Paradise Lost

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<div class="fade-in-text">You find yourself back on the trail, completely surrounded by towering trees with only simple dirt paths as your natural guide. <<button[[Go left|Straight]]>><</button>> <<button[[Go straight|Straight]]>><</button>> <<button[[Go right|Straight]]>><</button>> <<set $pathCounter += 1>> <<set $pathSetter = random(1,7)>> <<if $pathCounter == 5>> <<set $pathSetter = 8>> <</if>> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">Something in the code broke - please report to Krab for further inspection. <<button[[Continue the adventure!|Path]]>><</button>> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You find yourself staring at a dark oak bridge. Below is a slow stream of water, gently coursing down the mossy rocks. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Go over the bridge|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Go over the bridge|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <<button[[Stop and watch the water under the bridge]]>><</button>> <img src="Bridge.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You see before you a large, slanted, rocky field on the side of this mountain. With the sun beating down and little shade to protect you, you know that the climb will be difficult but rewarding. You look at your watch - it is half past ten. You have several options: <<button[[Take a short rest before starting the difficult trek]]>><</button>> <<button[[Dive right in and begin the adventure]]>><</button>> <<button[[Find an alternate route]]>><</button>> <img src="RockyPass.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You can see an opening in the trees, the sun gleaming down. You notice that the path splits, the new path leading just a few meters off to a flat outlook of the area below. <<button[[Check it out - shouldn't take long]]>><</button>> <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Ignore it|Path]]<<else>><<button[[Ignore it|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You can hear a waterfall just ahead. You pick up the pace a little, eager to reach the waterfall. Not longer after, you arrive. You can see the towering mountain side and the cascading water slapping against the rocks below. Multiple fallen logs allow for easy passage over the stream of clear water. <<button[[Carefully maneuver over the rocks]]>><</button>> <<button[[Walk along the wet logs]]>><</button>> <img src="Waterfall.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You are stopped by a very... peculiar tree, standing in the center of your path. It poses no threat of falling, but it does have a certain uniqueness to it. <<if $hasJournal != true>>[[Pray it doesn't fall and continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>>[[Pray it doesn't fall and continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> [[Inspect the tree]] <img src="OddTree.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You reach the top. It's more breathtaking than you ever thought it could be. The sky here is so blue, it looks as though the sea had overtaken the heavens above. The white rocky hills looks majestic and graceful, each jagged edge just as unique as a person. The scattered trees prove powerful, the true kings of this mighty mountain. But here you are. You conquered the beaten paths and rocky elevation. You stand on top of a large boulder, taking in the thin atmosphere. The blanket of sunshine is the only thing keeping you warm from the waving winds that dance around you in elegant grace. You see a nearby outlook built into the rocks. The white building stands stark to the baby blue sky behind it. A rope ladder offers its assistance to the lookout deck. <<button[[Climb the rope ladder]]>><</button>> <<button[[You are satisfied, start the trek back down]]>><</button>> <img src="Destination.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You lean over the sturdy railing and watch the world pass around you. Birds chirp and fly overhead. A frog croaks and hops over a fallen log. You can see a family of mushrooms hogging the base of a nearby tree that looks ready to splash into the stream. The stream itself is quite muddy, but seems to be teeming with life. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Continue on satisfied|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Continue on satisfied|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <<button[[Toss a nearby rock into the water below]]>><</button>> <<button[[Take a deep breath in and enjoy the nature]]>><</button>> <img src="Bridge.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You pick up a nearby smooth stone and huck it into the water. What you didn't realize was that a nearby rabbit was sniffing at the water. The now-waterlogged rabbit prances away, disappearing into the thick of the forest. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Apologize out loud and continue on|Path]]>><</button>>\n<<button[[Feel bad and continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Apologize out loud and continue on|Journal]]>><</button>>\n<<button[[Feel bad and continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Bridge.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You breathe in. ... ... ... You breathe out. The air smells wonderful. Your nostrils are filled with the scent of fresh leaves, moist dirt, and lively pine. <<button[[Toss a nearby rock into the water below]]>><</button>> <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Bridge.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">With some difficulty, you climb up the ladder and reach the painted wood deck. But it appears you are not the only other observer on this beautiful day. You see a guy, about early twenties, sitting perched up on the railing, staring off into the distance. <<button[[Leave him be]]>><</button>> <<button[["Beautiful day, isn't it?"]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">Having beaten the mountain, you decide that it is time to go home. You begin the steady descent down, but the time passes like sand pouring through your hands. You let your mind wander as much as your body does, simply enjoying the passing beauty. As you reach the bottom, you start to feel the aches in muscles and bones. You already know that the nap that will succeed this trip will feel quite refreshing. You grab a final snack from your bag, hop in the car, and <<button[[begin the drive home...]]>><</button>> <img src="Destination.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You have just completed "Paradise Lost"! Let me know what you thought or if you'd like to see another adventure created. <<button[[Restart|Set]]>><</button>> <img src="Destination.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> <<if $hasJournal == true>> $journal <</if>> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You both just peer out at the stunning view below. It is unlike anything you've ever seen. You wish you could stay up here forever. <<button[[But every good thing must come to an end|You are satisfied, start the trek back down]]>><</button>> <img src="Destination.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">He jumps in surprise, then smiles at you. "Absolutely. I've been sitting here for awhile, and I can't take my eyes off this nature." <<button[["What's your name?"]]>><</button>> <<button[["I know, it's beautiful"]]>><</button>> <<button[["I know that feeling, I can't seem to take my eyes off of you"]]>><</button>> <<button[[Say your farewell and begin the descent|You are satisfied, start the trek back down]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">"My name's Krab. What's yours? <<textbox "$name" "">> <<button[[Enter]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">He looks at your for a moment, rolls his eyes, and chuckles. "Say, would you be interested in some food? I've got some boiling." <<button[["Sure!"]]>><</button>> <<button[["No thanks, I best be going"|You are satisfied, start the trek back down]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">He smiles. For a few minutes, you both just peer out at the stunning view below. It is unlike anything you've ever seen. You realize the guy was right - it is indeed quite hard to take your eyes off the view. <<button[[Say your farewell and head home|You are satisfied, start the trek back down]]>><</button>> <img src="Destination.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">"Nice to meet you $name. Say, would you like some food? I've got some boiling." <<button[["Sure!"]]>><</button>> <<button[["No thanks, I best be going"|You are satisfied, start the trek back down]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">He hops down and grabs a bag off a portable burner that you hadn't noticed until just now. He grabs a couple of plastic silverware and offers you a fork and the bag. You see that it is just dehydrated camp food, the meal being "Chicken and Dumplings". <<button[[Take a bite]]>><</button>> <<button[[Change your mind]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">For some reason, this food is way more delicious than you expected. The chicken is tender, the dumplings are sweet, and the gravy is meaty with the perfect amount of salt. The entire meal experience goes just perfectly with the wonderful view. <<button[[Hand him back the bag|"I know, it's beautiful"]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">He laughs and asks, "chicken and dumplings not your thing?" You shake your head. He chuckles once again and takes a massive bite, savoring each flavor. <<button[[Watch the skyline|"I know, it's beautiful"]]>><</button>> <img src="Me.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You sit and fill up on a protein bar before beginning the trek. The sun is beaming, yet you don't feel hot yet - the shifting breeze keeps you feeling refreshed. After a few minutes, you are full of energy and beyond ready to begin the hike up through the rocks. <<button[[Off you go|Dive right in and begin the adventure]]>><</button>> <img src="RockyPass.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">The rocks are devious, but your determination is mighty. You blaze through the field of rocks, casually dancing upon the massive fallen stones. Your calves begin to burn, but it only fuels you with more energy. Off to your right, you see a family of mountain goats watching your ascent from afar. <<button[[Wave to the mountain goats and carry on]]>><</button>> <<button[[Attempt to approach the family]]>><</button>> <img src="RockyPass.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You search around and find it to be a waste of time - you can't find where the path picks back up. The sun has risen higher into the sky, and you can feel the sweat already starting to build up and start to drip. <<button[[Keep looking|Find an alternate route]]>><</button>> <<button[[Take a short rest before starting the difficult trek]]>><</button>> <<button[[Shoulder up and start the trek|Dive right in and begin the adventure]]>><</button>> <img src="RockyPass.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">They simply continue to watch you climb the boulders and grassy patches until you finally catch sight of the trail again. Once you reach it, you stop for a moment to take a swig from your Camelbak and enjoy being under the shade. The cool mountain breeze feels better than ever before. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Continue onward!|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Continue onward!|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="RockyPass.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You take a few steps towards the family, who instantly pick up your intent and leap into the trees behind them. You can no longer see the family of mountain goats, which makes you sad, but you can also understand. You continue up the rocky field and reach the trail once again. You stop for a moment to take a swig from your Camelbak and enjoy being under the shade. The cool mountain breeze feels better than ever before. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Continue onward!|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Continue onward!|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="RockyPass.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You are amazed by the sheer beauty from this outlook. You can see a nearby pond, a field of green speckled with beautiful evergreens, and the nearby surronding mountains. The clouds above roll with a graceful serenity. You feel peace wash over you as though you were playing down in the pond below. The gleaming pond is unlike anything you've ever seen. <<button[[Sit down and enjoy the beauty]]>><</button>> <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Commit the scene to memory and carry on - you mustn't get distracted|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Commit the scene to memory and carry on - you mustn't get distracted|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Outlook.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You sit down and just... feel thankful. This is where you can stop and think about your life. You reflect on the things you've done recently, the things you've seen, and the way you've spent your time. You are thankful you are here right here, right now, but is it enough? Wouldn't you like to be at more places like here? Life is too short, and often times, the good times roll past far too quickly. Think about these things and appreciate the nature, and when you're ready to continue... <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Head back to the trail|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Head back to the trail|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Outlook.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You step from rock to rock, expertly judging which rocks are safe and which ones would ROCK wobbily (haha, get it?). You safely reach the other side with minimal backsplash on your clothes. Looking back, you realize that the logs might have been dangerous, them being wet and all. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Carry on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Carry on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Waterfall.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You begin walking along the logs and realize that it is not as easy as it would seem. The slippery log proves to be quite dangerous, but you are already halfway across. You continue to inch along the barkless log, hoping that your footing is sure. However, the wind has other plans. A gentle breeze that slowly picks up throws you off your balance. You narrowly dodge the log as you fall, but plummet into the stream below, creating a massive splash. Thankfully, the stream is only a foot deep at this point, but you are still drenched. You waddle through the water and reach the other side. You are quite cold, but thanks to your multiple layers, you realize that you will warm up quite quickly. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Shake excess water out of your boots and continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Shake excess water out of your boots and continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Waterfall.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">It looks as though the original tree gave life and supports two more trees, holding them above the ground with care. But still, it looks as though this were a glitch in some video game. You knock on the tree to ensure the existence of this tree. Puzzled, you give up trying to guess the origin, as you are no expert in trees. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Leave, but keep your eyes on that tree|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Leave, but keep your eyes on that tree|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="OddTree.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">Your adventure within the trees cuts short, as you find yourself amongst a variety of small rocks and a flowing stream. The winding path leads you along the side of this gentle stream. You can see your destination ahead and high above. This is a good time to take a slow pace and enjoy the nature. <<button[[Slow your pace]]>><</button>> <<button[[Forge on and try to reach the end faster]]>><</button>> <img src="Stream.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You slow down and watch the stream as you walk up the path. The morning seems even calmer, as you watch several types of animals trot up and drink up from the stream, which looks very refreshing. A few birds chirp from above, flying around and diving at one another. The time passes rather quickly, and you find yourself at the end of the field. You look behind you and see the stream from above. You see how it leads into a nearby lake. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Smile and continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Smile and continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Stream.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You continue even faster through this easy path, but are met with a split. One peels off to the left into the trees (it looks as though it could be a shortcut) and one winds precariously along the stream, including over a couple of bridges. <<button[[Go left into the trees]]>><</button>> <<button[[Go straight and over the stream|Slow your pace]]>><</button>> <img src="Stream.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You power through and keep to the left. The path feels fairly straight, sort of boring, but ends up winding. After awhile, you realize the path has been declining in elevation. You don't realize how long it has been doing this. You break through the trees and realize you are back at the beginning, but on a different trail. Your "shortcut" ended up costing you more time. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Go back up the mountain on the nearby trail|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Go back up the mountain on the nearby trail|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You reach a clearing and see a massive river - an odd sight on a mountain (perhaps it leads to a lake or a waterfall?). But even more odd, you see a sword sticking out of the ground. <<button[[Approach the sword]]>><</button>> <<button[[Ignore - you shouldn't mess with someone else's swords|Path]]>><</button>> <img src="Sword.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You carefully inspect the sword. It is truly an elegant weapon. You vaguely remember your history class about European history and recall this style of sword being called a Gladius. Etchings line the blade beautifully, the glossy wood glints preciously, and the scabbard sits on the ground in front of the sword. You also notice the letter stuck underneath the scabbard. <<button[[Read the letter]]>><</button>> <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Leave it be|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Leave it be|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Sword.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text"><i>Dear reader, I leave this sword here as a token of rememberence. My friend, the rightful owner of this sword, has recently passed. I leave this sword as a memorial, as this was his most prized possession. He would often take it on hikes to feel like "a true adventurer". As you can tell, he was a massive fan of Tolkein. I do not know how long this sword might last against the weather. If you feel the call of adventure as my friend once did, please take this sword and care for it. Protect it with your life and never let that adventureous side of you die out. If you do not feel the call, feel free to leave this here - perhaps there are less people similar to my friend as I thought. Best Regards, A Grieivng Friend</i> <<button[[Take the sword]]>><</button>> <<button[[Leave the sword]]>><</button>> <img src="Sword.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You place your hand over the handle, placing your fingers into the grooves. You gently pull it from the dirt and hold it towards the sky - it truly is a beautiful sword. You sheathe the sword, swing it over your back, and always to remember that lost friend. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Sword.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You decide that while your sense of adventure is alive, it is best for another who hears the call more clearly. You hope that the next passerby is someone with that sense that the friend had. <<if $hasJournal != true>><<button[[Continue on|Path]]>><</button>><<else>><<button[[Continue on|Journal]]>><</button>><</if>> <img src="Sword.png" width="500" height="500" class="center"> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">Here you are, living the life. You've been working for God knows how long. You've spent day after day, working and shopping and eating and sleeping, living life with the "repeat" button on. It's time to hit "shuffle" on that. You decide that this calls for a hike. Imagine, if you will: a beautiful walk on a winding trail, looking up at what Earth has to offer. Nature all around you, looking up at you with curiousity. You get to feel like a kid again, with hopes of exploring something new and wonderful. So let me ask you... Do you want this? <<button[[Yes]]>><</button>> <<button[[No|begin the drive home...]]>><</button>> </div>

<div class="fade-in-text">As you are packing for your grand trip, bag full of food and surival items and spare clothes, you realize you have just enough room to pack your trusty diary to write down what you see and feel. Do you want to take it? <<button[[Yes|Take diary]]>><</button>> <<button[[Not today]]>><</button>></div>

<div class="fade-in-text">Thus begins the long drive. It takes several hours, but your friends swear that this is the hike you want to go on. There is nothing better than this in the entire state. That's fine, you believe them. You think, let's go see if this is worth the hype. You arrive at the park. You use the restroom before your escape to nature, double check your bag, and begin walking down the quiet dirt path... <<button[[Continue|Path]]>><</button>></div>

<div class="fade-in-text">Do you wish to write into your journal at this time? <<button[[Yes please]]>><</button>> <<button[[Not right now|Path]]>><</button>></div>

<div class="fade-in-text">You find yourself back on the trail, completely surrounded by towering trees with only simple dirt paths as your natural guide. <<button[[Go left|Straight]]>><</button>> <<button[[Go straight|Straight]]>><</button>> <<button[[Go right|Straight]]>><</button>> <<set $pathCounter += 1>> <<set $pathSetter = random(1,5)>> <<if $pathCounter == 5>> <<set $pathSetter = 8>> <</if>> <<set $journal += $newEntry>> <<set $journal += "\n\n">> </div>