I get up with a sigh. If only I had just stayed with the lie. Kept assuming she didn't have a mask. Things could've been so much better...

I proceed towards the next mask to be acquired, when my own masks, my facades, begin acting up.

"Why are you still you?" Edgar asks.

"This shit again," I sigh.

"Yeah," Edgar retorts, "this shit again. It's not to late man. You can stop giving a damn. About K, about everyone. You can live as a hermit, and write forever. Never having to face reality again. All you must do is accept your facade."

"I refuse," I retort, "I've considered it many a time, but I still have faith in humanity, albeit very little."

"Even when you've got nothing left to lose?" Edgar chuckles, "you're stupid."

"And you're just a mask."

"Ouch," Gen comments, "that's harsh."

"Shut it bro," Edgar replies.

"You're accepting your facade," Edgar glares, "one way or another."

"If you can beat Fando," I retort, "then I won't fight back, for if I lose Fando, those she represents, I truly have nothing left to lose."

"Deal," Edgar smirks.

I put on Edgar's mask...

I proceed deeper and deeper into the abyss. I hear something, a song. It almost sounds like Edgar. I approach it as Broadway musical song, one that sounds like the stereotype that people have of them, grows louder and louder. I see Edgar now, and I hear him sing...

"For I am a writer.
And I am his true self.
I am him.
He is me.

So follow me!
Let me lead!
In my world,
Here I can rule!

No pain here.
No fear here.
When I'm here.
I am a god!

For I am his true self!
I'm more than his facade!
His desire to write!
His desire to have control.

HE IS ME!"

A battle starts.

Edgar blocks my way. At first, I'm kinda confused, but then I hear some lyrics in the Author's voice. The instrumental is some sort of light rock with guitar as the main instrument, and drums clearly present as well.

"Now we face off.
You face him.
You reach out to the truth.

Seeking to learn,
Which one is really,
A lie."

It looks like the Author is doing this as some sort of test, to see if Edgar is his true self. OK. I'm down for that. It's part of the truth.

I see if I have access to my power.

It's faint, but it's there.

Fando casts Pleasant Memory!

I seem to recall an image of the Author and the young lad from before hanging out.

Fando's magic defense increased!

Fando's magic attack increased!

"PUBLICATION IN PROGRESS," Edgar smirks.

Edgar Writes With Obsession!

A pillar of black ink, surrounds me, ripping my flesh magically and drawing blood.

Fando took 1500 damage!

I hear the next verse...

"So you're choosing to fight.
Not gonna live the lie.
You're gonna regret that with a sigh,
The truth ruins your life.

Stop and,
Back away.
I'll live this life,
If I wish.

Please turn away,
Before it is to late.

With each of them you face,
The truth grows clear,
But just know,
There will be consequences."

As this verse goes on, I take my turn.

Fando casts Compassionate Beam!

I shoot a beam of red energy at Edgar.

Edgar was weak to the attack!

Edgar took 6000 damage!

Edgar was knocked prone!

As I prepare to go all out, I hear the final verse.

"Now we face off.
You fight back,
You reach out to the truth,
Of this tale.

Seeking to seize,
What was taken from me,
Over a,
Blissful lie.

Can you reach the truth?
Will you reach the truth?
Will you be able to see,
Just who I really am?"

I go all out, hitting Edgar with a left hook, knocking him off the Author's face and into his living from, ending the battle.

The Author feels his face, almost shocked that the mask is now off.

"Huh," he shrugs, "guess that's not my true self. Maybe I'm not defined by my facades at all, but they're all just the worst parts of me? Who knows? Anyways, nice work Fando."

"Thanks," I smile.

"Edgar will be assisting you in your search for the truth," the Author elaborates, "but don't say you weren't warned."

The Author disappears in a cloud of ink. I help Edgar up.

"Ready to go?" I ask.

"You ready for the truth?" He glares.

I nod.

"Then let us proceed," he sighs.

We continue into the depths. Towards the truth, no matter the cost...