It's Not The End Of The World

Nearly sunrise. The world outside your small bedroom is dark save for the pulsating purple light filtering through the cracks in the curtains. You are lying in bed wearing the same ceremonial robes you wore to a gathering at temple yesterday. The wool is terribly uncomfortable. You haven't slept for a number of reasons, the least of which being the gargantuan //other// looming near the horizon. You probably shouldn't be trying to sleep right now anyway. You can make out the lamp on your bedside table but not much else. [[> Turn on lamp->Nightstand]]

=><= (live: 1s)[Fulfill your destiny.] (live: 2s)[Confront the great menace threatening to destroy humanity.] (live: 3s)[Deal with your ex while you're at it.] (live: 6s)[//(It's not the end of the world.)//] (live: 9s)[[[click to start->Start]]]

You approach a poorly constructed bookcase against the Western wall. It leans heavily in one direction, propped up by the makeshift altar you use for meditation. You've been meaning to ask the order for better accomodations. You hope tonight will give you enough leverage. Your life’s work is here: your journals, dozens upon dozens of them. A small stack of leatherbound hardcovers, formerly contained in mentor’s private collection, have been given their own shelf. And a scarce few mementos from the family you don't remember very well at all. ''Where would you like to start?'' [[> Look at your notes->Notebook]] [[> Review what lore is available->Book of Lore]] [[> Distract yourself with a little YA Supernatural Romance->YA Romance]] (if: $final is >2)[You notice your [[Book of Rituals->Book of Rituals]] tucked behind some others.]

Your personal notebooks read like the diaries of a young girl that has read too much Victorian-era horror and is suffering from dangerous hallucinations. What teenager writes about ancient terrors and summoning spells? Tucked inside is a letter your mentor left for you when you nearly left The Order last year. Do you want to read it? ''What would you like to look at next?'' > Look at your notes [[> Review what little lore is available->Book of Lore]] [[> Distract yourself with a little YA Supernatural Romance->YA Romance]] (set: $final to $final +1) (if: $final is >2)[You notice your [[Book of Rituals->Book of Rituals]] tucked behind some others.] (click-replace:"Do you want to read it?")[You set the book aside and unfold the letter. It reads: My Apprentice, As you have been my most devoted disciple these past years (and as I am the closest thing you have ever had to a parent) I feel it is my duty to bring to your attention the impact your recent foray into such mundane ventures as dating has had on your ability to pay attention to more important matters. I am speaking, of course, of Yog the Undoing, whom you are destined to-- Aggravated, you crumple the letter and toss it aside. How can you say "I told you so" in so many words? ]

This contains the rituals you will need to fulfill your destiny. You feel the sun approaching the horizon. [> The time has come.]<Yes| (set: $max to (max: $banish, $enslave, $sacrifice)) (if: $max is $banish)[(click-replace:?Yes)[You know now that the [[Banishment Ritual->Banish Prep]] is the appropriate ritual to employ.]] (else-if: $max is $enslave)[(click-replace:?Yes)[Very well. You know now that the [[Enslavement Ritual->Enslavement Prep]] is the appropriate ritual to employ.]] (else-if: $max is $sacrifice)[(click-replace:?Yes)[Yes. You know now that the [[Sacrifice Ritual->Sacrifice Prep]] is the appropriate ritual to employ.]]

The thing about lore is that it doesn't contain quantifiable evidence of the things it claims. Lore is a collection of secondhand accounts without photographic evidence, without DNA, without anything to substantiate itself. The book contains some references to worship that have lead your order to believe that Yog has not only made himself known before but has been previously received as some kind of God. Insofar as his appearance, however, you note that this account misses the mark completely: Yog has exactly zero tentacles on his head and is most certainly ''not'' green. He's not actually any color you can name. This book is very, very little help to you. ''What would you like to look at?'' [[> Look at your notes->Notebook]] > Review what little lore is available [[> Distract yourself with a little YA Supernatural Romance->YA Romance]] (set: $final to $final +1) (if: $final is >2)[You notice your [[Book of Rituals->Book of Rituals]] tucked behind some others.]

//Twilight//-adjacent, you wonder why your life can't be more like this, then you realize: it actually //is// like that. The difference between these fantasy-romance monsters and the real monsters is that the real ones are the size of a small moon and are actively trying to destroy every breathing organism. You don't even bother picking it up. You silently vow to the universe that you will make an earnest effort at reading something more culturally relevant if you survive tonight's ritual. ''What would you like to look at?'' [[> Look at your notes->Notebook]] [[> Review what little lore is available->Book of Lore]] > Distract yourself with a little YA Supernatural Romance (set: $final to $final +1) (if: $final is >2)[You notice your [[Book of Rituals->Book of Rituals]] tucked behind some others.]

The lamp is quite old, like everything else that has been handed down to you. Its shade is made of several pieces of hand cut glass arranged together in such a way that it creates the impression of a beach. You could swear that the stains and variations in color on the glass were placed to give the illusion of a creature looming in the waves, but you can't be sure. Maybe you're projecting. Your cell phone is on the nightstand. A new message notification lights up the screen. You do your best to ignore it. [[> Check the time->clock]] [[> Look East->East Window]] [[> Look North->North Window]] (if: $phone is 3)[//It could be about the ritual tonight//, you think. You should [[make sure.->Cellphone]]]

You stare at the new message notification for longer than is necessary. The sender's name has been replaced with broken heart emojis. > Unlock Phone (click-replace:"> Unlock Phone")[You suppose you can spare a few minutes. The world is ending. You might as well try to get some closure or warn them about the world coming to an end or something. [[> Reply to their text message->Text]] ]

You glance out the window to the North. The Great Floating Eye that is ever fixated on the world (which is to say: on humanity, but also on you) stares back. You cannot fully fathom His //true// size because He is too vast and you are too insignificant, but His presence is unmistakable. The sound it makes reminds you of decomposing bird carcasses rotting in a summer heat. (link: "You didn't know rotting carcass even makes a sound.")[{ (set: $phone to $phone +1) (go-to: "Nightstand") }]

Through the East-facing window is your neighbor’s yard. Their dogs (who have kept you up nearly every night since you moved in) have gone silent. This is most likely because at some point the great and terrible eye cast itself upon them and disintegrated their vocal cords. (link: "A small favor.")[{ (set: $phone to $phone +1) (go-to: "Nightstand") }]

The great eye has found you. The ritual must begin now. You turn towards the window and kneel. The ritual could just as well be performed outside, but you prefer to avoid the mosquitos. It is August, afterall. The weight of billions of lives hangs on your shoulders like a chain. It is a heavy burden to bear. Your eyes drift closed.(click-append:"Your eyes drift closed.")[ (live: 3s)[Take a breath.] (live: 4s)[And another.] (live: 7s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 10s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 13s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 16s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 19s)[You can hear, can //see// Yog'Hgnil begin to struggle. His form begins to flicker, to falter, like a lightbulb slowly fading. He is enraged. The devastation he is causing to the city around you is unfathomable. The ostrich's heart rests in a ceremonial bowl sitting just in front of you. You raise the blade of volcanic glass to your arm and-- (live: 15s)[(goto:"Phone Interrupt")]]]

The great eye has found you. The ritual must begin now. You turn towards the window and kneel. The ritual could just as well be performed outside, but you prefer to avoid the mosquitos. It is August, afterall. The weight of billions of lives hangs on your shoulders like a chain. It is a heavy burden to bear. Your eyes drift closed.(click-append:"Your eyes drift closed.")[ (live: 3s)[Take a breath.] (live: 4s)[And another.] (live: 7s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 10s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 13s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 16s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 19s)[You can hear, can //see// Yog'Hgnil begin to struggle. His form begins to flicker, to falter, like a lightbulb slowly fading. He is enraged. The devastation he is causing to the city around you is unfathomable. The turtle's heart rests in a ceremonial bowl sitting just in front of you. You raise the blade of volcanic glass to your arm and-- (live: 15s)[(goto:"Phone Interrupt")]]]

You turn towards the window and kneel. The ritual could just as well be performed outside, but you prefer to avoid the mosquitos. The weight of billions of lives hangs on your shoulders like a chain. It is a heavy burden to bear. Your eyes drift closed.(click-append:"Your eyes drift closed.")[ (live: 3s)[Take a breath.] (live: 4s)[And another.] (live: 7s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 10s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 13s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 16s)[''Ah'n'gha fm'latghor, thaa fm'latghorr ephaiahthrodog.''] (live: 19s)[You can hear, can //see// Yog'Hgnil begin to struggle. His form begins to flicker, to falter, like a lightbulb slowly fading. He is enraged. The devastation he is causing to the city around you is unfathomable. The bird's heart rests in a ceremonial bowl sitting just in front of you. You raise the blade of salt and steel to your arm and-- (live: 15s)[(goto:"Phone Interrupt")]]]

Line edit Beta readers PADDING passages top ADD BOSS STAT (distance, time left) to bottom of each passage? ////COMPLETED://// MUST Interact with ex via cellphone (IF/SET) MUST Inspect ritual book HIDE forward/back button DELAY macro for Title Page CHANGE $ex to >3 FIX click-reveal in CELLPHONE --> can't figure out how to nest properly. Added into normal story text. Interrupt sequence with message from ex LIVE: macro for text TIMER: macro to offer choice between ex or continuing ritual Justify all text FIX timer macro during ritual FIX ending display based on passage choice/Ignore Phone path Write final successful rituals FIX enslavement ritual display CLICK-APPEND: It Begins PHONE INTERRUPT in separate passages WRITE bookshelf filler

You open the message you've been avoiding since this afternoon. //(555): Hey. Can we talk?// (link: "This better be good.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "This better be good.") }] (link: "I don't have a lot of time.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "I don't have a lot of time.") }] (link: "I hope this is important.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "I hope this is important.") }]

At any rate (and arguably more importantly), the giant incomprehensible spectacle is edging closer. You can taste burnt popcorn on your tongue, a sure sign the time is almost come. It's probably time to decide on a ritual. [[> Go to the bookcase and find your book of rituals->Bookcase]]

Well. That was... something. [[> Try to forget about it for now->After Phone]]

=><= ''It's (Not) The End Of The World'' A game about the things we think about in the dark //Ten minutes. Five Endings.// [[Start Over->Title Page]] By <a href="http://twitter.com/stepheeenie">Steph Armstrong</a>

''You answer the phone.'' You also drastically miscalculate how long it would take to try to resolve whatever issues you still had with your ex. Meanwhile the world was engulfed in eternal flames and you failed spectacularly. [[Good job, champ.->After]]

No. There's no time. You must [complete the ritual]<RITUAL|. (if: $max is $banish)[(click-append:?RITUAL)[ [[Yes->Banish Final]]] ] (else-if: $max is $enslave)[(click-append:?RITUAL)[ [[Yes->Enslavement Final]]] ] (else-if: $max is $sacrifice)[(click-append:?RITUAL)[ [[Yes->Sacrifice Final]]] ]

''You froze.'' The world was swallowed whole because you were too hung up on whether or not you needed //closure// while the world was ending. [[Good job, champ.->After]]

No. You are committed to this course of action. This is the single most important moment of your life. You deserve someone who will respect that.(click-replace:"respect that.")[respect that, and anyone who would dare meddle in a life so precious as yours is of no value to society. You draw a breath and return the blade to your arm. With the final word you drag the edge quickly across the flesh, spilling your own blood onto the waiting heart. There is symbolism here, but at the moment you cannot recall either what it means or why it is important.(click-append:"it is important.")[ What matters is that it has worked. The wail the Magnificent One lets out shakes the Earth to its very core, but just as quickly as the wail comes does it cease. The eye that was fixed on your in rage is now waiting, supplicant.(click-append:"supplicant.")[ You stand and murmur a command in its native tongue. It turns to leave, but you notice it takes several minutes before it disappears over the horizon, bound for it's prey.(click-append:"prey.")[ You glance at your phone and consider calling your ex so they might get a head start -- not that it would do them much good. As much as you would love to hear their voice one last time, you decide against it. You've been strong this far. [[Good job, champ->After]] ]]]]

You are committed to this course of action. This is the single most important moment of your life. You deserve someone who will respect that.(click-append:"respect that.")[ They are not that person. You accept that now. You draw a breath and return the blade to your arm. With the final word of your chant, you drag the edge quickly across the flesh, spilling your own blood onto the waiting heart. There is symbolism here, but at the moment you cannot recall either what it means or why it is important.(click-append:"it is important.")[ What matters is that it has worked. The creature's death wail shakes the Earth to its very core. No doubt the Earth's axis has been thrown by a degree or more. You wonder what impact this might have on the currently tropical climate you live in.(click-append: "live in.")[ The wail transforms to a violent, nearly soundless shudder. Within minutes, his terrestrial form has turned to ash. You expect most of the continet to be covered in the remains. [[Good job, champ->After]] ]]]

No. You are committed to this course of action. This is the single most important moment of your life. You deserve someone who will respect that.(click-append:"respect that.")[ That's what others would want you to believe. In reality, the pain of a world without them at your side is too much for even the chosen one. You draw a breath and return the blade to your arm. With the final word you drag the edge quickly across the flesh, spilling your own blood onto the waiting heart. There is symbolism here, but at the moment you cannot recall either what it means or why it is important.(click-append:"it is important.")[ What matters is that it has worked. Yog lets out a wail so mighty that it pulls the roof right off your small, modest house. You are exposed, though you were surely vulnerable even //with// the roof.(click-append:"His eye.")[ You bow your head but at the last moment turn your face to the sky. It is best to face the monster. The last thing you see before you are brought to oblivion is your own blood-covered, sleep-deprived face reflected back at you. [[Good job, champ->After]] ]]]

(live: 3s)[(text-style:"shudder")[BZZZZZZZZZZ]] (live: 6s)[(text-style:"shudder")[BZZZZZZZZZZ]] (live: 8s)[(text-style:"shudder")[BZZZZZZZZZZ]] (live: 9s)[Your phone. You dare break eye contact with Yog long enough to consider. Do you answer it? Breaking your concentration now could mean... well //you know//.] (set: $counter to 10) (live: 13s)[Can you spare the time? Do you ''want'' to spare the time?. You have |amount>[$counter] seconds to decide. > [[Answer Phone]] > [[Ignore Phone]] (live: 2s)[ (set: $counter to it - 1) (if: $counter is 0)[(go-to: "Freeze Up")] (replace: ?amount)[$counter] ]]

You glance at the clock and remember time is a concept that exists mostly for the benefit of lesser humans. (You have until the sun breaks the horizon, whenever that is.) (link: "Right. Of course.")[{ (set: $phone to $phone +1) (go-to: "Nightstand") }]

(if: $banish > $enslave and $banish > $sacrifice)[Banish Prep] (if: $enslave > $banish and $enslave > $sacrifice)[Enslavement Prep] (if: $sacrifice > $banish and $sacrifice > $enslave)[Sacrifice Prep] (set: $banish to 10, $enslave to 20, $sacrifice to 5) (set: $max to (max: $banish, $enslave, $sacrifice)) max: $max (if: $max is $banish)[Do variable1 thing] (else-if: $max is $enslave)[Do variable2 thing] (else-if: $max is $sacrifice)[Do variable3 thing]

A ritual intended to banish Yog from the universe and save mankind from oblivion. Long has The Order's leadership insisted the banishment ritual is the one true way to ensure humanity's survival. You agree on principle, of course, but //they// aren't the ones that will actually be performing the ritual. They aren't the ones who have to speak an impossible language while painting alien symbols with the blood of small animals. Despite your complaints, tonight has reminded you that the needs of the many outweigh your own desires. ''This ritual requires:'' > The perfectly preserved heart of a bird > A blade made of salt-tempered steel > Your absolute, unwavering focus You already have these things. You've had them for some time. A wave of nausea overtakes you and you realize that Yog has found you, has cast his eye on you. [[The ritual must begin now.->Banishment Ritual]]

Yog will not take just any sacrifice. There are parameters that must be met. He requires willing ''self''-sacrifice. Long has The Order's leadership insisted the banishment ritual is the one true way to ensure humanity's survival. You agree on principle, of course, but //they// aren't the ones that will actually be performing the ritual. They aren't the ones who have to speak an impossible language while painting alien symbols with the blood of small animals. Your love life is a joke anyway, and humanity will still be spared. It seems like a win/win. ''This ritual requires:'' > The perfectly preserved heart of an ostrich > A blade made of human bone > Your absolute, unwavering focus You already have these things, of course. A wave of nausea overtakes you and you realize that Yog has found you, has cast his eye on you. [[The ritual must begin now.->Sacrifice Ritual]]

A ritual of enslavement. Not sanctioned by The Order. Long has The Order's leadership insisted the banishment ritual is the one true way to ensure humanity's survival. You agree on principle, of course, but //they// aren't the ones that will actually be performing the ritual. They aren't the ones who have to speak an impossible language while painting alien symbols with the blood of small animals. Maybe you're bitter, or maybe you have some deeper need for control or revenge or //some//thing. This is not a ritual for the weak of heart. You trust that you have the conviction needed to carry this to completion. ''This ritual requires:'' > The perfectly preserved heart of a turtle > A blade made of volcanic glass > Your absolute, unwavering focus You already have these things, of course. A wave of nausea overtakes you and you realize that Yog has found you, has cast his eye on you. [[The ritual must begin now.->Enslavement Ritual]]

(click-replace: "I'm sorry. Can we talk?")[I can change. I swear it will be different this time.] (click-replace: "I can change. I swear it will be different this time.")[You work too much. You never had time for me.] (click-replace: "You work too much. You never had time for me.")[You care more about your dogs than you do about us.] (click-replace: "You care more about your dogs than you do about us.")[Monogamy just isn't natural.] (click-replace: "Monogamy just isn't natural.")[I like you, I just don't LIKE like you.] (click-replace: "I like you, I just don't LIKE like you.")[We both knew what this was when we got into it.] (click-replace: "We both knew what this was when we got into it.")[Whatever. I want my stuff back.] (click-replace: "deep breath.")[deep breath and remind yourself that you are the Next Coming, the Chosen One, Defender of Men, Keeper of Ancient Texts and Secrets. You have trained since childhood for the day when the Eldest of Gods will descend and challenge you for the fate of the very fabric of the universe. So why is your love life such a joke?

(206): I am VERY busy at the moment. (live: 3s)[//(555): Meditating again?//] (live: 6s)[(link: "You should try it.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "try it") }] ]

(206): By all means, then. The apocalypse can wait. (live: 3s)[//(555): God, what is your problem?//] (live: 6s)[(link:"IDK, maybe the GIANT MONSTER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "giant monster") }] (link: "You'll get hurt")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "get hurt") }] ]

(206): This better be good. (live: 3s)[//(555): Well excuse me.//] (live: 6s)[(link: "I am VERY busy at the moment.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "I am VERY busy at the moment.") }] (link: "By all means, then. The apocalypse can wait.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "By all means, then. The apocalypse can wait.") }] ]

(206): Yeah. (live: 3s)[//(555): LOL. Okay. Well, points for honesty.//] (live: 6s)[(link: "I need you to get to the point.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "swallow whole") }] (link: "What do you want?")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "ridic") }] ]

(206): I hope this is important. (live: 3s)[//(555): I mean, it's important to ME.//] (live: 6s)[(link:"By all means, then. The apocalypse can wait.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "By all means, then. The apocalypse can wait.") }] (link: "I am VERY busy at the moment.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "I am VERY busy at the moment.") }] ]

(206): I don't have a lot of time. (live: 3s)[//(555): I'll be quick. I miss you.//] (live: 6s)[(link: "That's not enough.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "That's not enough.") }] (link: "I am VERY busy at the moment.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "I am VERY busy at the moment.") }] (link: "K. Guess the apocalypse can wait.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "By all means, then. The apocalypse can wait.") }] ]

(206): We can't. You know we can't. (live: 3s)[//(555): Is it your job? It's always your job, isn't it?//] (live: 6s)[(link: "I'm the Chosen One. You know what that means.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "I'm the Chosen One. You know what that means.") }] (link: "How long has it been since you went outside?")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "How long has it been since you went outside?") }] ]

(206): I'm the Chosen One. You know what that means. (live: 3s)[//(555): I know it means skipping my birthday.//] (live: 6s)[(link: "You know I can't miss the lunar ceremonies.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "lunar ceremony") }] ]

(206): How long has it been since you went outside? (live: 3s)[//(555): Right. I keep forgetting. "Giant Monster."//] (live: 6s)[(206): Yeah, the same giant monster that will eat you, me, your idiot friends, and probably that awful jacket you think makes you look so cool.] (live: 9s)[//(555): You know what? Nevermind.//] (live: 12s)[(link:"I have to go.")[{(go-to:"I have to go.")}]]

(206): I have to go. (link: "You may want to call your mom or find a bomb shelter.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "Continue") }] (link: "I love you.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "Continue") }] (link: "See you in literal Hell.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "Continue") }]

(set: $phone to 1) Health = [$Health]<health| [Health +1]<Health1| (click: ?Health1)[ (set: $Health to $Health +1) (replace: ?health)[$Health] ]

(206): You should try it. It might help with those anger issues. (live: 3s)[//(555): You can really be a bitch sometimes, do you know that?//] (live: 6s)[(link: "Yeah.")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "Yeah.") }] (link: "Oh, you know: ancient prophecy, blah blah blah")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "ancient prophecy") }] ]

(206): Look, there is a monster about to swallow the world whole. I need you to get to the point. (live: 3s)[//(555): I think we should try again.//] (live: 6s)[(link: "oh my GOD no")[{ (set: $banish to $banish +1) (go-to: "would rather") }] (link: "I'm the Chosen One. You know what that means.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "I'm the Chosen One. You know what that means.") }] (link: "How long has it been since you went outside?")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "How long has it been since you went outside?") }] ]

(206): I think I would rather let this thing swallow me whole and spend a thousand years in its stomach than sit through brunch with you and your family ever again. (live: 3s)[//(555): You know what? I was trying to give you a second chance.//] (live: 6s)[(206): Let me repeat myself: HAHAHAHAHAHA] (live: 9s)[//(555): This was a mistake.//] (live: 12s)[(link:"(206): I have to go.")[{(go-to:"I have to go.")}]]

(206): That's not enough. (live: 3s)[//(555): Why do you shut me out like this?//] (live: 6s)[(link: "You'll get hurt.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "get hurt") }]]

(206): I can't let myself get close to you. You'll get hurt. (live: 3s)[//(555): I can't believe I'm saying this... but I want to try again.//] (live: 6s)[(link: "That is ridiculous.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "ridic") }] (link: "We can't.")[{ (set: $sacrifice to $sacrifice +1) (go-to: "We can't. You know we can't.") }] ]

(206): You know I can't miss the lunar ceremonies. (live: 3s)[//(555): This was a mistake. This is clearly going nowhere. Good luck with your monster or whatever.//] (live: 6s)[(link:"I have to go.")[{(go-to:"I have to go.")}]]

(206): IDK, maybe the GIANT MONSTER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW (live: 3s)[//(555): Why do you have to be "the one?" Can't somebody else do it?//] (live: 6s)[(link:"Oh, you know, ancient propehcy. Decades of training. A rare celestial event at the moment of my birth.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "ancient prophecy") }] ]

(206): I can't bel-- Okay. This is ridiculous. Last chance: what do you want? (live: 3s)[//(555): I want an apology.//] (live: 6s)[(link:"Are we really doing this right now?")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "How long has it been since you went outside?") }] ]

(206): Oh, you know, ancient propehcy. Decades of training. A rare celestial event at the moment of my birth. (live: 3s)[//(555): Yes, your birth is the only one that matters, isn't it?//] (live: 6s)[(link:"This is ridiculous.")[{ (set: $enslave to $enslave +1) (go-to: "ridic") }] (link: "Look, there is a monster about to swallow the world whole.")[{ (set: $banish to +1) (go-to: "swallow whole") }] ]