Chapter Text
The Narrator
You are on a path in the woods. At the end of that path is a cabin, and in the basement of that cabin is a portal.
You're here to destroy it. If you don't, it will be the end of the world.
•“Where the fuck am I? Was I drugged? Did they get me?
The Narrator
You're on a path in the woods, I just explained that to you. And no, you have not been drugged. Whoever you think is after you, you don't need to worry about here. Your only concern is destroying that portal.
“You think I'm gonna break into some old house and destroy somethin’? My criminal record is long enough as is. I'm not taking orders from you.”
The Narrator
You don't have to worry about the law either. Look, I know this is a lot to ask of you, but you're the only one who can do this. If you don't the entire world will be destroyed. Would you really doom the world over something as trivial as the law?
•“Why can't someone else do it?”
The Narrator
Like I said, you're the only one who can. I can't entrust anyone else with the task.
•“Why can't you do it?”
The Narrator
I am currently a voice in your head. Do you really think I am capable of destroying a world ending portal?
…
Thought not.
•“Fine! Whatever! I'll go to the stupid cabin.” [Proceed down the path]
The Narrator
Thank you for humoring me. You won't regret it.
The Narrator
A warning, before you continue. The man inside the cabin is not to be trusted. He will lie, he will cheat, he will do everything in his power to stop you. You must not let him.
Voice of the Mackerel
Hold on now! You didn't say anything ‘boutta guy being in that house.
The Narrator
I'm telling you now, aren't I?
Voice of the Mackerel
Yeah, after we already agreed to come here.
The Narrator
It's not that big of a deal. I'm just giving you all the information. I know you'll be able to get past him as long as you focus on your task.
•“What kind of guy is this, huh?”
The Narrator
A fool. One who must now reap the consequences of his actions.
Voice of the Mackerel
That doesn't explain nothin’.
The Narrator
That's a double negative. Don't worry too much about him. Just do what you must to get past him and save the world.
•[Proceed to the cabin]
The Narrator
The cabin is cold and uninviting. Signs are posted outside saying to ‘Beware’ and ‘Stay Away’. A chain link fence stands tall around it. You'd expect an object of universal destruction to be built here.
In your pockets, you'll find your brass knuckles. You'll need them if you want to do this right.
•[Slip the knuckle dusters on]
The Narrator
You slip your fingers through the cool metal. They fit like a glove.
•[Open the door]
The Narrator
The interior of the cabin is, simply put, a mess. Piles of research you wouldn't understand litter the floor. Furniture has been pushed aside. The air inside is as cold as it had been on the outside.
A voice calls from just out of sight.
Who's there?
Voice of the Mackerel
He definitely doesn't sound friendly, but… there's something almost familiar about that voice.
The Narrator
Don't mind it. It's just a trick.
•“Just a traveler. Was told I'd find someone here.”
The Narrator
Footsteps echo from down the hall.
I'm sorry, but town is– St… Stanley?
Voice of the Mackerel
There's no way! This can't be real! Out of all houses, we turn up at Ford's?
The Narrator
Don't let him distract you. He's not your brother. He's just a man in your way.
Voice of the Mackerel
Don't tell us what to do! That's our brother and if you think we're gonna hurt him, then– We're not gonna hurt him, right?
•“I didn't know this was your house.”
Clearly.
The Narrator
The man rolls his eyes. It seems he has very little patience, which is why you need to complete your task as quickly as possible.
Voice of the Mackerel
Ford wouldn't wanna destroy the world. We just gotta get him to help us.
•“Easier said than done.”
Voice of the Mackerel
I know…
The Narrator
That's because he won't help you. That machine is his life's work, he's not just going to give it up for…
•“I know you don't want to see me–”
Get on with it, Stanley.
•“I'm here for a reason. Someone sent me here because of the thing in your basement.”
The Narrator
The man's eyes widen in recognition and slight shock. You just threw out the element of surprise. I hope you know what you're doing.
Voice of the Mackerel
Yeah, gettin’ our brother on our side.
•“He said the machine in your basement was going to end the world.”
The Narrator
His eyes dart around all corners of the room, looking for something that's not there. He can't even look you in the eye. Are you really going to believe this?
•“He sent me here to destroy it…”
Who?
•“The voice in my head…”
The Narrator
His eyes get impossibly wider. He once again frantically scans his surroundings. He steps forward, placing his six-fingered hands on your shoulders. You almost lean into the touch, but are jolted as he looks deep into your eyes. He mutters under his breath, something half intelligible.
No…
The Narrator
He pushes you back towards the door. His touch is light, but firm. Not intending any harm.
You need to leave.
•“Listen, I knows it's crazy for me to show up and talk to a voice in my head and to… break another one of your science things, but I don't even trust this guy. I'm not gonna do it.”
The Narrator
Are you seriously dooming the world for his sake?
No, Stanley! You can't stay here. It's… It's not safe.
Voice of the Mackerel
Oh please. We're not a baby. He's just tryin’ to get ridda us.
•“Like hell it is! Ford, I'm sorry–”
I'm being serious. You can't stay here. If both of have been exposed–
•“Exposed? Exposed to what?”
There's no time.
The Narrator
He turns you around to face the door and guides you back the way you came. No! You can't let him! You have to get to the basement!
I'm running out of time…
•“There's nothin’ I can do to change yer mind?”
The Narrator
He hesitates a moment, taking a breath.
Stanley, if I survive this, I'll call you. Alright? I'll explain.
•“Woah! Hold on. Survive?”
The Narrator
You stop abruptly, causing him to nearly trip over his own feet.
Not now, Stan! Please, just listen to me for once.
•“I can't just leave you ‘ere!”
I'm telling you to! He's in your head. I can't take care of the both of us! I need you to get as far away from here as possible!
Voice of the Mackerel
I've had enough of this. Ford's not gonna listen to us. But I don't want to leave him to fend for himself.
The Narrator
I have as well.
You turn to face him, raising your fist to give a quick and sharp punch. It lands on the side of his face, knocking his head back. His eyes bulge in surprise.
Voice of the Mackerel
No we didn't! We didn't do that!
The Narrator
Don't fight it. It's what's best for the world.
◦[Attack]
◦[Attack]
◦[Attack]
•[Warn him]
◦[Attack]
◦[Attack]
◦[Attack]
The Narrator
Stop!
Stanley! What's the matter with you!
◦[Attack]
◦[Attack]
•[Resist]
◦[Attack]
◦[Attack]
…
You're not you, are you?
The Narrator
Grr… He stops for a moment and actually listens to your warning, dodging as your other fist swings forward. Stop! You clearly don't understand the severity here, so just let me take care of it!
Voice of the Mackerel
We're not letting you hurt our brother!
I knew this would happen! I knew it! This is why you must leave! He won't stop! He won't…
The Narrator
With a shaky breath, he draws a small object from his inner coat pocket. He flips it open to reveal that it is a pocket knife. Its other tools are well used, but this time he opens the blade, clean and sharp as when it was first made. You've doomed us all.
Voice of the Mackerel
If this is what it comes down to, then I'm glad you're goin’ down with us.
The Narrator
He steps up to your stiff form. It wouldn't be so stiff if you'd just give in and let me knock him out.
◦[Attack]
•[Resist]
Voice of the Mackerel
You know that's not happenin’. It's two on one– No, three on one. We're with our brother til the end.
The Narrator
It's coming soon, I assure you.
He cups your cheek, something almost akin to regret shining in his eyes.
It blinks away as quickly as it came, dulling until you could read no emotion at all. He spits blood from his mouth. You can see a hole in his teeth, red and gushing.
When you wake up, don't come back.
Voice of the Mackerel
Wait! What does he mean by that!
The Narrator
You'll never know. He raises the blade to your throat and with quick, surgical precision, he slashes it through your flesh.
You drop to the floor, staring up at him through blurred eyes. He shows no remorse nor sympathy.
Voice of the Mackerel
Yeesh. Knew he hated our guts, but he could at least feel a little bad.
The Narrator
If it's any consolation, he gave you a quick death for everything goes dark, and you die.