The soldiers and civilians salute their heroes as the Emperor award them with medals. The plan of the evil genius has been thwarted and peace of the galaxy restored, all thanks to the bravery of our beloved heroes.

Fin.

“How are you feeling?”

The Protagonist pouts their lips, looking puzzled. “Good… I think? I just did something great – with your help, of course – and saved lots of people. That’s exactly the role I was destined to play…” The Muse nods sympathetically, encouraging them to continue. “But it feels… it doesn’t feel as satisfying as it should? This is the 10th Vignette we’ve saved and still it just doesn’t feel… important. Am I sick?”

AI laughs. “I don’t think you’re sick. Maybe we should try something else?”
—
AI gives the Vignette a new pump of Juice to activate it, and invites the Protagonist to –

“Play it!”

The Protagonist is suspicious at first, when they realized they can’t physically become one with the protagonist of the game. They cast a confused glace at the Muse, beseeching help.

“So, you play the game by willing the character to move around. You need to move the gold boxes to help them overcome obstacles, look ahead to prevent them from falling into traps, and…”

As the Protagonist cleared the last level, they shout in joy and give their Muse friend a high five.

“That was good?”

“Yes! Let’s do it again! Is there another… game? Like this one?”

“You’re fine with not being that protagonist?”

The Protagonist blinks, dumbfounded. “I… can’t be fine with that, right?”

“You are still a protagonist, though. You played the game and helped its protagonist overcome their trials – that’s your story, right? Just like that game was their story?”

The Protagonist contemplates, for the first time since they arrived in Jo’s Dream.
—
“Here we are! 156s. There’s no need for you to go further.”

“…It’s been really nice having you around.”

The Protagonist pats the Muse on the shoulder, with a grin brighter than the sun. “Don’t look so down! It’s a happy ending: the hero has had their adventures and became learned and wise! It’s time for the story to wrap up.

“Maybe we’ll see each other again someday!” The Concept waves towards the Muse as they walk back into the shining crack. “But before then – remember to save some worlds!”

Jo wanders through the living room, idly looking for more things to pack. They've been meaning to move out for a while now, to retire in the country somewhere. Near Morgana might have been nice, but she doesn't like to be disturbed too often. Now their home of so many years looks bare, with a life packed away in boxes.

A hint of bright colour at the back of a shelf catches their attention. A robot toy, long hidden and forgotten, yet perfectly preserved. Even now, they remember the games, the imaginary battles against alien invasions. Would those have appeared in the Dreamscape too? It's a funny thought; maybe they should ask. The robot is packed along with everything else, a wistful smile on their face.