFTER HAZY)]] <<elseif $barriercontrol eq 5>> [[Enter the In Between.|Enter the In Between (FINAL)]] <</if>>

That's always gotten a positive reaction at pubs and bars. You recount your latest campaign before this mission. Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV2]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF2]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL2]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM2]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC2]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD2]]

It's only polite! You introduce yourself properly to Grillby. You tell him who you are--your first name, last name, and your title. <<set $grillby +=1>> Grillby nods at this. You already know his name thanks to Sans, and so you suppose he does not feel the need to re-introduce himself. [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV2]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF2]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL2]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM2]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC3]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD2]]

Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV2]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF2]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL2]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM2]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC2]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD2]]

You merrily talk about your kingdom. Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV2]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF2]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL2]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM2]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC2]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD2]]

As the Archmage, you've had your fair share of dabbling with magic and practicing different arts. You talk to him about some of your experiences. Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV2]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF2]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL2]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM2]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC2]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD2]]

That's an easy topic! You start to talk to Grillby about the food from reality. You chat about the food from the Kingdom of Stars, then about the other kingdoms you've visited. Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. [[Your adventures! Everyone loves to hear about this in reality.|ADV2]] [[Yourself!|YOURSELF2]] [[Your magic! Lot of people like to hear about your specialization.|SPECIAL2]] [[Your kingdom! You love your kingdom.|KINGDOM2]] [[Magic in general. You love magic!|MAGIC2]] [[Food! That's always a safe topic to discuss.|FOOD2]]

You know yourself best. You merrily chat until your throat is dry. Welp, time to leave! [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]

Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. You merrily chat until your throat is dry. Welp, time to leave! [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]

You merrily talk about your kingdom. Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. You merrily chat until your throat is dry. Welp, time to leave! [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]

As the Archmage, you've had your fair share of dabbling with magic and practicing different arts. You talk to him about some of your experiences. Grillby listens. It's hard to tell if he's interested since he makes no expressions. You merrily chat until your throat is dry. Welp, time to leave! [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]

As the Archmage, you've had your fair share of dabbles into magic. You've experimented, played with, and utilized all sorts of different magic. You're expertly well-versed in it, and it's a subject you sincerely love. <<set $grillby +=1>> You talk about your time in the Tower--about some of your favorite experiments, both failures and successes. You merrily chat until your voice cracks from your throat drying out. Grillby sets a cup of $drink in front of you. <<if $drink eq "float">> “This is by far one of the best things I’ve had,” you tell him. “You’ve got this down to a science!” His eyes narrow, as if crinkling from a smile. You're all too happy to drink it down, noting that it tastes slightly <<cycle "$hairlength" autoselect>>\ <<option "sweeter">> <<option "spicier">> <<option "more sour">> <<option "more bitter">> <<option "drier">> <</cycle>> than last time. Mn. You thank him, although it is probably best to head out now. You've taken up enough of his time as it is! [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]] <<else>> You stare at it. You look up at him, deadpan. He stares back at you, a single brow raised. He doesn't think you'll drink it. . . . You have no other choices but to drink it. “You know,” you tell him once you finish it, “I think if it were anyone other than an expert bar tender like yourself making these drinks, I might not be able to enjoy them.” His eyes narrow, as if crinkling from a smile. “Yep. So. Outside the Realm of Dreams, you //probably// won’t see me ordering or drinking these things,” you continue. They narrow further. He is definitely smiling, although you see no mouth. “Unless made by you,” you clarify. “Only you.” He nods to acknowledge this. You get the feeling he is deeply amused by you. “I’m glad we have reached an understanding.” He promptly serves you another cup of $drink. . . . You chug it quickly and leave before he tries to give you a third drink. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village2]]<</if>>

<<set $alphys +=1>><<set $mettaton +=1>> Dr. Alphys frets, "You don't need to do that--" "It's fine," you insist. "Besides, I'm curious what kind of questions you'd want to know the answer to." "A lot," says Mettaton. He claps his hands and a bright light is shone down on you. You flinch and squint until your eyes adjust. It's difficult to see anything aside from the golden spotlight. Mettaton's lights stand out in the darkness, the monster says, "Hello everyone!" //Everyone?// "Spontaneous epsidoe today, I have a rare guest," says Mettaton. "A human! Isn't that darling?" //Who is he talking to?// <<set $rightanswers = 0>><<set $wronganswers = 0>> "Supposedly this human is a clever scientist! Let's test that out, shall we?" Mettaton asks. "Human, what is the ratio of dynamic pressure of a faster fluid to the dynamic pressure of a slower fluid? I'll be nice and say the same fluid is moving with a velocity of 1.5." [["What?"]] [[2.25.]] [[1.5.]]

q = (1/2)nv^2. 1.5 to start with so. . . Yeah. You're pretty sure it's 2.25. "2.25," you say. "That was a warm up," says Mettaton. "Mettaton, I--I assure you, $LName is a scientist," says Dr. Alphys. "You don't need to test <if $gender eq "woman">> her<<elseif $gender eq "man">> him<<else>> them<</if>>!" "Fine, fine," says Mettaton. "How about this--who am I?" [["Mettaton?"]] [["A dazzling monster named Mettaton?"]] [["A monster?"]] "Human, what are you doing here?" [[Answer honestly: looking for lost ''SOULs'']] [[Do not answer.]] [[Lie: You got lost.]]

"Hmm. Is that so?" goes Mettaton. "Why you?" [[Answer honestly: You're the Archmage.]] [[Answer honestly: Because you're enough.]] [[Answer honestly: Because you won't fail.]]

//The// Archmage. "I'm the Archmage," you say. You pause, realizing the monsters may not understand what that title means. "I'm--I'm the head of the Mage Tower. I think our scientists are. . . similar to our mages?" "A lead scientist takes missions?" Mettaton questions. "I double as an agent of our $king," you say. "Missions and quests--I handle the difficult or strange ones. This might require me to go into dangerous places and fight. . ." You smile. "I'm glad comabat isn't necessary here." "Oh?" "I've already met several kind monsters," you say. "Papyrus and Dr. Alphys--and now you!" "Oh!"

Grillby’s is much more crowded when you enter it this time. The air is warm and merry chatter fills the bar. All the seats at the bar are taken, as are most of the booths. You linger at the doorway. You internally debate on if you should leave– “Hey you!” Your attention is drawn to a crowded table of monster dogs. A black and white dog with a pair of butterfly wings grins and waves at you. “Hey! You’re–uh–you’re the new person, right? Right! C’mere!” You head over to the table. As you approach you realize that all of the dog monsters have butterfly wings. The wings flap slowly, and their bushy tails lazily wave side to side on the floor. Most of them are black, white, or a combination of the two. An all white dog with a feminine voice asks, “Are you busy?” “Depends on what you want,” you say with a smile. “We’re one short,” says a black dog. “Wanna play?” “Yeah, take a seat. Come play with us.” “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon!” [[You agree and take a seat at the table.]] [[You politely refuse.|Enter the snowy village3]]

The chair squeaks when you sit in it. “What are we playing?” <<set $doggosmet = 1>> “Bullshit!” says the white dog. “I’m Dogressa.” She points to the white dog opposite of her. "And that's my mate, Dogamy." “$Name $LName,” you introduce yourself. //Bullshit, huh?// It’s a basic card game. You’ve played it with soldiers on the road. It only requires a deck of card, unlike the ever popular poker. You're given a random selection of cards that you need to hide. Each person takes a turn tossing a card in the middle (face down). The cards have to be placed in the middle in rising order. So twos, then threes, then fours, then fives, and so on. . . Whoever has an ace starts. If it's your turn to discard the card, but you don't have it, you have to lie (bullshit). If someone calls you out--and you did indeed lie--you have to take the entire pile of cards in the middle. Alternatively if they are incorrect when they call you out, //they// get to take the huge pile. Whoever discards all their cards win. “Any special rules?” you inquire. You notice a collection of dog treats and bones are on the table. "Or are we playing for that?" "No special rules," says the black and white dog. "I'm Doggo." Doggo deals out the cards. "And yep, we're playing for the good shit." You have thirteen cards: two twos, one three, no fours, four fives, one six, one seven, one eight, one nine, no tens, two jacks. no queens, and no kings. Doggo goes first. He places a card face down and says, "One ace." It's your turn. [["Two twos." Place both of your twos down.]] [["One two." Place one of your twos down.]] [["Two twos." Place both of your jacks down.]] [["One two." Place your three down.]]

"Bullshit!" excitedly crys out Dogamy. You gesture for him to flip the cards over. It was not bullshit. "DAMN," he goes. He takes the ace and both of your twos. He throws down, "One three." <<set $grillby +=1>> Dogressa goes, "One four." "One five," says Doggo. You smile and place down your six. And so the game has begun. Bullshit is normally a short game, but you are quick to realize the dog monsters get overly excited and are quick to call bullshit for no apparant reason. An hour in and Doggo orders drinks for the table. It's some kind of white, airy drink with a rainbow fluff. It's sweetly sour like lemonade. <<if $drink eq "float">> It's good, but you definitely like the blue drink better. <<else>> You are deeply relieved you can finally try something that doesn't make you cringe. It is downright heavenly compared to your $drink you've been forced to drink not once--not twice--//but now three times.// <</if>> Their usual member--a //huge// dog monster who goes by GD--shows up in the middle of the game. Since it's been going on for so long with no clear winner, the game is restarted with him added in. More drinks are sent to your table and it's a jovial experience all around. You're almost sad to win. Doggo certainly is. He cries over his lost dog treats. You let him keep them. <<set $grillby +=1>> That was fun. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village3]]

"Bullshit!" excitedly crys out Dogamy. You gesture for him to flip the card over. It was not bullshit. "DAMN," he goes. He takes the ace and your two. He throws down, "One three." <<set $grillby +=1>> Dogressa goes, "One four." "One five," says Doggo. You smile and place down your six. And so the game has begun. Bullshit is normally a short game, but you are quick to realize the dog monsters get overly excited and are quick to call bullshit for no apparant reason. An hour in and Doggo orders drinks for the table. It's some kind of white, airy drink with a rainbow fluff. It's sweetly sour like lemonade. <<if $drink eq "float">> It's good, but you definitely like the blue drink better. <<else>> You are deeply relieved you can finally try something that doesn't make you cringe. It is downright heavenly compared to your $drink you've been forced to drink not once--not twice--//but now three times.// <</if>> Their usual member--a //huge// dog monster who goes by GD--shows up in the middle of the game. Since it's been going on for so long with no clear winner, the game is restarted with him added in. More drinks are sent to your table and it's a jovial experience all around. You're almost sad to win. Doggo certainly is. He cries over his lost dog treats. You let him keep them. <<set $grillby +=1>> That was fun. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village3]]

"Bullshit!" excitedly crys out Dogamy. You gesture for him to flip the cards over. It was indeed bullshit. "AHA!" he goes. You have to take the pile. He throws down, "One three." Dogressa goes, "One four." "One five," says Doggo. You smile and place down your six. And so the game has begun. Bullshit is normally a short game, but you are quick to realize the dog monsters get overly excited and are quick to call bullshit for no apparant reason. An hour in and Doggo orders drinks for the table. It's some kind of white, airy drink with a rainbow fluff. It's sweetly sour like lemonade. <<if $drink eq "float">> It's good, but you definitely like the blue drink better. <<else>> You are deeply relieved you can finally try something that doesn't make you cringe. It is downright heavenly compared to your $drink you've been forced to drink not once--not twice--//but now three times.// <</if>> Their usual member--a //huge// dog monster who goes by GD--shows up in the middle of the game. Since it's been going on for so long with no clear winner, the game is restarted with him added in. More drinks are sent to your table and it's a jovial experience all around. You're almost sad to win. Doggo certainly is. He cries over his lost dog treats. You let him keep them. <<set $grillby +=1>> That was fun. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village3]]

"Bullshit!" excitedly crys out Dogamy. You gesture for him to flip the card over. It was indeed bullshit. "AHA!" he goes. You have to take the pile. He throws down, "One three." Dogressa goes, "One four." "One five," says Doggo. You smile and place down your six. And so the game has begun. Bullshit is normally a short game, but you are quick to realize the dog monsters get overly excited and are quick to call bullshit for no apparant reason. An hour in and Doggo orders drinks for the table. It's some kind of white, airy drink with a rainbow fluff. It's sweetly sour like lemonade. <<if $drink eq "float">> It's good, but you definitely like the blue drink better. <<else>> You are deeply relieved you can finally try something that doesn't make you cringe. It is downright heavenly compared to your $drink you've been forced to drink not once--not twice--//but now three times.// <</if>> Their usual member--a //huge// dog monster who goes by GD--shows up in the middle of the game. Since it's been going on for so long with no clear winner, the game is restarted with him added in. More drinks are sent to your table and it's a jovial experience all around. You're almost sad to win. Doggo certainly is. He cries over his lost dog treats. You let him keep them. <<set $grillby +=1>> That was fun. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village3]]

"Passable! Do you sing?" [[Uh--]] [["Yes?"]] [["Yes."]] [["Please no."]] [["Abysmally, but technically yes."]]

It's less crowded, but no less inviting. <<set $doggosmet = 2>> You take a seat at the bar and cheerfully greet Grillby. <<if $grillby eq 5>> The fire monster uses a cloth to polish the inside of one of his glasses. You lean on the counter to smile at Grillby. “Your bar is very welcoming.” He cocks his head to the side. “You must be proud of it.” He nods. “How long have you had it?” you inquire. Grillby pauses polishing. “Years? Time is difficult to keep track of here.” “Does no one count the days?” “Day and night cycles aren’t consistent,” he says. “There have been periods of time where ‘days’ lasted a couple hours. The seasons aren’t set, either. We could have summer in one area, and winter in another.” Grillby’s gaze moves to look out the front window. “No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Snow? Night? Storms?” Your brow furrows. That’s. . . not surprising, but no less frustrating. “Have you always wanted to be a bar tender?” you quietly ask him. “No,” he says. “I was a scientist before.” “What made you leave?” “A colleague went missing,” he says. “I re-evaluated what I wanted to do with myself.” “Missing? Not dead?” “Someone that clever wouldn’t die quietly,” Grillby answers. “He’s somewhere around.” “Is no one looking for him?” you ask. Grillby looks down at the glass. He resumes polishing it. He doesn’t answer. It’s not needed. The silence speaks for itself. //They gave up looking for him. . . // [[If Grillby ever went missing. . . you wouldn’t give up until you found him.]] [[Apologize for bringing it up.]] <<else>> Grillby gives you a curt nod. You enjoy the atmosphere for a bit before you leave. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]<</if>>

The tears slip out easily. You found a quiet spot, hidden and out of the way. The stress of what happened tipped you over the edge and now you need to let it out. You don't want others to know--you don't want them to feel bad or go out of their way to comfort you. You need this for yourself. You curl your knees up to your chin and hug your legs. You breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth as you silently cry. "Y/N, this area is off l--" You quickly turn your body away from the voice, panic shoots through you. Fate, your leader, abruptly stops talking when you turn away. "Wh--Are you--?" "No," you try to lie quickly, but your voice cracks and gives it away. . . . You reluctantly turn back around to meet the perplexed expression of Fate. He silently stares at you, the eyelights gone from both of his sockets. "You're crying," he says numbly, as if he still couldn't process what he was seeing. The tears continue to fall--you can't stop them even if you wanted to by this point. You feel embarraased and ashamed that he found you like this. The leader has always seemed uncomfortable around others--especially you--and made it a point to keep a distance so no one would accidentally touch or graze him. You can only imagine how poorly he thinks of you now. It's hard not to cry harder at the thought. You bite your lip to try and fight it. "Why?" he asks sharply. You flinch. Confusion gives way to frustration. "There's nothing for you to--This isn't--This area is off limits. You need to leave. *Now.*" "Sorry," you whisper. You force yourself to stand up and hurry away. Your head *hurts*. It throbs: sharp and constant. The very idea of opening your eyes makes you interanlly cringe. Every part of your body aches: from your fingers to your toes, even your throat with each inhale. You can't even breathe through your nose properly because of how stuffed up it is. It's hard to belive you were perfectly fine last night when you went to bed. Something warm and hard is pressed against your forehead. You vaguely recognize it's the hand of your datemate--Papyrus. You let out a small mumble. You're not sure what you were trying to say. *Hello? It's okay? I'm fine?* Who knows. Your mind sure doesn't. "YOU ARE BURNING UP," says Papyrus. Doesn't feel like it. Rather, now that you're more awake you are distinctly cold. Your whole body trembles. "TSK, TSK," goes Papyrus. "BED REST TODAY." Ehh. . . "I'LL BE RIGHT BACK." You let out a small moan of protest when he leaves. You hadn't realized how *warm* the bed was with him in it, and since he's left it's distinctly cold. Papyrus chuckles, the sound growing quieter as he leaves. You dare to peek one eye open. *Too bright.* You can't handle it and immediately close it. You suck in a sharp breath at the needle-like pain behind your vision. Time blurs by. It's hard to tell how much time passes. You shiver uncomfortably in bed. When Papyrus returns, he first drapes a heavier blanket over you. "CAN YOU SIT UP?" hea sks. *Absolutely not,* you think to yourself. You minutely shake your head. Papyrus sits on the edge of the bed. He carefully places a hand under your back and slithers his arm around your shoulders. He slowly lifts you into a seated position and shifts further into the bed so he can sit behind you. Papyrus easily supports you. Something warm touches your lips. "OPEN," he says. You do and you feel a spoon filled with warm broth enter your mouth. Papyrus gently feeds you several spoonfuls of broth. "OKAY, TIME FOR MEDICINE," he says. "IT IS BITTER, BUT DRINK IT ALL." You obediently do so, only offering a mild grimace at the taste. Carefully, slowly, attentively, Papyrus continues to give you spoonfuls of broth until your stomach is warm. You give a big sniffle, grateful that the medicine is already helping you breathe through your nose at least. "Well Done, Love," says Papyrus in a soft voice. "Sleepy?" "Mm-hmm." "Good. Rest." Papyrus adjusts to lay you onto the bed. He pulls the covers up and presses his teeth against your forehead. "I Will Be Right Here With You." "Promise?" "I Promise," he says.

“You barely know me,” he says, his tone tinged with mirth. “But thank you for the sentiment.” [[You’re serious. You wouldn’t give up.]] [[Playfully respond. You wouldn’t give up.]] [[Playfully respond. Well when he puts it like THAT. . .]] [[Apologize for bringing it up.]]

“It’s fine,” says Grillby. You finish your drink in somber silence. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]

“I would never give up on you,” you tell him. He studies your face. “. . . Thank you.” You smile. You finish your drink and say, “I’m serious.” “I can tell.” “Good. You’ve got me in your corner, if you ever need help–” Grillby chuckles. “Thank you, Archmage.” “You’re welcome, Scientist.” [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]

“I could never give up on you,” you tease. “Who else would make me these //delicious// concoctions? Sans? I think not!” <<set $grillby +=1>> Grillby chuckles, his voice cracks like splintering logs in a fireplace. “A fair point.” “Honestly, I’d be doing it for the betterment of the world.” “The world?” “Losing a talent like yours would be a catastrophe,” you say playfully. “You think too highly of me, Archmage.” “You undervalue yourself, Scientist.” Grillby’s eyes crinkle. “And while yes, I don’t know you as well as I’d like to. . .” You prop your chin in your hands and wink at him. “That’s something I’m happy to rectify.” “I’m afraid you’ll find me rather boring,” says Grillby. “Nonsense! Your life provides a different perspective,” you tell him. <<cycle "$grillbyhot" autoselect>>\ <<option ". . . and he’s hot. Pun intended.">> <<option ". . . and since he was a scientist, you’re willing to bet the two of you share a love of learning and magic.">> <</cycle>> Grillby studies your face for a long moment. He chuckles again. “You’re not nearly drunk enough for me to spill my life story.” “Why do //I// have to be the drunk one?” “Less likely to remember.” “Tease.” He laughs. “Since you were a scientist before–care to swap stories about that, then? I’ve saved my best failed experiment stories for last,” you slyly offer. “That seems fair,” he says. “You first.” You are happy to oblige! You and Grillby spend a long time chatting over magical experiments gone horribly wrong. You're <<cycle "$almost" autoselect>>\ <<option "almost">> <<option "actually rather">> <</cycle>> sorry to leave. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]

“Silly me, when you put it like that I probably shouldn’t,” you tease. “Would hate to waste your time,” Grillby chuckles. You finish your drink. “Mm. My compliments to the bar tender.” Grillby’s eyes crinkle into a smile. [[Enter the snowy village.|Enter the snowy village4]]