Demonik's Tavern

[Kirby859]

I'll, have, a..................................
















............root beer. :>

[MessengerOfDreams]

*gives people orders*

Edit: Hey, everyone. MoD from the future here. It's 3/2/2012 and I'm competing in the 18th LDC. For this, I'm adding sign dialogue in this post, so it's hidden unless you're linked to it in the level- yeah, you can do that in 2012. Also, this guy taking your order is a global mod- can you believe that? ^_^

Anyway, I'll not keep the level players waiting- here's the story!

MoDEditaftertheEdit: Gah... it looks like there was a bug in the code that deleted the door to 'life' after I submitted the entry. I tested it many times with the door so it's completely the code's fault, not mine. If you want to 'live' then just stop and move your start point under the bridge two transitions away. Sorry guys, I swear it wasn't my fault and it happened the very last day.

"Dark Part 4 Dialogue": show

I'm... not even sure anymore.

I can't see the Shine Sprite, or whatever it really is, but I can feel the spirit's presence all around me. Before me is some sort of podium, with a door on the top and another sling star atop the roof. Awed and confused, I ask "Where are we?"

"Your final choice," that voice, the clear as a bell voice with the indistinguishable gender replies to me from the skies, echoing throughout the air all around me.

"My final choice?" All the bewilderment finally gets to me. "What do you mean, my final choice? I barely know what's going on? Sure, I... saved the light, that's great, but... where is this place? Why am I here? Who are you, and more importantly, who am I?"

I swear, the clouds I stand on almost seem to smile at me. The voice rings through the air once more, saying "That, Mario, is the question you've granted yourself the answer to, with your actions and heroics."

I don't even bother responding. Something tells me this guy's got it all worked out.

"Allow me to introduce you to limbo," it continues. "It's a dream-like realm, but the place is nothing on its own, which is why I'm here. I have the power to transform this nothing... into anything, anything I want."

"That's... that's great, this place looks very nice," I offer. "But why am I here?"

"You are here, Mario, because limbo is only visited by people like you who are halfway between life and death. Right now, you are in a coma after a freak accident and..." the voice laughs. "Here, let me restore your memory."

Without even so much as a movement, every memory of mine is just... back. Not even a blinding rush, it's just... normal again. I know about my origin, the wars I've fought in for the princess, the lives I've taken in her name but the dedication I've had. I remember the good times and the bad, and my sins and my righteousness. I also distinctly remember being hit by a bus while crossing Verdant Bridge near my home... but I'm not dead. I wonder if my actions have determined my fate.

"Indeed," the voice replies to my thoughts. "Usually, I create just a simple palette and let the person indirectly decide their fate, taking my creation as their message. That's what this world and its inhabitants are- limbo and those who are in it. Some have gone back to Earth, some have gone to the next realm of life, and some have even chosen to stay here. I rarely interfere; however... you intrigue me, Mario. I wanted to see if your heroics would shine through the darkness even if you remembered nothing else, or had nothing else. I placed you in this world, let you grow accustomed to it, find the problem and the people and do what you will- all as a test to your character and integrity. And I'm glad to say you have passed with flying colors."

I chuckle nervously, letting the information digest. "Well, that's great," I mumble. "But... now what?"

"Now, as I've said, is your final choice. Now that I've told you the secret to limbo-"

"You have to destroy me?"

"Heavens no!" the voice replies, but I can tell it's laughing. "Now, you can choose your fate from here. If you go in the door, you will awake where you last were, on Earth, safe, sound and overall in good shape. As if it were a miracle and you were never hit."

"That sounds about right," I tell him, almost sure I've made up my mind. "But tell me, what is the other option?"

"You don't return to Earth, and essentially you die- there, at least. You see, your other option is to go to whatever is next- something I myself do not know. It is a reward of some sort, that I am certain, for a good soul like yourself. But it would involve you leaving this life, so is that a risk you can take?"

I fall silent and sit on the clouds, literally contemplating my fate. The sprite does not move, but grants me "I'll give you as long as you need to think. Nevertheless, I am proud of you, Mario, as you show a courage few humans ever have."

I'm a bit short on words, so I simply settle for "No, thank you, for everything." With a sideways smile, I cross my arms and begin to decide what I'm going to do.

[UsuarioTHf]

*Points up, at the subject and then at the title*
What the heck. Give me some Coke before I go yelling at FH.

[MessengerOfDreams]

*gives Usuario Order*

[xpo20]

FH... WTF happened?
EDIT: *looks at front page* BLAB! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!

[Newgeneration]

*pulls out shotgun* What happened?! Intruder? DIE! BTW, I'll order a coke.

[Chaukai]

*Walks in the room and sits down quietly at a table.*

"Give me a shot a whiskey will ya? What's that? Tavern ownership changed? Does it look like I give a crap?"

[xpo20]

YAY! Its back.

[Newgeneration]

I guess I'll just drink another energy drink while I wait for my order. *Pops open lid, and chugs*

[Firestar]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Cut it out!