esper revised (public)

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<div id="sidebar"> <div class="sidebar-header">  <div></div>  <h1 class="story-title" data-passage="gameTitle"></h1>  <div class="sidebar-toggle"> </div> </div>   <div class="sidebar-history-nav"> </div> <div id="sidebar-body">  <div class="story-logo" data-passage="storyLogo"></div>  <h2 class="story-author" data-passage="storyAuthor"></h2> <nav class="sidebar-nav"> <ul class="story-tools"> <li> Restart </li> <li> Saves </li> <li> Settings </li> </ul> <ul class="story-menu" data-passage="storyMenu"> </ul> </nav>  </div>  </div>  <div id="story" role="main"> <div id="passages"> <div id="passage-start" data-passage="start" class="passage"> </div> </div> </div>

<>  <li>[[Personal]]</li> <li>[[Abilities]]</li> <li>[[Relationships]]</li> <>

Esper: Fugitive

by <a href="https://esper-game.tumblr.com" target="_blank">Alyx</a>

<li><a href="https://outoftheblue-if.tumblr.com" target="_blank"><img src ="images/copyright.jpg" width=30px></a></li>

!Personal !!!Info ''Name:'' $mc_name $surname ''Gender:'' $gender ''Appearance:'' <><<if $mc_height is "average">> An <<else>> A <</if>> $mc_height $mc_person with $mc_skin skin, $mc_eyes eyes and <<if $mc_hlen is "buzz cut">> a $mc_hcol $mc_hlen. <<elseif $hairup is true>> $mc_hlen $mc_hcol hair tied in a $mc_htex <<elseif $haircover is true>> $mc_hlen $mc_hcol hair in a $mc_htex <<else>> $mc_hlen $mc_htex $mc_hcol hair <<endif>>. <<endnobr>> ''Details:'' <><<if $mc_glasses is "glasses">> Wears glasses. <<elseif $mc_glasses is "contacts">> Wears contacts. <<endif>><<if ($mc_music is "white noise") or ($mc_music is "crime podcasts")>> Listens to $mc_music. <<else>> Listens to $mc_music music. <<endif>><<endnobr>> !!!Personality <<opposed_stat "Open" "Reserved" $open>> <<opposed_stat "Sarcastic" "Authentic" $sarcastic>> <<opposed_stat "Easygoing" "Stubborn" $easygoing>> <<opposed_stat "Friendly" "Hostile" $friendly>> <> <<if ($open eq 50) and ($sarcastic eq 50) and ($cautious eq 50)>> <<if ($easygoing eq 50) and ($friendly eq 50)>> Your personality is fairly undefined. <<endif>> <<elseif $open gt 50>> You are an open person. <<elseif $open lt 50>> You are a more reserved person. <<endif>> <<if $sarcastic gt 50>> You like to be sarcastic, and often make jokes. <<elseif $sarcastic lt 50>> You prefer being authentic, and take things seriously. <<endif>> <<if $easygoing gt 50>> You are more lenient and easygoing. <<elseif $easygoing lt 50>> You are more stubborn and opinionated. <<endif>> <<if $friendly gt 50>> You tend to be more friendly and kind with people. <<elseif $friendly lt 50>> You tend to be more hostile and rude towards people. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> !!!Traits <<opposed_stat "Emotional" "Detached" $emotional>> <<opposed_stat "Cautious" "Daring" $cautious>> <<opposed_stat "Individual" "Collective" $individual>> <<opposed_stat "Righteous" "Rebellious" $righteous>> <> <<if $emotional eq 50>> You are not overly emotional nor detached. <<elseif $emotional gt 50>> You are a more emotional person. <<elseif $emotional lt 50>> You are a more detached person. <<endif>> <<if $cautious lt 50>> You are a daring and bold person. <<elseif $cautious gt 50>> You are more cautious and thoughtful. <<endif>> <<if $individual eq 50>> You are fine working alone or with others. <<elseif $individual gt 50>> You work better alone and think individually. <<elseif $individual lt 50>> You work better in a team and think collectively>> <<endif>> <<if $righteous eq 50>> You are not overly righteous nor rebellious. <<elseif $righteous gt 50>> You respect order and rules and tend to be more righteous. <<else>> You play by your own rules and tend to be more rebellious. <<endif>> <<endnobr>>  <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<> <<if $pers eq $int>> <<set $psy_spec to "None">> <<elseif $pers gt $int>> <<set $psy_spec to "Persuasion">> <<elseif $int gt $pers>> <<set $psy_spec to "Intimidation">> <<endif>> <<if $agi eq $str>> <<set $phys_spec to "None">> <<elseif $agi gt $str>> <<set $phys_spec to "Agility">> <<elseif $str gt $agi>> <<set $phys_spec to "Strength">> <<endif>> <<if $res eq $tech>> <<set $sci_spec to "None">> <<elseif $res gt $tech>> <<set $sci_spec to "Research">> <<elseif $tech gt $res>> <<set $sci_spec to "Technology">> <<endif>> <<if $kno eq $obs>> <<set $int_spec to "None">> <<elseif $kno gt $obs>> <<set $int_spec to "Knowledge">> <<elseif $obs gt $kno>> <<set $int_spec to "Observation">> <<endif>> <<set $mainstatvar to $psychology>> <<set $mainstat to "Psychology">> <<if $physical gt $mainstatvar>> <<set $mainstatvar to $physical>> <<set $mainstat to "Physical">> <<endif>> <<if $science gt $mainstatvar>> <<set $mainstatvar to $science>> <<set $mainstat to "Science">> <<endif>> <<if $intellect gt $mainstatvar>> <<set $mainstatvar to $intellect>> <<set $mainstat to "Intellect">> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> !Abilities !!!General Skills <<percent_stat "Psychology" " " $psychology>> //Speciality: $psy_spec // <<percent_stat "Physical" " " $physical>> //Speciality: $phys_spec// <<percent_stat "Science" " " $science>> //Speciality: $sci_spec// <<percent_stat "Intellect" " " $intellect>> //Speciality: $int_spec// <> <<if ($mainstat is "Psychology") and ($psychology eq 0)>> You have not developed any skills yet. <<elseif ($mainstat is "Psychology") and ($psychology gt 0)>> You are good at getting through peoples heads, <<if $psy_spec is "Persuasion">> generally by persuading them. <<elseif $psy_spec is "Intimidation">> generally by intimdating them. <<elseif $psy_spec is "None">> either by persuading or intimidating them. <<endif>> <<elseif $mainstat is "Physical">> You are good at fighting and other physical activities, <<if $phys_spec is "Agility">> generally relying on your agility. <<elseif $phys_spec is "Strength">> generally relying on your strength. <<elseif $phys_spec is "None">> either using your strength or agility. <<endif>> <<elseif $mainstat is "Science">> You are good at understanding scientific things, <<if $sci_spec is "Research">> more specifically scientific research. <<elseif $sci_spec is "Technology">> more specifically technology and coding. <<elseif $sci_spec is "None">> such as research or technology. <<endif>> <<elseif $mainstat is "Intellect">> You are intelligent and good at solving problems, <<if $int_spec is "Knowledge">> usually relying on your knowledge. <<elseif $int_spec is "Observation">> usually relying on your observation skills. <<elseif $int_spec is "None">> either through your knowledge or observation. <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> !!!Flair <<percent_stat "Skill" " " $skill>> <<opposed_stat "Chaos" "Control" $chaos>> <> <<if $skill lte 10>> You are not very skilled with your flair. <<else>> You are learning to use your flair. <<endif>> <<if $chaos eq 50>> You have a balance between control and power. <<elseif $chaos gt 50>> You have little control over your flair, allowing it to run wild. <<elseif $chaos lt 50>> You're focusing on controlling your flair, at the cost of some power. <<endif>> <<endnobr>>  <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<<widget "fair_minus">><<fair_plus $args[0] -$args[1]>><</widget>> <<widget "percent_stat">><> <div class="percentBar"> <div style="float:right"></div> <<= '<div class="percentLeftBg" style="width:'+$args[2]+'%"> </div>'>> <div> $args[0] $args[2]%</div> </div> <><</widget>> <<widget "fair_minus">><<fair_plus $args[0] -$args[1]>><</widget>> <<widget "opposed_stat">><> <div class="statBar"> <div style="float:right"> $args[1] <<= 100-$args[2]>>% </div> <<= '<div class="statLeftBg" style="width:'+$args[2]+'%"> </div>'>> <div> $args[0] $args[2]%</div> </div> <><</widget>> /* PRONOUNS ETC. */ <<set $lselectionvar = ["male","female"]>> <<set $sselectionvar = ["male","female","nonbinary"]>> <<set $iselectionvar = ["male","female"]>> <<set $vselectionvar = ["male","female"]>> <<run gender.setPronouns("other")>> <<set $mc_name to "Sam">> <<set $surname to "Riker">> <<set $gender to "unknown">> <<set $mc_they to "?they">> <<set $mc_They to "?They">> <<set $mc_them to "?them">> <<set $mc_Them to "?Them">> <<set $mc_themself to "?themself">> <<set $mc_their to "?their">> <<set $mc_Their to "?Their">> <<set $mc_theirs to "?theirs">> <<set $sexuality to "unknown">> /* FEATURES */ <<set $mc_person to "person">> <<set $mc_height to "human-sized">> <<set $mc_skin to "skin-coloured">> <<set $mc_eyes to "eye-coloured">> <<set $mc_hlen to "hair-looking">> <<set $mc_htex to "hairy">> <<set $mc_hcol to "hair-coloured">> <<set $mc_glasses to "">> <<set $mc_music to "">> /* STATS */ /* personality */ <<set $open to 50>> <<set $sarcastic to 50>> <<set $cautious to 50>> <<set $friendly to 50>> <<set $easygoing to 50>> <<set $emotional to 50>> <<set $individual to 55>> <<set $righteous to 50>> <<set $angry to 0>> <<set $numb to 0>> <<set $sad to 0>> /* skills */ <<set $psychology to 0>> <<set $physical to 0>> <<set $science to 0>> <<set $intellect to 0>> <<set $skill to 10>> <<set $chaos to 60>> <<set $pers to 0>> <<set $int to 0>> <<set $agi to 0>> <<set $str to 0>> <<set $res to 0>> <<set $tech to 0>> <<set $kno to 0>> <<set $obs to 0>> /* RELATIONSHIPS */ <<set $l_name to "You have not met this person yet.">> <<set $s_name to "You have not met this person yet.">> <<set $i_name to "You have not met this person yet.">> <<set $v_name to "You have not met this person yet.">> <<set $m_rel to 0>> <<set $f_rel to 0>> <<set $l_friend to 0>> <<set $l_romance to 0>> <<set $s_friend to 0>> <<set $s_romance to 0>> <<set $i_friend to 0>> <<set $i_romance to 0>> <<set $v_friend to 0>> <<set $v_romance to 0>> <<set $bold to 50>>> <<set $m_mem to false>> <<set $f_mem to false>> <<set $tri_rel to 2>> <<set $team_e to 0>> <<set $nova to 0>> /* MISC */ <<set $ch to 0>> <<set $count to 0>> <<set $tru_react to "">> <<set $peep to false>> <<set $chain to false>> <<set $door to false>> <<set $run to false>>

<> <<if $l_friend gte $l_romance>> <<if $l_friend lte 1>> <<set $l_rel to "You don't mean much to $l_them.">> <<elseif ($l_friend gt 1) and ($l_friend lte 3)>> <<set $l_rel to "You're growing on $l_them.">> <<elseif ($l_friend gt 3) and ($l_friend lte 5)>> <<set $l_rel to "You're actually not that bad.">> <<elseif $l_friend gt 5>> <<set $l_rel to "You are, somewhat tentavely, a friend.">> <<endif>> <<elseif $l_friend lt $l_romance>> <<if $l_romance lte 1>> <<set $l_rel to "$l_They doesn't know what to make of you.">> <<elseif ($l_romance gt 1) and ($l_romance lte 3)>> <<set $l_rel to "$l_they hope you aren't serious.">> <<elseif ($l_romance gt 3) and ($l_romance lte 5)>> <<set $l_rel to "You're making this really hard.">> <<elseif $l_romance gt 5>> <<set $l_rel to "$l_They's falling for you. Regretfully.">> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $s_friend gte $s_romance>> <<if $s_friend lte 1>> <<set $s_rel to "$s_They $s_doesn't really know you.">> <<elseif ($s_friend gt 1) and ($s_friend lte 3)>> <<set $s_rel to "You've gone above $s_their expectations.">> <<elseif ($s_friend gt 3) and ($s_friend lte 5)>> <<set $s_rel to "You're someone $s_they count$s_ps among friends.">> <<elseif $s_friend gt 5>> <<set $s_rel to "$s_They really enjoy$s_ps your company.">> <<endif>> <<elseif $s_friend lt $s_romance>> <<if $s_romance lte 1>> <<set $s_rel to "$s_They $s_isn't certain about you.">> <<elseif ($s_romance gt 1) and ($s_romance lte 3)>> <<set $s_rel to "$s_They think$S_ps you're sweet.">> <<elseif ($s_romance gt 3) and ($s_romance lte 5)>> <<set $s_rel to "s_They $s_is starting to get attached.">> <<elseif $s_romance gt 5>> <<set $s_rel to "$s_They'$s_s in love?">> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $i_friend gte $i_romance>> <<if $i_friend lte 1>> <<set $i_rel to "$i_They doesn't like you.">> <<elseif ($i_friend gt 1) and ($i_friend lte 3)>> <<set $i_rel to "Maybe you're not as bad as $i_they thought.">> <<elseif ($i_friend gt 3) and ($i_friend lte 5)>> <<set $i_rel to "$i_They thinks you're... alright.">> <<elseif $i_friend gt 5>> <<set $i_rel to "You're almost $i_their friend.">> <<endif>> <<elseif $i_friend lt $i_romance>> <<if $i_romance lte 1>> <<set $i_rel to "$i_They doesn't know what you think you're doing.">> <<elseif ($i_romance gt 1) and ($i_romance lte 3)>> <<set $i_rel to "You're... annoying...?">> <<elseif ($i_romance gt 3) and ($i_romance lte 5)>> <<set $i_rel to "What are you doing to $i_them?">> <<elseif $i_romance gt 5>> <<set $i_rel to "$i_They doesn't //like// you, does $i_they>">> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $v_friend gte $v_romance>> <<if $v_friend lte 1>> <<set $v_rel to "$v_They doesn't think much of you.">> <<elseif ($v_friend gt 1) and ($v_friend lte 3)>> <<set $v_rel "$v_They's intrigued by you.">> <<elseif ($v_friend gt 3) and ($v_friend lte 5)>> <<set $v_rel to "$s_They thinks you're actually pretty fun!">> <<elseif $v_friend gt 5>> <<set $v_rel to "You're on the path to being good friends">> <<endif>> <<elseif $v_friend lt $v_romance>> <<if $v_romance lte 1>> <<set $v_rel to "$v_They doesn't dislike you. Not at all." <<elseif ($v_romance gt 1) and ($v_romance lte 3)>> <<set $v_rel to "Well, you're certainly going to make things interesting.">> <<elseif ($v_romance gt 3) and ($v_romance lte 5)>> <<set $v_rel to "$v_They likes you. A lot.">> <<elseif $v_romance gt 5>> <<set $v_rel to "$v_They 'likes' you a lot more than $v_they intended.">> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> !Relationships <<if $ag_reveal>>\ <h3>Agents</h3> <<else>>\ <h3>Strangers</h3> <<endif>>\ ''$l_name'' <<if $lmet>>\ ''Payne'' Friendship: $l_friend Romance: $l_romance Appearance: $ldescription Relationship: $l_rel <<endif>>\ ''$s_name'' <<if $smet>>\ ''Kennedy'' Friendship: $s_friend Romance: $s_romance Appearance: $sdescription Relationship: $s_rel <<endif>>\ ''$i_name''<<if $imet>>\ ''Hoang'' Friendship: $i_friend Romance: $i_romance Appearance: $idescription Relationship: $i_rel <<endif>>\ ''$v_name'' <<if $vmet>>\ ''Hart'' Friendship: $v_friend Romance: $v_romance Appearance: $vdescription Relationship: $v_rel <<endif>>\ !!!Family ''Mother:'' <<if $m_mem>>\ <<percent_stat "Relationship" " " $m_rel>> <<endif>><> <<if $m_rel eq 0>> Your relationship with your mother is unknown. <<elseif ($m_rel lte 10) and ($m_rel gt 0)>> You had a terrible relationship with your mother <<elseif ($m_rel gt 10) and ($m_rel lte 20)>> You did not have a good relationship with your mother. <<elseif ($m_rel gt 20) and ($m_rel lte 30)>> Your relationship with your mother was strained. <<elseif ($m_rel gt 30) and ($m_rel lte 40)>> Your relationship with your mother wasn't as good as it could have been. <<elseif ($m_rel gt 40) and ($m_rel lte 50)>> Your relationship with your mother needed a little work. <<elseif ($m_rel gt 50) and ($m_rel lte 60)>> You had an okay relationship with your mother <<elseif ($m_rel gt 60) and ($m_rel lte 70)>> Your mother and you got along alright. <<elseif ($m_rel gt 70) and ($m_rel lte 80)>> You and your mother were fairly close. <<elseif ($m_rel gt 80) and ($m_rel lte 90)>> You had a good relationship with your mother. <<elseif $m_rel gt 90>> Despite all odds, you had a great relationship with your mother. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> ''Father:'' <<if $f_mem>>\ <<percent_stat "Relationship" " " $f_rel>> <<endif>><> <<if $f_rel eq 0>> Your relationship with your father is unknown. <<elseif ($f_rel lte 10) and ($f_rel gt 0)>> You had a very bad relationship with your father <<elseif ($f_rel gt 10) and ($f_rel lte 20)>> You did not have a good relationship with your father. <<elseif ($f_rel gt 20) and ($f_rel lte 30)>> Your relationship with your father was strained. <<elseif ($f_rel gt 30) and ($m_rel lte 40)>> Your relationship with your father wasn't as good as it could have been. <<elseif ($f_rel gt 40) and ($m_rel lte 50)>> Your relationship with your father needed a little work. <<elseif ($f_rel gt 50) and ($m_rel lte 60)>> You had an okay relationship with your father <<elseif ($f_rel gt 60) and ($m_rel lte 70)>> Your father and you got along alright. <<elseif ($f_rel gt 70) and ($m_rel lte 80)>> You and your father were fairly close, considering. <<elseif ($f_rel gt 80) and ($m_rel lte 90)>> You had a good relationship with your father. <<elseif $f_rel gt 90>> Despite all odds, you had a great relationship with your father. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> !!! Misc ''Triad:'' <<percent_stat "Approval" "" "$tri_rel">> <><<if $tri_rel lte 4>> The Triad does not approve of you whatsoever. <<elseif $tri_rel gte 5>> The Triad does not think very highly of you. <<endif>><<endnobr>> <<if $ag_reveal>>\ ''Team E:''<<percent_stat "Unity" "" "$e_unity">> <><<if $e_unity is 0>> The team may as well be at war with one another. <<endif>> <<endif>>\ <<if $rogues>>\ ''Rogues:''<<percent_stat "Support" "" "$rogues_sup">> <<endif>>\  <center><<link "Return to game" $return>><</link>></center>

<center><h1>Esper</h1> <<linkreplace "View Content Warnings">>''Content Warnings:'' • Mild violence • Strong language • Kidnapping/abduction • Loss of control/coersion • Themes of death and grief Please bear in mind these warnings and continue at your own discretion. <</linkreplace>> [[Start Game|rogender]] <<link "Load Game">><<script>>UI.saves()<</script>><</link>> </center>

<center> <h1>Chapter One</h1> </center> <> <<if $random is true>> <<if $lselection is "Female">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<else>> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<endif>><<if $sselection is "Female">> <<set $s_person to "woman">> <<elseif $sselection is "Male">> <<set $s_person to "man">> <<else>> <<set $s_person to "person">> <<endif>><<if $iselection is "Male">> <<set $i_person to "man">> <<else>> <<set $i_person to "woman">> <<endif>><<if $vselection is "Male">> <<set $v_person to "man">> <<else>> <<set $v_person to "woman">> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> !!!THE PRESENT DAY — Senford A sigh escapes your mouth as you lean against the wall. Another day in the life of someone on the run nearly at its end. Weary as you are with the ever-shifting lifestyle you're caught in, there's nothing you can do to change things now. You're well and truely ensnared by your profile as a criminal. You walk over to the bed and flop down. You look at the ceiling expectantly before tugging your earphones out and rubbing your ears. Wearing them for extended periods of time gets uncomfortable, but it's better than the alternative. Much better. The decision to wear earphones is sadly, not purely aesthetic. They help keep you focused on something other than your surroundings, preventing you from harming anyone. With your magic super-powers. Because of course, you can't have anything without consequences. As much as you hate this gross apartment and the faint odour of cigarettes that permeates the air, you must admit it's useful. It's not easy to find apartments that have windows facing alleys, and even harder to find ones with so little people. And the few tenants you have seen were private. You were more than willing to put up with the cons for the sake of the pros. You kind of have to be if you're in a situation like yours. You've found yourself here in Senford, a town too far from any city to be widely populated but close enough to have a crime rate. It isn't that high but that's most likely because most people here are trying to go under the radar. Yourself included. It's merely another point on the sprawling roadmap of places you've hidden away in, your stay never exceeding more than a few days. Every town sort of starts blurring together after a while. You guess that's the way it ends up being when you're living your life on the run. Sighing, you roll onto your side to glare at the door to the bathroom. You should have a shower. The thought of the water running over you is... off-putting. But you can't keep avoiding it. Begrudgingly you get up and walk over to the bathroom, dragging your feet on the floor, before [[pushing the door open.|2]] <> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<if $s_person is "man">> <<set $s_person to "man">> <<set $s_they to "he">> <<set $s_They to "He">> <<set $s_them to "him">> <<set $s_Them to "Him">> <<set $s_their to "his">> <<set $s_Their to "His">> <<set $s_theirs to "his">> <<set $s_Theirs to "His">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $s_person is "person">> <<set $s_they to "they">> <<set $s_They to "They">> <<set $s_them to "them">> <<set $s_Them to "Them">> <<set $s_their to "their">> <<set $s_Their to "Their">> <<set $s_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $s_s to "re">> <<set $s_ps to "">> <<set $s_person to "person">> <<set $s_was to "were">> <<set $s_ve to "ve">> <<set $s_is to "are">> <<set $s_isn to "aren">> <<set $s_does to "do">> <<set $s_themself to "themself">> <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> <<set $s_person to "woman">> <<set $s_they to "she">> <<set $s_They to "She">> <<set $s_them to "her">> <<set $s_Them to "Her">> <<set $s_their to "her">> <<set $s_Their to "Her">> <<set $s_theirs to "hers">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "herself">> <<endif>> <<if $i_person is "man">> <<set $i_person to "man">> <<set $i_they to "he">> <<set $i_They to "He">> <<set $i_them to "him">> <<set $i_Them to "Him">> <<set $i_their to "his">> <<set $i_Their to "His">> <<set $i_theirs to "his">> <<set $i_Theirs to "His">> <<set $i_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $i_person is "woman">> <<set $i_person to "woman">> <<set $i_they to "she">> <<set $i_They to "She">> <<set $i_them to "her">> <<set $i_Them to "Her">> <<set $i_their to "her">> <<set $i_Their to "Her">> <<set $i_theirs to "hers">> <<set $i_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $i_themself to "herself">> <<endif>> <<if $v_person is "man">> <<set $v_person to "man">> <<set $v_they to "he">> <<set $v_They to "He">> <<set $v_them to "him">> <<set $v_Them to "Him">> <<set $v_their to "his">> <<set $v_Their to "His">> <<set $v_theirs to "his">> <<set $v_Theirs to "His">> <<set $v_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $v_person is "woman">> <<set $v_person to "woman">> <<set $v_they to "she">> <<set $v_They to "She">> <<set $v_them to "her">> <<set $v_Them to "Her">> <<set $v_their to "her">> <<set $v_Their to "Her">> <<set $v_theirs to "hers">> <<set $v_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $v_themself to "herself">> <<endif>> <<endnobr>>

The water is hot, almost scalding, but it's what you need to awaken your numbed limbs from the cold. Standing there, eyes closed, water running over your head, you can almost forget all your troubles. Almost forget everything that's happened and imagine you're back to your old life. Back when things at least //seemed// normal. You weren't born into this life, the one where every person is a potential threat. No, the one you were born into was much more comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. Your parents were well-off, and it showed in your endless supply of things. Their three-story house in the wealthy part of town softened their continuous absence, both emotional and physical. Turning off the water, you slowly step out onto the bathmat and reach for a towel, wrapping it around yourself. You stand there for a moment, water dripping off onto the floor. You stare at the wall, tiled the same way as the floor. They are slightly yellowed, and a few of them are cracked slightly. The paint on the door is cracked and peeling, especially near where it must rub against the frame. The towel rack on the wall has rust spots over it and looks as though it'll fall any second. There was a time when an apartment like this would have only lived in your nightmares. But that was then, and this is now. A time when these are the only places that accept someone like you without asking too many questions. Turning your head away from the wall, you wrap the towel slightly tighter around you and suppress a shudder. Looking up, you catch sight of yourself in the mirror. An exhausted <<cycle "$gender" autoselect>>\ <<option "person" "Nonbinary">> <<option "man" "Male">> <<option "woman" "Female">> <</cycle>> [[ looks back at you.|3]] //Please note that you can change your pronouns later via settings.//

The $mc_person in the mirror looks back at you. Damn, you must be way more tired than you currently feel. Can't wait for that to catch up with you. You feel worse by just looking at the bags under your <<cycle "$mc_eyes" autoselect>> <<option "blue">> <<option "green">> <<option "hazel">> <<option "brown">> <<option "black">> <<option "grey">> <</cycle>> eyes. Sleeping hasn't been easy for a long time. You've almost given up hope of ever getting a full night of rest. After blinking a few times to rid yourself of these thoughts, you rub the towel over you <<cycle "$mc_hlen" autoselect>> <<option "buzz cut," "buzz cut">> <<option "short hair," "short">> <<option "chin-length hair," "chin-length">> <<option "shoulder-length hair,""shoulder-length">> <<option "long hair," "long">> <<option "very long hair," "very long">> <</cycle>> looking at it [[incredulously.|4]] <> <<if $gender is "Nonbinary">> <<run gender.setPronouns("other")>> <<set $mc_person to "person">> <<set $mc_child to "child">> <<set $bb to "sweetheart">> <<set $guy to "guy">> <<set $mx to "Mx">> <<elseif $gender is "Male">> <<run gender.setPronouns("male")>> <<set $mc_person to "man">> <<set $mc_child to "son">> <<set $bb to "handsome">> <<set $guy to "guy">> <<set $mx to "Mr">> <<elseif $gender is "Female">> <<run gender.setPronouns("female")>> <<set $mc_person to "woman">> <<set $mc_child to "daughter">> <<set $bb to "sweetheart">> <<set $guy to "gal">> <<set $mx to "Ms">> <<endif>> <<endnobr>>

<> <<if $mc_hlen is "buzzcut">> <<set $hcount to 0>> <<elseif $mc_hlen is "short">> <<set $hcount to 1>> <<elseif $mc_hlen is "chin-length">> <<set $hcount to 2>> <<elseif $mc_hlen is "shoulder-length">> <<set $hcount to 3>> <<elseif $mc_hlen is "long">> <<set $hcount to 5>> <<elseif $mc_hlen is "very long">> <<set $hcount to 6>> <<endif>> <<set $chair to "hair">> Its colour has been darkened by the water, but you know that when it dries it will be <<cycle "$mc_hcol" autoselect>> <<option "platinum blond">> <<option "honey blond">> <<option "ginger">> <<option "auburn">> <<option "light brown">> <<option "chocolate brown">> <<option "ebony black">> <</cycle>> and <<if $hcount gt 1>> <<cycle "$mc_htex">> <<option "straight">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "kinky">> <<option "I will tie it up in braids" "braids">> <<option "I will tie it up in a plait" "plait">> <<option "I will tie it up in a ponytail" "ponytail">> <<option "I will tie it up in a bun" "bun">> <<option "I will put a headscarf on" "headscarf">> <</cycle>>. <<else>> <<cycle "$mc_htex">> <<option "straight">> <<option "wavy">> <<option "curly">> <<option "kinky">> <<option "I will put a headscarf on" "headscarf">> <</cycle>>. <<endif>> <<if $mc_hlen neq "buzz cut">> <<set $lhair to "hair">> <<set $thair to "hair">> <<else>> <<set $mc_htex to "buzz cut">> <<set $lhair to "">> <<set $thair to "">> <<endif>> You shift your attention away from your head and back to your face. Most of the water has gone but a few drops cling to your <<cycle "$mc_skin" autoselect>> <<option "pale">> <<option "fair">> <<option "olive">> <<option "tawny">> <<option "brown">> <<option "dark">> <<option "black">> <</cycle>> skin. <<endnobr>> Wrinkling your nose sightly at your appearance, you <<cycle "$mc_glasses" autoselect>> <<option "put your glasses on" "glasses">> <<option "put in your contacts" "contacts">> <<option "adjust your towel" "none">> <</cycle>> before you leave the bathroom to get dressed. Humming lightly to yourself as you look out the window. It was starting to get dark, so you had to be off soon. You had a package to deliver [[after all.|5]]

!!!SEVERAL YEARS AGO — Lamonte You stand on the balcony, looking out to the city wistfully. Lamonte, where you'd been stuck all your life. Or rather, the outskirts of Lamonte, far from the city itself. Despite your many years here, you'd never really ventured very far beyond this house. <>The wind blows <<if $mc_htex is "headscarf">> over your $mc_htex <<elseif $mc_hlen isnot "buzzcut">> through your hair <<else>> over your head <<endif>><<endnobr>>, and you feel a pang of sorrow. Your eyes are stinging slightly from the wind, but you don't really mind. This is your favourite place in the house. The only place you feel free. You smile faintly at the setting sun, warm colours bleeding into the sky around it. "Hey, I thought I'd find you here." You turn to see your mother behind you, closing the door to the apartment as she walks out onto the balcony. Turning around to face her, you offer a simple nod. You're not sure how to describe your relationship, but it's far from perfect. She smiles at you but something about it is... strained. "Hi," is all you say, anxiety already tightening your chest. She rarely approached you like this, so you already knew this couldn't be anything good. "I wanted to speak to you." She looks uncertain. Apprehension seeps into every move, even in the way she's standing. If you saw more of her, knew her better, maybe then you'd be able to read her more accurately. But all you can tell is that she isn't doing so well. Seeing her this distraught stirs up many uncomfortable emotions. Both her and your father are barely present. Being successful businesspeople, they're always off on trips, coming back with even more money, more trivial gifts for you. But souvenirs and little trinkets do nothing to replace parental love. You rarely see them, and when you do, they always act distant. As they were rarely ever present throughout your childhood, you'd been raised by the steady cycle of nannies they provided. You found yourself growing connections to these people who were only in your life for a few years at most. Bonds destined only to disintegrate when they were eventually sent away. You longed for someone to be close to, a true friend, someone you could trust. The ache their absences left wasn't aided by you being bound to these four walls. You were barely allowed to leave, your parents saying that it wasn't safe, citing rapidly growing crime rates. The slow corruption of the government was coming to a head, and you knew that things were changing. But still. Despite your protests, your begging, they insisted you couldn't be outside alone. That's not to say you never were, but their paranoia prevented you from living a normal life even then. Being confined to one house, homeschooled by tutors you never got the chance to get to know, sucked. Even if that house is pretty spectacular. When you were allowed to leave, you were always accompanied by one of your nannies. Babysat, for 'protection.' Though that always translated more to your parents not trusting you, rather than them caring for you. You couldn't even sneak out, because they were always there. You were never truly alone. You felt suffocated. Buried by the weighty hand of control your parents kept over you, while remaining distant. Escape from this life was always on your mind. The thought of being able to explore the city without a leash was so incredibly enticing. Even if you found it overwhelming, even if you hated it. You just wanted to experience it. Still, they were your parents. As a young child you'd always tried to get their approval. So how were you going to respond to your mother's tentative attempts to communicate? [[You'll ask her if she's okay, genuinely. Even if she's kept her distance, you love her and consider your relationship to be good.|m1][$m_rel to $m_rel +70]] [[You're going to ask her what's wrong. Despite how much her treatment of you stung, you still care about her. .|m1][$m_rel to 60]] [["Yes?" you ask tentatively. You've tried to get along with her as best you can, but you also can't deny how much her behaviour has hurt you.|m1][$m_rel to 50]] [[You just look at her, letting her continue. Despite your efforts, your relationship has always been strained.|m1][$m_rel to 40]] [["Now you want to talk?" you scoff. You're sick of your mother treating you like this.|m1][$m_rel to 20]] [["Well, I don't want to." you glare at her. You hate her for treating you this way.|m1][$m_rel to 10]]

<> <<set $m_mem to true>> <<if $m_rel == 70>> You understand why she's been away so much. You're grateful for the time you get to spend together and strive to fill it with happy memories. You love her, even if you do feel sad for your lack of actual connection. "Are you... is everything alright?" you look at her, concerned. She takes a small step forward, slightly relieved by your response. Her smile looks more genuine. <<elseif $m_rel == 60>> You can't forgive your mother. But you can't quite bring yourself to hate her. It's not her fault. Her continuous trips away were for the better of your lives in a way. You can appreciate that. And you do think she cares. "What's wrong?" You look at her curiously, remaining apprehensive. Her expression turns grateful at your response and she smiles slightly. <<elseif $m_rel == 50>> Over the years you've begun to lose hope for having a good mother-$mc_child relationship, but you still try. You talk to her when she's here, try to create some semblance of a connection. But it's hard. "Yes?" You half look at her, fidgeting slightly. She offers you a reassuring smile, but you notice the way her eyes widen, and the corners of her mouth tighten. <<elseif $m_rel == 40>> You used to care more. You'd make an effort to start conversations, ask if they could stay longer. But after years and //years// of strained smiles and short answers you got the point. She didn't want to have a relationship with you. You remain still, letting her continue. She gives you a sad smile, but there's no surprise in her eyes. She knows how you think of her. <<elseif $m_rel == 20>> Continuous deflection of any attempts on your part to make an effort have led to resentment. You're sick of the way she treats you, and you can't even be bothered to pretend you're not. "Oh, so //now// you want to talk?" you say bitterly, not bothering to mask the disdain that pulls on your words. The acidic taste of irony is not lost on you. She looks momentarily crushed before she schools her expression. "Yes," she says with a tight-lipped smile. "It's important." <<elseif $m_rel == 10>> You hate her. What kind of mother doesn't even speak to their $mc_child? Certainly not a good one. Even seeing her makes your skin prickle unpleasantly. And you definitely don't feel like talking to her. "I don't want to talk." You glare at her. She blinks, almost stepping back before crossing her arms in front of her. "I'm sorry you feel that way, but this is important." You roll your eyes but make no further comment. <<endif>> She gestures to the table. "I think we should sit down for this." <<if $m_rel >=50>> You nod and take a seat as she does the same. <<elseif $m_rel <50>> You slowly take a seat after she does, not looking at her. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> Whatever this is, it must be pretty big. You only spoke occasionally, her usually being too tired or busy for you. And whenever you did speak it was usually brief. So for her to be making an active effort to seek you out? You've no idea what could possibly be so vital. Uneasiness is still practically radiating off her. She palpably does not want to do this. Which only adds to your own anxiety. There's a few moments of awkward silence that she spends nervously fidgeting with her top, avoiding your eyes. <>With a sigh, she gives in. "This will change everything." Wow, Mum, way to //not// make you nervous. "I understand if you hate me, <<if $m_rel <=50>> well... even more than you already do, <<endif>> but I really need you to hear me out." <<endnobr>> You don't say anything, letting her get to her point. "You're aware of catalysts, correct?" She asked, finally making eye contact. You nod, a tad bemused, of course you know about them. Those with special abilities, superpowers, or as they were commonly known, flairs. Everyone knew about them. They made up maybe a third of the population. She gives an almost vacant nod, eyes glassy. "Well, you're one of them." You don't know whether to laugh or cry. You? A catalyst? Someone with fucking //superpowers?// The idea is so absurd for a few tense moments your brain simply refuses to process it. Then you're staring at her, mouth agape. She can't be serious, can she? Your head feels like it's full of cotton wool, a steady pressure beginning to build. "What?" You say it flatly, though really you're bordering on panic. She winces slightly. "I know this doesn't make any sense, but it's true." You open your mouth to ask more questions, but she cuts you off with a hand held up. "Please, sweetheart, just listen for now," she says. You purse your lips in irritation, <><<if $m_rel lt 50>> particularly at her use of 'sweetheart,' <<endif>> but you let her speak. <<endnobr>> "To be more specific, you're an esper." you raise a questioning brow at this. "That means you're a psychic." "So you're saying I can read minds?" you ask skeptically. "Not quite," she responds, "Your flair is psionic inundation, or mental overload." She sighs, rubbing her temples in slow circles. "I'm not well-versed in the specifics, but you can cause quite significant, sometimes permanent damage to peoples minds." You bite your lip with increasing worry. There's no way this is true, but whether your mother is attempting to prank you in some way, or is actually losing her mind, you can't be sure. She seems pretty convinced, so you're starting to feel concerned about her mental health. But both her and your father were primaries — non-catalysts —, so it should be impossible for you to be a catalyst. Right? "That's not all." She's still going. "You're a Rank Six." Whatever face you make in response to her outrageous claim, it mustn't be pretty. She gives you a sympathetic smile, though it appears quite forced. If she was trying to convince you you was a 1, or even a 2, you might believe her. Lower ranks' powers often went under the radar due to their weakness. But a 6? There's no way you wouldn't know. That amount of power cannot be contained. And anyway, there were rules around these things. If you're a 4 or more, you're required to complete a program with the IDRF or Institute of Discipline and Research of Flairs. She reads you like a book. "I know you don't — can't — believe me." She's right on the money with that. "But, please," she speaks softly, voice fragile. <><<if $m_rel lt 41>> Begging is not a good look on her. <<else>> You feel your heart twist at her pained eyes. <<endif>><<endnobr>> She takes a deep, slow breath. "Obviously neither your father or I expected you to have a flair. But when we started getting headaches whenever you cried we became worried." She bites her lip as though to demonstrate this. "At first we assumed it was our own sensitivities, but..." She trails off, looking away with yet more hesitance. "Well, when you threw a particularly intense tantrum that resulted in me having a pretty strong nosebleed... we knew something wasn't right." She looks at you with probing eyes, attempting to discern a reaction. You don't give her one because frankly, you're not sure what you feel. "Your father took you to see a doctor. Someone he trusted. I think it was an old co-worker?" From his days as a research scientist you presume. Specialising in flairs. This is all starting to sound too close to being plausible. "We were told about your flair, and informed of the expected next actions." She swallows, eyes glistening ever so slightly. "They wanted to take you away from us. Lock you up in one of their facilities and run tests on you. Turn you into some pawn." She's speaking more rapidly now, words spilling out in a jumble now that the floodgates have opened. "We didn't want that to happen, but we weren't sure what else we could do. But your father, he had a plan. You weren't on their records. Not enough for them to track you down." An unpleasant feeling is creeping up within you, forcing you to ask yourself if this //might// be true. And the answering 'no' is becoming less certain. "He threatened them I think?" she says uncertainly, "I'm not sure, but regardless, they kept their mouths shut. For the most part." Her voice is beginning to pitch up, nearing its breaking point. "But we knew it wouldn't last. So we had to hide you. We couldn't let you in the public eye too much." You guess that explains the 24/7 supervision. No. It can't be. You feel your mind warring with itself. Part of it was letting this all sink in, actually listening. But the rest of it is refusing to believe. Rejecting everything she says. Because if you don't, that means nothing will ever be the same. If what she's saying is somehow true, you're an unregistered, Rank Six catalyst who never completed any form of 'training' or 'discipline' that would be expected of you. Which is very much against the law. Both of your parents and yourself would be regarded as criminals. Her face is crumpled in on itself. "There's something else," she half-whispers, "We couldn't let you have access to your powers." You don't like where this is going. "So, for both our and your safety, we gave you repressors." Your stomach drops. "It was for the better of the whole family. It was to protect all of us." Her tone is bordering on panic, her frantic attempts to justify their actions undercut by the remorse clear in her eyes. "Aren't they illegal?" you say blankly, words loose and feeble. Despite the way your mind is whirling, threatening to drag you under into the spiraling current, this is the only thing you can think of saying. Nausea rises as you think of the implications. Your parents would have been practically //drugging// you. Who knows what side effects you've been experiencing? Did your parents not consider how the long term use of repressors could affect your health? They're not legal for a reason. Your mother clears her throat awkwardly. "Technically, yes." Ah, so not only were your parents hiding you from the law, but they'd also been consistently purchasing an illicit substance. "But you know, we have enough influence to have a stable supply." By that she means they're rich enough to get away with it. <<cycle "$ch" autoselect>> <<option "The thought makes you sick." 1>> <<option "You're indifferent, it's just the way the world is." 2>> <<option "You have to respect them for that." 3>> <</cycle>> "I'm so sorry," she chokes out between shaky sobs, "I hated it. I never wanted to harm you in any way." She wipes away a tear with shaky hands, movements stilted and unsteady. "But it was the only way." Something about the way she says it feels wrong. Maybe because you wish it wasn't the only way, maybe because it really wasn't. She makes a strangled noise, somewhere between a laugh and a sob. This doesn't feel like a joke anymore. To be honest, it's starting to make a bit too much sense. The feeling you've been repressing since this conversation is pushing itself to the front of your mind, demanding to be addressed. Relief? No, not quite. A strange, twisted acceptance. It feels like everything is falling into place. As much as you desperately want this to be some cruel joke, a prank gone too far, you can't believe that any longer. You stare at your mother for what feels like forever. And she stares back. Something in her gaze, the way she's looking at you, tells you all of this is true. Your parents really did lie to you. About your entire life. They kept your locked away, hidden from all the experiences life had to offer you. Hell, they even fed you //repressors// against your knowledge. You feel physically ill. How could they have done this to me? Then, a wave of realisation and guilt washes over you. It's all starting to make sense, in a terrible way. Like the final pieces of a puzzle clicking into place, revealing the grotesque image of the truth. Your parents were afraid of you. Their almost //need// to be away whenever possible, the way they all but avoided interacting with you. You now recognised the odd looks they always gave you as fear. Then there was the way they always appeared physically pained whenever we fought. Because they were. Your anger and sadness //hurt// them. <> <<if $m_rel >50>>\ You'd never blamed your parents for their behaviour, but the realisation it was //you// is like a stab in the gut. <<elseif $m_rel >30>>\ You'd always felt hurt by your parents behaviour, so the realisation it was all //you// cuts deeply. <<elseif $m_rel <=30>>\ You'd always been resentful towards your parents, so realising it was because of //you// hits you hard. <<endif>><<endnobr>> Your mother repeats her apology, face still tear-streaked. All you can do is sit there dazed for a few moments, then there's a rush of emotions. You feel everything and nothing at once. It takes a while but your brain finally settles on one emotion to take hold. [[Anger. You can't believe they did this to you.|angry]] [[Sadness. You try to blink back tears as you take it all in.|sad]] [[Guilt. You've hurt so many people without even knowing. |guilty]] [[Denial. There's no way this can be true.|deny]] [[Numbness. You don't know what to feel anymore|numb]] [[Hope. Although you're hurt, you can't help but hope this will bring you closer.|hope]]

<> <<set $tru_react to "anger">> <<set $angry +=1>> <<set $emotional +=5>> <<if $m_rel gt 50>> <<set $m_rel -= 20>> <<elseif $m_rel eq 50>> <<set $m_rel -= 10>> <<endif>><<endnobr>> A prickling sensation swiftly runs along your arms as you feel a surge of anger rush over you. Your parents had lied to you for your entire life. They'd hidden a part of who you am from you. Something astronomical. They'd effectively fed you drugs since you was a child. You feel so wronged, so helplessly played. It's enraging. You stand up quickly, jaw clenched tightly. Looking at your mother's sympathetic face only heightens your fury. Your rapid movement causes your chair to fall, hitting the concrete with a loud crash. Your mother flinches, though you're not sure if it's from the sound or your glare. You tighten your hands into a fist with all your strength. "What the hell?" you say, voice barely contained, nearing a shout. You don't care if you're being too loud. You don't care about anything but this right now. Your mind is clouded by how much you want to scream and kick and punch. "I don't understand." Your voice is soft, near breaking, "How could you do this?" you yell again, looking back up at her. She stands up, though she doesn't knock her chair down in the process. The gaze she levels you with is steady, though there's pain in her soft brown eyes. Probably more on account of your stupid magic brain waves than because of your words. "We were young and stupid; we didn't know what else to do." She looks convincingly upset as she says this. "But-" you cut her off with a sharp shake of your head, holding a shaky hand up to her. You look away, glancing at the sprawling city beyond the balcony. You let out a frustrated puff of air, shaking your head. "No." you end the conversation by turning away fully. "I need space." Your irritation isn't quite so potent, but you still don't feel like being around her. There's a foul, bitter taste in your mouth. You see her give you a small nod from your peripheral, and then she walks to the door. You step forward towards the balcony, clutching the railing hard. You take a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. It doesn't really work that well, but gazing at the deep pink, purple and orange watercolour of the sky does help a bit. With your head clearer, a small gap in your mother's tale appears. You turn back around to see her about to close the door. "Wait." you didn't mean to make your voice so harsh, but it split out from you nonetheless. [["Can you answer something for me?"|m2]]

<> <<set $sad +=1>> <<set $tru_react to "sadness">> <<set $emotional +=5>> <<endnobr>> You have to bite your lower lip to stop it from trembling. You feel so betrayed. You've just been told that your life up to this point has been a barely concealed lie. Your parents had hidden this awful secret from you for so long. And now your mother has revealed it to you, you're shaken. You missed out on so much, so many experiences you should have had. You never even got to go to a proper school. Your parents avoided you like the plague. All because I've got some stupid power. And now that you know, nothing is ever going to be the same. And that's upsetting. The tears build up before you have the chance to stop them. That's if you even could. You feel so devastated. As a child you had often wished for some explanation for your parents' distance, but now you know why you only feel worse. You close your eyes tightly, feeling the tears begin to stream down your face. A small shaky sob escaped your lips. <><<if $m_rel gt 50>> You feel a touch on your arm and open your eyes to see your mum has moved forward to rest her hand on your shoulder. <<elseif $m_rel lte 50>> When you open your eyes, you see your mum has moved slightly, reaching a hand out to you, but she quickly drops it, offering you a sad smile instead. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> "I don't understand," you start, voice small and trembling, "Why?" you sound like a petulant child, but you don't care. You want to hear your mother's answer. "I'm so sorry," she says breathlessly, eyes glistening as well. "We never meant to hurt you, okay?" She sounds almost as upset as you. "Never. We just didn't know what to do." She gives a self-deprecating chuckle. "I suppose there's no real excuse." You sniff, looking away with a soft nod. You still feel overwhelmed by all of this. You wipe your nose and rub your eyes gently. You don't really know why you're so upset, but you am. "Could I have some time?" you ask timidly, "To process everything." you gesture vaguely, eyes still puffy and sore. Your mother nods after a moment's hesitance, though her smile looks strained. Her gaze lingers as she stands and walks back to the door. You stand also, though you move the other way, to the balcony's edge. You listlessly lie a hand on the railing, feeling the cool concrete beneath your fingertips. The sunset mirrors your sorrow, cool blues and purples bleeding into the warm pink and gold that once filled the sky. As your thoughts settle, one stands out to you. There's a lot wrong with what your mother just told you, but there's one thing in particular that doesn't make sense. "Wait," you say, quickly turning back to face your mother, who is about to shut the door [[behind her.|m2]]

<> <<set $tru_react to "guilt">> <<set $sad +=1>> <<if $m_rel lt 50>> <<set $m_rel += 5>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> Guilt twists your gut as you look down at your hands in shock. You hurt your parents. and probably countless other nannies and tutors. But that's not even the worst of it. Your potential, the fact that you could so easily hurt so many people, it terrifies you. You're a super-weapon. If your parents had surrendered you to the Triad, what then? "I hurt you?" you say quietly, your voice small and quiet. Your fists are clenched and your head is hung. You don't even think your mother could have heard you. //you're a monster,// you think with a grimace. "No," your mother say quickly, "That's not what I meant at all." you look up to see her <><<if $m_rel gte 50>> moving closer, <<elseif $m_rel lt 50>> standing up, as though to move closer, <<endif>><<endnobr>> her expression forlorn. "It's not your fault." She mimics your soft tone, apology clear on her face. It only makes your guilt grow. You take a few breaths, trying to steady yourself against the nausea that threatens to take over. You can tell your mother wants to comfort you in some way, but she doesn't seem to know what to do. You're honestly glad for it, you don't really want it right now. You take a deep breath, trying to think positively. You don't want your negative emotions to be harming your mother. That's the last thing you want to do. Thoughts about all the times I'd gotten upset with your parents, talked back, argued, hell — even the times I'd cried. Each one no longer only a unhappy moment, now a time when I'd been physically hurting them. You stand, chair scraping noisily against the concrete. You need to be away from your mother, lest you end up hurting her. When you reach the balcony, you focus all your attention on the towering buildings that surround you. Looking at them helps to centre you, clearing your mind a little. You feel the tight grip of guilt ease ever so slightly. Yes, you had hurt your parents, but they had done the same to you. Even if it was just emotional, it was still pain. And it was clear neither of them held it against you, so maybe you shouldn't be beating yourself up. You were starting to feel a little better when you realised something. There was one bit of information still missing. Small, but certainly not insignificant. You turn your back to the sky and see your mother about to open the door to the house. No doubt to give you some privacy. "Before you go," you say rapidly to stop her. She pauses midway through [[turning the handle. |m2]]

<<set $tru_react to "denial">>\ For a long while, i can only stare blankly at your mother. You still don't know if this is a joke or if she's lost her mind, but you know it can't be true. Then you snap out of it, deciding she must be joking. "Yeah right," you say with an uneasy laugh, "As if I'm a //catalyst.//" You can't be one. There's no way this is real. There's no way. You can't bring yourself to believe it. "Sweetheart, I'm serious." Your mother is <><<if $m_rel gte 50>> looking at you with concern. <<else>> looking at you warily. <<endif>><<endnobr>> "I'm sorry, I really am." She almost sounds genuine. "But it's true." You would believe her if it weren't for how absurd this proposition is. You? A catalyst? It doesn't add up. "This isn't funny anymore," you say, surprised by the panic in your voice. But it isn't funny. She's taking it too far. You can't laugh at it anymore. She needs to admit to it now. "I know this is a lot," she says slowly, eyes never leaving your own, "But I need you to believe me." Her tone is imploring and pleading. Does she really think you're buying this? Should you be? "No." you say it abruptly. Your voice much harsher than you meant it to be, startling you as much as it does your mother. She opens her mouth, perhaps in shock or maybe to say something. But she just as quickly snaps it shut. You ignore it. You don't want to believe. Because believing is accepting this. Believing is letting this become your life. Believing is giving up. And you don't want to give up. The years leading up to this point may not have been easy, but they were at least calm. You'll never have peace again if this is true. You drum your fingers on the table anxiously. Your brain is rapidly — no, //frantically// — looking for holes in her story. When it stumbles upon one, you almost snap your fingers in glee. "If what you say is true, tell me this." Your mother's heavy gaze is almost [[unbearable.|m2]]

<<set $tru_react to "numbness">>\ <<set $numb +=1>> <<set $emotional -=10>>\ You wait for the rush of emotions. For sudden anger, sadness, guilt. For anything. But it never comes. You don't feel anything. All you feel is numb. You can't summon the effort to care. You feel distant. Like this is a dream. Because how could this be real? Maybe it is, but it can't be happening to you. It certainly doesn't feel like it. Your gaze is vacant, you can tell that, and you're staring off into the distance. Your hand rests upon your arm, your fingernails pressing harshly into the soft flesh. But it doesn't hurt. You don't feel a thing. You drag them slowly over the curve of your forearm, in some half-hearted attempt to wake yourself from this stupor. Are you in shock? you don't know. Part of you thinks maybe this is how you'll be forever. Would that really be so bad? A presence moves closer and you turn your head to see your mother <><<if $m_rel gt 50>> next to you, arm resting on your shoulder, gently shaking you <<else>> hovering nearby, worriedly calling your name <<endif>> to get your attention. <<endnobr>> If the look on her face says anything, you've been zoned out for a little while. You don't know what to say — what should you say? — so you stare at her. Everything is so far away. When you incline your head slightly, in acknowledgement of hearing her, your movements are slow and lethargic. You try to shake off the feeling and clear your mind but it's to no avail. You feel like your head is full of cotton wool. "Are you feeling alright? You haven't said anything." Your mother's tone is soft, placating, but there's a sharp edge of worry that doesn't escape you, even in this state. Her voice sounds distant, your response not your own. <> "Yes, I'm fine. Just... processing." The reply is out before you even realise what she said. Your tone of voice is calm, too calm. //Not your own.// Neither is the gentle smile you give her. She must see something in your face because she doesn't <<if $m_rel gt 50>> remove her hand from your shoulder, <<elseif $m_rel lte 50>> leave your side, <<endif>> remaining close. <<endnobr>> You feel strange. You need space. Distantly, it strikes you it's odd to walk away, but the part of you that cares is quiet. You stand up, drift towards the balcony edge, and stare blankly out over the city. You lay a listless hand upon the rail, wind biting at your face. The chill that comes along with it wakes you up a little, and you feel a little bit of clarity returning. A little bit of colour. A little bit of focus. You attempt to get your thoughts in order, sorting through everything's that happened. Processing it in a still unhealthily apathetic way, but perhaps slightly more present. In doing this, something sticks out to you. Something not quite right. "Mother?" you question as you turn back to face her. She's already [[looking at you.|m2]]

<> <<set $tru_react to "hope">> <<set $emotion -=5>> <<if $m_rel lt 50>> <<set $m_rel += 30>> <<elseif $m_rel gte 50>> <<set $m_rel += 20>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> This is all a lot, so it takes you a while to fully realise the magnitude of your situation. You're scared, upset and in a bit of disbelief. But beyond that, there's a bit of relief. At least now you know why your parents have been distant. You hold onto this; you need to remain positive. "Oh." That's all you can say for a little while, but your mother<><<if $m_rel gt 70>> has moved closer to you and has reached to grab your hands. <<elseif $m_rel lte 70>> looks like she wants to move closer and gives you an encouraging smile. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You try to give her a smile as genuine as the one she's giving you, but it isn't easy. It comes out strained, pulled taut by the myriad of emotions you're feeling. "I think I might understand now?" you start hesitantly, voice feeble. You're starting to wonder if maybe the change this would bring might be good. "Maybe this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise," you say it with as much conviction as you can manage, which granted, isn't a whole lot. You look at her closely, hoping she understands what you mean. She looks taken aback, a little surprised, but most of all she looks pleased. "Maybe," she's smiling with more sincerity than you think I've ever seen. "But I don't expect you to forgive us just like that." She gazes into your eyes deeply, driving her point home. "You're allowed to cry, lash out or anything else. You don't have to be okay." You nod. Certainly, those things were on your mind at first, but you want to believe this could be a turning point. Now that you know the real reason behind your parents' behaviour, you felt you could understand them better. And maybe they could understand you better too? you could at the very least hope. That they might let you in this time. That they might spend more time with you. That they might love you. At least now you had the explanation that you had been denied for years. Your mother sighs softly, leaning back against her chair. You look away, gazing out at the city. The way it spiderwebs out all around us, making you feel surrounded and alone all at once. You feel more relaxed, in general, now that you no longer have to go crazy trying to figure out what's going on. You watch a cloud meander across the sky, and a thought hits you. You turn your attention [[back to your mother.|m2]]

I take a deep breath, steadying yourself. Then you speak, "Why tell me now?" Your mother looks taken aback by the sudden change in your demeanour. "I mean, I get why you told me," you say, "But it's very out of the blue. What changed?" <> <<if $ch is 1>> <<set $richoutlook to "humble">> <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $richoutlook to "half-assed">> <<else>> <<set $richoutlook to "haughty">> <<endif>> <<if ($tru_react is "anger") or ($tru_react is "sad") or ($tru_react is "guilt")>> Closing the door, <<else>> After a beat of silence, <<endif>> she steps towards you. <<endnobr>> "You're right," she starts, stuggling to make eye contact, "I told you for a specific reason." "And what is that?" you ask, mildly exasperated. "Your father was hesitant to tell you at first, but he agreed it was necessary." She looks lost, grasping for words to build her next sentence. The one that condemned you. That sentenced the young $mc_person on that balcony to your life. "They've found you." You've no doubt the devastation on her face is a perfect mirror of yours, down to her sad brown eyes. They know where you are. The people your parents hid you from for your entire life. The mysterious government organisation set on capturing you, or worse. Not only has your world been flipped roughly on its head, you are also being hunted down. You stand there, letting her words sink in. The future is uncertain, terrifyingly open. Your previously small, inconsequential life just got a whole lot bigger. The memory starts to shift, and you see flashes of things you'd rather forget before you return to the present [[once more.|park]]

!!!THE PRESENT DAY — Senford Shaking off the onslaught of memories you refocus on your setting. You're in a creepy playground, not a balcony. Not running down a street, barely breathing. Your mother is gone. The $mc_person on the balcony is dead. You're alone. Completely and utterly alone. Well, save for the black-clad figure heading towards you steadily. Standing up straighter, you subtly graze your hand against your back pocket, feeling the heavy weight of your knife there. What? You have to be able to defend yourself. It's not illegal. You think. <><<if $righteous gte 53>> You sincerely hope you won't <<elseif $righteous gte 50>> Hopefully you won't <<elseif $righteous lte 53>> Sadly, you probably won't <<else>> You doubt you'll <<endif>> have to use it, but you never know.<<endnobr>> The figure nears you, and you recognise the limping gait immediately. This is your guy. Some random criminal, likely a drug dealer. That's probably what's in your package. Drugs. He thinks he's someone important, but he wouldn't still be in this town if he was. The police may be lax, but if the chance for more money arrives in the form of a big criminal, they'll put in the effort. You'd caught wind of him when you overheard some people talking way too loud about his deals. You asked for a contact and approached him about some odd jobs. He's only taken you up on your offer a couple times, and the pay has been decent, if a bit slow. He's a bit of an ass but you can tolerate him. Mostly. He stops about 3 feet away from you, rolling his head slightly. You stare at each other for a few seconds, each daring the other to make the first move. Sighing at your unwavering composure, he mutters something under his breath. You knew he'd break first. You haven't known him long, or interacted with him personally, but I've grown used to analysing everything. He's hot-headed, impatient, and not to be trusted. You don't know how old he is, but he's got at least 15 years on you. And that's being generous. "Riker." He says your last name gruffly. It's a fake of course. One more in a long list of many. "Jackson," you respond neutrally. There's no telling how this will go, so it's best not to give an impression of, well, anything. It's something you've mastered over the years. The mask, hiding any of your true feelings. After giving you a quick once-over, and looking around the park suspiciously, he gives a curt nod. No doubt checking to see if you abided by the instructions to 'come alone.' As if you have anyone to bring. Whether he abided by it however, that is a different matter altogether. "Do you have it?" You raise an eyebrow at his bluntness — uselessly as he probably can't make out your face with your hood. Hopefully, that is. You don't need someone like him knowing your identity. You know he'd rat you out for a couple bucks, maybe less. Well, beggars can't be choosers as they say. You give a simple nod, reaching into your pocket to bring out the package. It's a little bigger than a mobile phone, though certainly not the cracked one in your other pocket. That one's outdated by more than a couple years, as that's all you can afford. They aren't cheap. You don't use it for much more than music, and you try to stay off any networks. Soon you'll toss it and get another burner. You make sure to take all the right steps to ensure you are as untraceable as possible. You chuck the package at him. It could be valuable, breakable even, but you know better than to get anywhere near Jackson. Distance is imperative. That's another thing you've gotten used to. He catches it deftly, without taking his eyes off you. He's a little taller than average, and he's got some bulk. If worse comes to worse, you should be able to get away, but you'd rather keep things clean. Mess makes you conspicious. "Good," he says, sleazy smile in place. You can only guess what's in the package, and by extension, his grasp. But you're near certain it's not legal. You were asked to meet him here, at night, after getting it off some guy in an alleyway after all. Side note — you are not keen to go into another alleyway anytime soon. Though it's not like you have a choice, you're technically also a criminal. He gives you another look, up and down, slowly raking his eyes along your body. A predatory grin sits on his face, and he takes a step closer, threatening to invade your personal space. "I gotta admit, Riker," he says, drawling your name out, "You're not bad to look at." He throws you what you're sure he thinks is a captivating wink, but you have to suppress a shudder. Jackson isn't attractive, by looks //or// personality. Anyway, you know he's not looking for a nice, respectful relationship. You take a swift step back, acutely aware of the dangers of being recognised. And to get away from that creep of course. [[Although you are interested in romance, you are not interested in him.|p1][$romance to true]] [[You're not really interested in relationships, and he isn't an exception.|p1][$romance to false]] //(Locks you out of romance)//

You clear your throat. "Uh." You hold your hands up in a gesture to get him to back off, without any hostility. "I'm sure you're a good guy and all..." you let your sentence trail off, hoping your point still gets across. His expression still hasn't changed, and you silently pray this won't anger him. You didn't come here for a fight. "Aw, $bb, don't be like that," he says teasingly, grin widening. Your entire body tenses. "I just want some fun." "No, thanks," you say firmly, shaking your head, "I'm not interested." He shrugs but does back off slightly. Much to your relief. After a moment of silence, he tears into the package with his bare hands, not making any further comments towards you. This leaves you standing there awkwardly. At least you have the music playing in your ear to keep you occupied. He appraises the contents of the package, turning it around in order to get a good look. You can't see it from this angle, but it appears to be satisfactory to him. When he still hasn't acknowledged you in any way, you clear your throat to get his attention, then say, "The payment?" We'd already organised what I'd be getting, it was only a matter of it being handed to you. You don't think he's registered what I've said, till he nods and fixes you with a piercing gaze. "About that," He smiles, widely. Unsettlingly so. "I'm afraid there's been an issue with the money." He clicks his fingers while still staring at you and suddenly a dozen or so thugs come out from the various alleys nearby. Shit. You should have seen this coming. You really should. But you didn't. You'd let him lull you into a false sense of security, believe he was only a harmless idiot. You'd gotten sloppy. Twelve is a slight exaggeration, you actually count seven excluding Jackson himself. They appear to mostly be men and are all varying states of muscular. Fighting them might not be the best option, so, what will you do? [[You'll persuade him to pay you. It's worked before.|pers1]] [[You'll intimidate them into paying you.|int1]] [[You'll dodge past these guys to get to Jackson.|agi1]] [[You can at least fight off most of them. Once you do that, you're sure Jackson will be more easily swayed.|str1]] [[If you offer to help him out with his leg maybe he'll let you go.|res1]] [[You can threaten to mess with security footage to incriminate these guys.|tech1]] [[You know enough about the area to know people will notice, and they won't be happy.|kno1]] [[You noticed he's limping, and his goons look hesitant. Use this.|obs1]]

<> <<set $psychology +=10>> <<set $pers +=5>> <<endnobr>> You know how to talk your way out of these situations. A few well-placed comments, a charming smile, the occasional (maybe inflated) compliment. You have to know how to get someone on your side when you're in your position. You'd done it many times before, and now it was second nature to pay attention to everything someone did. You know the way to get under Jackson's skin. "Woah," you start out, hands ready in a placating gesture. "Let's not be too hasty now, aye?" You keep your voice friendly, personable even. This doesn't stop the approach of the men however, and you curse under your breath. "C'mon Jackson, you don't want to do this," you say. He cocks his head slightly. "And why not?" he asks, "Way I see it, this is a win-win situation for me." "Maybe now," you concede, "But what about the future?" This has his attention. "No one will want to do business with you if they hear about how you double-crossed your last contact." You try to phrase it like you're giving him some friendly advice. The last thing you want is to aggravate him. "Then they won't hear about it," he says quickly, with a shrug. You give him a couple of slow nods. "You can try to stop it, but rumours spread." you smile. "It //will// get out." Jackson looks at you thoughtfully, with more than a little apprehension clear in the tight line of his lips. "Fine," he says eventually, "I see your point." You resist the urge to smile. You do let your shoulders relax however, relieved that he's listening to reason. He lets out a sigh, twisting his lips into a frown. "There's just one problem." And with that, your shoulders tense right back up. "I don't care." It takes a lot to fight the eyeroll, but somehow you manage. "And you know, we've been dying for a good fight." His grin is more of a snarl as he gestures at the still approaching thugs. You're starting to panic, but you don't let it show. You can still get through this. You back away a little. "Jackson, I get it." you use his name to direct his attention back to you. "But you've got something good here." you wave your hands vaguely at the playground. "You clearly have quite the gang here," you say, then give him a grin, "That's a lot of power." you let your hands drop. "You don't want to lose all that, do you?" you ask, tone even, calm. Nothing like how you feel. "And it will fall apart if you do this." "You seem very sure of yourself, Riker," Jackson bites out. "I'm just trying to help you," you say quickly, "This isn't a good idea." you make sure to not say that //you// think anything. He needs to believe this to be fact. He frowns again. "Hmm, you're making me feel bad here," he laughs. His men are all looking at him nervously. Even if he isn't fully convinced, they've listened. "Alright then, I guess." Though his reluctance is evident, he pushes it aside.. You allow yourself a small sigh of relief. "Well, if we're done?" you ask, clasping your hands together. "Sure, sure," he says, waving you off. He's still stunned, but you're too relieved to care. "See you round," you say, strolling off once the guys fall back to catch up with Jackson. He simply nods, letting you [[walk away.|apart]]

<<set $psychology +=10>>\ <<set $int +=5>>\ If your years on the run have taught you one thing, it's to never let your cards show. Especially not your fear. And get really good at reading other people's. You know people like Jackson. They put on a persona of confidence, but really, they're weak. Jackson's over-the-top boldness does little to mask his cowardice. He can try to hide behind his group of thugs, but you see right through him. And you're going to let him know. "You don't want to do that, Jackson," you say, taking a measured step closer. You need to be wary of the line between close and too close. You can't risk your identity being known, but you also need to be near enough to be intimidating. You glare at Jackson, hoping he can somehow //feel// your gaze. He gulps slightly, holding up a hand to slow his men. "And why's that?" He asks, attempting to maintain his usual cockiness. His voice wavers slightly on the 'why' however, and you can see he's already on edge. Maybe this won't be so hard. In a swift movement, your knife sits between your fingertips. Extended out slightly towards Jackson, you hold it casually, a threat instead of a challenge. But still, your technique is skillful, practised. It's enough to make him flinch slightly. You cock your head at that, giving him a sly smile. A subtle gesture to let him know that //you// know he's scared. He clears his throat. "We're more than happy to fight," he says, though his body language tells a different story. same goes for the surrounding gang. "Willingness and preparedness are two different things, Jackson," you say softly, calm tone incongruous to your offensive body language. You are certainly not looking for a fight, but you need to act like you are if you want to successfully intimidate Jackson. There's an underlying warning to everything you say. A simple 'You won't win this,' a matter-of-fact truth. Or at least that's what you're convincing Jackson of. Another clear of his throat, a nervous hand ghosting the back of his neck. He's uneasy. It's working. You don't let your relief show through your cool stare. Jackson reflects your stance in an opposite way. Defending against your hostility. You can tell he's reconsidering this. He's clearly let everything get to his head, and now his ego's bigger than his abilities. You can use this. "What would happen if word got out that you, with your group of lackeys, were defeated by //one// person," you chuckle, flipping your knife and catching it again. Barely. You pull it off well enough to have Jackson pulling his lips into a tight grimace though. He frowns, eyeing his men around him. Their expressions range from indifference to concern, maybe even fear. It's enough for him to turn back to you with less determination. "You may have a point, Riker," he bites your name out hatefully, "But you already told you, we didn't bring any. So unless you plan on waiting around..." he lets his words trail off, leaving the rest up to your imagination. He's threatening you. If you stay in town much longer, you're in danger. Though you always am. You huff an irritated breath into the night air. Of course, it's just your luck to end up in this situation. Cornered into another, smaller corner to the usual one. The only escape to continue on the way you always have. "Well then, I'll be generous," you say, somehow holding onto your frantically built facade of confidence, "I'll walk away." Jackson raises a skeptical brow, in what you hope is disbelief at getting off so easy. You hope. "Neither of us wants to do this," you say simply, shrugging. "That's true," Jackson says, "You're a reasonable $guy, Riker. You respect that." You smile, but don't agree. "I hope, for your sake, that you don't see you again." And with that, you walk away. No one tries to stop you as you walk back to the street, a couple even flinching back. You easily leave the park and head back to [[the apartment.|apart]]

<<set $physical +=10>>\ <<set $agi +=5>>\ You've lived up to your name as a fugitive. You've made sure to stay in shape, and keep your reflexes as high as possible. You may not be the most confident with throwing punches, but you sure know how to dodge one. It's great for slipping away quickly and quietly. And for getting straight to someone you want to fight without getting caught up in others. Like right now. You want to get to Jackson, pull him into a more open-minded place. And you'd like to avoid as many bruises as possible in the process. "If this is how we're doing things," you say with a quick shake of your head, stretching your limbs ever so slightly. Jackson coughs out a dry laugh. "Yeah," he says, grin infallible. You shrug. He's clearly made up his mind. You look around at the approaching thugs, turning up the volume in your headphones. It grounds you, and you start to trace paths weaving between them with your eyes. There's not enough of them to fully surround you at this distance, so to compensate they've spread out. Which has created more than enough gaps for you to slip through. This shouldn't be so hard. You feel like an idiot, standing here waiting. But if you were to run now, they'd all rush you. A confusing mash of bodies wouldn't exactly be helpful. At least not if you're in the middle. You should be able to create it without actually getting involved. None of them look armed, at least not beyond some brass knuckles. You wait for one of them to be almost within reach, then sidestep, leaving them to turn to try to catch you. You're already off though. You run fast. You always do, yet each time the swiftness of your feet along the ground is exhilarating. You duck someone's left hook and fight the temptation to look back at a cry of agony. When you spin to avoid another punch, you see a fight has broken out between two of the thugs. You don't stop to watch though, unlike a couple of the others. No, you press forward. You wince as someone's fist makes contact with your shoulder, but you keep going. Your dash toward Jackson is interrupted by you nearly tripping over. A swift kick to your attacker's leg sends him straight to the ground, and you back on your way to Jackson. When he realises you're not actually in the fray he's been so caught up in watching, he panics. Eyes darting around frantically, he actually misses you at first. And by then, you're close enough to zig-zag around him, whipping your knife to your fingers before pressing it to his neck, your other hand pinning his arm to his back. "What th-" you cut him off with a gentle push of the side of your blade to his throat. It doesn't take long for the thugs in front of us to notice. Then you're being stared at by seven pairs of eyes. They don't seem to know what to do now that their boss is held in a hostage position. "Are you ready to talk, Jackson?" you ask, unable to stop the hint of satisfaction in your voice, "Or should I draw blood?" "Alright alright, no need to embarrass me further," he wheezes out softly, so that only you can hear. You release some of the knife's pressure. He'll still get a lovely tracheotomy if he tries to get away, however. "You've really got me in an uncomfortable position here, Riker," he says louder, voice still slightly raspy. His men look at him questioningly, waiting for any instruction. "Feel ready to negotiate?" you ask, hopeful that the steel threatening to cut into his jugular is enough to persuade him to give you your payment. "Sure," he says, "If we had anything to negotiate." He sounds a mixture of pleased with himself and bored. Bold of him to have attitude when you have the position of power. "What," you say through gritted teeth, "are you talking about?" "I still don't have the money." He says it bluntly, irritatingly so. You don't know what he thinks he'll gain from repeating himself. But he seems to feel like gambling with his own neck tonight. "I'm aware of that," you say, trying not to tighten your grip too much in frustration. He'd been so sure of himself that he hadn't even bothered to bring anything. You're not sure to be offended at being underestimated, or proud you went above his expectations. "I'm glad we're on the same page," he says shortly, shifting uncomfortably. "All that does is change the details." You turn your knife so the tip grazes along his skin, "We'll just have to work something else out." He goes to nod, before uttering out a simple 'Yeah.' He's either scared, or bored. "How about you let me go, and I return the favour?" you propose, "I don't slit your throat, and then you let me walk out of here. How does that sound?" "Sounds great," Jackson says quickly. You let him go. No one makes a move toward you, wary of Jackson's pointed glares. You easily make your way out of the playground without even an astray glance. Now you can start the trek back to the [[apartment.|apart]]

<<set $physical +=10>>\ <<set $str +=5>>\ You've spent most of your free time training yourself in combat. As much as you can without drawing too much attention to yourself. You'd say I've gotten pretty strong though and it's certainly come in handy a few times. Hopefully this can be added to that. Flexing your fingers out in front of you, you stretch your arms and legs slightly, letting the thugs move in around you. You note where they all are and try to look for any potential weaknesses. You see a couple of odd walks, and one guy's left hand is badly bandaged. Looks like the crew like to play rough on the weekends. The group's slow inward walk swiftly changes. Now there's three guys charging straight at you. You barely have time to dodge the punch that's swiftly thrown at your face and land a kick to the guy's shin. Thug 1 shouts in pain, clutching his leg. Before you can gloat however, both Thugs 2 and 3 try to rush you from either side. You punch 2 in the stomach, leaving him doubled over. 3 throws a punch at your midsection that manages to graze you even with your attempt at dodging. You don't let that deter you. You easily tackle Thug 3, as he's a fair bit shorter than the others. You launch him straight into the oncoming form of Thug 4, sending them both sprawling to the ground. With more than half of them down, the remaining thugs are pretty unenthusiastic. Apart from one. He must be at least 6'5, and you can tell he never skips an opportunity to work out. His arms are like tree trunks, and his legs are only slightly less thick. His gaze is cold and filled with fury, and it's fixed straight on you. The guy's a walking boulder with anger issues. Thugly rushes towards you, and you barely manage to dodge in time. The damage to your ribs and fists is starting to catch up with you and you're running out of adrenaline. You need to end this quickly. He lets out a growl of sorts. An animalistic rumble equal parts frightening and stupid. He raises his huge fist above his head, threatening to crack your puny skull open. With no other cards, you bring out your knife. Flicking it through your fingers so it's clearly on display. Thugly pauses, clearly not interested in having his gut split open. You see him glance nervously toward Jackson, fist starting to retreat. He may be large, but he's clearly not dumb. "Want me to finish this?" you ask loudly, not having to look at Jackson to know his expression is somewhere between terrified and anxious. When you do look at him, he gulps, shifting from one foot to the other. His mouth falls open, as if to say something, but no words come out. Thugly takes your lapse in attention as an opportunity to try to get a hit at you. You're too fast though and deliver a swift yet powerful blow to his head. He stumbles back, clearly retreating. Your eyes never leave Jackson's, assessing any reactions he might have. "No?" you ask mockingly, "You don't want a turn?" you cock your head in feigned interest. Jackson pointedly looks away. "I'm alright," he says, coughing slightly to dispel the squeakiness that's crept into his voice. "Aw." you pout at him. Then you let a sigh fall from your lips slowly. "I guess that's my cue to leave." you give Jackson a broad smile, one which he flinches from. With a bemused glance, eyebrow half-raised, you stroll out of the park. No one stops you. They're all either too injured or cautious to come close to you. You easily start the walk back to the [[apartment.|apart]]

<<set $science +=10>>\ <<set $res +=5>>\ As soon as you saw Jackson, you could tell he was wounded. His limp gave away what you could tell was a pretty serious injury. You wouldn't claim to be anywhere near a doctor, but you have picked up a few tricks. Even through his dark pants you can make out a darker splotch where blood has soaked through This is a valuable bargaining chip. Simply by knowing about this, you have an advantage. You could very easily point it out and threaten him. But you're rather outnumbered. No, you have a better idea. "You're injured," you say, nodding towards Jackson's leg. His shoulders immediately draw up tensely. "I can help," you rush to add on, painfully aware of the other //not// injured gang members. "Help?" An incredulous eyebrow shoots up. He masks it well behind his cocksure grin, but you can see his unease at the mention of it. "What makes you think I'm gonna buy that?" It's a fair enough point. You're not exactly allies. If your roles were reversed, you'd probably suspect an ulterior motive as well. "Hey, I get it," you say, hands up in a casual gesture, "I wouldn't trust you either." Jackson remains unamused. You set your eyebrows in a more serious line. "But I really do want to help." Jackson rolls his eyes and indicates for his men to advance further. You fight the panic and reach into your pocket. You pull out the small first aid kit you stuffed into it before you left. Just in case. It doesn't have much, some antiseptic, bandages, painkillers. The basics. You usually keep it on you for your headaches anyway. You hold it up so Jackson can clearly see it. "See?" you blurt out, his men steadily getting closer, "I'm being honest." He scrutinises the small kit as much as he can from where he stands. He remains studying you for a little while, and you stand there sweating. Then he finally speaks, "I'm not about to put my life in the hands of a stranger." Miraculously //not// eyerolling at his exaggeration, you tense. As do all of his men. They freeze where they stand in the playground, looking at him in rapt silence, awaiting his next sentence. "But," he says with a sniff, unnecessarily draggin the suspense on, "I'll take the kit." You blink instead of rolling your eyes, despite how you're drawn to perform the latter action. "Of course," you say with a artificially bright smile. You throw the kit to him just like you had thrown the package earlier. "I appreciate it," he says it in an odd, conflicted tone. Somehow disappointed and "Though I cant show my appreciation, as I still don't have any money." you manage to suppress another not so polite expression. "That's okay," you instead say amiably, "You can repay me by letting me go." You give him a winning smile, hoping to add to your convincingness. He chuckles in a way that almost sounds genuine. "Sounds good to me." You don't heave a sigh of relief, but your shoulders do relax. He clears his throat, deepening his voice slightly. "It doesn't feel honourable to beat up someone who gave me their medkit," he says louder, nodding at his allies. Your smile still intact (partly at your inclination to laugh at his mention of honor), you thank Jackson, nod your head, and leave the park. Time to head back to your [[dingy apartment. |apart]]

<<set $science +=10>>\ <<set $tech +=5>>\ Even during your time as a spoilt teenager, you'd been fascinated with technology and computers. Your parents always fed your obsession with the latest models of everything, and though you'd fallen behind a bit in recent times, you still retained most of your knowledge. You now used your experience to your advantage, keeping tabs on local surveillance, police systems and more. Occasionally manipulating things in your favour yes, but also out of curiosity and to maintain an upper hand. Or the illusion of one, as you still couldn't figure out how the Organisation communicates or how to infiltrate it. However, as Jackson and his crew are evidently not law-abiding citizens at the best of times, there's no doubt you can find dirt on them. In fact, you'd already done a bit of poking around on security feeds to learn more about who you would be meeting with. When you found Jackson and his crew, they were hanging out behind a shop that mysteriously lost half its stock the same day. "Before you do that," you say, "Have you heard of Blaire's Jewels?" That draws Jackson's attention. He stiffens, then tries to hide it. "Maybe." "Well, have you //maybe// also heard they got broken into recently?" you drink in his expression. "Only two days ago in fact." "I'm not sure I have," he says, still keeping his cards close. "They're still looking for the perpetrator last I heard." You look thoughtfully back at Jackson. "I wonder if they've checked the cameras in the back alley yet?" That gets him. He can't even try to hide the terror and realisation in his face now. Time to pull things back to the present. "Of course, anyone with even mediocre tech skills could erase the footage from that night." "They could?" Jackson says frantically, plea to you clear as day. "Oh certainly, if you know where to look." you smile at him. "But you can't do a great job of hacking security systems and destroying evidence when your kneecaps are broken." "Point taken," Jackson says, relief evident in his posture. A grimace twists his face, clearly disdained with what he's about to say. "You can go this time, Riker." "Thanks, Jackson," is all you say as you move past him to leave the playground. His group stare dumbly at him, wanting answers after our strange exchange. There's no need to actually wipe the footage, you seriously doubt anyone will bother to check, and anyway you don't owe Jackson anything. It's not like he'll be able to track you down on the off chance he does get caught. Now you need to head back to the [[apartment.|apart]]

<<set $intellect +=10>>\ <<set $kno +=5>>\ You may have only been here a few days, but you know this place. You make it your business to find out as much as you can about a town before you go there, and even once you've arrived. And it pays off. This area is notorious for being home to a lot of criminals. Many of the residents have already been to jail at least once, and almost all of them have been arrested. But not usually while here. It's so overrun with chaos that the local police are overwhelmed. They don't think anyone who lives here deserves protecting so they usually stick to the 'upper' side of town. But that doesn't mean they don't ever get involved. No one here has any immunity from the law. And some crimes are held at higher importance than others. Vandalism, destruction and a lot of the fights get overlooked. This isn't any of those though. Your best guess is that the package is likely some sort of drug. Substances are certainly higher on the police's priorities. You don't want to call the police yourself, but hopefully it won't come to that. If they did come, it could put you in a difficult position. Whether Jackson or you would end up arrested is something you'd have to see for yourselves. Or, preferably, not see at all. If you play your cards right, you should be able to get Jackson nervous enough to stop. Let you go. You need to get away. Then you can skip town in the next couple days and leave all this behind you. "I don't think that's as good an idea as you do, Jackson," you say simply, crossing your fingers the confidence in your voice doesn't sound too false. "You don't?" Jackson asks, "That's a pity." He pouts, but you can clearly see the grin in his eyes. "Certainly not." you maintain the matter-of-fact tone to your voice. "See—" you pull out your phone "— I know the police would agree with me." Jackson shrugs. "You're as much a criminal as me," he says, "They'd arrest you too." "Not if you're beating the shit out of me." you smile at him. He falters ever so slightly, a frown almost surfaces. "Well," he says slowly, "I doubt they'd even come. If you know so much then you should know that they don't really care." "Perhaps true on a regular night, a different time even," you say, holding your phone loosely, "But it's patrol night." An odd thing at a glance, but a weekly 'patrol' allows the police to file reports of the current state of things with minimal actual work. Your words ring true in Jacksons ears and you watch him glance around fervently. He's reluctant to admit you're right, but also can't deny the fact you am. He doesn't speak, clearly struggling for words. "So, do you think we can come to an agreement?" you ask, trying not to sound too triumphant. Jackson sighs. "Sure," he concedes. "Good choice," you say cheerfully, "How about, you don't wind up in a jail cell tonight," you pause for dramatic effect "And in turn, I walk away unharmed." Jackson's irritated, his face twisting into a grimace. He probably doesn't want to ruin his image by letting you go, but he also doesn't want to face the police. No doubt weighing each option in his head, he remains silent for a few moments. "Alright," he says finally, "You can get away with it this time." You smile sweetly at him. "But you better not see you face around here," he bites out bitterly. "Wouldn't dream of it," you say, mock-saluting him as you stroll past the men to the road. You're sure his attitude is mostly for show. And anyway, you don't plan on staying in town much longer. You walk away from the park, heading towards your [[apartment.|apart]]

<<set $intellect +=10>>\ <<set $obs +=5>>\ As soon as you arrived in the park, you'd made sure to map out the area in your mind. It's always good to make sure you understand your surroundings as best you can. Then again when Jackson arrived, I'd been carefully analysing everything he did. Even his goons hadn't been exempt. Another swift sweep of the area gives you all the information you need. From the moment you saw him, you knew that Jackson was clearly injured. His pronounced limp was a dead giveaway. While he might be acting confident, a fight probably isn't the best idea for him. His goons appear to agree with you. They all keep sending concerned glances towards him, and are staying closer than expected. They're about as unenthusiastic as you. "Are you sure this is the road you want to take?" you ask. "Certain," he responds with a broad, unpleasant grin. You nod slowly, "Your 'men' don't look like they feel the same way." You incline your head toward the most nervous looking guy. He's practically touching Jackson, and despite his imposing stature, looks ready to throw up. Jackson opens his mouth to say something before turning to look where you am. He makes eye contact with the queasy guy and sighs. There's a few moments of muttered conversation, and you take the opportunity to consider what else you can say to get out of this. "How's the leg, Jackson?" you ask with a barely concealed smirk. You need to exude as much confidence as possible. It will put him on edge, giving you an automatic advantage. He glances down at the offending appendage. The dark patch of what is no doubt blood is clear, and he can't deny it either. He glances back at his gang, but doesn't meet much support. "Not too bad, thanks," He spits out, mouth set in a tight line. You smile at him. "Looks bad enough to slow you down at least," you say, "Adding to that your men's reluctance, and the easy getaway for you..." you trail off, gesturing to the back exit of the park. Or rather, the lack of anything at the back of the park. You're not sure where it leads, but you am sure that Jackson doesn't know either. Jackson eyes the alleyway, then his men. You can practically see the cogs turning in his mind, weighing all the options. Eventually, he coughs slightly, directing his eyesight elsewhere. "I suppose we don't need a fight right now," he mutters under his breath. You allow yourself a smug smile. "Sorry, I didn't quite catch that?" "I said, I suppose we don't need a fight right now," he says exasperatedly, finally making eye contact, "All things considered, it's not the best idea." "Well if that's the case," you drawl, "Then i guess I'll be off." "Be my guest Riker," he sighs, gesturing to the road. You stroll past him, giving him a nod competing with your grin in self-satisfaction. On the inside though, you're just glad you're alive and uninjured. No one tries anything and you easily find your [[way out.|apart]]

The walk back is largely uneventful, which gives you plenty of time for introspection. It's something you've grown quite used to, the never-quite-ending solitude leaves plenty of room for thinking. That interaction could have gone a lot better, but it also could have gone a lot worse. You may not have gotten the money, but at least you're still breathing. You have to appreciate that while it lasts. Though you're not happy about it, the best thing you could have done was drop it. You'll be skipping town within the next couple days, and it's more important you're forgotten than paid. The clack of your shoes against the cracked pavement seems louder, the chill night air sharper, without the buffer of your daydreaming. Or maybe you're just more tired... You are very tired. Your thoughts keep retracing your steps back to the park. You knew you were taking a risk by having an in-person meeting. But you'd thought it would be okay, this once. Years of playing it safer than maybe even necessary must have made you too comfortable. Or maybe you were getting tired of this and subconsciously wanted an out — no matter the consequences. Regardless of the way you tried to spin it, you'd messed up. And sooner or later it was going to catch up with you. Your exhausted steps lead you back to the apartment complex with surprising ease. The familiarity you feel by looking at it is another sign you've been here too long. What isn't familiar is the car parked in the complex's small parking lot. You can't be bothered to inspect it too closely, <><<if $tech gt 1>> otherwise you'd be admiring all the details, <<else>> not that you know an awful lot about cars, <<endif>> but you can see that it's a sports car. And it's black. And shiny. Very shiny. It strikes you as odd that someone with such a car would be in a town like this, but <<if $richoutlook is "humble">> you suppose even rich people need sleep. <<elseif $richoutlook is "haughty">> then again you're here. <<else>> you don't care enough to give it that much thought. <<endif>><<endnobr>> There's also the oddness of someone moving in so late at night, but good circumstances don't usually lead you to places like Senford. Putting the thoughts out of your mind, you walk around the vehicle. You can only hope you don't run into its owner. You return to your apartment the same way you exited, which proves to be more difficult than you expected. No doubt due to your zombie-like state brought on by lack of sleep. Nevertheless, you somehow manage to clamber up to and through your ajar window,<> <<if $physical gte 10>> without slipping <<else>> albeit slipping once <<endif>> <<endnobr>> landing with a thud on the beige carpeted floor. Fortunately, having your window open has lessened the stale tobacco scent. Unfortunately, it has been replaced by the smell of car exhaust and garbage. The rest of the apartment remains as unpleasant as ever. Save for the bed, which you're not too proud to admit has been comfortable enough. Just looking at it makes your limbs ache more, yearning to collapse onto its mediumly soft surface. Although you want nothing more than to take a well-deserved nap, it'll have to wait. You're near starving and you got M (the singular person who makes up the apartment building's staff) to drop off some groceries, as you're 'sick.' Their kindness was unexpected, and you'd be foolish to not think it was a little suspicious, but when they offered to pick some things up for you, you said yes. You head over to the door on the far side of the room, unlocking it with some difficulty due to the jammed twist-lock. Stupid door. Stupid apartment. Stupid Jackson. Stupid you. When you do finally get the stubborn thing open, you're greeted by three bags of groceries at your feet. Along with a sticky note reading 'Feel better.' with an unsettling smiley face next to it. You're pretty sure M feels sorry for you, but you'll take what you can get. As you reach down to grab the bags however, you realise <><<if $onmeet neq true>> [[you're not alone in the hallway.|hall]] <<else>> you're not alone in the hallway. [[There's a woman standing across from you.|hall][$v_person to "woman"]] [[There's a man standing across from you.|hall][$v_person to "man"]] <<endif>><<endnobr>>

<> <<unset $error>> <<if $onmeet>> <<if $v_person is "man">> <<set $v_person to "man">> <<set $v_they to "he">> <<set $v_They to "He">> <<set $v_them to "him">> <<set $v_Them to "Him">> <<set $v_their to "his">> <<set $v_Their to "His">> <<set $v_theirs to "his">> <<set $v_Theirs to "His">> <<set $v_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $v_person is "woman">> <<set $v_person to "woman">> <<set $v_they to "she">> <<set $v_They to "She">> <<set $v_them to "her">> <<set $v_Them to "Her">> <<set $v_their to "her">> <<set $v_Their to "Her">> <<set $v_theirs to "hers">> <<set $v_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $v_themself to "herself">> <<endif>> You stand up to face $v_them. $v_They's standing at the door of the apartment diagonal to mine. <<else>> You stand back up and turn your head to where I'd felt the person, and sure enough, a $v_person is standing at the door of the apartment diagonal to yours. <<endif>><<endnobr>> $v_They has a couple of bags slung over $v_their shoulder and seems to be about to open the door. And $v_they's staring directly at you. Once $v_they realises you've noticed $v_them, $v_they offers you a quick, almost strained smile.<> <<if $v_person is "man">> He stands at about average height. His short dark brown is styled slightly away from his face, so the soft curls reveal his striking grey eyes against his warm tawny skin. He's wearing a cream turtleneck tucked into grey jeans, and boots — an ensemble that screams class. <<set $v_name to "Veran">> <<set $vdescription to "5'9, with an average build and tawny skin. Has grey eyes and short dark brown hair, curly and styled away from his face." >> <<elseif $v_person is "woman">> She stands at average height. Her long dark brown hair is styled up in a bun, but a few stray strands curl loosely around her face, framing her striking grey eyes against her warm tawny skin. She's wearing a flowy white blouse tucked into grey jeans, and black heeled shoes — an ensemble that screams class. <<set $v_name to "Valerie">> <<set $vdescription to "5'7, with a curvy build and tawny skin. Has grey eyes and long dark brown hair, curly and styled in a bun.">> <<endif>> <<set $v_lname to "Hart">> <<set $vmet to true>> $v_They holds $v_themself with poise, and you can tell just by looking at $v_them that $v_they's well-off. Maybe $v_they's the owner of the sports car? Regardless, $v_they look out of place.<<endnobr>> Somewhat clumsily, $v_they manoeuvres the bags higher on $v_their shoulder and holds out a hand to you. "I'm $v_name Hart, it's nice to meet you." Looking at $v_their outstretched hand, you scramble for a response, an excuse, but can't think. Until you remember. Shaking your head slightly you quickly say, "I'm sick." Resisting the urge to sigh in relief, you offer a quick smile and a "Sorry." $v_name's eyes widen in realisation, and $v_they let $v_their hand fall to $v_their side. "You must be Sam Riker?" $v_they asks, causing you to startle slightly. You blink out of your momentary confusion swiftly and can only hope $v_they didn't notice. "M mentioned you," $v_they add. You resist a wince at M's candidness "Yep. That's me." It really shouldn't have taken you so off guard considering you haven't heard your real name in years. It would have been much stranger to hear $v_them call you... <<if $mc_person is "person">>\ [[Aspen|ln][$mc_name to "Aspen"]] [[Max|ln][$mc_name to "Max"]] [[Wren|ln][$mc_name to "Wren"]] [[Eden|ln][$mc_name to "Eden"]] [[Grey|ln][$mc_name to "Grey"]] [[Sky|ln][$mc_name to "Sky"]] <<elseif $mc_person is "man">>\ [[Connor|ln][$mc_name to "Connor"]] [[Flynn|ln][$mc_name to "Flynn"]] [[Lachlan|ln][$mc_name to "Lachlan"]] [[Eugene|ln][$mc_name to "Eugene"]] [[Dale|ln][$mc_name to "Dale"]] [[Parker|ln][$mc_name to "Parker"]] <<elseif $mc_person is "woman">>\ [[Elara|ln][$mc_name to "Elara"]] [[Amber|ln][$mc_name to "Amber"]] [[Leanna|ln][$mc_name to "Leanna"]] [[Ivy|ln][$mc_name to "Ivy"]] [[Claudia|ln][$mc_name to "Claudia"]] [[Nadine|ln][$mc_name to "Nadine"]] <<endif>> <<linkreplace "Input own name">> Input own name: <<textbox "$mc_name" "Name" "ncheck">> [[Confirm|ncheck]] Please capitalize! <</linkreplace>>

It would have been weirder to hear $v_name call you $mc_name... [[Smith|h1][$surname to "Smith"]] [[Levine|h1][$surname to "Levine"]] [[Everly|h1][$surname to "Everly"]] [[Haine|h1][$surname to "Haine"]] [[Ryder|h1][$surname to "Ryder"]] <<linkreplace "Input own name">> Input own name: <<textbox "$surname" "Surname" "h1">> [[Confirm|h1]] Please capitalize! <</linkreplace>>

<<if $mc_name is $c_name>> <<set $cmatch to true>> <<endif>> <<if $mc_name is "Nova">> <<set $error to true>> <<elseif $mc_name is "Atlas">> <<set $error to true>> <<elseif $mc_name is "Winter">> <<set $error to true>> <<elseif $mc_name is "Sebastian">> <<set $error to true>> <<elseif $mc_name is "Blaine">> <<set $error to true>> <<elseif $mc_name is "Fallon">> <<set $error to true>> <<elseif $mc_name is "Niamh">> <<set $error to true>> <<else>> <<set $pass to true>> <<endif>> <<if $pass is true>> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<if $mc_name is "Leith">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<if $mc_name is "Lena">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $s_person is "man">> <<if $mc_name is "Sean">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> <<if $mc_name is "Saorise">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<elseif $s_person is "person">> <<if $mc_name is "Shea">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $i_person is "man">> <<if $mc_name is "Ilijah">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<elseif $i_person is "woman">> <<if $mc_name is "Imani">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $v_person is "man">> <<if $mc_name is "Veran">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<elseif $v_person is "woman">> <<if $mc_name is "Valerie">> <<set $error to true>> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $error is true>>\ This name is already in use! This can be confusing in game. Would you like to change it or continue? [[Continue without change|ln]] [[Return to previous page|hall]] <<else>>\ You passed the name check! Your name is $mc_name! [[Continue|ln]] <<endif>> <<if $onmeet>> Please note that as you have elected to choose the ROs names on meeting them, their names have not been included in this check. <<endif>>

It would have been much stranger to hear $v_them call you $mc_name $surname, yet it had taken you a little while to realise who $v_they meant by "Sam Riker." Your most recent in a long string of fake names, chosen to be as inconspicuous as possible. Not so 'normal' as to be suspicious, but nothing that would stand out too much. <><<if $mc_name is "Sam">> It was risky using your real first name, but you figured it should be okay this once. <<set$dumbass to 1>> <<elseif $surname is "Riker">> Using your true last name was a pretty big risk, but you couldn't find it in you to care. <<set $dumbass to 2>> <<elseif ($mc_name is "Sam") and ($surname is "Riker")>> To be entirely honest, it was pretty fucking stupid to use your real name, but at this point you didn't care. You think part of you //wants// to get caught. <<set $dumbass to 3>> <<endif>><<endnobr>> Still, it had taken you far too long to realise. Why did your mind keep falling back to the past? You feel the familiar feeling of panic rising up in you and quickly try to squash it back down. $mc_name is dead. //$mc_name is dead.// You couldn't afford to think about $mc_them. You couldn't, not with everything that happened. Burying $mc_them might not be healthy, but is anything you're doing? It's safer in the short term, which is the only 'term' you can somewhat be sure of. You snap back to reality to see $v_name looking at you with concern evident on $v_their face. Then $v_they offers you a smile that while still strained, almost manages to look playful. "Sorry to keep you. You look beat." $v_Their tone, although it remains impersonal, is the closest to comforting you've heard in a while. It threatens to tug at your miles-thick wall, and you almost bite your tongue in your haste to hide your surprise. The grocery bags are suspiciously light when you lift them and move to head inside. $v_name has opened the door to $v_their apartment, and is about to enter, but $v_they turns back to offer you a disarmingly charming smile. "I hope you feel better, Sam," $v_they says with an almost singsong lilt. <><<if $romance is true>> //A heart '♡' signifies a romantic choice// [['You thank ' + $v_them + ', somewhat taken aback at ' + $v_their + ' attractiveness. ♡'|h2][$ch to 1]] <<endif>><<endnobr>> [['You smile slightly and thank ' + $v_them + '.'|h2][$ch to 2]] [['You give ' + $v_them + ' a short nod and thanks.' |h2][$ch to 3]] [['You chuckle lightly. "Me too, ' + $v_name +'."' |h2][$ch to 4]] [['You smile softly and thank ' + $v_them + ' sincerely.'|h2][$ch to 5]] [['You raise an eyebrow at ' + $v_them + ', not buying the act.'|h2][$ch to 6]] [['"Sure," you say slowly, not really trusting ' + $v_their + ' friendliness.'|h2][$ch to 7]] [[You shut the door without another word. |h2][$ch to 8]]

<> <<if $ch is 1>> <<set $v_romance +=1>> "Thank you, $v_name," you say, taking the opportunity to really soak $v_them in. There's no doubt that $v_they's attractive, and the smirk on $v_their face isn't helping your racing thoughts. "No problem," $v_they says, turning back into $v_their own apartment. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $open += 5>> <<set $easygoing += 1>> <<set $friendly +3>> "Thanks, $v_name." you say, returning $v_their smile. "No problem," $v_they says, $v_their smile brightening. They then turn back into $v_their own apartment. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $open -=3>> <<set $sarcastic -=1>> <<set $friendly +=1>> "Thanks." you say, giving $v_them a short nod. Not to be impolite, you just don't know $v_them. "No problem," $v_they says, $v_their smile turning slightly amused. They then turn back into $v_their own apartment. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $sarcastic +=1>> <<set $easygoing +=3>> <<set $friendly +=2>> <<set $open +=3>> <<set $v_friend +=1>> "Me too, $v_name." You chuckle softly. $v_name laughs with you "See you around," $v_they says. They then turn back into $v_their own apartment. <<elseif $ch is 5>> <<set $sarcastic -=2>> <<set $friendly +=1>> Your smile is soft when you speak. "Thanks, $v_name, it means a lot." $v_their smile brightens, but $v_they looks somewhat surprised "No problem," $v_they says. They then turn back into $v_their own apartment <<elseif $ch is 6>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $stubborn +=2>> <<set $friendly -= 1>> You simply raise an eyebrow at $v_them. You don't buy for one second that $v_they's genuine. After a briefly awkward moment of silence, $v_name turns and heads into $v_their own apartment . <<elseif $ch is 7>> <<set $sarcastic += 3>> <<set $friendly -=2>> "Sure," you say, dragging out the word to show your skepticism. It takes more than some overfamiliar small talk to win your favour. $v_name's smile falters for a moment then $v_they turn to move back into $v_their own apartment. <<else>> <<set $open -=3>> <<set $sarcastic -=1>> <<set $friendly -=3>> <<set _slam to true>> You simply shut the door, cutting off any further conversation. You don't trust $v_name in the slightest, and the last thing you want to do it keep talking to some stranger, especially when it could endanger you. <<endif>> <<if _slam neq true>> You don't waste any time before heading inside as well. <<endif>> As friendly as $v_they seemed, <<if $v_romance is 1>> and as attractive as $v_they may be, <<endif>><<endnobr>> you can't afford to have interactions with people. It isn't safe for you, and it isn't safe for them. You're much better off avoiding people. After dropping the groceries on the kitchen bench, you lean against the wall with a sigh. You close your eyes and massage your temples. Your head feels like someone's wrapped bandages too tightly around it. You grab some painkillers and down them with some sharp, chemical-tasting water and a grimace. Certainly not for the first time, you lament your dependence on them, and all other facets of your life while you're at it. Catalysts and primaries have never truly been one. There's always been an air of animosity between the two groups. For the most part it was accepted that they were all alike in the fundamental ways, but there'd been many times when either class were more in power or less. In history lessons you'd learned about the times when catalysts were thought of as sub-human. Around the 13th to 17th century, those with flairs were regarded as possessed, witches, changelings, demons and the like. They were hunted, driven out of their homes and towns, even murdered. It was a dark time that marked a significant decrease in catalyst numbers, one we'd steadily been recovering from. Though in all fairness, primaries have had their share of oppression. There have been many times where catalysts have used their powers to control them. Catalysts are after all, capable of greater amounts of power than even the strongest primary. But with great power comes great responsibility — and even greater weakness. Flairs have immense costs, some side effects even being fatal to the users themselves. Catalysts weren't built to survive long, your lifespans significantly lower than primaries. That's where the terminology came from. Primaries are the building blocks, the structure of humanity. The ones designed to live. Catalysts are merely the weapons. Capable of grandeur at the expense of your longevity. You wince as another stab of pain jabs through your head. You set your glass down with a clumsy //thunk.// You spend too much time musing on your own mortality. You still have plenty of time, you hope. At least in the sense of lifespans. 50 or so years wasn't a bad innings. You had more reason to be worried about the Organisation. You sigh. The Catalyst Control Organisation. Catalyst Control. The CCO. You're not sure why it gets referred to as simply the 'Organisation' so often. Maybe they're intentionally trying to sound ominous. You wouldn't be surprised. You don't remember when you first heard of the Triad. It was just something that was always present while you were growing up, alongside the regular police and government. And like both of those, the intricacies were always hidden. Particularly when you were young. You knew most about the Organisation, as it was the most publicly involved branch. You still didn't know an awful lot about the Organisation though. Transparency stopped being cool around the same time abuse of power became normal. All you really need to know is that they are after you, and you almost certainly wouldn't like what happened if they did find you. This path was forced onto you. It didn't matter what you wanted to do, you had to run. But if you had a choice, what would you like to do? [[You'd like to live a normal, peaceful life.|h3][$ch to 1]] [[Working for the Organisation doesn't sound bad.|h3][$ch to 2]] [[You have many dreams I'd like to fullfill.|h3][$ch to 3]] [[If you could, you'd like to go back to school, get a more complete education.|h3][$ch to 4]] [[You want to travel. At least you sort of get that now.|h3][$ch to 5]] [[To be honest, you don't mind this life.|h3][$ch to 6]] [[Nothing really sticks out to you.|h3][$ch to 7]]

Hello! Before we start the game, there are 4 characters that are gender variable. <> <<link "Set them individually" "set">> <</link>> <<link "Randomise" "Beginning">> <<set $random to true>> <<set $lselection to Array.from($lselectionvar).random()>> <<set $sselection to Array.from($sselectionvar).random()>> <<set $iselection to Array.from($iselectionvar).random()>> <<set $vselection to Array.from($vselectionvar).random()>> <</link>> <<link "Choose when you meet them" "Beginning">> <<set $onmeet to true>> <</link>> <<endnobr>>

<<cycle "$l_person" autoselect>> <<option "Leith Payne (M)" "man">> <<option "Lena Payne (F)" "woman">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$s_person" autoselect>> <<option "Sean Kennedy (M)" "man">> <<option "Shea Kennedy (NB)" "person">> <<option "Saoirse Kennedy (F)" "woman">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$i_person" autoselect>> <<option "Imani Hoang (F)" "woman">> <<option "Ilijah Hoang (M)" "man">> <</cycle>> <<cycle "$v_person" autoselect>> <<option "Valerie Hart (F)" "woman">> <<option "Veran Hart (M)" "man">> <</cycle>> [[Continue|Beginning]]

skin: pale,fair,olive,tan,brown,dark,black hair: towns: Senford (first setting) Ardros Lamonte

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $mc_music to "pop">> You mostly listen to pop music. Yeah, it can be a bit repetitive and perhaps talent can be questionable but it's catchy and you like it. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $mc_music to "country">> Despite all the hate it gets, you enjoy the sweet sound of banjoes and accented twang that country music provides. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $mc_music to "rock">> You usually listen to rock music. Electric guitars, heavy drums and mediocre vocals are your safe haven. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $mc_music to "metal">> You like loud music. Metal provides that with all the screaming and distortion. <<elseif $ch is 5>> <<set $mc_music to "alternative">> You listen to alternative music most of the time. You'd rather die than be called mainstream, even if you have to try to dissect confusing lyrics and put up with experimental instrumentals. <<elseif $ch is 6>> <<set $mc_music to "hip-hop">> You're all about hip-hop. Rapping feels more powerful to you than singing, and no one can't deny the wit of some of the artists out there. <<elseif $ch is 7>> <<set $mc_music to "electronic">> Why listen to music that sounds like it was made by a person when you can have music that sounds like your microwave made it? <<elseif $ch is 8>> <<set $mc_music to "classical">> If it's good for studying, it must be good for loitering in shady side-streets. And classical music is not boring. <<elseif $ch is 9>> <<set $mc_music to "varied">> Your playlist is an amalgamation of basically every genre, giving you whiplash when you listen on shuffle. People can call you indecisive. It's true. <<elseif $ch is 10>> <<set $mc_music to "white noise">> You don't listen to music per se, preferring the melodic tones of white noise. Having it sound like You're in a dishwasher really clears your mind. <<else>> <<set $mc_music to "crime podcasts">> You prefer to listen to podcasts. More specifically, true crime podcasts. What better to guide you through darkened streets than stories of people getting murdered in them? <<endif>><<endnobr>> Heading down a dark alleyway at night isn't exactly your favourite thing to do, yet time and time again, you find yourself skulking around at night. Like some low life. You guess you kind of are one. Although you're trying to move as stealthily as possible, you're sure if anyone looked out of their windows, they'd be able to tell someone was moving around. But they probably wouldn't be able to identify who, and most of them would rather not get involved. This was the worst part of a bad town. Senford is your typical low end beaten-up town. A tired local police force that can't be bothered to do their jobs. Run-down stores with barely working lights. The inhabitants aren't particularly sociable, and you get the impression that most of them aren't model citizens themselves. It's perfect. The uneven ground beneath you makes your movements careful. Loose pieces of gravel crunch under your boots as you kick them aside. It isn't loud, but in the dead quiet of night it seems to echo endlessly through the dark. Your paranoia is mounting the further you stray away from your apartment. It isn't that much safer, but the illusion of security is reassuring. The package in your pocket is relatively heavy, but it isn't large. You're on your way to give it to one of the many unsavoury people who call this town home. You've been told nothing about what its contents are, and to be honest are happy to keep it that way. The less involved you are, the less traceable you become. What you do know is that it's more than likely illegal. An unfortunate position you keep on finding yourself in is on the wrong side of the law. More than you automatically are of course. But if you want to remain discreet, then usually your best bet for money is people in similar positions to your own. [[Still, you don't like having to break the law so often.|7][$ch to 1]] [[You don't mind doing small, harmless crimes.|7][$ch to 2]] [[You're completely apathetic.|7][$ch to 3]] [[You're starting to accept it.|7][$ch to 4]] [[This life suits you well, you enjoy the thrill.|7][$ch to 5]]

<> <<if $ch is 1>> You want nothing more than a simple, peaceful life. A normal one. Without the running, the lies, the fear. You just want to be able to sleep at night without wondering if tomorrow will be the day you're caught. You wish your largest concern was taking the trash out and paying your bills on time. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $tri_rel +=3>> Honestly, you almost wish your parents had let you be taken. Chances are you'd have ended up an Organisation agent. There you wouldn't be ostracised for your powers, and would at the very least have a job. Maybe even be respected - happy. <<elseif $ch is 3>> The sleepless nights haven't affected your ability to dream. There're a million things you want to accomplish, so many things you want to do. And knowing you'll probably never get to do any of them is heartbreaking. <<elseif $ch is 4>> Your time in education was cut short, and you still feel like there's so much for you to learn. You didn't even get a degree, let alone start a career with one. It makes you sad to think you might never be able to truly understand the world, or even try to. <<elseif $ch is 5>> You want to see everything there is to see. Travel the world and go to all those different amazing places that sound like something out of a storybook and look just as unreal. In a way, you guess you have your wish. You do get to travel. While you may not be going to picturesque waterfalls and idyllic beaches, you have the opportunity to explore places. <<elseif $ch is 6>> While not many people can say being on the run is their dream 'career' and you seriously doubt you'd choose it if you could turn back time, this life isn't all too bad. It suits you in a weird way, and at the very least you're alive. <<else>> You genuinely have no idea what I'd do if you weren't in this situation. If anything, you try not to think about ifs too much. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> It won't change anything anyway; you're stuck on this path. All because you were born different. [[You wish you didn't have a flair.|flairok][$ch to 1]] [[You wish you knew how to control it.|flairok][$ch to 4]] [[You hate that you can't reach your full potential.|flairok][$ch to 2]] [[You wish things hadn't turned out how they are.|flairok][$ch to 3]]

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $flair_outlook to "hate">> <<set $control += 1>> It feels more like a curse than anything. Time and time again you find yourself wishing you were born normal. That you didn't have this stupid "power." Because then you wouldn't be here. Because then your parents would still be alive. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $flair_outlook to "like">> <<set $control -= 2>> You wish you could actually find out what your power can //really// do. What's the point of a superpower you can't use? you hate that you'll never know what your potential is. If you'd actually had the chance to develop your flair more, maybe then you wouldn't be in this situation. Maybe then your parents would still be alive. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $flair_outlook to "neutral">> It's so incredibly unfair to be punished for something you have no control over. You wish things weren't the way they are. You don't want to live like this. You desperately want your old life back. And your parents... <<else>> <<set $flair_outlook to "control">> <<set $control +=3>> You'd like to be able to actually understand it a bit more. Maybe even control it. You don't like having this power that I've no idea how to use. If you could stop it from surfacing at the first strong emotion that would be nice. You find yourself almost missing the repressors your parents gave you. <<endif>><<endnobr>> Your parents. Now isn't the time to think about them, — //then when is?// — you're much too tired to go through that. You just want to go to bed. As you go through the motions of getting ready to go to bed, your thoughts turn to the deal with Jackson. More specifically how terribly it went. But there's nothing to be done about it now, except for hope that you never have to see him again. If you're lucky, by the time he has a chance to do anything, I'll be long gone. You sink into the bed, letting the sheets fall over you in a soothing embrace of cool linen. Then you close your eyes, as you do each night, watching the false dark of your eyelids until your consciousness slips away. <<button "Next Chapter" "ch2">><</button>>

That's all for now... Thank you so much for playing Esper: Fugitive! Follow my Tumblr for updates, extra info and more. I recommend saving on the previous page for future updates.

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $righteous +=3>> <<set $tri_loyalty +=1>> <<set $emotional +=1>> Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't even consider doing something unlawful. But these aren't normal circumstances, so you do what you must. Still, you try not to do it too often, and stick to things that are at least morally blurry. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $righteous +=2>> You're not a huge fan of breaking the law, not least because of the consequences. But you know youmust to stay alive. You don't particularly like it, though it does help that you don't have to do anything major. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $righteous -=2>> <<set $emotional -=1>> This is your life now. There's nothing you can do to change that, and if committing a few minor felonies is what you have to do to keep food on the table, so be it. Stealing a few things here and there or dealing in some not quite legal substances for some cash is trivial in the face of things. You find it hard to care when your options include this, death, and imprisonment. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $righteous -=1>> While you were hesitant at first, you're starting to get used to this way of living. If you convince yourself they're odd jobs, like any other, believe they're normal... It's easier. You know you have to do this, so isn't it simpler to accept it? <<else>> <<set $righteous -=3>> <<set $tri_loyalty -=2>> To be honest, you have very little qualms about bending the rules a little. As time has gone on, this life has grown on you. You're starting to appreciate the adrenaline boosts it gives you. You're starting to not mind being a criminal so much. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You've been on the run for a while now, so have long since gotten used to this. Hiding in the shadows, not giving any information away, never staying in one place for more than a few days. It isn't easy or fun, but it's unavoidable if you want to keep your liberty. The streets only get narrower and more difficult to navigate as you make your way deeper into the seedy underbelly of this rundown town. You find yourself in a lot of unsavoury places when the government is out to get you. Though you're not sure if that aptly describes the Triad. What started out as another one of the many government funded projects across the decades, slowly evolved into what we now consider the main authority for catalysts. Because catalysts are different. No matter how you look at it, you aren't 'normal.' Your average person doesn't have that itch at the back of their mind, that energy through their veins, that vague, undeniable //power.// The three different establishments, grouped as one, are funded and run by the government, yet still distinctly different. Most likely to keep the division between catalysts and primaries very apparent. You don't know much about them, but you've heard a little bit over the years. The one specifically after you is called the Organisation. Your understanding is cursory, but you do know they're akin to a law enforcement agency. The Reformatory is the actual prison that houses any criminals. So basically, where you'd be today if you hadn't managed to slip away. But as your location isn't known (at least you hope) they don't want to waste resources finding you. Which has sent the //Organisation// on a hunt to track you down. They're more qualified, as they have agents that act as detectives, amongst other things. They also have justifiable means to spend money finding you. Great for them, not so much for you. You've managed to last this long though. And that's what has led you here, to this town. And soon, it will lead you to another equally unpleasant one. So is life, at least for you. You don't know if you'll ever really get used to it, but you accepted it years ago. You'd been so lost in thought you hadn't even realised whereyou were. You slow your steps as you reach the abandoned children's play-park. The irony of it almost makes you laugh. You look over the broken equipment — a see-saw with no seats, the climbing frame missing most of the bars, the slide with a gaping hole in it — and allow yourself to reminisce. [[In a different life...|memory]]

<> <<if ($mc_htex is "braids" or $mc_htex is "plait" or $mc_htex is "ponytail" or $mc_htex is "bun")>> <<set $hup to true>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> You pull on your combat boots and tug your hood up over your head before heading to the window. Glancing around to check there was no one there, you set about climbing out. You'd already done this a few times and knew where all the good footholds in the crumbling building were. Your headphones are back in, music set down low to keep your awareness up. The soundtrack as you climb down into the dim street below is... [[Pop.|6][$ch to 1]] [[Country.|6][$ch to 2]] [[Rock.|6][$ch to 3]] [[Metal.|6][$ch to 4]] [[Alternative.|6][$ch to 5]] [[Hip-hop.|6][$ch to 6]] [[Electronic.|6][$ch to 7]] [[Classical.|6][$ch to 8]] [[A bit of everything.|6][$ch to 9]] [[White noise|6][$ch to 10]] [[Actually, it's a crime podcast|6][$ch to 11]]

<center><h1>CHAPTER TWO</h1></center> The grimy mirror in front of you reflects a miserable picture of yourself, toothbrush in hand. M's 'groceries' turned out to consist of a loaf of bread, two apples, a banana and a bag of rice. A mildly concerning array of products that suggests either M eats like a 12-year-old or they're not human. Once you're done contemplating your potentially robotic landlord, you return to the main area of your apartment. You soak in the dismal living space before turning your attention to the window. It's not a particularly pleasant day, the clouds turning the sky a depressing grey. Seeing as you've nothing to make a meal out of, you'll have to traverse the treachery that is the supermarket after all. A quick glance at your phone after grabbing it from the bed reveals that it is 9:53AM. Time to go. Senford is surprisingly lively on the weekend. Its small-town-ness overwhelmed by its proximity to the city, beckoning an influx of visitors otherwise highly unusual. While you usually prefer to avoid people entirely as your mode of hiding, sometimes crowds make a better cover — especially during the day. After grabbing your keys, you poke your head out of your door and glance around the corridor. Blissfully quiet. You leave through the front door — less suspicious than using your window — and head [[down the street.|st]]

The streets are about as busy as you thought. Nowhere near what you'd expect for a city, but definitely more than you've seen during your stay in Senford. It appears you've caught the mid-morning rush. Still, the air of drowsiness that permeates Senford remains. The sun's meek attempts to penetrate the thick cloud cover result more in an icy glare than any warmth. Pulling your jacket tighter around you, you walk in the direction you think the general store must be, your $mc_music <><<if ($mc_music isnot "white noise") and ($mc_music isnot "crime podcasts")>> music <<endif>> playing through your earphones. <<endnobr>> You haven't gone more than a few steps when the back of your neck prickles. Someone's watching you. You try to play off your sudden freezing in the middle of the street and resume walking, but you don't manage to shake the moment off. The undeniable feeling of eyes on you lingers. <> Trying to remain inconspicuous, you glance around to see if there really is someone tailing you. <<if ($physical gt $intellect) and ($agi gt $str)>> You move quickly enough to spot a flash of //something// lurking near a building. It disappears too fast for you to get a look however, and you're left unsure of what it was. <<set $spoti to true>> <<elseif $obs gt $kno>> You manage to spot an odd shadow, near a building, strangely out of place. However, as soon as you blink, it's gone. <<set $spoti to true>> <<else>> Nothing sticks out to you, and you're left with an uneasiness in your stomach but no answers. <<endif>> Perhaps there wasn't anything to begin with? Shrugging off the feeling, you continue down the street. Albeit slightly more warily. <<if $kno gt $obs>> You vaguely remember the way to the store from your very brief research on Senford. <<elseif $tech gt $res>> You have no idea where you're going, but a quick search on your phone points you in the right direction. <<elseif $pers gt $int>> You're unsure where exactly you're headed, so you quickly ask a passer-by who clarifies your directions. <<else>> You're completely clueless as to where to go, but you figure it out eventually. <<endif>> The grocery store sports an unlit 'open' sign, automatic doors and migraine-inducing fluorescent lighting. It's small, and some of the prices are outrageous, but it's not too bad. Better than some. You [[head inside.|sh]] <<endnobr>>

The store is quiet. There's only a few people besides yourself Blinking the harsh light out of your eyes as best you can, you grab a basket and walk down the rather small meat and dairy aisle. It doesn't take more than a few minutes for you to complete your shopping. You focus on the basics, just enough to get you through til the next town. Some stuff to go with the rice for a quick dinner tonight, your favourite spread, granola bars — they're easy to carry and give you a good boost, that sort of thing. You're hoping to leave early tomorrow morning, and you won't be able to take that much with you. As you head towards the checkout, a garish, brightly coloured box catches your eye. Your favourite cereal. //Fruitalicious Fruit Froots.// Sweet, colourful and wildly unhealthy for a breakfast food. You're not sure there's even any actual fruit in them. You glance between your half-full basket and the slightly disturbing face of the cartoon mascot on the label. Your internal debate is very short-lived, the arguments of "just this once" and "it's been so long" winning out easily. It is however, placed on the top shelf. [[Which is meaningless to you as you're very tall. (6'3 and over)|sh1][$mc_height to "very tall"]] [[An easy feat for you due to your tall height. (5'10-6'2))|sh1][$mc_height to "tall"]] [[You shouldn't have too much trouble as you're average in height. (5'5-5'9)|sh1][$mc_height to "average"]] [[You're not entirely sure how you'll get it, as you're short. (5'0-5'4) |sh1][$mc_height to "short"]] [[Your being vertically challenged makes this an impossible task. (4'11 and under)|sh1][$mc_height to "very short"]]

<><<if ($mc_height is "short") or ($mc_height is "very short")>> Fortunately, you spot a box on a lower shelf that you //can// reach. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You walk towards the box, focused solely on having it in your possession. You reach up, fingers closing around the cardboard, and pull it down. You just stare at it for a few seconds. Soaking up the energy it gives off; of laughter, childhood. There's something so nostalgic about it. Smiling softly to yourself, you turn to go to the checkout. The cashier rings up your items with a relieving swiftness. Their face remains in the same bored, apathetic expression it was in when you entered the shop. They read you the total — //$34.50?// — and take your money with the enthusiasm of a sea urchin. It's almost impressive. [[You give them a small smile as you grab your items.|sh2][$ch to 1]] [[You just give them a nod before you leave.|sh2][$ch to 2]] [[You don't acknowledge them in any way.|sh2][$ch to 3]]

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $open +=3>> <<set $friendly += 3>> You shoot them a smile as you grab your things off the counter. They don't return it. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $friendly +=2>> Once your items are safely within your arms, you nod at the cashier in some kind of thanks. They just stare at you. <<else>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $friendly -=2>> You don't pay the cashier any mind, simply grabbing your stuff. They aren't in the slightest affected. <<endif>><<endnobr>> Things are unchanged when you leave the store. You let out a short breath of relief. Now you just need to get back to your apartment unscathed, prepare to leave and then actually do it. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Or it should be. Instead, you barely manage to stop yourself from absolutely eating shit when your foot catches on the pavement below you, tripping you up. You look down to try to locate the offending crack, presumably to berate it, but your eyes are drawn to something else. Something small and shiny, sitting in the middle of the footpath. Squatting down, you pick it up to get a closer look. It's a silver ring. It's a relatively simple band, with a circuit board pattern in it. It intrigues you, and you find yourself pocketing it almost unconsciously, continuing along the path to avoid becoming an obstacle. You reach your apartment sooner than you expected. Likely because you knew better where you were going. But, that familiarity is a worrying sign. One you can't allow yourself to have. Entering the complex, you spare a swift nod to the receptionist before hurrying [[up the stairs.|apart2]]

You fumble for the lock for a few seconds, the bag of groceries on your arms complicating the simple task. Your success is announced with a solid click, and you push the door open with your knee. Your apartment is dim, the blinds pulled shut against the lack of sunlight. The light that does peek through is a feeble, cold grey. You can barely see enough to kick your shoes off at the door, moving to dump your groceries on the kitchen bench to sort later. You flop onto your bed, almost breaking your back on the hard mattress. Now you wait. You'll have to check out by 5pm, then you're catching the 7:30 train to the next town you're staying in, Rosewood. You should arrive before 9, hopefully with a hotel or hostel willing to take someone in for one night. Then you'll make a choice for which location to sully with your appearance next. But it's not even midday. You've got hours before you even need to think about packing your few belongings up for the trip. You need to do some serious time-killing. Fortunately, in all your years as a kid stuck at home with very little stimulation, you grew comfortable with your own company and accustomed to entertaining yourself. You let your thoughts drift away on their own. A memory finds its way onto the path your mind wanders. A birthday from many years ago. Long before that conversation with your mother on the balcony. You were maybe 12 or 13 — the years blend together — and for once, your father was home. He was even busier than your mother, who was underestimated in her work, and was often flown out to far off countries for conferences and the like. As such, he was rarely home, even for your birthday, let alone other celebrations and holidays. But on this occasion, he was home to give you your gift in person. It was a laptop. A high-end, top of the line laptop, one that would have put a dent in anyone's savings, even your parents'. You distinctly remember the wrapping. It was plain blue, with a silver ribbon tied around it. You doubted your father had wrapped it himself, but he stuck around to watch you open it so at the very least he had picked out the gift himself. [[You were overjoyed, not just with the gift, but the opportunity to spend time with your father.|f1][$ch to 1]] [[The gift was nice, but you found yourself more grateful for your father making time for you, even it it was a bit awkward.|f1][$ch to 2]] [[While you did appreciate the gesture, it was hard to shake the underlying bitterness you felt. |f1][$ch to 3]] [[His efforts did little to soothe the hurt you had accumulated over the years.|f1][$ch to 4]] [[The gift was meaningless. Just another hollow attempt to make up for not being there.|f1][$ch to 5]] [[You all but refused to talk to your father, let alone accept his lousy excuse for a present. |f1][$ch to 6]]

<> <<set $f_mem to true>> <<if $ch is 1>> <<set $f_rel to 70>> <<if $m_rel gte 70>> Just like with your mother, you had done your best to maintain a good relationship with your father, despite his time away. <<elseif $m_rel gte 50>> You had always found it easier to remain close to your father than your mother, despite his time away. <<else>> In stark contrast to your relationship with your mother, you managed to stay close to your father despite his time away. <<endif>> While not necessarily the closest father-$mc_child relationship, you loved your father. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $f_rel to 60>> <<if $m_rel gte 70>> Similarly to your mother, you'd tried to maintain a good relationship with your father, with some success. <<elseif $m_rel gte 50>> You tried to remain close to your father, despite his time away. <<else>> In stark contrast to your relationship with your mother, you tried to remain somewhat close with your father despite his time away. <<endif>> You still felt his absence, but overall you loved your father. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $f_rel to 50>> <<if $m_rel gte 60>> Unlike your mother, you'd never quite managed to feel completely connected to your father, despite your efforts. <<elseif $m_rel gte 50>> Just like with your mother, you'd never quite managed to feel completely connected to your father, despite your efforts. <<else>> Though not as strained as your relationship with your mother, you'd never quite managed to feel completely connected to your father, despite your efforts. <<endif>> Though you tried to push past it, there was always a slight strain in your interactions. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $f_rel to 30>> <<if $m_rel gte 60>> In stark contrast to your relationship with your mother, you never felt close to your father. <<elseif $m_rel gte 40>> Similarly to your mother, you never felt close to your father. <<else>> Though not quite as bad as your mother, you never felt close to your father. <<endif>> You didn't hate him, but it was hard to have a relationship with someone you never saw. <<elseif $ch is 5>> <<set $f_rel to 20>> <<if $m_rel gte 60>> In stark contrast to your relationship with your mother, you held little love for your father. <<elseif $m_rel gte 40>> Although you had a strained relationship with your mother, your one with your father was even worse. <<else>> Similarly to your mother, you held little love for your father. <<endif>> You gave up hoping to actually have any semblance of a relationship with him a long time ago. <<else>> <<set $f_rel to 10>> <<if $m_rel gte 50>> In stark contrast to your relationship with your mother, you hated your father. <<elseif $m_rel gte 30>> Although you had a strained relationship with your mother, your one with your father was even worse. <<else>> Just like your mother, you held a deep resentment for your father. <<endif>> You couldn't find it in you to care for someone who so clearly didn't care for you. <<endif>> <<if $f_rel gte 50>> You appreciated the gift, not just because of your father's effort, but also the fact it was a laptop. <<else>> But no matter your relationship, you weren't about to turn down a laptop. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> Sure, you had motly had whatever you wanted, but this was the first time you'd been allowed a device of any kind. It seems strange now, having gone through more burner phones than you can keep track of, but at the time it was new and exciting. You mostly found yourself using the laptop for... <<link "Talking to people. //Not// in a weird way." "f2">><<set $ch to 1>><</link>> [[Learning new things.|f2][$ch to 2]] [[Feeding your interest in technology and science.|f2][$ch to 3]] [[Looking up how to keep fit at home.|f2][$ch to 4]]

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $psychology +=5>> You took the opportunity to make connections, considering you couldn't really have true friends in your situation. You made a few online aqquaintances and you definitely think it helped stop you from being completely inept socially. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $intellect +=5>> You spent your time researching things that interested you, learning as much as possible about the world you couldn't explore yourself. Even beyond using it for (home)schoolwork, you attempted to expand your mind as much as possible, to satisfy your hunger for knowledge. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $science +=5>> The computer provided a place for you to channel your interest in technology and other sciences. It opened up a whole world of coding and scientific knowledge, in addition to you being able to study its physical components in person. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $physical +=5>> Considering you could barely set foot outside, let alone join a gym or any sporting clubs, you turned to the online world to help feed your desire to keep fit. Workout videos became your bread and butter, and you do believe they helped you stay in shape. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You certainly got your money's worth with how often you used the laptop. A sharp knock cuts off your thoughts. For a few moments you're not sure if you're just hearing things. Then it comes again. Three short knocks in quick succession. Coming from your door. Someone's //knocking// at your door. The sound instantly sets you on edge, tensing every muscle, putting every hair on end. You sit up, chest tight, and stare at where the sound is coming from. You have no idea who could be on the other side. You don't dare to breathe. Your movements are zombie-like as you stand up from the bed. You back away slightly, positioning yourself to be facing the entrance. You stare at it for a few moments. You should decide what to do before your potential guest knocks once more. [[Go over to the door.|door]] [[Stay where you are.|stay]] [[Leave. Right now.|leave]]

<><<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<set $count += 1>> <<if $count is 1>> You're frozen. You don't move, you don't speak — you don't even blink. All you can do is stand there next to the bed, staring at the door. Your brain is fried. No thoughts manage to surface, instead swirling around in a confusing whirlpool of fear. The knock comes again. [[You remain where you are. |stay]] [[You go to the door. |door]] [[You decide you have to get out of here. |leave]] <<elseif $count is 2>> <<if $peep>> You back away from the door, heart pounding in your chest. You can't believe what you've just seen — or maybe you just don't want to. The 'O' symbol with the flame in the centre seems to hover before you, freezing you in place. <<set $ch to 1>> Another knock. Louder somehow. You can almost taste the impatience held by whichever agent it is. [[But you can't bring yourself to move.|stay][$count +=1]] [[You move back up to the door. |door]] [[You've got to get out of here.|leave]] <<else>> Yet again you don't move. Or can't move. You stand there numbly, waiting for something to happen. Another knock. Louder somehow. You can almost taste the impatience held by whoever it is. [[But you can't bring yourself to move.|stay][$count +=1]] [[You go over to the door.|door]] [[You get the hell out of here.|leave]] <<endif>> <<elseif $count is 3>> <<if $peep>> You back away from the door, heart pounding in your chest. You can't believe what you've just seen — or maybe you just don't want to. The 'O' symbol with the flame in the centre seems to hover before you, freezing you in place. <<set $ch to 1>> [[You can't move. |stay][$ch to 1]] [[You have to get out of here. |leave]] <<endif>> <<else>> <<if $peep>> <<if $ch is 1>> Shock shackles you in place. Your mind whirls, struggling to make sense of what you've seen. All you can do is stand there. Waiting for something to happen. [[You don't have to wait long. |lose]] <<else>> You back away from the door, heart pounding in your chest. You can't believe what you've just seen — or maybe you just don't want to. The 'O' symbol with the flame in the centre seems to hover before you, freezing you in place. You're left staring dumbly at the door. [[A door that doesn't stay closed for long.|lose]] <<endif>> <<elseif $chain>> You draw in a shaky breath, shutting the door and taking a step back. You need to think. What can you even do? They've not only seen you but //spoken// to you. You're so fucked. You've got to come up with some way to get out of this. [[Not that you get a chance.|lose]] <<else>> You still can't bring yourself to do anything. You remain where you are, awaiting the next attack on your flimsy door. But it doesn't come. Instead, [[the door flies open.|lose]] <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endnobr>>

<> <<set $willing to false>> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<set $run to true>> <<if $chain>> You waste no time, slamming the door shut in the faces of the agents. A deep primordial fear fills your body and you bolt over to the window. It slides open with a protesting creak but you're already halfway out. You can hear the door to your apartment straining against some sort of force being thrown at it from behind you. It groans as you swing your head under the window. <<elseif $peep>> <<set $cautious +=2>> What you've just seen has stirred something in you. Adrenaline surges in your veins, dragging you to action. You stumble backwards at first, before you turn and run to the window. //You need to get out.// Your hands fumble with the latch to the window <<elseif $count is 0>> <<set $cautious +=4>> You don't know who's knocking at your door. But you do know it can't be anyone good. You don't give yourself any time to think, any time to get stuck. You just act. You're off the bed in seconds, and at the window in what feels like the blink of an eye. The knock comes again once you've opened it, pushing outward with your fingertips cold against the window. You ignore it, already climbing out into the chilly air. <<else>> You shake out of your stupor, rushing to the window. You unlatch it as quickly as the rusted metal allows you, shoving it open. Climbing out isn't easy in your nervous rush, but you manage. <<endif>><<endnobr>> The sky above you is growing darker, the light grey now a choleric storm blue. A drop falls on your face as you look up and you curse your bad luck. Scaling the building down to the ground is going to be a lot harder in the rain. Your hands find the crevices with ease even with your heart beating out of your chest. You glance up, but fortunately see no one following you through the window. An unpleasant shock reverberates through you as your feet slam into the damp pavement. Maybe you slightly misjudged how high you were when you jumped down, but what matters is you're out of the apartment. <>You shake off the aftermath quickly, bolting down the street less than a second after your feet touch the ground. You don't know where you're going. The adrenaline guides you frantically around corners and through narrow alleyways. <<if $physical gte 5>> Your breaths are growing shorter with every passing second, but you know you can do this. <<else>> Your lungs burn, every step threatening to snap your legs in half. But you keep going. <<endif>> You keep running. You can't stop, you don't think you even know how to anymore.<<endnobr>> Raindrops fall at an increasing rate, almost racing alongside you. Your skin burns where they strike it, but you ignore it, focusing on running. The buildings become less and less familiar with every turn, despite all looking the same. Everything is a blur of grey and black as you sprint through the streets. Eventually, your head swimming, you slow to a stop. You're completely and utterly lost. You had never gone this far into Senford, and certainly not this far. It looks like you're in a largely uninhabited industrial area of some kind. Concrete stretches as far as you can see, the cold grey harsher in this light. It's deathly silent, in a chilling way that sets every inch of you on edge. The buildings seem to loom over you, waiting for their chance to swallow you. <><<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> You hope you've gotten far enough that the agents won't be able to find you. Otherwise you've just gotten yourself lost for absolutely no reason. <<if $chain>> It sounded like they were trying to break your door down when you left, so you just hope they either didn't get in or didn't notice the open window. But it's doubtful they didn't. //Shit.// you should never have opened that door. <<if $peep>> After looking through the peephole you should have known better. <<endif>> <<else>> You mean, there's no way for the agents to know you've run. They probably just assumed you weren't home. You should be fine. Probably. <<endif>> <<else>> You feel a bit foolish. For all you know, whoever was knocking on the door was entirely harmless, and now you're lost. You've no idea how you'd even get back to the apartment. You sigh, scuffing your toes on the asphalt. <<endif>><<endnobr>> The rain is growing heavier now, and you'll soon be drenched. You should do something. [[You're going to sit somewhere and catch your breath.|breather]] [[You think you'll try to find your way back to the apartment.|apartmental]] [[You guess you'll just keep walking.|walk]]

<> <<set $break to true>> <<if $chain is true>> <<set _lset to true>> You hadn't said anything before you closed the door, but the agents didn't give you much of a chance to open it again. The door crashes open. The chain splits apart, a few loose links falling to the floor in a dramatic arc. Your eyes track them as they land on the carpet, before flicking back up to the now very open doorway. $v_name is slightly to the side now, presumably to let the $blond_e $l_person kick your door in. You can tell it was $l_them who did the kicking from $l_their offensive pose. $l_they relaxes it, moving into something almost neutral. Considering $l_they just broke down your door, it's hard not to read $l_them as aggressive. A warm glow seems to emanate from $l_their skin, though it may just be the light from behind $l_them.<<if $l_person is "man">> His short, ash blond hair looks almost silver in the dim light of your apartment. <<else>> Her tied back, ash blonde hair looks almost silver in the dim light of your apartment. <<endif>> <<elseif $peep is true>> <<set _lset to true>> You're not given much more time to process when the door crashes open. The hinges squealing in protest as the handle slams in to the wall. You reflexively step back, eyes never leaving your now very exposed doorway. The $l_person you saw stands in the centre. $l_Their tall figure fills up most of the doorframe. A slight warm glow seems to emanate from within $l_their skin, though it must just be the light. $v_name is to $l_their right. $v_Their grey eyes pierce into you. Even though $v_they doesn't say anything, you're frozen. Something about $v_name's expression unsettles you. It's different to what you've seen from $v_them previously. More sinister somehow. The other $l_person moves out of the offensive stance $l_they held — presumably from smashing your door down — into something more neutral. It doesn't do much to relax you however. <<elseif $ch is 10>> <<set _lset to true>> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> A tall $l_person stands in the doorway. $l_Their stance is offensive; fists raised, one foot slightly in front of the other. You've no doubt $l_they just kicked your door in. A strange light almost seems to emanate from $l_them, bathing $l_their beige skin in a warm glow. <<if $l_person is "man">> His short, ash blond hair looks almost silver in the dim light of your apartment. <<else>> Her tied back, ash blonde hair looks almost silver in the dim light of your apartment. <<endif>> $l_They shifts, moving into a more neutral pose. Though it doesn't exactly make you want to run over and hug $l_them. $l_They did just break down your door. <<else>> Any hopes you might have had that your visitor would grow tired and leave are thoroughly dashed when the door slams open. A loud crash sounds as the handle slams into the wall, the entire apartment shaking from the impact. You startle, taking a half step backwards. Your eyes don't leave the now open door, and what — or rather, who — stands in the doorway demands that you don't look away. Slightly to the side is $v_name. $v_They's looking at you, though just a moment ago $v_their attention was on the other person at your door. $v_Their grey eyes pierce through you, the friendliness you saw yesterday forgotten. Your gaze quickly locks on the other person. The cause of your now destroyed apartment door. <<if $onmeet>> <<set $ch to 10>> [[A tall man stands in the doorway.|lose][$l_person to "man"]] [[A tall woman stands in the doorway.|lose][$l_person to "woman"]] <<else>> <<set _lset to true>> A tall $l_person stands in the doorway. $l_Their stance is offensive; fists raised, one foot slightly in front of the other. You've no doubt $l_they's the one who just kicked your door in. A strange light almost seems to emanate from $l_them, bathing $l_their beige skin in a warm glow. <<if $l_person is "man">> His short, ash blond hair looks almost silver in the dim light of your apartment. <<else>> Her tied back, ash blonde hair looks almost silver in the dim light of your apartment. <<endif>> $l_They shifts, moving into a more neutral pose. Though it doesn't exactly make you want to run over and hug $l_them. $l_They did just break down your door. <<endif>> <<endif>><<endnobr>> <<if _lset is true>> "Please remain where you are, $mx $surname," $l_they says as $l_they steps into the apartment, $v_name following behind. "We are with the Catalyst Control Organisation," $l_they continues, the words barely registering, "You are under arrest on several charges." Your heart beats wildly in your chest, like a bird franticly fighting to escape its cage. "You need to come with us now," $l_they continues. [[No way. You're getting out of here.|o2][$ch to 1]] [[Maybe you can stall them or something.|o2][$ch to 2]] [[Could you convince them they have the wrong person?|o2][$ch to 3]] [[You should just go along with it.|willing]] <<endif>>

<<set $peep to true>> By some miracle, your door has one of those viewing lenses that lets you see through. You <><<if ($mc_height is "tall") or ($mc_height is "very tall")>> bend down to <<elseif ($mc_height is "short") or ($mc_height is "very short")>> go on your tiptoes to <<endif>><<endnobr>> peer through the hole. Though the lens warps the image slightly, bulging and twisting it, you can make out a figure. Or rather, multiple figures. The one that immediately captures your eye is the $v_person immediately in the centre. It's $v_name. That's altogether not that unusual you suppose, though you're still on edge. To the left of $v_them, however is <><<if $onmeet>>\ a <<cycle "$l_person" autoselect>> <<option "woman">> <<option "man">> <</cycle>> <<else>>\ a $l_person <<endif>> with beige skin and blonde hair you can just make out. But what really catches your attention is the jacket they have on. It has the Organisation's symbol on it.<<endnobr>> //They've caught up to you.// [[You back away from the door. |stay]] [[That's your cue to get the hell out of here. |leave]] [[You open the door, but keep the chain on. |chain]] [[You open the door. |open]]

<><<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<set $chain to true>> <<set $count +=2>> <<if $peep>> Despite what you've just seen, you reach to grab the chain, sliding it across to prevent the door from being opened fully. Maybe it's to confirm it, maybe you're scared, <<if $righteous gt 50>> or feel some sick sense of duty, <<endif>> you can't be sure. Drawing a breath in, you steel yourself and open the door. It hitches as the chain becomes taught, but It's open enough. You can now see $v_name clearly. $v_They smiles at the sight of you, but it just causes your stomach to twist uncomfortably. "Sam," $v_they offer cheerfully. $v_Their gaze moves across your face in a slow, analytical manner that makes your skin crawl. "$v_name," you reply <<if $open gte 50>> evenly. <<else>> stonily. <<endif>> "Could we talk?" $v_they says, smile unflinching, "What about?" you ask, heartrate spiking. $v_Their eyes shoot to the side for a second. Presumably to look at the $l_person accompanying $v_them. At first, all you can see is the corner of $l_their jacket. Then $l_they shifts into view. $l_They's the same as what you could see through the peephole, freaky jacket to boot. Seeing it clearer somehow makes it all real. The Organisation is at your door. "Please open the door, $mx $surname," the $l_person says, freezing your blood in your veins. They know who you are. That certainly rules out this being a social call. <<else>> Your hand deftly slides the chain across, preventing the door from being opened fully. However, it hesitates before turnng the handle, doing so much more slowly. The door hitches as the chain becomes taut, but you can see into the hallway. You bite back your surprise to see $v_name standing there. $v_Their eyes flit briefly down to the chain and you get the impression $v_they's somehow amused by it. "Sam," $v_they says, smile wide. There's something you can't quite place behind $v_their eyes. It's almost like $v_they's analysing you. You don't like it. "$v_name," you reply <<if $open gte 50>> confusion clear in your voice. <<else>> hiding your mounting confusion. <<endif>> "Could we talk?" $v_they says, smile unflinching, "What about?" you ask, eyeing them warily. $v_Their eyes shoot to the side for a second. Your heart skips a beat. There's someone else there. "Why don't you open the door?" $v_they asks, the ever-present smile growing strained. You angle your head to catch a glimpse of where $v_they looked. You manage to see the edge of someone's arm. You can't make out much more than that they seem tall and they're wearing a black jacket. "$mx $surname," a voice says, freezing your blood where it rushes through your veins. "We'd appreciate your cooperation." The owner of the voice shifts into view and you can see that it's a tall <<if $onmeet>>\ <<cycle "$l_person">> <<option "man">> <<option "woman">> <</cycle>> <<else>> $l_person <<endif>> with beige skin. More urgently, you can see that the jacket they're wearing isn't just any jacket. It has the Organisation's symbol on it. //They've caught up with you.// <<endif>> <<endnobr>> "Open the door," the voice comes again, sterner somehow. [[You open the door completely. |open]] [[You close the door, pausing to process things. |stay]] [[You need to get out of here. Fast. |leave]]

<><<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<set $opendoor to true>> <<if $chain>> Something compels you to open the door. You can't entirely explain it yet, your mind reeling from the shock of what's happening. Maybe it's fear of what will happen otherwise, <<if $righteous gt 50>> maybe it's out of some sense of obligation, <<endif>> maybe it's just simple resignation. Whatever it may be, you slowly close the door, unlatch the chain and open it again. This time it doesn't stop barely half-way. No, it swings in completely, exposing you to the people - //agents?// - waiting on the other side. The unfamiliar $l_person gives you what you're sure is supposed to be a smile, but $l_they looks more pained than anything else. "Thank you for your cooperation, $mx $surname," $l_they says. <<elseif $peep is true>> You're not sure what makes you reach for the handle. Maybe you want to confirm what you just saw. Maybe you're pulled by some kind of <<if $righteous gt 50>> fear or obligation, <<else>> fear, <<endif>> you're not entirely sure. But reach for it you do. It twists unnervingly easily under your grasp, the door swinging too quickly for your lethargic mind. And there they are. No longer warped by the peephole. You can see them clearly now. Both $v_name and the unknown $l_man stand before you. "$mx $surname," the unfamiliar $l_person says, offering a strained smile. $v_name gives you a smile that doesn't quite sit right. <<else>> What else are you supposed to do when someone knocks at the door, right? The handle feels cool against your hand, slipping slightly at the sweat that covers your palm. Anyone could be on the other side of the door. And you're just going to open it. This might be the stupidest decision you've ever made. You turn the handle. A click. Then the door swings inwards. Your eyes immediately catch on a familair face. $v_name stands before you, a smile on $v_their face that in no way appears genuine. Momentary relief, if only slight, fills you. Perhaps this is nothing to be concerned about after all. It disappears in the next moment. The tall figure next to $v_name draws your attention, instantly squashing any hope you might have had. It's a <<if $onmeet>>\ <<cycle "$l_person">> <<option "man">> <<option "woman">> <</cycle>> <<else>>\ $l_person <<endif>> clad in a black jacket. But it isn't the jacket itself that claims your attention. It's the emblem on it. A white 'O', with a flame in the center. The symbol of the Organisation. Your last meal threatens to plant itself on the ground in front of you. "$mx $surname," the agent you don't know says. <<endif>> <<if $chain is false>> The use of your true name squashes any hope you might have had. They know who you are. That means they're definitely not here for a social call. Your heart squeezes painfully in your chest. You take a step back. You almost fall, your body barely able to keep itself upright. <<endif>><<endnobr>> "$mx $surname, you must come with us," the voice continues, "As I'm sure you are aware, we are with the Catalyst Control Organisation. This is not a request." You feel like you're going to pass out. [[You're going to try to make a run for it.|o2][$ch to 1]] [[You'll keep them talking while you think of something.|o2][$ch to 2]] [[Maybe you could convince them you're not you.|o2][$ch to 3]] [[There's no point. You should cooperate.|willing]]

<<set $runaway to "breathe">> <><<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> Surely you've run far enough that you can take a break. You don't even know where you are, so you may as well not be on the verge of passing out. For all you know, you could end up walking right back into the agents. <<else>> You need a break. You can't think straight when you're low on oxygen and high on adrenaline. You'll probably be wanting to get back to the apartment soon, but you've no clue how you're going to get there. <<endif>> You need some time to collect your thoughts. And it'll be nice to get out of the rain.<<endnobr>> Your eyes scan the buildings around you, tall grey columns you half expect to fall on you at any second. Droplets fall on your face, sliding unpleasantly down to your neck. You power walk over to the nearest covered doorway, huddling inside the dim excuse for shelter. The building itself wasn't recognisable as anything more than a grey mass, but it's entrance was set back, providing some cover from the rain. You wrap your arms around your already damp clothes, trying to squeeze out some water and in some warmth. It doesn't work. The sound of rain hitting concrete echoes around you, sending a shiver down your spine. The uncanny noise is far from musical, almost grating at your ears. You breathe in and out slowly, trying to settle your still pounding heart. It's probably best to try to wait out the storm a little bit. There's no point in being lost //and// having hypothermia. <><<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> Maybe by then the agents will have gone and you can safely get the hell out of here. The thought sends another shock of adrenaline racing down you. Now that you can think clearly, the reality of your situation is starting to kick in. The Organisation has found you. Like, //at your door// found you. <<if $chain>> You've //spoken to them.// <<endif>> This is so not good. <<else>> And whoever was knocking at your door has probably given up. You'd still prefer to leave town soon. Regardless of who it was, anyone knowing you enough to be knocking at your door //needs// to forget about you. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You peer up at the sky, the swirling grey clouds an echo of your thoughts. You close your eyes and lean against the wall. Breathe out, slowly. You need to calm down if you're going to figure this out. The rain doesn't let up. You lean against the wall, gazing out into the torrential downpour. If anything, it seems like it's getting heavier. You're coming down from your adrenaline high, exhaustion settling into [[its place.|caught]]

<<set $cautious -=3>> <<set $runaway to "apartment">> <><<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> You can't exactly stay out here, even if the apartment maybe isn't the safest right now. Hopefully by the time you get back, the agents have moved on. And if not, at least you won't be lost. It may not be the best idea but it's all you can think of. Turning around is probably a good place to start, as you know you came from that direction. At least you were running from there most recently. Every building looks the same, all bleak grey towers of varying shades and heights, all towering over you as though mocking your predicament. You shudder. Whether from the dropping temperature and your drenched state or the thought of the agents you're not entirely sure. Now that you're not running for your life, your thoughts have the space to actually become rational. The Organisation has found you. Two agents were at your door. <<if $chain>> You //spoke// to said agents. <<endif>> You're fucked. <<else>> Your number one priority is to get back to the apartment. Or more generally, to stop being lost. You should at least know where you are before you do anything drastic. You take a breath, then turn around. You figure it's a good place to start, as you know you came from that direction. At least you were running from there most recently. Every building looks the same, all bleak grey towers of varying shades and heights, that all tower over you as though mocking your predicament. Honestly, you're beginning to feel a bit foolish for getting so worked up over what could be nothing. Maybe your door's attacker had the wrong room number. Maybe it was some non-specific door-knocking routine of the complex. Hell, maybe you'd imagined it. You hadn't imagined it. And there's no reason for someone to be knocking on your door. Even if their intentions weren't malicious, it's a bad sign for //anyone// to know where you are. You internally curse yourself for ever talking to $v_name. <<endif>><<endnobr>> But you suppose nothing can be done now. Being back at the apartment could give you a chance to turn this around, <><<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> if the agents have gone that is. <<else>> if your mysterious guest has gone that is. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You wrap your arms around yourself, a weak attempt to retain some warmth. The rain is beating down heavier now, making it even harder to recognise anything at all. <><<if $mc_htex is "headscarf">> Your headscarf is beginning to get wet too. <<elseif $hup>> The stray hairs not in your $mc_htex have been plastered to your face. <<elseif $hcount gt 1>> Your hair is sticking unpleasantly to your face and neck. <<elseif $mc_htex is "short">> Your hair has flattened against your head from the rain. <<else>> Thankfully you don't have to worry about your hair being wet. But, it's still all very uncomfortable. <<endif>><<if $mc_glasses is "glasses">> And to make matters worse, your glasses are covered in water. You can barely see through the droplets obscuring your vision. <<endif>> You'd like to get back inside as soon as possible. Hopefully into your //empty// apartment. Then you can get out of here on the next train. The sound of the rain echoes all around you, drowning out [[your thoughts.|caught]]<<endnobr>>

<<set $cautious -=1>> <<set $runaway to "walk">> You're already lost, what's the harm in continuing on? It's not like you'll know where you're going anyway. <><<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> And the point was to get as far away from the agents as possible. You could be going in circles, but you can't just sit around and you need to at least feel like you're doing something. The thought of the agents sends a shiver down your spine, alongside all the others from the rain. You're really getting drenched out here. Your clothes stick uncomfortably to your skin, <<if ($hcount gt 1) and ($mc_htex isnot "headscarf")>> as does your hair, <<endif>> though your predicament is much more uncomfortable. You've been well and truly found by the Organisation. They were at your door. <<if $chain>> You //spoke// to them. <<endif>> If it will even matter that you got away right now is doubtful. You're screwed. <<else>> You mean, you were trying to get //away// from the apartment, even if your justifications for doing so are becoming more and more questionable. You can't just sit around though, you want to feel like you're doing something. You're really getting drenched out here. Your clothes stick uncomfortably to your skin, <<if ($hcount gt 1) and ($mc_htex isnot "headscarf")>> as does your hair, <<endif>> though your predicament is much more uncomfortable. Who was at your door? What did they want? Even if it wasn't outright malicious, it's dangerous for you to have someone knocking at your door. <<endif>><<endnobr>> The endless grey of your surroundings doesn't invite enthusiasm, but you continue anyway. <><<if $glasses is "glasses">> Your glasses are completely soaked as well, water droplets in stasis on the lenses making it hard to see. <<else>> Water collects on your eyelashes, falling down your cheeks every time you blink. <<endif>> you shiver a little, though you don't really feel cold. Maybe it's the exercise or adrenaline, maybe both. <<endnobr>> Walking further, you feel your certainty slip more and more, accompanied by a mounting anxiety. The noise of the rain pounding on the concrete around you is deafening, the endless water making it hard to see more than a metre in front of you. Not that visibility would even aid you. You have no idea where you're going. You could be walking in circles. For all you know, you could be heading straight back the way you came. But at least you're doing something. Even if it is pointless [[in the end.|caught]]

<<unset $ch>> You become aware of another sound, something hitting the ground repeatedly. Something that isn't water. The rhythm is disjointed, the contact heavier. It sounds like footsteps. Cold, primal terror fills you. You don't //know// if it's <><<if ($chain) or ($peep)>>\ the agents, <<else>>\ your pursuers, <<endif>> but realistically, who's wandering the backstreets in this weather?<<endnobr>> How they've managed to track you here, <><<if $runaway is "walk">> especially considering you've been constantly moving, <<endif>> you have no idea. <<if $runaway is "apartment">> You seriously doubt you were actually heading back towards the apartment. <<endif>> But you've got bigger fish to fry right now. Like the footsteps steadily moving towards you.<<endnobr>> <><<if $runaway is "breathe">> Maybe situating yourself in somewhere easily cornerable wasn't the best idea. Though, they might not see you in the shadowy doorway. [[Hide further.|hide]] [[Run now.|run]] <<else>> You try to identify where the footsteps are coming from, but they seem to be coming from every direction. How many <<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> agents <<else>> people <<endif>> are there to be able to surround you? A fresh surge of adrenaline rushes through your veins. What can you do? [[You need to hide.|hide]] [[You'll pick a direction and run.|run]] [[Nothing.|nil]] <<endif>><<endnobr>>

<> <<set $s_alley to true>> <<if $runaway is "breathe">> You shuffle backwards, thankful for the rain masking any noise you might make. Pressing your back into the corner, you try to become as inconspicuous as possible. With any luck, the shadows will hide you. The footsteps move closer. It swiftly becomes apparent that there are multiple sets. There's more than one person after you. <<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> Not that surprising considering your previous guests. <<endif>> <<else>> You dash for the doorway of the nearest building, trying to make your footfalls as light as possible. You duck into it, sucking in a sharp breath. You will your heart to beat slower out of some unshakeable fear of it being heard. You shuffle backwards, thankful for the rain masking any noise you might make. Pressing your back into the corner, you try to become as inconspicuous as possible. With any luck, the shadows will hide you. The footsteps move closer. As you listen, your earlier fears are confirmed. There's more than one person after you. <<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> Not that surprising considering your previous guests. <<endif>> <<endif>><<endnobr>> You hold your breath as they draw nearer, attempting to shrink further into your corner. //Walk past,// you silently urge. They don't. Instead, once the two figures come into view, they slow to a stop. <><<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> The one further away from you is the $l_person from your apartment. You don't recognise the other one. They did not have the foresight to wear anything weather appropriate. In fact, from what you can tell, they have a pair of sunglasses pushed up over their strikingly light hair. <<else>> You don't recognise either one of them. The one closer to you did not have the foresight to wear anything weather appropriate. In fact, from what you can tell, they have a pair of sunglasses pushed up over their strikingly light hair. The other person is slightly taller, allowing you to catch a glimpse of their blonde hair. You can't make out much else through the rain. <<endif>> <<if !($peep) and !($chain)>> What catches your eye the most is the emblem on the taller one's jacket. The O with a flame inside. These are Organisation agents. They've caught up to you. <<endif>> Their voices carry, even with the surrounding cacophony. "It can't just stop," the <<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> one from earlier <<else>> taller one <<endif>> says. "It doesn't," the other replies. <<if $runaway is "breathe">> "Just..." <<else>> "There's just some... crossing over." <<endif>> They turn slightly, allowing you to see their face more properly. You can tell that they're a <<if $onmeet>> <<cycle "$s_person" autoselect>> <<option "person">> <<option "man">> <<option "woman">> <</cycle>> now. <<else>> $s_person now. <<endif>> Chilling blue eyes find where you're hiding. Everything freezes. <<if ($chain) or ($peep)>> [['"There."'|hi2]] <<elseif $onmeet>> "There." [[The other man turns aswell.|hi2][$l_person to "man"]] [[The other woman turns aswell.|hi2][$l_person to "woman"]] <<else>> [['"There."'|hi2]] <<endif>><<endnobr>>

<> /* Note: it does not appear s has been gender set for onmeet players for this path? */ <<if $runaway is "breathe">> There's no time but now. You suck in a breath, brace yourself and make a dash out of the cover of the doorway. <<else>> You close your eyes. Choose a direction you're pretty sure the footsteps aren't coming from. Then you're off. <<endif>> you don't turn around, you don't check if you've been spotted. You can't hear any following steps chasing you, but you can't hear much of anything. <<if $runaway neq "breathe">> You're already nearing your limit for running. <<if $physical gte 5>> Even with your generally high stamina. <<endif>> you're exhausted. Your legs feel gelatinous with every stride you take, your lungs screaming for a chance to truly expand. <<else>> Your break did little to help you recover, and you feel your legs straining to not give way with each stride. <<if $physical gte 5>> You can only thank your general fitness for getting this far. <<endif>> <<endif>><<endnobr>> The sound of voices from behind you spurs you onwards. It seems your followers have caught on. You make a sharp turn, followed by several more. Hopefully you can shake them. A shout from behind you makes you curse internally. They're still after you. "Stop!" a voice calls out after you. Despite the distance you're sure there must be, you hear the word loud and clear. It cuts through the rain, reaching your ears with an unnerving crispness that makes you freeze in your tracks. Your mind slows. Something about the voice makes you eager to see who it belongs to. You turn, slowly, your movements sluggish as though not connected to your brain. <><<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> The $blond_e $l_person you <<if $peep>> saw <<else>> spoke with <<endif>> earlier is striding towards you. <<elseif ($onmeet)>> A tall blonde <<cycle "$l_person" autoselect>> <<option "man">> <<option "woman">> <</cycle>> is striding towards you. <<else>> A tall $l_person with $blond_e hair is striding towards you. <<endif>> You are vaguely aware of someone else to the side, but you can't focus on anyone else. <<endnobr>> [[Your mind feels odd.|pell]]

<> <<set $s_alley to true>> <<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> It may not be the agents, <<else>> It might not be anyone dangerous, <<endif>> and even if it is, you trust your ability to hold your own. You stand still, listening as the footsteps draw nearer. You release a breath slowly. Clench your fists, unclench them. Two figures emerge from the mist the rain has created. One is tall <<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> and you recognise $l_them as the $blond_e agent from before. <<else>> and blonde, with a black jacket on. <<endif>> The other <<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> You don't recognise. They're slightly shorter, with unnaturally light hair. <<else>> is slightly shorter, with unnaturally light hair. <<endif>> Despite the weather, they appear to have a pair of sunglasses pushed up over their head. Once they get a reasonable distance, you can tell they're a <<if $onmeet>> <<cycle "$s_person" autoselect?? <<option "man." "man">> <<option "person." "person">> <<option "woman." "woman">> <</cycle>> <<else>> $s_person. <<endif>> <<if ($onmeet)>> <<if !($peep) and !($chain)>> [[The taller man calls out your name.|ni2][$ch to 1]] [[The taller woman calls out your name.|ni2][$ch to 2]] <<else>> [['The taller '+$l_person+' calls out your name.'|ni2]] <<endif>> <<else>> [['The taller '+$l_person+' calls out your name.'|ni2]] <<endif>><<endnobr>>

<><<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<if $s_person is "man">> <<set $s_person to "man">> <<set $s_they to "he">> <<set $s_They to "He">> <<set $s_them to "him">> <<set $s_Them to "Him">> <<set $s_their to "his">> <<set $s_Their to "His">> <<set $s_theirs to "his">> <<set $s_Theirs to "His">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $s_person is "person">> <<set $s_they to "they">> <<set $s_They to "They">> <<set $s_them to "them">> <<set $s_Them to "Them">> <<set $s_their to "their">> <<set $s_Their to "Their">> <<set $s_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $s_s to "re">> <<set $s_ps to "">> <<set $s_person to "person">> <<set $s_was to "were">> <<set $s_ve to "ve">> <<set $s_is to "are">> <<set $s_isn to "aren">> <<set $s_does to "do">> <<set $s_themself to "themself">> <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> <<set $s_person to "woman">> <<set $s_they to "she">> <<set $s_They to "She">> <<set $s_them to "her">> <<set $s_Them to "Her">> <<set $s_their to "her">> <<set $s_Their to "Her">> <<set $s_theirs to "hers">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "herself">> <<endif>><<endnobr>> You immediately stiffen. How did $s_they see you? How did $s_they know you were there? What were they talking about? The $s_person takes a step towards your hiding place, the $blond_e $l_person right behind them. You shrink back further, as if you have anywhere to go. //Fuck.// They're at the opening before you can even think about running. You're cornered. Pressed up against the wall like a caged animal, heart racing, sweat mixing with the rain that drenches your clothes. You must be a pitiful sight for the two agents. "$mx $surname," the $blond_e says, <><<if !$chain>> the use of your name sending a fresh wave of fear through you, <<else>> your name coming out harshly, <<endif>> "You need to come with us."<<endnobr>> The two agents exchange a glance, shifting so that they block any potential escape route. <><<if $chain>> "You were given the chance to cooperate ealier," <<else>> "We attempted to do things more civilly already," <<endif>> the $blond_e $l_person continues. <<endnobr>> The ill-dressed one gives $l_them a look. <><<if $l_person is "woman">> "Lena," <<else>> "Leith," <<endif>> $s_they say meaningfully.<<endnobr>> The other $l_person sighs. "$mc_name." [[Your mind goes silent.|pell]]

<> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_person to "man">> <<set $l_they to "he">> <<set $l_They to "He">> <<set $l_them to "him">> <<set $l_themself to "himself">> <<set $l_Them to "Him">> <<set $l_their to "his">> <<set $l_Their to "His">> <<set $l_theirs to "his">> <<set $l_Theirs to "His">> <<set $blond_e to "blond">> <<elseif $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_person to "woman">> <<set $l_they to "she">> <<set $l_They to "She">> <<set $l_them to "her">> <<set $l_themself to "herself">> <<set $l_Them to "Her">> <<set $l_their to "her">> <<set $l_Their to "Her">> <<set $l_theirs to "hers">> <<set $l_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $blond_e to "blonde">> <<endif>> <<if $s_person is "man">> <<set $s_person to "man">> <<set $s_they to "he">> <<set $s_They to "He">> <<set $s_them to "him">> <<set $s_Them to "Him">> <<set $s_their to "his">> <<set $s_Their to "His">> <<set $s_theirs to "his">> <<set $s_Theirs to "His">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $s_person is "person">> <<set $s_they to "they">> <<set $s_They to "They">> <<set $s_them to "them">> <<set $s_Them to "Them">> <<set $s_their to "their">> <<set $s_Their to "Their">> <<set $s_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $s_s to "re">> <<set $s_ps to "">> <<set $s_person to "person">> <<set $s_was to "were">> <<set $s_ve to "ve">> <<set $s_is to "are">> <<set $s_isn to "aren">> <<set $s_does to "do">> <<set $s_themself to "themself">> <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> <<set $s_person to "woman">> <<set $s_they to "she">> <<set $s_They to "She">> <<set $s_them to "her">> <<set $s_Them to "Her">> <<set $s_their to "her">> <<set $s_Their to "Her">> <<set $s_theirs to "hers">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "herself">> <<endif>> <<endnobr>> "Please come with us," the $l_person says. $l_Their voice is soft, comforting. It surrounds you like a warm hug. You take a step towards $l_them. Of course you'll go with $l_them, why wouldn't you want to? Everything blurs together. Your eyes become unfocused. You know you're walking, but your brain doesn't care to examine where. The only constant is the $l_person's voice, keeping you tethered. Its pleasant melody guides you through the winding streets. Your awareness slips from your grasp. You float in the far recesses of your mind. Everything is tinged in a subtle wash of //something.// Something you can't quite place, especially not in this state. Every time your brain threatens to take control once more, another soothing command gently pushes it back down. At some point you become conscious that you're no longer walking. You vaguely recall entering a vehicle, though it's distant. As if performed by someone else on your behalf. You stay in the haze for what feels like a moment and eternity all at once. Then, with every blink, things become sharper. But the clearer your vision becomes, the more amplified the stabbing in your head becomes. You appear to be correct, you're in [[a van.|struggvan]]

<> <<if $ch is 1>> <<set $easygoing -= 2>> <<set $righteous -= 2>> <<set $cautious -= 3>> <<if $tri_rel gte 2>> <<set $tri_rel -= 2>> <<else>> <<set $tri_rel to 0>> <<endif>> There is //no// way you're letting these agents capture you after all these years. You won't let your work go to waste. You're sure if you just run for it, you can make it. <<if $physical lt 5>> Mostly sure. <<endif>> <<if $opendoor>> You are a bit close to the agents for comfort, but you should have the element of surprise on your side. <<else>> You already have the advantage of being a metre away from the door — a metre closer to freedom. <<endif>> You don't give the agents a chance to get another word out before you're off. <<if $opendoor>> Two steps back, keeping your eye on both of them. Then you spin. Run towards the window faster than you should be running inside. <<else>> You spin. Make a wild dash for the window. <<endif>> <<if $physical gte 10>> You almost make it. You think you're going to right up until you reach the window. You place a hand on the glass, certain that by the time the agents catch up to you you'll already be out. "Stop!" a voice calls. Something about it makes you want to listen. It's soft, warm. You stop. You turn away from the window. Face the $l_person whose voice you heard. <<else>> You barely make it two paces before you stop. It would almost be embarrassing if you had the strength of mind to consider it. But you don't. "Stop!" a voice calls from behind you, somehow drowning every other sound out with its tone. The thought of moving towards the window makes your legs jelly. Instead, you turn to face the agents again. <<endif>> "Come with us," the $l_person says, amplifying the silence that fills your head. And you do. You follow them. Lost in the haze that surrounds you, you barely take any notice as you traverse the stairs, exiting the building in one heavy [[blink of your eyes.|struggle]] <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $cautious += 1>> <<if $tri_rel gt 0>> <<set $tri_rel -= 1>> <<else>> <<set $tri_rel to 0>> <<endif>> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_name to "Leith">> <<else>> <<set $l_name to "Lena">> <<endif>> You need to do your best to keep them occupied while you figure something else out. Or maybe there's something you can do to get them to go away or //something.// If they //are// agents, there must be some protocol they have to follow. Maybe you could play into this. <<if $intellect gte 5>> <<if $kno gt $obs>> In fact, you're certain you've read something about that. <<else>> $v_name isn't even wearing anything identifying. <<endif>> "So..." you start, holding your voice as steady as you can manage, "You expect me to just believe you?" "Believe us?" $v_name seems perplexed by your question. "Look, I don't know what your motive is, but I don't buy that you're Organisation agents," you say, "Nothing you've done has really indicated to me that you are." "In fact," you say, "Why don't you show me your badges?" The two exchange glances, $v_name's lips slightly pursed, the other $l_person's expression revealing nothing. $l_They moves first, sliding a hand into $l_their pocket, prompting $v_name to do the same with a roll of $v_their eyes. You sneak a look at the window behind you. Judging the distance as about 2 metres, you consider the time it would take to run to it. You quickly look back. Just in time it appears, as the $l_person is holding up a black wallet with a badge in the center. You squint at it. It's silver, in the shape of a shield. Inscribed on it is the Organisation's logo. Below it, there's a smaller rectangle with the agent's name on it. You just manage to make it out. "$l_name Payne," you read out. Looking at $v_name's outstretched hand you see the same thing, though this time the name badge reads '$v_name Hart.' "You gave your real name yesterday?" you ask, eyebrow raised. "Yes," $v_name responds, smiling serenely, "I have no need to hide behind pseudonyms." <<if $emotional gte 50>> You feel your face heat slightly, and quickly straighten your gaze, brushing a hand down your shirt to avoid <<else>> You straighten your gaze before you can show the stab of anxiety that came with <<endif>> $v_their pointed look. "Okay," you say slowly, "So you really are agents." $l_name's face doesn't so much as twitch. "You still can't just expect me to come with you." You fold your arms over your chest. <<if $sarcastic gte 50>> "Unless I'm committing a crime by standing here?" $v_name snickers. "You just might be." <<else>> "You've just thrown around empty accusations." $v_name raises $v_their eyebrows at $v_their companion, smirk still in place. <<endif>> Ignoring $v_name, $l_name maintains $l_their focus on you. "We are not convicting you of anything." <<if $friendly lt 50>> You continue to glare at $l_them. <<else>> You don't flinch. <<endif>> "It is within our power to arrest you under the correct circumstances," $l_they say, not stopping when you open your mouth to retort, "Which we are currently under." "Have we proven ourselves to you yet, $mc_name?" $v_name asks, grin widening at your <<if $open gte 50>> not so <<else>> subtle <<endif>> grimace. Once again ignoring $l_their shorter companion, $l_name says, "You need to come with us." [[Okay, you tried. Time to face the music.|willing]] [[Time to run.|struggle]] <<elseif ($psychology gte 10) and ($int gt $pers)>> You're certain you can be //convincing// enough to stall them a little. You fix your face into a frown, radiating mild annoyance, akin to having your relaxing day off interrupted, rather than having your life threatened. "I'm not so sure I believe you," you say, tone even. "Believe us?" $v_name seems perplexed by your question. "There's plenty of people around here who'll do anything to score an easy buck or even just irritate someone," you say, underlining the statement with a raised brow, "Nothing you've done has really indicated to me that you aren't just impersonating agents." "In fact," you say, "Why don't you show me your badges?" The two exchange glances, $v_name's lips slightly pursed, the other $l_person's expression revealing nothing. $l_They moves first, sliding a hand into $l_their pocket, prompting $v_name to do the same with a roll of $v_their eyes. You sneak a look at the window behind you. Judging the distance as about 2 metres, you consider the time it would take to run to it. You look back. Just in time it appears, as the $l_person is holding up a black wallet with a badge in the center. You squint at it. It's silver, in the shape of a shield. Inscribed on it is the Organisation's logo. Below it, there's a smaller rectangle with the agent's name on it. You just manage to make it out. <<if $l_person is "man">> "$l_name Payne," you read out. <<else>> "$l_name Hart," you read out. <<endif>> <<if $emotional gte 50>> You feel your face heat slightly, and quickly straighten your gaze, brushing a hand down your shirt to avoid <<else>> You straighten your gaze before you can show the stab of anxiety that came with <<endif>> $v_their pointed look. "Okay," you say slowly, "So you really are agents." $l_name's face doesn't so much as twitch. "You still can't just expect me to come with you." You fold your arms over your chest. <<if $sarcastic gte 50>> "Unless I'm committing a crime by standing here?" $v_name snickers. "You just might be." <<else>> "You've just thrown around empty accusations." $v_name raises $v_their eyebrows at $v_their companion, smirk still in place. <<endif>> Ignoring $v_name, $l_name maintains $l_their focus on you. "We are not convicting you of anything." <<if $friendly lt 50>> You continue to glare at $l_them. <<else>> You don't flinch. <<endif>> "It is within our power to arrest you under the correct circumstances," $l_they say, not stopping when you open your mouth to retort, "Which we are currently under." "Have we proven ourselves to you yet, $mc_name?" $v_name asks, grin widening at your <<if $open gte 50>> not so <<else>> subtle <<endif>> grimace. Once again ignoring $l_their shorter companion, $l_name says, "You need to come with us." [[Okay, you tried. Time to face the music.|willing]] [[Time to run.|struggle]] <<else>> Surely you can startle them a bit at least. "How do I know you're really agents?" you ask, attempting to keep your expression hardened. "Because we told you," $v_name says, extremely helpfully. The other $l_person reaches into $l_their pocket, pulling out a black wallet. When $l_they unfolds it, you're face to face with an Organisation badge. You take in its silver shield shape, the logo shining back at you. Below the main act sits a name plate. Squinting slightly, you manage to make out '$l_name Payne' engraved in it. "How do I know that's real?" you ask. "Come on, $l_name," $v_name sighs. "We really need you to come with us," $l_name ignores both you and $v_name. Shit. Well that really didn't work. [[Time to face the music.|willing]] [[Time to run.|struggle]] <<endif>> <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $easygoing -= 4>> <<set $cautious -= 2>> <<set $tri_rel -= 1>> <<if $tri_rel lt 0>> <<set $tri_rel to 0>> <<endif>> "I think you must have the wrong person." <<if $emotion gte 50>> you say, your voice shaking ever so slightly. <<else>> you say. <<endif>> <<if $psychology gte 10>> $v_name and the $l_person share a questioning look. You feel a thrill of hope. "We've been gathering information for years," the $l_person says. "I'm sure you have," you say slowly, "But I've got no idea who this '$mc_name' is." "I took the necessary steps to confirm your identity," $v_name says. <<if $friendly gt 50>> "Sorry, but I'm not who you're looking for." <<if $opendoor>> You move to close the door, but the $blond_e $l_person stops it with their foot. <<else>> <<if $mc_glasses is "glasses">> You push your glasses further up. <<else>> You rub the bridge of your nose. <<endif>>"So if we could focus on you breaking down my door..." <<endif>> <<else>> "I'm not your guy," you snap out. <<if $opendoor>> irritably. You move to close the door, but the $blond_e $l_person stops it with their foot. You shoot $l_them a glare. <<else>> irritably, "And you broke my goddamn door down." <<endif>> <<endif>> <<else>> The $blond_e $l_person's expression doesn't change from the stony mask $l_they's held since <<if $opendoor>> you opened the door. <<else>> $l_they broke down your door. <<endif>> //Shit.// you can tell neither of them buy it for a second. "Don't insult my intelligence like that," $v_name says, "I took the necessary steps to confirm your identity." "Well," you say, <<if $friendly gte 50>> "You've got the wrong person." <<if $opendoor>> you move to close the door, but the $blond_e $l_person stops it with their foot. <<else>> you rub the bridge of your nose. "So if we could focus on you breaking down my door..." <<endif>> <<else>> "I'm not your guy," you snap out. <<if $opendoor>> irritably. You move to close the door, but the $blond_e $l_person stops it with their foot. You shoot $l_them a glare. <<else>> irritably, "And you broke my goddamn door down." <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endif>> <<if $opendoor>> "Not so fast," $l_they says. <<else>> The $blond_e winces at that. <<endif>> "Nice try," $v_name says, "But it's not going to work." It was worth a shot you guess. "You must come with us //now//," the $blond_e $l_person says, "I will not ask again." [[Okay. You can recognize when it's time to give up.|willing]] [[No way, you're not going without a fight.|struggle]] <<endif>> <<endnobr>>

<<set $righteous +=4>> <<set $cautious +=2>> <<set $tri_rel +=3>> <<set $easygoing +=2>> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $l_name to "Leith">> <<set $ldescription to "6'4 with a muscular build and beige skin. Has hazel eyes and blonde hair cut short and kept neat.">> <<else>> <<set $l_name to "Lena">> <<set $ldescription to "6'2 with a muscular build and beige skin. Has hazel eyes and blonde hair kept in a low ponytail..">> <<endif>> <<set $willing to true>> <<set $lmet to true>> What other option do you have? These are //Organisation// agents. Not only are you outnumbered, either one of them could overpower you with ease. The smart thing to do is let them arrest you. They might be more lenient if you cooperate, or they might let their guard down so you can escape. Regardless, the risks of fighting it far outweigh the rewards. You better play it safe. "Okay," you say hesitantly, "I'll..." You pause, the word bitter on your tongue, "...Comply." They both seem surprised. "Would you look at that?" $v_name says, <<if $opendoor>> "That wasn't so hard was it, $l_name?" <<else>> "Maybe you didn't have to knock down the door then, $l_name?" <<endif>> '$l_name' seems more disgruntled than anything else now. "If you'll come with us $mx $surname," $l_they says, stepping back out into the hall. Feeling self-conscious, you walk past them. Both agents walk on either side of you as you make your way down the stairs to the ground floor. The receptionist is, oddly, nowhere to be seen. You sneak a glance at $l_name. <<if $l_person is "man">> He's tall. <<if $mc_height is "tall">> Around your height. <<elseif $mc_height isnot "very tall">> Taller than you. <<elseif $mc_height is "very tall">> Not as tall as you. <<endif>><<if ($mc_height is "short") or ($mc_height is "very short")>> A lot taller. <<endif>> His ash blond hair is cut short, though not in any particular style. It still manages to look professional. <<else>> She's tall. <<if $mc_height is "tall">> Around your height. <<elseif $mc_height isnot "very tall">> Taller than you. <<elseif $mc_height is "very tall">> Not as tall as you. <<endif>><<if ($mc_height is "short") or ($mc_height is "very short")>> A lot taller. <<endif>> Her ash blonde hair is tied back in a low ponytail, though a few strands stray to frame her face. It still looks perfectly professional. <<endif>> $l_They's wearing a button up under $l_their jacket, showing very little of $l_their beige skin. $l_They's an imposing figure, with $l_their cold expression and (from what you can tell) muscular physique. You exit the complex to pouring rain. You hadn't even noticed how bad it had gotten. <<if $glasses is "glasses">> You have to hold up a hand to shield your glasses. <<else>> You keep blinking away the droplets that cling to your lashes. <<endif>> You're lead slightly down the street to a black van. <<if $open gte 50>> You have to stifle a laugh <<else>> You almost smile <<endif>> at the cliche of it all. Your anxiety swiftly swoops in to remind you what it means however. <<if $onmeet>> [[A man with white hair is leaning against the van.|willvan][$s_person to "man"]] [[A person with white hair is leaning against the van.|willvan][$s_person to "person"]] [[A woman with white hair is leaning against the van|willvan][$s_person to "woman"]] <<else>> [["A "+$s_person+" with white hair is leaning against the van."|willvan]] <<endif>>

<> <<if $s_person is "man">> <<set $s_name to "Sean">> <<set $s_person to "man">> <<set $s_they to "he">> <<set $s_They to "He">> <<set $s_them to "him">> <<set $s_Them to "Him">> <<set $s_their to "his">> <<set $s_Their to "His">> <<set $s_theirs to "his">> <<set $s_Theirs to "His">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "himself">> <<set $sdescription to "6'1, with an athletic build and pale skin. Has light blue eyes and fluffy white hair cut short.">> <<elseif $s_person is "person">> <<set $s_name to "Shea">> <<set $s_they to "they">> <<set $s_They to "They">> <<set $s_them to "them">> <<set $s_Them to "Them">> <<set $s_their to "their">> <<set $s_Their to "Their">> <<set $s_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $s_s to "re">> <<set $s_ps to "">> <<set $s_person to "person">> <<set $s_was to "were">> <<set $s_ve to "ve">> <<set $s_is to "are">> <<set $s_isn to "aren">> <<set $s_does to "do">> <<set $s_themself to "themself">> <<set $sdescription to "6'0, with an athletic build and pale skin. Has light blue eyes and fluffy shoulder-length white hair worn half-up.">> <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> <<set $s_name to "Saoirse">> <<set $s_person to "woman">> <<set $s_they to "she">> <<set $s_They to "She">> <<set $s_them to "her">> <<set $s_Them to "Her">> <<set $s_their to "her">> <<set $s_Their to "Her">> <<set $s_theirs to "hers">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "herself">> <<set $sdescription to "5'11, with an athletic build and pale skin. Has light blue eyes and fluffy shoulder-length white hair and bangs.">> <<endif>> <<set $smet to true>> $s_They $s_is tall, though not as tall as $l_name. <<if ($s_person is "woman") and ($l_person is "man")>> Leith's got quite a few inches on her. <<endif>> <<if $s_person is "man">> His hair is cut so that it falls to brush against his neck, not quite reaching his shoulders. <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> Her hair is cut with bangs, falling to her shoulders in a cascade of white. <<else>> Their hair is cut with bangs, the rest around chin length, though half of it is tied up. <<endif>> You note $s_they wear$s_s a pair of sunglasses, despite the gloomy weather. $s_They lift$s_s up a fair hand to $s_their expressionless face, adjusting the fit of the glasses on $s_their nose. "This is $mc_them?" $s_they ask$s_s, tone softer than you expected. There's a hint of surprise there too, and you wonder what exactly $s_they expected. //You to be taller?// <<if $mc_height is "very tall">> You're not sure that's possible. <<elseif $mc_height is "tall">> There's not much more room for you to grow. <<elseif $mc_height is "average">> That... probably wouldn't be unreasonable. <<else>> That's more plausible than you'd like to admit. <<endif>><<endnobr>> $s_They pushe$s_s off the van, taking a step toward you. "Yep," $v_name says, popping the 'p.' $v_They peers disapprovingly at the cloudy sky. $l_name doesn't say anything. Neither does the new $s_person for a few moments. Then $s_they offer you a smile, though you can't be certain of its sincerity. <<set $smet to true>> "I'm $s_name," $s_they say$s_s, casual in a way that sits at odds with your situation. "So polite," $v_name says with a scoff $v_they tries to hide as a cough. Ignoring $v_them, $s_name opens the van door, waving a hand to indicate you should take a seat. This is so weird. $v_name seems to agree as $v_they raises an eyebrow. "I see chivalry isn't dead," $v_they say. Well, you've already decided you're going to comply. You awkwardly climb into the van, blinking to get your eyes to adjust to the darker interior. "Shove over," comes $v_name's voice before you're even had the chance to put your full weight onto the seat. <><<if $friendly lte 50>> With a muttered grumble, you do, <<else>> With a half-sigh you do, <<endif>> sliding into the middle seat. It's then that you notice there's another person in the car. <<if $onmeet>> [[A woman glares at you with dark eyes.|van][$i_person to "woman"]] [[A man glares at you with dark eyes.|van][$i_person to "man"]] <<else>> [['A ' +$i_person+' glares at you with dark eyes.'|van]] <<endif>> <<endnobr>>

<> <<set $tri_rel to 0>> <<set $righteous -=5>> <<set $willing to false>> <<set $friendly -=2>> <<set $easygoing -=3>> <<if $ch is 1>> It's almost euphoric, the way you're cradled by the cotton wool that surrounds you. You couldn float here forever. <<else>> There's no way you're going to just let these agents capture you. Not after all these years. "No." The word leaves your lips easily. As soon as the blunt answer is heard by the agents however, you sense a shift in demeanour. The $blond_e $l_person straightens, somehow appearing taller. $v_name's smile drops for the first time since <><<if $open>> you opened the door. <<else>> they broke in. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You take a step back. Before you can even think of your next move your brain is silenced. "Freeze," the single word uttered from the $blond_e $l_person's lips clears your mind of any thoughts. You still, unable to lift even a finger. "Follow us." You do. Without even really noticing, you walk after the agents as they exit the apartment. Follow them down the stair in a haze. Drifting somewhere between conscious and unconscious. It's almost euphoric. <<endif>><<endnobr>> The shock of a raindrop landing squarely on the top of your head shakes you out of it. Or it almost does. No sooner than your brain has fallen back in control, you're being shoved into a car. You struggle, flinging out your limbs in a panic, twisting desperately — but to no avail. The haze still clings to you, slowing and weakening your movements. Allowing the agents to push your useless body into what you now realise is a van. [[Fuck.|struggvan]]

<<if $i_person is "man">> <<set $i_person to "man">> <<set $i_they to "he">> <<set $i_They to "He">> <<set $i_them to "him">> <<set $i_Them to "Him">> <<set $i_their to "his">> <<set $i_Their to "His">> <<set $i_theirs to "his">> <<set $i_Theirs to "His">> <<set $i_themself to "himself">> <<elseif $i_person is "woman">> <<set $i_person to "woman">> <<set $i_they to "she">> <<set $i_They to "She">> <<set $i_them to "her">> <<set $i_Them to "Her">> <<set $i_their to "her">> <<set $i_Their to "Her">> <<set $i_theirs to "hers">> <<set $i_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $i_themself to "herself">> <<endif>> $i_They is looking at you with such visceral hatred it almost makes you flinch. Then $i_they huffs out a breath, turning away with a flick of $i_their hair. <<if !($struggle) and !($run)>> $i_Their hostility is jarring compared to $s_name's manners and $v_name's nonchalance. Even $l_name's lack of obvious emotion is preferable. <<else>> $i_Their hostility is jarring, even if you gladly return it. Yet, something about $i_their antipathy feels personal. <<endif>> This $i_person clearly does not like you. <<if ($hostile gt 52) or !($willing)>> You can't say the feeling isn't mutual. <<else>> You can't help but feel a little perturbed by $i_their reaction. <<endif>> Still, you examine $i_them, unable to draw your eyes away just yet. $i_They's slouched against the van door, arms folded over $i_their chest. You can barely make out the warm beige of $i_their face behind the curtain of dark hair that falls over it. $i_They's totally uninterested in you. You turn away with a <<if $friendly lt 53>> sneer. <<else>> sigh. <<endif>> <<if ($willing)>> Looking to the front of the van, you see that $l_name is in the driver's seat, though you can only see <<if $l_person is "woman">> her ponytail <<else>> the back of his head <<endif>> due to $l_their focus on the road. In the passenger's side sits $s_name, white curls standing out against the dark upholstery. [[$s_Their+ " eyes meet yours in the mirror."|v2]] <<else>> Looking to the front, you scope out who else is in the van. The $blond_e $l_person <<if !($peep) and !($chain) and !($open) and !($break)>> who was chasing you earlier <<elseif !($break)>> who was at your apartment <<else>> who broke down your door <<endif>> sits in the driver's seat, focused intently on the road. Next to $l_them, in the passenger's seat <<if ($s_alley)>> you recognise the white hair of the $s_person who //also// chased you. [[$s_They+" make"+$s_ps+" eye contact with you in the rearview mirror."|v2]] <<else>> is someone you don't recognise. At first all you can see is their mass of white hair. Then, you glance at the rearview, hoping to catch a glimpse of their face. <<if $onmeet>> [[Your eyes lock with his.|v2][$s_person to "man"]] [[Your eyes lock with hers.|v2][$s_person to "woman"]] [[Your eyes lock with theirs.|v2][$s_person to "person"]] <<else>> [["Your eyes lock with "+$s_theirs+"."|v2]] <<endif>> <<endif>> <<endif>>

<><<if $run>> You blink the lingering daze away and feel panic replace your previous bliss. //What the fuck.// You squirm, unable to think clearly when all your brain is saying is to get away. Screaming at you to run. A hand on your arm forces you to focus on something else, pushing you gently yet firmly back into the seat. You turn to see a familiar $v_person on your left. <<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> $v_name. Of course, you know $v_they was at the apartment. <<else>> ...$v_name? Confusion bubbles up within you only to be replaced with resigned frustration. //Of course// $v_they's an agent. <<endif>> "Calm down," $v_they says with a raised eyebrow. <<else>> You don't have the chance to struggle or do anything before you're pushed further in by a familiar $v_person. <<if ($peep) or ($chain)>> $v_name. You aren't exactly surprised, you did already see $v_them after all, but a stab of something shoots through you regardless. <<elseif ($open) or ($break)>> $v_name. You aren't exactly surprised, you did already see $v_them after all, but a stab of something shoots through you regardless. <<else>> A jolt shoots through you. //$v_name?// $v_They's involved in this? $v_They's an Organisation agent. You shouldn't be surprised really. <<endif>> $v_They offers you an unimpressed look as $v_they settle into the seat. You tense immediately, looking around frantically for an out. $v_name clearly notices this, a small smile on $v_their face. "Give it a rest," $v_they says. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You shoot $v_them a look, not entertained by $v_their input. All you get in return is an eyeroll. "You're not getting anywhere," $v_they says, "Didn't you already learn your lesson?" $v_They gives you a pointed look. Your face burns at the memory of your earlier stupor. It isn't your fault, you know that. Yet you can't help but feel slightly ashamed at how easily you were manipulated into a trance. Even just the memory of the experience makes your skin crawl. You've never experienced compulsion before, and you're certainly not keen to try it again. <><<if $emotional gte 50>> You force yourself to calm down, <<else>> You scold yourself for getting so worked up, <<endif>><<if $friendly lte 50>> settling back down with a scowl. <<else>> settling back down. <<endif>> <<if $run>> "Good," $v_name says, "Wouldn't want you getting strangled by your seatbelt." <<else>> "Good," $v_name says, "Now, put on your seatbelt unless you want to get thrown through the front window." Begrudgingly, you obey. <<endif>> At least one of you is having fun, you think, watching $v_name smirk at you. <<endnobr>> A scoff from your right draws your attention to the person you hadn't realised was on your other side. <><<if $onmeet>> Your gaze meets the glare of a... [[...woman with dark eyes.|van][$i_person to "woman"]] [[...man with dark eyes.|van][$i_person to "man"]] <<else>> Your gaze meets the glare of a [[$i_person+" with dark eyes."|van]] <<endif>><<endnobr>>

<<if $s_person is "man">> <<set $s_name to "Sean">> <<set $s_person to "man">> <<set $s_they to "he">> <<set $s_They to "He">> <<set $s_them to "him">> <<set $s_Them to "Him">> <<set $s_their to "his">> <<set $s_Their to "His">> <<set $s_theirs to "his">> <<set $s_Theirs to "His">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "himself">> <<set $sdescription to "6'1, with an athletic build and pale skin. Has light blue eyes and fluffy white hair cut short.">> <<elseif $s_person is "person">> <<set $s_name to "Shea">> <<set $s_they to "they">> <<set $s_They to "They">> <<set $s_them to "them">> <<set $s_Them to "Them">> <<set $s_their to "their">> <<set $s_Their to "Their">> <<set $s_theirs to "theirs">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Theirs">> <<set $s_s to "re">> <<set $s_ps to "">> <<set $s_person to "person">> <<set $s_was to "were">> <<set $s_ve to "ve">> <<set $s_is to "are">> <<set $s_isn to "aren">> <<set $s_does to "do">> <<set $s_themself to "themself">> <<set $sdescription to "6'0, with an athletic build and pale skin. Has light blue eyes and fluffy shoulder-length white hair worn half-up.">> <<elseif $s_person is "woman">> <<set $s_name to "Saoirse">> <<set $s_person to "woman">> <<set $s_they to "she">> <<set $s_They to "She">> <<set $s_them to "her">> <<set $s_Them to "Her">> <<set $s_their to "her">> <<set $s_Their to "Her">> <<set $s_theirs to "hers">> <<set $s_Theirs to "Hers">> <<set $s_s to "s">> <<set $s_ps to "s">> <<set $s_was to "was">> <<set $s_ve to "s">> <<set $s_is to "is">> <<set $s_isn to "isn">> <<set $s_does to "does">> <<set $s_themself to "herself">> <<set $sdescription to "5'11, with an athletic build and pale skin. Has light blue eyes and fluffy shoulder-length white hair and bangs.">> <<endif>> <<set $smet to true>> Or at least you assume your eyes meet $s_theirs. It's hard to tell when $s_they'$s_s <<if $willing>> still <<endif>> wearing those sunglasses. Considering the bleak weather, it's a little odd $s_they'$s_s wearing them. A soft smile lifts $s_their features and $s_they turn$s_ps to look at you directly, the darkness of $s_their glasses contrasting with $s_their pale skin. <<if $willing>> "How are you holding up?" $s_they ask$s_ps. The question takes you off guard. Why would $s_they even care? $s_Them and $s_their buddies have just arrested you haven't they? Something about the way $s_they say$s_ps it feels mechanical. Inauthentic, as though $s_they know$s_ps it's what $s_they //should// ask. [["Fine," you say shortly.|v2.1][$ch to 1]] [["Just peachy." The sarcasm drips off your words.|v2.1][$ch to 2]] [["Could be worse." You shrug.|v2.1][$ch to 3]] [["How do you think?" you bite out.|v2.1][$ch to 4]] [["You just stare at "+$s_them+"."|v2.1][$ch to 5]] <<else>> <<if $s_alley is true>> "So," $s_they start$s_ps, disarmingly casual, "We //officially// meet." <<if $friendly lt 50>> You resist the urge to roll your eyes. <<endif>> $s_They $s_is likely referring to your run-in earlier. Where you made a fool of yourself. <<else>> "So," $s_they start$s_ps, disarmingly casual, "We finally meet." <<if $emotional lte 50>> You quirk a brow. It's clear you've been the topic of conversation for the agents before. <<else>> You feel vaguely unnerved at the idea that the agents have discussed you. <<endif>> <<endif>> "I'm $s_name," $s_they continue$s_ps, ignoring your lack of enthusiasm. You don't respond right away, but $s_name continue$s_ps to look at you. It's impossible to tell what $s_they might be thinking behind $s_their shades. <<if $psychology lt 5>> Not that you'd really be able to anyway. <<endif>> [["I'm sure you know who I am," you say.|v2.2][$ch to 1]] [["It's a pleasure to meet you," you respond with a sardonic smile.|v2.2][$ch to 2]] [["Okay," is all you say.|v2.2][$ch to 3]] [[You're happy not to respond at all.|v2.2][$ch to 4]] [['"'+$mc_name+'," you offer, though you\'re sure '+$s_they+' already know'+$s_ps+'.'|v2.2][$ch to 5]] <<endif>>

<> <<if $i_person is "man">> <<set $i_name to "Ilijah">> <<set $idescription to "5'5, with a lean build and golden complexion. Has dark eyes and black hair cut to just touch his shoulders.">> <<else>> <<set $i_name to "Imani">> <<set $idescription to "5'3, with a thin build and golden complexion. Has dark eyes and black hair cut just below her shoulders.">> <<endif>> <<set $imet to true>> <<if $ch is 1>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $easygoing -=1>> <<set $friendly-=2>> <<set $sarcastic +=1>> "Fine." You keep your response clipped. $s_name just continues to look at you, clearly unconvinced. "Okay," $s_they say$s_ps with a soft smile. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $easygoing +=2>> <<set $sarcastic +=3>> "I'm doing just peachy," you say with a false smile to match your heavy sarcasm. $s_name lets out a breathy chuckle. "Of course you are," $s_they say$s_ps. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $open +=1>> <<set $emotional -=2>> <<set $friendly +=1>> <<set $sarcastic -=2>> <<set $easygoing +=2>> "Could be worse," you mutter with a shrug. $s_name seems surprised at your response, pausing for a moment. "Glad to hear it," $s_they say$s_ps. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $friendly -=5>> <<set $sarcastic +=2>> <<set $easygoing -=3>> <<set $emotional +=2>> "How do you //think// I'm doing?" I ask with a biting edge to my tone. $s_name almost flinches back, smile faltering before returning, albeit a bit more sheepish. "Sorry," $s_they say$s_ps, "That was a stupid question." You give $s_them a look. //Duh.// <<else>> <<set $open -=4>> <<set $friendly -=1>> <<set $emotional -=2>> You just look at $s_name, not deigning to respond. How are you even meant to? $s_They clear$s_ps $s_their throat. <<endif>> <<if $friendly gt 50>> Although under other circumstances you might not mind the small talk, you <<else>> You <<endif>> are not interested in continuing this conversation. $s_name evidently does not share your sentiment, opening $s_their mouth to say something else. <<if $friendly lt 50>> You barely supress an eyeroll. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> "Can't you just shut up?" the dark-eyed $i_person says from your right. You have to smother your relief. After all, you're not exactly here of your own free will. <<if ($willing)>>\ Mostly. <<endif>> $s_name gives $i_them a disapproving glance. "I'm just trying to make $mc_them feel more comfortable," $s_they say$s_ps. $s_They almost look$s_ps hurt. "Well we're stuck in here for another hour, and I do //not// want to have to put up with this—" $i_they gestures between you and $s_name, "— any longer." "There's no need to be so unkind, $i_name." $s_name frowns. You can see how $s_their eyebrows draw together. Still, $s_they pull$s_ps back, returning to sitting normally. '$i_name' mutters an irritated "Thank God" under $i_their breath. With the van returned to silence, you can hear the tapping of $v_name's fingers against the door as $v_they looks out the window. Now you have time to actually think. And feel. [[Fear threatens to strangle you entirely.|v3][$ch to 1]] [[To be honest, you're just bored.|v3][$ch to 2]] [[You're unbelievably pissed.|v3][$ch to 3]] [[It's difficult for you to muster much emotion.|v3][$ch to 4]] [[You can't relax entirely, but you're trying your best to accept things.|v3][$ch to 5]]

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $emotional -=2>> <<set $friendy -=1>> You raise an incredulous brow. "I'm sure you already know who I am." $s_name's smile doesn't falter. "Sure," $s_they say$s_ps, "But what's the harm in being polite?" <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $friendly -=3>> <<set $sarcastic +=3>> <<set $easygoing -=2>> <<set $emotional +=1>> "It's a pleasure to meet you," you say, mustering as much sarcasm as possible. $s_name's smile doesn't falter exactly, more so hardens into something grim. "The pleasure's all mine, I'm sure," $s_they say$s_ps through gritted teeth. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $open -=2>> <<set $sarcastic -=3>> <<set $emotional -=2>> <<set $easygoing +=2>> "Okay." You keep the word short. You don't really care who this $s_person is. $s_name raises an eyebrow at your nonchalance, but doesn't comment on it. <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $friendly -=2>> <<set $easygoing -=3>> <<set $open -=4>> <<set $emotional -=2>> You don't bother responding. After all, $s_name surely already knows who you are. Introductions are pointless. $s_They clear$s_ps $s_their throat awkwardly. <<else>> <<set $friendly +=3>> <<set $sarcastic -=4>> <<set $open +=3>> <<set $easygoing +=2>> Might as well be civil. "$mc_name," you offer without flair. "It's lovely to make your acquaintance, $mc_name." $s_name's smile remains intact as they respond. <<endif>><<endnobr>> You let silence return. While you are immensely more comfortable within this gentle lull, $s_name appears distinctly unsettled. $s_They chew$s_ps $s_their lip for a moment. "So," $s_they say$s_ps, "How are you holding up?" The question takes you off guard. Why would $s_they even care? $s_Them and $s_their buddies have just kidnapped you. Something about the way $s_they say$s_ps it feels mechanical. Inauthentic, as though $s_they know$s_ps it's what $s_they //should// ask. [["Fine," you say shortly.|v2.1][$ch to 1]] [["Just peachy." The sarcasm drips off your words.|v2.1][$ch to 2]] [["Could be worse." You shrug.|v2.1][$ch to 3]] [["How do you think?" you bite out.|v2.1][$ch to 4]] [["You just stare at "+$s_them+"."|v2.1][$ch to 5]]

<><<if $ch is 1>> <<set $emotional +=3>> <<set $cautious +=3>> <<set $catch1 to "Afraid">> Without any distractions <<if !($willing)>> or hypnosis, <<endif>> you're able to really think about your situation. Dread fills you, turning the blood running through your veins to ice, fear paralyzing you. The Organisation has found you. Your biggest fear has come true. The urge to run fills you, fight, flight and freeze battling within you. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $catch1 to "Bored">> <<set $emotional -=4>> <<set $cautious -=3>> <<set $easygoing +=3>> Being stuck here with nothing to do for another hour sounds like torture. Especially when you're surrounded by agents of the Organisation, which you spent the past few years running from. Just. //Don't think about it,// you urge yourself. <<elseif $ch is 3>> <<set $catch1 to "Angry">> <<set $angry +=1>> <<set $emotional +=3>> <<set $hostile +=2>> Rage fills you. Frustration at your own foolishness, for allowing yourself to get captured. At the agents, for <<if ($willing)>> forcing you to come with them. <<else>> //kidnapping// you. <<endif>> At the world, the universe, //whatever.// For being so cruel to you. You've spent so long running, hiding, doing everything you could to avoid this very scenario. All for nothing. <<if $friendly lte 50>> You really want to punch someone. <<else>> You grit your teeth. <<endif>> <<elseif $ch is 4>> <<set $catch1 to "Numb">> <<set $numb +=1>> <<set $emotional-=3>> <<if ($emotional lte 45) and ($numb is 1)>> As is becoming your norm, you <<else>> You <<endif>> struggle to decipher how you're feeling. //If// you're feeling anything. None of it feels real. You can't quite accept the fact that you're currently in an Organisation vehicle, with Organisation agents, no doubt on your way to some detainment centre. Logically you're aware what's happening. But it's hard to reconcile that with your lack of emotions. <<else>> <<set $catch1 to "Trying">> <<set $emotional -=2>> <<set $friendly +=2>> <<set $tri_rel +=2>> There's nothing you can do now. While you're not //overjoyed// with the situation you're in, you're better off accepting it. Or trying to. <<endif>> You take a deep breath, <<if ($ch is 1) or ($ch is 3)>> reigning in your emotions. You need to stay calm. <<elseif $ch is 5>> soothing yourself. <<else>> clearing your thoughts. Now isn't the time for contemplation. <<endif>> Your every move is being observed as long as you're in this van. You have to be careful. The agents around you are highly trained and almost certainly more powerful than you on their own. As for combined? You don't need to test that to know you'd be fucked.<<endnobr>> No, now you must wait. Being in a moving vehicle with agents who could likely kill you is not an appropriate position to push the boundaries. [[Not that you want to do that anyway.|v4][$ch to 1]] <<link "But you //will// be pushing those boundaries." "v4">>$ch to 2<</link>>

<> <<if $ch is 1>> <<set $righteous +=2>> <<set $tri_rel +=2>> <<set $cautious +=3>> You don't really want to push your luck any more. You're fortunate you're not in a worse position. You could be cuffed or tied up right now. <<if ($willing)>> Your earlier compliance probably helped that. <<else>> Do they really not see you as a threat? Even at all? It doesn't matter. <<endif>> <<else>> <<set $rightous -=3>> <<set $tri_rel -=1>> <<if $tri_rel lt 0>> <<set $tri_rel to 0>> <<endif>> There's no way you're going to sit around forever. Why on earth would you make it easier for them? <<if ($willing)>> At the apartment earlier you were just acting out of self-preservation. <<else>> May as well stick to your guns. <<endif>> But there's no point now. You should make the most of the freedoms you have. Like the fact you're not tied up or cuffed right now. <<endif>> <<endnobr>> If you can't make a move just yet, you should at least plan //something.// You have to keep yourself occupied in some way. The rest of the drive passes [[uneventfully.|v5]]

Unnoteworthy scenery flashes past as you continue your journey. The buildings give way to the greenery of farmland. Soon Senford is far behind you and you are surrounded by the endless nothing of highways. Raindrops still patter along the windows, periodically being sweeped away by the wipers. From the signs you see on the roads and your common sense, you can hazard a guess at where you're going. Ardros. It makes sense. It is the capital city after all. The hub of everything. Beyond the occasional exchange of a few words here and there, the agents don't really talk. $v_name appears to become increasingly bored, not even able to remain entertained by reading. $i_name remains unnervingly still next to you, to the point you wonder if $i_they's fallen asleep. $s_name regularly murmers things you don't quite catch to <><<if $l_name isnot "You have not met this person yet.">> $l_name, who doesn't respond very often. <<else>> <<if $l_person is "woman">> <<set $l_name to "Lena">> <<else>> <<set $l_name to "Leith">> <<endif>> the $blond_e $l_person, whose name you overhear as being '$l_name.' $l_They does not respond often. <<endif>> <<if $l_person is "man">> <<set $ldescription to "6'4 with a muscular build and beige skin. Has hazel eyes and blonde hair cut short and kept neat.">> <<else>> <<set $ldescription to "6'2 with a muscular build and beige skin. Has hazel eyes and blonde hair kept in a low ponytail..">> <<endif>><<set $lmet to true>><<endnobr>> You wonder if the agents are tense because of your presence. After all, you are a Rank Six. Even if you're inexperienced and frankly have no idea how to use your flair, you still have it. For a moment you contemplate using it. Reaching inside of yourself to that power hidden deep within you, <><<if $flairoutlook is "hate">> that //you// had kept pushed down, <<elseif $flairoutlook is "like">> just out of reach, <<endif>><<endnobr>> where you so rarely let yourself go. After all, it was unreliable and could draw attention to you. But you were already past that point. You shove the temptation away. More than likely, it would backfire. You're not sure if you'd end up getting everyone in this van killed. You don't really want to find out. Before you know it, the van is slowing down as $l_name carefully pulls it into park. Soon you will no longer be in the limbo of travel. Soon you will have to face the reality of your situation. The building you are parking in front of is unassuming. It appears to be just another one of many houses in the city. Simple. One storey, brick walls. It's decidedly regular. Normal. $v_name lets out a yawn on your left. "Finally," $v_they murmurs just as $l_name pulls the van into park, shutting off the engine. The agents begin to exit the van, though as you're in the middle you have to wait. Once $i_name leaves, still exuding distaste without even looking at you, you're nudged out by $v_name who follows closely behind. $v_They doesn't let you take even one step once you're out of the van before $v_they's right next to you. You can feel all the agents eyes pressing into you. At least one of them always watching you, wary of your next move. [[They don't have to worry so much, you're not going anywhere.|arrive][$ch to 0]] [[You can't blame them seeing as you're definitely going to run.|silly]]

<> <<if $ch is 0>> <<set $righteous +=2>> <<set $tri_rel +=3>> <<set $cautious +=2>> <<set $individual -=2>> You know it's pointless. <<if ($willing)>> You knew since the agents were at your apartment it would be pointless. <<endif>> They outnumber you and could easily overpower you. <<elseif $ch is 1>> <<set $tri_rel +=1>> <<set $individual +=1>> <<set $easygoing -=2>> You get what $s_name is saying. You know $s_they'$s_s right. But you don't have to be happy about it. <<if $friendly lte 50>> You pull your arm from $s_their grip. <<else>> You allow your body to slacken, $s_name releasing you. <<endif>> "Fine," you say without mirth. But at the first chance you have you're getting away. <<elseif $ch is 2>> <<set $tri_rel +=3>> <<set $cautious +=2>> <<set $individual -=1>> <<set $easygoing +=2>> $s_name's right. You know $s_they $s_is. There's no point destroying the semblance of trust placed on you by these agents. If anything, you should be trying your best to make yourself seem innocent. <<if $friendly gte 50>> You let out a sigh, slackening your shoulders. "Yeah, you're right." <<else>> You don't say anything more but $s_name can see the fight's gone out of you. <<endif>> $s_They nod$s_ps $s_their head, giving your arm a squeeze before dropping $s_their hand to $s_their side. <<else>> <<set $tri_rel +=2>> <<set $easygoing +=1>> <<set $numb +1>> <<set $emotional -=2>> You take a deep breath. Is it even worth it anymore? It's hard to feel anything but defeated in the face of things. You're so sick of running. You should just accept it now. <<if $emotional gte 50>> Your shoulders sag and $s_name gives you a sympathetic smile. $s_They <<else>> You let out the breath. $s_name <<endif>> let$s_ps go of your shoulder. <<endif>> <<if ($run2)>> "Good," $s_they say$s_ps. $s_They take$s_ps a step back. <<endif>><<endnobr>> The agents move up to the house with you in tow. Getting closer to it doesn't make it seem any more secret-base-y than before. You glance at the trimmed hedges, just starting to become a little overgrown. You clench your fists lightly as you step through the door, $l_name and $i_name ahead of you and $v_name and $s_name close behind. <><<if ($run2)>> Even though you've already given that up, <<else>> Even though you've given them no trouble, <<endif>> they all still seem wary.<<endnobr>> You're escorted through the entryway to a large room. Looking around, you're struck once more at how normal it all is. If you didn't know better, you'd just assume it was a regular [[house.|idk]]

<><<set $run2 to true>> <<set $righteous -=3>> <<set $cautious -=4>> <<set $tri_rel to 0>> <<set $individual +=2>> <<if ($willing)>> You're regretting your decision to come willingly. <<else>> You never said you'd make this easy for them. <<endif>> While you couldn't do anything in the van, now there's nothing stopping you from bolting. <<if ($run)>> Again. <<endif>> Part of you knows this is foolish. <<if !($willing)>> Knows well <<else>> Can guess <<endif>> what these agents are capable of. But the rest of you wants to run. //Needs// to.<<endnobr>> So you do. Or you try to. A strong hand grabs your upper bicep, forcing you to stop and spin to face them. It's $s_name, looking at you with a strange mix of pity and something darker. "Don't make yourself more trouble than you're worth." The words are not spoken unkindly, yet you hear the warning loud and clear. You're only being kept alive as long as you have value to them. A prisoner that isn't receptive, that keeps running away, isn't worth the effort of rehabilitation. $s_name looks at you. You can feel $s_their piercing gaze behind $s_their sunglasses. [[Fine. For now.|arrive][$ch to 1]] [[Okay, you know when to quit.|arrive][$ch to 2]] [[You're just so tired.|arrive][$ch to 3]]

Though it's sparsely decorated with art and ornaments that significantly lack character, it maintains a feeling of homeliness. You'd expected to be taken to some kind of holding cell, not a living room. There are two small grey couches and a couple of matching chairs situated around a humble coffee table devoid of any objects on top of it. A dark rug with an unpleasant looking texture covers much of the wooden floorboards, and you note a simple television on the far wall. "Take a seat," $l_name says, breaking you out of your examination. You see that $v_name is already lounging on one of the couches, taking up far too much space to be polite. $i_name doesn't mind, shoving $v_their legs aside so that $i_they can sit next to $v_them. $l_name is moving toward one of the chairs across from the other couch and you get the impression that you should be sitting on said couch. This is going to be a rather strange interrogation. [[Sit down.|interr]]

The couch is comfortable enough. The stares of all four agents is not. While each has a different emotion behind it, none are exactly pleasant, especially not all at once. You feel unsure what to do. Hyperaware of every movement. Where you place your hands, how your jaw is sitting, how often you're blinking, how loud you're breathing. //Calm down.// <><<if ($will)>> "I'd like to thank you for your cooperation so far," $l_name begins, breaking the uncomfortable silence finally. <<if $run2 is true>> You roll your lips as you remember your recent attempt at escape. <<endif>> <<else>> "I'd like to thank you for your...decision to cooperate," $l_they says. You can hear $l_their uncertainty, likely due to your lack of //voluntary// cooperation. <<if $run2 is true>> If anything, you've been consistently troublesome. <<endif>> <<endif>><<endnobr>> It's not like you really had much choice, but you nod along anyway. You have made up your mind to be compliant for the time being, after all. "We have much to discuss," $l_name continues. You raise an eyebrow at this. The other agents remain eerily silent. You gathered that $l_name was in charge, but still. Why are they all here if they're just going to look at you? "As I am //certain// you are aware," $l_name says, "You are a wanted fugitive. An unregistered, untrained and untested catalyst." You just look at $l_them. Of course you know your own life story. "The usual course of events now that you have been apprehended would be a trial, which would likely lead to a sentence with the Reformatory." A shudder passes through you at the mention of //that place.// Though you've never had the misfortune to end up in one of their 'rehabilitation centres,' you know more than enough about their methods. A prison system designed for catalysts. A diet of repressors, guards with weapons designed to take down those with even the most powerful flairs. And of course, the rumours of experimentation on unruly prisoners. "However," $l_name says and your curiosity grows. "An exception has been made." "What exception?" You ask, unable to control yourself. "You may forgo the aforementioned procedures by directly joining the Organisation." You can feel $l_them studying your face, searching for your reactions. "What?" "You would become an Organisation agent, albeit with certain restrictions," $l_name says as if it's the most natural thing in the world. "Think of it like community service." Your brain burns with questions, each pressing to be asked first. "Why?" You blurt out to quieten the buzz. $l_name hums thoughtfully. "This isn't exactly unheard of, though I wouldn't say it's a common occurrence." $l_They looks at you directly, something about $l_their hazel eyes belying $l_their true emotions. "Look at it this way," $l_they says, "You have a rather powerful flair. The Organisation has deemed you to be of significant enough potential to offer you this alternative." Your head spins. Never once had you considered this to be a possibility. Joining the Organisation? It opens up so many possibilities you had never once considered before. $l_name is still speaking. "Of course, it would ultimately be your decision," $l_they says monotonously, "And it would be a probationary arrangement." You nod to indicate your understanding, though it's indecisive if you've actually absorbed anything $l_they's said. [[This changes everything.|end]]