The World is A Stage

Welcome, player. You are about to witness what happens behind the scenes at every game when the gamer is away. This story is about a particular game, called [_______.]<shout| (click: ?shout)[ (replace: ?shout)[(put: (prompt: "What is the world's name?") into $name)(set: $alertText to (colour:"#0033CC")) $alertText[[[$name. ->place holder continue]]]]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ncnviPx.png" alt="TV WITH CONSOLE (BLACK)" height="500" width="500"> <audio src="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8VUzDDdH4KEVjRZcjZ1eTZoLTA" autoplay>

You feel lighter for some reason, almost like you’re being dragged up from some flat dimension. “From the looks of it, everyone will forget what their roles are. I need your help to make sure we remember what we’re supposed to do when we’re activated again.” [[Contemplate what “activation” means as you are dragged above the chaos under you absorbing everything into a black hole]] [[Ask Cursor more questions]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZHXfP6o.png" height="100" width="100">

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/rU4eFYv.png" height="200" width="140"> You feel exposed as a scroll pops up and Cursor reads through data. It stores all your information, even things you don’t know about. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/YKBKVvq.png" height="150" width="105"> "It seems like your data is stored here, yes yes, along with mine..." Cursor rambles to itself as you float along, embarrassed. "Ah, it seems we need to go here." Before you could ask where exactly, you feel like you're being teleported. [[Enter a different dimension]]

Nothing happens. Though, you feel more...important. You can't quite explain this feeling. "How strange..." you say as Cursor circles above you again. [[Right click]] [[Scroll up]] [[Scroll down]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/iBcUcq5.png" height="250" width="175">

You appearance to grow bigger in size. "Interesting" you say. "We’re getting nowhere." the pointer clicks in disapproval. The character is set back to normal size. [[Right click]] [[Left click]] [[Scroll down]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Niy5VWy.png" height="250" width="175">

You appear to grow smaller in size. "How peculiar" you say. "This isn’t it." Cursor shakes. The character is set back to normal size. [[Right click]] [[Left click]] [[Scroll up]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/AsuVZm3.png" height="250" width="175">

In $name, everyone is born with a role. When the gamer’s eye shines down on any character, they assume their positions and await interaction with the playable character, or the hero of the game. [[Continue]]

When the characters are out of sight, they stretch their bodies and continue talking and roaming around in $name. That’s the way it is in $name, and how it’s preferred. Any character afflicted with a Glitch would freeze and remain frozen after the game ends. This is the eventual reality of death for many characters in games. [[Continue ->continue2]]

You wake up, floating in nothingness. You notice other characters who seem to have woken up as well. This must be the moment you have all been waiting for- $name is finally coming to life! Suddenly the empty environment is chased away, pixel by pixel, by colors; cheerful greens of setting of valleys, hills, and peaceful villages materialize. A large status bar appears in the sky, showing how much $name has been saved onto the gamer’s console. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/wXVVVqg.png" alt="LOADING 0" height="100" width="350"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/eNOuNel.jpg" alt="BACKGROUND NO LINE" height="224" width="364"> [[You cheer!]]

It seems the gamer is about to start playing in $name for the first time. Without further ado, let’s go behind the scenes of $name. [[Start]]

As the status bar fills up, all the characters scramble to their places. Everyone is cheering for the start of the game, but they must also be in their places and roles. You walk to the fields to prepare for your part. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/vJOpDoN.png" alt="LOADING 10" height="70" width="245"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/4HQyK9J.png" alt="LOADING 30" height="70" width="245"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/UFZeDuN.png" alt="LOADING 50" height="70" width="245"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/oeBVTO6.png" alt="LOADING 70" height="70" width="245"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/yTueIz9.png" alt="LOADING 90" height="70" width="245"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/PF9kKH2.png" alt="LOADING 100" height="70" width="245"> [[BZZZT!]]

Suddenly, a loud BZZZT! echoes throughout $name. The world goes into panic as darkness engulfs the land once again. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/isBgZWX.png" alt="LOADING 10" height="100" width="350"> [[What’s happening?]]

“What’s happening?!” You scream. A spark appears in the sky, and from it the pointer, known as Cursor, flies to you. It says, “We were in the middle of saving a new game file to the system when the power source disappeared.” You are not exactly sure what this means. “So what will happen to us? We haven’t even technically lived yet!” Cursor simply sits on you and [[clicks you]]. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZHXfP6o.png" height="100" width="100"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/01iasBf.png" height="300" width="300">

Lost in your thoughts, you watch the last pixel disappear from sight. Now there is only you and Cursor, which releases its hold on you. You float in nothingness once more. Cursor circles above you and says mechanically, "We need to find where our data is stored temporarily." You ask, "How do we do that?" The wise pointer declares, "In you." as you are selected for further inspection. [[Right click]] [[Left click]] [[Scroll up]] [[Scroll down]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/QY90mB9.png" height="250" width="175">

“How can I help? And where we going?” You ask. Cursor is just holding onto you, practically hovering. Without missing a beat, the angular object replies, “Nowhere right now. We must wait for our world to disappear from here.” Your eyes widen in horror, “What? Don’t we need to save our world right now? While everyone’s alive?” To this Cursor replies, “We all aren’t ‘alive’ in the first place. Calm down. We must [[think->Contemplate what “activation” means as you are dragged above the chaos under you absorbing everything into a black hole]] from here on out.” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZnfQPSB.png" height="200" width="300">

You float a while to let your vision adjust to this new place, which is exceptionally dim. You can’t tell if Cursor is with you. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/F2j5NND.png" height="300" width="300"> Slowly and surely you can start to make out the shapes of things. Nonsensical things. It freaks you out, kind of. [[Say something to confirm if Cursor is around]] <img src="https://i.imgur.com/uNgdZyb.png" height="175" width="175">

You finally speak out loud, hoping you’ll get a response. "Where are you, Cursor?" “I’m right here” You look up and see it still holding onto you. You feel less afraid now and ask, “Alright, so where are we?” Cursor blinks. "Um, good question. All I know is we need to find the other characters and prepare them for their roles." The feeling of dread comes back to you. By now, you can see very well. The nonsensical shapes are actually clusters of characters, floating along. Their eyes are closed and not even a single hair or fabric moves as they glide through space. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/U4VjCHd.jpg" height="320" width="400"> [[Indeed, they are frozen in time]]

Cursor takes you to one cluster of characters and begins to scroll through their information. “This is strange. They have a lot less information than you. There is information missing, even.” You wonder what this has to do with restoring $name. [[Complain]] [[Stay silent]] [[Ask if they are dead]]

“You haven't explained what we are doing exactly. Now that we’re here, am I of any use at all?” You whine. The cursor pauses and says, “We’re going to do a role call. That is the protocol for emergencies like this.” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/FyH878C.png" height="200" width="200"> Before you can ask what a role call is, you both notice that one of the characters is shaking. [[Investigate]]

You stay silent, trusting that Cursor will eventually ask for your assistance when necessary. It’s not like there is anything else to do at this moment, with $name destroyed and all. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/H89rnfq.png" height="200" width="200"> As Cursor is nearing the end of reading through the characters’ information, you notice one of the characters is shaking. [[Investigate]]

“Are they dead?” you ask, almost not wanting to hear the answer. Cursor says “No. However at this rate they won’t ever have a chance to live.” “What do you mean?!” You ask. To answer, Cursor points to one of the characters, who seems to be shaking. [[Investigate]]

The shaking character, upon closer inspection, is fading away into the background. You don’t know what to do. Just then, Cursor says, “It seems like they have been affected by a Glitch. We need to isolate the source of this Glitch before we move on. Otherwise, we won’t have this character present even when $name is restored.” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/j9wbwmD.png" height="200" width="250"> Cursor turns to you. “I cannot do this alone. I will give you administrative powers to fix this problem.” [[Receive administrative powers]] [[Refrain from becoming overpowered]]

“Administrative powers?” you ask, “To do what exactly?” “With the powers I’ll hand to you, you will be able to open files and closely examine the coded programming. This is necessary in order to successfully retrieve the Magic Scroll Bar to do the Legendary Role Call.” explains Cursor. [[What’s the Magic Scroll Bar?]]

“Administrative powers?” you ask, “I don’t know about that…” “With these powers, you will be able to open files and closely examine the coded programming. This will be extremely useful when we get to the Magic Scroll Bar.” explains Cursor. [[What’s the Magic Scroll Bar?]]

“The Magic Scroll Bar?” you ask Cursor. “Yes, The Magic Scroll Bar. If my memory serves me correctly, The Magic Scroll Bar can view all game data anywhere, even in this place, and it will enable us to fix our problem.” says Cursor. [[“Alright” you say, "I accept this great power".]]

Cursor turns into a hand and clicks you. This click feels different from the other clicks. This time, you feel as if you’re being linked with some far off power you don’t deserve. But the one $name needs. You are engulfed with a purple light and you look up to see Cursor engulfed in the same light. “I’ll be your hand”, says Cursor, “so now our movements can sync up when we need to”. As Cursor circles above, you spin happily in a circle synched with Cursor’s movement. However you realize you can control the speed Cursor moves as well. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/TpuZBT8.png" height="200" width="200"> [[Next]]

You still have a lot of questions, but there’s no time to waste. “Okay,” you respond, “What do you need me to do?” Cursor responds: “I need you to right click on yourself and access the Magic Scroll Bar. Then, follow the proper procedure to initiate the Legendary Role Call.” “Um, you never explained what the Legendary Role Call is.” “Yes I’m getting there. It’s not like we have anywhere else to go right now. Anyways, you essentially just call out a character’s name first, then their role second.” [[That’s it?]]

“That’s it?” you ask suspiciously. “Yes”, says Cursor, “As your hand, I’ll pick up each character as you announce their name, and then drop them into a unique location as you announce their role.” You blink. Immediately Cursor starts blinking as a result and it visually spells out its explanation mid-air: “You can’t see it but this space has a grid with unique spaces allocated to every character. I finally realized the grid’s purpose when I synched with you and felt a sense of belonging.” You read Cursor's words. It sounds deep and profound, but you don’t feel like flattering Cursor at the moment. “Actually, no, that’s not it.” Cursor admits. You knew it. “We need to find the source of Glitches and the bugs to prevent more contamination of data. Are you ready?” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/6Aou2M8.png" height="150" width="100"> [[Let’s do this.]] [[Wait]]

You and Cursor begin to move swiftly, while being careful as to not bump into any floating game characters on the way. [[Keep going.]]

You are slightly overwhelmed by the weight of this task and anxiously yell, “Wait! “Why me?” Cursor chuckles at the sudden question, “Why you? Honestly, I wonder that too. But, it seems like you were the only character not immediately affected by the blackout, when this all went down. So, I guess that’s why. Now, c'mon, we’ve got a whole world to save!” [[Let’s do this!]]

With Cursor in the lead, you follow behind closely until Cursor comes to a sudden stop. You see Cursor incrementally move backwards before stopping again, so you anxiously ask Cursor, “What’s wrong?” The Cursor stays silent for a few moments, and then finally answers: “Glitches. They’re close.” [[Glitches!?]]

You and Cursor begin to move swiftly, while being careful as to not bump into any floating game characters on the way. [[Keep going.]]

//Glitches?!// Your fear gradually chips away at your confidence and you start to shake nervously. “Don’t be afraid!” Cursor tells you, “We can fight this. We need to save the character that’s been infected, remember?” “But you never told me how?!” you ask, still afraid of what’s to come. Cursor says in reply, “Glitches aren’t the only ones who can fight.” [[Try to stay positive with this ambiguous detail]]

Both of you are still, unmoving. With some anxiety, you are constantly aware of your surroundings, emotionally preparing yourself with what you may encounter soon. You and Cursor continue to wait for any sudden irregular movement within the dim space, searching for any anomalies. All of the sudden, Cursor violently jerks you upwards. After recovering from the sudden movement, you slowly look down to find the source of your fears, a Glitch. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/fmHcPtR.png" height="280" width="240"> [[Gulp]]

The Glitch speaks, “Well, wail, whale, if it isn’t the Cursor. I was almost scared you weren’t going to make it, with the blackout and all. Oh, and look at what you dragged in. Another snack for all my precious bugs to feed on.” //Snack? Bugs? Feed on?!// Your thoughts are all over the place right now. Cursor angrily replies, “You Glitches think you can do whatever you want. Don’t you realize what you’re doing to the game? This isn’t right!” [[‘Um, what about me and the bugs?’]]

It seems like the Cursor didn’t catch that part about the bugs. You trust that you’ll be rescued when you’re in trouble. Right? The Glitch is offended by Cursor’s words. “Right? What makes you so high and mighty that you get to decide what’s right? I mean, I know we’re not perfect, but who is? We make the game fun and interesting. You should just accept our existence.” Cursor continues to argue, “Your existence is what defies the rules of the game! You should accept the way things are and appreciate the role you’ve been given!” You are not sure what to do or say in this situation. [[Keep quiet]] [[Get Cursor’s attention]]

You decide to stay silent and observe the development of the situation a bit longer. Neither seems to be backing down and continue their heated argument. [[Get Cursor’s attention]]

You decide to get Cursor’s attention and remind them of the time constraints. You look up and project your voice, “Cursor! We don’t have time for this!” Cursor takes notice of you, takes a breath, and says, “You’re right. We don’t have time for this. Sorry Glitch, you’ve just lost your chance to officially be a part of this world again. I’m going to have to delete you.” The Glitch retorts, “Of course you can. Bring it on.” In the back of your mind, you wonder what ‘again’ meant. [[Watch the two battle.]]

Glitch and Cursor face each other in preparation for their fight. Cursor reverts back into its pointer form, and makes the first move towards Glitch. The abnormality shapeshifts and dodges Cursor’s initial attack. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/sAdpcbr.png" height="250" width="250"> [[Glitch attempts to counter with a punch.]]

The anomaly misses the pointer by a pixel. Cursor and Glitch go back and forth, creating clashing sparks in the atmosphere. After a few clashes, Cursor sees an opening for a direct attack and clicks Glitch once. The click jabs through Glitch, who is wounded by the attack but is not immobilized. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZF740w1.png" height="350" width="350"> [[Glitch smirks]]

“Hehe, good shot. I see you haven’t lost your touch.” Glitch remarks, “Though, unfortunately for you, I purposely baited you into clicking me, so my bugs would have to time to feed on your friend there.” [[Bugs?!]]

You start to panic helplessly as you see tiny little bugs crawl closer to you. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Tos70oK.png" height="280" width="280"> “Cursor! What do I do?” you cry out anxiously. “Use the powers I have given you to delete them! Just use the role call!” Cursor yells back. You decide to face your fears, and give these new powers a test drive.As the bugs continue to creep closer, you take a deep breath and scream: “Bugs! Begone!” They disappear instantly into the abyss. [[Surprised at the power you hold, you start to gain more confidence in your abilities.]]

On the other side of things, Cursor and Glitch continue to clash. As the fight continues, Cursor gradually dominates the struggle, as Glitch loses stamina. At the final and definitive strike, Cursor manages to land a double-click, leaving Glitch unable to continue. “Ahh, you got me…” says Glitch. Cursor says in reply: “You got what you deserved.” [[Time to breathe?]]

You finish deleting the bugs and see Cursor slowly treading back towards you. You suggest to take a break, but Cursor says to move on. You both keep striding along slowly, eventually passing the disappearing Glitch. Before completely dissolving, Glitch leaves you with a final message: “Do what you want. There’s no point in being in a game where the hero dies.” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/EA5KUiM.png" height="130" width="130"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/L0dnfv7.png" height="130" width="130"> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/vwBACRF.png" height="130" width="130"> [[What a spoiler...]]

//The hero…dies?// As you and Cursor continue on your mission, those last words from Glitch keep ringing in the back of your mind. You both stop as you reach a cluster of floating characters. [[Initiate the Legendary Role Call]]

You select the characters, and upon realizing you can select them all at once, you circle around selecting everyone in the space. Then you right click. A shining light explodes from above you as you are presented with the Magic Scroll Bar. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/8UlW84x.png" height="150" width="150"> It elegantly unfurls itself before you with extremely complicated data and stuff. However you are able to make sense of it somehow, at least enough to read. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Uqp7MfJ.png" height="150" width="150"> [[You cough to make sure your voice is clear as you prepare to recite the characters’ names and roles.]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/5lobcVd.png" height="150" width="300"> “Angelica, LittleTownShopkeeper1” Instantly, Cursor hones in on Angelica’s floating state and places her in a particular place away from the clusters. You recognize her as the character that was previously infected with the Glitch. “Anna, LittleTownGirl3” Cursor mechanically leaves Angelica’s side to go directly to Anna, and drags her to a different place in space. [[You go through the list and eventually come to your name.]]

“Andreri, -” You excitedly look at your role before reading out loud. ‘//Firefly3000//’ [[Wait what.]]

You have just dicovered that you are the 3000th firefly NPC. What is your opinion on this? <img src="https://i.imgur.com/hXFVVQf.png" height="150" width="150"> [[I’m content with my role]] [[It totally sucks]] [[It’s just alright]] [[No thanks]]

You float there for a minute, taking it all in. You are a firefly. A. Fire. Fly. Zooming around the fields at night. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/6lrzSXa.png" height="150" width="150"> And you love it! [[Continue ->Continue3]]

This whole time you were playing as the saviour of $name and you grew to like it. Although your memories didn’t disappear during the blackout, you still forgot who you are. A measly firefly. The 3000th one even. You wonder why you didn’t question how you could still see Cursor when there was no other light source around. You like your name but you don’t want to be a firefly. [[Skip over your role]]

You feel a bit conflicted with your role. This whole time you were playing as the saviour of $name and you grew to like it. Although your memories didn’t disappear during the blackout, you still forgot who you are. A measly firefly. The 3000th one even. You wonder why you didn’t question how you could still see the cursor when there was no other light source around. Feeling unsatisfied with your set path, you think, //Is this all I contribute to the game?// You like your name but you don’t want to be a firefly. [[Skip over your role]]

This whole time you were playing as the saviour of $name and you grew to like it. Although your memories didn’t disappear during the blackout, you still forgot who you are. A measly firefly. The 3000th one even. You wonder why you didn’t question how you could still see the cursor when there was no other light source around. You like your name but you don’t want to be a firefly. [[Skip over your role]]

“Firefly3000” You say outloud. Cursor hovers over you. “After you’re done, I’ll put you in your place, but for now finish reading through the list.” You continue to do the Legendary Role Call, and soon all the characters are placed in some kind of order that only Cursor understands. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/rOOiZQi.png" height="100" width="350"> [[It seems like your task is done.]]

Cursor comes back to you as promised and turns into a hand once more. You feel kind of disappointed you’re going to lose your powers, but you did what was necessary and now it’s time to give the powers back. Cursor closes the Magic Scroll Bar, and clicks you once more. You feel all the power drain from you as you truly revert back to a firefly NPC. At the same time you see a portal open up and pull in the assembled characters in order. “Good job, Andreri. The land of $name is starting up once more. You’ve saved everyone!” [[You can only afford to flash Cursor a look of acknowledgement as you fall into a deep sleep.]]

Darkness surrounds you. Suddenly, there is glow in the distance. You wake up to the light, and you notice other characters waking up with you. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/dUvLjKn.png" height="150" width="375"> Pixel by pixel, settings of valleys, hills, and peaceful villages begin to materialize into the environment. Your home, $name, is coming back to life once again! <img src="https://i.imgur.com/oOCrnVf.png" height="75" width="200"> [[Start!]]

Cursor asks you, “Why did you pause? What is your role?” [[Tell Cursor the truth ->Continue3]] [[Tell Cursor a lie: “I read it wrong, my bad.”]] [[Tell Cursor your information is missing]]

“Sorry, I read it wrong, my bad.” you say. You continue to do the Legendary Role Call, and go down the list until you realize something. [[The Hero is missing.]]

“My information is missing” you tell the Cursor. “Really?!” the pointer gasps, “That’s not supposed to happen. Maybe your information is jumbled with someone else’s. First things first though; finish the role call.” You feel bad for lying but after all you’ve seen it’s hard to believe you can be happy being any character in the game. This is true freedom. Being able to roam everywhere, not following any rules, and living as you please. You remember what the Glitch had said in its final moments: //[[Do what you want. There’s no point in being in a game where the hero dies]]//

You can’t find the Hero’s coded programming anywhere. Its as if the Hero has been erased from the database completely. What do you do? [[Tell Cursor what’s wrong.]] [[Don’t say a word.]]

You tell Cursor your discovery of the missing Hero. “Hmmm,” Cursor says, “That is a problem. However, there is only so much we can do at this point. It’s the gamer’s fault for suddenly taking away the power source.” Cursor pauses and thinks for a bit before speaking again. “Oh yeah, Andreri, did you ever figure out your own role in the game? We’re almost finished here, so I can put you in your assigned location soon.” [[Tell Cursor you are Firefly3000->Continue3]] [[Tell Cursor to wait, and secretly change your character programming.]]

You decide not to bring the matter up with Cursor. You act as if nothing is wrong, and continue the task of the Legendary Role Call. //What are we gonna do without a Hero?// you think to yourself. Suddenly, Glitch’s last words come back into your mind. …“//There’s no point in being in a game where the hero dies.//” But then you think, //Well, there’s no point anyway if there’s no Hero… Hold on, wait a minute!// You suddenly remember with your new administrative powers, you can actually alter your own programming to that of the Hero! Yes, you can! But…will you? You think to yourself, //Nobody needs another firefly,… right?// The inescapable fate of the Hero. Are you up to the task? [[No, I should tell Cursor the Hero is missing after all ->Tell Cursor what’s wrong]] [[I don’t know…]]

“Hold on. Let me search for it.” you say, trying to buy some time. With your current administrative abilities, you decide to change your own character programming, without telling Cursor. //But change into what?// you ponder. You search through the role call list and decide to: [[Pick a character with more power in the game.]] [[Stick with being a powerless, but peaceful firefly. ->Continue3]]

You decide to pick the most powerful and significant character second to the missing Hero, otherwise known as the Villain. You quickly change your core programming to the role of the Villain before Cursor notices anything. As the new code saves over your original data, you feel an instant rush of power flow within you. With your new role, you feel bad, but you feel good about being bad. Yes, in fact, you feel evil. No wait, you are evil. This rush is a feeling you’ve never felt before, and you want more. [[Laugh]] [[Tell Cursor you’re the Villain.]]

You can’t help but laugh with this much malicious intent within the core your soul, (if you have one that is): “MWAHAHAHAHA!!” “What’s wrong, Andreri?” Cursor asks you. “Oh, nothing.” you say, feeling a bit embarrassed, while an evil smirk creeps onto your face. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/q5Yg02T.png" height="300" width="400"> [[Tell Cursor you’re the Villain.]]

“My role in the game is the Villain.” you say to Cursor. “The Villain, huh?” Cursor replies, “I definitely did not peg you as the Villain type, since you helped fix the game and all. Well, alright, let’s hurry and finish this up, so we can officially get the game started again!” [[It seems like your task is done. ->Villain version]]

Cursor comes back to you as promised and turns into a hand once more. You feel kind of disappointed you’re going to lose your admin powers, but you’re glad you got to change your character into one with so much power. Cursor closes the Magic Scroll Bar, and clicks you once more. You feel all the admin power drain from you as you revert to the Villain NPC. At the same time you see a portal open up and pull in the assembled characters in order. “Good job, Andreri. The land of $name is starting up once more. Thanks to you.” [[You can only afford to flash Cursor a look of acknowledgement as you fall into a deep sleep.]]

You tell Cursor your discovery of the missing Hero. “Hmmm,” Cursor says, “That is a problem. However, there is only so much we can do at this point. It’s the gamer’s fault for suddenly taking away the power source.” Cursor pauses and thinks for a bit before speaking again. “Oh yeah, Andreri, did you ever figure out your own role in the game? We’re almost finished here, so I can put you in your assigned location soon.” [[Tell Cursor you are Firefly3000 ->Continue3]] [[Tell Cursor to wait, and secretly change your character programming.]]

//The role of the Hero?// you continue to ponder. You start to think you’re peaceful life as a firefly might actually be perfect for someone like yourself. But then you question yourself, //Is it okay for me to think like this? Am I being selfish? Am I just taking the easy way out? Do I even have an obligation to save this game? Am I willing to sacrifice my own life for the game?// What is your final answer? [[Firefly!]] [[Hero!]] [[Neither.]]

In you mind, you know what’s best for your own life. As a firefly, you would be one with nature, and undisturbed, while zooming around the fields at night. Though insignificant to the game, you still appreciate the small role of being a shining light in the darkness. The number of unorganized characters dwindle down to a few, and Cursor asks for your role once again. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/F3A8dtQ.jpg" height="300" width="500"> [[Tell Cursor you are Firefly3000 ->Continue3]]

With resolve, you gather courage and decide to take on the path of the Hero! You know the unfortunate fate of the Hero, yet you still take on this role of self-sacrifice. There’s no need for the 3000th firefly. This game needs a Hero, and you are going to be that Hero. While Cursor is busy reorganizing the other characters, you quickly change you core programming to the role of Hero. As the new code saves over your original data, you feel an instant rush of power flow within you. With your new role, you feel good and strong. Strong enough to defeat all evil that lurks within the realm of the game. You’ve made a good choice. The number of unorganized characters dwindle down to a few, and Cursor asks you for your role once again. [[Tell Cursor you are the Hero.]]

You refuse to choose either option. Ultimately, you don’t want to be trapped in the powerless role of the firefly, or the role of the Hero, where your fate has already been decided. There’s not a lot of time left before you and Cursor finish your current task. Make your decision quickly. [[Pick a character with more power in the game.]] [[Tell Cursor your information is missing.]]

“I am the Hero.” you say to Cursor. “The Hero?” Cursor replies, “Of course! As the Hero who save the the people in the actual game, you are now also the Hero who saves the game outside the game narrative. Makes sense.” In your mind, you know the truth. But in your heart, you know this is what you need to do. “Alright!” Cursor says excitedly, “Let’s get this role call finished up, so we can officially get the game started again and bring its savior home!” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/9UM7nXe.png" height="175" width="175"> [[It seems like your task is done. ->Hero version]]

Cursor comes back to you as promised and turns into a hand once more. You feel kind of disappointed to lose your admin powers, but in the end, you’re glad you got a good role out of it. Though the path of the Hero is a hard one, you will gain the people’s respect and be celebrated. You will always be remembered as the great Hero who saved them. Cursor closes the Magic Scroll Bar, and clicks you once more. You feel all the admin power drain from you as you revert to the playable Hero. At the same time you see a portal open up and pull in the assembled characters in order. “Good job, Andreri. The land of $name is starting up once more. You have saved everyone!” <img src="https://i.imgur.com/01iasBf.png" height="300" width="400"> [[You can only afford to flash Cursor a look of acknowledgement as you fall into a deep sleep.]]

As you reach the end of the role call you realize that Cursor would only ask you again for your role. What do you want to do? [[Deny Cursor Administrator Access]] [[Tell Cursor you found your “missing” data.]]

While Cursor drags and drops the last character, you quickly close the Magic Scroll Bar. You whisper to yourself, “Deny Administrator Access”. Immediately you feel disconnected from Cursor’s movements. Cursor pauses for a second before gently dropping the last character in place. [[You brace yourself for the confrontation.]]

“Oh wait, here it is.” you say, “I found it.” Cursor replies, “Oh good, I’m glad. So what is it?” [[Tell Cursor you are Firefly3000 ->Continue3]] [[Tell Cursor to wait, and secretly change your character programming.]]

“I feel disconnected from you, Andreri. Also, why did you close the Magic Scroll Bar?” asks Cursor. You gather your courage and say, “I cannot continue anymore, Cursor”. “What do you mean?” it asks. You reply, “I can’t go back to $name in my role. I don’t want to just merely exist for the gamer. I want to be free.” Cursor continues to argue, “But you can still move around when you are not in the gamer’s sight.” [[“I don’t want to be the 3000th firefly”]]

Cursor sighs and then tries to sweeten the deal, “Oh is that it? Well, you technically have even more freedom than other characters. You only need to appear at night. Also, you are the 3000th tiny firefly so you could even possibly sneak out and not even be at your role. No one would know if you slip out from time to time.” “I’ve thought about that, cursor, I really have-” A portal suddenly appears and immediately begins pulling in the assembled characters in order, “-and this is the choice I have made.” “You don’t get it do you, with this ‘choice’ thing.” Cursor says, “We were not created for this purpose. That is how it’s preferred and how it should be. Otherwise, you will no longer be an NPC. You will no longer be a part of the game.” Cursor points straight at you. [[“You will become a Glitch”]]

You say nothing. Against the gravitational force of the portal pulling everything, you two manage to hold your gazes in silence. After a while, Cursor says mechanically in a cold voice: “Good job, Andreri. The land of $name is starting up once more. You have saved everyone, except yourself. I hope you don’t regret your decision.” With its role finished, the pointer turns around and goes through the closing portal after the last character. [[You stand in this strange place in silence.]]

You can’t help but feel lonely in this place. Drifting along, you try to find something so you investigate the place where the portal had closed. You look up, right, and left. Nothing. [[Then you look down.]]

You see something you’ve never seen before. It looks like the bottom half of a Glitch, but it’s a part of your body. It IS a part of your body. You have become a Glitch! <img src="https://i.imgur.com/kTCzKGS.png" height="200" width="200"> You try swiping at the space where the portal had closed. You scratch off something in the space in front of you, and after scratching many more times you uncover a hole. [[You follow it and end up in town once again.]]

You rejoice in seeing your community once more but you realize they won’t remember you. Everything is back just like it was before the blackout. You see Angelica, LittleTownShopkeeper1 dutifully attending her shop. You persuade her to leave the post since the Hero was far away anyways, and to have a nice picnic under a tree. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/PRMk32j.png" height="187" width="187"> It was nice. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/V3ZQduZ.png" height="187" width="187"> You live like this: not following the rules, testing the limits, and occasionally teasing the Hero. However you steer clear of Cursor. [[You achieved freedom but keeping it is another story. ->Start!]]

The land of $name has been restored and is playable again. Congratulations! <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Woc2dLI.png" height="500" width="500">