Propp Final

The sun rises. A [[radio]] clicks on.

“...and in other news, ''Professor Vladimir Propp'' plans to give a lecture at //Leningrad State University// later this evening. His book on folktales has been circulated throughout the University, and students are expected to attend in large numbers. The lecture is open to the public…” The radio is turned off by a red paw. [[go to the door-> go outside]]

The firebird waves. “Good morning Vasily! On your way to work?” [[“Yeah, I was actually. Any chance I can hitch a ride Maria?”->ride the firebird]] [[“I’ve still got to get a bath. I’ll see you there Maria!”->go to the river]]

As Vasily walked onto Maria’s back, the firebird took off. Flying throughout the magic countryside, the two animals talked about yesterday’s work at [[''FoLC''->The FoLC 1]]. The land from above was vibrant and colorful, matching the colorful people who live in this world...

''Vasily the fox'' moves out of his burrow. The morning is bright, sun shining as it always does in this part of the land. He is greeted by his neighbor, a ''[[firebird]]''.

“I don’t see why not! [[Hop on!]]”

With that, the two waved goodbye as Vasily walked down to the river. The earth was green and flowing with life. Flowers were humming happy tunes as Vasily walked. “Good morning Vasily” they said as he walked by. Vasily jumps into [[The River]]

//The Fellowship of Living Creations//, commonly known as ''FoLC'', is an agency consisting of magical agents and objects. Their purpose is to aid those who need help, and recently business has been booming. The ''FoLC'' resides in the //World of Folktales//, and with the release of ''Vladimir Propp’s'' //Morphology of the Folktale// more stories are being told than ever before. However,[[The ''FoLC'' has an uneasy relationship with the professor.->uneasy relations 1]]

On one hand, the creatures and objects who work at The ''FoLC'' have enjoyed the business, but on the other hand ''Propp'' has pushed them to the sideline, believing they aren’t as important as the heroes. This sentiment was shared by everyone at The ''FoLC'', including ''Vasily''. [[talk to Maria the Firebird]]

“So ''Maria'', who do you think is going to end up meeting with this ''Propp'' guy?” “I couldn’t tell you. The Boss has been quiet about it. I hope it’s not me, I’ve never been to the Other Side before.” “It’s not so bad,” Vasily remarked [[“as long as you keep a good head on your shoulders.”->talk 2]]

''Maria'' chuckled as she //landed//. “How is it that you’ve been there then?” “Very funny.” ''Vasily'' got back onto solid ground and prepared to [[enter the building -> Ivan turns around]]

“Hey ''Ivan''. [[You mind turning around?]]”

As Vasily bathed, he thought about the work he did yesterday at [[''FoLC''->The FoLC 2]]. Different animals were bathing as well, some of them talking to one another. Another day preparing for magic tales to be told.

''Vasily'' walked to work and prepared too [[enter the buliding-> Ivan turns around]]. just at the same time ''Maria'' landed beside him. "Hello again Vasily, glad to see you made it on time."

“Oh, sure thing ''Vasily''.” As the hut spoke, //it stood up on two chicken legs and turned towards the two co-workers//. As they entered, they heard the hut say [[“Oh Vasily, Boss wants to see you in her office.”]]

“Alright, thanks ''Ivan''. //I’ll be right there. See you later ''Maria''.”// ''Vasily'' walked up to the top floor. Taking a deep breath he went to [[knock on the large oak door->knock 1]].

[[''KNOCK''->Knock 2]]

[[''KNOCK''-> come in]]

“[[You may come in->enter room]],” cried a voice from inside the room.

''Vasily'' entered. ''Baba Yaga'' sailed around the room on her mortar, moving things from shelf to shelf. //“Hmm,”// she pondered //“I smell a foxy smell! Sit down ''Vasily'', [[sit down]]!”//

''Vasily'' sat down, curious as to what was happening. //The office was cluttered with potion bottles and bones, the smell of spells wafting across the room. ''Baba Yaga’s desk'' was covered in paperwork, as it always was.// Sitting in front of ''Baba Yaga’s desk'',''Vasily'' waited for the witch to finish her task. As she sailed behind her desk, she handed ''Vasily'' an //envelope//. [[Open it]].

//You are cordially invited to an evening with ''PROFESSOR VLADIMIR PROPP''. As he explains his work on folktales and the Russian people. Lecture begins at 8 PM. Open to the public.// “So, what do you [[think->Vasily's opinion]],” asked ''Baba Yaga''.

''Vasily'' paused before answering. He knew that his answer would reflect the mood across the office, that his coworkers are uneasy. Vasily had a good relationship with the witch though, so he knew lying wouldn’t get him anywhere. //“What do I think? I think it’s just one more opportunity for this guy to tell people how we don’t matter, that’s what I think,”// replied ''Vasily'' “Well, you’ll get a chance to tell him yourself. [[You’re going to see him tonight]].”

“I’m going to what?! Boss, [[you can’t be serious]].”

''Vasily'' sighed. He had a gut feeling that he would end up with this task. //''Vasily'' always had the hard tasks, ''Baba Yaga'' trusted him. // “I’m very ''serious''. //The door to the Other Side should take you directly to ''Propp’s office''.// Your job is to convince him to include us in this lecture. Can you do that ''Vasily''?” ''Baba Yaga'' smiled her creepy smile. That smile scared Russian children through the centuries, but ''Vasily'' was immune. [[“I can, but I-”-> Path 1]] [[“Why can’t you do it? You know how much I hate this guy!”->path 2]]

''Vasily'' was //cut off//. //“Great, I’m glad to hear it! You don’t have much time to lose. Remember, the door is just around the hall to your left.”// With that, ''Baba Yaga'' ushered ''Vasily'' [[out of her office->leaving the office path 1]].

//“You’re really asking me why I can’t do it,”// ''Baba Yaga'' retorted. //“I’m flying on top of a mortar. Not exactly what I would call stealthy.”// ''Vasily'' nodded, knowing she was right. He sighed and said.. //“Fair point, I guess. [[I’ll be on my way then.->leaving the office path 2]]”//

The fox, seeing no way out of his assignment, walked to the door and left for the ''Other Side''. //The door was old. There were carvings from ancient times, recounting the adventures from previous workers.// [[With a sigh ''Vasily'' walked through the door.-> Propp's office]]

In the blink of an eye, ''Vasily'' had appeared in an ''office''. A fire was roaring, but no one was in the office. //The office was clean, with stacks of books throughout it.// There were maps of the Russian countryside marking where he found his stories. The fox walked over to the fireplace, curling up next to it and waiting for the [[professor-> propp outside]] to arrive.

With that, ''Vasily'' //saw himself out of the office and approached the door that led to the ''Other Side''//. //The door was old//. There were carvings from ancient times, recounting the adventures from previous workers. [[With one last look, he walked through.-> Propp's office]]

//Outside the office window//, ''Professor Vladimir Propp'' enters the lecture hall. As he goes to close the door, it is stopped by a ''[[uniformed arm]].''

looked a bit ragged, and the officers looked tough. “//''Professor Propp'', [[do you mind answering a few questions]],//” asks the taller of the two. <img alt="the Officers" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/3f/15/173f15740d0104142331e480300a883f.jpg"/>

//“Of course, anything for the ''NKVD''. How can I assist you two?”// //“We have a tip that you may be in [[danger]]. May we talk privately?”// The officers were tall compared to the professor, and looked hardened from the years. The ''USSR'' had gone through much, and everyone who survived up until now had a grey, drab look to them.

//“Danger, what kind of danger,”// ''Propp'' inquires. //“[[What have I done to be a threat to anyone?-> in harms way]]"//

The taller agent speaks up, glancing over at his friend. //“We have been following your movements for a few days now ever since an ''anonymous source'' reported that you may be ''in harm’s way''. [[May we please discuss this in private-> to the office]]?”//

//“Yes, yes of course. Please follow me, ''my office'' is right down the [[hall-> Vasily's decision 3]].”//

''Propp'' leads the men down the hall and into his ''office.'' //Students were hunched over, busy with schoolwork. A few waved to the professor, he was well liked and known for his work.// As the door unlocks, ''Vasily...'' [[Runs underneath Propp’s desk.]] [[Pretends to be a fox skin rug.]]

//Underneath the desk//, ''Vasily'' is able to barely see ''Propp and two other men'' enter the room as they begin a [[conversation]].

//Laying out on his stomach//, ''Vasily'' is out of sight and is able to see ''two men follow Propp into his office'', launching into [[conversation]].

//“Well gentlemen,”// ''Propp'' starts, //“we should be uninterrupted here. Would you mind telling me what is going on?”// ''Propp'' looks nervously at the two men, their uniforms making him wonder just how much trouble he may be in. //“What can you tell us about ''villains'' in folklore, ''Professor Propp'',”// inquires the smaller agent. ''Propp'' looked at the man, a bit confused, but happy to [[answer-> villians of folklore]].

//“Well, they’re often very important to a story, and they are often vanquished by a hero, and...I’m not sure what you’re getting at exactly. Why is that important?”// ''Propp'' looked around his ''office'', images of heroes and villains from tales scattered around, [[pointing some out to the officers.->this is the guy]]

The ''two officers'' glance at each other, as the ''taller one'' looks back at ''Propp''. //“This is our guy,”// he says before ''landing a blow on the professor'', //knocking him out.// The ''smaller officer'' bends down to pick ''Propp'' off the ground. //“Let’s get him back to the ''Other Side'' before anyone notices he’s gone. [[Mother is going to have a lot to say to him."-> they vanish]]//

With that, //the two chant a ''magic spell'' and [[''disappear'' from the room.-> Vasily leaves Propp's office]]//

''Vasily'' gets up and walks over to where ''Propp fell''. //“Oh, bother. Well, that complicates things.”// The fox walked over to the closet door where he entered and [[knocked.->knock sequence 2.1]]

''[[KNOCK-> knock 2.2]]''

''[[KNOCK-> return to magictale world]]''

The door to the ''Other Side'' opened once again, and ''Vasily'' scurried through, //[[running into Maria]]//.

//“Hey, hey, ''Vasily'' slow down! [[What’s the big rush?-> Got to see the boss]]”//

//“Well, I just saw two guys ''kidnap Propp'', that’s what the rush is! I’ve gotta go see the Boss ASAP!”// //Oh my! Let me know if I can do anything,”// yelled ''Maria'' as ''Vasily'' picked himself up and ran towards ''[[Baba Yaga’s office.-> busting into the bosses office]]'' Some of the other workers yell out, wondering what is going on with Vasily, who usually had a calm demeanor.

Bursting into ''Baba Yaga’s office'', ''Vasily'' was able to get out, //“Propp...pant...gone...pant...kidnapped”// before he was interrupted. Without glancing over, ''Baba Yaga'' finished his thought, //“Yes, I heard you down the hallway. You should really be quiet if you want to keep a [[secret.-> save him]]”// She didn’t look up from her desk, typical of the old witch. She kept calm about most things.

//“Well,”// asked ''Vasily'', //“what are we going to do? Who took him? How are we going to [[save him-> BY interjection]]?”//

//“I thought you hated him, or perhaps my memory from this morning is incorrect,”// ''Baba Yaga interjected''. She still didn’t look up, and started to write on a notepad instead. //“I don’t like him sure, but the two guys who took him can’t be up to anything good. They said something about [[Mother-> Wanted criminal]], whoever that is.”//

//“''Mother''? I wonder...no, it can’t be.”// With that, ''Baba Yaga'' went over to a pinboard and examined it. Eventually, she pulled out a [[wanted poster-> Stepmother poster]] and showed it to ''Vasily''.

//“This is ''Stepmother'',”// she said. //“Listen, I may be bad every now and then, but she is truly awful. If Propp is being taken to her, [[nothing good can come from it-> create a strikeforce]].”// ''Baba Yaga looked nervous'' for the first time, making ''Vasily'' even more stressed.

//“Well, we’ve got to save him,”// exclaimed the fox. ''Baba Yaga nodded''. //“Go get a ''strike force'' established, and I’ll meet you out in front of the hut in a few minutes.”// As she left the office, Vasily had to get... [[Maria first.-> get Maria]] [[Andrey first.-> get Andrey]]

As ''Vasily'' left the office, he ran into ''Maria'' again. //“Hey Maria, remember how I said I’d let you know if I needed help?”// //“Yeah,”// replied Maria, //“[[what do you need me to do?-> head out front 1]]”// ''Maria'' was always the reliable one in the office, everyone knew that, especially ''Vasily.''

''Vasily'' raced down to the ''basement'' to find ''Andrey, a white dragon'', resting on the floor. While others in the past had approached the beast in fear, Vasily approached him like any other coworker would. //“Andrey, the Boss needs you upstairs as soon as you’re done.”// //“I’ll be up in a few minutes,”// replies Andrey, //“right after [[I finish this dream.-> no time for that]]”//

//“Just [[meet me in front-> meet BY out front 1]] with the Boss. We’ll explain everything then.”//

As the two arrived outside, they were greeted by both ''Baba Yaga'' and a //large white dragon.// //“I managed to wake ''Andrey'' up for this,” said the witch. “I think we’ll need some [[firepower->briefing]].”//

''Baba Yaga'' started pacing in front of the three other creatures. The sun still shown bright as ever, lighting up the colorful world. //“Alright"//, she ordered, //“here’s what we’re up against. The ''Stepmother'' and a couple of her goons have captured ''Professor Propp'', of course on the night he was hopefully going to tell the world how important the work we do is."// //“I don’t know why she did it, but what I do know is that we won’t let her evil plan come to fruition. Her last known location is across the land, at the ''thrice-tenth kingdom''. [[I suggest we go there]] and hope that we can save Propp in time.”// With that, the ''Propp Task Force'' departed from ''FoLC Headquarters'' and began their search for a ''Russian in a strange land''.

//“No time for that chief, this is an ''emergency''! Just get upstairs and [[I’ll explain everything.->Meet BY out front 2]]”//

As ''Vasily'' raced upstairs (with ''Andrey'' lumbering behind him) the two found ''Baba Yaga'' and ''Maria'' waiting for them. //“I brought ''Maria'' down as well,”// said the witch //“considering she knows about it already. Plus, it can’t hurt to have some extra [[firepower->briefing]].”//

Vasily thought about how fantastical this world was, whereas Russia is gray and dull, even the people looking that way. Propp would stand out like a sore thumb here, making him an easy target. The forest was full of life and greenery as the travellers walked along. As the team progressed throughout the land of the folktale, ''Baba Yaga'' pulled out a map. Everyone gathered around the old document. The map showed the sheer vastness of the world, making Vasily wonder just what exactly were they up against. There were three ways to go that would get them to the ''Stepmother’s kingdom'': ''the kingdom of Prince Ivan'', ''the stables of the Three Horsemen'', and ''the tavern where former FoLC agents were known to frequent''. In the end, she decided to pass through [[Prince Ivan’s realm.->the castle]]

After a long journey, the task force arrived at a large stone castle. The castle looked old but sturdy, as it had survived the ages and centuries of storytelling. Arriving at the drawbridge, they happened to notice [[the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow]] on top of the parapet.

//“[[Who is it]],”// cried the guard, //“that seeks to gain audience with his excellency the Prince?”//

‘Tis a group of [[weary travelers->one moment please]], hoping to seek the counsel of the great Ivan,” shouted ''Baba Yaga''.

//“Weary travelers, eh,”// questioned the guard. //“[[One moment-> he runs off]]!”//

The guard ran off, leaving the group to themselves. //“What’s this guy’s deal,”// inquired ''Vasily''. //“[[I thought Ivan was one of our clients->Ivan's issue.]]”//

“I was sent on a mission to assist him in earning the love of a princess. Unfortunately, he failed to mention how he needed one of my feathers to do so. I refused, but he plucked one anyway.” “Ah yes,” remembered ''Baba Yaga''. “He obviously was too idiotic to read the list of rules sent to him a few days before Maria got there. Needless to say, we stopped sending ''FoLC'' agents here ever since. [[Let’s hope he forgot about that-> invite in]].” Baba Yaga looked a bit nervously at her map, which surprised Vasily.

With that, the guard returned and lowered the drawbridge. //“You may enter. [[The Prince is expecting you in his court.->enter the castle]]” //

As the group entered the castle, they saw ''Prince Ivan sitting on his throne''. The throne was surrounded by jewels and courtiers, making the prince look even more magnificent. Throughout the room, people were dancing traditional Russian dances and singing folk songs. Ivan was sitting on his throne, slightly smirking. Upon seeing the travelers, the Prince got up and strode over to the group, not taking his eyes off of [[Maria->what may i do for you]].

//“Welcome, welcome travelers,”// exclaimed ''Prince Ivan''. He grabbed ''Baba Yaga'' by the hands and shook them vigorously, making the witch smile. //“Baba Yaga, it has been too long. [[How can I help you]]?”//

//“Ivan, thank you for your offer,”// stated Baba Yaga. //“We’re on our way to the Stepmother’s realm. She’s unfortunately kidnapped someone very important to us, and we were wondering if you could assist our group in [[getting him back-> Ivan's options]].”// Ivan paused, looking at his feet. After a moment of thinking, he looked up at the travellers and smiled his charming smile.

//“I could be persuaded,”// muttered Ivan, //“but only if you give me something in return. In case you forgot, the last time I interacted with your organization I plucked one of the feathers from this firebird here. I desire another one. If you give it to me, I will assist you in your quest.”// [[Refuse to give Ivan a feather]] [[Give a feather to Ivan]]

//“Why do you need another one,”// asked Maria. //“One of my feathers will remain lit for a lifetime!”// Maria looked at the prince angrily, and [[Ivan looked down at his feet again.->Ivan shows his stupidity]]

//“[[I suppose you can have one->take a feather, any feather]],”// muttered Maria. //“After all, it’s for the greater good.”// Vasily was surprised at this, knowing that Maria valued her feathers. Firebirds were proud of their feathers and valued them more than anything.

//“You lost a firebird feather,”// exclaimed ''Baba Yaga''. //“[[How do you lose a firebird feather-> doesn't matter how]]?!”// Firebird feathers were hard to come by, and loosing one in this land was a great ''embarrassment''.

//“It doesn’t matter how I lost it,”// shouted Ivan. //“Now, are you going to give me a new one or not?”// He had the look of a pouting child on his face, ''angering Maria'' [[FINE TAKE ONE! Just stop acting like a child->take a feather, any feather]] [[NO I WILL NOT!->Ivan refuses to help]]

With that, Ivan walked behind the firebird and ''[[plucked a tail feather->A fine addition to my collection]]'' off of the great beast. Maria looked angry, but kept her emotions to herself.

//“Well then, I am afraid you must continue without me,”// said Ivan. //“I ask that you please leave, and [[I wish you luck on your journey->leave castle 1]].”// As they left, the castle and its inhabitants felt less friendly and more sinister, with everyone looking a bit more grey in appearance.

//“Ah, perfect,”// said Ivan. //“''This will make a fine addition to my collection''. [[Guards, my armor->let me slip into something more confortable]]!” Guards ran off to fetch him what he requested, while he looked proudly at his new possession.//

A few moments later, a ''suit of armor'' and ''a sword'' were brought to the Prince. //“Allow me to put this on and I will meet you four in the [[courtyard]]."//

The task force was ushered out and into the large courtyard, where a [[horse]] had been brought out for the Prince.

A few minutes later, the Prince exited the castle in his full set of armor. Mounting his horse, [[the group set out on their journey->leave castle 2]], with Prince Ivan in tow.

With the detour out of the way, the group continued to head towards the Stepmother’s realm. Little did they know, however, that the Stepmother knew of their plans. As the ''heroes of FoLC'' approached the ''thrice-tenth kingdom'', they were stopped by a [[dark, foreboding forest->DFF 2]]. Inside the forest are wild animals, witches calling out to them. The trees look dead and diseased, while the ground was scattered with dead leaves and branches. Any fauna on the ground was shriveled and dead. Anything that remains alive is decaying. //All of the travellers looked scared//, ''except Baba Yaga''

//“I don’t remember hearing about a forest in this land,”// said a confused ''Baba Yaga''. //“''Andrey'', see if you can find a way through ''from up high''.”// With that, the great white dragon flew up into the sky, circling around the forest for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, [[he landed back on the ground, defeated-> Forrest to full 2]].

//“It’s no use,”// ''bemoaned Andrey''. //“The forest is so thick that even [[I can’t see through it->needed help 2]].”// The dragon was embarrassed, knowing that his powers were useless against the great forest.

//“Perhaps we can be of assistance,”// came a voice from the woods. As the group turned to the voice, they saw ''[[a wolf, a raven, and a hedgehog come out of the darkness->greetings comrade 2]].'' They looked bright against the dark backdrop of the forest.

//“Vasily, it has been too long,”// said the wolf. //“[[Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to visit->relitives 2]]?”//

“''Nikolai'',” said the surprised fox, “I hardly recognized you! Everyone, this is my //distant cousin// ''Nikolai''! Listen, I’d love to catch up but we’re in a tight bind. [[Do you know how to get through the forest->New Employees 2]]?” The wolf looked at his friends and smiled.

“I believe we can help you through,” replied ''Nikolai''. //“However, I have a question for the witch. ''Baba Yaga'', we only want to help the people of this land. If we help you through the forest, all we ask in return is that you instate us as FoLC agents. [[Do you agree-> welcome to FoLC 2]]?”//

Normally, a wolf, hedgehog and raven were not typical agents. Children were frightened by the wolf and the other two did not do much in stories. However, given that business was doing well and ''the FoLC'' needed all the help it could get, ''Baba Yaga'' decided their employment was worth the help. //“We can always use more magical agents,”// replied ''Baba Yaga''. [[“Welcome aboard!”->enter the woods 2]]

The three animals looked at each other and nodded, turning around to return to the forest. The task force followed closely behind, as the group approached the [[dark castle.-> enterance option 2]] The castle was ''all black'', with no light shining on it compared to the rest of this world. Vasily and the others knew that ''dark magic resided here.'' //Everyone in this world avoided this castle if they could help it. Only the bravest of heroes would dare to venture here.// ''Prince Ivan'' look absolutely frightened on his horse.

“How should we enter Boss,” asked Andrey. [[Up->up2]] [[Through->Through2]]

//“Up and away,”// responded ''Baba Yaga''. //“Andrey, [[could you lift the grounders over the wall->high tower 2]]?”//

//“I don’t see any harm in going loud,”// replied Baba Yaga. //“Andrey, [[could you do the honors-> move to the gates 2]]?”//

//“Of course,”// replied ''Andrey''. Once Vasily, Nikolai, and the others jumped on the back of the dragon, they flew to the top of the [[tallest tower.-> locked tower door 2]]

As Baba Yaga landed, with Andrey and Maria behind her, she noticed [[a locked door.->BY blast door 2]]

//“Stand back everyone,”// she shouted. With a magic spell, ''Baba Yaga'' blew the door open, and the group entered the [[dimly lit prison.->The Prison 2]]

//“Who is it? Who’s there,”// cried a disembodied voice from a [[dark corner of the dungeon.->move to voice 2]]

//“With pleasure,”// replied the dragon. With that, ''Andrey'' moved in front of the [[massive iron gate->breaking the door 2]] barring the entrance to the castle.

With a great kick, the gate flew backwards and the group made their way to the [[deepest dungeons.->dungeons 2]]

//“For all our sakes, let’s hope the professor is still alive,”// uttered ''Baba Yaga''. With that, the group followed the witch into the [[dimly lit prison.->The Prison 2]]

Slowly, the group felt their way towards the voice, finding a [[bruised man->rescue Propp 2]] in a tattered suit chained to the wall. //The man looked frightened and confused. He looked drearier than usual, Vasily thought. Despite all of the hardships in Russia, ''Propp'' looked more dull than ever before//

//“Are you ''Professor Propp'',”// asked Vasily. //“[[We’re here to rescue you!->Stepmother appears 2]]”//

A voice echoed through the prison: //“I very seriously doubt that, little fox.”// Suddenly, torches burst into flame as the illuminated room revealed ''[[the Stepmother->I've been waiting for for this 2]]''. Stepmother was wearing a dark maroon dress and apron. Her hair was up in a tight bun. Her face was beautiful, but in a cold and artificial way, enhancing her icy demeanor.

//“At long last we meet, Baba Yaga,”// said the Stepmother. //“It’s taken you and your group long enough to show up. [[We thought you’d never arrive->Enter 2 officers 2]].”// She lifted her lips up in a snarl, laughing a bit.

The ''two NKVD officers appeared'' and flanked the Stepmother. //“Those are those villains who captured me,”// cried ''Propp''. The ''Stepmother'' cackled. //“Yes, you know these two quite well, don’t you professor? However, the rest of these do-gooders haven’t the faintest idea [[who they are dealing with.-> henchmen transform 2]]”// ''Vasily was confused'', why would humans assist Stepmother? Most humans are scared of her, especially after reading tales like //Cinderella or Vasilisa the Beautiful.//

With a puff of smoke, the guards were transformed into a ''swan goose'' and a ''dark spirit''. The Stepmother spoke up. //“Allow me to introduce you to ''Gregor the Goose'' and the ''Devil’s Spirit''. As I’m sure you know, these two have been wreaking havoc throughout the land for sometime. Now, we’ll be able to [[rule over it->heroes in chains 2]].”// They all stood together, smiling at the group. They each had their own air of evil around them. Vasily and the others knew that villains were nothing to mess with. All of the villains in this land stuck together, coming out only to cause chaos or fulfill their roles in the tales being told that day. This trio was a real threat, not only to Propp but to the folklore land.

The Stepmother waved her hand, as chains shot up out of the floor, ensnaring the members of the task force. //“You see,”// she started, //“for too long us villains have been defeated by your magical agents. But, as people stopped telling stories you started to lose your power, didn’t you?"// She smiled again, her icy glare piercing through everyone. //“In fact, we were this close to finishing you off forever. Then, this professor decided he wanted to write about your stories. [[You started pushing us back again.->SM plan explained 2]]"//

//“We had to do something. Luckily, Gregor happened to catch wind of your plan to contact this Propp. We got there first, and if he can’t give his lecture he’ll slowly fade into irrelevance, along with the stories he tried to revive. When that happens, we’ll be free to [[rule as we please.-> you wont get away 2]]”// The room felt even more evil than ever, making everyone uneasy.

//“You’ll never get away with it, she-devil,”// yelled ''Prince Ivan.'' Despite the oath, he looked frightened as always. A lightning bolt shot out of the Stepmother’s hand, knocking the now unconscious [[Prince back against the wall.-> bring the pestle 2]]

//“Brave, but foolish,”// replied the Stepmother. //“Spirit, take the witch’s [[mortar and pestle-> what is hiding in here 2]]. She won’t be needing those anymore.”// The spirit moved swiftly and silently. Spirits were known to be silent, making their presence all the more terrifying. Some villains even avoided spirits because of their demeanor.

The spirit floated over to ''Baba Yaga'', picking up the mortar and pestle. It quickly brought the items back to the Stepmother, who cackled maniacally. //The mortar and pestle were old and been used for thousands of years. Baba Yaga’s for generations had used the duo.// The Stepmother peered into the pestle. //“Let’s see what the great Baba Yaga has been [[hiding in here.->don't do it 2]]”// Everyone knew that touching that thing is chaos, ''Vasily thought''. Why would she touch it?

//“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,”// yelled the witch from across the room. The Stepmother looked back up. “[[Only death comes to those who don’t know how to wield the pestle->I see something 2]],” continued Baba Yaga. Her face was stony and serious, as though she had said this a thousand times before.

//“A likely story,”// replied the ''Stepmother''. //“Gregor, bring a torch over here. I think [[I see something at the bottom.->reaching in 2]]”//

The Stepmother reached into the pestle, and as she did Baba Yaga started to utter an [[incantation->incantation 2]]:

''[[ “Wind, wind, cold and grey, Help me now and take them away!”-> tornado 2]]''

As she finished, a mighty ''tornado'' started to swirl out from the pestle, //picking up the Stepmother and her goons//.They ''screamed for help'', //causing shudders from everyone except Baba Yaga//. She looked at the tornado sadly, knowing the fate of the goons all too well. Soon, [[they were sucked back into the pestle and all was silent.->death of the villians 2]]

//“Did...did we do it,”// asked ''Vasily''. [[“Are they dead?->as dead as you can be 2]]”

//“Dead as one can be,”// replied ''Baba Yaga''. //“I haven’t met anyone yet who could get out of my pestle once they [[fall in->where they go 2]].”// Years of experience and stories told to her assured her that to be true.

//“[[But where did they go->to the underworld 2]],”// asked ''Maria''

''Baba Yaga'' waved her hands, [[unlocking the chains that held the group down.-> shackles fall 2]] //“They went to the underworld. The pestle is a doorway to the underworld, and I’m the only one that gets to use it. As soon as she reached in, it was all over.”//

The //shackles then fell off// of Baba Yaga, leaving //scars// on her ''wrists''. Baba Yaga smiled, knowing that somehow [[Propp-> get you back 2]] or another folklorist will see these scars and analyze them.

//“Well ''Professor Propp'',”// the witch said, //“[[what do you say we get you back to your lecture?->117.2]]”//

As the group was preparing to leave, ''Prince Ivan'' suddenly awoke. //“What happened? Did I kill the evil Stepmother? I told you all that Prince Ivan would [[aid you on your quest!->you did nothing]]”// Everyone except ''Propp'' ignored him, knowing that there was nothing to say to the proud prince.

''Professor Propp'' looked //surprised//. //“You are Prince Ivan? You? [[You did nothing!-> Ivan goes home]]”//

Prince Ivan looked disappointed. //“Oh, I see. Well, hopefully I was of some service. I hope you return to your home safe, Professor.”// With that, Prince Ivan left the group and started to [[return home.-> group leaves 2]]

''Baba Yaga'' collected her ''mortar and pestle'' and turned to the group. //“I suppose we should follow Prince Ivan’s suggestion and [[make the journey home-> back to the FoLC]]. Professor, you don’t mind flying do you…”//

Journeying back over the vast //lands of the folktale//, eventually the group returned to ''FoLC headquarters''. People who lived in the land yelled out to the heroes, congratulating them on ''defeating The Stepmother''. Once there, ''Baba Yaga'' took ''Professor Propp'' to [[her office.->123]]

//“I thank you for everything you have done for me,”// said ''Propp''. //“I would like to apologize too for my actions regarding your tales. It’s very clear to me now that I was mistaken."// //“You and your magical agents are clearly more significant to a folktale than I had ever realized. [[I hope I can make it up to you.->125]]”//

''Baba Yaga'' smiled. “Actually, [[I think I have just the idea…->126]]”

A few minutes past 8, ''Propp'' walked up to the podium. //After a round of applause//, [[he began his lecture->128]].

“Thank you students, faculty, and members of the public for attending tonight’s lecture on the folktale. Unfortunately, I must tell you that everything I thought I knew was [[wrong->129]].

As ''Propp'' lectured, a small group of figures hid underneath the window outside, smiling. Their work was being recognized for what it was, //as the lynchpin of any good story.// Together, they knew that their job would ensure that [[they would remain remembered all throughout Russia.]]

''THE END''

With the detour out of the way, the group continued to head towards the Stepmother’s realm. Little did they know, however, that the Stepmother knew of their plans. As the ''heroes of FoLC'' approached the ''thrice-tenth kingdom'', they were stopped by a [[dark, foreboding forest->DFF 1]]. Inside the forest are wild animals, witches calling out to them. The trees look dead and diseased, while the ground was scattered with dead leaves and branches. Any fauna on the ground was shriveled and dead. Anything that remains alive is decaying. //All of the travellers looked scared//, ''except Baba Yaga''

//“It’s no use,”// ''bemoaned Andrey''. //“The forest is so thick that even [[I can’t see through it->needed help 1]].”// The dragon was embarrassed, knowing that his powers were useless against the great forest.

//“Perhaps we can be of assistance,”// came a voice from the woods. As the group turned to the voice, they saw ''[[a wolf, a raven, and a hedgehog come out of the darkness->greetings comrade 1]].'' They looked bright against the dark backdrop of the forest.

//“''Vasily'', it has been too long,”// said the wolf. //“[[Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to visit->relitives 1]]?”//

The three animals looked at each other and nodded, turning around to return to the forest. The task force followed closely behind, as the group approached the [[dark castle.-> enterance option 1]] The castle was ''all black'', with no light shining on it compared to the rest of this world. Vasily and the others knew that ''dark magic resided here.'' //Everyone in this world avoided this castle if they could help it. Only the bravest of heroes would dare to venture here.//

“How should we enter Boss,” asked Andrey. [[Up->up1]] [[Through->Through1]]

//“Up and away,”// responded ''Baba Yaga''. //“Andrey, [[could you lift the grounders over the wall->high tower 1]]?”//

//“I don’t see any harm in going loud,”// replied Baba Yaga. //“Andrey, [[could you do the honors-> move to the gates 1]]?”//

//“Of course,”// replied ''Andrey''. Once Vasily, Nikolai, and the others jumped on the back of the dragon, they flew to the top of the [[tallest tower.-> locked tower door 1]]

As Baba Yaga landed, with Andrey and Maria behind her, she noticed [[a locked door.->BY blast door 1]]

//“Stand back everyone,”// she shouted. With a magic spell, ''Baba Yaga'' blew the door open, and the group entered the [[dimly lit prison.->The Prison 1]]

//“Who is it? Who’s there,”// cried a disembodied voice from a [[dark corner of the dungeon.->move to voice 1]]

//“With pleasure,”// replied the dragon. With that, ''Andrey'' moved in front of the [[massive iron gate->breaking the door 1]] barring the entrance to the castle.

With a great kick, the gate flew backwards and the group made their way to the [[deepest dungeons.->dungeons 1]]

//“For all our sakes, let’s hope the professor is still alive,”// uttered ''Baba Yaga''. With that, the group followed the witch into the [[dimly lit prison.->The Prison 1]]

Slowly, the group felt their way towards the voice, finding a [[bruised man->rescue Propp 1]] in a tattered suit chained to the wall. //The man looked frightened and confused. He looked drearier than usual, Vasily thought. Despite all of the hardships in Russia, ''Propp'' looked more dull than ever before//

//“Are you ''Professor Propp'',”// asked Vasily. //“[[We’re here to rescue you!->Stepmother appears 1]]”//

A voice echoed through the prison: //“I very seriously doubt that, little fox.”// Suddenly, torches burst into flame as the illuminated room revealed ''[[the Stepmother->I've been waiting for for this 1]]''. Stepmother was wearing a dark maroon dress and apron. Her hair was up in a tight bun. Her face was beautiful, but in a cold and artificial way, enhancing her icy demeanor.

//“At long last we meet, Baba Yaga,”// said the Stepmother. //“It’s taken you and your group long enough to show up. [[We thought you’d never arrive->Enter 2 officers 1]].”// She lifted her lips up in a snarl, laughing a bit.

The ''two NKVD officers appeared'' and flanked the Stepmother. //“Those are those villains who captured me,”// cried ''Propp''. The ''Stepmother'' cackled. //“Yes, you know these two quite well, don’t you professor? However, the rest of these do-gooders haven’t the faintest idea [[who they are dealing with.-> henchmen transform 1]]”// ''Vasily was confused'', why would humans assist Stepmother? Most humans are scared of her, especially after reading tales like //Cinderella or Vasilisa the Beautiful.//

With a puff of smoke, the guards were transformed into a ''swan goose'' and a ''dark spirit''. The Stepmother spoke up. //“Allow me to introduce you to ''Gregor the Goose'' and the ''Devil’s Spirit''. As I’m sure you know, these two have been wreaking havoc throughout the land for sometime. Now, we’ll be able to [[rule over it->heroes in chains 1]].”// They all stood together, smiling at the group. They each had their own air of evil around them. Vasily and the others knew that villains were nothing to mess with. All of the villains in this land stuck together, coming out only to cause chaos or fulfill their roles in the tales being told that day. This trio was a real threat, not only to Propp but to the folklore land.

//“We had to do something. Luckily, Gregor happened to catch wind of your plan to contact this Propp. We got there first, and if he can’t give his lecture he’ll slowly fade into irrelevance, along with the stories he tried to revive. When that happens, we’ll be free to [[rule as we please.-> bring the pestle 1]]”// The room felt even more evil than ever, making everyone uneasy.

//“Spirit, take the witch’s [[mortar and pestle-> what is hiding in here 1]]. She won’t be needing those anymore.”// The spirit moved swiftly and silently. Spirits were known to be silent, making their presence all the more terrifying. Some villains even avoided spirits because of their demeanor.

The spirit floated over to ''Baba Yaga'', picking up the mortar and pestle. It quickly brought the items back to the Stepmother, who cackled maniacally. //The mortar and pestle were old and been used for thousands of years. Baba Yaga’s for generations had used the duo.// The Stepmother peered into the pestle. //“Let’s see what the great Baba Yaga has been [[hiding in here.->don't do it 1]]”// Everyone knew that touching that thing is chaos, ''Vasily thought''. Why would she touch it?

//“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,”// yelled the witch from across the room. The Stepmother looked back up. “[[Only death comes to those who don’t know how to wield the pestle->I see something 1]],” continued Baba Yaga. Her face was stony and serious, as though she had said this a thousand times before.

//“A likely story,”// replied the ''Stepmother''. //“Gregor, bring a torch over here. I think [[I see something at the bottom.->reaching in 1]]”//

The Stepmother reached into the pestle, and as she did Baba Yaga started to utter an [[incantation->incantation 1]]:

''[[ “Wind, wind, cold and grey, Help me now and take them away!”-> tornado 1]]''

//“Did...did we do it,”// asked ''Vasily''. [[“Are they dead?->as dead as you can be 1]]”

//“Dead as one can be,”// replied ''Baba Yaga''. //“I haven’t met anyone yet who could get out of my pestle once they [[fall in->where they go 1]].”// Years of experience and stories told to her assured her that to be true.

//“[[But where did they go->to the underworld 1]],”// asked ''Maria''.

''Baba Yaga'' waved her hands, [[unlocking the chains that held the group down.-> shackles fall 1]] //“They went to the underworld. The pestle is a doorway to the underworld, and I’m the only one that gets to use it. As soon as she reached in, it was all over.”//

The //shackles then fell off// of Baba Yaga, leaving //scars// on her ''wrists''. Baba Yaga smiled, knowing that somehow [[Propp-> get you back 1]] or another folklorist will see these scars and analyze them.

//“Well ''Professor Propp'',”// the witch said, //“[[what do you say we get you back to your lecture?->117.1]]”//

''Baba Yaga'' collected her ''mortar and pestle'' and turned to the group. //“[[I suppose we should make the journey home-> back to the FoLC]]. Professor, you don’t mind flying do you…”//