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</div><span class="title">The Numbers Game</span>
<span class="author">by <a href="https://thenumbersgameif.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Lin</a></span><<nobr>>
<li>[[stats]]</li>
<li>[[profile]]</li>
<li><<link "credits">><<script>>
Dialog.setup("Credits");
Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText());
Dialog.open();
<</script>><</link>></li>
<</nobr>>!Subject Profile - Number Four
----
!!Please fill out the required data before continuation.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.0">><</button>></span>
<<set $chapter to "Prologue">>/* define your story variables here */
<<set $statantihero to 50>><<set $statvillain to 50>>/* custom widgets go in here */
<<widget "are">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>>
<<widget "were">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>>
<<widget "s">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>
<<widget "es">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>>
<<widget "re">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>
<<widget "ve">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>>\
!Alignment
<div class="stat-bar-group">
<div class="stat-bar-container">
<div class="stat-bar-overlay-left">Antihero $statantihero%</div>
<div class="stat-bar-overlay-right">Villain $statvillain%</div>
<div class="stat-bar" id="statantihero-stat"></div>
</div></div>\
<<button "Return" $return>><</button>>!Number Four Profile
----
<b>Pronouns:</b> $heshe/$himher
<b>Gender:</b> <<if $trans is "true">>Trans<<elseif $trans is "false">>Cis<</if>> $gender
<b>Physical Description:</b> $age, $height and $bodytype. <<print $hairtexture.toUpperFirst()>>, $haircolor $hairlength hair<<if $hairlength is "shaved off">> <<elseif $hairlength is "trimmed">> <<elseif $hairlength is "short">> <<else>> kept $hairstyle, <</if>>with <<if $facialhair is "none">>no facial hair.<<elseif $facialhair is "clean shaven">>clean shaven.<<elseif $facialhair is "stubble">>a stubble.<<elseif $facialhair is "goatee">>a goatee.<<elseif $facialhair is "full beard">>a full beard.<<elseif $facialhair is "moustache">>a moustache.<</if>> <<print $eyecolor.toUpperFirst()>> eyes, $skintone skin tone with $skintoneundertones undertones. Four has <<if $tattoo is "none">>no tattoos, <<else>>a tattoo $tattoo, <</if>><<if $piercing is "none">>no piercings,<<else>>$piercing,<</if>> and <<if $scars is "none">>no scars.<<else>>$scars.<</if>><<if $freckles is "has">> Other identifying features include freckles.<<else>> <</if>><<if $glasses is "does">> Wears glasses.<<elseif $glasses is "doesn't">> <</if>>
<b>Expertise</b> in $expertise. <b>Weapon of Choice</b> is a $weapon. <<print $hisher.toUpperFirst()>> <b>secondary ability</b> <<if $ability is "gymnastics">>are<<else>>is<</if>> $ability.
<<if $flickeringlights is "Cannot">>Cannot look at flickering lights.<<else>>Flickering lights are not an issue.<</if>>
<<if $eyecontact is "Cannot">>Finds it hard to hold eye contact.<<else>>No issues mantaining eye contact.<</if>>
<<if $loudnoises is "Cannot">>Loud noises are an issue.<<else>>Loud noises are not an issue as of now.<</if>>
<<if $crowds is "Cannot">>Cannot handle crowds.<<else>>No issues with crowds were noted.<</if>>
<<if $touchaversion is "Is">>Is touch averse.<<else>>No issues with touch.<</if>>
<<if $fidget is "Tends to">>Uses fidgeting to focus and relax.<<else>>No fidgeting observed.<</if>>
<<if $hearingaid is "Requires">>Requires a hearing aid.<<else>>No issues with hearing detected.<</if>>
The subject was observed to have a <<if $zeropast is "platonic">><b>close platonic bond</b><<else>><b>potentially romantic bond</b><</if>> with subject Zero.
Subject Four's vice <b>$vice</b>.
<<button "Return" $return>><</button>>
[[Sugarcube 2 Documentation|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs]]
[[OpenDyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez|https://opendyslexic.org]]
[[Notify Macro by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]]
[[Live Update Macro by Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros]]<<set $they to "They">><<set $plural to true>>\
Here's an example of how the 'Live Update' macro by Cycy works:
*<<link "She/Her">><<set $they to "She">><<set $plural to false>><<update>><</link>>
*<<link "He/Him">><<set $they to "He">><<set $plural to false>><<update>><</link>>
*<<link "They/Them">><<set $they to "They">><<set $plural to true>><<update>><</link>>
<<liveblock>>
$they <<are>> super fun and love<<s>> cupcakes.
<</liveblock>>
You can also use it to update the dialog labels! Try it by opening the settings menu and toggling the dialog labels button :)
<<liveblock>>
*<<link "Choice with flirt label $flirt_label" "4">><</link>>
*<<link "Choice with info label $info_label" "4">><</link>>
<</liveblock>><<listbox "$listboxVar" autoselect>>
<<option "Option 1">>
<<option "Option 2">>
<<option "Option 3">>
<<option "Option 4">>
<<option "Option 5">>
<</listbox>>
<<cycle "$cycling" autoselect>>
<<option "Cycling link 1">>
<<option "Cycling link 2">>
<<option "Cycling link 3">>
<</cycle>>
<<textbox "$textbox" "Type here...">><<button "Submit">><</button>>Number Four's <b>pronouns</b> are
<<textbox "$heshe" "they">>
<<textbox "$himher" "them">>
<<textbox "$hisher" "their">>
<<textbox "$hishers" "theirs">>
<<textbox "$himselfherself" "themself">>
<<textbox "$plural" "plural pronouns - true/false (leave only true or false, accordingly)">>
Number Four's <b>gender</b> is
<<textbox "$gender" "gender">>
Number Four is to be <b>referred</b> to as a
<<textbox "$person" "person">>
[[or choose from the sets of pronouns and gender by clicking here]]
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.1">><</button>></span>
Number Four is
[[transgender.|CUSTOMISATION.1.1][$trans to "true"]]
[[cisgender.|CUSTOMISATION.2][$trans to "false"]]
Number Four <<cycle "$bottomsurgery" autoselect>>
<<option "did">>
<<option "didn't">>
<</cycle>> have the bottom surgery, <<cycle "$hormones" autoselect>>
<<option "is">>
<<option "is not">>
<</cycle>> currently on hormones, <<cycle "$topsurgery" autoselect>>
<<option "had">>
<<option "didn't have">>
<</cycle>> the top surgery, and <<cycle "$dysphoria" autoselect>>
<<option "does">>
<<option "doesn't">>
<</cycle>> experience dysphoria.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.2">><</button>></span>!!!Physical Appearence Information
<b>Height:</b> <<listbox "$height" autoselect>>
<<option "very tall">>
<<option "tall">>
<<option "average">>
<<option "short">>
<<option "very short">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Body type:</b> <<listbox "$bodytype" autoselect>>
<<option "athletic">>
<<option "lean">>
<<option "curvy">>
<<option "chubby">>
<<option "fat">>
<<option "muscular">>
<<option "voluptuous">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Age:</b> <<listbox "$age" autoselect>>
<<option "Early 20s">>
<<option "Mid 20s">>
<<option "Late 20s">>
<<option "Early 30s">>
<</listbox>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.3">><</button>></span><b>Facial hair:</b> <<listbox "$facialhair" autoselect>>
<<option "none">>
<<option "stubble">>
<<option "goatee">>
<<option "full beard">>
<<option "moustache">>
<<option "clean shaven">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Hair texture:</b> <<listbox "$hairtexture" autoselect>>
<<option "wavy">>
<<option "afro">>
<<option "coily">>
<<option "curly">>
<<option "straight">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Hair color:</b> <<listbox "$haircolor" autoselect>>
<<option "auburn">>
<<option "mahogany">>
<<option "platinum">>
<<option "copper red">>
<<option "burgundy red">>
<<option "jet black">>
<<option "butterscotch">>
<<option "pearl white">>
<<option "dirty blond">>
<<option "plum brown">>
<<option "chocolate brown">>
<<option "sunflower blond">>
<<option "cherry red">>
<<option "chestnut">>
<<option "honey blond">>
<<option "smoke grey">>
<<option "strawberry blond">>
<<option "caramel">>
<<option "silver">>
<<option "cinnamon brown">>
<<option "coal black">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Hair length:</b> <<listbox "$hairlength" autoselect>>
<<option "chin length">>
<<option "shoulder length">>
<<option "hip length">>
<<option "waist length">>
<<option "trimmed">>
<<option "shaved off">>
<<option "short">>
<</listbox>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.4">><</button>></span>
<<if $hairlength is "shaved off">> <<elseif $hairlength is "trimmed">> <<elseif $hairlength is "short">> <<else>><b>Hair style:</b> <<listbox "$hairstyle" autoselect>>
<<option "in twists">>
<<option "in braids">>
<<option "in cornrows">>
<<option "in a ponytail">>
<<option "in an afro">>
<<option "in a bun">>
<<option "in coils">>
<<option "in spirals">>
<<option "in a loose braid">>
<<option "natural">>
<<option "tightly curled">>
<<option "permed">>
<</listbox>><</if>>
<b>Eye color:</b> <<listbox "$eyecolor" autoselect>>
<<option "arctic blue">>
<<option "charcoal grey">>
<<option "rainforest green">>
<<option "espresso brown">>
<<option "tortoise gold">>
<<option "olive green">>
<<option "bottle-glass blue">>
<<option "emerald">>
<<option "honeydew">>
<<option "coal black">>
<<option "smoke grey">>
<<option "dark chocolate">>
<<option "sea green">>
<<option "beer brown">>
<<option "amber">>
<<option "jade">>
<<option "walnut brown">>
<<option "periwinkle gray">>
<<option "lavender gray">>
<<option "electric blue">>
<<option "quartz grey">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Skin tone:</b> <<listbox "$skintone" autoselect>>
<<option "bronze">>
<<option "tawny">>
<<option "rose beige">>
<<option "golden">>
<<option "onyx black">>
<<option "olive">>
<<option "copper">>
<<option "fawn">>
<<option "ivory white">>
<<option "brass brown">>
<<option "tanned">>
<<option "ochre brown">>
<<option "sard brown">>
<<option "sepia brown">>
<<option "alabaster white">>
<<option "terra cotta brown">>
<<option "golden oak">>
<</listbox>> with <<cycle "$skintoneundertones" autoselect>>
<<option "cool">>
<<option "warm">>
<<option "neutral">>
<</cycle>> undertones.
!Special notes
Number Four <<cycle "$glasses" autoselect>>
<<option "does">>
<<option "doesn't">>
<</cycle>> wear glasses, and <<cycle "$freckles" autoselect>>
<<option "has">>
<<option "doesn't have">>
<</cycle>> freckles.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.5">><</button>></span><b>Tattoos:</b> <<listbox "$tattoo" autoselect>>
<<option "none">>
<<option "on the chest">>
<<option "on the forearms">>
<<option "on the back">>
<<option "above the hip">>
<<option "on the left leg">>
<<option "on the right leg">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Piercings:</b> <<listbox "$piercing" autoselect>>
<<option "none">>
<<option "ear piercings">>
<<option "a tongue piercings">>
<<option "a nose piercing">>
<<option "a lip piercing">>
<</listbox>>
<b>Scars:</b> <<listbox "$scars" autoselect>>
<<option "none">>
<<option "tiny scars all over the body">>
<<option "small scars on the forearms">>
<<option "a scar across the lips">>
<<option "a scar across the left brow">>
<<option "a small scar on the forehead">>
<<option "a big scar across the neck">>
<<option "a big scar above the hips">>
<<option "a big scar on the right thigh">>
<<option "different scars across the back">>
<<option "tiny scars on the fingers">>
<</listbox>>
<<if $topsurgery is "had">>Four <<cycle "$topscars" autoselect>>
<<option "has">>
<<option "doesn't have">>
<</cycle>> scars after $hisher top surgery.<</if>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.6">><</button>></span>
!!Additional notes:
<<cycle "$flickeringlights" autoselect>>
<<option "Can">>
<<option "Cannot">>
<</cycle>> look at flickering lights.
<<cycle "$eyecontact" autoselect>>
<<option "Can">>
<<option "Cannot">>
<</cycle>> hold eye contact.
<<cycle "$loudnoises" autoselect>>
<<option "Can">>
<<option "Cannot">>
<</cycle>> handle loud noises.
<<cycle "$crowds" autoselect>>
<<option "Can">>
<<option "Cannot">>
<</cycle>> handle crowds.
<<cycle "$touchaversion" autoselect>>
<<option "Is">>
<<option "Is not">>
<</cycle>> touch averse.
<<cycle "$fidget" autoselect>>
<<option "Tends to">>
<<option "Does not tend to">>
<</cycle>> fidget.
<<cycle "$hearingaid" autoselect>>
<<option "Requires">>
<<option "Does not require">>
<</cycle>> a hearing aid.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.7">><</button>></span><b>//Expertise://</b> <<cycle "$expertise" autoselect>>
<<option "lockpicking">>
<<option "sky walking">>
<<option "disguises">>
<</cycle>>
<b>//Weapon of Choice://</b> <<cycle "$weapon" autoselect>>
<<option "gun with a silencer">>
<<option "garrote">>
<<option "pocket knife">>
<</cycle>>
<b>//Secondary ability://</b> <<cycle "$ability" autoselect>>
<<option "brawling">>
<<option "gymnastics">>
<<option "sprinting">>
<</cycle>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.8">><</button>></span>Black.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.0">><</button>></span>[[Number Four is a non binary person using they/them pronouns.|CUSTOMISATION.1][$gender to "nonbinary"; $person to "person"; $heshe to "they"; $himher to "them"; $hisher to "their"; $hishers to "theirs"; $himself to "themself"; $plural to "true"]]
[[Number Four is a man using he/him pronouns.|CUSTOMISATION.1][$gender to "man"; $person to "man"; $heshe to "he"; $himher to "him"; $hisher to "his"; $hishers to "his"; $himself to "himself"]]
[[Number Four is a woman using she/her pronouns.|CUSTOMISATION.1][$gender to "woman"; $person to "woman"; $heshe to "she"; $himher to "her"; $hisher to "her"; $hishers to "hers"; $himself to "herself"]]
The subject's vice <<listbox "$vice" autoselect>>
<<option "are cigarettes">>
<<option "are sweets">>
<<option "is picking up fights">>
<<option "is workaholism">>
<</listbox>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CUSTOMISATION.9">><</button>></span>
<<set $zero_approval to 20>><<set $zero_romance to 0>><<set $one_approval to 20>><<set $one_romance to 0>><<set $five_approval to 20>><<set $five_romance to 0>><<set $three_approval to 20>><<set $three_romance to 0>>Everything was black.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.1">><</button>></span>The subject seems to be significantly close to subject Zero; the nature of their relationship seems to be...
[[...platonic.|CUSTOMISATION.END][$zero_approval +=10; $zeropast to "platonic"]]
[[...potentially romantic.|CUSTOMISATION.END][$zero_approval +=10; $zero_romance +=15; $zeropast to "romantic"]]
There was nothing around you but pitch black.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.2">><</button>></span>
There were no smells, no sounds – you felt nothing. There was only a void.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.3">><</button>></span>Then, slowly, everything started coming back.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.4">><</button>></span>A pounding pain at the back of your head. The sensation of limbs being heavy as lead. The unbearable heat on your skin and piercing cold in your veins. The sterile smell of a hospital room, or a doctor’s office. A constant buzzing of a machine. A blinding, white light.
The inside of your mouth was unbearably dry, as if you didn’t drink in days.
You couldn’t move – not your legs, not your arms, not your head. You could barely blink, blocking out the light shining right into your eyes.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.5">><</button>></span>“Ease up on the light, Blythe,” an unknown voice. It sounded commanding, strong. Deep and throaty. You did not recognize it, but something inside you //knew// that you should always listen to the owner of that voice.
The light was bearable now, it didn’t blind you. Slowly, your eyes adjusted, taking in a sterile white room. White ceiling, white walls. White coats surrounding you.
“Subject is awake,” another voice called. This one sounded softer, made you feel more at ease. “Should I inform the–”
“Yes,” the previous voice confirmed, sending off the other coat.
You looked around. <<if $glasses is "does">>Everything was blurry. You could barely make out different shapes of what surrounded you. Something grey was around your hands. White covered your entire body, including your palms. It was some sort of fabric.
“Ah, almost forgot,” that voice again. This time, you felt something move onto your face, as a vague, blurred, and dark shape kept getting closer to your face.
Glasses. They put glasses on your face. “Much better, no?” //At least I can see now,// you thought to yourself.<<else>>Your arms and legs were tied to a hospital bed–or something that //looked// like a hospital bed. You were dressed in all white: a long-sleeved shirt, dress pants, and a pair of gloves to match.<</if>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.6">><</button>></span>“Number Four.” You looked back at the coat. The person seemed to be in their late thirties. Their face looked tired; they had dark circles under their eyes. “I am doctor Isaiah Reyes. You can call me Shai.” They introduced themself. You noted the thick file in their hands. It had a “4” written on it.
“Do you remember me at all? Anything about me?” You shook your head. The pain in it only worsened because of it, and you grimaced.
Doctor Reyes seemed to have noticed, as they grabbed a nearby glass of water and slipped a pill into your mouth, helping you drink as well.
“The headache is temporary. You will have to be careful if you don’t want another one.” You stared at them with confusion. They sighed. “Right, no memory. Okay, quick recap. I use they/them pronouns and I am non binary. I am your primary care physician here–and here is the headquarters of an organization you belong to. //Liczby.// Most, however, simply call you Numbers. You are Number Four. Do you follow?”
Before you actually had a chance to answer, they continued. “//Liczby// have one goal–to save the world and its people from evil, powerful and corrupt individuals. You stop the tragedies before they become tragedies. You’re pro-active, and actually make a difference, unlike other government agencies or law enforcement. You save countless lives by sacrificing a few.”
If the pill made the headache go away, then Shai’s talking made it come right back.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.7">><</button>></span>“Alright, maybe I’ll leave the rest of the catching up to Zero.” They muttered, putting down the file of papers and picking up a tablet. “Alright,<<if $hearingaid is "Requires">> your hearing aid seems to be working,<<else>> <</if>> everything is in order. Your vitals are okay, all things considered. I see no reason in holding you here for a second longer.”
With a push of a button, they opened the steel cuffs that previously had you immobile.
Slowly, carefully, you sat up. Your muscles ached and felt numb from being forced into an uncomfortable position for too long. You did, however, realize that you were surprisingly used to this sensation.
//Was I often detained like this? What happened?// You had so many questions, and very few answers.
“We don’t know why you’ve lost your memories,” Reyes spoke up, catching your attention. They seemed genuinely sorry that they couldn’t provide you answers. “You collapsed in your room, suffered a head trauma and went into a coma for the last nine days. We did what we could to take care of you, but it will take some time before you’ll be at your best again.”
At your best–what did that mean exactly?
//Who am I? What am I?//
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.8">><</button>></span>“Four? Four, are you quite alright?” Shai’s voice seemed to suddenly come from far away–as if they were behind a layer of thick glass. “Four, you need to get your breathing under control, you’re going to–”
It was all too much. Too much information, too much lights and noises after spending so long in the dark and quiet. You were overwhelmed.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.9">><</button>></span>//You needed to get out.//
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.10">><</button>></span>Your body moved on its own–you didn’t even realize what you were doing. It seemed to remember the layout of the room perfectly.
You moved past Doctor Reyes, who seemed to frantically try to stop you from leaving. They did not attempt to touch you, however. Even as you reached the door. Even as you made the first step outside of it, into the dark corridor.
Everything looked so familiar, yet so strange. So sterile and robotic.
“Well, look who’s here. The Sleeping Beauty finally woke up,” you moved to face whoever was owner of the new voice–the one full of venom and hatred.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "PROLOGUE.11">><</button>></span>Before you could catch a glimpse of the person’s face, pain started radiating from your stomach. It sent you on your knees; you recognized the feeling. //They punched me. I was just punched.//
You dry heaved, trying to get through the pain and panic that set in.
You heard a commotion nearby. Footsteps, someone running. “One, do //not//–”
“Night-Night!” And pain. They knocked you out cold.
You were surrounded by black. Again.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CHAPTER 1.0">><</button>></span>And so you did.
You woke up with a splitting headache–it was to be expected since someone knocked you out.
Darkness still surrounded you, making your heart race. You were lying down on something resembling a bed–it was a cot, similar to the ones you’d expect to see in a military base. There was a thin blanket on you, nothing more.
“Oh, you’re awake!” A voice startled you, forcing your senses to locate whoever was speaking.
[[A tall person was standing by the steel door, looking at you with relief.|SCENE1.01][$zero_gender to "nonbinary"; $zero_person to "person"; $zero_heshe to "they"; $zero_himher to "them"; $zero_hisher to "their"; $zero_hishers to "theirs"; $zero_himselfherself to "themself"]]
[[A tall woman was standing by the steel door, looking at you with relief.|SCENE1.01][$zero_gender to "female"; $zero_person to "woman"; $zero_heshe to "she"; $zero_himher to "her"; $zero_hisher to "her"; $zero_hishers to "hers"; $zero_himselfherself to "herself"]]
[[A tall man was standing by the steel door, looking at you with relief.|SCENE1.01][$zero_gender to "male"; $zero_person to "man"; $zero_heshe to "he"; $zero_himher to "him"; $zero_hisher to "his"; $zero_hishers to "his"; $zero_himselfherself to "himself"]]
<<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> seemed wary–as if scared of making the wrong move, or saying the wrong thing. It reminded you of a person trying not to startle a deer.
“I am Zero. The Team Leader. I think Doctor Shai told you about me?” You nodded slowly. “I will do my best to help you in this… situation. I want you to know this–you can tell me //everything.// No matter if you think it’s small, or bothersome, or ‘not a big deal.’ Do you understand?”
You somewhat did. It was still hard to focus on anything–the words, the hand movements of Zero–the only thing you were truly sure of, was that $zero_heshe definitely <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> a leader. <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> spoke like one–commanding but soothing, with conviction and ease.
<<if $zeropast is "platonic">>It made you trust $zero_himher despite knowing nothing about $zero_himher. <<else>>It calmed your racing thoughts, as if $zero_hisher presence alone was an indicator of your safety. Hearing Zero talk made you feel //safe// and you didn’t know why.<</if>>
“Four,” the silky voice brought you out of the sea of questions that stormed inside your head, “please, tell me. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” you heard yourself rasp out.
Zero’s lips curled at the ends, forming a comforting smile. “That’s very good, Four.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> praised you, coming a step closer. “Let me give you a tour around the headquarters, alright?” You simply nodded, standing up from your bed. You needed answers, and if $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> willing to provide them, it would be foolish not to use this chance.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.02">><</button>></span>
You had no memory of drowning, but you had no other way of explaining the feeling that held you down. The inability to draw your breath, the crushing weight of nothingness around you. The darkness acting as a veil around your $eyecolor eyes. No sound to be heard anywhere, <<if $hearingaid is "Requires">>not that it would be something new.<<else>>it was driving you up the wall.<</if>>
Phantom claws dragged across your skin, pulling at it, testing how long it would take for you to break into bloody pieces. Cold seeped into your veins, into your marrow, paralyzing you.
All you could do was lay there and wait.
//Run if you want to leave,// a voice in your head said. You felt tears prickle at the back of your eyes. //I can’t,// you responded truthfully.
//Yes you can,// your own voice boomed inside your head–angry, powerful and unforgiving. //You just have to wake up.//
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CHAPTER 1.2">><</button>></span>
//Run, run, run. Never stop if you want to live.//
//If you stop, you’re dead.//
//Just stay in your lane, run and never stop. That’s how you stay alive.//
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "CHAPTER 1.1">><</button>></span>
<<set $one_approval to 20>><<set $one_romance to 0>><<set $five_approval to 20>><<set $five_romance to 0>><<set $three_approval to 20>><<set $three_romance to 0>>The tour was like walking in a dream–everything Zero said seemed spoken through a thick glass, or from underwater. Your $eyecolor eyes glazed over the sterile surfaces of every room, trying to remember //anything// connected to them.
Zero patiently continued to explain everything to you, not losing $zero_hisher gentle smile even for a second. As $zero_heshe went on, talking about the different rooms in the headquarters, you couldn’t help but keep your sight fixed on $zero_himher. Taking in every single detail about $zero_himher.
<<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> wearing a black, mesh hoodie of sorts, over a tank top in the same charcoal color. You could see a gallery of scars littered all over $zero_hisher body–old ones, and newer ones–completely uncovered. Several of them disappeared under the line of $zero_hisher sweatpants. //What happened to cause any of those?// You wondered, careful to not make your expression change.
Zero clearly had no feelings about the marks on $zero_hisher body–but whenever $zero_heshe spoke to you, $zero_hisher face was carefully turned so as to only show the unscarred side. You wondered as to why that was.
Nevertheless, you followed $zero_himher to the kitchen–it was spacious, brighter than other rooms thanks to the white led lights under the ceiling. It was hard to imagine that anyone lived in this place, with how unused everything seemed.
“Everyone usually eats alone, so feel free to help yourself to anything–”
“//Oh,// I wouldn’t touch just //anything//, unless you want to lose your paws.” A throaty voice interrupted Zero’s melodic one. You stopped dead in your tracks, recognizing it. //Night-Night!//
[[On the kitchen counter sat a person, with a disturbing, hollow grin on their pale face.|SCENE1.03][$one_gender to "nonbinary"; $one_person to "person"; $one_heshe to "they"; $one_himher to "them"; $one_hisher to "their"; $one_hishers to "theirs"; $one_himselfherself to "themself"]]
[[On the kitchen counter sat a woman, with a disturbing, hollow grin on her pale face.|SCENE1.03][$one_gender to "female"; $one_person to "woman"; $one_heshe to "she"; $one_himher to "her"; $one_hisher to "her"; $one_hishers to "hers"; $one_himselfherself to "herself"]]
[[On the kitchen counter sat a man, with a disturbing, hollow grin on his pale face.|SCENE1.03][$one_gender to "male"; $one_person to "man"; $one_heshe to "he"; $one_himher to "him"; $one_hisher to "his"; $one_hishers to "his"; $one_himselfherself to "himself"]]
Zero sighed, with a tiredness you had not seen on $zero_hisher face before. “One, please, behave–”
‘One’ raised $one_hisher arms up, in a mock surrender. “I am on my //best// behavior! I did not even throw a knife at $himher!” Your eyes widened. If that was a baseline for good behavior, you were in for a ride.
Zero cleared $zero_hisher throat, trying to salvage the entire situation. “Four, this is One–”
“I knocked your ass out,” One cheerfully supplied, with a dangerous glint in $one_hisher eyes. The smirk disappeared entirely from $one_hisher face, replaced with a serious and grim expression. “And I’ll do it again if you start pulling tricks. You know how fucking stupid it was, running out during a panic attack?” <<print $one_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> seethed through $one_hisher teeth.
Your eyes caught the shine from a lighter in $one_hisher hand–$one_heshe fidgeted with it as if it was a toy. <<if $fidget is "Tends to">>You wished you had something–anything to busy your hands with. You were growing restless.<<else>> <</if>>
[[You couldn’t help but feel anger seep into your skin, like poison, making you clench your fists.][$oneincident to "anger"; $Vicious +=5]]
[[A careless smirk creeped on your face, as you let out an amused scoff.][$one_approval +=5; $Jokester +=5; $oneincident to "amusement"]]
[[You took a deep breath, silencing the buzzing thoughts in your mind.][$oneincident to "indifference"; $Kind +=5]]
“We still have a few rooms to see.” Zero gestured for you to follow $zero_himher, which you did, with One glaring at your back. You had no idea what you could possibly have done to warrant such hostility, but it clearly wasn’t without reason.
Besides, you had more important things on your mind.
“Is One not joining us on this tour?” You asked, head tilting to the side.
Zero barely stifled a laugh. “No, $one_heshe <<if $one_person is "person">>have<<else>>has<</if>> an allergy for anything that falls under the category of ‘boring work stuff,’” $zero_heshe explained.
You could hear a faint ‘fuck you, tall-tree!’ but thankfully no running footsteps accompanying it.
“So, why do I have to wear these?” you asked after a moment of walking in silence, flexing your fingers as you spoke.
Like before, you had thick, black gloves covering your palms. While they didn’t make movement any harder, it was not something you could just leave unaddressed after waking up in a mysterious, secluded base in the middle of nowhere.
Zero paused for a moment, as if surprised that you’d even question this. However, after a moment of silence, $zero_heshe finally answered. “It is for your own protection, as well as ours.”
Your brows furrowed in an unspoken question. Zero took it as a sign that this needed a further explanation. “When //you// touch someone, you can access their memories, Four. Manipulate them, extract them, force someone to relive them.” Explaining this seemed almost painful to Zero. As if someone was pressing onto $zero_hisher throat the whole time.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.05">><</button>></span>
The fact that neither One, nor Zero seemed too bothered by One’s past actions ignited a flame inside you–one you didn’t know you’re capable of. It was overwhelming, utterly consuming. Your fingers dug inside your palms–only gloves saving your skin from being clawed into.
You could see the blond’s head tilt, as $one_heshe observed you. An unspoken warning directed at you, an ‘act out again, and I //will// put you down.’ Part of you respected that. Another part, resented it.
You’ve done no harm since you woke up, yet you were treated as the enemy–a dangerous animal that needs supervision.
Zero seemed to notice your emotional state, as $zero_heshe glanced at you with worry. “Four?” You clenched your hands, fingers digging painfully into your palms.
“I’m //fine//,” you bit out, dismissing $zero_hisher concern. “What’s next?”
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.04">><</button>></span>You let a breath escape past your lips. “Next time, I will remember to duck.” You murmured, observing One for a reaction.
The blond’s lips curled into a sharp smile, the expression almost threatening. “You can try,” $one_heshe barked with barely held back, grim laughter.
Zero looked between the two of you, arms crossed in front of $zero_himher. “How about we try to make sure there won’t be a next time?” $zero_heshe suggested.
You gave $zero_himher a lopsided smile. “But that would be boring,” you pointed out. One–surprisingly–grinned upon hearing your words. You couldn’t decide if it worried you, or only encouraged you further.
“Let’s move on,” Zero sighed.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.04">><</button>></span>You couldn’t be bothered, in all honesty, with how complicated everything seemed–from the way everyone treated you, to the amount of new information you were forced to ingest in a short period of time.
You rubbed your temples, ignoring the concerned look you got from Zero, or the bored glance you earned from One. The latter honestly seemed more interested in the lighter in $one_hisher hand and the flame it produced, than in anything else.
“Just tell me what’s next on the agenda,” you asked.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.04">><</button>></span>You stared down at your hands. Despite how ridiculous it sounded, you felt no disbelief at Zero’s words. Part of you knew that what $zero_heshe said was true.
So, you apparently had the power to see the memories of other people. It made you wonder whether the other members of the team had any special abilities or talents at all, or if you were the special snowflake here.
Zero seemed to read your mind, as $zero_heshe made half a step towards you. “Don’t worry about being different, Four, we all have our obscure talents.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> gave you a gentle smile that looked almost out of place on $zero_hisher tired face.
“What is yours, then?” You asked bluntly. Half expecting a scolding, you blinked in surprise as Zero just laughed softly at your question. “What? Did I say something funny?”
Zero shook $zero_hisher head, half covering $zero_hisher mouth with the palm of $zero_hisher hand. “No, just… it may be a little hard to believe if I tell you, and not show you.”
“I think I can handle believing just about anything right now,” you mumbled out, crossing your arms.
Zero’s laugh subsided, leaving only a shadow of a smile on $zero_hisher face. “Well, I am immortal.”
“I beg your pardon–” you blurted out, eyes wide in shock. Zero only shrugged, amusement flickering in $zero_hisher charcoal black eyes.
“I told you it’s not easy to believe without a demonstration!” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> said, starting to walk again.
[[“Please tell me you’re not going to shoot yourself to prove it,” you mumbled, looking at Zero with concern.][$Kind +=2; $zero_approval +=5]]
[[“As much as I love a good presentation, I think my therapist wouldn’t survive covering this in a session,” your lips curled into a smirk.][$Jokester +=2; $zero_approval +=2]]
[[“Well, what are you waiting for? Demonstrate away,” you said bluntly.][$Vicious +=2; $zero_approval -=2]]
Zero’s previously amused expression melted into something between serious and gentle. “I won’t, I promise,” $zero_heshe held up a hand to $zero_hisher heart as $zero_heshe said that.
You chose to believe $zero_hisher words, and exhaled a breath you’ve been subconsciously withholding. After the amount of unbelievable things happening to you in the last few hours, you didn’t need the memory of your teammate killing $zero_himselfherself just to prove that $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>are<<else>>is<</if>> immortal.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.06">><</button>></span>Zero’s laughter carried in the corridor, sounding even deeper than it actually was.
“If any of us //did// have a therapist, they would quit after the first session,” $zero_heshe chuckled, shaking $zero_hisher head.
“Oh, it’s that bad?” You pried, curious. Zero nodded, $zero_hisher black hair half covering $zero_hisher eyes.
“This job–if I can even call it that–can be very… haunting. And we all have our demons.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> shrugged.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.06">><</button>></span>Zero’s lips pressed into a thin line, as $zero_hisher posture became more guarded and closed off. <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> looked more uncomfortable than at any other moment since your tour began.
You couldn’t understand why, since $zero_heshe $zero_himselfherself <<if $zero_person is "person">>have<<else>>has<</if>> been quite flippant about the subject.
“I would rather not,” Zero’s voice was stern now, as was $zero_hisher gaze. “You will likely see it during one of the missions anyway,” $zero_heshe shrugged, turning away from you.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.06">><</button>></span>As you walked slightly behind Zero, a thought came into your mind. If you possessed the ability to look through a person’s memory, couldn’t you regain at least some of your own memories if you touched Zero? <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> seemed best informed so far, and least likely to break your neck in case anything went wrong. <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> would probably forgive you and be more understanding than judgemental.
You stared at your gloved hands, stretching your fingers and curling them again.
[[You had a chance to get at least some of your memories back–you took off the glove and tried to touch Zero.][$zero_approval -=10; $touchzero to "true"; $statantihero -=5; $statvillain +=5]]
[[You couldn’t risk getting in trouble again, there was no telling how Zero would react if you tried something like this.][$touchzero to "false"; $statantihero +=5; $statvillain -=5]]
<<if $touchaversion is "Is not">>Before you could touch $zero_hisher skin, $zero_heshe dodged your hand and slammed you face first into the nearest wall, sparking a wave of nausea and pain in your skull.
You let out a pained groan, eyes fluttering, as Zero’s strong arm on your back kept you pressed into the cold cement. “Don’t. Don’t ever do that again, Four,” surprisingly, Zero’s voice was shaky and strained. Small, almost.
You swallowed, uncomfortably, trying to twist out of $zero_hisher hold. However, it only tightened around you.
“I’m going to let you go, and if you try this again I will be forced to knock you out. I //don’t// want to do that, okay? So just… please, behave.” Zero’s lips were so close to your ear it sent a shiver down your spine. This situation reminded you of a mouse caught in a cat's paws, at the predator’s mercy.
Finally, after what felt like eternity, you were no longer touched–you could breathe again. Zero was standing a jumping distance away from you, paler than before, $zero_hisher eyes dark. You could see how tense $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> and it made your stomach twist. <<else>>Before you could touch $zero_hisher skin, $zero_heshe dodged your hand and slammed you face first into the nearest wall, sparking a wave of nausea and numb pain in the back of your skull. You felt panic swallow you whole, as the uncomfortable sensation of being pinned dawned on you.
Letting out shaky and hollow breaths, you attempted to twist out of Zero’s hold on you, but $zero_hisher strong arm on your back kept you pressed into the cold cement. “I’m sorry, Four, I know you hate being touched but //please// don’t– //Don’t ever do that again,// Four.” Surprisingly, Zero’s voice was shaky and strained. Small, almost. As if this was just as uncomfortable and panic inducing.
You licked your lips, pressing your eyes shut, nails of the naked hand scraping the wall like a caged animal.
Finally, after what felt like eternity, you were no longer touched–you could breathe again. Zero was standing a jumping distance away from you, paler than before, $zero_hisher eyes dark. You could see how tense $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> and it made your stomach twist. <</if>>
“Let’s go,” Zero’s voice sounded so distant and choked, it made you want to hang your head in shame. It felt as if you were scolded–or worse. It would be easier if Zero was angry. You could work with anger. Disappointment was worse. It cut deep as a knife would.
You could just hope you’ll get a chance to fix this, later.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.07">><</button>></span>You fought the temptation, hiding your hands behind your back. As much as you craved to know what happened to land you in this situation, it wasn’t wise to potentially turn your only ally into an enemy, especially since you already had One gunning for you. You didn’t want to give $one_himher an excuse to put you down, or test Zero’s patience. Even if $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> understanding and gentle now, you had no doubt that $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> capable of violence. The scars on $zero_hisher body were a testimony to that.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.07">><</button>></span>The next room you entered was a library of sorts. While maintaining the somewhat modern and minimalistic aesthetic of the rest of the base, here you could see hundreds of books–both old and new. They were all placed on glass and metal shelves, dusted and neat. Someone clearly took frequent care of this room and everything inside.
“You can come here to read any time you like,” said Zero, <<if $touchzero is "false">>giving you a warm smile.<<else>>$zero_hisher eyes avoiding you.<</if>>
“Understood,” you nodded, stepping inside the room.
“Just maybe not too often,” a monotone voice sounded from behind the nearby shelf.
[[A person dressed in a beige and brown sweater stepped out into the view, fixing the glasses on their face.|SCENE1.08][$three_heshe to "they"; $three_himher to "them"; $three_hisher to "their"; $three_hishers to "theirs"; $three_himselfherself to "themself"; $three_gender to "nonbinary"; $three_person to "person"]]
[[A woman dressed in a beige and brown sweater stepped out into the view, fixing the glasses on her face.|SCENE1.08][$three_heshe to "she"; $three_himher to "her"; $three_hisher to "her"; $three_hishers to "hers"; $three_himselfherself to "herself"; $three_gender to "female"; $three_person to "woman"]]
[[A man dressed in a beige and brown sweater stepped out into the view, fixing the glasses on his face.|SCENE1.08][$three_heshe to "he"; $three_himher to "him"; $three_hisher to "his"; $three_hishers to "his"; $three_himselfherself to "himself"; $three_gender to "male"; $three_person to "man"]]
“Ah,” Zero’s tongue clicked, as $zero_hisher expression visibly softened upon seeing the stranger. “Four, this is Three, our strategist and resident genius,” $zero_heshe introduced the new arrival, who was busy looking you up and down.
“Is there something on my face?” you mumbled out, feeling uncomfortable under Three’s scrutinizing gaze.
<<if $touchzero is "false">>“No,” $three_heshe said simply, lowering $three_hisher eyes back onto the book $three_heshe <<if $three_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> currently holding. //The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: An Affair of the Heart. Never heard of that one before,// you thought to yourself. <<else>>“Yes,” $three_heshe answered, matter-of-factly. “Did your face have a close encounter with a wall? I can see a faded imprint on your cheek. What did you do this time–” Zero’s sudden coughing fit saved you from any further scrutiny of Three’s words or gaze.
You all but wanted the ground to swallow you, as Three scoffed, unimpressed.
<<print $three_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> grimaced, but $three_hisher eyes returned to the book $three_heshe <<if $three_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> holding. //The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: An Affair of the Heart.//<</if>>
Zero was quick to try and guide the conversation. “I’m just giving Four a tour of the facility,” $zero_heshe cleared up, only to be met with a dismissive noise from Three.
“That much is obvious,” the strategist murmured, more interested in $three_hisher book than anything else. “If you’re done here, I’d prefer to go back to my reading.”
You couldn’t hold back a grimace that pressed onto your lips. //What the hell did I do for everyone to treat me like this?// You wondered, fingers pressing into your arms.
Zero motioned for you to follow $zero_himher, as $zero_heshe led you out of the library and into a dimly lit corridor.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.09">><</button>></span>
As you walked, <<if $flickeringlights is "Cannot">>you kept your head low, avoiding the too-bright, white led lights above your head which flickered in an almost unnoticeable way.<<else>>you kept looking around, curious about your surroundings. <</if>>
The corridor you were walking in looked different than the others–you could notice faint scars on the walls, likely from a fight. You could recognize grazes from bullets, and scrapes from knives.
“What happened here?” you asked out loud.
Zero’s head snapped back to you, your voice startling $zero_himher out of $zero_hisher thoughts. <<print $zero_hisher.toUpperFirst()>> eyes followed yours, landing on the wall. You noticed how $zero_hisher shoulders tense in the process.
“There was… an incident. I’m not at liberty to discuss it,” $zero_heshe said, sorrow and barely hidden pain in $zero_hisher voice. Every time Zero answered any of your questions, it just ended with you being more confused than before.
What happened? What have you done for others to treat you with such hostility and coldness? Why was it, that everytime Zero’s eyes landed upon you, $zero_heshe looked <<if $zeropast is "platonic">>so regretful and full of compassion?<<else>>as if $zero_hisher heart was just ripped out, over and over again?<</if>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.10">><</button>></span>
“Four,” Zero’s surprisingly gentle voice saved you from drowning in your own thoughts. <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $touchzero is "true">>kept $zero_hisher distance, but remained close enough to show that you were not alone in whatever struggles you were dealing with. <<else>>stepped closer, offering you a warm—if strained—smile, and the comfort of $zero_hisher presence.<</if>>
“Doctor Shai said you will likely never regain your memories, and I– //we// are not allowed to discuss it either. For safety reasons, and to make this easier for you.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> explained, fumbling with $zero_hisher words. The topic clearly brought the distress not only to you, but to $zero_himher as well. “I just– I wanted you to know, you don’t have to //try// and //be// the Four that //we// know. Just be yourself. Whatever feels natural to you, is the Four that you are, if that makes sense.”
<<if $height is "very tall">>You looked at Zero, <<else>>You looked up at Zero, <</if>>processing $zero_hisher words. It //was// comforting to hear that from $zero_himher, though you couldn’t explain exactly why. For an unknown reason, Zero’s sheer presence calmed you down and <<if $zeropast is "platonic">>made you think of safety, <<else>>made you feel at home, <</if>> but you couldn’t find yourself wanting to complain.
It was nice to have an ally in all of this, even if you couldn’t understand why Zero was so lenient with you.
[[“Thank you,” you spoke finally, after a few moments of silence.]]
<<if $touchzero is "true">>[[This was your chance to apologize.][$zero_approval +=5; $statvillain -=5; $statantihero +=5]]<<else>> <</if>>
Zero’s features grew softer, as if a weight was lifted off of $zero_hisher shoulders. “No need. As I said before, I am here for you. We’re a team, Four. That means you can count on us–you can count on //me//–no matter what it is that’s bothering you.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> said, inviting you with a gesture to walk after $zero_himher again.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.11">><</button>></span>
A mere ‘sorry’ seemed inadequate to the situation, but you had no idea how to even begin to apologize for what happened. Your mind was running on override, scrambling for proper words.
“I apologize,” it came out faster than you could properly think it through. Zero, however, looked positively shocked all the same. “I am sorry for trying to touch you, or use this… ‘power’ on you,” you continued, sincerity and honesty in your voice.
Zero’s previously slightly guarded expression melted, leaving behind only a shadow of what previously was raw hurt and unease.
“Thank you,” $zero_heshe said, soft as if $zero_heshe <<if $zero_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> talking to a wild animal. “I understand that you’re desperate for answers, //I do//, and I promise to try and give you as many as I can.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> promised, inviting you with a gesture to walk beside $zero_himher.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.11">><</button>></span>
“This is the command center,” Zero informed you, as you walked into a barely lit room. While the rest of the headquarters were kept in the shades of grey and white, the command center was all dark–black, surrounded by deep blue lights that reminded you of the ocean’s depths.
As you walked further inside the cluttered room, Zero continued to talk. “Usually there’s only one or two people here, since there’s a ‘don’t touch anything' rule regarding all the technology in this room,” $zero_heshe gestured to the sign on one of the walls stating exactly that–‘don’t touch, unless you know how to fix it later.’
[[You chuckled to yourself. No sign could ever stop you.][$five_approval -=2; $Jokester +=5; $thesign to "touch"]]
[[You decided to not push it–last thing you needed was a scolding because you broke something important.][$Kind +=5; $five_approval +=3; $thesign to "no touch"]]
True to your lack of impulse control, you reached out to touch the nearest machine which emanated with a sapphire glow.
“Did you forget how to read?!” A distressed voice came from the darkness next to you.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.12">><</button>></span>You took a step back, just to make sure you won’t accidentally touch anything–you had no idea if you wouldn’t blow up the place by pushing some buttons.
“Zero is right–so why are you two here?” A slightly annoyed voice came from the darkness next to you.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.12">><</button>></span>[[A person with pearly white hair was looking in your direction, hands hiding away under the too long sleeves of their shirt.|SCENE1.13][$five_heshe to "they"; $five_himher to "them"; $five_hisher to "their"; $five_hishers to "theirs"; $five_himselfherself to "themself"; $five_gender to "nonbinary"; $five_person to "person"]]
[[A woman with pearly white hair was looking in your direction, arms loosely crossed in front of her chest.|SCENE1.13][$five_heshe to "she"; $five_himher to "her"; $five_hisher to "her"; $five_hishers to "hers"; $five_himselfherself to "herself"; $five_gender to "female"; $five_person to "woman"]]
[[A man with pearly white hair was looking in your direction, arms crossed on his chest.|SCENE1.13][$five_heshe to "he"; $five_himher to "him"; $five_hisher to "his"; $five_hishers to "his"; $five_himselfherself to "himself"; $five_gender to "male"; $five_person to "man"]]
You were taken aback by how the $five_person looked; $five_heshe <<if $five_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> wearing a loose, clearly oversized shirt in the gradient of neon purple and blue, along with combat boots and a dark skirt–or something between a skirt and shorts, you couldn’t really tell in the dark–plenty of jewelry around $five_hisher neck, and round, electric purple sunglasses.
//Who wears sunglasses in such a dark room?// You wondered.
<<print $five_hisher.toUpperFirst()>> outfit looked quite different than what you’ve seen Zero, One or even Three wear–you wondered when <<if $five_person is "person">>do<<else>>does<</if>> $five_heshe have the time to shop for clothes and accessories like these, since you were supposed to be a secret group.
“Are you done?” Despite how annoyed $five_heshe sounded, you could also hear slight discomfort in $five_hisher voice.
You lowered your gaze, apologetically.
<<if $thesign is "touch">> “The sign says ‘don’t touch,’ so don’t touch. Okay?” <<print $five_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> mumbled angrily, moving around to sit in a big chair in front of several screens.
“Four, this is Five, our tech support–among other things,” Zero motioned between the two of you, generously ignoring how Five turned $five_hisher chair so that all you could see is $five_hisher back–or rather the back of the chair. <<else>> “Ah, I’m just giving Four a tour of the place,” Zero explained, coming to your rescue. “Four, this is Five! Our tech support, mainly,” $zero_heshe smiled, gesturing between the two of you.
Five gave you only a small nod, in the form of an unspoken ‘nice to meet you’ or simple acknowledgement. <</if>>
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.14">><</button>></span>Before you could say anything, Zero spoke again.
“Actually, we should wrap things up and head to the briefing room,” $zero_heshe gestured to the electronic clock on the desk by the screens. “Boss wanted all of us to go there,” $zero_heshe added, to Five’s apparent displeasure as $five_heshe groaned.
“Does the ‘boss’ have a name?” you asked cautiously. While Five shrugged, quickly passing by you in the entry, Zero gave you a hesitant nod.
“It is a need-to-know, I’m afraid. Security precautions. You can just call him ‘Boss’ or ‘chief’ like Five,” $zero_heshe explained, leading you to the briefing room. “He usually keeps contact to the minimum, again, for safety. Ours, mostly.”
“How so?”
“Everyone who knows anything about the Boss is a potential target. If anyone has a grudge against him as a person or just him as a leader of Numbers, they have a reason to torture the information out of us. Or, well, me, since I know the most.”
Zero spoke about this with such ease it unnerved you. It had to be clear on your face, since $zero_heshe sent you a wink in a joking manner. “Don’t worry, so far, we haven't had incidents like that before, we keep a low profile!”
“For now,” Three’s grim voice startled you. You didn’t hear $three_himher walking behind you. “With One’s love for explosives, it’s not going to stay the same for too long.” <<print $three_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> complained.
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If Zero’s tired expression could tell you anything, it was that $zero_heshe agreed with the sentiment Three just voiced.
“Making $one_himher an explosives expert had to be the worst decision the Boss ever made,” Three continued to mumble, shaking $three_hisher head. “There’s only so many ‘accidental’ fires we can cover up.”
“At least it means there’s no evidence left behind,” Zero chimed in with a more positive, albeit weak attempt at excusing One’s apparent love for arson.
“Has anyone just tried to tell $one_himher to knock it off?” You asked, looking between your two teammates.
Zero and Three shared a look–one that reminded you of tired parents who were dragged to their kid’s school to hear about the newest suspension the child was facing.
“Let’s just say it’s easier to just let One burn things, than to deal with the alternative,” Zero said diplomatically, shooting you an anxious smile.
Your eyebrows furrowed. “The alternative being?”
“One with a knife, no impulse control, and bad humor.” Three deadpanned, opening the glass door into the briefing room.
Five was already inside, sprawled across the black spinning chair by the very end of the long table. If you didn’t know any better, you’d say $five_heshe <<if $five_person is "person">>were<<else>>was<</if>> bored. However, you could see the slight tension in $five_hisher arms as you entered the room.
One sat on the other side, across from Five, spinning a lighter on the smooth surface of the table. As soon as you caught $one_hisher eye, $one_heshe sent you a smile that could only be described as //unhinged.//
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.16">><</button>></span>Three took a place next to Five without as much as a word, and Zero quietly settled on the seat next to One.
[[You decided to sit next to Three, facing Zero.][$three_approval +=2]]
[[You decided to sit next to Zero, facing Three.][$zero_approval +=2]]
On the screen, the face of a man in his late thirties or early forties appeared. You could feel your body tense up, as his steel eyes immediately zeroed in on you–they reminded you of shark’s eyes, dead and unmoving. Despite only being an image on the screen, you could tell it wasn’t only you who became guarded as soon as the Boss appeared on the call.
Five was fidgeting with one of the loose strands of $five_hisher pearl white hair, Three was almost as still as a statue, and One kept playing with $one_hisher lighter, although with $one_hisher lips pulled into an uncomfortable expression.
Only Zero remained the same, although now you could see $zero_hisher team leader persona take over. <<print $zero_hisher.toUpperFirst()>> expression serious with back straightened, $zero_heshe looked straight at the screen, unmoving.
“I assume Four is adjusting well,” the Boss spoke, his voice detached and impersonal. You felt yourself freeze in your chair, fingers digging into the meat of your thighs. You were overwhelmed by a wave of emotions, most of which you couldn’t place–whether it was fear, anger or something completely different.
“<<print $heshe.toUpperFirst()>> <<if $plural is "true">>haven’t<<else>>hasn’t<</if>> caused a disaster, if that’s what you mean.” One mumbled out under $one_hisher breath.
If the Boss heard it, he did not let it show. “Number Four,” he addressed you personally, and you felt cold seeping into your bones. “You are a member of the organization named ‘The Numbers’ or //Liczby.// That means as of now, you are officially dead and you no longer exist outside of this team. You will put the mission first, no matter what, despite your personal feelings or opinions. You will remain a member of this group indefinitely and essentially your life belongs to me.”
He paused for a moment, his dead eyes drilling holes into your form. <<if $zeropast is "romantic">>You wished to hide behind Zero, to escape his stare.<<else>> <</if>>
“Welcome to the Numbers.”
//(End of Chapter 1.)//Three shot you a mildly surprised look, but did not comment on your choice. Actually, if you were not seated in such close proximity, you’d likely not notice any changes on $three_hisher face.
Zero offered you a comforting smile as $zero_heshe looked at you from across the table. “Since everyone is here, we can make the call.” <<print $zero_heshe.toUpperFirst()>> decided, gesturing for Five to do something–you didn’t know what, since you expected the Boss to just come into the room.
Five rolled $five_hisher eyes before taking out a remote of sorts. After a few seconds of $five_himher pressing buttons, a wide screen appeared above the end of the table.
No one else besides you seemed too surprised by this, and so you decided to keep quiet for now.
<span class="next"><<button "Next" "SCENE1.17">><</button>></span>Zero’s previously tired and serious expression warmed up as soon as you took a seat next to $zero_himher. You could tell how your presence, despite everything, seemed to help the team leader relax.
You shifted in your seat, feeling Three’s observing eyes glaze over you. It felt as if you were a test subject in one of their studies.
“Since everyone is here, we can make the call.” Zero decided, gesturing for Five to do something–you didn’t know what, since you expected the Boss to just come into the room.
Five rolled $five_hisher eyes before taking out a remote of sorts. After a few seconds of $five_himher pressing buttons, a wide screen appeared above the end of the table.
No one else besides you seemed too surprised by this, and so you decided to keep quiet for now.
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