On The Surface | An OCTale Sequel

37) Sayonara to You

14th March 2118
[Emma's POV]

I step out of the car carefully, and give a thumbs-up as thanks to Castellar as she drives off. I look at the imposing castle in front of me, and I take a step back. The last time I was here was that day, wasn't it?

"Lukas, don't you see?! Trapping them down there isn't going to solve anything! Our moth- no, FLORA's death was only a misunderstanding!"

"HOW CAN YOU DEFEND THEM LIKE THAT, YOU FUCKING MONSTER LOVER?! YOU SHOULD GO DOWN THERE WITH THEM! THAT WOULD TEACH YOU!"

I flinch at the memory, but then giggle a little. At least it's comforting having my memories back after all this time.

I take a deep breath, and take a step into what used to be my home.

The walls are ruined and covered in moss, and the roof looks like it fell through a couple years ago. I stop to read the plaques on the walls.

Long, long ago, two races ruled over the Earth in peace and harmony.
The race of HUMANS
And the race of MONSTERS.
The kingdom of HUMANS was governed by KING CARLOS SPADIX, whilst the kingdom of MONSTERS was governed by KING RELGORE DREEMURR.

Man, I miss those days. Everything was so simple back then, until that wicked Puppet-Master messed with Sayonara.

But on one fateful day, CARLOS was exposed to the cruelty and hatred of monsters, as one of their own kind killed his sister.

Flora...no, mom...she was so naive. Perhaps that's why the people loved her so much....I miss Dad, too. I wonder what they're both doing right now?

Full of grief, Carlos banished the monsters underground, never to be seen again. Since then, seven children have succumbed to their fate, their souls being collected to break the inpenetrable barrier.

I wonder if Tyler ever actually told Asgore about how they broke the barrier...but to be honest, I think he already knows. I wonder what the souls are up to? I saw them when I ran past that one time...I guess they have nowhere left to go since their families are long gobe. Just like me...

Eventually, I make it into the throne room. I remember Ichor being on that stage, telling the crowd to ask us questions...

...I just thought. Why were we put on the throne? Shouldn't Katrina of been the next in line? She was Carlos's last heir after all, since the boys left a while before Luke was born...weird.

I walk towards where my bedroom used to be, but it seems the passage has collapsed through. Instead, I head towards the extra room the museum staff added.

On the back wall is a nassive tapestry, telling my family tree. I recognise a few names as I skim over it.

Katrina Spadix
Martin Reynolds
Coral Dalca

Huh...nice to know three of the fallen children are, like, my second cousins twice removed or whatever.

I guess the fact that Luke and Tyler were basically a thing was kinda weird because they're very distantly related, but I guess since Luke is still 12, it's fine.

My eyes land on Carlos's sword, and I feel the magical aura it gives off. This is the sword he slayed all those innocent monsters....including one of his best friends. I wonder what Carlos's LV was at the end?

As I put my hand on the glass, a tingling sensation runs through my body. It's like my hands want to grab the sword...but I say no! The security alarm will surely go off...

Aw, c'mon Emma. Take the sword.

"Huh?" I say aloud, and turn around to see- her.

"The Puppet-Master! But how? I thought Luke-"

You thought wrong! That weakling brother of yours decided to team up with that goody-two-shoes Tyler and expel me from his body. And since your mother is still recovering from last time, I sensed the anguish in your heart and found you here.

"Wait- what about my mother? What have you done with her?!"

Nevermind her. I'm here for you. Listen, Emily. In my world, you and me get along swell due to how you accepted my help! All of your family is safe and well, it's happy for all! Wouldn't you like a world like that?

"Well...that sounds nice, but...why should I trust a word of what you say?"

I could show you.

"You...can? Uhm...okay, but you better not try any funny business!"

* * * *

I look around to see a room similar to Asgore's throne room in the underground, but somehow...different.

Welcome to OCTwist, OCTale Emma! I hope you find it exciting here! I'm excited, aren't you?

"Where's my family? You said they were alive in this world."

Oh, of course. LUKE! COULD YOU COME SAY HI TO OUR NEW FRIEND?

"Ugh, fine, Puppet-Master. Who has the Queen brought- Oh! Emily! What a surprise!" Luke remarks, as he walks into the room to see me. I immediately run over to hug him.

"Hey, what are you doing? Get off!" He laughs, and I take a step back.

"Sorry, it's just been a while." I giggle.

"Been a while? But you were literally just talking to me a few minutes ago, your m-" Luke questions, before being cut off.

Oh! Sorry Luke, this is a different Emily than we know. This is Emma, she's from OCTale! The Puppet-Master explains.

"OCTale? Puppet-Master, you know you're supposed to be-" Luke statts, before being cut off again.

Yes, I know, it's a work in progress! This is part of it, okay? She yells, Luke flinching.

"Uhm...okay. Anyway, you guys were talking about a Queen. You don't mean my Mom, by any chance?" I ask.

Oh, right...the Flora of this world died from old age a few years back. You're the Queen now! She remarks.

"Wait, really? Could I go meet me?"

"I don't know...the Queen is usually busy with her, uh, royal duties. Not much time for small talk. Also, meeting yourself might cause sone weird paradox." Luke explains, and I sigh in disappointment.

"Okay...Puppet-Master, can we go back now?"

Of course, new friend!

* * * *

So how was it in OCTwist? The Puppet-Master asks.

"It was amazing! Luke was there, I was Queen! You really can make that happen here, too?" I chirp, and the Puppet-Master winks.

Of course I can! All I need is for you to accept your role as my host! I can't use my powers without a human soul, after all!

"Okay, but one more question, Puppet-Master. I noticed in OCTwist, you guys are still trapped underground. How come?"

She hesitates for a second, before replying.

Well, in our world, the monsters won the war, and the humans were banished underground instead. But don't worry, that won't happen here. We'll just bring your parents back.

"Okay. I trust you now. Let's do it!" I chirp, and the Puppet-Master grins as she kicks my flower out of my hair, replacing it with herself.

Emma, you trust me, right? She mumbles inside of my head.

"Yeah, of course. I saw it with my own eyes. Why you ask?" I question, before I'm hit with a sharp pain, and fall onto the floor. My vision turns grey, and my ears ring.

That was a decision you'll regret.

The last thing I remember is the sound of the security alarm being set off.