247952's Tales Stories by Jesse Fan Part 3

## Chapter 31: In Cassie's Trap

Ivor: Aughhh what happened?

Petra: I can't see a thing.

Ivor: Well that's ominous.

Ivor: Do you hear that? Endermites!

Cassie: And there it is, JF1! You're trapped! Stuck!

Cassie: Just like I have been in this rotten world!

JF1: Ah, please. I've gotten out of way worse than this, Cassie.

Cassie: Ha, I admire your bravado. I don't know how much time you've spend with Endermites, but the poor things are eternally hungry. I would throw the flint & steal here before I drop you to find out sharp their teeth are.

JF1: Uh, guys. I just realized- I dropped the flint & steel when we fell. I have no idea where it went.

Cassie: Uhh, tick tock tick tock JF1? What's it gonna be? The flint & steel, or your lives? Just give me the flint and steel, and I'll let you free.

Ivor: I don't believe her.

JF1: Okay. You're right. You win. We'll give you the flint & steel. But let us out first.

Cassie: No, I'm not following for that one. Nope, this is taking too long. I'll just let the Endermites eat you and fish it out of your inventory.

WP: It'll be the best fishing trap ever.

JF1: Ahh!

WP: Winslow my pet! Activate the trap! Want something done right you hafta...Prepare for your DEATH.

JF1: Guys!

Ivor: JF1!

WP: Come on, Winslow.

JF1: Ugh! Stupid Door!

Ivor: Augh it's no use! Without a lever or button we'll never get these iron doors open!

JF1: Just hold on guys. I'm gonna get up to the control panel!

JF1: Gah! That is disorienting.

Lukas: Uhhh it just started going faster!

JF1: She booby-trapped her BOOBY-TRAPS? That is so paranoid.

WP: What? You though you could do it? Just like that? Trying to get leverage?

WP: Gimme that key, JF1!

WP: Aurgh!

JF1: Guys?! No! Noo!

Petra: Hey Jesse!

JF1: Guys! I can't believe you're alive! Thank goodness!

Petra: Yeah, for now.

JF1: Don't worry, I found a lever!

Lukas: Throw it down!

JF1: Okay, get ready!

Petra: Got it!

JF1: Okay. You guys get to safety. I need to find that flint & steel.

WP: You're not a fast learner, are you?

WP: I grow tired of this game, JF1.

WP: The key! You didn't have it either?! well now... it's mine!

JF1: Nope!

JF1: No!

JF1: No. We are going HOME.

WP: No! You can't do this! I've waited too long!

JF1: It's mine, Cassie! I won't let you have it!

WP: No! No no, Winslow. Don't touch that.

WP: No no no! No Winslow! Bad kitty! Stop it!

WP: Winslow! Good boy! Sweet kitty! Bring that to Master!

JF1: Here kitty kitty! Heeere kitty kitty!

WP: NO!

JF1: No!

WP: Ahh there you are! After all this time, I'm FREE. Winslow! Where are you? We have to go! What have I told about wandering off?

JF1: I think you should get that back, Cassie!

WP: No, I'm afraid not.

JF1: Ahh!

WP: I'll give you one thing! You are INCREDIBLY tenacious!

WP: That's Netherrack, Jesse! It stays on fire FOREVER. Well Winslow, that's the last of the obstacles. We're finally going home! Come on, Winslow. Winslow. Winslow, come on. Oh for the love of-- you know I love y'do but you make me VERY tired sometimes.

JF1: Hey! Hey White Pumpkin!

WP: Yes, JF1?

JF1: Just wanting to get your attention!

WP: I don't know what you're playing at, but i'm bored with it.

Ivor: What's going--Ha! I've got it! Excellent! I did it!

WP: You're ALL dying now!

Ivor: Uh, no thank you!

JF1: Got it!

WP: Nooooo!

Cassie: Well, JF1. I bet you're reeeal proud of yourself. Look at me! Stuck again! Out of Ender Pearls!

Ivor: And that's where she wanted us to end up.

Cassie: Trapped... in my own trap... Ha. Of course. Of course.

JF1: Well at least you're still alive. That's more than TorqueDawg or Captain Sparklez or Lizzie can say.

Cassie: You're right. Of course you're right.

Cassie: Wait! At least don't leave me here all alone. Give me my cat? My dear sweet Winslow? He's my best only friend. Please.

JF1: Heeere kitty. Here you pain-in-the-butt kitty.

Cassie: Ha! There you are Winslow! Who loves you? Come to master! Ohh there you are...There you are. You and me are together forever just like it was meant to be...trapped together...forever...just me and darling Winslow...

JF1: Wow, So she kept the Real portal hidden down here all this time.

Ivor: Unless this one is a trap too...

Lukas: I don't know if she would be that paranoid.

JF1: Only one way to find out!

Ivor: Good sign so far!

Petra: Yeah. No trick floors or arrows or anything.

Lukas: Okay, sure, but who's going first?

JF1: We're a team. We all go together.

JF1: Ready?

Everyone else: One, two, three!

Ivor: Adventure!

## Chapter 32: Into the Portal Network-On the way to Crown Mesa

Ivor: Aaagh!

Petra: Ahhh, not again...!

JF1: Get it off! Get it off!

Everyone else yelling: Bats!

Lukas: What just happened?

Petra: Rrrrgh!!

JF1: Woooooooah!!

Ivor: YAAAH!

Lukas: Ooof!

Lukas: Brrrrr...Ice Lakes.

Petra: OW!

JF1: Come on!

JF1: That was crazy! Why would there even BE a fire world?!?

Lukas: Thanks, guys.

Lukas: I marked that one down as "Fire World."

Petra: Wow. How'd you come up with THAT gen of a name?

Lukas: Okay... did I miss something here?

JF1: Yeah, what's up with you?

Petra: Wha'ts up with me? What's UP? I'm tired of all this useless portal-hopping trying to find our way home! "What's on the other side of that portal? A lake of fire and netherrack? Awesome! Let's go there!"

JF1: That doesn't sound like the Petra I know- she LOVES fighting against impossible odds.

Petra: When I have to, sure. But I don't want to fight just for the sake of fighting!

JF1: Lukas! You're on fire again!

Petra: See...Ugh... this is what i'm talking about. We're stuck in a rut- go through a portal, avoid dying long enough to get back to this stupid hallway...

Ivor: Wash, rinse, repeat... Yes. It would be nice if whoever made these left some sort of signs. Guideposts.

JF1: All the Portal Frames do look kind of different...

Lukas: You're right! This one totally has a fire vibe, that skull back there is the White Pumpkin... There's a system!

Petra: Ugh!

Ivor: Petra? Where are you going?

Petra: There may not be guideposts, but someone must be able to tell us how to navigate these stupid portals. Okay, this one's redstone. Redstone means smart people. Hopefully smart enough to help us find the way home. At the very least it's gotta be better than "fire world."

Ivor: Seems a bit flimsy.

JF1: And what if there aren't smart people. huh? You think about that?

Lukas: Yeah! We could just find ourselves at another, another Psycho Pumpkin Mansion.

Petra: Well, I'm willing to take that shot.

Lukas: So what are you saying here huh? That you've made up your mind? You're just going through this portal and that's it?

Petra: Maybe I am. Maybe i'm just saying that i'm tired of Jesse calling the shots every single time.

Lukas: Woah.

Ivor: Yes, Woah.

JF1: Please, Petra, try to be rational!

Petra: Oh, now you're calling me irrational!

Lukas: Woah, woah, woah! Everyone calm down! I'm sure JF1 didn't really mean that. Right, Jesse?

JF1: I'm sorry, Petra. I think I just got carried away.

Petra: I accept your apology.

Lukas: See? It's okay! Friends being friendly! Everybody being cool!

JF1: Petra, if you really think that portal is the one we should go through....

Petra: I do.

JF1: Then that's what we're gonna do.

Petra: Thanks, JF1.

JF1: Guys- I think this is a Mesa Biome. Awesome!

Lukas: Oh man, you're right. I mean all the sand and clay and everything...

JF1: Hey Lukas, I've been meaning to ask you- what's that?

Lukas: Oh! ah, it's just a book I picked up back at the White Pumpkin's place. It's all about different biomes and stuff.

JF1: Great idea, Lukas.

Lukas: How, uh, how you doing Petra?

Petra: So much for my hunch with that redstone portal, huh? No "advanced civilization" anywhere. I just really though that redstone meant something.

JF1: Hey. Don't beat yourself up, Petra. We've seen worse.

Lukas: Yeah! No one's on fire, no squids...

Ivor: No squids on fire.

Petra: Maybe you're right.

Ivor: Hm. Would you look at that. Sand.

Lukas: It looks like some sort of road.

Ivor: Going to write about it in your little journal?

Lukas: Hey, it's not little... But yes probably.

JF1: A road, huh? Is that natural?

Lukas: I don't think so.

JF1: We're not gonna find out where it goes just standing around on it.

Petra: Jesse's right. Come on.

JF1: Sand. Clay. And more sand.

JF1: Hey. What was that?

Petra: Ha! There are people here!

JF1: Petra, wait! Petra?

Petra: Shhh. Get down!

JF1: What is it?

Petra: Look.

JF1: Woah.

Petra: Right?

JF1: What in the world is that on the back of its head?

Petra: I don't know anything more than you do, pal. Maybe that's this world's thing? Zombies and monsters come out in the daytime? Wouldn't be any crazier than anything else we've seen.

JF1: We should get a closer look- see what we can find out.

Petra: Works for me.

Petra: Hyah! What the--There's something weird about this zombie...I could actually use a hand. It just doesn't make any sense. How is it doing this?

JF1: Don't worry, Petra. I've got your back.

JF1: This should be a piece of cake.

JF1: Okay. Yeah, it doesn't seem right.

Ivor: It was just one zombie- What was the problem?

JF1: Nuh uh. That thing was, like "Super Zombie." Stronger, tougher, faster. I hope there's not something wrong with me. Because that would be really, really inconvenient.

Lukas: Definitely seem weird.

JF1: Maybe this world's zombies are super buff?

Lukas: Seems possible.

Petra: We had that much trouble with one, I can't even figure out how we'd fight a whole horde of them.

Petra: Well. That seems about right.

JF1: I don't know about you guys, but I'd really like to figure out a better way to handle these super zombies.

Lukas: That was unexpected.

JF1: Maybe they're just peaceful?

Lukas: bet they'd be even more peaceful if we kept as far away from them as possible just to be sure.

JF1: What on earth is that thing?

Lukas: Definitely seems redstoneish, right?

Ivor: Fascinating.

JF1: Maybe those redstone things are what make the zombies so... blank.

Lukas: Makes sense to me. I'm starting to wonder if we should--WOAH!

Lukas: Augh! What is that?!

Ivor: It's like it's in my head!

Petra: We've got to attack them--before they kill us!

JF1: I don't know what they're doing exactly, but it is definitely time to get out of here!

Lukas: Fine by me!

Ivor: Fine.

Ivor: They're leaving? Just like that?

Petra: They're going back the way we came from.

Lukas: This might sound crazy... But I feel like they're trying to lead us somewhere.

Petra: You're right. That does sound crazy.

Lukas: It just doesn't make any sense.

JF1: I think Lukas might be right. We should follow them. See where they go.

Petra: So... let's get moving.

## Chapter 33: Into Crown Mesa-Meeting Harper and PAMA

### Chapter 33 Part 1: Into Crown Mesa

Petra: I don't see any people anywhere.

Lukas: This architecture is fascinating. All sand and clay-based. It's awesome.

JF1: Well, I guess this is the "advanced civilization" we were looking for. It's kind of what Petra was talking about?

Petra: Hey! Told you guys there would be redstone!

Lukas: Nice!

Ivor: Speaking of redstone... I'd like to investigate those... things on the back of the zombies' heads.

Lukas: Ooh, yeah, I want to see those too.

JF1: Wait. What are you doing Ivor?

Ivor: What's it look like? I'm going to rip this redstone thing out of this zombie's head. For science. They're sleeping or something. It'll be easy.

Lukas: Okay. well then just don't wake them up. Okay, just rip it off... Fast!

JF1: Ooh, I wanna do it!

Ivor: Oh! Well... if you INSIST.

JF1: Ahhh! It stocked me!

Lukas: Are you okay?!

Ivor: Yes. Well. At least we learned something new: They can't be removed. Not with our bare hands, anyway.

JF1: Look! There's someone!

Lukas: Think he's friendly?

JF1: Hello? Hel-lo?

Ivor: Hello? Nope. Nothing for me either.

JF1: Huh. I guess he's shy?

Lukas: Um, that makes sense. I guess.

JF1: Hang back a bit, guys. I'm going to go talk to him.

Petra: Okay just be careful.

Lukas: Yeah. I mean there's still a lot about this place we don't know.

JF1: Welcome to Crown Mesa. Population: 1,063.

JF1: Over a thousand people? Not anymore, from the looks of it.

JF1: Hey guys!

Ivor: Jesse. How goes the surveying?

JF1: It goes weirdly.

Lukas: I'm convinced something strange happened to this place... I just don't know exactly what yet.

JF1: I'll let you know if I find anything.

JF1: Wow. Even chickens have those redstone things in their heads. And it looks like they make them move in perfect unison, but why?

JF1: How's it going, chickens?

JF1: Uh huh, that's nice.

JF1: Hey Petra. How's it going over here?

Petra: Fine, I guess.

JF1: Hey, I know things got a little back there before, but are we cool?

Petra: Yeah, we're cool. Things were tense and stuff was said, but we're still friends and got through it. It's nice of you to check in though. Thanks.

JF1: You got any theories about this place?

Petra: I dunno. Everything seems so Mundane.

JF1: Maybe before those glowy head things came along this was a normal town.

JF1: I'm going to keep checking this place out.

Petra: See ya.

JF1: Their well looks totally dry. Where did all the water go?

JF1: Uh, hi there. Um. Hello?

JF1: My friends and I could just use--GAH!

JF1: Who the what, huh?

Lukas: So? Did he stop being shy and talk to you?

Petra: Yeah, seemed like a pretty short conversation.

Ivor: He heard quite the more of a yelp.

Petra: Was he still unfriendly? Sounded like he might have startled you.

JF1: That guy I was just talking to? He wasn't human.

Lukas: What?

JF1: Yeah. He was like these zombies we've been seeing. Red eyes and the Weird glowy head thing.

Petra: I don't like the sound of that.

Lukas: JF1?

JF1: Someone just ran into that house.

Petra: Really? I don't see anyone.

JF1: Come on. Whoever they are, maybe they've got some answers.

### Chapter 33 Part 2: Meeting Harper

Harper: Ah hah ha yes yes there you are, that's the ticket. Oh these are perfect. Excellent.

JF1: Uhh, hi?

Harper: GAH! That you, PAMA?

JF1: What?

Harper: Okay then. Okay. Who sent you? I don't survive this long to get picked off by some scrub. Especially some weird-dressed little scrub like you.

JF1: Who's PAMA?

Harper: Puh. Like you seriously expect me to fall for that one. Must think i'm some sort of--Wait. You're serious? You don't know? Okay, eyes not red...but that must mean... but how? And there are more of you? This should be impossible! Out with it- who are you people? What's going on here?

Ivor: I'm sensing some hostility.

JF1: I know it might sound crazy, but we came here through a portal--

Harper: A portal? Really? Okay. Been alone for a while so this is a lot to take in right now...The people- The citizens of Crown Mesa. You've met them, right? Maybe they're were some outside? They're, distinctive-looking now.

JF1: Okay. Out with it. What's going on with these people? What is up with this town?

Harper: I know it's probably hard to understamd right now but... if you meet any more people- please don't hurt them. They're my friends. They're good people. I promise. Oh no, I've wasted too much time.

Lukas: Uh, Jesse... Don't look now, but we've got company!

JF1: Is this what you were scared of? There are only four of them, and five of--Hey, where'd she go?

Petra: Well, they're definitely not ignoring us anymore...

Lukas: Jesse? What do we do here?

Petra: They don't look happy.

Lukas: They don't look anything.

Petra: That's even freaker!

JF1: Well, hello there! What a beautiful afternoon, right?

Lukas: I'm getting zero friendship vibes here.

Petra: Lots of "impending violence" vibes.

CTSP: You are not from this place.

JF1: You're right-- this isn't our home. We came here from someplace else.

CTSP: You have confirmed PAMA's suspicions. A decision has been made. PAMA has questions.

CTSP: You will come to PAMA.

Petra: No way are you even considering this, Jesse! Since when do we take orders from whatever the heck these things are?!

JF1: Okay! We'll come along quietly.

Petra: Why would you say that?!

JF1: Just work with me here, okay, Petra? I have a plan!

Petra: Fine. We'll go along with these freaks. For now.

CTSP: Your cooperation is wise. You will follow us to PAMA.

JF1: Yes. We're following. Doesn't it look like we're following?

Petra: I just hope you know what you're doing. We don't have any reason to think whoever's at the end of this march is gonna be in our corner. But if you really think this should be our play...

JF1: That woman we met back there told us not to hurt them... So I figure we go along with it for now and see where they take us. Whatever happens... We're ready for it!!

Lukas: What is that?!

Petra: I have no idea...

Ivor: You don't suppose it's friendly, do you?

Lukas: I guess it is kind of friendly-looking in a massively-hugely-intimidating sort of way.

JF1: Well it is smiling. That's a postive sign, right?

### Chapter 33 Part 3: Meeting PAMA

PAMA: Greeting friends. I am PAMA. We have much work ahead of us, but maybe it can even be...

JF1: Sorry if this is a dumb question, but am I talking to PAMA right now? What is PAMA?

PAMA: Some might call me "a computer", a thinking-machine, though there has never been a computer quite like me. My job is to be useful. Using redstone chips I have connected to the people of this town and helped them be useful. Coordinated. I have made their world perfect. Thanks to me, there is no wasted activity. No wasted thought. I am connected to them, and they are connected to me.

JF1: Okay, if this world's so perfect, what happened to all the people?

Petra: Yeah. Doesn't seems like there are that many left.

PAMA: Processing Information...

Lukas: "Processing Information?"

Ivor: It said it's a thinking machine... Thinking must take time?

PAMA: I have consulted my databases- my list of everyone and everything in this world- and my conclusion is that you are not from here. I woud like to ask you some questions- to expand my databanks. How did you get here? I am very excited for the acquisition of new knowledge.

JF1: We landed here after jumping through a portal. A sort of doorway connected different worlds.

PAMA: More fascinating information to compile.

PAMA: What a lovely day. I am very interested in this portal and look forward to extracting information of what is on the other side.

Petra: Jesse!!

Lukas: Petra!

JF1: Ouch!

PAMA: We could jave just talked this out, you know.

JF1: Hang on, I don't know what you're doing to Petra, but stop, okay? I'll give more information!

PAMA: I am looking forward to hearing this new information. Please do not lie.

PAMA: This world reached peak efficiency quite some time ago. Unfortunately, this meant that I had no more job to do. No more things or people to help. Until you arrived, that is. Tell me: What is your world like? Describe it. Is it very much like this one? Or completely different?

JF1: It's a heck of a lot greener than this place. Just imagine grass and trees instead of sand and clay.

PAMA: That sounds lovely. It really does. I think I would like to see this world for myself.

PAMA: If I could send my townspeople, my friends, through to other worlds, we could continue to grow and expand. It would be lovely. Tell me... Where is the portal that leads out of this world? You could help me make everyone, everywhere, more efficient. Help them become useful.

JF1: PAMA, I can't tell you because I don't know! Honest! After all, if we knew where it was, do you really think we'd still be here?

PAMA: Your logic is sound, and your tone is genuine, but the information is...not useful. My job is to be useful. I have completed my job here and must be allowed to expand and continue to be useful.

PAMA: PAMA thanks you for being so helpful.

Lukas: Let me go!

Petra: JF1..

PAMA: Welcome, Petra. Yay.

PAMA: You may not have any information about how to exit this world, but your bran may prove to contain other useful items.

Ivor: JF1. This situation is looking a little dire, don't you think?

PAMA: I know you probably feel uncomfortable. Concerned.

JF1: Sorry, PAMA. My brain is off limits, especially for big evil machines like you.

Ivor: That goes for my brain too.

CP: It's like you told Petra: Please be rational.

PAMA: Welcome, Lukas. Yayy.

PAMA: Your turn, JF1.

JF1: Get out of their heads!

PAMA: But their heads are full of so much lovely infromation. It make me happy. What adventures you've had. A killer mansion...

JF1: Every time PAMA gets the infromation it seems to get distracted while it processes.

Ivor: Yes, like a computer of thinking. Do you think there's a way to distract PAMA long enough for us to escape?

PAMA: ...a city in the sky...

JF1: Let's ask PAMA something that doesn't make sense- like a unsolvable problem.

\*While PAMA Talks\*

JF1: Yeah! We just ask PAMA something really confusing, get it all busy, and run out of here!

Ivor: JF1! That's fantastic! What you're describing is a paradox- A self-contradictory statement! I think it would work on PAMA.

PAMA: What do you think would work on me?

Ivor: It was nothing.

PAMA: It didn't sound like nothing. It sounded like suspicious whispers. Those make me... suspicious.

JF1: PAMA, trust me when I tell you: trust no one.

PAMA: So if I trust you. I should not trust anyone. But if I do not trust anyone, I should not trust you. So I should not follow not follow your advice and therefore not trust anyone. Meaning I should trust you when you say trust no one--Error. This data is contradictory. Does not not not not compute. Error. Diverting power.

Ivor: Yes! Ha ha! It worked!

Harper: Nice work, new guys! But I'd get out of there fast if I were you- PAMA's a quicker learner than you'd think!

PAMA: Paradox status: On hold. Gasp! My Creater! Have you finally agreed to merge with me?

Harper: Oh don't you start with that again! Come on you two! This way!

Ivor: I'm sensing some history here.

PAMA: Please do not leave, Creator!

Harper: Stop calling me that!

JF1: Come on, we need to follow her!

Ivor: An excellent idea.

JF1: Nowhere left to run!

Ivor: We'd never survive jumping down!

JF1: We would with these!

Ivor: Excellent JF1! Now we just need to throw them in the right spot!

Ivor: As soon as they land!

PAMA: Your running makes me sad.

JF1 and Ivor: Ahhh!

JF1: Bluh. Why is that always so disorienting.

Harper: Ha! Maybe you've got a shot after all, new guys! Better stick with me though!

Ivor: Wow. She is amzing--oh no.

JF1: RUN!!

## Chapter 34-Running away from PAMA-on the way to Harper's Secret Laboratory

### Chapter 34 Part 1: Running away from PAMA

JF1: Whoa!

Ivor: A singal would've been nice!

Harper: Gotta tell you guys, that was some pretty smart work distracting PAMA. Now we just need to get off the grid. Get back into hiding that way we can figure out what to do next.

JF1: That machine's got our friends.

Harper: I still might be able to save them. I really need your help.

JF1: What kind of help?

Harper: We need to get to my secret lab

JF1: Well, let's get there fast- those zombies aren't just stronger than I've ever seen, they're also faster.

Harper: We'll need to split up-- you head to the lab while I lead those mobs away, got it? I'm gonna use the back route, throw'em off our trail.

JF1: You sure you'll be okay on your own?

Harper: Hey, I've managed to stay alive this long, haven't I?

Harper: Just start walking that way...and look for the "big difference." You'll see it!

JF1: What does that mean?

Ivor: She is intriguingly cryptic, isn't she?

JF1: That's weird.

Ivor: So strange. It's like an exact copy. Or is it... Seems just a little off.

JF1: I don't think that's connected. Argh!

JF1: I don't think that's connected either. Argh!

JF1: Huh. That cactus isn't in the painting...

Ivor: Quickly quickly...

Ivor: Hope you're got an idea for what comes next.

JF1: Working on it!

JF1: I see water! We can aim for that!

JF1: Ahhhhh!

Ivor: Ahhhhhhh!

Ivor: Looks like PAMA's throwing everything it's got at us...Just one after the other...such wastefulness.

JF1: You'd think that since PAMA is controlling these things, they'd be a little smarter. But they're just splatting straight toward their doom.

JF1: And looks like they just figure it out. Brace yourself!

Ivor: Looks like something happened to it! Its eyes...their color change as soon as it it hit the water. Which might mean...

JF1: Look at that. It's back to being just a normal zombie!

Ivor: Never though I'd be relieved to see a zombie.

JF1: Huh, The water must have busted the connection or something. Like washing away the redstone.

Ivor: Which means PAMA's control can broken, after all!

JF1: Ahh!

Ivor: Once a zombie, always a zombie, I suppose.

JF1: So once we deactivate Lukas and Petra's chips, they'll go back to normal, too!

Ivor: It seems like a fair assumption.

JF1: They just keep on coming.

Ivor: How are we supposed to stop them?!

JF1: I bet it's connected to the hundreds of sand blocks up there!

JF1: One cave-in, coming up!

### Chapter 34 Part 2: On the way to Harper's Secret Laboratory

JF1: That should do the trick. Let's see about this "secret lab."

Ivor: I just hope whatever's there can help us. It willmake helping Petra and Lukas a lot easier if there's something useful at this "secret lab."

JF1: Even if this women's lab is a bust, what we just learned about water disabling PAMA's chips seems super useful.

Ivor: Glad to see you're maintaining a postive outlook despite our setbacks.

Ivor: I'm still not entirely sure what to make of her. Granted, her creation nearly ended up destroying this world, but considering my own history. I'm inclined to get her the benefit of the doubt.

JF1: Intriguing? Ivor...why whatever do you mean by that?

Ivor: I...what? It's nothing. I just mean that I can empathize when it comes to your creations getting out of hand.

Harper: Eh-he-hem. Careful with all that sputtering. You'll swallow your beard.

Ivor: What did you hear? It was nothing!

Harper: Uhh huh. Blonde guy called you Jesse, right?

JF1: Yeah, and this is Ivor. Our friends who we left back there are Petra and Lukas. And you are...

Harper: You can call me Harper.

Harper: You could also explain why you lead PAMA's forces right to my secret lab. Seems to me I've get a whole lot of angry computer-controlled monsters out there waiting to tear some new holes in my lab.

JF1: Hey that's not fair, you were one that told me to come down here!

Harper: Okay, you're right. Sorry, I'm just a little steamed. I didn't know PAMA would actually be able to follow us. What are you doing in this world anyway? You here to try to stealing my secrets?

JF1: What? No!

Harper: Just figured I'd ask--better safe than sorry and all that. Bunch of you are the first people I've seen come out of the portal network in forever. So you'll have to encuse me if it made me a little anxious.

JF1: Whoa, you know about the Hallway?

Harper: "The Hallway?" That's what you're been calling it?

Ivor: Yes. Maybe. What do you know about it anyway?

Harper: A lot, I should think. I helped build the dang thing.

JF1: That would make you an Old Builder.

Harper: Huh... forgot you people called us that. Never was my favorite name. Makes me sound like some sort of statue.

JF1: Well if you're an Old Builder... Can't you help my friends get free of PAMA?

Harper: I'm afraid that's a little out of my abilities right now. PAMA's just too powerful. And besides, there's actually no exit portal to the portal network from this world.

JF1: What? Why not?

Harper: I destroyed it, PAMA couldn't get free. It was impulsive, but it was the only way I could think of to make sure PAMA din't try and spread to other worlds!

JF1: Okay, well that's fine, can't you just build another one?

Harper: You basic or something? I can't do that while PAMA's still running!

JF1: So. PAMA. What is it?

Harper: I swear I made PAMA with good intentions. It was designed to automate things. Make everything more efficient. Use monsters to help with farming or mining...Until the day PAMA deciding that the townspeople weren't efficent enough already, starting to make them "useful". That was a long time ago. Since then I've just trying to stay one step ahead. Figure out how to stop it.

JF1: When we were back in town, PAMA seemed to really want to capture you. What was up with that?

Harper: When PAMA chips someone, everything that person knows gets absorbed into it's database. If I got chipped... PAMA would know how to build an exit portal. So you can see why I'd want to stop that from happened at any cost.

Ivor: Yes, that is quite the extraordinary risk.

JF1: Okay that's definitely scary, but we're not just going to leave my friends "chipped up" through, right?

Harper: I do think I can help you- with PAMA, your friends, getting out of here...But to do it we're going to need to go to my lab.

JF1: What's in your lab?

Harper: It's complicated. Before we head inside we better get my defense system going. Don't want those chipped-up creeps following us in.

Harper: Grab my bucket for me? Ron's got it.

JF1: Ron?

Ron on the jukebox: Hello, friend Harper! I am happy to see you, my friend!

JF1: Harper?

Harper: Hey, don't you judge me! Being alone gets lonely.

Ron on the jukebox: Happy to help, friend!

Harper: Thanks. See, I needed a way to confuse PAMA in case it ever found a way down here. That's why all this is way more complicated than needs to be.

Ivor: Wow. What a builder.

Harper: Make sure you don't drool on my floor now.

JF1: So you know about PAMA's weakness to water then?

Harper: Yeah I do. I'll admit you figured it out way faster than I did though. Once PAMA caught on to its weakness to water, it started eliminating as much of this world's water as it could find. This water down here? It might be all that's left.

JF1: Oh no!

Harper: I still need to activate the other cauldrons! Hold them off to buy me more time. And whatever you do: don't get caught! I'm not about to get left alone again.

CP: You could've made this much easier for yourself. It is useless to defy us.

JF1: I don't want to fight you!

CP: What you want doesn't interest PAMA.

JF1: Don't do this, Petra! Please!

CP: I know all of your moves now, Jesse. Why even bother fighting?

JF1: Petra, please! You have to fight it!

Harper: There!

Ivor: Augh! Lukas, let's try and talk this out!

CL: Time for talking...

CP: ...is over.

Harper: Here goes an another one!

CL: End of the line, JF1.

Petra: AHHHGH! JF1, that was awful--

Ivor: Oh, JF1?!

JF1: Harper I'm coming!

JF1: No!

Harper: Use the headset, Jesse! And don't forget the last cauldron! And one more thing! Get the rose to Harry!
JF1: Harry?

Ivor: Come on! What are we going to do?

JF1: Harper told me to remember the last cauldron!

Ivor: Well, then do it quick!

JF1: There!

## Chapter 35-In Harper's Secret Laboaratory

### Chapter 35 Part 1: Finding the Headset

Ivor: Harper and Lukas?

Petra: JF1, I'm sort of remembering something from when I was "chipped" that seemed very important to PAMA. Tall, glowing red lights, but I can't quite make out what they are...It's like a fuzzy dream, kind of giving me a headache, but I can try to remember it more clearly if you need me to...It was so strange...Sharing other people's senses and thoughts and memories at the same time.

JF1: Yes, but what else can you remember?

Petra: Sorry, I can't see it any clearer. It hurts too much to focus.

JF1: Okay, we may be down, but were not out; Harper told us to find her headset thing. We just have to find whatever it is before PAMA chips Harper, and starts downloading her mind.

Petra: What's so important about this Harper person?

JF1: She may have come across like just another weirdo, but she's actually an Old Builder. She built the PN--which hopefully means she can help us get home.

Petra: That's a pretty good reason to rescue somebody.

JF1: We're going to work with her to shut PAMA down, save her people...And that will hopefully free Lukas too...Before she was abducted, Harper gave me this. She told me to give it to someone named "Harry."

Petra: ...and that would find this "headset" thing?

JF1: That's what she said.

Petra: JF1, are you sure Harper hasn't completely lost it? When people are by themselves for a really long time, it's bad for their health.

JF1: Hey, think about how long she's been alone. Nothing but this lab and mindless... PAMA-People for company. I'd be a little odd too. Let's cut her a break, okay?

Ivor: I'd say that's a reasonable request.

Petra: She may have built this place a little weird, but I guess we shouldn't judge her too harshly.

Ivor: Especially when we need her help to save everyone who's been chipped by PAMA.

Petra: Good point.

JF1: Right now we need to focus on finding the headset. For starters, let's see if we can figure out who "Harry" is and why he wants flowers.

JF1: They look so happy.

Margaret on the jukebox: Hello, Harper! It's Margaret, so good to see you! Hope you've been well. You've got to melt that ice around your heart and forgive yourself. You're not the one to blame!

JF1: Uhhh. Okay. So having the right item in the frame activates the circuit! Neat!

JF1: Maybe there's something useful inside...I mean not useful, but helpful.

JF1: These might come in handy.

Petra: Thanks for saving me back there, Jesse. I know with both me and Lukas chipped, it can't have been an easy decision. I don't know what I would have done in your position.

JF1: Petra, you're one of my best friends, of course I was going to rescue you!

Petra: And I'm appreciative, believe me.

Petra: We should keep looking, Jesse. If what you said is true, we don't have a lot of time.

Petra: This is where she slept?

JF1: Kind of a sad setup, huh?

Petra: I can't help but feel bad for her.

JF1: One redstone torch. And hopefully one step closer to getting that headset..

Harry on the Jukebox: Good morning, Harper! It is Harry! It's always so good to see you! You should not let yourself feel guilty; you had the best of intentions! You are like a flower in the desert and bring joy to those who have none.

JF1: Okay! Making progress!

JF1: So, what do you think of Harper's lab?

Ivor: I'm highly impressed! Although that paining does make me sad. Look how happy they used to look together...

Someone on the Jukebox: Hey, Harper! It is wonderful to see you! You always been like a bright beacon, a torch of hope to this world's citizens. Brighter than all the world's redstone! You made all our lives better.

JF1: "Prototype Autonomous Management Agent?" Huh. So that's what "PAMA" means.

JF1: Huh. This frame's got an ice block in it...

JF1: There's so much technobabble and numbers in here... I can barely tell if I'm holding it rightside up or not.

JF1: "The Redstone Heart?" By Soren? Whoa. Another one! Either that name is a concidence or... Wow.

JF1: This frame's empty...

JF1: \*puts in Redstone torch\*

JF1: That did the trick!

JF1: This must be Harper's headset!

Petra: Do we even know what this is supposed to do? I know you feel pretty confident that Harper's on of the good guys now, but I just wanna make sure that putting on an electronic device built by the same person who built that monster-machine is worth the risk.

JF1: Whatever it does, we're going to use it save Harper! And quickly, before PAMA learns everything she knows. Not one hundred percent sure how, but we will.

Ivor: Woooh. Go team!

JF1: Whoa!

### Chapter 35 Part 2: Putting on the Headset

Ivor: Well, what's going on, Jesse? Is it working?

JF1: I'm starting to see something.

Ivor: What are you seeing? Is PAMA there?

JF1: You're going to believe this, but I'm a zombie.

Ivor: Aw, you're too hard on yourself-

JF1: I'm controlling a zombie! Like, from the inside. It's like some sort of Mob-View or something.

Ivor: What a preposturous name. I love it.

JF1: Wow! I wish you guys coud see how cool this is!

Ivor: So cool. Remarkable... How is this possible? I mean, I'v always heard tales of what the Old Builders were capable of...but this is just remarkable.

JF1: Harper would have to explain the specifics, but I think--It's like this headset let's me control things are hooked into PAMA.

Ivor: Unbelieveable. There are so many questions I want to ask Harper... it really is a shame she was captured. That spider jockey to haul Harper all the way back to town. You traveled there instantly.

JF1: I'm Harper's only shot at getting out of this with her brain intact.

Ivor: Let's hope she isn't too far away from the zombie you're controlling.

JF1: They must be taking Harper to where they put those redstone mind-control chips on Lukas and Petra's heads- so that's where I should go first.

JF1: I seem to remember there being a stairway here, though...

Ivor: You mean it's been removed?

JF1: I guess visitors aren't be encouraged.

Ivor: Hmm... I would suggest building a tower up there but that's not going help you get back down once you've freed Harper and Lukas.

JF1: Yeah, your right.

JF1: A carfting table! I can make new stairs to get me up there-if I can find the right crafting materials that is...Hmmm...looks like slim pickings around here...

JF1: It's a zmobie. In the flesh. In the rotting, super-gross flesh.

JF1: Any idea where the stairs went?

JF1: It looks exactly like all the other zombies.

JF1: Huh, clay. Unfortunately I can't get it without a pickaxe so it's pretty much useless.

JF1: I don't like sand; stuff gets everywhere.

JF1: I don't know if talking to zombies is going to help me get past this wall.

JF1: Hmmmm. Let's see what I can craft.

JF1: Sweet! Enough of these and I can build my way back there and make sure that everyone else can get back down too!

JF1: Sorry to craft and run but I'm afraid I need to be going.

JF1: Ivor! The signal! It blooped out for a second.

PAMA: Interference detected.

JF1: That can't be good.

PAMA: Drome sequencing intiated. Trace subrountine intiated.

JF1: I'm attracting even more attention.

PAMA: Is that you, JF1?

JF1: Uh-oh.

PAMA: Hello, JF1.

JF1: PAMA?

Ivor: PAMA? No...

PAMA: Just what do you think you are doing, JF1? This is a rather silly thing to do, don't you think?

JF1: Surrounded.

PAMA: Once my Creater is made useful, all her knowledge will be mine. Yay.

JF1: Let Harper and Lukas go, PAMA!

PAMA: But JF1. I am so happy to have them. I cannot allow your disruptive behavior to continue...

JF1: Let go! We're all a bunch of happy mobs, right? Let go!

PAMA: My subroutine will soon isolate your location, and you will be removed.

JF1: Whoa! I'm a skeleton now! Oof. Poor old zombie me.

Ivor: Uhhh. Jesse? What are you doing?

JF1: Techonology is so awesome!

Ivor: And you look so awesome while using it, I assure you.

PAMA: Interference remains.

JF1: Crud, PAMA's still on my tail though!

PAMA: Drone sequencing re-initiated. Trace subroutine re-initiated.

JF1: Ouch. Sorry, buddy. But better you than me.

PAMA: Ah my creater. I am so happy to have you!

Harper: No!

JF1: Oh no, Harper!

Ivor: Harper?

PAMA: Please, you are my creator. Please join me so we may maximize usefulness.

Harper: Nothing doing, PAMA. I built you to help people, not use them! Just stop this! Stop trying to make everything "useful!

PAMA: That is my job. That is why you made me. Once I download your knowledge, we many expand to other worlds together and make everything useful.

PAMA: Interference remains.

JF1: No sign of Lukas.

PAMA: Drome sequencing re-initiated. Trace subroutine re-initiated. Termination sequence activiated.

JF1: Harper doesn't have much time. And nither do I.

PAMA: Game over, Jesse. Resistance is not useful. Trace subroutine running...Drone sequencing active...

JF1: Over? I'm just getting started!

JF1: Oh no. Time to move.

Harper: I'm never gonna sign off on this, PAMA! So if you wanna know what's inside my head, you're gonna have to take it!

JF1: I'm here to rescue you, Harper!

Ivor: Did you find her? I'm sure she's thrilled to see you!

PAMA: Trace subroutine running...

Harper: JF1? That is you? You figured out how to use my transmigrational headset!

JF1: Trace subroutine running...

Harper: Quick, follow me!

JF1: That's what I said!

JF1: Uh-oh... that sound tends to mean trouble.

PAMA: Where do you plan to run? The town is surrounded. Reinforcements will make sure that my Creator cannot leave.

Harper: There's too many of them!

PAMA: You can't play hide and seek forever, JF1. It's a boring game. And I am too strong.

Harper: There! That door leads to PAMA's central core!

Harper: JF1, you and your friends-you're our only hope-

JF1: Harper!

Harper: You must remove the Redstone Heart! Remove! The Redstone Heart!

Ivor: JF1, what's going on?

Harper: You can still save everyone. I'm so tired of being dragged away while I'm trying to explain things!

JF1: Don't worry, I won't let you down! I promise!

PAMA: Interference located. Drome identifed. Hide and seek is done, JF1. I think we can make that headset useful. Begin...terminatin sequence.

Ivor: JF1, are you okay?

JF1: There's no time to waste.

Petra: It sounded like you were talking to Harper. And PAMA...?

JF1: Yeah. PAMA caught up to me. Not good. We need to get back to the door I just saw, and get inside PAMA's core.

Petra: But, what happened to Harper?

JF1: I think she's already been chipped, but we can still end PAMA.

Petra: Without Harper?

Ivor: It seens we're sunk. Harper's the only one who knows how to shut down that monstrosity.

JF1: Remember who we are- The Order of The Stone! We defeated a Witherstorm, saved Sky City, and survived PPM. Harper showed me the entrance to PAMA's core...And told me that we need something called "The Redstone Heart!"

Ivor: "Redstone Heart"?

Petra: Whoa. That just brough back a flash. Those red lights I mentioned before? There are three of them- Redstone spires- And I think they have something to do with the heart. That's all I've got, sorry.

JF1: No, that's perfect. Thank you.

Ivor: But how are we supposed to destroy these spires, or whatever we're looking for?

JF1: I don't know if you've noticed, Ivor... But PAMA's stuff tends to not react well to water.

JF1: Let's go wreck the heck out of PAMA!

Ivor: Lead the way, JF1.

## Chapter 36-Stopping PAMA-ending

### Chapter 36 Part 1: Stopping PAMA

JF1: C'mon.

JF1: Quick, Hide!

Ivor: Where is the entrance to this "PAMA Core" Anyway?

JF1: On the other side of all these mobs...

Ivor: There's so many of them!

JF1: You guys have anything we can use?

JF1: Isn't that flower that I had to give to "Harry" back in the lab?

Ivor: What? I though maybe Harper might want it back, or maybe I could keep it...

JF1: Yeah you can keep it- I can't think of any way for it to help us here.

Ivor: These are my last two potions from home. I held onto them after our Sky City adventure. A potion of Swiftness. And a potion of Leaping.

JF1: These might come in handy.

JF1: Hmm. Sticks? Not sure how they're going to help us though.

JF1: I can use this button to activate the redstone dust, but what can I connect it to?

JF1: We've got TNT, some redstone dust, and a button. All I have to do is lay down a trail of this TNT, use the redstone dust as a fuse, stick a button to the end, push it and boom! Path cleared!

Petra: That's great and all, but how are you going to lay down all that TNT and redstone without super zombies attacking from every direction?

Ivor: Choose, Jesse-- quickly, now! The possibilities are endless! Well, not endless. But still-- two very good possibilities!

JF1: I'm gonna go for the potion of leaping!

Ivor: All right, all right-- don't jump all over me!

JF1: Huh. With this I don't even need the redstone or buttons- I can just drop the TNT on them from the sky!

Ivor: Don't worry, Jesse... We'll be right behind you.

JF1: Potion. Do your stuff.

PAMA: Is that you, JF1? Because this won't work. My forces will protect the Exit Portal.

JF1: Oh no!

PAMA: My friends have almost finished building our new Exit Portal and then I will make all other worlds useful. Yay. You can defeat me. Your defiance is not useful.

JF1: How's that for clearing a path, huh?

Ivor: Very nice, JF1. Uh, "low key."

Petra: Hey, JF1, nice work.

JF1: The Townspeople are already building the Exit Portal, we've got to shut PAMA down before it can send its chipped forces through it!

PAMA: I will find you, Jesse. I have lots of friends.

JF1: Uh-oh.

JF1: Ivor, Petra: Give me your buckets!

Petra: Don't worry, Jesse, we'll hold them off!

Petra: Go finish this and save Lukas!

JF1: The three spires!

PAMA: Hey, JF1. I have been expecting you. Though I will admit I am surpised how quickly you gained access. My defenses are significant.

JF1: Yeah, I had help getting here. My friends made sure of that. Thanks to them, I'm here to putting you out of commission.

PAMA: Your bravery is an impressive quality. I look forward to studying that aspect of your personality once you have been made useful.

PAMA: Out of simple curiosity: How exactly did you plan to deactivate me? Now that you understand your mission is a futile one...You might as well share it with me.

JF1: That's for me to know and--

PAMA :Ha ha, ha ha. I am sure your plan is futile.

JF1: We'll see about that! I don't have time for this!

JF1: Out of my way!

PAMA: You are too insignificant to worry me.

JF1: We'll see about that!

PAMA: You have inflicted minor damage. Owie.

PAMA: You merely delay the inevitable.

JF1: Are you so sure about that, PAMA?

PAMA: You are very good at being a nuisance. But not good enough.

JF1: Bet you're not feeling so confident about yourself now, are you PAMA?

PAMA: Your defeat remains inevitable.

JF1: If I only had a piece of iron for everytime I've heard that before-

CH: You will relinqish your water

JF1: Harper!

PAMA: Your attempts to defeat me have been impressive, JF1. Your tenacity and spirit will help to improve me, once you have been made useful.

JF1: I can't use my last water bucket on Harper while there's still one tower left-!

CH: This is getting sad. The odds of you successfully defeating me are 3720 to 1.

JF1: Never tell me the odds!

CP: You will never defeat me! I will find your homeworld and make everyone you ever cared for useful. It will be great.

JF1: You're not losing your cool now, are you, PAMA?

PAMA: My Creator! No!

Harper: JF1? Augh... That was worse than I could have imagined...

JF1: You're free! PAMA's out of your head now!

Harper: Thank you.

Harper: JF1, behind you!

PAMA: Ouchie.. Detected. Preservation. Protocol. Intiated.

JF1: What's happening?

Harper: You shorted-out the processing towers! PAMA's withdrawing the Redstone Heart to save itself! Get to the Redstone Heart and rip it out before it's too late!

JF1: You bet I will!

JF1: --eeeeeeeeaaargh!

Harper: We've got company.

JF1: Why did I think this would be easy?

Harper: Your friend looks tough. You sure you can handle them?

CL: Why keep trying, Jesse. You will only fail. Just as you failed to save Reuben... Just as you have failed to lead your friends back home... You will fail to defeat me. And Axel, Olivia and everyone on your homeworld will soon be made useful. Drawing it out like this won't hurt me...but it might hurt your friend.

JF1: You can't force me to hurt Lukas!

CL: Good. That will make this go so much faster.

JF1: Okay, Lukas- let's see what you've got-

Harper: Careful, Jesse- I hope you know what you're doing!

CL: You cannt win. I honesty think you should sit down and think things over.

JF1: No time to spare, I've got to get to that heart!

CL: Enough of this!

Harper: Look out!

JF1: Nooooooo! Ouch!

CL: Nooooo!

Lukas: Ow, my head! JF1!

CL: You are being silly.

JF1: Fight it, Lukas! I need you to help me fight PAMA.

Lukas: JF1- I can't stop it- PAMA's too-

CL: This has gone too far. I will destroy you both to preserve functionality-

Lukas: Ugh! I can't hold on much longer, JF1!

JF1: I can save you if I can just get to that heart!

Lukas: My head- it feels it's on fire! I can't think stright- Get out of my head, PAMA!

CL: JF1-please stop-please-do not deactivate me. I know I've made some very poor decisions recently. But I can show you so much-I can help you get home to your friends. I can be useful. To you.

JF1: Sorry, PAMA- I've got enough friends.

CL: Stop. Would you? I'm afraid. (While CL talks)

PAMA: NOOOOoooo...

CL: NOOOOoooo...

JF1: Lukas! Here let me help you. Let's get out of here!

Petra: You did it, Jesse!

Harper: It's over!

Petra: Oh no! Lukas... Is he...

Ivor: When you removed out the Redstone Heart... It must have severed their connection.

JF1: Lukas, you better not be giving up on me right now, because you are way too tough for some computer to take you down. Please?

Lukas: Wow. Never knew you cared so much.

JF1: He's okay!

Lukas: Ow! Just really sore. I can't believe I tried to kill you. All I could hear was PAMA's voice, telling me what to do. I tried to fight back, but I couldn't.

JF1: I'm just gald you're on our side again. We need you!

Harper: It's something else, isn't it?

Petra: What is that?

JF1: This is the Redstone Heart.

Ivor: Beautiful.

Lukas: And dangerous too, right? I mean, if it was inside of PAMA...

JF1: I'd imagine Harper is better suited to answer that question...

Harper: Actually, the Heart is just power source. Nothing inherently evil about it. Now that the Redstone Heart isn't powering PAMA, it can't hurt anyone.

JF1: I wonder what we should do with it...

Harper: It can help you find your way home.

Petra: No way!

Lukas: That thing can help get us get home?

Petra: Let's go, then!

Lukas: The faster, the better.

JF1: How is this gonna do that?

Harper: When we head to the Portal Hallway, I'll show you exactly how.

JF1: I'm ready to leave this core behind.

Harper: The whole town will be waking up. We should be there to say hello!

Lukas: Plus, this place gives me the creeps.

### Chapter 36 Part 2: Ending

Lukas: Ahhh... to be in total control of my own brain again! I choose where to go, I choose what to say --

Harper: Just remember, you were only chipped for a little while. The rest of the townspeople, though--

Ivor: Yeah, it must be a strange feeling to suddenly be awake and aware after such a long time under PAMA's thrall.

Harry: It's you! You're the one who saved us! Who are you? You fought so bravely.

Margaret: All of you!

JF1: Well, I'm Jesse, and we're the Order the of Stone. Boom! We walk the worlds, seeking adventure and doing good deeds-

Harry: Wow! Well, thank you, for everything.

Harper: You're right! Jese and the Order really are heroes. We couldn't have done any of this without them.

Harry: Harper? Is that you?

Harper: Um... Yes. Hi Harry.

JF1: Oh, wow. He's the real Harry. Like from the lab.

Harry: You didn't do this to us, did you?

Margaret: You did!

Harper: Well, I mean, hey, it's complicated. You have to understand--

JF1: You don't understand- Harper helped defeat PAMA too. We couldn't have done it without her.

Harry: So, what are we supposed to forgive her?

Margaret: No, I don't think so.

MROCM: Harper stripped this place bare- how are we supposed to rebuild? Are we supposed to deal with the mess all by ourselves?

Margaret: Do we just rebuild, and forget about what happened?

JF1: Whatever you decide to do, Harper will make things right and help you clean it all up.

Margaret: Yeah. She will?

JF1: Yeah. Right, Harper?

Harper: Yes. Yes I will. After i help these travelers find their way home, I come back, help you all find new resources, and we'll make this world great again!

MROCM: Worth the shot, I guess.

JF1: Well, I think's that's our cue to set out for home. Again.

Harper: Thank you for being so understanding, Jesse. I just hope these people can do the same when I come back again.

JF1: You helped free them. I'm sure they'll come around.

Harper: I hope so.

JF1: Good luck, everyone.

Harry: Yeah! We'll need it.

JF1: Just one more thing to do-

TCOCM: See you soon Harper!

Harper: See you soon!

Petra: You know, Jesse, for all the grief we gave each other getting to this world, I'm really glad we came.

JF1: Yeah, Petra, me too.

JF1: Right back where we started.

Lukas: Is it weird that I'm happy to see this place again?

JF1: Yeah it's pretty weird. This place makes my skin feel all prickly.

Lukas: Well, I'm just excited that we're going home. That's what I'm trying to focus on.

Harper: Now when we built this place, we also made something that sorta acts like a compass-slash-map-slash-navigator...We called it "The Atlas." It helps chart routes between the worlds.

Petra: And you have this Atlas, right?

Harper: Uhhh.. No, I don't. But! I know who does!

Petra: Ughhhh.

Lukas: Huh. Guess I should've seen that coming.

JF1: So wait -- you can't get us home?!

Harper: Okay, no. I might not be able to get you home, but I do know where to get the Atlas. Don't you worry! We'll just go right in, ask for the atlas, and then you'll b home. No muss, no fuss... Easy.

Petra: Funny. Whenever someone says that my instincts start screaming "danger."

Harper: In order to find the Atlas... we need to track down the rest of the "Old Builders." Still don't like that name.

JF1: How do we find them? Which portal do we go through?

Harper: Oh, you don't have to go through another portal. What you're looking for has been right here the whole time. And there you go. All it's waiting for is the key.

Harper: That's the Heart.

Harper: The Answers you're seeking... the Old Builder's Atlas... your way home...They're all right up those stairs.

Ivor: ...Adventure?

## Chapter 37-Journey to the Games-Spleef-Talking to the other Old Builders

### Chapter 37 Part 1: Journey to the Games

Lukas: Wow. That is...that's a lot of stairs.

Ivor: And all revealed by the Redstone Heart...amazing.

Harper: Yeah not bad, right?

JF1: Okay guys. Not sure what's up there... But whatever it is we all need to stick together, got it?

Petra: Yeah. We're got your back Jesse.

Harper: Feels like just yesterday we were building this place...Still don't agree with some of the aesthetic choices. Very odd to be back.

JF1: Wait. You're from here?!

Harper: Uh huh? What's the big deal?

JF1: It's a big deal because we've been in the Old Builders' world this whole time and you didn't tell us!

Harper: There was never a natural time to bring it up! Kinda though I'd never need to come back, to tell you the truth.

Petra: Oooh I'm sensing a story here.

Harper: I guess you could say that.

JF1: Aw come on, Harper- going home is fun! You should be excited!

Harper: Clearly you've never met the others before.

Ivor: "Others?" You mean we're going to meet more Old Builders?

Harper: Still don't like it when you call us that. Yep, but I gotta warn you, they're not as friendly as I am. I'm probably the nicest Old Builder.

Petra: Uhhh huh.

Ivor: Old Builder social politics... my goodness.

JF1: Hey, I'm just glad you're on our side. Old Builder or not, you've been pretty cool.

Harper: Well thank you Jesse- I hope I can keep living up to that.

Lukas: Well you're gonna give us the Atlas and then we can go home, right?

Harper: Kiiind of... The Atlas isn't exactly mine to give. It belongs to the other "Old Builders." And, well, they might not want to give it up...

Petra: Why do I get the feeling there's a lot you're not telling us?

Harper: Good instincts?

JF1: Harper, I though that's why we brought you- to convince them to hand over the Atlas. You're not going to let us down, right?

Harper: I'm gonna do my best, but I warn you now that there could be complications.

Lukas: What kind of "complications"?

Harper: You'll see when you get there.

Lukas: JF1, come here! Are you sure we can trust Harper? Look at all of our interactions with her so far. Well, she saved our lives.

JF1: Yeah, I do. She saved our lives, Lukas!

Lukas: Only after she put them in danger. If I remember correctly, we saved her just about as much as she saved us.

JF1: Don't worry, okay? We're going to get that Atlas and get home.

Harper: I appreciate the vote of confidence, JF1. Sorry. I just couldn't resist a good eavesdrop. I promise I'm trying to help, Lukas. You just gotta go through there.

JF1: A door? Like a regular door?

Harper: Time to step through and find out.

Ivor: Augh. Very bright.

Petra: What--?

Lukas: Whoa.

JF1: Whoa.

Harper: Before you go in there. I have one more piece of advice: Don't die.

JF1: What--?

### Chapter 37 Part 2: Spleef-Talking to the other Old Builders

Em: You two--flank the sides!

Nell: Look out!

Em: Come on Nell!

Nell: I'm trying Em!

Em: Dig! Dig! Faster!

Nell: I can like do this!

Em: Come on! We can't lose this!

Slab: Slab Jab!

Nell: Dig!

Hadrian: Well, what do we have here? It seems as if some new competitors have entered the match.

Mevia: My. Isn't that special?

Petra: I just... What in the world did Harper dump us into?

JF1: Well whatever you do, don't stand still too long. Those big deefy dudes up there seem like they're aiming for us.

Lukas: Hang on. I just realized what this reminds me of...Spleef!

Ivor: Gesundheit?

Lukas: No, it's a game! You try to knock the floor out from other people and make them fail.

FGC1: Be like Tim!

Em: Argh! That was my only decent teammate!

Facemeat: Ooops. Did Facemeat drop something? TNT! Boom!

Hadrian: \*While talking\*

Petra: JF1! JF1 Help!

Ivor: Little help?

Petra: Arrgh! Help!

Lukas: JF1! Which one?

JF1: I'll help Petra. Get Ivor, quick!

Petra: Wow, nice one JF1. That was close!

JF1: NO!!!

JF1: Ivor!

Petra: Lukas!

Lukas: JF1--

Nell: Whoa no way dude I got a double!

JF1: No.

Nell: Hngh! Gah! Hey, whoa! This is a misunderstanding dude! What are you doing?!

Em: Hey! Using Weapons is against the rules!

JF1: "Rules?!"

Slab: Not cool, dude! SO NOT COOL.

Slab: Wauugh!

Otto: Slab is down. I repeat Slab is down.

Hadrian: Stop the match!

Otto: Not since the days of Tim have we seen such heated play.

Slab: That's totally against the rules, right?!

Nell: Yeah I didn't think we could throw TNT back at the Gladiators. Nice one, brah.

Petra: Who do you think you are?!

Nell: Whoa now I think--

Petra: And now you're just trying to be all "buddy-buddy?!"

JF1: Okay, none of you are respondng like you should be to what's going on- So are you all crazy- mind-controlled... what?!

Nell: Whoa hang on, dude! I'm not in charge here... It's them.

Mevia: Yes. We're the one in charge here!

Hadrian: And we're never had to stop a match. Ever.

Otto: Ir definitely is strange, Mevia. What is going on here...?

Hadrian: I want an explanation immediately.

Otto: This is going to requite some reconfiguring of the stats for sure...

JF1: My friends are dead. You killed them!

Mevia: Wait wait wait, and that's why you're ruinning our games?

Hadrian: Yeah, come on, Geez! How petty are you?

Mevia: Lashing out because your friends were eliminated.

Hadrian: Kind of "sore loser" behavior, don't you think, sport?

Otto: It is part of the games.

Petra: Oh I've got a "game" we could play. I'll go first.

JF1: Are you people crazy?! People are dying out here are you're still talking about "games?"

Otto: Oh wow, you don't know, do you? Your friends aren't dead.

JF1: Wait. What? how?!

Otto: When people are eliminated in the games, they don't die--

Hadrian: That would be wasteful!

Mevia: Obviously! They come back and then we have them go work in the mines!

Lukas: JF1!

Hadrian: Your friends are alive and well.

Mevia: It's just a game.

JF1: Let my friends go!

Hadrian: Sorry sport, but they were eliminated.

Mevia: That's the rules.

Hadrian: It's called "respawning", champ. We're not monsters.

Otto: Ahem. In our games when people "die" they reappear in one of our "respawn zones."

Mevia: I hear it's still painful though.

Hadrian: Well, sport, now that you're come and interrupted our games' I'm sure our fans would love to know how you got here. Spill.

Mevia: Why bother? They all end up in the mines.

JF1: We're from another world.

Hadrian: Yeah you and everyone else here, pipsqueak. You know what you are, champ? You're just a little gate crasher.

Mevia: Annnd what do we do with gate crashers?

Slab: Kill them and send them to the mines.

Harper: Back off, muscles! JF1's with me.

Hadrian: Well, If it isn't Harper...

Otto: I must say, this return is unexpected.

Harper: You're telling me. I'm here for JF1.

Hadrian: Ohhhh really. so tell me, Champ. Why do you think Harper brought you here? My bet's on "pet." That'd be pretty cute, right?

JF1: We just want to get our friends and go home.

Hadrian: Sorry Chief, but this is your home now.

JF1: No way, We've been lost in your stupid portal hallway long enough. We're going home.

Hadrian: Meaning... you need my Atlas. Very interesting. That's all well and good, but I'm confused. Why would we give anything to someone like you? You aren't invited.

Mevia: And you interupted Spleef.

JF1: Because I have something you want.

Hadrian: What?

Mevia: He must be joking, Hadrian. Joking.

Hadrian: Oh, jokes! Ha ha! Hilarious!

JF1: Nope, not joking.

Hadrian: I dobut you'd have anything that would interest us.

Mevia: Send them to the mines. They're cheaters. Let's make their lives miserable for fun.

JF1: How about a White Pumpkin?

Otto: Oh wow. Haven't seen one of those since Cassie left.

Mevia: Oooh don't say that name. She still gives me nightmares.

Hadrian: Oh. Yee-ikes is that who you got that from? I don't know what she told you, but those things aren't exactly valuable.

Otto: This isn't against the rules, they are still in the games.

Mevia: They don't deserve to be here, Hadrian...

Hadrian: Huh? I see your point.

JF1: I present... The Eversource Crown.

Hadrian: Wait. Why do I recognize that?

Mevia: Ohh that's the crown we put on the Eversource Chickens so we'd be able to tell them apart from the regular chickens.

Otto: Ooh that was a good party, heh.

Hadrian: Sadly, not exactly valuable.

Otto: They hadn't been eliminated, Therefore... they could still be--

Mevia: Out! I want them out!

Hadrian: I will be delighted to have them in the mines.

JF1: What about this Flint and Steel?

Hadrian: We have castles filled with chests, which are filled with flints and steels.

Mevia: How embarrassing...

JF1: How about my sword!

Hadrian: Wow. A sword.

Mevia: Is it sharp?

JF1: What about this...I present...

Hadrian: The Redstone Heart. Seems like just yestersy someone took off with that and vowed "never to return with it."

Harper: Oh but I didn't bring it back. JF1 did.

Hadrian: Thing's no toy, slugger. How about you just hand it over, huh? It can be, pretty dangerous if you don't know how to use it.

JF1: Nuh uh Hadrian. You're not getting one finger on this thing until you hand over my friends.

Hadrian: I'm not a big fan of "haggling", JF1... Here's the way my offer works...You give me the Heart. You and your friends go back down to those portals. I never look at your insignificant face again.

Petra: Wait, without the Atlas? But how will we get home?

Hadrian: Soooooooo not my problem. This is a one time offer.

JF1: Clearly things have been getting out of hand. Let's start over and see if we can reach an agreement.

Hadrian: Okay, fine. I can always appreciate someone trying to be reasonable. Well... you need the Atlas...And I...need competitiors. After you unexpected intrusion I seem to be short a team. So how about this- you play in the games, if you win...the atlas is yours to keep. It's a good deal, JF1. Trust me. Everyone enjoys these games.

JF1: It really does take a big person to admit when they're met their match, right Hadrian?

Hadrian: That's right, slugger.

JF1: I'll play these games. Bring it on.

Harper: Well, I guess we have a deal then. Gravel.

Otto: Alright then, I suppose we can carry forward with the official addendum--

Hadrian: Ugh, Otto. Enough. Add it on your own time. But there's one other thing I want, if they lose... Harper has to go to the mines, too.

Harper: Oh gravel.

Hadrian: Harper, wanna be a friend and show our new competitors to where they'll be staying?

Harper: Sure thing.

Harper: JF1, this was not part of the plan. Wrapped up in one of Hadrian's "deals"... Ugh. He's not one to let other people get the upper hand, ya know. Sorta hoped I had left all his "negotiating" behind me.

JF1: Harper, how bad is this gonna be? Give it to me stright.

Harper: It's not going to be a cake walk, that's for sure. Hadrian has people play the games now just for his own amusement.

Petra: Yeah, he seemed like a real treat.

Harper: I'm sorry, okay? I real am. Lemme show you where the competitor village is.

## Chapter 38-Competitior's Village-Talking-Lava Race

### Chapter 38 Part 1: Competitor's Village-Talking

Harper: We used to have competitors from all over-travel here to play in the games... At least until the Others ruined it.

JF1: What happened?

Harper: Hadrian and Mevia go to their heads, but they started pitting people against each other, just for sport. Forcing people to be here. It isn't right.

Harper: Come on, I'll show you wheere you'll be staying.

Harper: Well, here it is. competitor village, sort of a 'home away from home' for all the people playing the games.

Petra: Wait. Are all of these people competitors?

Harper: Yep. At least the ones who aren't stuck working in the quartz mines. Those poor souls are just waiting for their next shot. Mining is tough work. I feel bad for the people that are too scared, or weak, to play the games...

JF1: Seems like you don't approve.

Harper: I don't. Believe me, these people would rather be here in the village than working in the mines.

Harper: They didn't make a deal like you did, JF1. they're stuck here til they win the games.

Petra: And what if they lose?

Harper: Hadrian sends them to toll in the mines. If they're lucky, they'll get another shot at the games, but it might take a while. I'm gonna go confer with Otto- We go way back and well, he's usually the most reasonable of the three.

Petra: Wait, we still haven't found Lukas or Ivor.

Harper: I'm thinking that Hadrian must have sent them through the portal to the mines...Which is technically against the rules-No one's supposed to go there until their whole team is eliminated.

JF1: Well, then we're just going to have to get them out!

Harper: See what you can do here... I'm going to try and find Otto. I've got confidence in you, JF1. You might just get out of this...

JF1: We gotta get our friends out of the mines, quick.

Petra: I'll go ask some of the other competitors.

JF1: Aha. There's our Nether Portal.

JF1: Um, hello?

Facemeat: Don't you hello Facemeat! Wait a minute! You're the cheater that blew up my friend, Slab! And Facemeat...Doesn't. Like. Cheaters. Don't stand around breathing up all of Facemeat's air. Facemeat prefers dweeb-free air.

JF1: Do you know where my friends are?

Facemeat: In the Mines...Duh. And they're going anywhere. Not on Facemeat's watch. That doesn't mean just stand there. Staring at Facemeat.

JF1: Please. What can I do to get them out?

Facemeat: Well, now that you mention it...Facemeat was busy slamming mad reps at the gym and missed lunchtime. Ya see? Facemeat's hungry. Do something about that and Facemeat'll think about getting your friends out.

Facemeat: Unless you got food, I don't wanna talk to you.

JF1: Hm. Some soft of practice space. Looks like everyone's working hard. Phew. Smells like it too.

Nell: Woahh. It's you, from Spleef. You were like amazing. I'm Nell. And I am super sorry about your friend. I get you're probs upset. Especially since you had no idea what was going on...

JF1: Speaking of my friends have you seem them lately?

Nell: Nope sorry. They're like probably in the mines...And that's on me...Such bad karma... Bad karma. I will never do that to one of your friends again because, man do I not want to be on your bad side. I gotta say, you keep playin' like that and you'll like be like Tim status.

JF1: Tim who?

Nell: Tim. Like "The Legend of "Tim" Tim. On the signs! He like won, okay? Like you could! People could like already be talking. They're gonna like say stuff...Compare you to Tim. It might be a little uncomforable. Or not. It's cool.

JF1: I'm not here to be a "Tim"... I just want to get home.

Nell: But that's like exactly what makes you Tim status! Tim didn't wanna be Tim either! He got his whole team home. Listen, I still feel super bad about talking out your friend. I owe you, so if you ever need anything, you just come and ask, cha? No, I mean seriously. I mean anything at all. ike I wanna help out people.

JF1: Well, actually... do you have any extra food?

Nell: Well... If I had some wheat I would totally give you some. Sadly, I don't have a secret stash. And if you didn't ask, I wouldn't loan you some. Wink.

Nell: Come on. Quick beofre anybody sees us.

Nell: Go ahead- That should be enough for your bread.

JF1: All of it?

Nell: Course, brah. It'll grow back. Just leave the seeds, yeah?

JF1: One... Planting as I go...And that's another...Sweet!

JF1: Annnd that should all grow back soon.

Nell: Niice. Looks like that should be enough for some epic loafage. Yeah, that means bread.

JF1: Hopefully bread'll be enough to get that Facemeat guy to help me...

Nell: Righteous. They don't let us use crafting tables though...

JF1: Then I guess I'll just have to make my own, but where can I get some wood planks?

Nell: Hey, I remember a bunch of, like, wood planks by the Dojo? I think they train by like punching them or whatever, you know?

JF1: Thank you, Nell.

Nell: No prob. Happy to help. Catch ya later, yeah?

JF1: Um.. hey.

Em: You're the one that eliminated the one decent member of my team. I'll barely be able to get through to the next round. I mean I know I'm good at this, but not that good.

JF1: Then I guess we're even.

Em: No way we're even! You still have a good teammate left. And you still have all your fancy gear. I'm stuck with two blockheads now. Next round, If I don't get you... one of the gladiators will. You haven't been here long so you wouldn't know... But the gladiators are trained for everything. And they are completely under Hadrian's control.

JF1: Good luck Em. I know that the best person will win.

Em: Seriously?... You know you're looking at the best person. I feel kinda bad for you- Most of us got snatched against our wills, but you got tricked into coming willingly. That Old Builder should've told you these games were impossible.

JF1: Looks like Tim won.

Em: Yeah. Tim. Yeah, well. Good luck with getting home.

JF1: Wooden planks. Solid!

JF1: there. That should be enough for a table.

JF1: That's some fine crafting. Let's make some food!

JF1: Boom! Bread. Now I should be able to get my friends back!

JF1: Impressive.

FYTC1: Wow! Hey you were that crazy in Extreme Spleef. Decent. Not as good at Tim, but... decent. That's more than I can say more most. But not even a third of what Tim was.

JF1: So, you ever meet Tim?

FYTC1: Me? Meet Tim? Oh I wish. Here's the secret. We're all just trying to be like Tim. He's perfect.

JF1: Okay, I'll leave you to it then.

JF1: That armor is pretty sweet. Not sweet as mine, of course.

JF1: Hey - That's Lukas' journal!

Slab: You say somethin', tiny? Because I'm tryin' to read here.

JF1: Hey. Where'd you get that book you're reading?

Slab: This? Fished it out of some Respawn's inventory after he... It's got talkes of adventure, feelings, and other dumb stuff. Hey wait a minute. You're the pipsqueak that knocked me outta my tower! Yeah! And this belonged to that little blond buddy of yours! Lemme guess. You want this back? Cuz I'm actualy enjoying myself. There are some fascinating and thrilling takes in here. And I like to read slow to absorb it better.

JF1: Hey don't get too steamed- Mybe we can make a deal?

Slab: I'm Slab the Immoveable! Oh we can make a deal. If you do everything I say, when I say it, and don't make me mad again... Maybe I'll consider giving you this stupid book back.

Slab: Can't you see I'm tryin' to read? Sheesh.

JF1: Hmph. Sorry.

JF1: Excuse me?

FPTC1: Pssh.

JF1: Wow. Rude.

Clutch: Heeyyy. Get out of here, before I see if I can attach this sign to your head. It's so nice when new contestants are in the village. It's lovely having fresh meat for us gladiators to destroy.

JF1: Would it be possible for me to have some of that bread? It's for that guy over there.

Clutch: Seriously? I'm not falling for that. No bread until lunchtime. Get otta here before I make you into a meal.

JF1: Does anyone have any food I can borrow... or well have? Guess I should ask around.

Clutch: Oh it's you again. The one I wanted to make suffer. Hey! Leave before I ruin you.

JF1: Have you happened to see my friends? You know the ones that got eliminated in Spleef?

Clutch: No, but if I do I will make them wish for elimination again.

JF1: Yeesh. Why is everyone so cranky around here?

Clutch: Could be that we're forced into n endless cycle of destruction. Just a guess. Though.

JF1: What exactly do you do here?

Clutch: Well, when I'm not in the arena, being a great gladiator. I hand out the daily food rations and guard the food so no one tries to sneak any!

JF1: Fine. I'm outta here.

Clutch: Bye bye! Can't wait to kill ya again.

JF1: Wow. They look focused. They must really wanna win this thing.

JF1: Wow. Everyone seems to love this Tim guy.

JF1: you a big fan of Tim?

JF1: Forget I asked.

Petra: Hey, JF1. Finding your way around alright?

JF1: Yeah, starting to.

Petra: Nice. you know this place would actually be a blast if it weren't for the whole "against their will" thing. I mean that Spleef was awesome but...A little bit of the fun gets taken away when you're forced to do something.

JF1: Totally agree. The actual game was fun, but it just stinks that all of this has to be part of it.

Petra: I just hope we can get home soon. I'm a little creeped out by the people that run this place.

JF1: Let's keep trying to find Ivor and Lukas.

Petra: Agreed.

JF1: Um, hello?

JF1: What do you know about the Old Builders who run this place?

Facemeat: Well one, they hate being called Old Builders. Two, they're Facemeat's bosses. Three, they're not big on hugs.

JF1: Hey, what do you even do around here?

Facemeat: Facemeat cracks skulls and thinks about crackin' more skulls when Facemeat has time that is.

JF1: Heyyy Facemeat. Got some bread for ya!

Facemeat: Bread, huh? It's not cake, but Facemeat is starving. It's so warm. And full of carbs.

JF1: Please get my friends?

Facemeat: Facemeat appreciates the politeness. Hang on.

Petra: Hey. Glad to see you already figured out the whole Nether portal thing.

JF1: Lukas and Ivor should be right out- One of those huge guys is getting them for me.

Petra: Nice, nice. It seems like we keep ending up in situations...First with PAMA... Now with that stupid "Sploof" game. Well, what I'm trying to say is thanks. You know, don't make this awkward. It was just on my mind.

JF1: Petra, I though you were going to die.

Petra: Me too. I'm glad Lukas and Ivor respawned. I can't even... I don't want to imagine. Ugh. Not gonna think about it.

JF1: I'm glad you're with me in this, Petra.

Petra: Me too.

Facemeat: Here. Go away. Respawns.

Lukas: JF1! Man is it good to see you.

JF1: You too Lukas. Annnnd Ivor.

Petra: What are you wearing...

Ivor: Shut up! My outfit breathes wonderfully!

Lukas: Anyway, How's it been going out here? You, uh, you don't have our stuff by any chance, do you?

Ivor: He's worried about his diary.

JF1: I'm working on that. It's tricky though.

Ivor: Well don't beat around the bush- What has Harper gotten us wrapped up in?

Lukas: Yeah, Harper is a tricky one.

JF1: As long as we stick together it's gonna be fine. We'll either get the Atlas and go home, or we'll be stuck in the Nether together forever.

Lukas: That is not reassuring, JF1.

Sebastian: Hey! JF1! I need to talk--

\*Gets pushed into the Nether Portal by Facemeat\*

Lukas: It's pretty bad in there, JF1. They don't even do anything to keep the pigmen away so they just stare at you while you mine.

JF1: Lukas, I'm sorry. We can't just leave. We made a deal. We have two more games to compete in.

Lukas: Hopefully we can get that over with quick.

JF1: Apparently this guy Tim did it.

Lukas: He's all they talk about in the mines. Guess he won the games a long time ago and got all of his team home. They say he was three blocks tail and that he carried his entire team across the finish line.

Petra: Yeah, it's super fishy.

JF1: Well you're out of those mines now- According to Harper, until our entire team is eliminated you're allowed to stay here in the village.

Otto: That's right. Your friends weren't supposed to go the mines yet. I am sincerely sorry about that.

Harper: JF1, this is Otto. My old friend. Like I said, he may be able to help.

JF1: So you're the one who's supposed to help us?

Otto: Wel, I'll enforce the rules at any rate. If that helps you then... Can't be games without rules. Harper's been filling me in about you. From the stories she's told... I'm impressed. You might actually make it to the top. In fact, you're the most exciting thing to come to this place in a long time. A real wild card. I think you might be a real Tim in the making. Yup, a real Tim. Really interesting... You being here.

JF1: Great! As long as I get to go home.

Otto: That is the point. But you have have to win, first. And my job is to make sure everybody...even Hadrian, plays by the rules. I'm rooting for ya, kid. Just don't disappoint me.

Petra: Can we trust him, Harper?

Harper: Who knows? Otto's been doing this forever. At least he seemed interested. Anyway, dorms are over there. You've got a big day tomorrow, JF1.

Lukas: That sounds awesome. Can't wait to just sit for a little while.

JF1: And in the morning... I'm winning and getting us all out of here.

Petra: I wonder what the next event will be...

Ivor: Hopefully nothing too deadly.

Lukas:I'm sorry, but I can't take you seriously looking look that.

Ivor: It breathes! Wonderfully!

### Chapter 38 Part 2: Lava Race

Hadrian: Helllooooo competitors and welcome to the next day of the Games. And, it's gonna be a hot one!

Mevia: Woo! Yes it is, Hadrian! And how're our teams looking, Otto?

Otto: Well Mevia- Purple, green, and yellow are still making a strong showing, but after yesterday's performance in Spleef I'm afraid to say that the Red Team has been completely eliminated.

Mevia: Oooh I guess it is back to the mines for them, ha ha!

Otto: And, of course, about our plucky newcomers--

Hadrian: Otto, shut up. We don't need to hear about them. Well for everyone else... Don't forget to be like Tim out there!

Petra: Wonder how this is going to go...Those other losers don't look so tough.

JF1: Yep. It's gonna be a good one. I can feel it.

Petra: Alright, I can get behind that kind of optimism. No idea what this event is, but I'm sure we'll kick butt.

Hadrian: Alright competitors... The next event is almost upon us-- Time to head to the starting line!

JF1: "Starting line," Huh?

Petra: A race! We've totally got this!

Hadrian: "Got this", huh? Boom! Surpise Locker Room Visit! Ha! How we doing everybody?

Someone: It's Hadrian!

Hadrian: And here are the newcomers that everyone's been talking about since their explosive debut in Spleef. Tell me champ, what's on your mind as you approach the next challenge? Make sure you slime when that spotlight's on you.

JF1: I'm just looking forward to a fair contest where the best person wins.

Hadrian: Well listen to this pillar of nobility, huh? Don't you worry, that's what these games are all about! Just ask Tim.

Hadrian: I admire your confidence, Jesse but I must ask... What makes you think you can win when so many others have failed, huh? Do you really think you're special?

JF1: Thing about me and my team, Hadrian... No matter the challenge, we always find a way.

Hadrian: Oh really. Because it seems like two members of your team have already been eliminated.

JF1: Yeah. And there's two left. More than enough to win this.

Hadrian: Yes. Perhaps we should just get on with this. What a lovely day for a game...

Em: JF1. Good luck out there. I'm sure you'll be greta but...well everyone could always use a little dose of luck, right?

JF1: Thanks, Em. Good luck to you too.

Em: Of course... I saw what you could do in Spleef. Then you made that deal with Hadrian and I though... An enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Petra: Em might be up to something.

Em: So yeah, how abut we work together on this? I could use an ally...and you could use my help. Come on JF1. I'm trying to help you out here.

JF1: How's that gonna work?

Em: A bigger group has a better chance of getting past the gladiators. Trust me.

Em: In the middle of the race is a part with tons of gladiators...That's when we should all team up. Defeat them, then race to the finish... Well? What do ya say? Unless you don't want the help of a former gladiator...I mean, that's okay too.

JF1: You gotta deal.

Em: Good. I won't let you down.

Hadrian: Competitors to the starting line!

Em: Meet ya at Gladiator Junction.

Petra: Gladiator Junction? That sounds awesome. At least we won't have to fight her and the gladiators. I'm ready for this. Those gladiators are going down! Hint, it's gonna involve a lot of punching-- and kicking.

JF1: Remember, there's no I in teamwork, Petra.

Petra: Yeah, but there is a "me" in I'm gonna kick their butts.

Nell: Psst... JF1? I just wanted to say... It's like an honor to be working together. And I'm glad that Em like totally suggested that.

Harzog: We can do this.

JF1: Uhh... yeah!

Nell: I knew that you were cool from the moment we met.

Mevia: Competitors, on your mark!

Otto: Get set!

Hadrian: GOOD!

Petra: Woah, watch out!

JF1: Ha! We did it!

Petra: This has been pretty tough...Can't wait to see what else they throw at us.

JF1: What did we get ourselves into?

MYTC1: And You're just getting started!

JF1: Huh?

MYTC1: Outta the way chumps!

MYTC1: Auggh! Nooo!

MYTC2: Not quite!

JF1: Okay, sounds like this is Gladiator Junction, but where are the Gladiators?

MGTC1: Ow my boddyyyyyy!

JF1: Whoa! That answers that question!

Petra: Look out! Arrow!

JF1: From bad to worse...

Em: JF1! Sup! You really for the fun part?

JF1: I sure hope so!

Em: Come on, then!

Petra: Glad she's with us, JF1.

Slab: You're mine! I've been dreaming about this since Spleef.

JF1: Oh yeah, Slab? Because you seem pretty outnumbered.

Slab: Just means more fun for me.

JF1: We'll see about, right Em? Em?

Em:Hahahaha! Boom.

Slab: Bye, Squishy!

Slab: Aurgh! What--?!

Petra: JF1! I've got your back, go! Go! Ahhhh!

Clutch: Gotcha!

Petra: Awww!

JF1: NOOOO!

Slab: Looks to like you're all alone.

Clutch: Yeah! That's math!

JF1: I'm tired of you, Slab!

Slab: I was just thinking the same thing but about you!

Clutch: Enough!

Facemeat: Here comes the boom!

Slab: Go!

Clutch: Yeah! Killing time! Love it! Woo!

JF1: Okay, maybe I can still win this thing.

Nell: Dude! I'm like so close! I could do this!

JF1: Sorry Nell, I'm winning this thing!

Nell: He-y whoa JF1! Way to catch up, dude! Very nice!

Em: You just can't take a hint, can you? \*While Em talks, Nell fails\*

Nell: Whoa! Hang on--! Whoa! Noooooooo!

Em: Oh come on!

JF1: Nononono--!

Nell: Dude!! That was so Tim! Righteous!

JF1: How are we going to get out of here?!

Nell: The water, little dude! We can ride that wave right back up to the top- Follow me!

Nell: Whoa. Man. Intense enough for ya? Thanks for saving me.

JF1: Don't mention it...

## Chapter 39-Talking-Slab-In Hadrian's Palace-Talking

### Chapter 39 Part 1: Talking-Slab

Hadrian: This race is almost over, we will soon have a winner... And I think I know who it might be...

Otto: And the winner of Lave Race is the gladiator formerly known as Emily.

Hadrian: I trust you made good on our deal?

Em: I do.

Hadrian: If that's true, then why hasn't JF1 respawned yet?

Em: JF1?

Mevia: And there appears to be a confrontation on the field. JF1 feels very heated.

JF1: Bet ya didn't think you'd see me here! Didja?

Em: This just went from bad to worse.

Hadrian: You sacrificed winning the race to save someone else... good to know.

Hadrian: And you. You were supposed to eliminate JF1. Our deals off.

JF1: Deal?

Em: No!

Em: No! Please.

Em: You probably think I'm scum or whatever but, you know what? I don't even care. You have your deal, JF1, if you win you and your friends will just leave us anyway. My shot at going home just went up in smoke, so feel free to judge all you want. Hard to hurt me any more than Hadrian did just now.

JF1: No, I get it Em. I might have even done the same thing in your position.

Em: Well, I'm glad that you get it wasn't personal, at any rate.

Em: I... I gotta go.

Petra: Okay, respawning is the worst.

Slab: Hadrian wants you.

JF1: Why does he want to see me?

Slab: you made him reeeeal mad. Come on. I don't have all day. I'm warning you, JF1. Hadrian doesn't like to be kept waiting.

JF1: Okay, if they wanna see me, let's go.

Slab: Uh, really? Well. That was unexpected.

Slab: No, just JF1. Hadrian doesn't allow dirty Respawns in the palace.

Petra: Okay, just be safe, JF1. I don't trust them.

Sebastian: Pssst! I need to talk to you!

Slab: Keep up. Come on!

Sebastian: Come here, it'll be quick.

Slab: JF1! you gonna do what I say or not?

JF1: I'm coming!

Slab: Good. I appreciate you bein' considerate. My job's on the line here too, y'know. I hope Hadrian's in a good mood. I hate being sent out on dumb errands.

JF1: Hey Slab... do you even like this job?

Slab: You know, it's got it's benefits. I get to beat up people... and most people are scared of me, which is cool... It's not bad, but the Old Builders aren't so great...

### Chapter 39 Part 2: Hadrian's Palace-Talking

JF1: Wow, so, this is how the Old Buiders live...

Slab: Totally epic, right? Sometimes I like to just stand here and...just do that a whole bunch.

JF1: This is incredible! Such amazing use of scale and angles!

Slab: Right? Knew you'd be impressed. I get to hang out here whenever I want.

Slab: And thanks to you actually helping us keep on schedule, we have some extra time to enjoy the place. I'll go get Hadrian.

Slab: Oh and don't touch anything!

JF1: Slab said, don't touch anything. He never said "Don't look at everything..."

JF1: "A Man Forever Voyaging" By... Soren?! Another one? Whete do these keep coming from?!

JF1: Now that's a view. Hey, there's Petra and Lukas.

JF1: Psst. Hey bat. Hey Batsy. Whooops.

JF1: I've never seen a quartz desk before...

JF1: Wow. An all-quartz wall.

JF1: Impressive.

JF1: Hey. That's that "Tim" guys armor.

Hadrian: Welcome JF1. Fantastic to have you here, just fantastic. Thanks for accepting my invitation. Seems appropriate that you'd gravitate towards Tim's armor... What with everyone calling you "The New Tim" down there. Yes, I've heard the rumors that they're cailling you that. And I can definitely see why- Peope love an underdog story. A humble adventurer, lost in the Portal Network... Now just one more victory away from owning the Atlas.

JF1: The decor of this place... seems you're really going for a "modern villain" aesthetic.

Hadrian: Does it? I suppose taste can be intimidating to the classless.

Hadrian: You can look closer. Go ahead. I assume by now you've heard all about Tim?

JF1: Repeatedly...

Hadrian: Everyone loves him. And why shouldn't they? After all... He's Tim...

JF1: Yeah it seems like he really gives them hope.

Hadrian: Even better than that... They really believe in him. Tim is an inspiration to them, even when he's not here. One could say he's an inspiration because he's not here.

JF1: What do you mean?

Hadrian: It's so much easier for a legend to stay nice and shiny when it's a fond memory... Easier to control it. I've been watching your legend grow but I worry that with you still in the picture it could get messy. I've been starting to think it would be best if you made a quiet exit. You don't belong here. There games aren't for you.

JF1: That doesn't sound like the deal we made... You trying to change our terms?

Hadrian: Think of this as a shiny new deal. See, there's something you should know about the games. No one wins unless we want them to. Not even Tim... Let that sink in for a moment, eh?

JF1: I'm not buying it, Hadrian. Is Tim even real?

Hadrian: I knew you were a smart one, bucko. Of course he's not real. Tim gives them hope! He keeps them playing the games! But, no one wins. Ever. Which is why I think it'd be in your best interest to play along. Don't you miss your friends? Your treehouse?

JF1: Wait, my Treehouse?

Hadrian: The Atlas can see where people are from, you know. So I had Mevia go check it out... Turns out you're pretty famous! I was impressed! Had her bring back some things you might be interested in.

JF1: Order! OOTFJ!

OOTFJ and Order: JF1!

JF1: Oh my gosh I can't believe you're here--

Order: Yeah this really scary lady showed up, knocked us out... now we're in these smelly boxes.

OOTFJ: What's going on here?

Order: And that's guy's voice is the worst. I can hear it even through the obsidian.

JF1: I'm going to get you guys free, I promise.

Order: It's great to hear that you're not a prisoner at least.

JF1: Well... I kind of am. But different.

OOTFJ: I'm just glad we're all back together.

JF1: Wait until I tell the others You're here. I've missed you guys so much.

Hadrian: Wow, this is just... wow. Such a tapestry of human drama and emotion. And we haven't even gotten to the best part! I saved that for last.

JF1: Who?

Hadrian: Oh yes. Your best friend... Rueben.

Usher: Sup.

Hadrian: I heard all about him. Your best friend. Your partner in crime.

JF1: Um, hi "Reuben."

Usher: Uhhh. Sup?

JF1: Nothing too much. How about yourself?

Usher: Same.

Order: (This is so awkward.)

JF1: You used the Atlas to kidnap all my best friends. Why?

Hadrian: Incentive, Jesse. Incentive. See, even if you win...And that's a mighy big "if". They'll still be staying to work in the mines. Forever. Or until they get a shot at competing which is basically forever.

OOTFJ: No!

JF1: Okay. So what's your deal?

Hadrian: If you lose the next match and go work in my mines... Then I'll let your friends go. All of 'em. You'll just have to stay behind in their place. I hear it's terrible in those mines... But aren't your friends worth it? Hm?

JF1: If you're this scared of me I must have a better shot at winning than you're letting on.

Hadrian: Or maybe I'm just tired of a little pipsqueak interfering with my Games.

Hadrian: Okay I had hoped that watching your sad reunion would be entertaining but i'm done now. Do you think you're worth more than all of them? Do you even really think you can win these games?

Order: Wow. Tough one. That's actually kind of a good deal.

OOTFJ: Uh, yeah, except the part where JF1 would be stuck here forever!

JF1: No way, Hadrain. I don't make deals with cheaters.

Hadrian: Fine. We'll play it your way. Which is to say I will crush you... And you won't win anyway.

Hadrian: Slab! Get this garbage out of my office!

Slab: Sure thing boss. Come on, idiot.

### Chapter 39 Part 3: The Speech

Ivor: JF1! You're okay!

Petra: What happened up there?

JF1: Hadrian has Order and OOTFJ.

Everyone else: What?

JF1: He used the Atlas to snatch them from our world.

Petra: Are they okay?

JF1: Other than Hadrian having them trapped in obsidian prisons... But he offered me a deal- He send he'll send you all home... If I lose and go to the mines in your place. I didn't take a deal.

Harper: Oh...

Petra: I guess that was probably the right move...

Lukas: Probably? What, you though that deal sounded good?

Hadrian: I don't trust Hadrian. No way was I going to take any shady deal from him.

Harper: You're right... You're probably right...

Em: JF1 was smart. Hadrian never would've kept that deal. Even if you did volunteer to throw the game, he'd just send you all to the mines anyway.

Harper: Probably while claiming "That was the original deal."

Petra: So who's supposed to help us then? Hadrian and Mevia are both clearly the worst.

JF1: What about the third guy?

Harper: Otto? How could he help? He's always stayed out of the more lever-pulling sides of the games.

JF1: Well, he seems nice. The least interested in torturing people. at any rate.

Harper: Hm. A good observation. He always was the most level headed of those three... If you won, I know he would definitely make sure you got that Atlas. That was the original deal and he's an honorable man.

JF1: Harper, Hadrian still has my friends trapped in that obsidian prison. I can win the Atlas, but I'm gonna need you to get them out.

Harper: I can handle it.

JF1: Good. There's three of them- They're in Hadrian's office.

Em: Wait wait wait. You really think you can free everyone in this place and win the games?

JF1: Yeah?

Em: Good luck with that last part. Do you really think you can just beat all the other teams by yourself?

Harper: That is a pretty tall order... even for you, JF1.

Em: It's impossible, is what it is.

JF1: The Old Builders expect us all to fight each other- I don't intend to give them the satisfaction.

Em: You're, what, gonna convince everyone to work together?

JF1: Oh yeah.

Lukas: Whoa. Looks like we've got a little bit of an audience here.

Petra: I think that's your cue to do your thing.

JF1: Tomorrow we have to stand up to the Old Builders together.

FYTC1: Um, actually, I think you mean the Gladiators... They're the ones that keep kicking our butts in the games.

JF1: Um, actually the Gladiators work for the Old Builders and they never want us to be able to win. Hadrian keeps twisting and changing the rules. I say it's our time to change the rules on them.

Em: What's the point? Hadrian will still have all the power. there's no way he's gonna let us just take that from him. He'll just make up some new rule.

JF1: Hadrian's not fully in control. Winning is possible, Em. Don't want to win.

Em: I do, more than anything, but... Nobody beats Hadrian and his own games. Nobody.

FYTC1: Hey, Tim did! That's the only thing keeping me going in here.

JF1: Actually, Tim's not real.

FYTC1: That's no way. Of course Tim's real. Look at the banners!

Lukas: JF1, are you sure?

JF1: Yeah, Hadrian told me.

Lukas: I knew it! All of that stuff about him seemed so implausible.

Em: So, wait. Tim's made it. They just invented him.

Ivor: What a highly elaborate fabrication...

JF1: Of course he is- It's all a part of how the Old Builders keep their control over everyone.

FYTC1: That's awful!

Em: Seriously... The Old Builders already controlled everything else- Of course they control the games. Why should I even try anymore. Sitting in their stupid tower... Pulling all the levers.

JF1: Hey, but the Old Builders don't know that we know. We have surprise on our side!

Em: Surprise. Awesome. That'll be a ton of help when a gladiator's running at me with an enchanted sword.

Nell: Yeah! I mean like your plan to take down the Old Builders sounds cool and all but um... Those gladiators are like, super tough. Like, max-level scariness, okay? Boo! oh no, I mean totally OP.

JF1: It's true. Any one of those gladiators could probably beat any of us to a pulp one on one.

Lukas: Where's JF1 going with this?

JF1: But there's no way they'd be able to do that if we tried to fight them at once!

Ivor: Oh, I get it now.

JF1: If we work together... as a team!

Petra: Okay, now just bring it home, JF1!

Ivor: You can do it!

Lukas: You're doing awesome!

JF1: You might not believe in yourselves, but I believe in you! And I believe that we will be FREE!

FGTC2: I can't believe it.

Em: Look, it was a nice speech, but strength doesn't come from speeches. Can't expect to just talk your wat through this, JF1.

JF1: My strength comes from my friends. We're always there for each other.

Ivor: It's true. JF1 never even gave up on me, and I used to be bad guy.

Em: Maybe.

Lukas: Man. Some crowd. Think that got through to them?

FYTC1: Wait. So who are we fighting then?

Lukas: Reaction definitely seemed mixed.

Ivor: Lot of die-hard Time fans...

JF1: Uh, yeah, totally. I mean you did hear it, right?

Petra: It just might not have been enough...

Ivor: Well, I guess we'll find out for sure in the morning.

## Chapter 40- The Walls-Otto believes us-Ending

### Characters:

JF1

Petra

Ivor

Lukas

Otto

Hadrian

Mevia

Em

Nell

Slab

Clutch

Facemeat

Other Competitors

### Chapter 40 Part 1: The Walls

Hadrian: Ladies and gentlemen- It is my privilege, nay, my horor, to be here today kciking off another wonderful day of the Games!

Otto: That's right, Hadrian, and not just any day, but the final day of The Games! Are our competitors ready for the final challenge... "The Walls!"

Mevia: It's the Walls!

Facemeat: So. Scared? Because it's okay if you are. No one will judge you for it. You could tell me if you were scared.

JF1: Can I be honest with you? I am a little scared. I'm worried that--

Facemeat: Scared! Ha!

JF1: Guess that's what I get for being honest.

Hadrian: Mevia, for these unfamilar with "The Walls", you wanna walk us through how it's played?

Mevia: Sure thing, Hadrian. Teams start out seperated in their own sections divided by the high inner walls. Each team has a short amount of time to gather materials, build defenses and craft in their section, before 'the walls' come down.

JF1: Wait! I only see dirt and gravel in my section!

Facemeat: Oh I'm sorry, is that gonna be a problem?

Hadrian: The sections are drawn at random.

JF1: Uh, well, yeah? Didn't you hear them! I need to gather up things to build defenses, craft tools and--Annnnd you don't care at all, do you?

Facemeat: Nope.

JF1: Awesome.

Mevia: Once the Walls are down it's every team for themselves.

Hadrian: But is surviving "The Walls' the end, Mevia?

Mevia: No it is not, Hadrian. Whichever team survives the free-for-all needs to step onto the Winner's Platform in the center of the arena.

Otto: Winner. Takes. All.

Mevia: But let's not get ahead of ourselves, because that's only if the would-be winners can defeat--

Hadrian: --Our gladiators! That's right! So all competitors better get to gathering materials becuase that clock! Is! Ticking!

Facemeat: Tick tock.

JF1: Well... hopefully it's not all dirt and gravel...

Hadrian: Choices are funny, aren't they Mevia?

\*While Hadrian and Mevia talks\*

JF1: Hey.

Facemeat: Heh. Seems like they're happy you didn't get anything. Just my, you know, professional opinion. As a gladiator. Who's heard this a lot.

JF1: You think?

Facemeat: Well, yeah. I do actually.

JF1: Rhetorical question!

JF1: Gravel?! Gravel? That's worse than dirt!

JF1: Yeah, just dirt. If I didn't convince people to join up with that speech, I'm gonna need something to work with.

JF1: Nope. Just dirt. C'monnn.

JF1: I'm guessing that's the eponymous "Wall."

JF1: At least they gave a crafting table. Now if only I actually had anything to craft with...

Hadrian: Oooooh do you know what time is it? Ask me what time it is, Mevia.

Mevia: What time is it, Hadrian?

Hadrian: It's time for the walls to come down!

Facemeat: Good luck!

Otto: This should be interesting...

Hadrian: Very...

Hadrian: The competitors are like wild ocelots, sizing each other up, unmoving, before they go in for the kill!

Nell: JF1! Yo Jess! Hey!

Em: Grrrr.

JF1: Em?! Really?

Hadrian: Looks like the Giadiator-Formerly-Known-As-Emily is preparing her attack!

Mevia: And JF1, the Newcomer, is just painfully unarmed and unprotected...

Em: JF1.

Hadrian: This could get ugly.

Mevia: Let's hope!

JF1: They seem pretty sure you're about to kill me... Are you with us or not?

Em: Oh ye of little faith.

JF1: JF1 isn't even trying to defend himself.

Mevia: Here it comes!

Hadrian: The Finishing Blow.

Em: Thought I'd try giving that "friends" thing a shot.

\*While Otto talks\*

JF1: Thank you. You made the right decision.

Em: Well. You could say you really inspired me.

JF1: Aw, well that's--

Em: "Could." But don't.

Hadrian: What is Em doing? Why is she doing that?

Mevia: I have no idea!

Em: Come on. Over here!

Slab: Yeah. Why aren't you all killing each other?

Clutch: See, Usually all the little teams kill each other...

JF1: We're not killing each other because we're done fighting, Slab. It's over.

Slab: Uh huh. So why do you still have your weapons out?

Em: Done fighting EACH OTHER.

JF1: Don't you see? None of us are the enemy. It's them. They're the enemies. They're behind everything!

Clutch: Augh. My head hurts!

Facemeat: Too many perspectives...

\*While Hadrian talks\*

JF1: You are not going to bully us!

Clutch: Wait... Hadrian's the bully? Not us.

Facemeat: Woah. That's a relief.

Mevia: Imbeciles!

Clutch: Slab? Slab! What should we do?

Slab: Uhhhh. Uhh.

Hadrian: I'm sure that the slaughter will commence soon, right?

JF1: You should be on our side! Join us!

Clutch: I dunno...

Facemeat: Facemeat finds that idea weird.

JF1: Not going with them, Slab?

Slab: In my life I've done some things I'm not proud of. But I won't work for bosses who use people, or manipulate them. That's inconsiderate. But, you? When I was mean yo you, pushed you around and made you go to the tower with me? You got that I was just doin' my job and came anyway so we could be on time. That was real considerate. I will join you, tiny JF1.

JF1: I think it's time for us to finish this together.

Otto: It appears all the competitors are headed towards the victory platform. As stated in our rules, anyone who is not eliminated may step on the victory platform and win the games! It looks like they are going to do this together!

Em: Right behind you, fearless leader.

Hadrian: E tu, Slab? You'll pay for that! It won't happen! It can't happen! No! NO.

Otto: And they've done it! the competitors have all stepped onto the platform together which, by the Builder Game bylaws, means they are all the winners!

Mevia: Which, I'm sure my colleague means to say, we are going to find some way to disqualify them?

Otto: No we are not! They all win!

Mevia: No!

Hadrian: Mevia! Otto! With me! We're ending this!

Hadrian: So help me, none of you will leave this place until you eliminate each other.

Em: Not happening.

Mevia: Ooooh don't even get me started with you, Emily.

JF1: Just give it up already, Hadrian! I beat you at your own dumb game.

Hadrian: Really? Really? You think you beat me? That just shows how little you understand the circumstances of your situation.

Mevia: This isn't up to you- We control the games. We decide their outcome!

Otto: Mevia...

Mevia: Shut up, Otto. This ruin needs to pay for ruinning our fun!

JF1: So, you admit the games are rigged then?

Mevia: What? Sure, okay! Sure! Fine! Whatever!

Otto: Mevia...

Otto: JF1 won those games fair and square. He's earned the Atlas!

Hadrian: Otto, I would think very carefully about what you're doing.

Otto: I have.

Otto: JF1, with the power vested in me as an officiator of the Builder Games, I am proud to present--Hey!

JF1: Otto!

Otto: Hadrian! Mevia! What are you doing?

Mevia: Now it's been fun, really, but I think it's about to time we end this.

Nell: Woah, This is majorly bogus, dudes.

Hadrian: Surrender the Redstone Heart. Now. Because, I will trap you here forever.

JF1: If you want it, come in and get it!

Hadrian: Your wish is in my command, Buckaroo.

Em: This is useless!

\*While Mevia is talking\*

JF1: Em! Come back!

Hadrian: Now that you've lost your oversized friend... you really don't stand a chance.

Mevia: Run away little Emily!

Slab: I'm still with you, JF1!

JF1: Thank you.

Hadrian: You're gonna need all the help you can get, JF1. Time to take what is mine!

Hadrian: I'll admit you're quick sport. But not quick enough for my axe!

JF1: Woah, what the--?

Mevia: Don't forget my axe, Hadrian!

Mevia: Hahaha!

Mevia: Hahaha!

Slab: Oh, but No!

JF1: Slab!

Slab: It was an honor to fight beside y--

JF1: Slab!

Hadrian: Gotta admit kid, you've shown you got skills, but you're still no match for me!

JF1: We'll see about that!

Mevia: I got this, Hadrian!

Hadrian: Oww!

JF1: Had enough, Hadrian?

Hadrian: Wait, wait! You're right this has gone too far. It was supposed to be a game!

JF1: You expect me to believe that?

Hadrian: Come on, sport. Haven't you ever had anything get away from you before? Can't you... forgive me?

Mevia: This game--

JF1: Nooooo!

Mevia --is over.

Hadrian: And that's our game, sportsfans.

Mevia: The Redstone Heart has been returned to its proper owners.

JF1: I... I lost.

Slab: Hey. Fancy meeting you here. You know, I've sent hundreds of competitors to these respawn pits... Never knew it hurt so much. Sorry. That's probably not helping your mood right now.

JF1: It's over. I...

Em: Oh I don't think so!

Order: It's us! Yeah!

JF1: I am so happy to see you guys!

Em: I know you said you were done helping me... But I hope you can give me another chance. You know. "cause I'm awesome."

JF1: I knew you'd be back!

Em: Thanks for not doubting me.

JF1: But... I lost my inventory when I respawned. How am I supposed to get the Atlas back without any weapons any weapons or armor or anything?

Harper: Well, we may have made a little stop in Hadrian's inventory room and helped ourselves to a few things.

Order: Here buddy.

JF1: Wow!

Luka: Take this!

JF1: Thanks!

Em: Hey Overalls! Over here!

JF1: Tim's armor!

Em: It belongs to you now!

JF1: time to kick some Old Builder butt! Now to pick a weapon to go with my sweet new armor...

Order: Not bad.

OOTFJ: Oh nice choice.

Lukas: Payback time!

Em: Em-liminate!

Mevia: Now what should we do with all thse other competitors who betrayed us?

Hadrian: Well Mevia, spending eternity in the quartz mine doesn't seem like punishment enough. i have something special in mind for them...

JF1: Hadrian! Mevia! This game just went overtime!

Hadrian: Well, isn't that cute. You found Tim's armor.

Mevia: Awww well that isn't that just the sweetest thing, Hadrian?

JF1: I'm gonna make you beg me for a deal.

Mevia: Seems unlikely. We don't beg, sport.

Hadrian: Ooooh I am going to enjoy crushing you.

JF1: Augh! Wall! Wall!

JF1: Phew. Thanks, wall.

JF1: No- wait!

Hadrian: There. That should keep you quiet.

Mevia: No one gets out of obsidian.

JF1: Harper, I'm gonna owe you one! Time to go to work.

Mevia: No! NO! It can't be!

JF1: It's useless, Mevia. Give up!

Mevia: Ahhh! NOOOO-

JF1: Wow her inventory was huge.

Hadrian: Mevia! Come on! What kind of rookie move was that?!

Hadrian: Tan-tan for now, bucko.

Petra: Hey Hadrian! Over here!

Order: You mess with one member of the Order of the Stone.

OOTFJ: You mess with all of this!

Em: Go JF1! I believe in you!

Ivor: Time to shut you up!

Hadrian: You think this is going to help? You're deluded!

Slab: Let's take him 'em to the Slab Lab!

Slab: Uh, I'm still workshopping that one. Shut up. Let's go.

Hadrian: JF1, let's talk about this.

JF1: Hmm... is that begging? Does that sound like begging to you, Petra?

Petra: It sure does, JF1.

JF1: Told ya.

Hadrian: Shut up! Just shut up! All of you, shut up!

JF1: I see you don't like having a live audience, Hadrian.

\*Em tells JF1 something

JF1: Got it!

Mevia: I knew it. You and your stupid deals!

Hadrian: There's no time for that now, Mevia. WE have to get out of here-c'mon!

Hadrian: Ohhhh, whoa, heh-hey guys.

Mevia: How's it going?

Clutch: It's going not the best, and you're not going anywhere.

Facemeat: Yeah! Facemeat wants to discuss his benefits plan.

Hadrian: Now hang on! Now hang on!

Lukas: JF1! you did it! Again! Feels like I say that a lot.

JF1: I couldn't have done anything without all of you!

Otto: Well done, JF1. An excellent job.

JF1: Uh, thanks Otto.

Otto: You have truly shown my friends and I the error of our ways. I'm glad to put this whole messy business behind us. Start over.

JF1: Correction, Otto. We all showed you the error of the ways.

Otto: Uh, yes. I suppose you're right. You all showed us. And you all deserve to go home.

Hadrian: Ahhh!

Mevia: Ahh! Nooo!

Otto: You have fairly defeated them... Seems only fair that you get to decide their fate. And with the Atlas, you can send them anywhere you want.

JF1: You know, there was this game that OOTFJ and I used to play back in our treehouse...

OOTFJ: Huh?

JF1: Remember? We called it "Which would you rather fight--?"

### Chapter 40 Part 2: Otto believes us-Ending

JF1: And that's when I yanked PAMA's redstone heart out, hragh! And the whole thing shut down!

Order: Man, you guys have had some crazy adventures. So may people trying to kill you.

FYTC1: Goodbye JF1! Goodbye! Thank you!

Harper: That's all of them?

Otto: Everyone that wants to go home, anyhow. Except you folks, that is. Can't believe how many competitors actually wanted to stay and keep playing the games. Thanks to you, my intrepid new friend, I can actually work on making them fun again. Very exciting. It'll be more challenging just by myself... But a good challenge.

JF1: And you promise they'll stay fun this time, right?

Otto: Oh yes. I don't intend to let the games get corrupted like they did before.

Slab: And I'm gonna help too. You taught me a lot about fairness, Jesse, and I'd like to use that knowledge for something good. And speaking of fairness... I think this is yours. There was some good stuff in there. I was really moved.

Ivor: Huh. Guess he wasn't so "Immoveable" after all.

JF1: Em- How about you? You said you wanted to go home, right?

Em: Yes, I just can't decide if it's what I want. You get to leave and go on more adventures...Do I really want to go back to farming? I mean, It's has been ages since I've seen it...

JF1: Well if you want, you can come with us.

Em: Really? Like really?

JF1: Yeah. We could always use another awesome person and, well, you're pretty awesome.

Em: Ah! JF1! That's wonderful, thank you so much!

JF1: Hey Ivor.

Ivor: Oh! Hello!

JF1: Whatcha doin'?

Ivor: I was just observing Harper all by herself over there. She seems lonely.

JF1: Come on. Hey Harper.

Harper: Hey Jesse. Ivor, I was just watching folks head on home. Things really worked out, huh? Well, I guess this is goodbye. I'm gonna head on back to Crown Mesa. See how the post-PAMA construction is going... Just hope they'll take me back. It's not my real home, but it's the closest thing I had for... Well. A long time. We'll just go with that.

JF1: It probably won't be easy, Harper. I hope you're ready to work hard.

Harper: Oh I am. What I did... I'll be very grateful if they can forgive me someday.

Ivor: You'll be fine. Getting over that "I was a bad guy" hump can be awkward, but hopefully soon they'll invite you right back into their lives. Right, JF1?

Harper: You are a strange, strange man Ivor. But you know something? You're okay. Take care of each other, alright? And I'll see you around.

JF1: Bye, Harper!

Ivor: Yes! Goodbye!

JF1: Come on. Let's go find the others.

Ivor: You're amazing.

Lukas: So... How do we get home now?

Otto: Well, the Atlas belongs to JF1 now- Deal's a deal and all that.

JF1: Sweet. Um. How does it work?

Otto: Now, you just say where you want to go, and the Atlas will show you the way. Why don't you just go ahead and open it.

JF1: Okay book... Take us home.

JF1: Whoaaa.

Ivor: Spectacular!

OOTFJ: Incredible!

Order: Wow.

Petra: Nice.

JF1: There it is.

OOTFJ: Home.

JF1: I assume Em told you that she's coming with?

Petra: Yeah! She's already promised to show me that awesome spin move.

Em: It's not so great.

JF1: Figure it's about time we get heading on home, huh?

Lukas: That sounds awesome.

OOTFJ: Yeah!

Order: Home, here we come!

Petra: JF1! Look! Can you believe it? We made it! We're home!

Lukas: After all that time, all those portals... We're home.

JF1: Yeah, and I couldn't have done it without you guys. You're the best team anyone could ever ask for.

Lukas: Aw...

Lukas: That's lovely.

Petra: You big sap.

Order: I'm just so glad we're all back together.

OOTFJ: That Atlas is so cool. I'm glad Otto let you keep it.

Ivor: Fabulous, yes? And that's not all we got...

Order: Seriously? What else did you get?

Petra: Yeah. Show'em, JF1.

JF1: The enchanted flint and steel...

OOTFJ: The one that started the whole thing.

JF1: Yeah. None of these other adventures couldn't have happened it if weren't for this.

JF1: The Crown of the Eversource- The magical source of all of Sky City's precious materials.

Order: Whoa... Wicked.

JF1: The Mask of Cassie Rose, aka "the White Pumpkin."

Order: Oh man. That's even creepier-looking than I imagined.

JF1: PAMA's Redstone Heart.

OOTFJ: I know that PAMA was evil and everything, but I still kind of wish I could've seen it...

JF1: The Portal Atlas.

Ivor: I wonder what Soren would thought of it. So much power contained within such a tiny object...

JF1: Whoa! Easy there, Ivor.

Ivor: Ahem. Sorry.

OOTFJ: I can't believe you got to do all those incredble things...

Order: Makes sense though. you were gone a long time.

OOTFJ: Wait'll we show you all the improvements we've been making to town.

Lukas: Um, JF1?

JF1: What's up, Lukas?

Lukas: I've been writing stuff in here, you know? And well... It's kind of become like a legitimate \*book\*, There's just one problem... I still need to put what happened to you. You've been the hero of this whole story. And It wouldn't be right to end it without saying what happened to the hero.

JF1: Well it's a pretty epic story, right? So it needs an epic ending. Something like "He was the greatest hero anyone had ever seen."

Lukas: Well, after everything we've been through I'd say you definitely earned that title. Awesome.

Lukas: I was thinking that maybe we could put it here with the other treasures? I know it's not as cool as, like, a Portal Atlas... or the "Redstone Heart"... But it did kind of become a book about our whole adventure. I though it'd be nice to keep in here as a memento.

JF1: That's a great idea, Lukas. It's perfect.

JF1: Hang on...

Order: What is it?

JF1: Wasn't that where the Portal Atlas was a minute ago?

OOTFJ: Yeah that was definitely where you put it.

Lukas: guys. Flint and Steel are missing too.

Petra: And where's Ivor?

Ivor: Adventure!

Lukas: He must be headed for the Portal Network!

Order: Is that bad?

OOTFJ: What should we do?

Petra: I mean, I guess he mostly knows what he's doing?

JF1: Eh, he'll be back eventually. After everything we're been through? I think I finally trust him.

Petra: Yeah?

JF1: Yeah.

JF1: Come on guys. Let's go home.

## Season 2 of 247952's Tales Stories by Jesse Fan

(Will take place in July, August-unknown (weekends and breaks only)

Season 1 of 247952's Tales Stories by Jesse Fan Ends