Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps as he wakes up. He doesn’t remember what happened, or why he’s out in the middle of the woods. His last coherent memory was him working on the portal with Fiddleford.

            Frantically, Ford looks around, wondering how he got here, before he hears a familiar voice-

            “Boy Sixer, you really took a while to get up?” his muse, Bill Cipher says. Ford glances around but doesn’t see him.

            “Bill? Where are you?” Ford asks.

            “In your head, Iq!” Bill laughs, “I can’t appear in this realm, you know that!”

            “Ah, yes… but I couldn’t hear you in there either… What happened?”

            “Well, something unexpected happened. A parasite, if you will, came along and messed with your mind, and now our entire project is in danger.”

            “Danger?” Ford says.

            “Yep! Anything you could’ve done with that portal will never happen. All that knowledge you could gain, lost forever,” Bill says, “Shame really. But there’s a way to stop it.”

            “There is?” Ford says.

            “Yep, I’ve already done all the hard work trapping him in there, so all you need to do is slay him. Just follow that path. It leads to a version of your house, that’s where the parasite is.”

            “Wait…slay it?” Ford asks with concern, “Surely a creature who can mess with my mind, is worth studying?”

            “Afraid so, Sixer. I wish we could do anything else, but I’m afraid the only way to save our project and a new golden age of research for you meat bags, is to slay him. I’d do it myself, but I need your help to finish the job,” Bill says, “What do you say, Sixer? You haven’t disappointed me, yet.”

            Ford scratches his chin. Should he really do this? Small bits of doubt flood his mind, but he shakes them off. If this parasite is a danger to the portal, then it should be dealt with accordingly. Plus, his muse is counting on him.

            So, without any further ado, Ford replies, “You can count on me, Bill!” then travels down the path.

            Soon enough, he sees his house in the distance. Though, there’s something off with it. Actually, now that he thinks about it, everything’s off. The whole world is dipped into grayscale. Briefly, he wonders what’s causing it.

            “Oh, before I forget. There’s something I need to tell you,” Bill suddenly says.

            “?”

            “The parasite will lie, cheat, and do everything in its power to stop you from slaying it. Don’t trust him.”

            “Are we sure we have to slay it? Couldn’t there be another way?” A voice that wasn’t Bill’s suddenly says, “Also, if worse comes to worse, we can always rebuild the portal.”

            “What? Who are you? Where are you?! Show yourself!” Ford shouts.

            “I’m you? Or at least a part of you?” the voice says with confusion. Like he’s confused as Ford on why’s he here as well.

            “Sixer, calm down. Remember earlier how I said your mind is a little messed up? Well, this is one of the consequences of that. Once you slay that parasite, then he’ll go back to where he’s supposed to go and not bother us again. For now, ignore him. He’s harmless,” Bill says.

            “If you say so…” Ford says and walks onwards. He soon enters his house.

            Once inside, he sees that- it looks like his regular home. Minus all the doors, except the one to the portal room, being blocked off, the grayscale of the world, and a counter with… the memory gun?

            Ford walks over to it, and asks, “What’s this doing here?”

            “It’s your weapon, Sixer! That’s how you’re going to slay him,” Bill says.

            “…But it isn’t lethal, well, not lethal to anything except memories,” Ford says.

            “Well- this isn’t an ordinary parasite,” Bill says, “It messed up your mind, after all. Fitting, isn’t it?”

            “I see.”

            “Are we really going to slay him? That seems too final. There is got to be a better option,” the voice from before says causing Ford to jump.

            “Ignore him, Sixer,” Bill sighs.

            “Are you following me?!” Ford snaps.

            “I have to,” the voice says, “I’m apart of you, remember? It’s physically impossible for me to be anywhere else.”

            “Guess that makes sense,” Ford says.

            “Sixer, ignore him,” Bill sighs impatiently.

             “But if you’re going to stick around, then what is your name?” Ford says.

            “…” the voice goes quiet like he’s thinking, before finally saying, “I’m the Voice of the Author, but you can just call me Author for short.”

            Ford bites his lip. He’s the author here. However, if Author is right and he’s apart of Ford than… he’ll be just angry at himself.

            “Okay, you now know his name,” Bill says clearly annoyed, “Are you going to pick up the memory gun or not?”

            Ford stares at the gun and- takes it.

            “Good. It’d be difficult to slay the parasite without a weapon,” Bill says.

            Then Ford proceeds into the elevator. Automatically, the doors close and he begins his decent. Ford stares at the memory gun. He fidgets with it in his six-fingered hand, until he’s able to angle it so he can see his uneasy expression in the glass’s reflection.

            “Bill. Are you sure this is the only option?” Ford says.

            “You’re listening to that voice too much, Sixer. This is the only option. Believe me, I tried. It’s too stupid to listen to reason,” Bill says.

            “I see…” Ford responds sadly.

            “But we don’t have to resort to that right? Surely, if Bill can’t convince it, maybe we can?” Author says. Ford doesn’t respond.

            “Look. Think of this way. Before I had to put him here, it was downright miserable. And the place it’s in now isn’t much better. Think of it as- doing it a favor. Since it can’t find the willpower to off itself,” Bill says.

            Ford’s stomach rolls uncomfortably at that, but at least it makes the idea of slaying this creature better. Still…

            Before Ford has a chance to respond, the elevator’s doors swing open. He’s in his lab. Suddenly, he hears the creature’s voice echoing towards him.

            “Who’s there?!” It sounds very familiar.

            “He sounds… dangerous. Best keep an eye out,” Author says.

            Ford nods and tightens his grip on the gun. Quietly, he walks out of the lab and into the portal room-

            Ford stops in his tracks, and so does his heart for a brief moment.

            Instead of an unfinished portal or some monster, there sitting down with a chain around his right wrist is his twin brother, Stanely. He clearly disheveled, with a torn and dirty jacket, ripped black pants, and a messy mullet. Currently, he looks bewildered, while also eyeing Ford’s gun nervously. Like he thinks it’s a threat to him.

            “…”

            “Stanely?” Ford calls out confused.

            “Stanford?” Stanely responds, just as confused but at the same time on guard.

            “What are you doing here?” the twins say at the same time.

            Silence fills the room.

            Soon enough, Ford answers, “I was told there was a parasite that was threating my life’s work in this room, and that I have to slay it. You?”

            “Dunno. One second I was,” Stanely briefly looks away, “On the road driving to my next town to sell my wares. Then the next moment I’m in this creepy @$$ room with this chain around my wrist.”

            “It’s not creepy!” Ford huffs, “If anything, it’s beautiful! Once I slay this parasite, I’ll be able to finish the portal, and bring the world into a new golden age of discovery! Now, Stanely, have you seen this creature? It might be the same one that locked you in here,”

            Stanely blinks, “Uh… no? Ford, I… I don’t know how long I’ve been trapped here but- in that time, I haven’t seen anyone or anything.”

            “You haven’t seen anything?” Ford asks exacerbated. Leave it to his twin to let him down, again.

            “Well-” Stanely starts which causes Ford to perk up, “When I first got here, I heard some kind of voice. But he left as quickly as he came.”

            “That doesn’t sound right,” Author says, “Surely, if he heard someone (and they’re anything like me), then they should’ve stayed put. Unless…”

            “Why would I waste my time on him, glass?” Bill says.

            “Do you have any idea where it went?” Ford asks.

            Stanely sighs, “No, Sixer. I don’t. He just came and went!”

            Ford groans, “Seriously, Stan?”

            “I’m serious! A-as much as I would like there to be anything, there isn’t! Maybe that creature is upstairs or something.”

            “Alright, this was fun and all, but I guess you haven’t figured it out,” Bill says.

            “Figured what out?” Ford pauses.

            “There’s no one else here,” Author says with horror, “He’s asking you to kill your brother.”

            “WHAT?! BILL! THIS MUST BE MISUNDERSTANDING!” Ford snaps.

            “Pointdexter? You okay?” Stanely tilts his head. His suspicious glance only grows deeper.

            “Look, Sixer. I tried to let you down easy. But you have to admit, he’s a parasite,” Bill says, “He ruined your chance to go to West Coast. Now he’s trying to ruin your chances of making your theory! We need to stop him before he stops us!”

            “BUT KILLING HIM IS TOO FAR!” Ford snaps, “I may be still upset about what he did, but we can’t kill him! I’m sure Stanely can be reasoned with!”

            “I agree. There has to be another way!” Author says.

            “Uh, you-hoo! I’m still over here?” Stanely says, “Did you go bananas while I was away?”

            Ford bolts up, “Stanely? You can hear them, can you?”

            “No, I’m not hearing voices in my head!” Stanely says, “What happened to you?”

            “Why do I feel like that shouldn’t be the case. Something’s wrong,” Author says.

            “What? That he doesn’t have his own little voice like you?” Bill says almost mockingly, “Well it’s because your special, glass! And that specialiness is why Sixer has what it takes to slay him. Come on, Fordsy, what are you waiting for? Pull the trigger.”

            “You aren’t going to listen to him right? I know Stanely’s betrayed us in the past, but this is way too far! There has to be another way!” Author begs.

            “…” Ford stands in silence. Thinking.

            “Stanford?” Stanely quietly says, “What are you doing?”

            Silently, Ford approaches Stanely.

            “Hey! HEY! Back off!” Stanely shouts kicking his feet so that he can go as far back as possible. However, the wall and his chain stop him. Still, Ford marches along.

            “Sixer, if you take another step forward, I’ll… I’ll…” Stanely warns before-

            Ford drops the gun on the ground and grabs Stanely’s right arm. He examines the chain.

            “That’s really tight on there. Any tighter and your blood might not flow to your hand,” Ford says.

            “…” Stanely stares at him before sighing, “Give a man a heart attack, why don’t you?”

            “There doesn’t seem to be any sort of keyhole. Worrying,” Ford says, “Do you have any idea where a key could be?”

            “If I did, I wouldn’t be here would I?” Stanely says with a groan.

            Ford hums as he continues to inspect it. Doesn’t seem like the chain is going to come off easily.

            “How did you get in this situation?” Ford whispers.

            “Don’t know,” Stanely retorts, “Told you that already.”

            “It was a rhetorical- ugh, let me go upstairs. There might be a key there,” Ford says, as he walks away. Stanely tenses but doesn’t say anything.

            “Sixer, you can’t be seriously considering freeing him?” Bill says.

            “He’s my brother. I’m not going to murder him,” Ford says.

            “But once he’s freed he’s going to ruin the portal,” Bill says.

            “That’s why I won’t free him until he promises to not get in our way,” Ford says, “I just need to make sure I can keep my end of the bargin.”

            “Good plan,” Author says, while Bill groans.

            Ford reaches the elevator, but once he’s on it, the power goes out.

            “@$#@,” Ford curses.

            “Huh, guess you can’t search upstairs now. Too bad!” Bill says, “Guess you have to slay him!”

            Ford groans and walks back toward Stanely.

            “It seems we are trapped here for the time being,” Ford says.

            “There’s got to be another way!” Stanely says.

            “I’m afraid there isn’t, Stanley,” Ford says.

            “…” Stan bites his lip before saying, “I’m going to check. There’s got to be away out of here.”

            “How are you possibly going to check, Stanley? You’re chained against the wall-” Ford says before Stanely with little to no hesitation begins digging into his right wrist with his teeth. Like a fox trying to eat its own leg to escape a fox trap. Blood trickles down Stanely’s mouth.

            “STANELY STOP!” Ford says and grabs his brother’s head, in a vain attempt to push his mouth away from his arm.

            “Ford. Ford!” Stan says with slight anger and determination, “I don’t care what the voices inside your head say. I’m getting out of here alive.”

            “What? How did you know-” Ford says.

            “I’m not that stupid, Sixer. Your head wants me dead. Whoever put me in here wants me dead. And you…” he pauses, “w-want me dead. But I’m not going to die here. Not if I have a say about it.” He then goes back to biting his wrist.

            “I don’t want you dead!” Ford snaps, before sighing, “Stop! I’ll use the gun to shoot you out,”

            “Mot happemimg,” Stanely says with mouth full of skin and blood, “I am mot givimg you the chamce to take me out.”

            “We got to help him. He might die from the blood loss!” Author says.

            “Your plan isn’t going to work. He’s getting out of his chains himself,” Bill says, “Slay him, while you still have the chance.”

            Ford grabs the memory gun and shoots- the chain link. A blue light hits the chain and melts most of it away with a blue fire. At the sudden fire, Stanely jumps back, he’s now free. Minus the chackle still wrapped around his bloody wrist.

            “…”

            “I said I was fine,” Stanely huffs, and crosses his arms, like his wrist doesn’t have a massive hole in it.

            “We need to get that patched up,” Ford says, “You could die from blood loss.”

            “Yeah, yeah. I know. I’ll be fine,” Stanely says, as he takes his jacket off and ties it around his wrist, revealing a dirty tank top. Also, his body looks skinnier than it should be, “Come on, let’s pop this joint! And uh… thanks for not shooting me back there. Thought you would want revenge for ruining your chances to go to your dream college.”

            “To be honest, I’m still heavily upset about that,” Ford answers, “But not that upset to turn to murder.”

            They walk a little bit, before Ford says, “Wait, before we go up there-”

            “Yeah, yeah. I know. I overheard you over there. You’re not the quietest, Pointdexter. But don’t worry, I won’t get in your way. I promise. As soon as we’re out of here, I’ll get out of your hair.” Stanley says.

            “Good,” Ford says, and sees Stanely wince. Thought that is what he wants, and is that something Ford wants as well?

            “UGH! YOU IDIOT! YOU’RE ACTUALLY GOING TO FREE HIM?!” Bill says.

            “Yes. That’s the choice we made. Plus, he promised-” Author says.

            “A promise is just a string of words! It’s meaningless!” Bill snaps, “He’s still going to destroy the portal!”

            “Bill?” Ford asks with slight confusion, as he hears a finger snap. Suddenly, Ford’s hand with the memory gun rises upwards and points towards Stanely’s back. Worse, Ford can feel his own fingers squeezing the trigger.

            “Hey! You can’t do that! We’ve already solved this without murder!” Author shouts.

            “Oh, I like to see you try to stop me,” Bill says.

            “Stanely!” Ford shouts, “Look out!”

            “What?” Stanely says, before Ford pulls the trigger. Fortunately, Stanely got the warning and barely dodges out of the way as a blue light swiftly brushes past him.

            “Again.” Bill commands. Ford feels his finger squeeze the trigger.

            “N-no, I won’t let you…” Ford bites as he tries to force the gun down.

            “Stanford?” Stanely asks as he walks towards Ford.

            “Stanely…” Ford says as he tries to fight off Bill’s influence. Why does his muse want Stanely dead so badly? Shouldn’t he be happy that they found a peaceful solution? Is his muse… not actually a good person? No! That can’t be right! This is all a misunderstanding!

            Stanely stands in front of Ford, and using his left hand takes the gun from Ford’s trembling hand. He gives it up with little to no resistance. Stanely gives the gun to his right hand and sighs, “Sorry about this, Ford. But I’m getting out of here alive.”

            He then punches Ford in the face. A sharp crack is heard. Surprising both Ford and Stanely.

            Ford falls to the ground with a thud, and soon he discovers he is unable to breathe. His neck has been snapped.

            “WHAT THE H-” Author shouts.

            “Stanford? Stanford! STANFORD! You okay?! That was only supposed to knock you out! How…” Stanely panics, “Sixer, stay with me! I’m sorry!”

            “Oh, what a shame. Seems the parasite was able to stop the portal. Oh, well. Better luck, next time, Sixer.” Bill says.

             While Ford hears Stanely apologize and beg for him to get up, everything goes dark, and he dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps as he wakes up, and… he’s not dead. He puts his hand on his heart and feels his heartbeat. He can breathe, like his neck wasn’t snapped.

            “Woah, you doing okay, Sixer? You don’t look so hot,” Bill says.

            “BILL! WHAT WAS THAT!?” Ford shouts.

            “What was what?” Bill asks.

            “Don’t play dumb, we were about to resolve the situation peacefully, and then you tried to shoot Stanely!” Ford says.

            “Then he killed us,” Author added.

            “Either he got a lucky shot, or he’s got superhuman strength that neither of us was aware of prior. Though, I’m leaning towards the lucky shot, because if he did have abnormal strength then he would’ve been able to escape. Plus, we would’ve seen it in our childhoods. Unless something happened during those 10 years… but I doubt it,” a new voice monologues.

            “Alright! What happened?! And how do you already know about that parasite?” Bill says, “And why is there more broken glass?!”

            “Broken glass?” Ford asks.

            “I think he’s referring to us?” Author says.

            “That is certainly a theory. But we need more evidence,” the new voice says.

            “…Never mind,” Bill says, “Let me figure this out.”

            Suddenly, Bill goes quiet and starts humming to himself.

            “Um, while he’s doing that… what’s your name?” Author asks the new voice.

            “Voice of the Researcher,” the voice responds in matter-of-fact way, “I chose it, because I have a thirst. A thirst for knowledge.”

            “But shouldn’t you two be one in the same? I only write about my research,” Ford says.

            “You’re right. We should be one in the same, shouldn’t we?” Researcher hums to himself, “But we’re not. Though then again… we all should be you. So, there’s no reason why we are separate. Fascinating, I should look into this later.”

            Before Researcher can continue his ramblings, Bill shouts, “I got it!”

            “What is it?” Ford asks.

            “Your mind is really messed up, Sixer. Seems I’m not even immune to its breakage. And there’s only one person at fault,” Bill says, “Your weaker copy.”

            “You aren’t suggesting we try to kill him again, are we?” Author asks.

            “Unfortunately. It’s the only way out of this mess. Worse, thanks to what you idiots did last time, he’s gotten more stronger.” Bill says.

            “Stronger?” Ford says.

            “Well, nothing you can’t handle,” Bill says, “But point is, you see that new shard? Why he’s not the same as Author? Thank your brother for that. Anytime he kills you, a bit of you breaks off. Resulting into these shards. It’s the reason why you’re alive right now. Though…”

            “Though?” Ford hesitantly responds.

            “You shouldn’t get too hasty, Sixer. You may have some lives left, but it’s a finite number. Soon enough, there won’t be anything left of you to break off,” Bill says, sounding like he’s smiling. Ford gulps.

            “But… Stan won’t kill us. It was an accident last time, right?” Author asks.

            “Doesn’t matter. Even if he means it or not, he’s a threat. There’s something wrong with him, and I’m hoping I’m not the only one who’s noticed.” Researcher says.

            “Yes, he has a mullet,” Ford says, as he slams his fist into his hand.

            “No! Ugh… Let’s go head over to the house ourselves and have a look. I can’t form a proper hypothesis if our only evidence is one meeting,” Researcher says.

            Obliging, they go down the path to the house. Right before they enter, Bill speaks up, “I don’t think I need to warn you this again, Sixer. But remember, he will lie, cheat, and do everything in his power to stop you from slaying him. Don’t trust him.”

            “Don’t worry, he has done nothing to prove we can trust him,” Researcher says, and they soon enter the house.

            Immediately, Ford stops in his tracks. His house is different.

            Instead of being something Ford lives it, it seems to have been repurposed into a jail. All the doors are metallic and stiff, and windows now have iron bars on its frame instead of glass. The floor’s wooden surface has been replaced with concrete. The only thing that’s the same is the memory gun, now in a small container, like it’s some contraband, on a stone slab.

            “It’s different? Does this relate to Researcher?” Author asks, “Since this wasn’t here last time, and he wasn’t there as well.”

            “Correlation isn’t causation, dear Author. I have no memory of doing all of this, so the chances I am the cause is slim,” Researcher says, “Though, if I did. I wonder how I did it? Would I be able to change it again?”

            “No, it’s because you messed up last time, Sixer,” Bill responds, “Smart glass isn’t the only thing that came out of your failure to slay him. He’s undoing all my hard work, and soon he’ll undo yours too. Now, don’t disappoint me again and slay him.”

            “Are you really going to do what he says?” Author asks, “He forced you to kill your brother, last time.”

            “And he ended up killing you!” Bill snaps.

            “But he wouldn’t if we didn’t force him to defend himself. It wasn’t accidental, it was self-defense,” Ford says.

            “Heh. Glad you’re finally using your brain!” Researcher says.

            “Hey-” Ford argues.

            “Doesn’t matter. He’s capable of killing you and will kill you again. Plus, look at this place, Sixer. Slaying him is doing him a favor!” Bill interrupts.

            Ford then walks over to the door to the elevator.

            “Aren’t you going to grab the memory gun?” Researcher asks, “We were able to shoot him free with it, last time.”

            “But it also allowed Bill to attack Stanely without my consent,” Ford replies, as he enters the elevator. It soon goes down.

            “Good thinking,” Author says.

            “Ugh! That was ages ago! Man, you really know how to hold up a grudge, huh?” Bill says.

            “It… it was about 10 minutes ago,” Author says.

            “Like I said, ages ago,” Bill says.

            “How do we know if it was 10 minutes ago? Could have it been days? How long were we even ‘dead’ anyways?” Researcher says.

            “See? This guy gets it!” Bill says.

            “But it still feels like 10 minutes to us,” Author says.

            “Can we talk about something else,” Ford sighs and totally not begs, “I rather not talk about my death. It was… Unpleasant.”

            “Oh, calm down, Sixer. You’re alive now, and that’s really matters. And look, you’re here!” Bill says.

            Ford walks out of the elevator into the laboratory, or rather, some sort of police room. Once again, a familiar voice echoes towards Ford.

            “Go away!” he snaps, “I’m dangerous!”

            “We already know that,” Researcher says.

            Ford continues onward and sees- Stanely once again, but he’s different. Instead of wearing a torn red jacket, he’s now wearing an orange prisoner uniform. Also, his face looks a lot more disheveled, and an unkept beard is growing on his face. Plus, his teeth look sharp, almost razor like. Worse yet, both of his hands are locked up with chains, which connect with each other, forming a handcuff like shape. There’s also a muzzle around his face, (which admittedly Ford finds hilarious), so it looks like he won’t be eating his way out of here.

            Strangely, there’s another chain laying next to him; however, Stan’s free from its cuff. Wonder what it’s used for?

            “I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH HIM!” Researcher cheers.

            “That’s not something you should be happy about…” Author says.

            “Don’t care!” Researcher shouts.

            “Sixer?!? You’re alive?!?” Stan says relieved.

            “Yes, I am,” Ford says, “It seems that whatever spell we’re currently under, grants me temporary immortality, while you… change. How did this happen?”

            “Thank Moses,” Stan sighs, avoiding the question, “I was hoping you were fine, since my wrist healed and all, but seeing you here, nerdy self and all…” Stan pauses, and then decides not to finish his sentence. Instead, he redirects the conversation to look at Ford’s hand, who hides it immediately on instinct, “Huh. You didn’t bring the gun this time… Darn. I was hoping I could use it.”

            “Well, I didn’t want to run the risk of shooting you again,” Ford says.

            “Eh, I’ve got out of more dangerous situations,” Stanely says, like the idea of Ford shooting him isn’t a huge concern.

            Ford walks over to Stanely’s chains. In response, Stanely finches back and keeps his eyes guarded on Ford. Choosing to ignore him, Ford inspects his chains.

            “How did this happen?” Ford asks.

            Stanely stays quiet.

            “Stanely,” Ford demands.

            “What? It was a rhetorical question last time,” Stanely smiles.

            “He’s got you there,” Researcher says.

            “Shut it,” Ford hisses to himself, “Just answer the question, Stanely.”

            “Huh, you want me to shut it? Okay-” Stanely smiles even harder.

            Ford grabs him by the shirt, and notices how… unfriendly his brother looks, like he’s about to stab someone in an ally way. Shaking his unfounded fear off, Ford then snarls, “I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to one of the voices. Tell me how you got back in those chains.”

            “…” Stanley looks at him uneasily before his expression quickly morphs into an annoyed glance, “I’ll tell you, if and only if you tell me about those voices. You lost it or something?”

            Ford lets go of Stanely and steps back, “I hope not, but according to-”

            “Don’t tell him about me,” Bill hisses.

            “Tell him. We might get some more information out of him,” Researcher says.

            “I say tell him, because it’s the right thing to do,” Author responds as well.

            “According to what?” Stan asks.

            “…According to an… associate. They’re parts of me,” Ford answers.

            “Uh huh. And is this ‘associate’ the one who wants you to kill me?” Stanley asks.

            “What? How did you-” Ford and Researcher say at the exact same time.

            “I’m not that dumb, Sixer,” Stanely snaps.

            “…Ehm. He hasn’t answered his own question yet,” Researcher says.

            “You’re right. In fact, he’s asked us two questions,” Author says.

            “All the more reason, he needs to be slayed,” Bill says.

            “…Okay, I’m stumped. How does that impact the decision to slay him?” Researcher says.

            “Because it proves he’s untrustworthy,” Bill says, “He’s using you for his own benefit!”

            “And this is different from when you took control of us, because Ford freed Stanely instead of slaying him like you wanted?” Author questions, but if he had mouth he’d be smiling.

            “Heh. He’s got you there!” Researcher says.

            “UGH! LISTEN HERE, YOU INSIGNIFICANT GRAIN OF HOT SAND! I AM WAY MORE TRUSTWORTHY THAN SIXER’S LESSER COPY!” Bill screams.

            While Bill continues to scream and yell about how more ‘trustworthy’ he is than Stan, Ford fights back against the pain on his ears and asks Stanely, “O-okay. Now tell me how you got into those chains?”

            “You okay there, Sixer?” Stanely asks.

            “Just tell me,” Ford grits through the pain.

            “…Alright. After you… went down… I tried to wake you up. Then suddenly everything went dark, and that voice thing returned, and I was back in chains again, and this time there was more of them! Am pretty angry about that,” Stanely says, “Though, don’t know how that happen. Some magic mumbo-jumbo or something. Point is, I’m just as lost as you are on this situation.

            “Grammer, Stanely,” Ford says with annoyance. Stanely rolls his eyes.

            “That doesn’t seem to worth hiding?” Researcher says, which Ford soon voices.

            “It’s not, but it’s funny to see you frustrated,” Stanely smiles.

            Ford puffs his cheeks at that, but then takes a deep breath, which barely helps since Bill is still screaming at Author. After calming down, Ford examines the chains. They all look pretty tight. Fortunately, not enough to stop blood circulation.

            “Ugh. Just let me get you out of here,” Ford says, and the mumbles, “(Once again, I’m here to fix your mistakes)”

            Despite trying to keep it to himself, Stanely flinches and says, “You know, I don’t need your help getting out of here. I’m sure I can figure something else on my own. In fact-”

            “You are not eating yourself out of this,” Ford says, “Besides, I doubt it would work, because of that muzzle.”

            “I’m sure if I believe hard enough, I can get out of here!” Stanely says with a wink. Though Ford has a feeling he half-believes it.

            “That is unrealistic,” Researcher says.

            “I can believe it,” Author says, seemly free from his screaming prison.

            “If you believe it, then give me solid proof that believing can get you somewhere. Beyond simple ‘hope’.” Researcher says.

            “Smart glass is right,” Bill says, having calmed down, “There’s nothing to believing.”

            “Thanks, but I’ll need more evidence to truly convince him on my perspective,” Author says.

            “Ugh! I can’t believe you are apart, Sixer!” Bill complains, “Once this all done, I’m going to remove you from his psyche! He’s better off without you!”

            “Glad, we can further prove your trust-” Author says.

            “Don’t engage him. His yelling is distracting and doesn’t help anyone,” Researcher says.

            “…Fine,” Author says.

            “Anyways, are you going to slay the parasite, yet?” Bill asks.

            “I already told you. I’m not going to kill him over a project,” Ford snaps, as he picks up the abandoned chain, “Wonder what this is for-”

            Before he could finish, the chain then snaps around his wrist. Instinctively, Ford tries to pull away, but he can’t. He’s stuck.

            For a minute, Stanely and Bill were both on the same page, as they begun to laugh at Ford’s predicament as he tries to get himself free. Oh, Moses, he’s stuck.

            “Oh, Axolotl. Sixer, what did you think would happen if you put your arm in there?” Bill wheezes.

            “Ha! Who’s ‘dumb twin’ now?” Stanely wheezes, as he lays on the floor, well as much as he can lay on the floor, while laughing into a coughing fit, “*COUGH* worth it *COUGH*”

            Ford groans and soon gives up. He then sits on the ground and groans, “You two done?”

            They both get their last chuckles in, before silence fills the room.

            “What now?” Author asks, “We’re kind of stuck like this.”

            “Could we wait it out? Someone is bound to realize one of us is missing. Hopefully before we starve,” Researcher says, “Though, that is very reliant on how long it will take for someone to find us… Do we know any spells that can break chains?”

            “None are coming to me,” Author says.

            “What’s wrong, Sixer? Wishing you had that sci-fi gun on you?” Stanely smiles.

            “Shut it. I’m trying to think of a plan out of here,” Ford says.

            “Sure. Look Sixer, as much as I want to get out of here, there’s no chance we’re getting out of these chains. Might as well wait to see if an opportunity arrives,” Stanely says.

            “Or you could kill yourself,” Bill says.

            “What?” Author says.

            “Get a redo,” Bill says, “If you end yourself now, you’ll be back on the path like before, without the chain this time. That way, you’ll finally save our project once and for all!”

            “What’s your game here?” Author says.

            “Do you honestly think you can slay him like this?” Bill asks rhetorically.

            “Good point,” Researcher says, “But didn’t you say we have limited number of lives?”

            “You do, but you have much more than 2,” Bill says, “In fact, you’re like a cat. A whole 9 lives.”

            “Fascinating,” Researcher says.

            “So, there’s little risk. Plus, we are going to be stuck here for the foreseeable future,” Ford says.

            “Are you sure, you want to go through this? He’s asking you to kill yourself,” Author says.

            “Positive,” Ford says.

            “…Suit yourself,” Author relents.

            “Uh, Sixer. Why are you talking to yourself? Is your mind trying to convince you to off me again?” Stanely asks.

            “Stanely, I need you to kill me,” Ford says.

            “W-What?! Pointdexter, I’m not going to-” Stanely says.

            “You have to! It’s the only way we can get out of this situation. If you’re worried that I’ll stay dead, I can assure you that just like last time, I will be back. The only real consequence is that more chains might appear on you, and your appearance may become worse,”

            “That’s more reason not to do it!” Stanley argues.

            “Ugh. Stanley, I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine. How can I save us both if I’m in these chains?” Ford says.

            “Well…” Stanely says, and Ford once again notices his sharp teeth.

            In response, Ford moves his captured arm away from Stanely, “Stanely, no. You are not biting my arm so I can escape. That muzzle prevents you from doing anything of the sort!”

            “What! No! I wasn’t thinking of doing that…” Stanley says, “Besides, I bet you’d taste disgusting.”

            “I’ll have you know I taste pretty good!” Ford says, “…Not that I know that or anything.”

            “…I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Stanely says, “Face it, Pointdexter. We’re going to be here for a while.”

            Ford growls, “Are you saying that, because you want to stay with me?”

            “Huh?” Stanely says, and looks away, obviously lying, “I mean, of course, not.”

            “Stanely,” Ford bites, “You are being childish. You can’t just trap us both here if you want to reconnect! I bet you already knew that chain would trap me, didn’t you?”

            “No! Of course, not-” Stanely says with desperation.

            “It makes sense, though. He is a scoundrel and a liar. Plus, who’s to say he fell for it earlier, and that’s why he’s stuck in chains,” Researcher says.

            “Aha!” Ford says, “So this was all just a trick! No wonder my muse wanted you dead, this whole thing was your idea!” and Bill has a hard time grasping human concepts like mortality. Probably thought it was an easy way to get rid of a threat, “Now, stop being selfish and let me fix your mess, again.”

            “…”

            “I… I don’t need your help to fix this,” Stanely snaps.

            “But I unfortunately need yours. Can’t you do one selfless thing in your entire life!?” Ford says, “For me? Your brother?”

            “I…I… *Pause* Fine,” Stanely relents, his eyes trail down his face, before sighing, “but don’t complain once I do it alright? And come closer. I can’t kill ya, if you’re far away.”

            After correcting his grammar, Ford obliges, and hesitantly, Stanley brings his handcuffs over Ford so they’re right in front of his neck.

            “I hope this works. I don’t like the idea we’re dying again,” Author says.

            “It’s the only way out of this mess, plus- Pain’s hilarious! And dying- even more so!” Bill laughs.

            “Plus, it gives us more data points. We might be able to figure out what’s going on, and what kind of magic Stanely now has,” Researcher says, “I wonder if we’ll get another voice? Wonder what he’ll call himself?”

            “Maybe, Voice of the Publisher? Cause that seems to be the theme,” Author says.

            “…W-Well, what are you waiting for?” Ford says, and he isn’t scared. He’s not scared at all at the prospect of dying. Why would anyone think that?

            “…” Stanely goes quiet before gulping, “Come back as you can.” With that he pulls the handcuffs back towards him so they’re now on his chest, bring Ford’s throat with it. He hacks as the oxygen soon leaves his body, which causes his body to instinctively struggle. For a moment, Stanely relents, but before Ford can yell at him to keep going, Stanely pulls back even harder and- CRACK!

            Ford can’t breathe. He gasps for oxygen that never comes. Everything goes dark, and he dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps as he wakes back up on the path. Instinctively, he puts his hand around his throat. It’s not broken. Ford sighs in relief. His muse is right.

            “Of course, I’m right, Sixer! Ha, now why are you looking so scared?” Bill says.

            “It’s nothing-” Ford tries to say.

            “That was awful! Why did we have to make Stanely kill us?!” a new voice panics, “Or better yet, why did we put our hand in that chain?!”

            “Because I was curious about it. You can’t tell me you weren’t even a smidge, curious about what it does?” Researcher says.

            “Okay, why is there so much broken glass here?” Bill says.

            “Well, you tried to get me to kill my brother, which I refused to do,” Ford says, “However, the first time, you took control of me because you were afraid Stanely was lying about not breaking my project, which caused him to freak out and kill me. Then I…” Ford pauses.

            “Got stuck? Ha! Hilarious,” Bill says reading his mind.

            Ford puffs his cheeks out while his face grows warm, “Y-Yes, so I had to have Stanely kill me for this do-over.”

            “And you still want to save him?” Bill asks annoyed.

            “Despite him being an overgrown manchild, who refuses to grow up, even at the cost of my own future,” Ford growls, “He… doesn’t deserve to die.”

            “So, then, what’s the plan moving forward? I don’t want to die again or get trapped!” the new voice says.

            “Before we make a plan, I have to ask. What is your name, and what do you know?” Researcher asks.

            “My name? Uh… I’m the Voice of the P-” both voices and Ford perk up, “-aranoid. O-or Paranoid if we need to rush,” the new voice says, while the others deflate, “And as for what I know… it’s the same as you guys. I only really broke off once we… d-died.”

            “Yeah, sorry about that. That was the choice we made,” Author says.

            “Weren’t you against the idea?” Researcher asks.

            “I am, but I respect your choice in the matter. Unlike him,” Author says with a growl.

            “Hey, what’s with the hostility?” Bill says, “I’ve only been helping you, ever since I chose Ford as my next great mind to inspire! Sure, I’ll admit, the first time was a mistake, but thanks to what that parasite did, I can barely remember it! So, really? Who’s the victim here? I’m practically a different triangle!”

            “Fair point. How much do you remember?” Researcher asks.

            “Bits and pieces,” Bill says, “I know you refused to do what I wanted the first round, and the second round you got stuck. Both times, the parasite killed you, and granted, one of those times was because you asked for it, but really? It just shows you need to slay him.”

            “Hm. Interesting,” Researcher says.

            “…I’m not sure we can trust him though…” Paranoid says, “He still took over us, and is capable of doing it again.”

            “Once again, different triangle. I wouldn’t dream of hurting your little shard, scared glass!” Bill says, “Plus, wasn’t I right that you’ll be okay? You’re all alive now!”

            “…Yeah, you’re right,” Paranoid says, “Guess my fear was… unfounded”

            “(It was completely founded,)” Author mumbles.

            “Eh, everyone’s a critic. I’ll win you over, soon!” Bill says.

            “W-with that out of the way. What’s the plan? I would really not want to go back there without one. Especially, since we look like we’re a prison yard,” Paranoid says.

            Ford blinks, before looking around. Paranoid’s correct, they’re in a prison yard. There’s no plant life for miles, except the occasional bits of grass. Only soft tan dirt. Tall towers with spotlights scan the ground, like they’re watching out for someone. There’s barbed wire and chains everywhere, like if someone were to run away they wouldn’t get far. Plus, there’s multiple craters in the ground making walking difficult, with the smell of gunpowder radiating off of them. Causing Ford’s nose to twitch irritably.

            “Well, you really messed up things, huh Sixer?” Bill says, “Seems your lesser copy has all but undone my work. If you don’t slay him now, then our project is doomed.”

            “But we aren’t going to slay him, right?” Author says, “You’ve said it yourself, Stanford. He doesn’t deserve to die.”

            “…” Ford quiets down, before sighing, “We’re going in there, and freeing Stanely. The only way it has worked before is unfortunately with the gun. We shoot him out, then we can go our separate ways and forget this incident ever happened.”

            “But what if Stanely freaks out again? I don’t want us to die again, especially since we have a limited number of lives!” Paranoid says, “Or he does destroy our project, and all our work… would be for nothing.”

            “A real scientist isn’t afraid of the result,” Researcher says, “We have to go in there. Besides, we won’t get any answers to what’s going on, if we stay put.”

            “Agreed. Let’s go free Stanely,” Ford says and marches down the path.

            They soon find the house, and chains bind it. As soon as Ford reaches the door, Bill says, “I know this is going to sound redundant Sixer, but remember. That parasite will destroy your project once he escapes. Do you really want to risk your life’s work for your dumb twin?”

            “…Of course not, but I don’t have a choice,” Ford says and enters the house.

            “There’s always a choice,” Author says.

            “Just make sure you make the right one,” Bill warns.

            Inside, the house has transformed into a county jail to a full max security prison. With cameras and everything. Despite Bill saying that Stanely is almost free, Ford can’t help this is anything but. Still, Ford walks through the room and grabs the memory gun.

            “I don’t like holding it,” Paranoid says, “What if it’s turned against us again?”

            “That won’t happen,” Author says, “I won’t let it happen.”

            “You sound pretty sure of yourself, glass,” Bill says.

            “Someone has to,” Author states.

            Ford then enters the elevator and begins his descent. It goes smoothly, but then- clink. The elevator stops.

            “What’s that? Please don’t tell me we’re trapped in this elevator?!” Paranoid says.

            “No? Don’t be ridiculous. It sounds more likely that the elevator is about to fall,” Researcher says.

            Just like that, the elevator begins to fall. Ford can feel himself floating upwards as it descends.

            “THIS IS EVEN WORSE!” Paranoid shouts.

            “Don’t worry! We still have a few more tries, we’ll just not go into the elevator again!” Researcher says.

            Suddenly, they notice one of the walls inside the elevator is gone. They can technically exit the elevator while it’s still falling, but it’s nowhere near the ground… yet.

            “Stanford! Jump! We might be able to grab something outside to stop our fall!” Paranoid screams.

            Ford obliges and jumps out of the elevator, but he doesn’t manage to grab onto something. Instead, he falls into a bunch of chains. In quick succession, he’s now trapped, with both of his arms, legs, torso, and neck, now in chains.

            “…”

            “Hey, Sixer,” Stanely says, and Ford looks up. Seems Stanely is in the same predicament, as both his arms, legs, torso, and neck are trapped in chains. He doesn’t look too much different since the last time Ford saw him; however, now his shirt has dulled and is torn. Plus, a small beard has grown on his face. Fortunately, his teeth are back to normal, and the muzzle is gone.

            “Stanley?” Ford says.

            “Yep, that’s my name. Glad I didn’t kill you for real, was starting to think- Never mind. So, um, what’s the plan on getting out of here, cause my arms are getting really sore,” Stanely says.

            “Well, I’ve brought the gun,” Ford says looking over to see the memory gun still in his hands, though… “It’s going to be hard to maneuver it, to shoot us out.”

            “Well, what are you waiting for? Free us already!” Stanely shouts.

            “Patience, Lee,” Ford groans and tries to angle the memory gun to one of the chains. Preferably, the one that has the hand holding the memory gun. Ford angles it and pulls the trigger- BAM!

            He misses and, due to the shock of it almost hitting himself, he drops the memory gun. It hits the ground with a thud. To add insult to injury, the chain it should’ve hit, breaks on its own, along with the chain trapping Stanely’s counterpart limb as well.

            “…” Ford feels his face warm up again, while Stanely smirks. Jerk.

            “Well, at least we know the ground isn’t that far down, according to the sound of the memory gun falling,” Researcher says, “And it seems the chains break on their own. I’m sure if we wait, they’ll give in to our weight and we’ll both fall to the ground, free!”

            “But what if the last chain to break is the one around our neck?” Paranoid says, “If that’s the last one, then…”

            “Then I’ll be dead… again,” Ford says.

            “Ford?” Stanely says.

            Suddenly, the chain on both of the twin’s torso breaks. Causing an uncomfortable shift in balance. Stanely squeaks at the result and forces his eyes to look up. Guess he hasn’t gotten over his fear of heights yet.

            “Stanford! Why the hell, did you say that?!” Stanely snaps like its Ford’s fault the chains are snapping.

            “Stanely, we need to get out of these chains now,” Ford snaps with urgency.

            “Yeah, like I didn’t notice,” Stanley sighs.

            “Alright, we need a new plan. Do we have a plan to get out of here before it hangs us?” Paranoid says.

            “Why can’t you just let the chain hang you. It’d be pretty funny, and you’ll be out of the chains,” Bill says.

            “Because I don’t want to die again and doubt the rest of us do either! Besides, we already tried that plan last time, which got us all stuck here!” Paranoid snaps, “So besides, that. What is our plan?!”

            “Maybe… we try to change the order of the chains breaking?” Researcher suggests, “It seems our chains breaking ties into Stanely’s as well, so we’ll be saving both of us if we change the order.”

            “Good idea,” Author says.

            “Alright,” Ford says, using his free arm to pull on the one on his neck. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work, as instead of that one, the chain on his right leg breaks instead. Likewise, the one on Stanely’s right leg breaks.

            “@#$@”, Ford curses.

            “Oh, Ford. Don’t tell me, you believe…” Stanely sighs with sorrow.

            “Quiet, Stanely. I’m trying to get us both out of here,” Ford says.

            “…I have plan,” Stanely suddenly states, “And I think it might work.”

            “Really, Stan? I’m the one with 12 PHD’s. I can get us both out of this,” Ford responds. He then whispers to himself, “We need a new plan…”

            “Hey! I have a plan-”

            “No, Stanely! I want to live!” Ford says.

            “…Fine. Be that way,” Stanely says. Then the one on his left leg breaks. Once again, the chain on Stan’s left leg follows. One chain left before death. Stanely gives Ford a fearful look.

            “Come on, we got to have something!” Author says.

            “I’m thinking!” Researcher snaps.

            “Again, you have plenty of more tries-” Bill says.

            “Not helping,” Paranoid snaps.

            “Ford,” Stanely says, “You’re right.”

            “Of course I am,” Ford says, ignoring his own sweat dripping down his face, and his heartbeat that’s getting increasingly faster.

            “You are the ‘smart twin’, so you’re the one with the plan… but I’m the ‘strong twin’. And I was able to kill you with one punch.”

            “It was a lucky shot,” Researcher says.

            “And I was able to kill you again with a swift motion of those cuffs. AND I AM ABLE TO BREAK THIS CHAIN!” Stanely shouts and launches himself right at the chain on Ford’s neck. In one punch, the chain breaks. Then the one on Ford’s right hand breaks. Ford screams as he soon falls to the ground below.

            The whole ordeal shocks Ford so badly, he can barely hear Stanely whimper, “ERK! I’m…s…sor…ry…six…” Then, silence.

            “Ow!” Ford says as he slowly gets up. He’s definitely going to feel that in the morning.

            “We’re alive! WE’RE ALIVE!” Paranoid says.

            “Haha! We are!” Ford says as relief washes over him, “but where’s… where’s…” He looks around, expecting to see Stanely on the ground beside him. Then… he looks up and the warmth in his face vanishes, because Stanely is still up there.

            Darkness covers him, so Ford can’t see anything past his upper torso and a transparent silhouette. Stanely is swaying, but nothing indicates movement beyond that. Not even the subtle increase of a chest breathing in oxygen.

            “Huh. Got to hand it to you, Sixer. You manage to slay him, without even firing at him once!” Bill cheers.

            “No. No. No. No! This can’t be it! We were supposed to rescue him! This… This isn’t how it ends! This can’t be!” Author wails, “There’s got to be another way!”

            “Oh Moses… He… he figured it out… he figured it out before us…” Researcher says.

            “F-figured what out?” Paranoid says.

            “It all makes sense, now,” Researcher monolgues, “How the house keeps changing, how he keeps changing… this place… this world… It’s all based on our thoughts and beliefs! He… he k-knew. Knew before us,”

            “But we didn’t listen to him,” Paranoid says, “And now he’s… he’s… Oh, I feel sick.”

            “This all my fault…” Researcher says, “I should’ve been smarter than this. We’re the smart twin after all… I should’ve figured this out before it was too late. Ugh… why!”

            “But we can bring back, right?!” Author says in a desperate voice, “If we can use our thoughts and beliefs to create this, then… we can believe him back to life, c-can we?”

            “Sorry, glass. But death is permanent to you humans and parasites,” Bill says, but his voice fades. Like a connection is being lost.

            Ford looks around and sees the area quickly disappear into darkness. A mist soon follows it.

            Ford doesn’t get a chance to use the power of belief to save his brother, nor will he ever, as soon as the darkness covers the area, a ginormous fish falls from the celling and swallows Stanely whole. It then dives right in front of Ford into the darkness.

            “Hey! Stop! That’s my brother!” Ford yells trying to run after it, but he can’t. It’s gone, and so is Stan. Ford falls to his knees, where it landed, and feels tears fall off his face.

            “Stan… please… come back… I-I’m sorry,” Ford begs, but nobody answers. Nobody answers for a long time.

            After for what feels like eternity of Ford staring at the ground, feeling his tears drip off his face into the cruel darkness, Researcher speaks up, “Um… Stanford.”

            “What,” Ford snaps.

            “Uh! T-There’s now a mirror in the room,” Researcher says.

            Ford takes off his glasses and wipes his tears away. He then places them back on and looks up, and he sees… a mirror. One that’s broken and missing three pieces of glass. For some reason, Ford feels like it’s… calling towards him.

            He slowly gets up and walks towards it.

            “Hey! Slow down! I’m getting a bad feeling from it!” Paranoid says, “We should stay back!”

            “I’m curious about what that mirror hides, but there’s something stronger pulling me back. Fear,” Researcher says, “Don’t go near it.”

            “A-are you sure you want to go towards it?” Author asks.

            “…Yes,” Ford says, “I think… Stanely’s there.”

            “A-are you crazy?” Researcher says, “Stanely’s… gone.”

            “And I don’t want to join him, yet,” Paranoid says.

            “…But I miss him, and he still needs me,” Ford says and walks over to the mirror, despite the voices’ protests. He’s surprised Bill hasn’t said anything.

            “Okay… if that’s what you want,” Author says.

            Placing his six fingered hand on the mirror, it suddenly heals back up. Along with it healing, the voices are now gone. Ford gazes into his reflection and sees… himself.

            Then he’s somewhere else.

Chapter Text

            The area now around him is dark. Almost completely black, though Ford manages to make out a road in front of him. Carefully, he follows it which warps into the hull of a ship. Once Ford reaches the hull, he looks down and sees dizzying black water gently crashing into the ship, like the ocean. Suddenly, the fish from before launches itself out of the water and slams its head on the ship. Instinctively, Ford takes a step back, as it now towers above him.

            He stares at it in horror and curiosity, before anger takes hold of him on what it did, and he shouts, “Give me back my brother!” while raising a fist towards it.

            With that the fish opens its mouth, and Stanely’s standing on its tongue. Though something is wrong, as a sharp star blocks out his face. He looks exactly the same as he did last time, minus the chains, except the one still around his neck. Ford chooses to ignore it.

            “Hey, Sixer. Heh, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” Stanley jokes.

            “Stanley?” Ford says, “Y-You’re alive?!”

            “Yep. Takes a lot more- Hey-” Stanely yelps, as Ford brings him into a hug. The tears have returned as he grips his brother tightly. Like any moment, he’ll disappear.

            Slowly, Stanely returns the hug, and sighs, “Sorry. *Pause* For scaring you like that, I mean, but… now, you know how it feels.”

            After a what may have been hours, Ford reluctantly, pulls back. He looks back at him and says, “I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you sooner… Let’s get out of here, Stanely. We probably need to get you patched up and run some tests. This is the strangest anomaly I have ever seen, one that changes due to my perception. I might need to make sure it’s not effecting you badly and how you can channel it in the best way possible, but nevertheless, let’s go, Stan.”

            “I…” Stanely ‘stares’ at him, “Uh… I can’t, Ford.”

            “Can’t? Stanely, you can just walk out of there!” Ford asks, “Unless you’re worried that the fish is going to close it’s mouth on you again-”

            “Well, no. I can’t. I’d…love to but can’t. Cause, this fish is me,”

            “Is you?!” Ford asks dumbfounded.

            “Don’t ask me how, cause I don’t even know why I’m a fish. It’s uh… really weird. But point is, that is me,” Stanely points backwards to the fish.

            “Then… who’s this? What is this?” Ford points to the ‘Stanely’ in front of him.

            “That’s also, me but… a part of me?” Stanely points to himself, “I don’t know, it’s like those voices you had in your brain.”

            “Voices? How do you know about them?” Ford asks.

            “Cause I’m not stupid, Ford. You’ve been talking to them. And something tells me you aren’t hearing things,” Stanley says.

            “Of course, I am not suffering from audible hallucinations! But… even if the fish is you. Then you can still leave, I mean, you’re up here and despite having gills, you don’t seem to be largely affected by leaving the water.”

            “But I can’t,” Stanely says.

            “Why not!?” Ford snaps. Ugh, leave it to Stanely for being difficult.

            “Well first off, do you even know where we are?”

            Ford looks around, before slowly admitting, “N-no, but we can figure it out!”

            “Ugh,” Stanely sighs, “And second of all, there’s…”

            “There’s?” Ford repeats.

            “…”

            “Stanely spit it out.”

            Stanely soon mumbles something.

            “Stan, speak up. I can’t understand you if you’re mumbling.”

            “…there’s something wrong with… _me.”

            “Something wrong with you?” Ford says with a small tinge of fear in his voice. Did Stanely dying have lasting effects? No! It didn’t! If he believes it doesn’t, then it won’t. He won’t make that mistake again.

            “Yeah, I…” Stanely pauses before looking away, and then continues but with the tone that he’s getting his teeth pulled, “I don’t feel like myself, Sixer, and I don’t think you do too. Especially with that… never mind.”

            “I-” Ford is about to argue but then realizes something feels wrong with him too. There’s a fuzzy numbness inside of him, he can’t figure out. He grips his shirt, hoping for that numbness to go away, but it doesn’t.

            “Point is, I don’t think we can leave, until we’re ourselves again,” Stanely says, “We’re trapped.”

            “I see… How can I fix this?” Ford says.

            “Well… I have an… idea, but… you aren’t going to like it,” Stanely says hesitantly.

            “What it is?” Ford demands. He needs to hear what Stanely’s idea is. Last time, he didn’t and Stan almost… Even if it worked out in the end, Ford is sure there was a better ending he could’ve gotten. One where both of them could’ve gotten out of there alive.

            “Never mind, it’s stupid and would definitely put you in danger.”

            “Stan.”

            “Here’s not too bad, I can practice creating money out of thin air!”

            “Stanely”

            “That’s got to be something, I can do! You know, with the whole power of belief-”

            “STANELY CARYN PINES!” Ford snaps, causing Stanely to wilt, “What are you thinking?”

            “…Ford. This could hurt you,” Stanely whispers.

            “…A real scientist isn’t afraid of the result!” Ford states, “If this can get us both out of here, then it’s worth a bit of pain.”

            “Fine. But tell me if you don’t want to do it anymore. So, when I first got here… I wasn’t all there. Kind of felt like I was in a dreamless sleep, you know,” Stanely says, “Unaware of anything. But then… you did something, and I felt the urge to reach out and nabbed this sucker, and now… I feel a little more like myself. Heh. Enough that I made this room! Stan’s Oasis, only brothers allowed!”

            Ford can’t help but snicker. He soon continues, “So, what are you suggesting?”

            “Well… getting this guy,” Stanely lifts up his arm to point at himself, “Makes me feel more like myself and let’s me have more control over these sick new powers. And I’m betting if I nab more of these suckers, I’ll be able to break us both out of here!”

            “But?” Ford asks.

            “But that means, you’re going to have to go back. Do the same thing you did earlier but a little different, so then I can nab another of these suckers! And we’ll be out of here in no time!” Stanely says.

            Ford cringes. He does not like that plan, but… assuming Stanely’s telling the truth, which probably is cause it sounds like he’s pulling teeth out of his skull saying all this, then that might be their only option. Though-

            “What do you mean by suckers? Didn’t you say they’re apart of you?” Ford asks.

            “Well… yeah. They are me, but slightly different? Ugh! This whole situation is really weird! It’s like uh… jix-saw puzzle? Yeah! And the whole thing, when completed is me. And the puzzle pieces that make them, or this sucker, but I currently don’t have enough puzzle pieces in me to be me and need them,” Stanely says, “And uh… UGH! forget it! This whole thing is way too complicated, and I barely understand it myself. It’s just a feeling, you know?”

            “Alright. But out of curiosity, what do you think of this… ‘sucker’?” Ford asks.

            “Ugh. Okay, this guy sucks,” Stanely states, “He killed you, what? Twice? First time he hit you too hard, which isn’t too surprising since you’re a wimpy nerd,”

            “Hey!” Ford defends.

            “And then he gave into peer pressure, when you told him to kill you. However, he did figure this whole place out before you did, which was pretty funny. So, he’s a clever sucker,” Stanely says.

            Ford hums at that description. Something is off about what Stanely said about this version of himself.

            “Eh, don’t feel too bad, Sixer,” Stanely says, “In a way, he’s finally free.”

            “Good to know. So…” Ford gulps, he doesn’t want to do to this, but he can’t stay here. He has a project to finish, and Stanely has a life to get back to, “How are we going to enact your plan? Are you… going to send me back, using your new anomalous powers?”

            “Yeah, that’s the plan. Hopefully it’ll stick after this all over. It’s pretty useful. I can basically do anything! As long as someone believes I can! *Pause* It’s going to be a bit hard though, but a little lying can get me far-”

            “Stanely, you’re stalling,”

            “I… I’m not!” Stanely defends. Ford raises his eyebrow at him.

            “Ugh… fine, I’ll send you back, but…”

            “But?”

            “I’ll have to take your memories of what happened. So, that when you see ‘me’ again, you’ll have a clean slate. So, you don’t have your previous memories mucking everything up,” Stanely says, though there’s something to his words that suggest he’s hiding something. For now, Ford decides not to push it.

            “Alright. Is there anything you want me to do next time?” Ford says.

            “Ford. You’re going to forget. Anything I say, you won’t remember,” Stanely says.

            “Are you sure, you’re going to be okay with this?” Ford says, “I might… kill you. Again.”

            “Eh. I’ve been through worse. I can handle it. Besides, I died this time. So, even if you do kill me, I’ll just come back like you did. So… you ready?”

            Ford hesitates, before sighing, “Yes.”

            “Good luck, and come back soon,” Stanely says.

            A glass shatters, and everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

            Knock, knock!

            “Who’s that?” Fiddleford asks.

            Ford doesn’t answer, instead he walks over to the door. He opens it and sees his twin brother nervously standing outside.

            “Hey, Sixer. Wow, uh… nice place you got,” Stanely says.

            “Hello, Stanely,” Ford says without any warmth. His brother flinches at that.

            “So, uh… what do you need me for? Are you in trouble?!” Stanely asks in almost a panic.

            “Not particularly. Come in. I’ll explain the details,” Ford says.

            Ford wakes up on a path. He feels the presence of a where some memories should be, but then it fades. He’s in a forest.

            “Boy Sixer, you really took a while to get up?” Bill Cipher says.

            “I suppose I did,” Ford sighs, “W-What happened? Why am I here?”

            “Catch on, quick? Well-” Bill says and then explains that they’re project is in danger from some mind-altering parasite. To stop him, Ford needs to slay him. Despite his best intentions, Ford can’t help but zone out on a few parts. He gets the gist of it though.

            He soon follows the path up to do his house, to complete his mission. Once he sees his house, Bill suddenly says, “Oh, before I forget. There’s something I need to tell you. The parasite will lie, cheat, and do everything in its power to stop you from slaying it. Don’t trust him.”

            “Are we sure we have to slay it? Couldn’t there be another way?” Author says, “Also, if worse comes to worse, we can always rebuild the portal.”

            “Ignore him Sixer. He’s just harmless voice. Once you do what you need to do, he’ll go back to where he’s supposed to go,” Bill says.

            Silently, Ford enters the house. It’s exactly how his house is, minus all the doors except the one to the portal being locked. He notices the memory gun on a table. Briefly, he considers grabbing it but then decides against it. Something about using it against the parasite makes his stomach turn.

            “Giving me the silent treatment, aren’t you, Sixer?” Bill says, “You’ve barely said anything when you came up here.”

            “I just… don’t feel like talking, my muse,” Ford admits.

            “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to,” Author says.

            “Besides, any conversation would take up time,” Ford continues.

            “Hm. Good thinking, Sixer,” Bill says.

            Ford then approaches the elevator.

            “Wait, hold on Iq! Aren’t you forgetting something?!” Bill says.

            “Hm?” Ford questions.

            “The memory gun,” Bill states, slightly annoyed.

            “Ah yes. I doubt it’d do good against him,” Ford says.

            Bill sighs, “It will do good against him, it’s a mind-altering parasite!”

            “True, but I’m sure there’s another way!” Ford says as he enters the elevator.

            “Ugh, if you say so,” Bill sighs.

            The decedent is slow, and Ford can feel his muscles tense up. A part of him wishes he grabbed the memory gun, since a weapon is better than none, but at the same time he feels relief.

            “You doing okay there, Sixer?” Bill says.

            “I’m sorry, my muse, but… I don’t feel comfortable with slaying him,” Ford says.

            “Ah, you mortals. Always so hung up on ethics. Think of it this way, before I had to put him here, he was downright miserable. And the place he’s in now isn’t much better. Think of it as- doing it a favor, since it can’t find the willpower to off itself,” Bill says.

            He’s not sure if it makes him feel any better, but Ford thanks him regardless.

            Once the elevator swings its doors open, Ford exits out. He then hears a familiar voice, “Hey! Get me out of here!”

            “He sounds… desperate. We should go help,” Author says.

            “Of course he does! He knows he’s trapped,” Bill says.

            Soon, Ford enters what should be the portal room and- he is now glad he left the memory gun upstairs, as Stanely is sitting there with a chain on his wrist. He looks normal, or as normal as he can be with having a mullet.

            “Stanford?” Stanely calls out in confusion and… relief.

            “Stanely?” Ford calls out in confusion.

            “What are you doing here?” Stanely asks.

            “…It… It doesn’t matter. I’m getting you out of here,” Ford says and walks over to Stanely’s chain. It looks tight.

            “Okay, sure it doesn’t matter,” Stanley says, rolling his eyes, but thankfully doesn’t push it.

            “Don’t free him! Ugh!” Bill complains.

            “Why don’t you want to free him?” Author asks, “It’s not like he’s dangerous. Well… not to us at least”

            “He is!” Bill snaps, “He’s the parasite that’s planning on destroying our portal!”

            Ford pauses, “He’s what?”

            “B-Bill’s asking you to kill your brother, Ford,” Author says with horror.

            Ford almost screams at Bill for this. Almost. Until he sees Stanely’s concerned expression. Ford bites his tongue to prevent him from screaming. He doesn’t want to talk to unseen voices in front of Stanely. So, he ignores what they’re talking about and investigates the chain around his brother’s wrist.

            “There doesn’t seem to be lock, worrying,” Ford wonders aloud.

            “Hey, there could be one upstairs,” Stanely guess, “Or I can bite myself free.”

            Ford blinks, “Don’t do that.”

            “Yeah, I won’t,” Stanely says but looks away for a second.

            “I’ll be right back, stay right there,” Ford says walks away.

            “I’ll try,” Stanely says sarcastically.

            Ford walks over to the elevator and discovers the power has been cut. For some reason, this doesn’t surprise him.

            “Oh, what a shame. The elevator is gone. Guess you have to slay him, now,” Bill sighs.

            “…” Ford doesn’t say anything. He walks back to Stanely.

            “No luck?” he asks.

            “No luck,” Ford says, “We’re stuck here for the moment,”

            “Hm. Let me check,” Stanely says.

            “Stanely, you can’t check. You’re- WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” Ford shouts, as without much hesitation Stanely bites into his wrist. Blood trickles down.

            “I’m geppimg us oup of here,” Stanely says.

            Ford takes a step back in horror. Is this really Stanely? Suddenly, he feels something underneath his foot. He looks down and sees- the memory gun.

            “Of course it isn’t, Sixer,” Bill says, “I told you! It’ll lie and cheat its way out of here. It just so happened to choose to the form of your spar-Brother to trick you. But you won’t let that stand, will you?”

            “Are you sure? Stanely could just be desperate,” Author says, “We don’t even know how long he’s been down here. I’m sure we would resort to the same thing if we were in his shoes.”

            “Sixer, what do you rather believe? A lying mind monster pretending to be your lesser half, or your brother has lost it and is tearing himself free, so he needs to be put down. Either way, it’s hilarious that he’s doing that to himself!” Bill says.

            “Or you can help with get out of there with that gun. So, he doesn’t die from blood loss. It must be pretty painful,” Author says.

            “Come on, Sixer. I gave you this task, because I know you can do it! You wouldn’t want to disappoint me, do you?”

            Ford picks up the gun and looks at Stanely. He’s already a decent way through his arm. Ford aims the gun and- it hits Stanely’s left shoulder.

            “SWEET BELGIUM WAFFLES!” Stanely screams in pain, before grabbing his shoulder with his bloody hand. He looks up at his attacker with a betrayed look in his eyes, “F-Ford?”

            Suddenly, Ford feels guilty about shooting at him, but he shakes his head. This isn’t his brother, right? He didn’t just shoot him. Besides, he’s going to ruin the portal, and Ford can’t have that.

            “HAHAHA! You missed, Sixer! Again.” Bill says.

            Ford fires again. This time at ‘Stanely’s’ head.

            However, the parasite is ready for him as he uses his wounded arm as shield. Ripping the rest of it off and releasing him from the chain. He bites back a scream and prepares his next move.

            “Oh @$#@,” Ford and Author say at the exact same time, as the parasite rushes him. Barely having any time to react, the parasite steals the gun from Ford and proceeds to deliver him a sharp left hook. Ford tumbles to the ground.

            “Get up, Sixer!” Bill snaps, “I know you meat bags are fragile, but you aren’t that fragile! Get up!”

            “…” Ford groans and tries to get up, but then stops when he notices the gun pointing at his head.

            He looks up and sees the parasite, with scared and hurt expression, staring at him. It seems he’s running on adrenaline.

            “Ha…ha… You know, Sixer,” the parasite laughs. It isn’t funny, “I really thought… that you were coming to save me… That deep down, you still loved me. That one day, once I made millions, I could come back home and we could be best friends again, like old times. But… I really am the dumb twin for thinking that huh?”

            “W-what?” Ford stammers, mostly because the parasite really hit him good. Though, how would a parasite know that? Either because it has more control over the mind than Ford thought, or…

            “Oh no. It really is Stanely. And we… we…” Author says sounding sick.

            “Don’t move,” Stan warns.

            “Stanely-” Ford says he tries getting up. Perhaps he can deescalate the situation.

            “I SAID DON’T MOVE!” Stanely panics and he pulls the trigger.

            It collides with Ford’s head, and he feels a sharp pain in his skull. His body falls to the ground, and Stanely’s painting and fearful expression slowly drifts away. Not by anything on Stan’s part.

            “Wait, this can’t be how it ends!” Author cries.

            “Afraid so, glass,” Bill sighs.

            Ford doesn’t have time to register what either said, as everything goes dark, and he dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps as he wakes back up in the woods. He places his hand on his head and feels his forehead. Then he places his six-fingered hand on his heart and feels his heartbeat. Bump, Bump, Bump.

            “You okay there, Sixer?” Bill asks, “You’re not looking to hot. What’s the matter?”

            “I… I…” Ford says, before shaking his head, “STANELY KILLED ME!”

            “That was awful!” Author says.

            “It was a mistake to lower our defenses,” a new voice says, “Now, we’re back at square run, and no close to saving the new golden age.”

            “Huh? Who are you?” Author asks.

            “I’m the Voice of the Martyr, but to save time, call me Martyr,” the voice says, “And we have a job to do. We were fooled by Stanely, who was acting like a damsel in distress, when in reality, he is danger to us, the portal, and perhaps even the world! He must be stopped at all costs!”

            “Are we sure, he needs to be stopped? Can’t we talk this out?” Author says.

            “He tricked us before, and he can do it again,” Martyr states.

            “Ha! I like this guy!” Bill says, “Come on, Sixer! Let’s get to the house already!”

            “…” Ford grins his teeth. He’s not sure if he should go through with it. He almost killed his brother! He needs to make sure he’s okay. However, Bill has tasked him with this mission and slaying him seems to be the only way he’ll be able to accomplish it. Plus, Stan already killed him once.

            “You don’t have to go through this if you don’t want to. It’s not too late to apologize,” Author says.

            “No,” Martyr says, “If we apologize that means we weren’t in the right, and a hero is always in the right!”

            “…Um. We don’t have time to unpack all of that,” Author says, “Surely a hero is someone who can recognize their mistakes.”

            “I do recognize my mistakes. The mistake of trusting Stanely in the first place and not listening to our muse! You agree with me, Stanford, right?” Martyr says.

            “Let’s get going. Once we get there, we’ll… figure something out,” Ford states and heads off.

            Once he sees the house in the distance, he suddenly hears Bill say, “Almost forgot to mention. Remember, Sixer, he will lie, cheat, and do everything in his power to stop you from slaying him. Don’t trust him.”

            “Understood, my muse,” Martyr says, “He won’t trick us again.”

            “Are we sure this is what we want?” Author says, “Killing him feels too far.”

            “We’re not killing him. We’re slaying him. There’s a difference,” Martyr says.

            “Doesn’t sound like too much of a difference,” Author says.

            “Oh, there is. We aren’t villains,” Martyr says, “So, slaying is the term we use.”

            Ford enters his house, and it no longer looks like his house. Rather it looks more like a tourist trap with taxidermized anomalies, fake and real, all around. Ford shutters in disgust, as he instinctively hides his hands in his pockets.

            “How disgusting! Truly, this shows the parasite is a villain. All this is a mockery against anomalies like us. We were fools to even believe he was trustworthy for even a second!” Martyr says, “Can’t believe he change our house like this!”

            “Are we sure, Stan put these up? He’s kind of trapped in the basement, remember?” Author says.

            “That is true, glass; however,” Bill says, “Because of what you did last time, the parasite is slowly undoing my hard work to keep him here, which manifests as this. If you don’t slay him now, Sixer, he might escape and put an end to our project! You wouldn’t want that to happen, would you?”

            “Of course not! This not just for us, but for the betterment of the entire world! The parasite must be slain, or we’ll die trying!” Martyr says.

            “Die?” Author asks.

            “Good. You know what to do,” Bill says.

            Ford glances at the memory gun. He walks over to it, gazing down upon it.

            “You don’t have to pick it up, if you don’t want to,” Author says.

            “…Do you not want me to slay him?” Ford asks, “You didn’t complain when I fired at him earlier.”

            “Well, I don’t want to kill him, and I have feeling Martyr doesn’t want you to do so either,” Author says.

            “Lies and slander,” Martyr says, though uneasy, “He showed us his true nature last time, so we need to stop his plan to destroy our work!”

            “Sixer, don’t listen to these shards of glass-” Bill says.

            “I’m not finished,” Author interrupts. Bill and Martyr growl, “Ehem. However, I respect whatever you do choose. Whatever you do, I’ll be on your side, 100%. Even if it’s not the path I would’ve chosen.”

            “…Understood,” Ford says and hesitantly grabs the weapon there.

            “Alright, I’m with you all the way,” Author says.

            Ford doesn’t answer and enters the elevator. It slowly descends downwards.

            “I know you’re hesitant Sixer, but honestly. His life was pretty bad before all this, and although this place is great, it’s still a prison,” Bill says. Ford grips his hands, “So, slaying him would be doing him a favor.”

            “…If you say so,” Ford says.

            Soon the elevator’s doors open, and Ford walks through.

            “Welcome to the Murder Hut! Is there anything you want to buy?” a familiar voice says. He has a showman ship voice.

            “Unless it’s useful for the cause, not really,” Martyr says.

            “I want one of the taxidermies!” Bill says.

            Ford soon enters the room. Once again, it’s full of the distasteful taxidermy.

            “Ah!” Stanely says standing up, having his hands behind his back while the chain follows. He looks at Ford, or more accurately the gun with unease, before snapping out of it, “Hello, my good sir! Find anything you’re looking for?”

            Stanely is definitely different his time around. He’s wearing a proper suit that’s well iron. His hair is cut and looks fashionable. No longer having that messy mullet. However, his better appearance is betrayed by how off he looks. Currently, he has a long thin brown tail, like a mouse’s, with an 8-ball on the tip of it. It’s also swaying close to the floor like any moment, Stanely is going to slam it into the ground. Worrying. Plus, something Ford just notices, are two metal hooks that come out from behind Stanely’s ears into his mouth and one metal hook that grips his mouth at the bottom, forcing himself to have permanent smile.

            “That looks… incredibly painful,” Author says.

            “And hilarious!” Bill laughs, “Might need to try that some time.”

            “He… really is trying very hard to look not threating,” Martyr says uneasy, “To the point it wraps back around to be threating.”

            “Well, don’t stare there and gawk! That’s what the attractions are for!” Stanely says.

            “Stanely. I have no time for your games,” Ford says.

            “Stanely? I haven’t heard of a Stanely before,” Stanely says and looks away for a second before turning back to Ford, “I’m ‘Mr. Mystery’! The owner of this fine establishment!”

            Ford growls, “Owner? This is my house!”

            “Oh? I don’t see your name on it? Besides, I’m the one who woke up here,” Stanely says, cause Ford is refusing to call him ‘Mr. Mystery’, “So, that means, I own it.”

            Ford growls, “No! That doesn’t mean- ugh! Look. I… was… a bit mistaken back there, and although that was no excuse to kill me,” He could see Stanely wince, “It seems that as luck would have it, I’m back. So, let’s try this again. I’m going to get you out of here.”

            “WHAT?!” Martyr and Bill say at the exact same time.

            “…Really?” Stanely says, he raises one of his eyebrows, “Then why’d you bring the gun?”

            “Uh, self-defense. In case things go south,” Ford admits.

            “Hm. Then, I have to say no to that,” Stan says.

            “What? Don’t you want to be freed?!” Ford asks.

            “Of course I do!” Stanely says, “But there’s no way I trust you.”

            “Trust you?” Ford scoffs offended, “Of course, you can trust me! I’m your brother!”

            “Uh, huh. You’re totally my brother, person I definitely never met,” Stanely says unconvinced. His tail seems eager to crash itself into the ground, “Plus, if you’re not willing to trust me,” he glances at the gun, “Then, there’s no reason I should extend it to you. Unless you drop your guard, or something.”

            “Hey, that’s not a bad idea. Maybe, we could… give him the gun? That could convince him,” Author says.

            “Have you lost it? If we give him the gun, we will be losing our only weapon and worse giving him the advantage! We’re not going to help some villain ruin a new golden age for humanity!” Martyr snaps.

            “But he’s our brother,” Author argues back.

            “But when’s that helped?” Bill mentions, “Remember Sixer, he betrayed you first at the science fair. If anything, he’s the one that needs to prove his trustworthiness, and that’s letting you slay him.”

            After listening to all three voices, Ford tightens his grip, and says, “Well, it doesn’t matter if you trust me or not, I’m the only person for miles and there’s no way you’re getting out of there without dying of blood loss.”

            “Really? That’s the card you play?” Stanley says and smugly throws the chain aside. Revealing both of his free hands. He shakes them both, showing them off.

            “HE WAS LYING ABOUT BEING TRAPPED. THAT B-” Martyr shouts.

            “Look, Si-Stranger. I know what you’re trying to do. But you can’t fool a con-man. At least, not twice in a row. I’m not getting shot again,” Stanely says, “Especially from someone who’s claiming, ‘wants to get me out of here’. I’ve heard that before,”

            “…” Ford lowers his shoulders, “Stanely, please.”

            “…” Stan stares at him before sighing, “Fine.” He then slowly walks over to Ford, “But you’re going into the elevator first.”

            “Bad idea. I wouldn’t trust him to be behind us,” Martyr says.

            “But it’s Stanely,” Author argues.

            “And he killed us,” Martyr says.

            “No, you go ahead,” Ford says.

            “Yeah, no. I’m not that stupid,” Stanley says.

            “…Stan, stop being so childish. You go first. That, or I’ll actually leave for good,” Ford says.

            “Hm, risky play. He lied about being in chains, he could be lying about needing an escort,” Martyr says.

            “He… he never said he needed an escort? Where did you get that idea?” Author says.

            “Because he would’ve escaped if he could. This place is a prison for him, so he needs someone to let him out,” Martyr says.

            While the voices argue, Stan gives Ford a look and leans forward. It’s hard to tell what he’s thinking, mostly do to the metal binding his mouth, or at least, that’s what Ford tells himself is the cause. Regardless, he really needs to take those out.

            Stan then leans back, and finally says, “Fine, you win. I’ll go first.”

            They both walk towards the elevator, Stan in the lead, while Ford from behind. However, the walk is uncomfortable, as Stan keeps glancing behind him, with his tail’s end dangerously close to the ground, like it’s a loaded weapon.

            “Alright, once he stops glancing, you shoot him!” Bill says.

            “What why? We’re helping him get out of here! We’re making it up to him,” Author says.

            “Yes, but the fate of humanity is in danger! Shooting him in the back will save us all!” Martyr says.

            “I thought this was just about our project. Why is humanity endangered? What’s next the world?” Author asks.

            “Yep! Slay him now or else it will be the end of the world! Like the original game!” Bill says.

            “What?” Author asks, “No, seriously. What are you talking about?”

            Instead of getting an answer, Martyr says, “Stanford, you should be cautious. I think this parasite has a trick up his sleeve and might take us down before we get the chance to take him with us. Let’s make sure the latter happens first.”

            “Wait, are you still suggesting we’re going to die?” Author asks.

            “A hero bravely does what’s right, when he’s facing death itself!” Martyr says.

            “But do we have to die to see it through? Can’t we find a different solution?” Author says.

            “You were the one suggesting we give him the gun. That’s a death sentence if I ever seen one,” Martyr says.

            Soon, they reach the elevator and stop in their tracks. Ford opens the door up, and steps back, letting Stan get into first. Stanley gives him a look before pushing him over. Stealing his wallet along with.

            “HEY!” Ford shouts.

            “HAHA!” Stanley shouts and jumps into the elevator, “See ya, sucker!”

            Before Ford can get back up, the elevator’s doors close. Ford slams his fist into the door, as the elevator rises up.

            “…”

            “…Should’ve just shot him, Sixer,” Bill says.

            “I know,” Martyr says, “Now, a vile villain is escaping into the world, and it’s all our fault! We didn’t even get to heroically sacrifice ourselves!”

            “What is with you and dying?” Author asks.

            “…” The Voice of the Martyr goes quiet.

            “Right, stupid question,” Author says.

            “STANELY! GET YOUR BUTT BACK DOWN HERE!” Ford screams, but nobody responds. He slams his fist against the elevator door, but nothing happens.

            Though, honestly, even if he did open the door, what good would it do? The elevator is gone, and he’s trapped down here-

            Wait why is it coming back down?

            “Ah, the parasite has made a fatal mistake. Let’s take it back up and stop him before he can end the world!” Martyr says.

            “I’m done arguing with you on this,” Author says.

            “Hey, it can be the end of the world with the right perspective~” Bill teases.

            The door opens, and Stanley walks out. He doesn’t even make eye contact with Ford and storms off into the basement room again. Still wearing that smile, but the metal is really doing the heavy lifting.

            “Well, you got a second chance, Sixer!” Bill says.

            “Something’s wrong, follow him,” Martyr says.

            Ford obliges and yells, “Stan?!”

            “Get out of my shop, stranger,” Stanely says, “You’re scaring off all of my potential customers.”

            “Stan?” Ford asks, “What’s wrong?”

            “I said get out,” Stan says, and leans back against the wall.

            “…”

            “Don’t you want to leave?” Ford says.

            “After what I did? You won’t ever let me out. Honestly, surprised you haven’t shot me yet. But… I know you’re just hesitating. I’m the villain in your story aren’t I? Either leave or be the ‘hero’ you so desperately want to be. There’s no other ending,” Stan snaps. His lips tear a little and blood drops to the floor. Yet, the smile still remains.

            “Stanely…” Ford says.

            “Something happened up there,” Author says, “I don’t know what it was, but I think it made him change his mind on escaping. I think someone hurt him.”

            “No! This is just another trick! He’s planning something! We got to shoot him now or-” Martyr says.

            “Or what? ‘The end of the world’? If Stan was planning anything, he wouldn’t have returned. In fact, I think he’s given up. He’s letting us kill him without any fight,” Author says.

            “Which is fantastic! Go, on Sixer! Shoot him now! Then our project will be saved!” Bill says.

            “…” Ford stares at Stanely before turning away and saying, “Author, what do you think I should do?”

            “…That’s your decision, Stanford. I can’t do this for you. I’m only here to offer alternative perspectives. Shoot him or save him. It’s up to you,” Author says, “Do what you think is right.”

            “And you already know for sure what that is, do you?” Martyr says with a sorrowful.

            “Alright…” Ford mumbles before running up to Stanely.

            “HEY! STAY BACK!” Stanely shouts.

            “We are both leaving!” Ford snaps, “Whether you like it or not! And I want my wallet back!”

            “No! I’m not letting you play the hero! I’m staying here, whether you like it or not!” Stanely snaps and starts pulling back.

            “Ugh! Sixer, what are you doing?!” Bill snaps.

            “Come on, Stanely! Stop being so childish,” Ford says.

            “I’m warning you. Let me go!” Stanely says. There’s slight fear in his eyes.

            “Stanely! Come on! Stop being difficult!” Ford says.

            “Just pull harder! If he doesn’t want to be rescued, then make him be rescued!” Martyr says.

            “I… I don’t think I’m a fan of this turn around,” Author says, “But it is your choice.”

            “…Fine. But don’t say, I didn’t warn you,” Stanely sighs and stops fighting.

            Before Ford can process his victory, Stanely slams his tail into the ground. As soon as he does that, like magic, all the taxidermy anomalies spring to life, and charge at them with wild ferocity.

            Ford loosens his grip in surprise, which Stanely takes the opportunity to bolt.

            “HEY!” Ford shouts, as Stanely runs into the lab. Ford follows after him.

            “Ooo. I got to have that! Would make a great guard dog! Just needs a lot more teeth~” Bill says.

            “I don’t like these things one bit!” Author shouts.

            Quickly, Ford shoots one of them coming near him. It stumbles backwards, and cotton falls out of it. Beyond that however, it soon goes back to charging. Ford backs up as he’s surrounded. He then notices Stanely in the lab room. Hiding.

            “Stanely, what on Earth did you-” Ford shouts, before- SHIRK.

            Sharp pain hits him, and he falls to his knees.

            “Ford!” Stanely screams.

            Then all of a sudden, Ford is overwhelmed by the taxidermy and is mauled. Everything goes dark, and he dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps as he wakes up. The pain of being mauled is now a distant memory. However, a new problem soon arises, as he has not woken back in the forest, but in some giant test tube.

            “Wow, Sixer. You really messed things up,” Bill says.

            “Tch. This could’ve been avoided if he did what we asked!” a new voice says.

            “Uh… what’s your name?” Author says.

            “My name? Oh, my name is the voice of the Arrogant,” the voice says with a superiority, “But you plebs can just, call me Arrogant.”

            “Gladly!” Bill says.

            “If anything, I am the arrogant one,” Martyr sighs.

            “No, that’s my name! Get your own!” Arrogant says.

            “Uh, you okay?” Author says.

            “I was a fool. I thought we were the hero sent to slay a parasitical monster, but in reality, we were the parasitical monster, and we have badly wounded our best friend,” Martyr says, “We’re- I’m no hero, but the villain!”

            “…” Ford bites his lip.

            “Hi, Sixer. Finally, back? I was starting to get worried,” Stanley says slyly from the shadows. Ford can only make out two glowing eyes. He could feel goosebumps form on his body.

            “S-Stanley?” Ford asks.

            “SHOW YOURSELF, YA COWARD!” Arrogant says.

            “Wow, ego glass. Real sure, he can hear you huh?” Bill taunts.

            “It’s Arrogant,” Arrogant hisses.

            “Calm down, it’s just a nickname,” Author says.

            “You’re being mean, but I don’t expect better than us, villains,” Martyr sighs.

            “Tch. I’m not being mean, he’s the one being mean,” Arrogant says, “I said what I wanted to be called, and he should respect it! He should also, oh I don’t know- NOT TRICKING US INTO KILLING OUR BROTHER?!”

            “And we so ready to believe it!” Martyr complains.

            “Oh, calm down,” Bill says, “I don’t remember that happening. In fact, I’m basically a different triangle. How could I have tricked you, when I don’t even remember it?”

            “…Tch. You still did it, though,” Arrogant says.

            Before the two could argue further, Stanley hisses, snapping Ford out of his trance, “Do you really think your imaginary friends are better company than your own brother?”

            Ford jumps back in shock as Stanley is now in front of him. He’s different now. Instead of some showman, he’s now some chimera of tons of different animals, barely in the shape of a human. His ears are now of a rat, and now he has axolotl frills on the sides of his face and elk horns growing out of his head. There are gills on his neck, and his torso is that of a horse. His left arm is a crocodile while the other arm is that of an octopus. His right leg is of a frog and the other a bird. Plus, he now has a bat wing and a bird wing on his back, with his old tail is now a snake. At least his face is relatively the same, and the metal hooks are gone. No more uncomfortable permanent smile.

            “…Stanley? W-What happened to you?” Ford asks.

            “…Dunno, and it doesn’t matter,” Stanley says.

            “How does it not matter! You look like someone sued a bunch of animal parts together!” Ford snaps.

            “Oh, now you care,” Stan snaps.

            “…” Ford quiets down.

            “Anyways, look. I don’t know what you were doing, but… when I tried to escape, this house told me… some things. Things that put things into perspective. Convincing me that the world was better off without me. Can’t say it’s not wrong,” Stanely laughs bitterly. It’s not funny, “I mean, you even thought the same, with you bringing that gun along,” Stanley continues.

            Ford opens his mouth to defend himself, but nothing comes out. He only brought the gun as a safety requirement. Just in case his previous assessment that this isn’t Stanley was correct, but…

            “However, I’m a selfish guy. I want you to stay with me, so-”

            “Suddenly Ford hears something pouring from above. He barely has any time to move before hot wax falls into the glass tube. Slowly, it’s filling up and Ford tries to distance himself from it. However, he’s trapped and soon it will fill up the tube with him inside it.

            “What are you doing, Stanley?!” Ford turns around and snaps at him.

            “You can’t leave, kill me, and most importantly die, if you’re a wax statue,” Stanley smiles, “Don’t worry, you will love it! We’ll never fight and be apart ever again! I love ya, Stanford!”

            “He… he can’t do this to us!” Author says.

            “Stanley! I love you too but get me out of here this instant!” Ford shouts slamming on the glass. The wax has gotten up to his shoes now. There’s no escaping it.

            “Do, do, do~” Stanley sings, “Sorry, can’t understand statues.”

            “STANLEY!” Ford shouts.

            “We got to do something! We can’t become a wax statue!” Author says.

            “For the first time, I agree with glass,” Bill says, “You got to find a way out of here, Sixer.”

            “Or don’t,” Martyr says, “This is what we deserve,”

            “Tch, does he really believe that this tube can hold us? We’re Stanford Filbrick Pines!” Arrogant says, “And nothing can stop us! Smash your fists into it!”

            “Ooo, violence!” Bill says.

            Ford obliges and slams his 6-fingered fists into it. Nothing happens. The wax is rising to Ford’s knees.

            “This tube was made by Stanley, Stanford,” Arrogant claims, “He definitely cut some corners. Hit it again!”

            “But what’s the point? This is what we deserve,” Martyr says, “We hurt Stanley so bad, that perhaps this will be the only way to make things right.”

            “No. We don’t deserve this,” Arrogant says, “We deserve to live!”

            “But-” Martyr begins.

            “Cut it! How about I phrase this into something you’ll understand; we made mistakes sure, but Stanley has made mistakes as well, some that have cost us our life twice, and we don’t wish him death. Only time we did, was because Bill tricked us into thinking he was after our project,” Arrogant snaps.

            “That wasn’t a lie-” Bill says.

            “Point is. If we believe Stan deserves life, then we do as well, as we’re better than him! We’re better than anyone!” Arrogant says, “So, if anyone can get Stanley and us out of this Hell, it’s us!”

            “And if I can add anything, we can’t make it up to him if we’re dead or in this case… in wax. We’ll be just wasting away,” Author says, “Nothing will ever get solved.”

            “…” Martyr goes quiet, “Stanford? What do you think? Should we accept our punishment or attempt to make things right?”

            “I…” Ford gulps, “I want to get out of here. I want to apologize to him. If I manage to get out of here, of course.”

            “You mean… when,” Martyr says.

            “Haha! That’s the spirit!” Arrogant says.

            Ford smashes his fists into it again. This time, he can see a small crack. The wax is rising to his torso. The heat burns against his skin.

            “Good. It’s breaking under our superior strength,” Arrogant says.

            “Right-o,” Bill laughs.

            “Hey, what are you doing?!” Stanley shouts.

            “Getting out of here!” Ford shouts and hits the glass again. The crack grows bigger. The wax is rising to his chest. It’s getting harder to move.

            “One more time, and we’ll be free!” Author says.

            “We can do this!” Arrogant cheers, “We’ll escape and won’t be a statue to gawk at!”

            “For redemption!” Martyr yells.

            Ford slams into the glass one final time with everything he’s got. The crack grows huge. Right as the wax rises to Ford’s neck, the tube breaks.

            “AH @$#@!” Stanley shouts, as a wave of wax floods the area; freeing Ford but also burning Stanley. Eh, might as well, Ford is also severely burnt as well.

            Finding himself on his knees, Ford slowly gets up and sees Stanley on the ground.

            “HA! Did you really think that could trap us?!” Arrogant says.

            “Great job, Sixer! Now, finish the job!” Bill says.

            Ford sees the gun lying on the ground next to him, and- ignores it. He slowly gets to his feet.

            “I… Heh. I knew that plan was stupid. Now you’re just even more mad at me. Ha… I always mess things up, right? *Pause* I’m… so tired, Sixer. Tired of fighting. Tired of running. Tired of… hurting you. *Sigh* That voice from earlier is right, just… do want you need to do. But… don’t try to trick me this time,” Stanely says almost begging, “I can accept it, if you’re honest.”

            “It’s time to make things right,” Martyr says.

            “…” Ford walks over to Stanely and offers him a hand.

            “What are you doing?” Stanely asks.

            “I’ve made a horrible mistake, Stanley,” Ford whispers, guilt creeps up on to him, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I should have trusted you from the beginning. Let’s go home.”

            “Sixer, what are you doing?!” Bill shouts.

            “Doing the right thing!” Martyr says, “…F-for once.”

            “Though you didn’t have to apologize though…” Arrogant says, embarrassed.

            “…” Stan slowly takes Ford’s hand. Hesitant like any moment Ford will attack him.

            “WHAT?! SIXER, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST DID?!” Bill screams.

            “…I’m… I’m so sorry, Sixer…” Stanley cries.

            “…Don’t worry, Stan. I forgive you,” Ford smiles.

            Stanely stares at him, before laughing again bitterly, “You really shouldn’t Sixer. You really shouldn’t.”

            Ford doesn’t get to reply to his brother, nor will he ever. Suddenly, right underneath him, a giant fish consumes Stan. Then everything disappears into a black void.

            Soon a mirror, which is missing three pieces of glass, and the memories of his previous run appear to Ford. He needs to go to the mirror.

            “What’s that mirror doing here? Why now?” Author asks.

            “I don’t like that mirror! It’s… creepy. Stay away from it!” Arrogant snaps.

            “…Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s all going to be fine. It’s all part of the plan,” Ford says as he approaches it.

            “Plan? What plan! Why didn’t you tell us?!” Arrogant snaps, though it’s out of fear.

            “I couldn’t,” Ford answers.

            “…Tell me what’s going on! I deserve to know!” Arrogant yells.

            “It’s not our place to know,” Martyr says, “I trust Stanford to make the right choice.”

            “Me too,” Author says.

            Ford then presses his hand on the mirror. The voices disappear and the mirror heals itself. He gazes into it and sees- himself again. However, he’s slightly different. His muscles seem rigid, and his face looks pale.

            Then he’s somewhere else

Chapter Text

            Ford walks back to the place he talked to Stanley last time, and sure enough- a giant fish appears and opens its mouth. However, it’s not the same Stanley from before, it’s the chimera Stanley. Though a light still blocks out his face.

            “Hey, Sixer. How was the last run?” Stanley asks.

            “I have so many questions,” Ford says.

            “Heh. Course you do,” Stanley laughs.

            “Are you actually my brother? I’ve been having doubts, since from last I saw you, you couldn’t change shape,” Ford says, “Or control taxidermies. Though it was 10 years ago… but I doubt you’d change that much.”

            “…I am your brother,” Stanley says in an almost desperate way.

            “Prove it. Say something only Stanley would know,” Ford says.

            Stanley pauses before saying, “Hey, you remember back in high school, you wanted to get better at kissing? So, you made a kissing robot-”

            “Okay! Okay! Okay! You’re Stanley! You don’t have to tell that story!” Ford quickly says, feeling his face warm up. Stanley laughs in retaliation.

            “So… you really are my brother. Then I really did…” Ford says.

            Stanley panics and quickly says, “No! You’re fine, Ford! Really! I told you earlier, I can handle it. Besides, what you did it did help! I feel more like myself now. Plus-” he snaps his fingers, and a dollar bill appears in his hands, “I can do this now.”

            “Fascinating. How did you gain these powers?” Ford asks.

            “Don’t know,” Stanley says, rolling his eyes to look elsewhere.

            “Stan. You’re not being honest with me,” Ford states.

            “Of course, I am,” Stan says, in a tone that was obviously lie.

            “Stan,” Ford reiterates.

            “Hey! Would you like to know more about this sucker! I’m sure you would!” Stanley quickly says.

            Ford gives him a look, but relents and says, “Sure.”

            “Alright. Alright. Wow… Sixer, you… really are great at picking these suckers. This guy killed you twice. And it was mostly on purpose this time! Then he tries to turn you into a wax statue? Moses, Ford. This guy absolutely sucks. Too scared of his own shadow, thinking someone’s out to get him. Which is true, but he didn’t have to go so far to hurt you in order to feel safe. He’ll make for a cautious sucker, though.”

            “Is he alright though? Last time, the other ‘sucker’ was dead. But you took him when was still alive.” Ford asks.

            “Ford. They’re both still ‘alive’, or whatever. They’re just now a part of me- Ugh! I can’t explain it! But… if it makes you feel any better, he finally knows what his fate is.”

            “Alright, now on to my final question… Stan, are you going to destroy my project once we’re out of here?” Ford asks.

            “No!” Stanley shouts, “Look, Ford. I’m not going to touch your project. Wouldn’t even dream of it. *Pause* Is that why Bill wants me dead?”

            “How did you-” Ford says.

            “You’re kind of obvious about who’s talking to you in your head, Sixer,” Stanley says.

            “…Y-Yes, but rest assured I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding!” Ford says, “He’s not from this world and has some shortcomings in human biology, but I assure you, I’ll convince him that ‘slaying’ you is not worth his time!”

            “Right. Sixer, you do realize that…” Stanley pauses.

            “Realize what?” Ford asks.

            Stanley pauses and stare at Ford before mumbling, “(…Creepy.) Uh, never mind. You got to get that checked out. Anyways, I still need a few more suckers so good luck,” Stanley quickly says.

            “Wait-” Ford shouts and before he can do anything- glass shatters and everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

            Ford wakes up in the forest. Somehow, someway, he already knows what he needs to do, and zones out Bill and Author talking, as he walks to the house.

            “Sixer, why aren’t you paying attention?” Bill asks, “Have I gotten boring to you?”

            “No, my muse it’s just… I think I’ve heard you say this all before,” Ford says.

            “…” Bill goes quiet, “Funny, I feel the same way. Though next time, warn a guy, Sixer. I wouldn’t have to waste my breath talking about things you seem to already know!”

            “Noted,” Ford says.

            “So, I’m assuming you already know that the parasite will lie, cheat, and do everything in its power to stop you from slaying it? So, don’t trust him?”

            “Yes,” Ford says.

            “Good,” Bill says.

            Ford enters his house. It’s normal. Hesitantly, he takes the gun. Then enters the elevator.

            “You don’t have to do this, you know that?” Author says.

            “Well, you have to, if you want to save our project!” Bill says, “So, ignore that piece of glass, Sixer! You don’t have a choice, but to slay it!”

            Ford doesn’t respond. He looks at the gun in his six-fingered hand. Something is wrong.

            “Well… if it makes you feel better, Sixer. Think of it this way, before I had to put him here, he was downright miserable. And the place he’s in now isn’t much better. Think of it as- doing it a favor. Since he can’t find the willpower to off itself,” Bill says.

            Ford grits his teeth, before thanking him anyways.

            Once the elevator opens, Ford hears a familiar voice say, “Who’s there?!”

            “He sounds… dangerous. Best keep an eye out,” Author says.

            Slowly, Ford enters the portal room and sees-

            “Stanely?” Ford calls out.

            “Stanford?” Stanely asks back, looking… normal.

            “…” Ford stares at his brother and looks at the gun in his hand. He then glances back at his brother, who’s giving him a confused look, before a horrifying realization washes over him.

            Quickly, he begins walking away.

            “Ford? Ford! Where the hell you are going?!” Stanely shouts.

            “…” Ford looks back at Stanely before sighing, “I can’t have you destroy my project, Stanley. Once it’s done, I’ll come back and free you.”

            “…Stanford?” Stanley says in a desperate tone, then laughs, “Ha! Good one! You’re not leaving me here, r-right?!”

            “Sixer. Go back and slay him right this instant,” Bill snaps.

            “I’m not killing my brother, Bill,” Ford says as he continues to walk away.

            “For the record, I think it’s a good compromise,” Author says, “Stan gets to live, and our project doesn’t get destroyed. Win, win!”

            “Oh, it isn’t,” Bill groans, “Sixer, I know you have an unreasonable connection to your lesser half, but seriously! He’ll find a way to escape and stop us! Go back and slay him now!”

            “He won’t be going anywhere,” Ford says, “There’s a metal chain around his wrist. It’ll take a lot to get that off of him.”

            “Stanford! Stanford! Get back here and help me get out of here! Stanford! I’ll do anything you ask! Are you still mad about your project? You can’t be this petty! Look, I’m… I’m sorry about it! Okay?! Just don’t leave me here! Don’t…”

            Ford bites his lip as he enters the elevator. He doesn’t like hearing his brother beg, but using the anger at the reminder of Stan’s betrayal allows him to take the final steps to leave.

            He’s now back on the first floor and can no longer hear his brother begging. Ford sighs in relief.

            “You’re making a mistake, Sixer,” Bill warns.

            “It’ll be fine, my muse,” Ford says, “Our project is almost done anyways. I doubt he’ll escape in that short period of time. Then we can go back and free him.”

            “…Um, hate to bring up the obvious but… where is our project exactly?” Author says, “Because it wasn’t with Stan.”

            “…” Bill goes silent before answering, “You’re in the prison I made for the parasite. Once you slay him, you can go free. I wish this wasn’t the case, since I want what’s best for you, which is getting that portal done as soon as possible, but… that’s impossible as long as he’s still alive.”

            “So… there’s no middle ground,” Ford says with sorrow.

            “Afraid so, Iq!” Bill says.

            “Well… we were able to enter this prison, so there must be a way to leave,” Author suddenly says, “Without killing Stan!”

            “Not possible, glass,” Bill says.

            “No, it should be possible,” Ford says, “If there’s a way in there’s a way out.”

            “I can think of plenty of examples where that isn’t the case,” Bill says.

            “But Stanford’s a scientist! His whole mission is to make the impossible possible!” Author says.

            “Though that does raise a question, how did we get here in the first place-” Ford says before- creak.

            “What was that?” Author says.

            “…It’s escaping,” Bill says.

            “W-what,” Ford says.

            “I tried to warn ya, Sixer, but parasites like him… they don’t stay put,” Bill says.

            Suddenly, the doors of the elevator swing open.

            “…S-Stan?” Ford asks, before in a sudden movement- he’s been tackled to the ground.

            “SHOOT HIM! SHOOT HIM NOW!” Bill screams, but it’s too late. The gun is too far away for Ford to grasp, and to his horror he finds he can’t move, as Stanely gets up. Not even realizing he just trampled his brother. How did he get so strong?

            Ford forces his body to roll over so he’s on his stomach. His chest hurts, and there’s black stars in his vision.

            “Looks like he broke all your ribs. Ha! Humans are so fragile!” Bill laughs.

            Ford grits his teeth and tries to look up at Stan. To attempt to yell at him for what he just did.

            He spots Stan fidgeting with the door, missing one hand, before backing up in surprise. Can’t he get out? What’s stopping him? Clearly not himself, as he seems as confused as Ford. Though, he also looks… hurt.

            “S-Stan…ley…” Ford coughs, before everything goes dark, and he dies

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps awake as he wakes back up in the forest. He grabs his chest, and the pain he felt earlier is gone.

            “He… he… killed us. He killed us! Bill was right for trapping him in there!” a new voice, which for some reason Ford recognizes as the Voice of the publisher Paranoid.

            “I’m always right,” Bill says, “So, I’m guessing you’ve been here before?”

            “Yes we have. And we’re… alive. How?” Ford asks.

            “Don’t worry, Sixer. I knew something like this could happen, so I put in a failsafe,” Bill says, “Anytime you die, it restarts. Good as new! Now go back there, and don’t disappoint me this time!”

            “Are we sure we want to go back? I still don’t like the idea of killing Stan,” Author says.

            “I second that. I don’t want to die again,” Paranoid says.

            “But you won’t be able to leave this place alive if he’s still alive,” Bill says, “Plus, our project will be destroyed if you don’t slay him. So, I highly suggest you keep going over there. Unless… you don’t want me to be your muse anymore?”

            “What! Of course I do!” Ford shouts.

            “I’m hurt, Fordsy. Guess, I should be leaving now. Need to find a new brilliant mind to inspire-” Bill sorrowfully says.

            “I’ll go to the cabin!” Ford rushes out, “You can count on me! Don’t leave me… please.”

            Although, Ford can’t see Bill, he can tell he’s smiling, “Then what are we doing talking here? Let’s get over there.”

            Author groans, as Ford begins his walk.

            Once the house comes into view, Bill says, “I know this is a bit redundant, Sixer, but don’t forget: The parasite will lie, cheat, and do everything in its power to stop you from slaying it. Don’t trust him.”

            “Understood my muse,” Ford says.

            He then proceeds to enter the house, and the first thing Ford notices is how hot it is. Like staggering hot. He’s not even two feet inside, and he can feel himself sweating buckets. He should find some water to drink so he doesn’t suffer a heat-stroke. Beyond that, the inside looks rundown, not in a ‘abandoned’ way, but more in a ‘not well kept’ way. The walls and floor are chipped, dirt and grime cover the area, metal poles have penetrated the floor, and there’s people staring into the house from outside- wait what?! Ford glances over there, and the people don’t move, just keep staring. Ford attempts to make out what they are but can’t. They’re hiding in the shadows; with the only thing he can make out beyond a hazy silhouette is their eyes; piercing and unfriendly.

            Ford takes a step back from them.

            “Creepy. Best keep an eye on them. I worry they’re sizing us up to attack,” Paranoid says.

            “Relax, they’re harmless, the only thing you need to be slightly scared of is the parasite,” Bill says.

            “I agree,” Ford says, “They seem to be some kind of relative of the hide-behind. Harmless in nature, but still… spooky. Ah, some water-”

            Ford grabs a cup and drinks it. It barely helps against the heat, but it’s better than nothing. He then notices the memory gun that was beside it. It’s on a broken table that also has a knife embedded in it.

            “We should take it. I’d feel better if we had some kind of defense,” Paranoid says.

            “Yeah, you should take it. It gives us more options,” Author says.

            Proceeding to take the gun, Ford then walks into the elevator. It creaks with his weight.

            “…What have you gotten yourself into, Stanely?” Ford asks.

            “Don’t tell me you’re planning on rescuing him?” Bill asks.

            “Of course not! He’s still danger to the project and he killed me last time! But…” Ford looks at the gun in his hands, “I’m not sure if I’m able to go through with it.”

            “Trust me, Fordsy,” Bill says, “Look at this place! It’s wonderful, but not to him. He probably finds it creepy and uncomfortable.”

            “I find it creepy and uncomfortable. I want us to get this over with!” Paranoid says.

            “Which means- slaying him is doing him a favor!” Bill says.

            “…I guess,” Ford says.

            “You know, you don’t have to do this, right? We can just turn around, finish the portal, and then go back for Stan. You don’t have to kill him,” Author says.

            Ford doesn’t respond.

            “You understand that, right?” Author says.

            Ford refuses to respond.

            They soon enter the basement and it’s a long tight hallway. The walls seem to be made up of fractured wood, which looks like they’d give him splinters as soon as he touches it, and large holes due to unspecific damage. Making it look incredibly run down. It’s also incredibly dark. Slowly, Ford makes his way down the hallway, and finds a light shining down upon-

            Stanely’s severed hand still trapped in a chain. It looks like it’s been bitten off in one bite.

            “…”

            “Ha! Hey, Sixer! Grab it. I want to keep it!” Bill says.

            “What? Ew, no!” Ford says.

            “Come on! It’s not every day you come across a hand cleanly cut like that!” Bill says.

            “I’m with Stanford, that’s gross,” Author says.

            “Stanford,” Paranoid says with seriousness.

            “Um? Yes?” Ford says.

            “Move. Now,” Paranoid says.

            Obliging just in time, to see a sharp humanoid claw along with two glowing eyes and a jaw full of large sharp teeth whist pass him. Before Ford has to react, the figure is gone, a rat tail retreats into one of the holes in the wall.

            “…”

            “So, um, any ideas?” Author asks.

            “We get out of here!” Paranoid snaps.

            “…I still need to slay him…” Ford says, though he’s unsure. No, he has too! Plus, Stan… killed him last time. It seems Stan… hates him. Bill is the only person Ford has left, he can’t afford to lose him too.

            “Now you’re talking!” Bill says, “Go for it, Sixer!”

            “I don’t know how you would. We only saw him when he lunged at us, and it wasn’t even a good look,” Author says.

            “Well, there’s only one real option,” Bill says.

            “Absolutely not. If we follow him into one of those holes, we’ll be goners. There’s barely enough space in here to fight, and that hole… even more so!” Paranoid says.

            “But we can’t slay he, if we don’t go into that hole,” Bill says.

            “We don’t have to go in there, is it possible we can lure him out? He tried to attack us earlier, so maybe we can get it to do it again,” Author says.

            “And risk it actually killing us again? No thank you! I suggest, we cut our losses and run,” Paranoid says.

            Suddenly, they hear a voice, coming from the hole, “Sixer. Stay still for me, okay? Don’t want to do this the hard way.” It’s raspy, dry, and desperate, but it sounds exactly like Stan. A chill goes down Ford’s spine, Stan really does want him dead for leaving him.

            “…”

            “Alright, I’ve made up my mind,” Ford says and goes into the hole, despite the voices’ complaints.

            If the hallway is bad, the hole is even worse, as Ford is forced to crawl and get splinters all over his six-fingered hands. It hurts, but Ford keeps going. Soon, he comes across a fork in the tunnel.

            “The way to go is easy,” Paranoid says, “Back.”

            “It’s Stanford’s decision. He can choose to go back if he wants,” Author says.

            “But he doesn’t want to, right?” Bill says with cheer.

            “Of course not, my muse,” Ford says, and picks left.

            The heat from before only increases, and it feels like he’s burning alive. Worse the tunnel seems to have gotten smaller and smaller. Stanford’s just squeezing himself through, and cuts soon appear all over his skin due to the splintering wood. There’s plenty of more twists and turns, and Ford chooses carefully. Unfortunately, there’s no sign of Stanely. Though, Ford can’t help but feel relief, as it delays the inevitable confrontation. Slowly, it becomes darker and darker, so much so Ford can barely see his own hands, but he continues regardless.

            “There you are,” Stanely’s voice echoes, “You really like choosing to do the this the hard way?”

            “Keep talking, I’m trying to find you,” Ford says, scanning the area to see where he can shoot. If this goes well, the hunter is about to become the hunted.

            “Well, you’re doing a terrible job, you’re going too deep. You might get stuck,” Stanely says, “And that will be bad for both of us.”

            “I don’t care!” Ford huffs, from the heat, “Because I’m going to slay you!”

            Ford can feel Stan pause.

            “Haha… funny joke, Sixer! Y-You wouldn’t kill your own twin brother, would you? That’s low…”

            “Well, you did it first!” Ford snaps.

            “I did?” Stanley says confused.

            “You did!” Ford snaps.

            “I…,” Stan stammers, “I didn’t. You’re just trying to trick me so you can trap me here again. But jokes on you! I’m getting out of here, whether you like it or not! So, it’d be easier if you finally relent!”

            Before Ford can retaliate, he suddenly loses his grip and proceeds to fall into a deeper hole. Panicking, he grips the walls of the hole to stop his descent, and it works… painfully so. It’s now too dark to see, and he can feel the walls squishing him. Worse, the room around him bakes like an oven. Blood from the multiple splinters and cuts he gained, especially the wound from stopping his fall, leak down from his six-fingered hands, like they’re mocking his parched throat.

            It hurts. It hurts so much.

            It’s too hot.

            Too hot.

            And he’s trapped.

            Trapped.

            With no escape.

            Two glowing eyes appear above him.

            A predator watches his cornered prey.

            It’s going to happen again.

            He’s going to die here.

            Ford gulps.

            The predator slowly makes its way down.

            “Stanford, move,” Paranoid says.

            “I… I can’t,” Ford panics.

            “You can.”

            “No, I can’t,” Ford says.

            “No, you can! There’s got to be another hole around here somewhere-” Author says.

            “And it’s up,” Bill says.

            “But that’s where-”

            “We lost the chance to flee. There’s only one option left, and you have a gun,” Paranoid says.

            Ford gulps and nods. He aims the gun and says, “I’m sorry it has come to this, Stan.”

            He shoots upwards, and the creature jumps back.

            “HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Stanely shouts, but Ford doesn’t register it. With newfound determination, Ford grabs the edges of the hole and tries to pull himself out, but he then accidentally grabs on to the parasite and they both fall deeper into the hole. This time, Ford isn’t able to stop it.

            There’s a loud thud, as they’re both trapped in a tiny box. No escape.

            “You know what you have to do,” Paranoid says.

            Ford kicks the parasite off him but then feels a claw scratch hit his chest. The two tussle, biting, clawing, kicking, and punching. It’s indecent, and desperate, as panic clouds both of their thoughts.

            “Survival isn’t decent,” Paranoid says, “It’s all about living. Keep fighting!”

            “Besides, you have the advantage Sixer. You’re way smarter than it, have both your hands, and a gun!” Bill says.

            “That’s it! Use the gun! Use it!” Author shouts, “We can survive this!”

            Ford obliges and reaches where the almost forgotten gun is. He grabs it and shoots it right where he believes is the parasite’s chest. A sharp light explodes across the room, and for a moment, Ford sees his twin brother Stanely take a laser to his heart. He looks awful, as his teeth are too big and sharp to exist inside his mouth, so he’s forced to have them in the open. His clothes are disheveled and torn, along with his skin. His eyes are cat-like, but his ears are big like a rat’s. There’s a long rat’s tail that slithers across the room. His hand and feet have long sharp claws on them, but wait… hand? He’s missing the other, and there’s a lot of blood where it should be, like it was bitten off… did he really do that to himself?

            Stan looks at his brother in shock as the light dies, and they’re back into the darkness.

            “…You… weren’t…. lying… about… killing… me…, so… I really did… kill you…last… *Pause* M-Moses, I’m a monster,” Stanely says before he goes limp and dies. He falls on top of Ford, and he can’t get out. He can’t breathe.

            They’re stuck. Stuck together. And will die together.

            “Wow, just like arrogant cave divers,” Bill says, “What a way to go!”

            “This- This can’t be how this ends! It’s awful!” Author says.

            “Agreed! We should’ve not even stepped foot in this place! Much less followed Stanely,” Paranoid says.

            Ford can’t help but regret his decision. No, regret is too weak of a word. He killed his own brother, who didn’t hate him, and didn’t mean to kill him on purpose. His lungs and injuries burn, and he doesn’t struggle. Not when he lost his twin brother due to his own panic.

            He stops moving and not soon enough, but not to his own knowledge due to already being dark, he dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford screams when he wakes up.

            He died.

            In the dark.

            With his brother’s corpse on top of him.

            He doesn’t know how long he screams, or when he curls up into a ball. It doesn’t help when he feels someone hit him, which makes his terror worse. However, eventually he ends up clinging to a rhythm that he can make out as, “Heart. Lungs. Liver. Nerves,” which slowly allows him to snap out of it.

            “W-What?” Ford finally replies, “What are you chanting?”

            “Oh, Are you done panicking?” a new voice says, utterly apathetic, “We have work to do.”

            “You could’ve said that more nicely,” Author says.

            “-eart. Lungs. Liver. Nerves. Heart- Oh, I can stop now? Thank goodness,” Paranoid says.

            “Why? He needs to try again,” the voice says to Author, “Stanely is waiting for us. Plus, at least I didn’t hit him.”

            “You flesh bags are so fragile,” Bill grumbles.

            “I’d prefer not to be hurt when I feel my life in danger,” Paranoid says, “Makes my fears feel founded. Plus, I agree with Author, we all know what happened last time, which could’ve been avoided if you listened to me, so it is no surprise Stanford woke up in a panic.”

            “I don’t!” Bill cheerfully says, “All I know is that Sixer failed to kill the parasite, and he’s back here!”

            “I… I failed?” Ford says and a twinge of hope enters his voice.

            “Yeah, you did. If you didn’t you wouldn’t be back here and his influence wouldn’t have spread,” Bill says.

            “Influence?” Ford asks.

            “Brainiac, look around,” Bill sighs.

            Indeed, Ford looks around, and he notices that it is raining out, causing large puddles to form. There’s also a significant lack of trees this time, not as much as he couldn’t see any, but the whole area now looks like a swamp rather than a forest. The mud underneath him helps with this assessment. Also, his injuries are gone. He can breathe again.

            “Bill… are you saying that because the outside has changed, Stanely is… still alive, or more accurately, was revived like me?” Ford says as hope trails up into his voice.

            “Most likely,” Author says, “He didn’t have rat ears the first time, so it’s possible that when we die he changes. So, there’s a good chance he’s alive as well.”

            “Thank Moses,” Ford sighs in relief.

            “Aren’t you forgetting something, Sixer?” Bill says, “You need to slay him in order to save our project. If he’s still alive, he will destroy it. It’s in his nature to do so. Unless you don’t want me as your muse anymore?”

            “No! Of course not! I…” Ford stammers. What an awful place to be in. Either he loses his brother or his muse. Neither seem like good options.

            “Do what you think is right,” Author reassures.

            “But decide it quick. We are wasting precious time standing around,” the new voice says.

            “Haha! I like this guy!” Bill laughs.

            “Um, what is your name? You haven’t introduced yourself yet?” Ford asks.

            “I did when you were panicking. Not my fault you didn’t register it. Besides, it doesn’t matter what my name is or isn’t. We have work to do,” the new voice says.

            “…His name is Voice of the Focused, or Focused for short,” Author says.

            “Thank you,” Ford says.

            “Good. Let’s go,” Focused says.

            “Are you sure? We died 2 times there. I don’t want a 3^rd,” Paranoid says, “Let’s just cut our loses, and get out!”

            “Ugh! Are you serious? If we stay here and do nothing, then nothing will change! Do you want Stanely to bite off his hand again, in a desperate bid to escape? No,” Focused says.

            “I would, that sounds hilarious,” Bill says.

            “Don’t interrupt me,” Focused sighs, “Point is. House. Now.”

            With that Ford obliges. The terrain is difficult to traverse, but he ends up at the house anyways. Inside of it is… nothing. Well, not nothing. It seems that there was a house long ago, but it has fallen apart. Perhaps some sort of bomb was the cause? Leaving no shelter to the endless rain. There isn’t even an elevator this time, instead there’s a soaking wet rope leading down into a tight but long hole, with a few puddles draining into it.

            The memory gun lays in a puddle nearby, long forgotten. Ford- picks it up, and recoils as its cold to the touch. He then tries again and succeeds as he fights through the painful cold on his hand.

            “Good, a weapon. I feel safer with it,” Paranoid says.

            “But last time it-” Author says.

            “DON’T,” Paranoid snaps, “I want to forget it.”

            “So, what is the plan? Saving your brother or slaying him?” Focused says.

            “Obviously slay him,” Bill says.

            “It’s his decision,” Author snaps back.

            Ford tightens the grip on the gun, though his hand still trembles. Eventually, he sighs in a moment of bravery, “My apologizes my muse, but Stanley has suffered enough. I can always remake the portal if worse comes to worse.”

            “…How disappointing, Sixer,” Bill snaps, “Guess you aren’t the smart genius after all.”

            Ford cringes.

            “Hey, I support you,” Author says, “Do what needs to be done. It’s your choice.”

            “Yeah, Sixer. ‘It’s your choice’” Bill mocks, “What has that parasite ever done for you? Besides, look at this place, Sixer! Slaying him is doing him a favor! You better change your mind once you are down there.”

            “No need,” Focused says, “A choice has been made. Unless Stanford is a weak-willed man, then he will stick to it.”

            Ford flinches at the voice’s words, as he grabs the rope and slowly climbs down.

            “Ow. No need for the hostility!” Author says, “Stanford can change his mind if he wants to.”

            “Besides, you sound like pa, when you say that,” Paranoid says.

            “…” Focused doesn’t respond.

            Soon, Ford reaches the bottom and let’s go of the rope. He then shakes his six-fingered hands, as they have both become quite red from the cold.

            A low snarl is heard throughout the room, and chill falls down Ford’s spine.

            “I think there’s an actual parasite or worse down there this time…” Paranoid whimpers.

            “Focus. Don’t let fear get in the way of your goals,” Focused says.

            As Ford walks further into the lab, he notices small streams of water running down at his feet, and eventually he reaches- a large body of water. The basement has flooded.

            “Oh, no…” Paranoid gasps.

            “What are you oh-no-ing at?” Focused says, “A little water can’t stop us.”

            “But can it stop Stanely?” Paranoid says.

            “He was able to grow sharp teeth last time. He could’ve grown gills,” Author says.

            “Or he could’ve drowned,” Bill laughs, “Imagine that! He wakes up under water with a chain-”

            “Be quiet.” “HEY!” “We won’t know until we go into the water. What are you waiting for?” Focused says.

            Ford obliges and steps into the water. It’s freezing. Instinctively, Ford steps back, but then shakes his head and says, “Focus on your intellect, Stanford. It’s just a little chilly,” Then goes in again.

            It’s not long as he wades that the water goes from his ankles to his waste, and to his neck. Soon, he’s swimming in the freezing cold water. There’s much light here, except a small hole in the celling landing on the surface water. The underneath is almost complete darkness. Worse-

            “Where’s Stan?” Ford asks.

            “Maybe he’s still underwater?!” Bill says.

            Before Ford can retort, the water ripples towards him. Not from wind, no, but from something large in the water. A large fin pops out of the water, before sinking back in, like a warning. Ford tries to watch it go down into the murky deeps but quickly loses it. Only glancing for a second at a large shadowy silhouette, swimming deeper into the darkness.

            “Is it circling us?” Paranoid says, “Are we going to be a shark’s dinner?!”

            “No, it’s not,” Author says, “Well, you maybe be right it wants us for dinner,”

            “Though that’s cannibalism if it’s who I think he is,” Ford gags.

            “Come on, Sixer! A little cannibalism doesn’t hurt anyone!” Bill says.

            “Yes, it does! There’s an illness you can get called Kuru and it’s no joke-” Ford says.

            “But that’s only if you eat the brain, Sixer,” Bill says, “The rest of the body is fine!”

            “Can I please continue,” Author says, “I meant he can’t circle us, because he is still trapped, by the chain I mean. I think I saw it reflect from the light,”

            “Then we better use that gun to good use,” Focused says.

            “Stanford, move!” Paranoid suddenly shouts. Ford barely has enough time to move, and the water doesn’t help at all before a large wave hits him. Sending him underwater. Another splash follows after. Ford is able to take a small glimpse of his brother; he doesn’t look human anymore. Quickly, Ford goes back to the surface and gasps for breath.

            “Cannibalism is still on the table~” Bill says.

            “Alright, how about we cut our losses, and run,” Paranoid says, “This is becoming really similar to last time.”

            “No. We are here to save Stanely. Also, may I remind you all that the average human can hold their breath under water for 1-2 minutes, longer if you have good genetics,” Focused says.

            “Wow. Weak,” Bill says.

            “What are you saying?” Author asks.

            “Do you honestly think we can get a good shot in on the surface?” Focused says.

            “But it’s dangerous-” Paranoid says.

            “And do you want to leave Stanely to die like last time?!” Focused bites.

            “…N-no,” Paranoid says, “He only wants to live like us! Plus, he doesn’t deserve this,”

            “Glad we’re now in agreement. Now dive!” Focused shouts.

            Taking a deep breath, Ford dives into the water. It’s hard to see, but he still swims deeper.

            Suddenly, he notices a silhouette next to him. Ford can’t see too much detail on it, but whatever it is, it seems to be a cross between a rat and a shark. Two glowing white eyes stare at him, before lunging forward.

            “MOVE!” Paranoid shouts, and Ford barely manages to dodge the parasite’s attack. Guess, the creature is out for blood. There, Ford spots the silhouette of a chain, following the parasite from behind. It’s definitely Stan alright.

            “Do you think… he’s still himself?” Paranoid asks, “He doesn’t look like himself anymore.”

            “And he definitely wants to eat you, Sixer,” Bill says, “Can’t blame him. You do look tasty~”

            “Bill please,” Ford wanted to say, instead as he opens his mouth to retort, water rushes in and a bunch of bubbles rise out of his mouth. Quickly, he closes his mouth to prevent more precious oxygen from escaping.

            “Ignore them. You have a job to do,” Focused says.

            Ford looks back at Stanely. He’s started to get ready to lunge at Ford again. Is it still him down there?

            “Are we sure there’s someone left there to save?” Paranoid voices. Silently, Ford thanks him for taking the words out of his mouth.

            “We won’t know, until we complete the job,” Focused says.

            “Besides, wasn’t he terrified out of his mind the last 2 times? Fear makes it hard to think critically,” Author says, “He could be lashing out, because he’s scared of us. We did leave him in the basement the first round, and we did k-kill him the second,”

            “Or because he is dangerous,” Bill says, “You can do what you flesh bags call… self-defense on him. He did successfully kill you the last 2 times remember?”

            “But they were both accidents due to fear,” Paranoid says, “Weren’t they?”

            “I don’t know, were they?” Bill questions, with obvious intent.

            “UGH! CAN YOU THREE STOP ARGUING! WE CAME DOWN HERE FOR A REASON, AND WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF OXYGEN AS WE SPEAK!” Focused snaps, “Take the shot, Stanford!”

            “To whoever you choose,” Author adds.

            Ford nods and turns to Stanely, who is lunging at him once again. Quickly, Ford- dodges the attack and shoots the chain. A sharp light zips through the water, like a comet, before slamming into the chain, breaking it in half. Stan then proceeds to swim far away from the chain and Ford.

            “Success!” Ford celebrates raising his arms in the air, but way too soon, as multiple large bubbles leave his mouth. His lungs begin to burn; the same way they did the last time.

            “Get out of the water!” Paranoid and Focused shout.

            “Or don’t,” Bill says, “Internal pain is funnier than external pain.”

            Ford tries to swim out of the water, but he wasted too much time listening to the voices and spending precious oxygen on dodging Stanely, that black stars enter his vision when he’s still has a way to go to break to the surface.

            His lungs scream for oxygen.

            He reaches out a six fingered hand towards the surface light, but unfortunately it is too late.

             Everything goes dark and he-

            Gasps for breath. Quickly, Ford sits up. Water drips down his mouth, and he finds himself on the first floor of his house. The rain is gone. A human sized rat, with gills, webbed feet, and a shark tail and fins, is sitting down and staring at him. The parasite looks relieved.

            “S-Stanely?” Ford coughs.

            Stanely makes a sort of chirping noise, indicating he recognizes the name.

            “He… he saved us,” Paranoid says, “We would’ve been goners if he didn’t…”

            “Disappointing,” Bill sighs, “It would’ve been fun to drown.”

            “I don’t think it would have been,” Author says.

            “See? This is why we ignore fear to stick to the plan! Everything works out!” Focused says, as he makes clapping sounds like he’s trying to emphasis his point.

            “We…we almost drowned,” Paranoid says.

            “We would have drowned anyways if we killed Stanely, and we would also be twinless, which is worse,” Focused says.

            “You’re right,” Paranoid says, “That would’ve been worse.”

            Slowly, Ford stands up or well tries. He tumbles forward, but quickly Stanely jumps to his hindlegs and catches him. Seemly worried about him. His ears are flopped down and make some whimpering noises.

            “…Heh. You’re still there. I thought I lost you for a second,” Ford says.

            Stanely looks away.

            “Can’t you speak?” Ford asks.

            Stanely shakes his head.

            “Ah, I see. I think I have a spell that can undo any curse! You’ll be back to your old self in no time!” Ford says and tries to walk to the door. He trips once again, as his energy hasn’t fully return to him, and Stanely helps him up immediately. Although Ford doesn’t like it, Stanely helps him walk to the door.

            “Though before I turn you back, would you mind if I do a few experiments. I have never seen a creature like this before and seeing how you can breathe underwater and on land, I would love to see how it works! *Pause* With your permission of course.”

            A small chirp exists out of Stanely’s mouth with him rubbing one of his claws together.

            “Don’t worry, I will pay you,” Ford says with an eye roll.

            “Sixer, what are you doing?!” Bill warns, “You do realize if you free him, he’ll ruin our project?!”

            “Does that project matter anymore?” Paranoid says, “Although I would love to have it done, I’d fear to be in a world where Stanely doesn’t exist anymore. Honestly, nothing we could ever gain from it, could ever replace Stanely.”

            With that, Ford opens the door, the clouds have departed, and a sunrise slowly creeps up. Ford tumbles outside and sighs in relief. Before he then looks at Stanely in the house staring outwards, his ears still draped down along with his shoulders.

            “What are you waiting for? We’re leaving. U-Unless you don’t want to?” Ford asks.

            Stanely stares at him, before hesitantly leaving. Ford sighs in relief.

            “Sixer, I want you to know, you are making a horrible mistake,” Bill hisses, but his voice soon fades out, like he’s lost a connection.

            “…T…tha…nk…s…” Stanely coughs out.

            Suddenly, Ford feels a mist and can see Stanely’s gills open up. He gives Ford a tired and scared look. Ford doesn’t get a chance to respond nor will he ever, as giant fish takes Stanely away and his memory returns.

            As soon as Stanely’s gone, the world fades away and Ford’s left with a mirror that is missing 3 pieces.

            “What’s that mirror doing here? Why now?” Author asks.

            “We should stay back here. I’m getting a bad feeling from it,” Paranoid says.

            “Our plan is being foiled! I’m betting that mirror is the cause of it,” Focused says.

            “No, actually. Everything is going according to plan. Trust me,” Ford says and approaches it.

            “Okay… if that’s your decision,” Author says.

            “I don’t like that decision,” Paranoid says.

            “But it’s the only way we’ll progress,” Focused says.

            “You can’t be seriously okay with this?” Paranoid asks.

            “I am not, but a bad feeling never stopped us before,” Focused says.

            Ford places a six-fingered hand on the mirror, and it immediately heals. The voices are gone too. He gazes in his reflection and sees- himself? Though now he’s become quite bloated, like a balloon.

            Then he’s somewhere else.

Chapter Text

            Once again, Ford returns to where Stanely was, and he appears once again. This time, the rat-shark version of him greets Ford. The light blocking his face is still there.

            “Seriously, Ford?” Stanely says.

            “Hm?”

            “You have got a talent for picking the worst versions of me,” Stanely says, “This guy tried to eat you!”

            “He did?” Ford asks.

            “…Sixer, you can’t be this oblivious,” Stanely says, “He charged at you with his mouth.”

            “So, I’m guessing, you don’t think highly of this ‘sucker’?” Ford asks.

            “Nope. He was so blinded by fear he killed you on accident twice. Couldn’t solve a conflict peacefully if he tried! Then finally, this jerk lost his mind and didn’t realize he wasn’t a dumb animal. He had to be saved by you to finally snap out of it!” Stanely complains.

            “Why is being ‘saved’ a bad thing?” Ford asks.

            “It just is,” Stanely snaps back, “But I guess he saved you in the end, so that makes us even. Guess, he’ll make for a determined sucker. Don’t feel too bad, he’s safe now.”

            “I’m not sure I enjoy seeing these aspects of you,” Ford says.

            “You and me both,” Stanely says.

            “...So, um. I have a question that’s been bothering me for quite a while,” Ford says.

            “Shoot,” Stan says.

            “What was the last thing you remember before waking up here?” Ford asks.

            “I already told you, I was in my car,” Stanely sighs, “Those suckers are still me, you know?”

            “I know, but what were you doing?” Ford says.

            “Driving. What else?” Stan says.

            “Hm, okay. Did you encounter anything unusual? Something that one may say, could have lasting impacts?” Ford says.

            “...Sixer, are you trying to figure out how I got these powers?”

            “Of course! I want to know. I’ve never seen anything like it before! Even Bill, who also affects the mind, can’t do the things you can! I need to know how it works beyond ‘my beliefs’, and I want to see if we can use it to our advantage!”

            “Not sure,” Stan says, “Before you got that first sucker, I wasn’t even aware of what was going on. The more suckers you’ve nabbed, the more I have control of this place. I don’t think I can get us out of here at the level I’m at. Plus, we’re still not entirely ourselves.”

            Ford huffs, “It doesn’t hurt to try.”

            “Believe me, Sixer. A lot of things hurt to try,” Stan says, “Anyways, back to your original question. I genuinely don’t know how I got these powers, though...”

            “Though?” Ford says.

            Stan pauses, almost like he’s searching for something, then he says with a shrug, “Never mind, it’s stupid. I’m the dumb twin after all.”

            “What? No! You can’t just imply you have a theory and not say it! What are you thinking?” Ford asks.

            “None of your concern!” Stan shouts, then there’s a moment of silence. Stanely coughs, “Look. Just stick to the plan, alright? I’m doing all I can on my end, so all you need to do is do what you love to do. Experiment, analyze, and all that nerdy crap. Just trust me, when I say it’s none of your concern at the moment. I promise, I’ll tell you what I’m thinking later.”

            “...” Ford has the urge to argue, but decides against it, “Fine, I’ll trust you.”

            Stanley smiles, or well Ford believes he does. He still can’t see his face.

            “One last thing,” Ford says.

            “Shoot,” Stan says.

            “All the other Stans had nicknames for themselves. Except for you. So, what should your nickname be?” Ford asks.

            “Good question,” Stanley says and hums to himself, before suddenly saying with a snap, “I’ll be- Holy Mackerel!”

            “...I’m leaving,” Ford says.

            “Hey, it’s a good name!” Stanley says.

            “Send me back, so I can forget,” Ford says.

            “Fine. My talents are wasted on you,” Stanley sighs with a huff.

            A glass shatters and everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

            “Hey, Sixer. How’s the portal going on?” Bill asks.

            “My muse! It’s going well!” Ford says, “Especially with your help!”

            “Good. Good. But how long will it take to complete it?” Bill says.

            “A month at the very least, I’m afraid. Even with your help, I can’t find a way to get it done any quicker,” Ford says.

            “Actually, about that… I’ve discovered a way to get our project done quicker,” Bill says.

            “You have?” Ford says.

            “Yes, and unfortunately it involves your lesser twin,” Bill sighs.

            “STANLEY?! But he’ll break the project as soon as he’s here!” Ford snaps.

            Bill laughs in amusement, “Can’t say he won’t try, and I can’t even say I’m happy about this development either, but- unfortunately our success is determined on him showing up. I ran the calculations after all.”

            “Ugh. Well, if you say so my muse. I’ll… I’ll call him. Though if he tries anything-” Ford says.

            “Relax, Sixer. I’ll watch over him. I will make sure he doesn’t do anything.”

            Ford wakes up on a path in the woods.

            Bill appears and starts talking to him, but he zones it all out. He already knows why he’s here. To slay the parasite and save his project.

            Though for some reason, that doesn’t feel appealing. Sure, it’s his project, but well, something is off.

            “I’ll do it later,” Ford finally says.

            “What?!” Bill snaps.

            “This whole situation is giving me a bad feeling,” Ford admits, “I won’t do it until I have a better grasp on the situation.” He then leaves.

            “Ugh! Sixer! Get back here! You need to slay the parasite!” Bill snaps.

            Ford ignores Bill and continues his path before seeing- his house.

            “Finally, I can get myself prepared,” Ford says.

            “And where you can slay the parasite,” Bill says.

            “What?”

            “That’s I trapped him, Sixer! For your convenience of course!” Bill says.

            “Bill, did you put a dangerous monster inside of my house?!” Ford demands.

            “Not so different than the other monsters you’ve put in that house!” Bill says.

            “…Nope, I am not doing this. I’m sleeping in the bunker tonight,” Ford says and walks off.

            “HEY!” Bill shouts.

            “Calm down, Stanford doesn’t want to do this right now. He’ll do it when he’s ready,” Author says.

            “But he needs to do it now! Or else it will escape!” Bill says.

            “Then I need to get prepared post-haste,” Ford says and continues walking off, until he reaches- his house again?

            “Oh, would you look that? You went into a circle!” Bill says.

            “…” Okay, now he’s just curious at this point. Cause he most certainly didn’t do a circle. Ford turns around, again. Soon enough, he finds his house. Ford tries again, this time making sure he goes straight forward, but he finds his house again.

            “Ugh, Stanford, what are you doing?” Bill snaps, “Just go to the house and slay it!”

            “Hold on Bill, this area seems to have some anomalies properties. It seems no matter where I go,” Ford says as he keeps wandering off but always still managing to find the house, “I’ll always find it. Fascinating.”

            “Yes, it’s because of the parasite. If you go over there, then you can study what’s happening within your heart’s desire,” Bill rolls his eye.

            “But I still want to check the woods first,” Ford says, “And I’m still unprepared.”

            “I left you a gun in the house,” Bill says.

            “But would that be enough?” Ford says.

            “Just drop it. Stanford’s made up his mind,” Author says.

            “…Fine,” Bill says, “You have made up your mind.”

            “Thank you-” Author says.

            “Guess, I’ll have to find another way to convince you that you need to go over there, now,” Bill says, and Ford hears a snap of some fingers.

            At first, nothing changes. Then suddenly, the ground beneath him sinks like mud, then a ball pit, and then like water.

            “Hey! What’s going on!?” Author shouts.

            “Bill! Help!” Ford shouts.

            “Sorry, Sixer. Thanks to you not heading my instructions, the parasite’s influence managed to escape and is warping the world around you. Don’t worry, you’ll be alive again.” Bill says.

            “Alive again…? What’s that supposed to mean!” Ford shouts and he sinks into the world.             Around him, the world soon warps around him, like a tissue that has a metal ball dropped in the middle of it. The trees grow upwards and circle towards the sun. Multiple houses soon appear in the distance on the hills, all of them Ford’s house. The world keeps growing upwards as Ford begins to sink. Soon, he realizes he’s being crushed.

            “BILL!” Ford screams for help and reaches his six-fingered hand up to the sky, as the world crushes him.

            “No, no, no, no. This can’t be happening!” Author says.

            “See you soon, Sixer~” Bill hums.

            Then everything goes dark, and Stanford dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps as he wakes up back in the forest. The world is stable again, though this time, there’s a giant wall circling the area.

            Cautiously, he gets up, as he no longer trusts the floor.

            “You okay there, Sixer?” Bill asks, “You’re not looking to hot. What’s the matter?”

            “…N-Nothing, my muse,” Ford stammers out. Did Bill forget?

            “Forget what?” Bill asks.

            “Nothing that’s important,” Arrogant says, “We have a task to do, whether we like or not.”

            “I’ll say. We can’t even leave this time,” Author says.

            “Leave? Why would you want to leave? You’re the only person who can slay this parasite!” Bill says.

            “Yet, we aren’t allowed to do it on our own terms,” Arrogant snaps.

            “Oh, hush. I gave you everything you need to do the job properly!” Bill says, “Just head into the house and everything will be fine! Besides, you are my favorite human I’ve met, so I don’t doubt you’ll be able to slay it!”

            “Hm…” Arrogant says, “I think I like that explanation a lot better than the last one.”

            “Of course! I’m a changed triangle. Now come on! You have project to save!” Bill says.

            “Pst. Something isn’t right,” Author says, “Are you sure, you want to go through with this?”

            “…” Ford looks around, the mental image of the world collapsing again, as much as he hates to admit it, that possibility frightens him. Besides, Bill says he’ll be okay, “Yes, I’m going to go through with it.”

            “Alright. I’ll be here every step of the way,” Author says.

            Ford then heads over to his house. Besides the wall, nothing really has changed. It’s still the same old forest. Despite this, he can’t help but feel something’s off.

            “Oh, before I forget. There’s something I need to tell you. The parasite will lie, cheat, and do everything in its power to stop you from slaying it. Don’t trust him,” Bill suddenly says.

            “Heh. Don’t worry, we’ve got this! Though, I still wish for my own stuff,” Arrogant says.

            “You’ll be fine ego glass,” Bill says, “Sixer, will be able to slay him no problem!”

            “Arrogant. Call me Arrogant,” Arrogant hisses.

            “Not a fan of nicknames?” Author asks.

            “Nope. I have a name, and I have a desire for people to call me by it,” Arrogant says.

            “Eh, can’t relate,” Author says.

            “Of course you can’t. Nobody is buying your name is ‘Voice of the Author’,” Arrogant says.

            “!”

            “W-What? Your name is not Author?” Ford says.

            “Yeah? What is your real name glass?” Bill says.

            “…If Stanely can go under a few fake names, so can we. I prefer Author over my own name anyways,” Author says.

            “Fine, keep your secrets. But I’ll figure it out soon, glass!” Bill says.

            “…” Author doesn’t respond.

            “Disliking your own name, how pathetic,” Arrogant huffs.

            Ford enters his house, but it’s different. It looks like a stage. One that isn’t currently being used. Curtains drape down from the sides, and beyond it are a bunch of props and boxes. There’s even a puppet looking thing with a lab coat and glasses, that Ford can’t help but hiss at. In one of the boxes that’s open, sits the memory gun above other items.

            “Stanford. Shoot the muppet,” Arrogant says.

            “I agree with Arrogant. Could you please shoot it? I won’t ask you of anything ever again. Besides not digging for my name…” Author says.

            “Sixer, we have an important mission to do,” Bill says, “Don’t. Don’t shoot the puppet. *Pause* Hey, wait why am I the straight man in this conversation!? Thought that was glass’s job!”

            “I don’t like that puppet…” Author admits.

            “OBLITERATE IT! REDUCE IT TO ATOMS!” Arrogant shouts.

            “Understood,” Ford says grabbing the gun and shooting the puppet. Immediately, it evaporates once it collides. The voices cheer, except for Bill.

            “I… I… I hate that you made me the straight man. Alright, but since that’s over, you can continue what you need to do,” Bill says.

            “Yep, put the gun back down,” Arrogant says.

            “Why?” Author says, “If we’re going into who knows what, I like to have a weapon.”

            “We don’t need it,” Arrogant says.

            “We don’t need it?! Of course we need it! The parasite destroyed the world last time!” Author snaps.

            “Please, it had a lucky shot on us!” Arrogant says, “This time, we will be ready!”

            “You don’t have to listen to him,” Author says.

            “Yeah, you need that to kill the parasite with!” Bill says.

            “You also don’t have to listen to him either,” Author groans.

            “Wow. And here I thought ego glass,” “ARROGANT” the voice interrupts, “Was the Voice of the Contrarian,” Bill jokes.

            “…Who?” Author says.

            Ford looks down at the memory gun. Sighing he hold on to it and enters the elevator.

            “Come on, Sixer. Think of it this way! This place is just an abandoned theater set. Slaying him would be doing him a favor!” Bill says.

            “…” Ford cringes.

            “So, what’s the plan, Stanford?” Author asks.

            “Not sure. All we know is that this creature is fully capable of ending the world, or at the very least warping the world if it escapes Bill’s trap,” Ford says.

            “Heh. So, this is bigger than our project eh? And we’re the only ones who can do it?” Arrogant says, and although Ford can’t see him, he can tell the voice is smiling, “We’ll be hail for the rest of time for that! Even more so than our that dusty portal!”

            “Well, no one will know you’ve saved the world if that portal isn’t finished,” Bill says, “Cause, honestly who would believe you with this? I for one, can vouch for you!”

            “Who said I was talking about stopping the portal? We can be great for two things. Especially since two is greater than one!” Arrogant says.

            Author sighs.

            “You alright?” Ford asks.

            “Just… reminiscing,” Author says.

            “Please, I know who you are thinking about, and you don’t need him!” Bill says, “Sure, ego glass,” “ARROGANT. Moses, are you deaf?!” “is right about one thing. Two is greater than one, but in your case, you don’t need your lesser half! You are great with me!”

            “Heh. You can say that again,” Arrogant says.

            Soon, the elevator opens up.

            “H-Hey! You can’t be back here!” a familiar yet trembling voice suddenly says.

            “He sounds nervous,” Author says.

            “Sounds to me, he recognizes our greatness and is naturally intimidated,” Arrogant says.

            The room looks less like Ford’s lab, and more of the backstage of a play. Ignoring the voice, Ford heads deeper through the lab. However, strangely, it seems longer than it should be.

            “It’s not, Sixer,” Bill says, “Just keep walking.”

            “Are you sure? I don’t think it’s supposed to be this long. This isn’t exactly our house either,” Author says.

            “What’s with the light?” Arrogant says, referring to a strange light at the end of the hallway.

            “Strange, I haven’t put up any lights that bright down here, unless…” Ford says.

            “The parasite has gotten to the portal and is planning to steal our credit! STOP HIM!” Arrogant shouts. Quickly, Ford obliges.

            “Haha! Finally taking this seriously, Sixer?” Bill says.

            Ford runs down the hallway, but there’s something slightly off. It’s warm and he can smell salt all around. It’s… nostalgic and nice.

            He keeps running. The salty smell turns into the smell of Toffee peanuts, and a feeling of dread goes down Ford’s spine.

            He keeps running. He has a feeling he has made a mistake. He had done something he couldn’t take back. A sickening smell fills the air. It’s has now cooled down.

            “Is it me… or is the light getting dimmer?” Author says.

            “Then, it’s probably shutting it off!” Arrogant says.

            “Or he’s destroying the portal. Keep running, Sixer!” Bill cheers.

            Ford keeps running. The hallway feels like it goes on forever. (Is it?) However, he rationalizes that if he keeps going at this pace, then he’ll reach the end of it soon.

            Then, pain hits him. Ford winces, and almost stops, but there’s a creeping feeling that if he stops now, he won’t be able to keep running.

            “Uh? What’s going on?” Author asks.

            “Keep running!” Arrogant shouts almost panicking, “The light is disappearing!”

            It is. Ford obliges and keeps running. More bits of pain hit him. All varying in severity. Some he can deal with. Some he has to grin his teeth to endure. Others bring him to tears. He wants to stop running, but he can’t. He physically can’t.

            “Uh, oh…” Author says.

            “We can do this! We’re Stanford Pines!” Arrogant says, though it feels like he’s trying to convince himself rather than Stanford.

            It’s now unbearably hot. The air is thick with awful smells, though the smell of gunpowder rivals the rest. It hurts so much. He’s so tired, but he refuses to stop running- This is not how it ends. He needs to get to that light. He needs to survive until he reaches that light! Even if he doesn’t deserve it.

            “No… we do deserve it!” Arrogant says, “We absolutely do!”

            With that Ford reaches the light, and sighs in relief. Only for a second later, for it to explode-

            ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATRAP. ITWASATR-

             Suddenly, Ford is in the portal room. He gasps in relief.

            “What was that?!” Author shouts.

            “Yeah, what was that!?” Arrogant hisses.

            “…Not the fun kind of pain,” Bill mummers, “You alright, Sixer?”

            “I… I think so?” Ford says as he straightens himself up. Then he notices-

            Stanely with his back to Ford and a chain around his wrist, in a room full of masks. The man is wearing a long coat with a hoodie over his head. Hiding most of his body.

            “Stanely?!” Ford asks.

            “…” Stan doesn’t respond, and instead quickly grabs a mask off the wall and puts it on. He then turns around, wearing a mask that looks very childish and says, “Sixer! Long time no see! Where have you been?” He quickly gets up and spreads his arm out, acting all excited like.

            “Stan?” Ford takes a step back.

            “What’s the matter, Sixer?” Stanley says, as his arms drop down, “Aren’t you happy to see me? Aren’t you going to get me out of here?!”

            “I… I… I’m sorry, Stanley. This is all too much to process. *Pause* Do you have any idea what happened in the hallway?” Ford asks.

            Stanley stares at him before quickly switching masks. Fast enough, that Ford doesn’t see Stan’s face. The childlike one is gone and replaced with one that looks physically drained and has a muzzle on it. His posture changes, from energetic and childlike to stiff and calculating.

            “Don’t know. This place is weird,” Stanley says, “You might accidentally cause it to collapse… again.”

            A chill goes down Ford’s spine. Did Stanley experience the world collapsing last ‘round’? Was he trapped in the basement like he is now, when that happened? The parasite must have gotten to him!

            “…Or he is the parasite,” Bill says, “And his last escape plan, killed you and only you!”

            “What?” Author says, “Are you suggesting that you want us to kill our brother?!”

            “He can’t! Stan is our brother, and we aren’t lowly enough to bring him in!” Arrogant says.

            Ford hisses, but for some reason he’s not surprised. Almost like he had a feeling that is Bill’s goal.

            Regardless, he says, “I’m not going to kill him!”

            That causes a change in Stanley as he quickly changes his mask to one of a mob-boss. Once again, his attitude changes, as now he looks confident and mean. “You are not going to do that.”

            “Of course, I’m not! Didn’t you hear me!” Ford says.

            “Then, what’s with the gun?” Stanley says and crosses his arms.

            Ford looks at the weapon in his hands, “I thought there was a threat down here, which may be accurate. If anything comes up, I’ll shoot it.”

            “…” Stanley then quickly switches his mask again; this time the mask has a too large smile on it to the point of uncanny. He proceeds to hide his hands behind his back, “Don’t worry, Sixer! I’ve been here for a bit, and nothing bad has happened!” He waves his non-chained hand, to show nonchalance.

            “See?! He’s clearly lying to you, Sixer. He wants you to lower your guard so he can attack! So, slay him now!” Bill says.

            “Okay, hold up. Can he stop with the masks? It’s annoying. Shouldn’t he drop whatever childish thing he’s doing, because he’s in our presence?” Arrogant says.

            “Not sure, something’s not right with those masks, but… I don’t think it’s that bad,” Author says.

            “It is bad! He’s insulting us! Tell him to take it off!” Arrogant says.

            “Stanely, can you please speak to me without the mask on,” Ford says.

            Immediately, Stan trades his mask to one that looks like a ghoul. His posture then becomes relax as like he has no worries.

            “Come on, Sixer! Have a little fun! It’s not hurting anybody!” Stanley says.

            “It’s annoying, take it off!” Arrogant says.

            “Are you sure you want to do that?” Author asks, “It’s his life.”

            “Actually, sure why not. Go take his mask off!” Bill says.

            “Now I know it’s a bad idea…” Author says.

            “It’s not! All I want is a man-to-man conversation. No mask!” Arrogant says.

            “Stanely, take off the mask,” Ford sighs.

            “Nah,” Stanely says.

            “Stanely,” Ford says.

            “Fineeeeeeeeeeeee,” Stanely relents, before taking off his mask-

            “Thank you-” Ford says.

            And then immediately puts on a new one. The new one looks like a demon. His relaxed posture is gone and replaced with a fighting stance.

            “HEY!” Ford and Arrogant shout, “That is not what I meant, and you know it!”

            “Don’t tell me what to do!” Stanley snaps, “This mask stays on! You have to take it off yourself, if you want it gone!”

            “…”

            “Well?” Bill says.

            Ford glances at the gun and throws it to the side. He won’t be needing it. He then proceeds to walk over to Stanley. In return, his brother snarls.

            “Don’t come any closer!” Stan shouts and punches him. Ford falls to the ground. His nose bleeds. Strange, he didn’t survive it before…

            “Serves you right!” Stanley huffs, but his mask is a little loose.

            “Oh, that’s it! It’s going off!” Arrogant shouts.

            “Stanely! Take it off, now!” Ford shouts and lunges at Stan.

            Quickly, Stanely changes his mask to one of a humanoid-rat, then tries to push Ford off of him as Ford collides with him. They both fall to the ground.

            “Sixer! Don’t do this!” Stanley begs, “Forgot about the mask! Get me out of this Hell!”

            “I will do it when you finally give me the respect I deserve!” Ford snaps and forcibly removes the mask.

            All of a sudden, Ford is hit with a bunch of different emotions. Fear, rage, power lust, sadness, embarrassment, distrust, shock, hope, and joy. All at once, and all too strong. To the point, it overwhelms him. What were the properties of those masks?!

            It takes Ford a minute to adjust himself, after that emotional flashbang he went under. The air feels distinguished, like he broke something important. He slowly gets up and sees Stanley kneeling down with his hands on his face trying to hide it.

            “W-What happened? What did we do?” Author asks.

            “You just took of his mask!” Bill laughs, “It seems he was using it to hide his true self! How hilarious! Glad I’m not him at the moment!”

            “Stanley?” Ford asks, letting go of his anger.

            “…why…?” Stanley says somberly, “…why did you take it off…?”

            “Why? Because you were not respecting us!” Arrogant says, “Now you can talk to us in a way we deserve!”

            “Are you okay, Stanley?” Ford says.

            “…no…” Stanley admits, “I haven’t been okay in a long time… heh. I think I was born this way…”

            “Born this way? What’s he talking about? Why is he still trying to cover his face?!” Arrogant says.

            “Stanley? What’s wrong?” Ford asks as he gets closer.

            That’s when Stanley removes his hands from his face. It’s… horrible. It looks like someone put his entire face inside of a blender. It just barely passes as human. He’s also… crying.

            “Me,” Stanley says, “I… I hate myself. I wish I was never born.”

            “You… you don’t actually mean that, right Stanley?” Arrogant says with a whimper, “Is that why you wore your masks? I’m… I’m so sorry, Stanley…”

            “Perhaps it was for the best taking off that mask,” Author argues, “I can’t imagine hiding who you are is very… pleasant.”

            “I… *Pause* What are you standing around for? You’re Stanford Pines! COMFORT HIM!” Arrogant says, “We’re not an @$$hole. We’re not!”

            Ford doesn’t get to respond, nor will he ever. As a raining mist returns, and Stanley is swallowed by a fish. Memory soon returns.

            A mirror missing two pieces appears in front of Ford.

            “What’s that mirror doing here? Why now?” Author asks.

            “I don’t like that mirror! It’s… creepy. Stay away from it!” Arrogant snaps.

            “It’s going to be okay, guys. It’s all a part of the plan,” Ford says.

            “Plan? What plan! Why didn’t you tell us?!” Arrogant snaps, though it’s out of fear.

            “I couldn’t,” Ford answers.

            “…Tell me what’s going on! I deserve to know!” Arrogant yells, “…P-Please.”

            “It’s going to be okay,” Ford says and reaches out towards the mirror. It heals once again, and he gazes into his reflection and sees- himself? However, this time, his skin has started to darken to a sickly charred color, while other parts of him have begun to liquify. Maggots and blowflies can be seen crawling all over him.

            Then, he’s somewhere else.

Chapter Text

            Ford once again wakes up somewhere else and walks over to Stan. He greets him, with the light still covering his face.

            “Guess you weren’t able to figure it out after all,” Stanley hums, “So, what do you want to know this time?”

            “…What do you think of this ‘sucker’?” Ford says ignoring Stan’s taunt.

            “Eh, there’s not too much to say. The guy never existed if we’re to be real, always pretending to be someone else. He wasn’t even that good at it! Needed physical masks to do the job. Heh. Guess, he’ll make for a honest sucker, since without all those masks he can’t lie for nothing. Sucks to be him, cause his real self is awful.” Stan says.

            “…”

            “What’s with that look, Ford? Don’t feel too bad, he doesn’t need to hide anymore!” Stan says.

            “Why do you have no sympathy for these suckers?” Ford says.

            “Because they suck! There’s nothing really good about them!” Stan says.

            “They’re not as bad as you think they are!” Ford says.

            “Sixer, all of them, except the last one, has directly killed you at least once. There’s no redeeming any of them! I’m surprised you’re not shooting them the second you’re able to,” Stan says.

            “I’m not killing you! Especially, parts of… you,” Ford says as he realizes something, “Stan… how close are these ‘suckers’ to you. You’ve said they are a part of you, but… they’ve all had some sort of problem. Something off. Are… are you okay?”

            “…I’m fine,” Stan huffs, “Look, if you want to be sympathetic to them, then try this. Actually, try to kill one of them, next round. Listen to Bill for only a second and do it. Then you’ll see none of them deserve your pity.”

            “…But I don’t want to kill you!” Ford says.

            “I’ll be fine, Sixer. I’m tough! Plus, you’ve already exhausted all your non-lethal options,” Stan says, “Don’t think I didn’t notice you trying to leave to avoid hurting ‘me’.”

            “…” Ford rubs his arm, “It doesn’t make it easier. You’re still my brother.”

            “…” Stan then puts his hand on Ford’s shoulder, “Look, Sixer. I’ll be okay. Promise! I’m a lot tougher than I look. Besides, it helps us both in the long run, and aren’t you a scientist? Aren’t you a bit curious on what would happen?”

            “Admittedly yes, and… ugh, fine. I’ll… I’ll try it. But only because I know you’ll be fine,” Ford says.

            “That’s the spirt. Ready to go back?” Stan says.

            “…Yes,” Ford lies.

            Then a glass shatters and everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

            Ford wakes up in the middle of the forest, and zones out through Bill’s and Author’s monologues, only chiming in a few times as not to be seen as rude by his muse.

            He enters his house, and it’s normal. Soon, he grabs the memory gun, though funnily enough, there’s an uncomfortable weight to it. Instead of placing it back down, he enters the elevator and descends down to slay the parasite.

            Once the elevator opens, Ford hears a familiar voice say, “Who’s there?!”

            “He sounds… dangerous. Best keep an eye out,” Author says.

            Slowly, Ford enters the portal room and sees-

            “Stanely?” Ford calls out.

            “Stanford?” Stanely asks back, looking… normal.

            “What… what are you doing here?” Ford asks.

            “Could ask you the same,” Stan says, “Especially since you have that sci-fi gun. How about you drop it, since there’s nothing dangerous here.”

            Ford glances at it, and tightens his grip, “I’ve been told there’s a dangerous parasite that threatens my project, and I am going to slay the monster to protect it.”

            “…” Stan pauses before saying, “Well, I haven’t seen it. So, maybe it’s upstairs or something.”

            Ford stares at Stan, before suddenly freezing, as he finds himself unable to check on the chains that prevent his brother from leaving or going upstairs. Worse, without Bill even telling him, he knows his brother is the parasite, yet he can’t find it in him to do a peaceful option. What is this?

            Sixer, it’s okay. I’m tough. I’ll be fine.  Whispers someone he knows but doesn’t. Bill and Author don’t say anything, as it seems only Ford hears it.

            Guess he only has one option, and Ford proceeds to aim the memory gun right at Stan.

            “Ford? What are you doing-” Stan says in a panic.

            “I’m sorry, Stanley. But I can’t risk you destroying my project,” Ford says and fires.

            However, Stan seems to have anticipated that and quickly moves his hand with the chain on it in front of him. Causing the chain to break off due to the impact of the blast. He’s free, but not without some burning on this wrist.

            “He didn’t even flinch!” Author says in horror.

            “YOU MISSED! HE WAS FIVE FEET IN FRONT OF YOU!” Bill shouts.

            “So, that’s how it will be! You care more about a dumb project than your brother’s life?!” Stan snaps, as Ford quickly collects himself to fire again. Before he could get the chance, Stan tackles him, and the gun is thrown to the side.

            What turns into is a brawl. Scratching, kicking, punching, biting, and everything under the table. Unfortunately, Stan seems to be winning. He was the brawn to Ford’s brain after all.

            “@#$@, if this keeps up, we’re going to be the ones slain…” Author says, “There is got to be a way we can get the upper hand!”

            “Sixer! The gun! Go grab it,” Bill says, and Ford can see the gun laying on the ground. However, Stan pounces and pins Ford to the ground. The latter twin gasps in pain. There’s now stars in his vision. What caused Stan to become so strong?

            “You really want to kill me over some dumb project?! It’s been ten years, Ford!” Stan snaps.

            “It wasn’t some dumb project! You ruined my life!” Ford snaps and proceeds to kick Stanley off of him. He then dashes over to the gun and pulls it up. Quickly, he aims the gun directly as Stanley, and… and…

            He can’t do it.

            However, his brother could.

            The moment Ford gives up, Stan punches Ford directly in the face and steals back the gun.

            “YOU IDIOT! NOW HE’S GOT THE DROP ON YOU!” Bill screeches.

            “I don’t think it’s the time for that…” Author says.

            “…Well, you ruined mine,” Stan hisses, as stars dance in Ford’s vision.

            Stan then- leaves and walks towards the elevator. Abandoning Ford in the basement.

            “S-Stanley…” Ford begs for his brother to come back, as everything goes dark, and he dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford gasps for breath, as he wakes up back in the woods. Quickly, he gently puts his hand on his throat and feels it expand and shrink in a rhythmic state. He’s alive.

            “Woah, Sixer. You’re not looking so good. What happened?” Bill says.

            “Stanley killed me!” Ford screeches, “Just when I was about to spare him too!”

            “Tk. No wonder our muse wanted him gone. We gave him our grace, and we received damnation in return! Oh, dear muse, I have learned greatly from our lapse of faith, and I pray for forgiveness under your glorious shape,” a new voice declares.

            “…PFFFF,” Bill laughs, “Oh, this is hilarious!”

            “H-Hilarious? Do you not forgive me? I’ll make it right, I swear! I’ll deliver the parasite’s head on a platter if that’s what it takes to get it!” the voice panics. This only causes Bill to laugh harder.

            “Nah, you’re good simp glass,” Bill says.

            “Ah! Forgiveness and my own special nickname!” the voice says, “Your grace is truly the most holy, our muse!”

            “What?” Author asks, confused, “What are we talking about?”

            “…Who are you?!” Ford snaps.

            “Ah, my apologizes. I’m our muse’s most faithful worshipper. So, call me the Voice of the Devoted! Fitting name really, but if it’s too long, just call me, Devoted.”

            “Ugh,” Ford sighs.

            “Haha! Sixer, I knew you are obsessed with me, but having a whole shard of glass dedicated to worship me?! Ha! I’m flattered!” Bill laughs, like it’s the funniest joke he’s ever heard.

            Ford’s face grows red, “W-What? He’s just a voice. He isn’t reflected of-”

            “Oh, but he is, Sixer! See, every time you die, a piece of you falls off. It’s the reason why you’re alive right now!” Bill says, “Those pieces are those voices you’re hearing. So, Sixer, simp glass is 100% apart of you. Which is hilarious but also great! As it shows how much you worship the ground I metaphorically stand on.”

            “That still doesn’t make me feel better,” Ford says as his face burns.

            “Still, Sixer. Don’t mind what they say, I’m the only voice you need to listen to,” Bill says, “Plus, thanks to my design, you have a second chance to finish him off. Now, get to it!”

            “And we’ll do it right this time!” Devoted says.

            “…What do you mean, right this time? Are we planning on killing Stan this time?” Author asks.

            “Nah, we’re simply slaying the parasite!” Bill says.

            “That’s the same thing, but more dehumanizing,” Author says.

            “Don’t talk back to our muse!” Devoted snaps.

            “Who are you calling ‘our’?” Author spits, back.

            Devoted gasps, “Heretic!”

            “Ugh… Stanford, are you sure you want to go along with this? Remember, you do have a choice in this,” Author says.

            “…” Ford heads towards the cabin without another word.

            “Oh, Sixer! Before I forget,” Bill suddenly says, “The parasite will lie, cheat, and do everything in its power to stop you from slaying it. Don’t trust him,”

            “Duly noted, our muse!” Devoted says.

            “Stanford…” Author sighs.

            Soon, Ford enters his house, and- it’s different. It looks almost like a villain’s lair. The room is barely lit, causing an oppressive atmosphere. A long rug is draped across the floor from the entrance to the elevator. There’re also several pillars with jet statues of different sea creatures on top. Ford can spot a shark, a sea serpent, an eel, an orca, a kraken, and a moose… for some reason. Ford decides he doesn’t want to know why there’s a moose here.

            On a beautifully crafted table with alcohol, an ash tray, and some cards laid on top, is the memory gun. Ready for a fight. With slight hesitation, Ford- takes it. Then he enters the elevator.

            “Oh, don’t feel too bad, Sixer,” Bill says, “He hurt a lot of people to be in this position. He deserves it.”

            “…” Ford goes quiet.

            “Does he?” Author questions, “What did he even do?”

            “Are you questioning our muse?!” Devoted says.

            “Yes! Because someone has to, and it isn’t going to be you!” Author snaps.

            “…You are just jealous, our muse likes me more,” Devoted claims.

            “No, I don’t,” Author says with a bit of rage behind it.

            Not soon enough, the elevator opens, and Ford hears a familiar voice say, “So, you’ve come crawling back to me?”

            “Absolutely not!” Devoted says, “We only bow to one person, and that is our muse!”

            “Will you cut it off with ‘my muse’ this and ‘our muse’ that?” Author asks.

            “Nah, keep going. Love to hear it,” Bill says.

            “Thank you, my muse!” Devoted says.

            “I don’t like what I’m learning about myself…” Ford whispers as he goes across the lab and enters the room.

            The villain lair theme continues, as it looks like Ford has entered a king pin’s office. Stan himself looks different. He’s wearing a dark clock, with a black fedora. There’s a painted scar on his right eye, and thick cigar in his mouth that is smoking. His boots look fancy, along with making him taller, so he’s forced to look down at Ford. It makes Ford’s stomach clench. Stan stands with upmost confidence, with his hands on his hips. The only thing that contradicts his overall tough guy appearance, is the chain still wrapped around his wrist.

            “So, you’re back. Took you long enough. Told ya, I could make it on my own!” Stan says with a smile.

            “You still have that chain on your wrist,” Ford notes.

            “Well… I can snap it off real easy,” Stan says, “But, I want to you to do it.”

            “Why?” Ford asks.

            “Cause he can’t. He’s trying to trick you, Sixer,” Bill explains.

            “Because then I’ll be able to look in your eyes as you realize I never needed you in the first place!” Stan explains, contradicting what Bill said.

            “…” Devoted makes a hurt sound.

            “That’s an oxymoron. How does helping him prove he doesn’t need us?” Author says.

            “It’s an insult,” Devoted explains, “To show that we’re beneath him. That we’re a freak.”

            “Aw, there’s nothing wrong with being a freak. All my best friends are freaks, including you!” Bill says.

            “Your words are wise and graceful, our muse!” Devoted says.

            “I’m not going to do that, Stanley,” Ford snaps.

            “Oh?” Stan smiles, “Then how about after this!”

            Ford flinches, expecting pain. Instead, nothing happens. He opens his eyes, and sees Stan holding a briefcase. Once his eyes are on it, Stan opens it up. It’s filled with cash.

            “A few million dollars!” Stan says with a smile, “All yours for you to take, if and only if you set me free!”

            “Does he seriously think he can buy his way out of this?” Author asks.

            “How disgraceful! He really thinks lowly of us, if he believes we care so much about material values. Unless… if you want it, our muse?” Devoted says.

            “Nah. There’s more to life than a bunch of tree remains,” Bill says, “Like watching your enemies sizzle and pop from the gasoline fire you created!”

            “…Oddly specific,” Author says.

            “How wonderful!” Devoted says.

            Ford makes a small hum in agreement.

            “Well, it’s your choice Stanford. Is the money enough?” Author asks.

            Carefully, Ford walks over to Stan, his grip on the gun tightening, and looks at the money. Stan’s smile grows wide, before suddenly-

            “Stan bucks???” Ford asks he picks one up, “Are you trying to scam me?”

            “What?!” Stan shouts, as his smile fades. He then takes the briefcase and goes through the money. He looks genuinely distress, at the fake money, “(No, no, no. I had the money now. I have everything now. I made it. So… why…?)”

            “Ehem,” Ford coughs.

            “Ah, uh… Sixer! Must have mixed up my briefcases,” Stan says and throws the case on the ground, “That’s for the taxes!”

            “Did… did he just confess to doing tax fraud?” Author asks.

            “What? You don’t do that?” Bill says.

            “I do it all the time, our muse!” Devoted says.

            “Since when?!” Author asks.

            “Haha. No, you don’t,” Bill laughs, “Though it’s really rude that you were dishonest with me right now. I thought I was your trusted muse.”

            “I am so sorry, our muse!” Devoted panics, “I trust you! More than myself! I don’t commit tax fraud, but I’ll do it soon after! If you want me to of course. After all, you are the greatest, holiest, smartest God of all the multiverse and-”

            “HA! Alright, that’s enough. As much as I would love for you to keep gushing about me, we have a parasite to slay. Plus, I’m just messing with you simp glass!” Bill says.

            “Heh… o-oh, of c-course. F-Funny joke, my muse,” Devoted lies.

            “Well, if you don’t take the money, then we’re going to have to do things the Pines way,” Stan says, and proceeds to grab Ford’s shirt, “If you know what’s good for ya, you’ll remove this chain before anyone gets hurt. Capuche?” He then throws Ford to the ground with a thud, and takes a step back with an expecting look on his face. Groaning, Ford gets up.

            “He is so much stronger than us and believes he’s above us. If we don’t do something now, then we might become his freakish servant,” Devoted says, “Listen to our muse’s guiding voice, and slay him!”

            “Heh. Exactly how I would say it, simp glass!” Bill smiles.

            “R-Really?!” Devoted says with happiness.

            “Remember, Stanford. You don’t have to listen to them,” Author says, “Do what you think is right.”

            Ford gulps, before raising the gun. Stan spots this action and quickly- grabs it.

            “HEY! HEY! NO! WE’RE NOT REPEATING LAST TIME!” Stan screams and attempts to wrestle out of Ford’s hands.

            “HEY! STANELY!” Ford shouts and tries to resist Stan.

            “CAREFUL! That is a very dangerous weapon!” Author says, “You don’t want it to break!”

            “Yeah. Fiddleford would hate us if we destroyed his awful gun!” Devoted says.

            “Oh, calm down, simp glass! You shouldn’t care what he thinks about you. After all, he’s already used it on you without your consent!” Bill says.

            “He did what?!” Author snaps with such anger that it surprises Ford. Enough that he accidentally pulls the trigger- right while Stan breaks the bulb.

            At first, there’s stillness. For a whole second, both twins realized they messed up. Then- BOOM!

            Ford falls to the floor as his vision begins to darken. He spots Stan holding the side of the wall, injured.

            “Seriously, Stanford? After everything I’ve done…” Stan growls, “I’ll show you! I’ll show you why you should respect me!”

            Then, everything goes dark, and Ford dies.

Chapter Text

            Ford doesn’t respond and enters the basement. There, he sees a large pile of gold and jewelry. Probably worth millions.

            “How much has this fiend stolen from innocent people?” Martyr says.

            “You assume he didn’t get this legitimately?” Author asks.

            “…He’s a crook,” Martyr says, “Ever since he was small, he’s been one!”

            “But things can change,” Devoted says, “It’s been 10 years after all…”

            “Careful, simp glass! You’re sounding like a heretic!” Bill laughs.

            “I’m not a heretic!” Devoted panics.

            Suddenly, the gold moves. Ford looks up, and sees two massive demon wings. Then with a small flap, the rest of Stan’s body appears. He has two sharp horns that don’t point up, but grow horizontal. His hands look like claws, while his legs turn into a large goats, complete with hooves. He also has a long leathery tail that splits off at the end. He’s not wearing much clothing, except for some fur around specific parts. There’s two holes near his mouth, causing a bit of skin to be still connected to his face when he opens his mouth. Though, the most notable of all the changes, is that his pupils have turned into rectangles, similar to a goat’s.

            That’s when Ford realizes that his brother is now half Jersey Devil.

            “Haha! I DID IT!” Stan says, with triumph.

            “Did, what?” Ford asks.

            “Got those millions! All by myself!” Stan says, “And this time-” He grabs a random gold coin, and bites down on it. It snaps in half, “Oops. Point is this stuff is the real deal now! I can fund all your projects and make you a millionaire like me! I’ll even make the rest of the family millionaires with this money! We’ll be sitting comfortably for the rest of time! Heh. Maybe I can find a fountain of youth, to make sure it stays that way!”

            He then glides down towards Ford, who takes a step back in response. He towers over him.

            “So, are you impressed?” Stan says, “I finally fixed my mistake! I got you all the millions that I made our family loose and more!”

            “Impressed? No! All he has now is a bunch of gold!” Martyr says, “Real materialistic of him.”

            “Did he take what Pa said seriously?” Author says, “Stanford, I think he believes this millions grant him forgiveness!”

            “…forgiveness?” Devoted asks.

            “Then he’ll need another a couple more millions, since he still wants to destroy our project!” Martyr says.

            “Ford?” Stan asks, “Come on, say something!”

            “…Do you really think this fixes anything?” Ford snaps.

            “…Yes?” Stan says awkwardly, “What more do you want? You’ll have enough funding for a ton more perpetual motion machines. Maybe you can even bribe your way into West Cost Tech. Do you want me to get you in there? I can do that!” Stan then flexes his claws, which Ford flinches. Though admittedly, he’d very much enjoy watching the people who rejected him get mauled by a jersey devil.

            “There’s only one way to fix this Sixer! Your memory gun may be broken, but I’m sure it’s got one more charge left!” Bill says.

            “…”

            “What? Not going to say anything, simp glass?” Bill says.

            “Do what you must, Bill,” Devoted says.

            Ford then brings out the memory gun. He aims it directly at Stanley.

            “Woah! Woah! Hey, look at that! Your gun is fixed up! Is that what you want? Come on! Answer me! What do you want, Stanford! I’ll give it to ya!” Stan says, “I have all the resources in the world to give you anything you want!”

            “He wants you dead, parasite,” Bill laughs, “Go on, Sixer! Slay the parasite!”

            “Alright, I know I wanted this guy slain earlier, but something isn’t right… Villains don’t beg for their life,” Martyr says.

            “Beg? He’s not begging, he’s trying to trick us!” Devoted says, “He’s so much more than us-”

            “Then why is he looking at our gun like that? Clearly it poses a threat to him,” Martyr says, “And yet, instead of attacking, he talks. He begs. Actually, has he ever attacked us?”

            “Yes, he has. Remember, he’s killed you twice already!” Bill says.

            “But…” a dawning horror comes into Martyr’s voice, “But he only killed us in the first route, because we attacked first. The second time was the same. He never acts, only reacts. Now, he’s trying to use his money that he earned (regardless of if it was legal or not), to get us to not attack. *Pause* A-Are we the parasite?”

            “Of course, not!” Bill says, “You’re so much better than him! Now, shoot!”

            “…No,” Devoted says.

            “No?” Bill says, “Come on, simp glass-”

            “We are not killing our best friend!” Devoted says, “All this time, I thought he hated us. Was above us. But in reality, all he wanted was to earn our forgiveness. He isn’t a monster, so please. In your infinite mercy, give Stanley one last chance? One last chance to make it right?”

            “…I’m not quite sure what to say,” Author says, “It’s your choice, Stanford.”

            “…” Ford looks down at the gun and back up at Stan, before asking, “Stan. Are you sorry for what you did?’

            “…” Stan pauses, “Well. I-”

            “Stan,” Ford spits.

            “…Ford, look. Pines men, don’t apologize. You know this! But…” Stan says.

            “But?”

            “UGH! You already know this Ford! Pines men apologize through actions. So, just give it to me straight, Ford! What do I need to do!” Stan says.

            “Say you’re sorry for breaking my trust,” Ford answers.

            “…” Stan stares at him.

            “Heh. He’s not going to do-” Bill says.

            “I’m sorry, Ford. I’m so sorry,” Stan says looking like for a moment, not an intimidating monster, but someone who has made a mistake they deeply regret, “…it can’t be that simple, right? You have to have something you want! Something I can give to you! (Something to prove I didn’t toil for n-nothing…)”

            “…No,” Ford says, and throws the gun into the jewelry, “That was all I needed.”

            “…” Stan gives a look of disappointment. His wings drape down, making him seem smaller, “Are you sure?”

            “…Stan, I’m… sorry too. For how I treated you. I don’t care about what you have or not, I just want to be your brother, again,” Ford says.

            Stan smiles in response, before quickly saying, “Haha! Now we’re

            “Hurray! We saved our brother!” Martyr says, “Without even firing a single shot!”

            “…I don’t know how your mind got to that point, buddy,” Author asks.

            “NO. NO! NO! Sixer, you can’t be seriously letting him get away!” Bill screams.

            “He’s sorry?” Devoted questions.

            “Just because he’s ‘sorry’ DOESN’T CHANGE ANYTHING!” Bill screeches. Suddenly, something goes off, which sounds exactly like the memory gun. It hits the wall, which causes the cavern to begin to collapse. Ford shouldn’t have ever brought it down there.

            “Alright, times up! Sixer, get us out of here!” Stan shouts.

            “Can’t you fly?! Plus, you don’t even have a chain on your wrist! What are you expecting me to do? You can just leave!” Ford says.

            “Believe me, Sixer. If I could, I would’ve,” Stan says, “WATCH OUT-” He then dives forward, and tackles Ford out of the way. Before Ford can yell at him, he hears- SLAM, RIP!

            Stan’s on the ground, with his right wing pinned to the ground by a stalactite.

            “Haha…ow. Really was too good to be true, huh?” Stan bitterly laughs, “Even after everything I’ve done… it was for nothing. Ha! My life’s one cruel joke, isn’t it, Sixer?”

            “Stan?”

            “Ugh. What are you standing there for? Run! Save yourself!”  Stan shouts.

            “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Martyr and- Devoted shout.

            “Huh? Aren’t you pro-Bill and all?” Author says.

            “Any muse who dares try to murder our brother, is no muse of mine,” Devoted states, “…I was misguide and used. Call me from now on, the Voice of the Heretic! Or just Heretic, as we’re running out of time.”

            “What? You think a little name change fixes anything! Your still simp glass, through and through!” Bill snaps.

            “Don’t listen to him! The triangle speaks nonsense! What are we waiting for? Let’s save our brother!” Martyr shouts.

            Obliging, Ford pushes the stalactite off of Stan, and picks him up. His poor wing is ripped in half.

            “What are you doing? You’re going to get yourself hurt, Sixer!” Stan shouts, “I’m fine, I can make it out on my own!”

            “I know, but you don’t need to do everything by yourself. Let me help,” Ford says.

            “No, really! I’m- ugh,” Stan tries to break away, but almost collapses. Dirt and more stalactites fall to the ground. If they don’t hurry, they’ll be trapped here.

            “Oh, that wouldn’t be so bad! I’ve heard starvation is a fun way to go!” Bill says.

            “No! We can do this! We’ll both make it out alive!” Heretic says.

            “I miss when you kissed the ground I metaphorically stand on, simp glass. You knew your place then,” Bill growls.

            “Don’t listen to him, you’re so much more than a worshipper!” Author comforts.

            “Stanley, please,” Ford begs.

            “…Fine,” Stan leans onto Ford and they both ascend the staircase, with as much speed as they can.

            “How sweet, wouldn’t it be a shame if something fell in our way?” Bill says.

            With that a boulder falls down in front of Stan and Ford right as they were about to exit the staircase.

            “Your words mean nothing, vile pest!” Martyr says.

            “Y-Yes. What he said,” Heretic says.

            “Ugh. I had it with this place! LET US OUT!” Stan shouts and hits the boulder with his claw. It splits in half. He blinks in surprise, “Huh. G-guess, it wasn’t all for nothing…”

            “Let’s go,” Ford says pulling him through the boulder.

            “Y-Yeah.”

            Soon, they reach the door and jump out. Right in time, as the house collapses in on itself. The two huff in exhaustion.

            “There goes your fortune,” Ford says.

            “Ah. It’s fine. Really was a means to an end,” Stan says, “So, uh… does that mean I can go home now?”

            “You idiots! DON’T YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE-” Bill screeches until he suddenly couldn’t. Like he lost his signal.

            “Good riddance!” Martyr says.

            “…” Heretic stays silent.

            “Hey, uh… I’m sure we’ll find another muse you can fawn over soon!” Author says.

            “They won’t ever be as good as him…” Heretic sighs, “But… I know I’ve made the right choice to leave his cult.”

            “Hey, uh… is it just me, or is it getting wetter?” Stan asks before being taken by a fish. Memory soon returns, along with the mirror. It’s missing three pieces.

            “What’s that mirror doing here? Why now?” Author asks.

            “I don’t know? The muse is gone. Is this… his punishment for us going against him?” Heretic says.

            “But we did nothing wrong!” Martyr shouts.

            “Don’t worry, it’s all going to plan. This isn’t a punishment, it’s something good,” Ford says and approaches the mirror.

            “A-Alright. If you say so,” Author says, “We’ll trust you.”

            Ford then places his hand on the mirror, and it heals. Then he looks into his reflection, and sees- himself, but his skin has completely charred and is basically dripping off his bones.

            Then he’s somewhere else.

Chapter Text

            Ford wakes up somewhere else and goes to find Stanley. Once again, Stan appears in front of him, looking the same as he did before, but with the same shining light on his face.

            “Alright. I did what you asked, Stanely. I tried shooting you, and frankly it was awful. So, with that experiment out of the way, are we done?” Ford says, “Can we leave this nightmare, already?”

            “…”

            “We’re done here, Stanley?” Ford asks.

            “…The good news is, we’re over half-way,” Stan says with a shrug.

            “STANLEY!” Ford shouts.

            “Look, if I don’t like this either. If I had it my way, we would’ve been out of here as soon as I woke up in that crumby basement,” Stan argues, “I’m not having fun either!”

            “Ugh. I do have a question though,” Ford asks.

            “Shoot,” Stan says.

            “When… when I was in the basement the first… ‘chapter’, I tried to do other options, but I couldn’t help but attack you,” Ford says, “When I tried to fight against it, I heard your voice. Is there a reason for this?”

            “Well, no point on seeing pathways you’ve already been on, Sixer,” Stan sighs, “I’ve already nabbed them. It be like playing a broken record at that point… and more importantly wouldn’t get us further out of here.”

            “Alright… What do you think of this sucker, anyways?” Ford says.

            “…Yuck. I really didn’t want you to see this guy, Stanford. He thinks he’s independent and doesn’t need anyone, but in reality it’s all a façade and has become a monster trying to prove it. Though, he did rescue you in the end. Guess he can be a cooperative sucker. Don’t feel too bad, Sixer. He finally made it home,” Stan says.

            “…Do you want to go home, Stanely?” Ford asks.

            “…” Stan stares at him, before saying, “W-We’ll see. Don’t want you to regret it.”

            “Regret it? You’re my brother! Why should I regret seeing you a bit more often?” Ford says.

            “…W-Well,” Stan stammers, before continuing “You still haven’t gotten enough suckers for me, and well… the rest are not nice.”

            “Please, if they’re anything like the other ones, I’ll be fine. I still care about you, even after I faced the others,” Ford says.

            “You shouldn’t,” Stan says.

            “Huh?” Ford says.

            However, it’s too late. As a glass shatters and everything goes dark.