On The Surface | An OCTale Sequel

39) Duel Destinies

Y'know... I was so alone and confused when I first came to this world all those years ago. I had no idea where I was or what was happening. But then I figured it out! My purpose....my SOLE purpose...is to rid this world of idiots like YOU! The Puppet-Master cackles, and I ready my magical sword as I frown.

"I don't want to hurt you...but since the fate of the world is riding on me defeating you...I guess I have no choice!"
I growl, before lunging towards her. But she quickly sidesteps, and I glare at her as I pass her, steadying my balance.

Did you really think you would be able to land a hit on me?

I flinch for a second, realising that she's repeating Impact's dialogue from the Genocide timeline. But I fade back into my frown again, slicing upwards, and I hit her.

"Emily" - 70/80 HP

"Shut it! You were the one who killed everyone in that timeline, remember?" I remind her, and she smirks.

But weren't you the one who started it?

"Well...yes, I guess so...but you were manipulating Luke!" I retort, as she lets out a maniacal giggle.

If we keep blaming everyone, we'd be here forever! And as much as I would LOVE that, I'd rather just destroy you right now.

She outstreches a hand towards me, and my vision turns black. I feel a presence behind me, and I attack.

"You...you really hate me...that much...?"
A slightly amalgamated Guidea mumbles in shock, and I take a step backwards in fear.

Doubt starts to take over again.

As I step further backwards into the darkness, I bump into somebody. Turning around, I quickly shield my eyes from a headless Castellar.

"N-No...I didn't mean to!" I stutter, running further away.

More doubt.

I feel a tap on my shoulder, and tears cloud my vision as I turn and see Luke, starting to disappear again.

"No... don't leave! Not again!" I cry, reaching out a hand to him, but I'm too late, as he disappears in a beam of white light.

And finally, I look up to the sky in time to see a large red timer, hitting zero.

"No! It can't be too late...I won't let you destroy the world!" I scream, slashing into the darkness behind me. The visions fade as I clash with the Puppet-Master's sword, her smiling that sadistic smile as always.

Huh. You're smarter than I thought. Oh well. There's no way you'll be able to win my next game!

"Puppet-Master! THIS ISN'T A GAME!" I yell, pushing her onto the floor with my sword. As I point the sword against her neck, she looks up at me in terror....but then smiles again.

I know you won't do it, Tyler.

I slowly nod along, tears starting to stream down my face.

"...You're right. I can't bring myself to hurt you...despite how horrible of a person you are!" I laugh half-heartedly, wiping away the tears, as the Puppet-Master looks up at me in confusion.

Why are you laughing? Just kill me already. She shrugs, still smiling.

"I...I phyically can't. I swore to myself that I wouldn't hurt anybody ever again. Not after that. Not even this random-ass flower that wants to destroy the world!" I continue to laugh, the Puppet-Master dropping her guard slightly.

"I just want to ask you...Truthfully, why are you doing this? Why do you want to destroy us?" I ask, no longer crying.

Technically, I came here to destroy the Guidea of this world, not some random human I've never met before. But I guess killing you would give me control over the timeline, so I can just erase you that way. Killing you would give me the EXP to get to LV 20, anyway.