Redemption (Gold Turn-In)

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[[Do you have what it takes to survive?]] Retrieve your memories and find your purpose. This path isn't finished. [[References]]

A loud knock on your door wakes you from your peaceful sleep. You roll out of bed. "I'm coming. I'm coming," You say, half asleep. You open the door. "Rise and shine sunshine," John says. You rub your eyes and invite him inside. " How'd you sleep for your first night?" John sits down. "Pretty good." "I came by to see if you'd like to go hunting with me." "Sure, I'd like that." You grab your jacket and follow John through camp. "I'm going to grab some gear, so why don't you go to the stable and get us some horses," John says. [[Stable]]

You walk into the stable and approach a woman. The woman stops grooming her horse and walks over to you, extending her arm. "You must be the new girl. It's nice to meet you," The woman says. You shake her hand. "I'm Crystal, and that man over there is my husband, Hunter." Hunter looks over and waves. "I'm Mina. John sent me to get some horses so we can do some hunting." Hunter leaves to fetch a few horses. Crystal motions for you to follow her. "As a new member, you'll need a trusty mount, and it just so happens that we have a few available." "Seriously?" You say. Crystal smiles and nods, "Sure, you'll need a way to get around when you start going out on supply runs." [[Horses]]

Hunter comes back with John's horse and a pack mule. [[American Paint Horse]] With the need for speed, this guy is better than most hounds when it comes to detecting danger. Calm and friendly, easy to handle, and overall well-rounded horse. [[Tennessee Walking Horse]] Used for a wide range of disciplines, this guy is willing to please, docile, strong, and athletic. [[Belgian Draft]] On the heavier side, he is not as fast as the other two, but what he lacks in speed, he makes up for in strength. Docile, quiet, and easy to handle.

<Img src="Assets/Biscuit.jpeg"> [[Take horses and meet up with John]] { (set: $horse to "American Paint Horse")}

<Img src="Assets/Bean.jpeg"> [[Take horses and meet up with John]] { (set: $horse to "Tennessee Walking Horse")}

<Img src="Assets/Nevin.jpeg"> [[Take horses and meet up with John]] { (set: $horse to "Belgian Draft")}

Chapter One After wandering through the dense woods, you find a small camp, more like a fortress. The location ideal, way off the beaten path, and it camouflages well with the environment. Whoever built this didn't skimp on the defense: a watchtower, tall metal panels topped with razor wire, and sharpened logs at the base. As you approach, two men hold you at gunpoint. "State your business," Craig, a stout older man, walks closer. [[" I need a place to stay."]] [["I was told to come here." You hold up a golden pendant.]]

Unfinished second character story. [[A selction has to be made.]]

Craig searches you. He nods back at Joe, a mid 30's man with a rugged face. They lead you into camp. [[Next]]

"Where'd you get that?" Joe pushes Craig out of his away as he shoves his crossbow in your face. He snatches the pendant from your hand. "A woman gave it to me. She said I'd be safe here," you said. Joe clenches his teeth, "Now I know why she didn't come back. I should never have let her go alone." [["Who is she?"]] [[It's none of your business.]]

"My wife, we had ten great years together, until this shit happened," Joe takes a hit from his cigarette, " The stress of surviving took its toll. We started to grow distant." You look down at the ground. "She was angry with me, and I didn't get to make things right. I have to live the rest of my days with that," Joe flicks his cigarette. You wrap your arm around yourself and look at Joe, " I lost someone close to me too." Joe places a hand on your shoulder, " I'm sorry that a young girl like yourself has to endure this hell, but I can save you from the pain." "That's not your call," You push away from him, " I have unfinished business to take care of before I leave this world." [[Next]]

You follow the two men inside the camp. [[Next]]

A pale-skinned middle-aged woman approaches you with open arms. The woman holds you tight as if she had known you your whole life. "Welcome. My name's Kaite, but you can call me Kat if you'd like," Kat leads you through camp. " We are always looking for new members. You see, things have been getting worse. Raiders have been popping up everywhere, and those Chimera's are getting out of control," Kat stops to stare at you. " As you can see, we lack in one area, and that's people. We could use your help around here." [["Of Course, I'll join you."]] [["Seems too good to be true."]]

Kat smiled ear to ear. " Splendid, Come," She leads you to your room. Its nothing fancy, but a hell of a lot better than what you've had in the past. "I'll let you settle in if you need anything don't be afraid to ask." Kat turns to leave the room. Exhausted from a long day of traveling, you lay on the bed and crawl up, falling asleep. [[Next morning]]

Kat chuckles, " Our goal here is to help people in need and survive together. No one should face these hard times alone," Kat leads you to a vacant room. It's not much, but it beats what you've had in the past. At least you won't be alone now. You smile at Kat, " Thank you." "It's good to have you on our side," Kat says as she leaves the room. Exhausted from a long day of traveling, you lay on the bed and crawl up, falling asleep. [[Next morning]]

[[A selction has to be made.]] 1.) All three horses, American Paint, Tennessee Walker, and Draft, belong to Miranda Ayers. 2.) Robson220pl (Dec. 14th, 2019) - Low monster roar https://freesound.org/people/Robson220pl/sounds/497056/ 3.) FilmmakersManual (June 15, 2020) - Shotgun firing https://freesound.org/people/FilmmakersManual/sounds/522285/ 4.) qubodup (September 7, 2008) - Whoosh https://freesound.org/people/qubodup/sounds/60013/

You meet John at the front gate, and he hands you a bow and arrow and a quiver of arrows. {(if: $horse is "American Paint Horse")["He suits you. Spunky and full of heart." John takes his horse and the mule from you.] (else-if: $horse is "Tennessee Walking Horse")["He'll treat you well and get the job done." John takes his horse and the mule from you.] (else-if: $horse is "Belgian Draft")["Haha. Are you sure you can handle that big of a horse?" John takes his horse and the mule from you.]} You and John mount your horses as Craig, one of the watchmen opens the gate for you. [[Ride out]]

John leads you down a narrow dirt path that opens up to an open field. "What's your story, kid?" John rides beside you. You stare at him for a second before looking forward. "It happened all so fast. I remember waking up in our family's storm shelter. I don't know what happened to my brother. We are super close, so I don't understand why he'd not come back to me. So, for the last few years, I've been trying to find out what happened to him." "I hate to hear that but have you considered that he might be de..." You interrupt him. " Yes, but I don't believe he is. He's out there somewhere, and I'm going to find him." You give John a stern look. Both of you reach the top of the hill. You look down and see a couple of deer grazing. "We'll leave the horses here and try to get a little closer."[[ John leads the way.]]

You take cover behind a tree, and John takes a far bush. You get into position aiming at the unsuspecting deer. Simultaneously you and John take down a deer. As you go to collect your prizes, a chimera creeps up. The beast slithers up to one of the freshly slain deers and takes it into the woods. John looks over at you, but your gaze is not on him. He rushes to grab the last deer before the beast returns. You follow him back to the horses. "That was risky," You watch as John places the carcass on the mule. "I know," John mounts up, and so do you. Both of you rush back towards camp. [[Ride back]]

"What about you?" You glance at him for a moment. "Well, what's to tell. I've fucked up. A lot. I wasn't a good husband or father, and when my family needed me most, I wasn't there." John slows his horse down to a walk. He pulls out a cigarette and lights it up. "Honestly, I don't know why she stayed with me. If I were her, I'd of left me a long time ago, then maybe they'd still be here." "I'm not as innocent as I look, I've done some pretty messed up things." You look off in the distance. "But all that's in the past, right now we have people counting on us." John looks back at you with a faint grin. [[Ride into camp]]

You and John take your horses back to the stables. "I'll take care of the rest. Go get to know everyone," John says. [[Go Mingle]]

You take this opportunity to scope out the place. Making your way through camp, you run into a woman and small child. The woman stares and pulls her child closer to her. "Hi, I'm Mina, and I'll be helping out around here," You extend your hand. The woman looks you up and down, "No need for introductions. You won't last long enough for it to matter." "Excuse you?" You cross your arms. "Do you know what happened to the last few survivors? They all were killed for being ignorant, and your just a teenaged girl, so I assume you don't know much either," The woman picks up her child and walks away. "Don't mind her," A young woman sneaks up behind you, startling you, " My name is Sam, by the way. Welcome to camp. If you need anything, ask." Sam shows you around camp. "Over here is our dining hall, Ms. Jay is a super sweet lady, and she'll take care of you. Then over there is where Katie, Craig, and Joe stay," Sam points to a far off watchtower. "Now, I don't want to scare you off on your first day, but you should know that Katie and her two watchmen are sketchy as shit so, beware of what you say to them, and it's better not to ask them too many questions." Kat rounds the corner, " Ah, just who I was looking for. I need you, girls, to go out and gather some supplies." Kat hands you a list.[[Check list.]]

Battery Wires Glass shards Nuts and Bolts Tool kit Beware of the Fallen Angels, they will show no mercy. [[Mount up]]

John stops you at the gate, "Before you go, you might want to take some weapons." [[Crossbow, and Ka-bar combat knife]] [[Ruger GP100. 357 Revolver, and Machete]] [[Dp-12 Shotgun, and crowbar]]

You take the crossbow and Ka-bar combat knife and leaves camp. [[Explore Junkyard]] { (set: $weapon to "Crossbow, and Ka-bar combat knife")}

You take the Ruger GP100. 357 Revolver, and Machete and leaves camp. [[Explore Junkyard]] { (set: $weapon to "Ruger GP100. 357 Revolver, and Machete")}

You take the Dp-12 Shotgun and crowbar and leaves camp. [[Explore Junkyard]] { (set: $weapon to "Dp-12 Shotgun, and crowbar")}

You and Sam sneak around. A pack of chimeras makes their way around a pile of demolished cars. The one leading is short and stout, standing on two legs with long claws and muzzle full of daggered teeth. It finds a corpse and tears into the decaying flesh. The second one, covered with what looks like armor, fights for a piece of rotten flesh. With every step, it makes the ground shake. And the last one is lanky and tall, almost human-like with exaggerated features. Its groans sound as if it is in pain. It smells the air for a fresh scent before staring over at the trailer. [[Both of you slip into the trailer]] { <audio autoplay> <Source Src="Assets/Low Monster Roar.wav"></audio> }

You look under the desk only to find a letter taped above. Sam looks around. [[Read Letter]]

Whoever finds this letter, I can't tell if you are madcap or gallant. Either way, I envy you. I did what I had to do to save my family from the horrendous monsters. If you were smart, you would do the same before its too late. However, if you want to try your luck, I have a stash of goods hidden at a safe house. Find the map, and it is yours as I have no use for it now. [[Search for map]] [[It is coming]] {<Img src="Assets/Note one.jpg"> }

You search the desk and obtains the map. [[It is coming]] { (set: $map to "true")}

The tall and lanky chimera sniffs its way through the trailer, the floor creaking below. { (if: $weapon is "Crossbow, and Ka-bar combat knife")["I can take it out quietly"[[ Peek over the desk.]]] (else-if: $weapon is "Ruger GP100. 357 Revolver, and Machete")["I won't chance it"[[Crawl through the window.]]] (else-if: $weapon is "Dp-12 Shotgun, and crowbar")["Let's blow some brains out"[[Face the beast.]]] }

The door swings open, barely making a sound. You grip your shotgun and ready your finger on the trigger. You slowly exhale as you get into position. As the beast enters, you line up your shot. You load an arrow and draw back the string. You let out a long sigh as you stand in position. You crack your neck as the door slowly swings open to reveal an eyeless beast. It lifts its head and sniffs the air tilting its head back and forth. It makes a few clicking noises. You hold your breathe and place your finger on the trigger. Palms sweaty. You squeeze the trigger. [[Whoosh]]

You shuffle to the window helping Sam through first. As you climb out, the slender monster makes a loud pitch screech and approaches you. You struggle to squeeze through but manages to drop to the ground before getting caught. [[Plops to the ground]]

The beast lets out a loud pitch screech as it hits the ground, alarming the other two. You force Sam and yourself out the window. [[Plops to the ground]] { <audio autoplay> <Source Src="Assets/Shotgun.wav"></audio> }

You pick yourself up off the floor and help Sam onto her horse. "Go back to camp. I'll distract them so you can get away," you say. "No way I can't leave you," Sam says. You smack her horse, and it takes off. You get the attention of the remaining beasts and lead them in the opposite. You travel a few miles down the road and end up at a truck stop. You look back with no sign of the creatures following you. Several semi-trucks line the back of the parking lot, rusted and worn down from the weather. Entangled in vines and wild vegetation, it is impressive that the shop is still standing. The sounds of engines grow closer. You shoo your horse away. [[Take cover behind the semi-trucks]] [[Hide behind the thick brush]]

You steadily watch as three bikers roll into the parking lot. These are not the typical survivors that you're used to seeing. These guys look like their asking for trouble. Two of the men walk inside, leaving one to keep watch. It's too far away to catch a good look at the men. You sneak up closer, but not without two glowing eyes looking down on you. [[Hide behind the thick brush]]

You steadily watch as three bikers roll into the parking lot. These are not the typical survivors that you're used to seeing. These guys look like their asking for trouble. Two of the men walk inside, leaving one to keep watch. You notice a tool kit on the side of the motorcycle. It is on your list of materials to get. [[Quietly snatch the tool kit]] [[Go in guns a blazing]] [[Do not do it it's too risky]]

Tiptoeing up to the motorcycle, you reach for the tool kit, ever so quietly taking it from the saddle-bag. You turn back to the bush. "Hey, what are you doing?" The man hops for his bike and stands over you. You turn to look at him. You try to hide the tool kit behind your back. The two other men approach. One of them yanks you from the ground and holds tightly to you. Another picks up the tool kit. "Know what we do to people that try to steal from us?" "I think we should show her." "I think so too." One of the men cracks his knuckles as he smiles and looks her up and down. As he moves closer to you, loud earth rumbling growl echos. The man holds a blade to your throat. "Funny, trying to scare us?" He turns to face the back of the parking lot. "Show yourselves now, or she gets it." [[What is lurking?]]

{(if: $weapon is "Crossbow, and Ka-bar combat knife")[You throw your knife at the man sitting on his bike. The other two men run outside, guns drawn. You shoot one in the head, taking cover as the last man unloads his magazine. You load another arrow and take your shot piercing his chest.] (else-if: $weapon is "Ruger GP100. 357 Revolver, and Machete")[You sneak close to the guy and slice off his head. The other two men run out. You take them both out with precision.] (else-if: $weapon is "Dp-12 Shotgun, and crowbar")[Leaping from the bush you blast the first man, as the other two rush out of the building, you take them out with ease.] } After slaying the men, you scoop up the tool kit and begin to search the area. There's nothing important, so you whistle for your horse. Long clawed front legs and hooved hind legs emerge from behind the truck. A tall, emaciated, and slightly furry beast presents itself. Intimidating yet graceful at the same time. The beast makes his way over to you. [[Stay put]] [[Fight the beast]]

You silently watch as the two men come back to their bikes. One of the men who sat outside takes off his helmet, followed by the other two. "There is nothing here. We should get going before any of those beast show up." One of the men said as he tightens his laces. A spider crawls up your arm. You try to hold the squeal that so desperately wants to escape. The spider stops mid-way and appears to look you in the eyes. You swat at the eight-legged arachnid, frantically yanking off your jacket and tossing it to the ground as you take a few steps back. The men stare in amusement, sharing a glance at each other. [[Continue]]

Long clawed front legs and hooved hind legs emerge from behind the truck. A tall, emaciated, and slightly furry beast presents itself. Intimidating yet graceful at the same time. The men throw you to the ground and take off. You lay face down on the pavement, your weapons out of reach. The beast makes his way over to you. [[Run for your weapons]] [[Stay put]]

"So this is how it ends? " you tremble. The beast's mouth wide open, drool drips down, and you can feel the warmth of its breath on your face. He licks the side of your face and nuzzles you as a puppy does. "Do not be frightened. I am here to help you, not harm you." he takes a step back. You touch his cold boney face. He helps you to your feet. [["Why are you helping me?"]] [["Who are you, and can all of you talk?"]]

{ (if: $weapon is "Crossbow, and Ka-bar combat knife")[ You pierce the shoulder of the best.] (else-if: $weapon is "Ruger GP100. 357 Revolver, and Machete")[ You fire a couple of rounds into his chest.] (else-if: $weapon is "Dp-12 Shotgun, and crowbar")[ You take a couple of shots at his chest.]} He still stands his ground and comes closer to you. He licks the side of your face and nuzzles you as a puppy does. "Do not be frightened. I am here to help you, not harm you." he takes a step back. [["Why are you helping me?"]] [["Who are you, and can all of you talk?"]]

You stand awkwardly in front of the group. "Well, Well, look at what we have here, boys." One of the men moves closer to you. " What do you think we should do with her?" "She could be useful. What do you say, little girl, want to join us?" You think about their offer. Join them [[Refuse]]

"All I know is that I have to protect you and help you save Earth. I do not remember who I am." You run your fingers through his fur. " Amias." He looks down at you. You smile. "There is something about you that reminds me of my brother. So, that is your new name, Amias." He nods with acceptance. [[Chapter Two]]

"No, the others can't. I was made a little differently. My purpose is to help you save this world from farther destruction." He stands tall and looks up at the sky. " As for me, I do not remember who I am. All I know is that I have to protect you." You run your fingers through his fur. " Amias." He looks down at you. You smile. "There is something about you that reminds me of my brother. So, that is your new name, Amias." He nods with acceptance. [[Chapter Two]]

"I'd never join you. I already have a team." One of the men crosses his arms. "Let me guess Kat snagged you up? That's asham. She's worse then we are. The only difference is that we don't sugar coat anything." You look at him with a confused look. "If you change your mind, come find us." The men jump on their bikes and take off. Loud Earth rumbling growl echos. [[What is lurking?]]

Coming soon...