Do you believe

There's no future where you are?

That it is lost in the dark,

like those shooting stars?

But you are wrong,

It's out there shining brightly!

Know you can reach it all,

you have to do is believe!

-Frisk Dreemurr

(From Undertale- Hopes & Dreams cover by Edobean)

". . .But I Would Save Them"

Chapter 5: Extraction

"With the cure ready. . .all that remained was to test it. . ."


Opher held his staff at the ready, Lupo following close behind the monkey. Lupo looked around nervously, shuddering as he looked around the corrupted woods with wide eyes. It was broad daylight when they entered, and yet there was no sign of sunshine within the darkened canopy of the woods. The new Spirit Tree's Light did well to keep the Decay from advancing, but the dark aura still existed within its epicenter.


"A courageous one and one who sought courage. . .They went to retrieve the first three who would be saved. . ."


Opher glanced behind him and said, "You volunteered to accompany me on this trip, did you not? Don't tell me I overestimated you?"

Lupo gulped and said, "I'm sorry. I thought after the Spirit mapped out the Silent Woods for me, it would make me a bit more comfortable with. . .entering it. Urk. Mouldwood Depths isn't as creepy as this place. I just really hate gloom and doom."

Opher shook his head and continued walking on, saying, "This little excursion will just be a part of the plan to make you a little harmless! Perhaps later I could train you in the art of the Bo staff."

Lupo chuckled nervously and said, "Oh, I'm afraid I'd be useless with a weapon."

"Don't you wish to freely update your maps with ease?" Opher said, "Wouldn't it be easier if you could better defend yourself? If the Great Kwolok, bless his memory, could organize all the Moki, surely I could make you a bit stronger."

". . . .perhaps. . ." Lupo mused.

"Not perhaps! Indeed!" Opher said jovially, "Be certain. Don't try, simply do! Stay sharp, map maker!"

Loud buzzing suddenly could be heard, and a swarm of Stinger Flies suddenly descended upon the pair.

Opher twirled his staff and held it at the ready. "And here we go, and not too far from our destination as well. Eyes up, friend!"

Two Stinger Flies dive bombed the monkey, and both were sent in different directions with a twirl of his staff. Opher then jumped up as another Stinger Fly swooped down at him. Opher easily jumped over it and swung his staff down, smashing the Fly into the ground.

Opher then hopped backwards as another Fly lunged at him, and he broke the insect's proboscis with a single swipe of his staff. Opher then went into a one-hand stand, shifting the staff to his feet, and spinning it to take out three more of the marauding insects.

Another slip sent Opher coming down with a strong downward swing of his staff that crushed another Stinger Fly. At this moment, one last Stinger Fly lunged at his back. Opher quickly turned around to try and knock out the enemy at the last minute, clearly not quite quick enough for such a move. However, a flying rock smacked the insect to the ground, neatly crushing it.

Opher appeared surprised at the moment, then he looked proud as he turned to see Lupo with several large stones in the crook of his arm. The map maker was panting, seemingly surprised at his own actions.

Opher smiled and said, "Very good! You are clearly much braver than you believe yourself to be. Perhaps a Bo staff would not be the best weapon for you. Maybe a sling and stones? I would be happy to help you hone your skills."

Lupo managed a smile and said, "Well, if you insist."

"Achievement Unlocked! First Enemy Killed!"

Lupo jumped in fright, dropping the stones he picked up as he whirled around to see Motay standing right behind him.

Opher shook his head in bemusement and said, "What I wouldn't pay to learn your trade secret, Motay."

The chameleon grinned and said, "Sorry. Not for sale. Anyway, I hope you don't mind me watching you and the other citizens of Wellspring Glades. With the Spirit not really going anywhere anytime soon, I have to find something else to document!"

The chameleon's grin then fell, and he became serious and continued, "But listen to me. There is something you should know about those who are petrified by the Decay. They don't stay in one piece forever. I recently paid old Howl a visit. I got to see him crumble to dust right before my eyes, and I doubt there's any coming back from that. You'd best hurry up with your mission, or all you may find could very well be three piles of dust. See you soon!"

As Motay disappeared into the foliage, Opher turned to Lupo and said, "No time to waste. Hurry!"

Lupo nodded, and the pair quickly ran the rest of the way to the abandoned house. Opher grabbed Lupo as he climbed up to the dilapidated home. The door was slightly ajar, and Lupo had bated breath as Opher looked thoughtfully at it. Both of them wondered what they would find inside.

Opher leaned on his staff and said to Lupo, "Perhaps I should enter first?"

Lupo blinked his eyes, and he shook his head and said, "No. I can handle this. We must hang on to hope. . ."

And with that, Lupo opened the door and stepped inside.