The Adventures of Somewhat (2024)

Ruby: (narrating) Deep in the branches of the Great Tree stood a... somewhat brave creature, ready to start a new journey with their trusty steed, Juniper.

Somewhat: I can do this. I can do this! We can do this! Together, we can do anything!

Ruby: They were right to be somewhat nervous. Having a new purpose can be tough, and this was an important one at that.

Somewhat: Let's go!

Somewhat and Juniper stand at the peak of the Great Tree, as Somewhat pulls out a small branch from the Tree to wield. The two begin travelling on one of the large branches of the Tree.

Ruby: You see, things had been a bit different in the Ever After lately. Tasked by the Blacksmith, they were given a somewhat ambiguous quest. "Find what feels wrong." When asked where to look, the Blacksmith simply replied, "Do what your heart desires."

Both: "Do what feels right."

Ruby: Still somewhat unsure of where to go, they first followed their hearts to the newly-rebuilt acre of the Genial Gems.

Somewhat and Juniper arrive at the large crystal spire in the Origami Acre.

Somewhat: (amazed) Wow. Everything looks so shiny.

Two Genial Gems walk by.

Somewhat: Excuse me? Excuse me? Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?

The Genial Gems continue to walk past Somewhat.

Ruby: They were somewhat sad to be ignored, but also marveled at the Gems' concentration. You see, the Gems once had a hero that helped them day in and day out. But, because of that, they thought not of themselves.

Somewhat: (dejected) Aww...

Ruby: "Oh, we do not mean to be rude. We are just busy," said a nearby Gem. "The more that we help ourselves now, the more we can help others in the future. I, however, am currently resting, an important part of physical activity, so I can assist you."

Somewhat chuckles.

Ruby: "It makes me happy to make you happy!" the Gem exclaimed. "It makes me less happy to tell you that we have seen no ordinary or out of ordinary things of late. Just ourselves."

Somewhat: (chuckles again) Thank you!

Ruby: Next, their heart desired a sweeter smell.

Somewhat and Juniper ride a lilypad to reach the Garden.

Somewhat: Did something bad happen here? I hope everyone is okay.

Somewhat looks over to see Afterans working on rebuilding the Garden, constructing a new "Hawker's" stand. One of the birds approaches Somewhat.

Ruby: "Yes," they reply. "But we've all come together and because of that, we're stronger."

Somewhat smells the aroma of the cookies the Afteran is holding.

Ruby: Finding nothing wrong, they were somewhat discouraged. Their heart led them nowhere.

Somewhat and Juniper travel elsewhere in the Garden's Acre, now finding themselves in the mushroom forests, where many Afterans are gathered around a mushroom house.

Ruby: "How may I assist you?" the Herbalist asked.

Somewhat: Oh, we are not yet ready to return to the tree. We still have our purpose.

Ruby: "I see. May I ask a small favor? There is an Afteran in need. Please, do what feels right."

The Herbalist offers an envelope containing leaves from the Great Tree to Somewhat.

Somewhat: Hm.

Somewhat and Juniper arrive outside of the Crimson Castle.

Somewhat: This place feels... wrong.

Ruby: Guided not by their heart, but an Afteran in need, they entered the empty Crimson Keep. Typically ruled over by the loyal guards of the Red Prince, no such army appeared to be present.

Somewhat walks through empty hallways of the Crimson Castle.

Ruby: After searching and searching, they finally stumbled upon a lone occupant: the Red Prince himself.

Somewhat finds the Red Prince looking down at his game board in a dark room with a sole green light coming from a window.

Somewhat: Where is everyone?

Ruby: Without looking up, the Prince muttered, "I sent them away. How could one expect them to be ruled by someone like me?"

Somewhat: Who... is someone like you?

Ruby: The Prince's trance on the game piece finally broke and the two locked eyes for the first time. "You seem familiar."

Somewhat: As do you! I wonder if we used to be friends?

Ruby: The Prince smiled. "I wonder... Please, sit. Let's play a game."

Somewhat: Oh, I'm so sorry, but I have a job-

Ruby: "As do I," the Prince interrupted. "And if you beat me, I'll happily help you with yours."

Somewhat sits on the other side of the Prince, the two now playing his game.

Somewhat: So, what is your purpose?

Ruby: "To win this game."

Somewhat: Hmm. That doesn't seem very fair. What if my purpose was to win, too?

Ruby: "Such is the way of our life."

Somewhat: What if it doesn't have to be? I'm still new here, but I've met loads of Afterans and people that have grown and found new things to do, even without going to the tree. Who knows, maybe you could teach others to win. Speaking of, I won! (blushes) I think? I'm sorry.

Ruby: After a long silence, the Red Prince finally spoke. "Thank you for playing with me, little one. I've learned a lot."

Somewhat: That... felt right.

Now outside the Crimson Castle, the Red Prince sees Somewhat and Juniper off.

Ruby: It seemed that more than a somewhat big impression had been left on the Prince. And there was one less wrong thing in the Ever After.

The Red Prince, holding the envelope given to him by Somewhat, drops it onto the ground.

Ruby: Their purpose complete, they desired nothing more than a rest after their grand adventure. Unfortunately, life is seldom as straightforward.

As Somewhat and Juniper travel through the Abandoned Acre, a portal, similar to those created by Ambrosius or the Blacksmith, opens up before them. Juniper slows to a stop in front of it.

Ruby: That's when they saw someone that they were somewhat not prepared to see.

As the portal opens, Somewhat's ear flicks as they open one eye.

Somewhat: Oh! You're back!