Be My Virus - Seraphina Monasar

Before we begin, what is your name? (set: $name to (prompt: "What is your name?", "Sascha")) You have inputed: $name [[Proceed to prologue]]

Thunder strikes, shaking the walls that are already crumbling. Despite knowing the wreckage will eventually kill you, you don't care. You hold your lover in your arms and press on their chest to clear their airways, like your mother taught you. No avail. There’s no rise and fall to their chest; they look like they’ve been dead for weeks. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] “Please, please don’t leave me! W-Wake up.”] Your voice is raw, aching from screaming their name. You rock them gently, hoping that they’ll wake up soon and smile, reassuring you that everything will be alright...but they remain the same. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] “I'm sorry, I wish I had a second chance to save you.”] There’s no hope. You yell and yell at the universe until your lungs give out and the rubble covers you completely. [[Be My Virus]]

(text-colour:cyan)[(text-style:"italic","smear")[Seraphina introduces a Bio PsyOps original...]] </style> <img src=https://64.media.tumblr.com/54ec35f3fbb5831f1c9609bf37fb86b2/3bea3c60787bf24b-ee/s1280x1920/1e4531f925c9588fc94b1ab4ee3895d42be8aac4.pnj> </div> [[Chapter I: A New Beginning]]

(text-style:"fade-in-out")[//Wake up. Wake up, $name. //] (set: $alpha to 0) You groan, opening one eye and then the other. It takes you a few moments to regain consciousness but once you do, you realize that something is //off//. (set: $faye to 0) You’re back at York University. But how? Didn’t you die? Not only that but you’re currently sitting at a table in Stong College’s ''Orange Snail''. (set: $zahir to 0) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (What?)] (set: $charli to 0) You take a deep breath, something you’ve heard too many times to do when you're stressed, yet nothing is making sense. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I should check my phone. There must be a logical explanation, right?)] [[Find your phone]]

You grab your backpack from the seat beside you and rummage through for your phone. You finally feel it and pull it out from the very bottom. It lights up immediately with a message from your boyfriend, Jeremy. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Oh right. At this point I was in a relationship. I remember how //that// ended.)] 12:25 Thursday September 8 (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Jeremy''] hey $name, can't make it to our date today. i dont rlly think this is working out. i feel like i dont even know you] Do you care about such trivial things? You have more to worry about, like what is about to happen on another campus //soon//. You click on the banner and begin to type out a reply. [["I was about to do the same."]] [["I wish you the best."]] [[Ignore the message]]

(set: $charli to it + 1) You type out your response and turn off your phone after the text is delivered. [[Put away your phone]]

(set: $faye to it + 1) You type out your response, realizing that it serves no purpose to text him back. (set: $zahir to it + 1) [[Put away your phone]]

(set: $alpha to it + 1) As you are about to reply to his text, you stop. There’s just no point. [[Put away your phone]]

You used to be so obsessed with attention, which is why you refused to see reality, living in your delusions until the world decided to stain its surface with your blood. There is nothing more pathetic than your past goals of trying to save the world. The only other thing you are desperate for is a sweet release from what is about to creep up on you. You know better than to believe you can stop the world from its demise. Around this day in your past life, you met someone from an almost parallel campus of York University on a dating app after breaking up with Jeremy. She wanted your help with a rebellion to overthrow the head of the CMA department, Alpha. It was a complicated situation that you might be able to avoid if you refuse to meet with her. (text-style:"blink")[BEEP BEEP. ]Your phone notification pings, this time it isn’t from Jeremy but a successful match on LoveNote. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Please don't be who I think you are.)] [[Check the notification]]

You click on the app and it brings you to your profile besides one that is too familiar. ''Faye'', a ghost of your past. Faye is typing… (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye by Text''] "Hello! I couldn't help but engage with your profile. You're stunning." ] You hate to admit it, but her innocent charm is still unbelievably enticing. Before you can connect your thoughts to your hand, you type out a reply. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name by Text''] "Thanks, you're easy on the eyes as well."] Faye is typing... (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye by Text''] "I'd love to meet you, $name, in person that is." ] Okay, put away your muddled thoughts, $name. You need to be serious now. You can't act on your attractions. You begin to type something along the lines of being to busy to meet up but before you can click send, your phone begins to (text-style:"shudder")[vibrate] with a strange amount of energy. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Woah, what's happening?!)] [[Drop it!]]

(text-style:"blur")[The vibration is so overpowering that somehow your vision blurs with a bright white light appearing in your eyes… (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Ugh.)] Your body ascends, becoming lighter and lighter...until you land on the hard concrete ground! ] [[Open your eyes]]

Your eyes flutter open to the sight of York University. But not your campus, this is the parallel campus before it was //destroyed//. Your breath hitches. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (No...no no no, this cannot be happening!)] You abruptly get off the ground, frantically searching for a sign that you’re wrong. But even through our anaemic state, you know you’re correct. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This wasn't the plan! I wanted to avoid this.)] You run as fast as your legs can take you to find a way out, but as you turn the corner you run into someone, falling backwards! (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''???''] "I'm so sorry! Here, let me help." ] Avoiding eye contact, you take her hand which is surprisingly strong at pulling you up. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''???''] "I can be such a klutz! Are you hurt in any way?" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I-I'm fine."] Her melodic voice is distracting both physically and romantically. It’s a voice you could never forget no matter how many times you were reborn. It perfectly pairs with her deep taupe skin and chestnut brown locs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Oh, it's you! That was a terrible first meeting. I'm sorry, $name. Are you new?" ] [[Nod]] [["How did you know?]]

There is no other way to explain yourself so you go along with it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "That makes sense. There's a certain //charm// to you, $name." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, thanks but I should get going."] [[Turn away]]

(set: $faye to it + 1) Faye winks. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "There's just an air of mystery to you." ] She sighs, sweeping her hair over her shoulder. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I was just so worried you wouldn't respond, then I'd miss out on talking with someone as attractive as you." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, thanks."] She's always been this way, flirtatious without the intent. [[Turn away]]

Before you could turn she grabs ahold of your hand, loosely but still tight enough to feel her warmth. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Wait, before you go!" ] She looks around. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I'm starting this secret...club. Since you're new, I think you would be a valuable member." ] It's beginning now. You know that this rebellion that she's planning isn't going to end well not for Faye and not for any of the ''others''. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "It's a rebellion against Alpha, the dean of the CMA department. The misinformation we're forced to produce is terrifying. I need all I can to //stop// them." ] Her radiance illuminates the tunnel by the parallel Vari Hall, leaving you with a newer version of Faye that burns brighter than you've ever seen her. Faye is very passionate about what she is planning to do. Although you know that her plan will only lead to failure, you cannot stop her now.// Faye is too stubborn. // (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "If you change your mind..." ] She quickly scribbles her dorm number onto a page on her notebook then rips it out and places it in your hand, closing it with her nicely manicured hands. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'll think about it." (For now, I need to find where Alpha is so I can figure out this timeline.)] [[Use your memory to find Alpha's location]]

You find yourself walking to DB, where Alpha's office is supposed to be located. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Alpha is the key to getting me out of here. I'll just join Faye's rebellion and leave when the time is right.)] When you get closer to the door, you expect to see security but surprisingly, it's //vacant//. Typically, Alpha's security is ruthless. Everyone treats them like a God, high and mighty and far too high to care about anything other than the viruses that take apart humans. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Even in the original timeline I know what Alpha does but I never had the opportunity to see them. This time, I must. I would do anything to get out of here.)] You're ways away from escaping, but once you do, there will be peace on the other side. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I should leave before someone spots me.)] The lights suddenly turn off and the distinct sound of footsteps echo. You try to find a place to hide but with the layout being so open. you can't see a thing. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Shit!)] Someone grabs your wrist and pulls you into a corner, covering your mouth with their hand! (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''???''] "Don't move."] [[Bite him!]] [[Scream! |Try to scream]] [[Pry his hand off you |Attempt to pry his hand off you]]

After a few moments, you hear the door unlock and a shadow walk in the opposite direction, away from your hiding place. (set: $charli to it + 2) After they pass, you use all your jaw power to bite down on his hand! (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''???''] "Ah!"] You feel his body stiffen but he still doesn't let go. [[Hold your breath]]

(set: $faye to it + 1) You try to scream but his hand over your mouth would make it impossible for anyone to hear. After a few moments, you hear the door unlock and a blurry shadow move away from your hiding place. You both sigh in sync. He lets go of you and you quickly regain your composure to face him. Your chest feels heavy as you examine his rugged appearance and lilac eyes in the dark reflection of the one spotlight that suddenly turns on. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Charli?)] [[Look him in the eye]]

(set: $zahir to it + 1) You reach up with both of your hands, trying to rip off his hand from your mouth but his grasp is strong. A few seconds pass and a shadowy figure fades off in the opposite direction. His hold on your loosens, so you use it to your advantage and face them. The appearance of this rugged virus is someone you are too familiar with. You feel memories of him rise to the surface, making it almost impossible to breath. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Charli?)] He puts his hood over his snow-coloured hair, hiding a few scars from his pale skin, scars from working against the school and Alpha. [[Look him in the eye]]

Another guard leaves Alpha's office, luckily walking towards an elevator, far from the two of you. He hisses in pain and lets go of you, revealing his hand with your teeth indentations. Now with his face by yours, you take notice of his rugged appearance. This is ''Charli'', another virus from your past.. His breathing starts to stabilize but as he takes a look at his hand then back to you, you see a brief smirk play across his face. [[Meet his gaze |Look him in the eye]]

You meet his gaze, trying to recreate the same level of stoicism he's expressing. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You don't belong here. Get out."] Despite his behaviour, you know that Charli means no harm. He’s looking out for you like he always did. But you agree with him, you //do// have to leave. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] “I can handle myself.” ] As you are about to descend the stairs, he blocks you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You must be //new// to how everything operates around here."] He leans in, his breath tickles your ear. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "This place is dangerous. //Leave//."] You purse your lips and face the direction of the stairs. Suddenly you're hungry. [[Go to the Centre of Facts and Technology for lunch |Go to CFT for lunch]]

After your chilling encounter with Charli, you go to CFT for lunch or well, a drink. You choose between… [[The green drink]] [[Drink that looks like coffee]] [[Drink that looks like chemicals]]

(set: $charli to it + 1) It tastes surprisingly good, like a simple soft beverage. (set: $faye to it + 1) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Not bad.) ] Ordering food from a school of viruses used to make you feel like a human in the faery realm; if you eat the food you are subjected to eternity, forever trapped in their presence. But, these viruses are surprisingly human. They look just like you, human with their expressions and physicality but underneath all those layers of tissue and muscle lies the virus, their shared biology that leads them to doing what they do: infecting. This brand new campus filled with viruses makes you wonder… //Are they made to do more? // [[Finish up]]

(set: $zahir to it + 1) It taste identical to coffee but without any sugar or cream. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It makes sense that viruses need something to fuel their energy.) ] Ordering food from a school of viruses used to make you feel like a human in the faery realm; if you eat the food you are subjected to eternity, forever trapped in their presence. But, these viruses are surprisingly human. They look just like you, human with their expressions and physicality but underneath all those layers of tissue and muscle lies the virus, their shared biology that leads them to doing what they do: infecting. This brand new campus filled with viruses makes you wonder… //Are they made to do more? // [[Finish up]]

(set: $alpha to it + 1) You bring the cup to your mouth, immediately tasting something…well…gross. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I'm not sure if I like whatever this is.)] Ordering food from a school of viruses used to make you feel like a human in the faery realm; if you eat the food you are subjected to eternity, forever trapped in their presence. But, these viruses are surprisingly human. They look just like you, human with their expressions and physicality but underneath all those layers of tissue and muscle lies the virus, their shared biology that leads them to doing what they do: infecting. This brand campus filled with viruses makes you wonder… //Are they made to do more? // [[Finish up]]

As you're about to toss out the empty cup, someone taps you on the shoulder. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Unknown Female Virus''] "Uh, excuse me?" ] You turn to the virus who's holding a folder to her chest. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Unknown Female Virus''] “Something just came up and I have to go. Could you drop this off in Accolade East 209?” ] She hands you the thick manila folder before you could reply then runs off in a hurry. You look at the off-white coloured folder in your hands. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (That room...have I been there before?) ] [[Get to ACE 209]]

Following your memory, you walk to ACE and up one flight of stairs. The moment you reach for the door your head begins to spin along with your surroundings. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Why does everything look so blurry?) ] The door opens but you can’t balance yourself quick enough, falling forward and into the stranger’s arms. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[???]'' "Are you okay?"] You quickly look away, feeling your body start to collapse under your weight. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[???]'' "Come, let's sit down."] They help you into the chair, opposite their very packed desk. They grab a page from off their desk and fan you with it, hitting you with a very nice breeze. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It's not that I'm overheating, I'm mortified of who you //are// to me.) ] ''Zahir Nassar'', a professor of Antibiotics Administration, a program that in a year will not exist. They’re not only a professor at CMA but one of your dearest friends from the original timeline. You massage your temples. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Why do I keep encountering //them//? Why does the universe want to watch me suffer?) ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'm sorry, the air conditioner is broken right now so this is the best I can do."] They smile solemnly, still waving the page at you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Do you feel any better now?"] You make eye contact with them, trying your best to avoid being trapped in their endlessly vast brown eyes, beautifully contrasting their grey hair and tanned skin. [[Thank them]] [[Smile at them]] [[Nod stoically]]

(set: $faye to it + 1) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Thanks." ] They smile at you, helping you remember that you're here for a reason. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Right!) ] [[Give Zahir the folder]]

(set: $zahir to it + 1) You force yourself to smile through your fatigue. They exchange the same smile, but instead of it being forced, theirs is soft and reassuring just like it used to be. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Stop focusing on their smile, $name! You have something to give them.) ] [[Give Zahir the folder]]

(set: $charli to it + 1) (set: $alpha to it + 1) You're at a loss for words, only managing to nod. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Wait, I have something to give them.) ] [[Give Zahir the folder]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Someone told me to give this to you." ] You slide the folder over their desk. They open it and nod, placing it with a few other documents. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Thank you. Are you in CMA?"] You want to leave their office with that question but you would feel guilty about it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh." ] The professor clears their throat, loosening the collar of their shirt. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "It's okay, you don't need to reply. Feel free to stay as long as you need until you're ready."] //Stay, $name, you feel safe with them. // (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I can't, it's too overwhelming.) "Thanks, I'll get going now."] Zahir seems slightly disappointed but it quickly diminishes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Ah, well have a good rest of your day. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."] You wave them goodbye and leave. [[Go to Faye's Dormitory]]

Remembering Faye's note, you walk to her dormitory on the other side of campus. Her door is open, revealing the virus sifting through a pile of books. You almost cannot see her floor, it’s covered with white pages and stationary. Once she notices you, she throws the book across the floor which smacks against the wall. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Oh my God, you're here! Welcome!" ] You hesitantly sit down on her couch covered in books. A few are on the founders of CMA, as well as some of her personal theories about Alpha. Two of them catch your eye. [["Alpha does NOT exist! They are a figment of our imagination."]] [["Alpha is human!"]]

(set: $alpha to it + 1) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "This theory is so outlandish." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "H-Hey, I worked hard on those! Ahem...so are you willing to join?" ] You shrug. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Sure." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I'm so glad! Thank you-" ] The door creaks open. [[Turn towards the door]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "This theory is so outlandish." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "H-Hey, I worked hard on those! Ahem...so are you willing to join?" ] You shrug. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Sure." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I'm so glad! Thank you-" ] The door creaks open. [[Turn towards the door]]

You both turn towards the door and watch as Charli in his same blue hoodie and typical frown leans against the frame. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Charli, look! I found us a new member!" ] The virus scoffs and focuses his eyes onto yours. You gulp. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Who is //we//? I'm not in your club. And why are you dragging a human into this?"] Your heart stops. Faye turns to you with a look of distraught. [["I'm not human!"]] [["What do you mean?"]] [[Just admit it]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'm not human." ] They both exchange weary expressions. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Fine." ] [[Just admit it]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What do you mean by that?" ] You exhale. There's no point in lying. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Fine." ] [[Just admit it]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "How did you find out?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "It wasn't hard..."] He rubs the back of his neck, as if he knew all along. Faye on the other hand seems bewildered by your news. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Listen, I'm not trying to destroy this campus. I don't even want to be here." ] Faye returns to her bright smile. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Okay, I promise to help you get back, $name. In the meanwhile you can stay at my place." ] [[You release your breath]]

The evening wraps up and Charli leaves. After turning off the lights, the virus already falls asleep, rolled up in her blankets. You lay in yours, staring at the ceiling. [[Reflect on Faye]] [[Reflect on Charli]] [[Reflect on Zahir]] [[Reflect on the entire day]]

(set: $faye to it + 5) Faye was always the same in your last life. She was keen on her heroic streak, always wanting to protect humanity despite not being a human herself. Her laugh is contagious and even while you worked yourself until exhaustion she was right beside you, holding your hand. You know you shouldn’t get closer to her, but what would happen if you did? Could you convince her to give up on humanity and try to find peace like you? [[Go to checkpoint one]]

(set: $charli to it + 5) Charli’s stoic frontier is something that used to piss you off in your past. However, it became nothing but a ghost once you got to know him better. Of course, it’s back now but you know that after a bit of communicating, Charli will overcome his complex. [[Go to checkpoint one]]

(set: $zahir to it + 6) Zahir has always been so loyal. Anything you do and say would make them kneel to you, promising protection like a knight. You were always afraid to disappoint them but maybe in this world you will find a way to bring back their charisma and force them to leave behind their stress. You know that with the right words, you can ease away their tension. [[Go to checkpoint one]]

(set: $alpha to it + 6) Today is unreal. You’re forcing yourself to face these viruses you let down in your past. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Please just allow me to go home, Alpha.) ] [[Go to checkpoint one]]

Here are the (text-style:"underline")[points] you collected with each love interest currently. (text-colour:#faa2c1)[Faye:] $faye of 10 (text-colour:#a5d8ff)[Charli:] $charli of 10 (text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir:] $zahir of 10 (text-colour:#c92a2a)[?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝:] $alpha of 10 [[Chapter II: Recruiting]]

(text-style:"blink")[(text-colour:red)[BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!! ]] You turn to the nightstand beside you, vaguely seeing a hand tap what looks like the snooze button. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Oh, I'm still here. I was hoping it was just a bad nightmare.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Gooood morning, $name! Did you sleep well?" ] You get up and swing your legs over the bed, rubbing your eyes. She holds onto a ribbon with her teeth, then wraps it around her hair until it forms a ponytail. Faye's such a morning person, you're envious. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "We have a lot to do today. Do you know Professor Nassar?" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Of course you don't. Well, I wanted you to ask him to join our rebellion 'cause I have a lecture to get to like right now." ] The virus looks at you with her wide amber eyes, clearly waiting for you to agree. Faye's pleading gaze is impossible to rise up to. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I can try." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Great! Here's everything you need to give him." ] Before you muster up the courage to talk to Zahir, you should actually become a student on this campus. [[Enrol in classes, then talk to Zahir]]

You walk through the corridors of ACE, heading towards an all too familiar office. Now that you are enrolled, your role as a student in the counter medical arts can be proved. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I chose the same major as Faye's, Omicron Studies. Originally, I didn't enrol in anything. I was the most suspicious person imaginable.)] Each major has something to do with misinformation and tactics against humans. (text-style:"smear")[''Omicron Studies'' is the COVID-19 variant, currently sweeping over students on Keele campus. Then there's ''Delta Arts'', the variant that used to be considered the most deadly one. And lastly, ''Antibiotic Administration'', the only program that encourages a different mindset than the other two. ] You take a deep breath and knock on the door. The muffled sound of arguing can be heard from your side. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I wonder who they're arguing with.) ] Out of curiosity, you press your ear up against the door. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "The program can’t end now. Students have the right to their own thoughts. You’re taking away their choices!” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It seems like they recently found out.) ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'm //not// done speaking. Tell Alpha what I said //word for word//.” ] Footsteps approach the door so you quickly fix your posture. You wouldn’t want it to seem like you were eavesdropping, even though you are. The door opens. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Oh hello, sorry if you were waiting a while. Come in.” ] They let you into their office where you sit in the same chair you were in before, the very soft velvet one. They take a seat and leans forward, a faint scent of a lavender aroma reaches your nostrils. They clear their throat. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Did you happen to //hear// any of that?” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This is my chance to ask some questions.) ] [["What was that all about?"]] [["Why is your program shutting down?"]] [["Who is Alpha?"]] [[You're out of questions to ask]]

(set: $charli to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What was that conversation about?" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Ah, so you //did// hear everything.” ] They sigh. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I was just being informed of how much time my program has left.” ] [["Why is your program shutting down?"]] [["Who is Alpha?"]] [[You're out of questions to ask]]

(set: $faye to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Alpha is against anyone who challenges their authority. They don't believe the false information everyone is supposed to spread to the humans is wrong.” ] They run their fingers through their hair, letting their few grey strands rise to the surface. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "And that's the nature of Antibiotic Administration, us viruses do the opposite; Alpha hates that.” ] [["Who is Alpha?"]] [["What was that all about?"]] [[You're out of questions to ask]]

(set: $alpha to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Who is Alpha?" ] Zahir grimaces, doing the thing they always do where they fiddle with a pen or tries to loosen their tie. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, sorry. I'm //new// here." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Alpha is the head of Counter Medical Arts, I shouldn't talk poorly of them in front of a student.” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I won't say anything." ] The professor purses their lips and looks around the room, as if they're searching for something. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Alpha is someone you should //never// mess with.” ] [["What was that all about?"]] [["Why is your program shutting down?"]] [[You're out of questions to ask]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Is that all?” ] You nod your head. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I think I know all I need to make sense of this new timeline.) ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Somehow, I think that you have something //else// to ask.” ] Zahir rests the side of their jaw in their hand, looking relaxed. Their expressions and calmness makes your heart pick up speed. [["Are you single?"]] [[Ask Zahir to join the rebellion]]

(set: $zahir to it + 6) You clasp your hand over your mouth as soon as the words leave your mouth. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Why did I ask that?!) ] Instead of how you expected they would respond, they clear their throat and shift their gaze onto the floor. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Are they blushing?)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "//Yes//, but I don't know your name.” ] You feel your face turning warmer and warmer by the second. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked that. I'm $name. ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Ah, well nice to meet you, $name. Was that all you wanted to ask?” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It's complicated." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Take your time, I have //all// day.” ] You almost want to avoid asking the question altogether. You want to keep them safe from what would happen if they joined. But then what? You let out a shakey breath. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'm in this rebellion with another student. We're working to take down Alpha's reign on this school. We wanted you to join." ] You wait in silence, for Zahir to reply. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Listen $name, I want to agree but I feel like I'm always being //watched//.” ] They stare at the corner of the wall, the perfect place for a security camera but returns to meeting your eyes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'll think about it.” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Thanks." ] As you are about to leave, Zahir calls out to you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Be careful.” ] [[Attend your first lecture]]

(set: $faye to it + 1) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'm in this rebellion with another student. We're working to take down Alpha's reign on this school. We wanted you to join." ] You wait in silence, for Zahir to reply. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "That's very dangerous. And you want me to join?” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (No, I want to protect you from my past.) "Yes."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "There are eyes everywhere. I'll need to think about it.” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Okay, if you change your mind, we work here."] You write down the private room Faye mentioned. As you are about to leave their office, they call out. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Wait, I never got your name.” ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "$name. You can call me $name."] [[Attend your first lecture]]

In your ''Introduction to Omicron Studies'' course, you're not bothering to concentrate. You're just listening to any conversations that are worth paying attention to. On the left of you... (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Omicron Major One''] "Did you hear about what's happening to Alpha?" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Omicron Major Two''] "No, what happened?" ] In front of you... (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Stressed Student One''] "Ugh, the COVID-19 cases aren't rising enough to score a high mark!" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Stressed Student Two''] "We're literally doing all we can and still it isn't enough." ] [[Listen to the first conversation]] [[Listen to the second conversation]]

(set: $alpha to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Omicron Major One''] "They seem to be cutting extra-curriculars that are outside of our studies." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Omicron Major Two''] "Oh right! I heard about that. I think they're starting to get rid of viruses who question them." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Omicron Major One''] "Someone in one of my tutorials went missing because he tried to reveal their identity or something." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Interesting.) ] You return to your laptop but notice a pamphlet on your desk. In giant text it reads, ''HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT ALPHA'' (set: $zahir to it + 3) A few hours later, evening arrives with no sunlight visible in the lecture hall. [[Leave the lecture hall]]

(set: $charli to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Stressed Student One''] "They're overloading us with work!" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Stressed Student Two''] "It's stressful but Alpha is our savior. I'd do anything to secure my place in CMA." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Interesting.) ] You return to your laptop but notice a pamphlet on your desk. In giant text it reads, ''HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT ALPHA'' (set: $faye to it + 2) A few hours later, evening arrives with no sunlight visible in the lecture hall. [[Leave the lecture hall]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I need to tell Faye about this.) ] You quietly leave the lecture hall and take the best route to Faye's dormitory, but you stop in your tracks. On the other side of the empty hallway, Charli leans against the brick wall clutching his right arm, where there's murky blood seeping through his hoodie. You approach him cautiously, but once he sees you, he breaks out into a run. [[Run after him!]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I'm not running.) ] You watch him run as far as he can before he inevitably stops at another corridor you can still see. You walk up to him, fully expecting for him to yell and you but he sighs defeatedly. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "What do you want, //human//?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I just wanted to treat your wound. It'll get infected."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I'm a virus, I can handle it."] You notice a small tutorial room, empty but perfect for what you're about to do. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Just get in here."] Charli mutters to himself, but you gently push him into the room and shut the door. You unzip your backpack and pull out a small first aid kit, something you rarely needed to use at Keele campus but remember using countless times on Charli. You roll up your sleeves and watch as his eyes dialate with each movement you make. [[Tell him to take off his clothes]] [[Tell him to roll up his sleeve]]

(set: $charli to it + 6) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "What?!"] You cut yourself off, but it's too late; the damage is already done. Charli's face turns a bright shade of red, even brushing over his ears and neck. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I could have phrased that differently.) "I mean, I need to see it to actually treat you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Oh...I knew that."] Charli takes off his hoodie, showing all of his older scars, and awkwardly sits on the table. He places his clothes beside him, then looks around the room and everything but you. You stare at the deep cut below his shoulder, still dripping fresh blood. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Viruses bleed green instead of red and even though they can't be infected, I still want to make sure it won't leave a bad scar.)] You rub the disinfectant wipe over the wound making sure the area around it is as clean as possible. You keep watching his reaction for a sign that you're being too rough, but he looks unbothered. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It looks like he was stabbed, I'll have to stitch it.)] You search through the bag and pull out the needles and thread. When he notices it, his eyes widen. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "W-What are you going to do with that?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It's really deep. I'll have to stitch it."] He turns away from you but still keeps his arm in front of you. Despite how it looks, you know that Charli has a fear of //needles// because as fearless as he might seem, this was a similar situation you both were faced with in the original timeline. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "You won't feel much, I'll apply the numbing cream."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Fine."] You apply the cream, then carefully start sewing into his arm. He flinches but allows you to keep going. You finish then wipe your hands. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Done. How did that feel?"] Charli puts his hoodie back on. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Okay."] You place everything back into the bag. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Why didn't you ask me where I got that scar?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It's not really my business." (And I already know it was from a run-in with Alpha's security.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Now, I feel like I owe you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "You don't-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "No, I do. If you need another member, I don't mind joining."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Really?"] Is that all it takes? (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Don't make me change my mind."] And with those final words, Charli leaves the room. [[Return to Faye's Dormitory]]

After some hesitation, Charli rolls up his sleeve, which fits quite loose to his body, making it easier for you to work. The scar is oozing a thin murky liquid. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Viruses bleed green instead of red and even though they can't be infected, I still want to make sure it won't leave a bad scar.)] You rub the disinfectant wipe over the wound making sure the area around it is as clean as possible. You keep watching his reaction for a sign that you're being too rough, but he looks unbothered. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It looks like he was stabbed, I'll have to stitch it.)] You search through the bag and pull out the needles and thread. When he notices it, his eyes widen. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "W-What are you going to do with that?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'll have to stitch it."] He turns away from you but still keeps his arm in front of you. Despite how it looks, you know that Charli has a fear of //needles// because as fearless as he might seem, this was a similar situation you both were faced with in the original timeline. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "You won't feel much, I'll apply the numbing cream."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Fine."] You apply the cream, then carefully start sewing into his arm. He flinches but allows you to keep going. You finish then wipe your hands. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Done. How did that feel?"] Charli pulls his sleeve back down. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Okay."] You place everything back into the bag. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Why didn't you ask me where I got that scar?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It's not really my business." (And I already know it was from a run-in with Alpha's security.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Now, I feel like I owe you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "You don't-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "No, I do. If you need another member, I don't mind joining."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Really?"] Is that all it takes? (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Don't make me change my mind."] And with those final words, Charli leaves the room. [[Return to Faye's Dormitory]]

Faye's door is, again, open. You peer inside and find her dozing off on her desk with piles of pages surrounding her. You find it adorable to see her so peaceful. If she wasn't so fixated on saving the humans, she could be as at peace as she is right now. You carefully close the door and lock it. As you're about to drape a blanket over her, she stirs awake. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Hm?" ] She rubs her eyes then looks at you, the moonlight from through the window reflects beautifully on her dreary eyes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Oh, I fell asleep, didn't I? I have so much left to do before our first official meeting!" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It's okay, you should go back to sleep."] Faye doesn't often work herself to exhaustion like Zahir, it only became a habit when the rebellion kicked off. You feel like it's your job to fix that. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I'm not //that// tired. But enough about me, tell me about your day." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Zahir says that they will think about joining and Charli agreed to join."] Faye laughs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Between you and me, I always considered Charli a member. Aside from that, are you liking it here?" ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Well, it's different but not awful."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I'm glad! I love this school, I just wish we weren't forced to confine to these rules. But that's a topic for another day! I don't want to get too personal just yet." ] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (You're right, and I wouldn't want to disappoint you.)] Wind howls, slamming the slightly opened window closed. Faye ignores it and returns to her laptop, typing away into a word document. [[Help her fall asleep]] [["Goodnight, Faye"]]

(set: $faye to it +5) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Faye, it's late."] She moves her hands away while you slowly close her laptop from your position behind her chair. Your body is mere inches away from hers as she turns towards you, pouting. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "$name, I told you I'm not tired!" ] The eye circles under her eyes tell you otherwise. You place your hand on her chair, almost caging her in. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What would it take for me to convince you to sleep?"] Faye holds eye contact with you then smirks. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "You'll have to force me."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I'm getting too close but...I like where this is going.)] You pick her up, bridal style, and carry her. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "!!!"] Faye didn't expect your actions, letting out a small squeal as you placed her on her bed and wrapped the plush blanket over her. You walked back to your bed, watching Faye's satisfying reaction from the corner of your eye. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Goodnight, Faye."] [[Go to sleep]]

You change behind the closet door and settle under your blankets. Faye is still deeply invested in her work, so you don't want to bother her. But before you lose yourself to your tired state, you whisper, (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Goodnight, Faye."] She turns to you and smiles, her eyes curve with it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Sleep well, $name." ] [[Go to sleep]]

(text-style:"blur") [You wake up in a strange room that looks like something from a mystery film. It's an interrogation room with no windows. You look down and your hands that are both chained to the table. It rattles when you try to lift it away, straining your wrists. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (How did I get here?)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝''] "Well, if it isn't the lonesome human."] A shadow approaches you from behind. You try to catch a glimpse of them but everything looks so distorted. They grab your neck from behind, squeezing it with enough force to slow down your words. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Leave me alone!"] I manage to croak out a sentence but the shadow only laughs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝''] "Are you certain you want to be left alone...after all, everyone is //dead.//"] Their cold hands cover your eyes, showing you visions of Charli, Faye and Zahir's bodies all covered in blood and scratches. [[Keep watching]] [[Scream]] ]

(set: $alpha to it + 6) (text-style:"blur") [ Out of pure fear, you watch every vision that the shadow presents you with. Each becomes darker and darker, making you feel like you'll faint at any moment. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (How do I get out of here?)] ] Finally, you tear yourself out of your nightmare, covered in a pool of sweat. [[Go to checkpoint two]]

(text-style:"blur") [ You scream, feeling like everything is becoming even more twisted. The shadow keeps laughing at your torture. All you can do is hope everything will end soon. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This is just a mirage. It will end soon.)] ] And just like that you tear away from the nightmare, covered in your own sweat and tears. [[Go to checkpoint two]]

Here are the (text-style:"underline")[points] you collected with each love interest currently. (text-colour:#faa2c1)[Faye:] $faye of 20 (text-colour:#a5d8ff)[Charli:] $charli of 20 (text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir:] $zahir of 20 (text-colour:#c92a2a)[?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝:] $alpha of 20 [[Chapter III: A Moment of Peace]]

Early morning arrives, with you taking a walk through the tunnels of campus. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It's too early and I don't want to bother Faye with my nightmare issue.)] You feel terrible, constantly rubbing your eyes and your head aching with what feels like a migraine surfacing. As you walk past CFT, someone taps you on the shoulder. You swivel your head and notice a certain white haired virus holding a coffee cup. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Jeez, you scared me, Charli."] He silently holds out his cup. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "For me?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Who else would I give this to?"] You thank him and take the cup, lifting it to your mouth. It's your favourite drink: [[Tea]] [[Coffee]]

(set: $faye to it + 3) It's your favourite blend of tea. (set: $alpha to it +3) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Thanks. How'd you know I like this?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I didn't."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Oh, alright."] [[Ask him about his arm]]

(set: $charli to it + 3) It's your favourite type of coffee. (set: $zahir to it + 3) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Thanks. How'd you know I like this?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I didn't."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Oh, alright."] [[Ask him about his arm]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "So, how is your arm feeling? Better than yesterday?"] Charli bites into his sandwich. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "That's good to hear-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You look like shit. Did you sleep?"] You purse your lips, watching as the virus takes another bite out of his sandwich. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (He isn't wrong.) "I'll be fine."] He pokes you on your forehead. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Maybe, I shouldn't have caffeinated you."] [[Attend your first meeting with the rebellion]]

You and Charli walk side by side to the private room in the library that Faye booked. When you get there, she's talking to Zahir. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Hey $name, Charli. Look who's here."] Zahir waves at you and you shyly wave back. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Before we begin, I wanted to ask if any of you heard about these rumors."] She passes around her laptop with a newsletter about misinformation on Keele campus. Apparently there is a club that has the objective of sharing ways to prevent contracting the virus, but it seems to fall prey to everything this campus is sharing. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "I thought since you're a human, $name, that you would know even the slightest bit about this club."] Zahir's expression falters after Faye's revelation but they remain silent. You shake your head. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It doesn't ring a bell."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Either way, I have an idea. I was thinking about spreading misinformation to //this// campus."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This is different than in the original timeline. Somehow this feels more dangerous.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "So what we're doing but reversed?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye''] "Yeah, exactly! Imagine how Alpha would respond if they knew their plans were failing."] Faye writes her ideas down on the whiteboard, which we all come up to and elaborate on. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "This could work. But the issue is //Alpha//."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I can deal with Alpha, but we still must be careful."] At the end of the hour, the group settles on spreading false information about humans all over campus, stating that the virus isn't infecting too many people anymore. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I don't want to go forth with this plan. What if it backfires and someone ends up hurt?)] You begin to pack your bag, searching the room at what each of the viruses are doing. Faye is cleaning up the whiteboard, Zahir is anxiously looking at their phone and Charli is playing with the rings on his fingers. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Maybe I should talk to one of them privately.)] [[Leave with Faye]] [[Leave with Zahir]] [[Leave with Charli]] [[Leave on your own]]

(set: $faye to it + 7) You grab your things and shove them into your bag. Before you can leave the room, you feel a weight on your shoulder. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Hey, I wanted to take you to my favourite spot on campus. Wanna come?"] You've been wanting to talk to Faye privately, it might be a good opportunity to warn her about the plan. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Sure."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Great, let's go!"] [[Follow her]]

(set: $zahir to it + 7) You pack up, adamant on catching some sleep to prepare for the surge of misinformation you will be bombarded with. Before you can leave, a silvery voice calls out to you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "$name, do you have any classes for the day?"] You shake your head. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Good, I wanted to speak with you."] [[Go with Zahir to their office]]

(set: $alpha to it + 7) That meeting secures all your fears about this new timeline. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (With everyone on the same page, Alpha has more opportunities to play their games. Especially since the rebellion formed so quickly.)] You don't want any of these viruses hurt. [[Go back to Faye's dorm]]

(set: $charli to it + 7) You lean forward on the table. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What are your plans for today?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I was going home."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Charli lives off campus about a half hour away.) "Can I go with you?"] The purple-eyed virus tilts his head, vacantly. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "//Why//?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I don't know, I just do."] He gets up, the chair skates backwards then grabs his backpack. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Hurry up."] [[Follow him]]

Here are the (text-style:"underline")[points] you collected with each love interest currently. (text-colour:#faa2c1)[Faye:] $faye of 30 (text-colour:#a5d8ff)[Charli:] $charli of 30 (text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir:] $zahir of 30 (text-colour:#c92a2a)[?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝:] $alpha of 30 [[Chapter IV: Revelation]]

You follow closely behind Charli as he gets onto the subway then off at a street surrounded by townhouses and apartment buildings and a few smaller stores. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Nice area. Quaint." (Why did I say that?)] Charli turns a corner, while you walk through the streets and enters an apartment complex. A man approaches him, ressembling someone around the same age as you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Male Virus''] "Hey Charli, ya finish late today?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah."] After noticing me, he leans in closer and whispers into Charli's ear. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Male Virus''] "Finally bringing someone home, ay?"] Charli tenses up, then turns to me gesturing for me to follow him. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''Male Virus''] "Aw, Char, don't leave me hanging!"] You get into the elevator with him and stand awkwardly, waiting for it to close. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Who was that?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "My neighbor."] The door opens and he quickly walks to his door and unlocks it. You step inside and recall all memories you have of it. It's as disorganized as ever, several posters on the walls, blue LED lights that are at each corner and a gaming console attatched to his TV. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This is exactly how I remembered it.)] As Charli shrugs off his coat, you do the same, drapping it over your arm. You take a seat on his leather couch. Charli walks towards you holding a bag of chips shyly. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I heard humans like these."] You smile and accept it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "We're not //too// different from each other, Charli."] You munch on the potato chips in silence, hoping that he'll interrupt the silence soon. You don't want to bother him too much with questions or dumb comments. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Uh, I never brought anyone home..."] He cuts himself off. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "That sounded wrong."] It does but you don't mind. Right now, you want to change the conversation. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What do you think about Alpha?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "..."] While the virus is in the middle of popping open his soda can, he stops. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I've been trying to take them down since I got here."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I know that, but I still want to find out more that I couldn't before.) "Really?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah but I can't find much on my own."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey) [''$name''] "I can help you with that."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Why?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey) [''$name''] "Well, I want to get home."] To your surprise, Charli laughs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Fair enough. A human as frail as you should not be here."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey) [''$name''] "I'm not //frail//. I've made my own."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Sure. Well, there was a human that came to campus years ago and no one knew where she went."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey) [''$name''] (There was?)] [[Ask for more details]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Tell me more-"] My voice muffles, as Charli shoves a chip into my mouth. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Quiet."] I slowly chew on the chips, watching him flip through the channels on his remote. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "As I was //saying//, maybe that human is held hostage by Alpha."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Mhm, maybe."] You lean back against the couch and reach for the next chip, only to touch hands with Charli's. You quickly pull back, but Charli leans forward, observing your face with the same sombre expressions he always makes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You're awfully bold for a human that can easily be infected by any of us."] (if:(history: where its name contains "Bite him!")'s length is 1)[ (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Especially after almost giving me prion disease."] You blush remembering how hard you bit him. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Listen...you caught me off guard."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah yeah."] ] He continues to study your face, then his eyes drop down to your lips. You clench your hand, forcing your mind to leave the gutters. You can't be fooled by a virus, you can't meet the same fate from the original timeline. You must resist, $name. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "..."] You can't... Your face and his are almost touching. You wonder what sin you would commit if you leaned in and pressed your lips to his. And so you do. Charli's eyes widen but he doesn't push you away. Instead, his hands find solace in your hair, as you gently taste his lips over and over again. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I almost don't want to pull away.)] But you do, afraid of what would happen if your lust prevails. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You...you're so familiar."] Charli brushes your lips with his thumb, as if he's trying to remember something. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Is he remembering his original life?)] You need to leave. You've done enough. If this life is anything like the past, Charli is doomed and it will be your fault. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I don't know what to feel.)] Before you could get off the couch, Charli wraps his arms around your head, awkwardly but with conviction. You don't want to leave his warm grasp. You just let him hold you in complete silence. A tear rolls down your face. [[Return to campus]]

After that emotionally draining afternoon, you know what you feel now. (if:(history: where its name contains "Leave with Faye")'s length is 1)[Are you falling for Faye?](if:(history: where its name contains "Leave with Charli")'s length is 1)[Are you catching feelings for Charli?](if:(history: where its name contains "Leave with Zahir")'s length is 1)[Are you falling for Zahir?] You curl your body, with your knees almost touching your pillow and close your eyes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Once Alpha targets me, it's all over.)] (text-colour:#c92a2a)[//BEEP BEEP.//] Your phone lights up, with a gmail notification from CMA. You open the message and skim through. (text-style:"sway")[Dear Students, To all the students that believe their hardwork on our misinformation projects feel regretful, we hear you and are here to listen. Most currently, it has come to our attention that there is a human on campus, threatening to shut down our programs with a group of viruses. We are currently searching for the traitors and will make sure the campus is a safe place. No student will go unheard. Regards, Department of Counter Medical Arts ] [[Go to checkpoint three]]

You decide to call it a day and return to Faye's place to do some light reading and have a break. A few hours later, the moon peaks out, shining a dim light into the room. (text-colour:#c92a2a)[//BEEP BEEP.//] Your phone lights up, with a gmail notification from CMA. You open the message and skim through. (text-style:"smear")[Dear Students, To all the students that believe their hardwork on our misinformation projects feel regretful, we hear you and are here to listen. Most currently, it has come to our attention that there is a human on campus, threatening to shut down our programs with a group of viruses. We are currently searching for the traitors and will make sure the campus is a safe place. No student will go unheard. Regards, Department of Counter Medical Arts ] [[Go to checkpoint three]]

Faye takes your hand and leads you through the crowded hallways. You don't remember where in your past life she liked being at because of how busy she was with the rebellion. You're glad she's able to relax at least for now. She stops in front of a massive tree. sets her backpacks down and sits right beside it. She looks up at your through her eyelashes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Sit under the shade, it'll cool you down."] You toss your bag down and lean against the tree, feeling its rough surface through the wool of your sweater. The weather is rather hot today, but as you watch the leaves sway in the wind, you already feel your heat leaving. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I like coming here, it's empty and it helps me clear my thoughts."] You glance over to Faye who's eyes are curiously gazing over your profile. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "You seemed like you needed it. Are you stressed out about Alpha? Because if you are, please don't be! I promise to get you home."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Maybe a little."] Faye leans forward and touches a spot under your eye. [[Hold still]]

Her finger is soft and warm, you feel like curling up closer until she pulls away revealing a stray eyelash between her thumb and index finger. She smiles sadly. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I know, things are changing so quickly. I still wonder why no one else sees through Alpha's schemes."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Faye, why do you care so much about humans?"] She falls silent, you start to think maybe you were too direct but her lips curve over her cupid's bow. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Because I believe we're more than just infectious. If we could use ourselves to create vaccines and medications, there would be more options."] She looks away and plucks a four leaf clover off the grass, idly twirling it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "And ever since meeting you, I felt like I've known more humans. Like I sympathize with them more than ever."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "But it's dangerous. Why risk your life?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Because it's the right thing to do. We all have something worth fighting for and sometimes the best support comes from a place you wouldn't expect."] As you are about to warn her again, she presses her finger to your lip. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "There you are again, with that wise look. The same expression you had when I found you."] She strokes your cheek. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "And still no smile. I'm sure your smile is worth more than the stars combined."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Faye..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Just what have you seen, $name? I want to take it all away."] Her hand is still on your cheek, you hesitantly place yours on top. The wind picks up speed, combing through her hair and yours. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I have to resist. I need to protect her.)] But, the moment freezes in time as you bring your face closer with hers... [[Kiss her]]

Feeling your body heat return, you press your lips against hers, shutting out the pleas of the universe. Faye replies, kissing you with more force than you ever felt from her. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I know this is a terrible idea but I just want to know what it's like...)] When you pull away, Faye brings you back in but allows you to rest your head against her chest, listening to the pulse of her heart. (text-style:"fade-in-out")[... ... ...] You close your eyes, feeling a tear roll down your cheek. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (...to feel //safe//.)] Hours later, the two of you basked in each other's company. Faye reasurred you that she'll take you back to your campus even if she dies trying. The worse part about it is that you know she's serious. [[Go back to her dorm |Return to campus]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I wonder why they called for me.)] You feel like you're waiting for your professor to have a one on one conference about your grades. Creeek. Zahir shuts the door. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Just to give us some privacy."] You grimace in your seat as the professor sits down. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I wanted to know how you're feeling. It's a difficult adjustment, something that well, not many have gone through.."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey) [''$name''] "Uhm, everything is so overwhelming."] They nod. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I hate to see a student in so much distress. Can I do anything for you to make your time here more comfortable?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey) [''$name''] (Even with Zahir barely knowing me, they still want to support me. Why?) "Do you always flirt with your students like this?"] Zahir stammers. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I don't //flirt// with my students. That is a power imbalance and it would be wrong."] You stiffle a laugh, listening to their response. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Oh, I see, you're teasing me. Well, I'm glad to see that you're smiling."] You find yourself feeling your face, which is in fact curved upwards. You fix your gaze on Zahir, who is slighly leaned forwards, resting their cheek in their palm with a warm look plastered over their face. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I didn't even notice.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Can you tell me about your campus? I'm sure everything we know about humans is inaccurate. I'd like to hear it from //you//."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Ah."] You remember all the exes you had, each of them being the worst extensions of yourself. Even though your dating around stopped once you arrived at the new campus originally, you never improved. You just failed, not only yourself but everyone else. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "$name?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Oh, sorry."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "If it's too hard for you to answer you don't need to-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "No, I'd like to. My campus is...like this one if I'm being honest. It's sometimes frustrating but it's...well, school."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "And what's your major?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Screenwriting. But, I might drop out soon."] You don't want to sugarcoat your university experience being postively memorable. Your mind strays too far from reality and now you cannot tell the two apart. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'm sorry, it isn't working out for you. As much as I enjoy being a professor, I'll be laid off soon, I'm afraid."] [["Cheers to terrible university experiences."]]

You purse your lips and lift your arm in sync with theirs, clicking your imaginary glasses together. The moment both of your hands touch, you feel a warm tingling sensation. You take a deep breath, trying your best to compose yourself. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Thanks...for your support and not asking me to overshare...] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "You're very welcome, $name. I'm sure many people feel the same way when they start fresh somewhere."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I never feel understood."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'd love to learn every minuscule detail about you, $name. No matter how dark it is."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (If only you knew, Zahir, that this isn't a universal experience.)] You a feel a tear roll down your face but you look down quickly hoping they don't notice. The room falls silent, only the sound of the footsteps in the hallway making the office less desolate. You keep your head down, begging that they don't see the next tear that drops. Instead, the professor takes a fresh tissue and leans over their desk, very gently wiping your eyes with no words. And just like that, you remain safe in the professor of Antibiotic's office, praying to the universe that nothing bad will happen and that Alpha will not hurt them. [[Leave for the night|Return to campus]]

The morning after, the four of you gather in the library to discuss the email from the department of counter-medical arts. (if:(history: where its name contains "Leave with Charli")'s length is 1)[Meanwhile your thoughts are with Charli. You can't stop thinking about that kiss.](if:(history: where its name contains "Leave with Faye")'s length is 1)[Meanwhile your thoughts are with Faye. You can't stop thinking about that kiss.](if:(history: where its name contains "Leave with Zahir")'s length is 1)[Meanwhile your thoughts are with Zahir. You can't stop thinking about yesterday afternoon.] Charli turns on some music, to drown out our voices from the rest of the library for safe measure. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Alpha knows about you, we have to stop this."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I agree." (But only because I want to keep you all safe.)] You all turn to Faye, who hasn't said a word yet, anxiously drinking her matcha tea latte. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I think we can find a way to make this work."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I for once agree with Faye. We should take this a step further."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "How?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "We can spread a rumor that the human knows Alpha's true form."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "We still need to protect $name in the process. Alpha is dangerous, they will be able to see through our lies."] ''Thud!'' Faye sets down her tea, smirking. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Let them think so! It will be a worthy distraction while we do some more digging!"] You reflect on the last timeline, when Alpha appeared wearing a mask speaking to the department in the crowded theatre. //The tragedy struck from that point onwards. //You witnessed the end of the world in the span of a year but with the rebellion in quick action it somehow cut down by a landslide. (if:(history: where its name contains "Keep watching")'s length is 1)[Even from your recent nightmare, Alpha torments you.]You clutch your head. [[Share your insights]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I have a feeling Alpha will be showing up //soon//."] Zahir and Faye turn towards you while Charli looks indifferent. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "What do you mean? Will they be revealling themselves to us?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I think they're going to be holding some kind of assembly for us to talk about my appearance on campus."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "How do you know?"] [[Tell the partial truth]] [["My intuition tells me so."]] [[Lie]]

(set: $faye to it +2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I felt a sense of déjà vu."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "//Alright//-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "It's true."] You all turn to the professor who's scrolling through their phone. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I just recieved an email stating that the department will be hosting an assembly early tomorrow morning. Everyone in CMA is required to attend."] Charli checks their phone, followed by Faye and you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name, Charli & Faye''] "Same."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "During the assembly, we should search Alpha's office..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "For the key for me to get home..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah and you can (text-style:"underline")[bring one of us along if you like]."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Perfect, it's all set up. And don't worry, we'll get you home, $name."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Don't give up hope."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "...Alpha won't get to you."] You want to trust their sincerity, but they truly have no clue about the power Alpha is withholding. [[Remember their brutality]]

(set: $charli to it + 2) (set: $zahir to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Alpha is bound to say something eventually. This is a serious issue."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "//Alright//-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "It's true."] You all turn to the professor who's scrolling through their phone. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I just recieved an email stating that the department will be hosting an assembly early tomorrow morning. Everyone in CMA is required to attend."] Charli checks their phone, followed by Faye and you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name, Charli & Faye''] "Same."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "During the assembly, we should search Alpha's office..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "For the key so I can get home..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah and you can (text-style:"underline")[bring one of us along if you like]."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Perfect, it's all set up. And don't worry, we'll get you home."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Don't give up hope."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "...Alpha won't get to you."] You want to trust their sincerity, but they truly have no clue about the power Alpha is withholding. [[Remember their brutality]]

(set: $alpha to it + 2) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It's just a guess."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "//Alright//-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "It's true."] You all turn to the professor who's scrolling through their phone. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I just recieved an email stating that the department will be hosting an assembly early tomorrow morning. Everyone in CMA is required to attend."] Charli checks their phone, followed by Faye and you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name, Charli & Faye''] "Same."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "During the assembly, we should search Alpha's office..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "For the key for me to get home."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Yeah and you can (text-style:"underline")[bring one of us along if you like]."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Perfect, it's all set up! And don't worry, we'll get you home."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Don't give up hope."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "...Alpha won't get to you."] You want to trust their sincerity, but they truly have no clue about the power Alpha is withholding. [[Remember their brutality]]

You remember the moment they brought down the school, murdered all the viruses that worked under them and took down Keele Campus, truly proving their reign over everyone, even their own kind. You squeeze your eyes closed. //Stop reliving that memory. It won't happen again. // Once you get back to campus, you'll forget about everything that happened here and you can live in peace like you wanted. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (But why do I have a gut feeling to abandon that goal?)] You get up, swaying slightly on your feet. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I've said enough.) "I'll get going now..."] You look over your shoulder, longingly sharing a glance with... [[Faye]] [[Charli]] [[Zahir]] [[No one]] (text-colour:cyan)[(text-style:"italic","smear")[(It is time to choose your suitor)]]

(set: $faye to it + 8) Faye slings her backpack over her shoulder and a few moments later, joins you outside of the room. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Let's go back to my place, the others will take care of the rest, okay?"] She guides you away, placing her hand against your upperback for support. In her dormitory, Faye clears out the couch, covered with research pages. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Here, drink something."] She hands you a glass of water, which you quickly gulp down as your throat threatens to close up. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "T-Thanks."] You place the glass down, it nearly slips out of your hand, rattling the coffee table slightly. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Be honest, are you nervous for tomorrow?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Yes yes yes. But regardless of what happens, I need to leave. wjhether I'm dead or alive. I have to ignore these budding feelings too.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Oh, $name. Part of me feels guilty for bringing you into this yet...I know this is the right thing to do."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What do you mean?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "It's hard to explain. But I feel like I can hear a small voice inside of you that needs to be reassured. Maybe that's why you're so wise."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (You don't know the half of it.)] Faye sighs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I want to push you in the right direction, I'm sorry if I sound too pushy."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "No, I'm just confused by what you //see// in me."] She wrings her hands, trying to place her thoughts to words. [[Just wait and listen]]

(set: $charli to it + 8) Charli puts his hood back on, joining you out in the hall. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Let's go to my place."] He grabs your hand. [[Go to Charli's apartment]]

(set: $zahir to it +8) Zahir notices your discomfort and joins you out in the hallway. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Are you okay?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Not really." (I don't feel like lying, especially to them.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I don't do this often but would you like to stay with me for a little while?"] You don't want to be a bother but you also would take anything to get out of thinking about Alpha. [["Yes please."]]

You know better than to pursue relationships that are destined for failure. You return to Faye's dormitory to catch some early sleep. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (If my memories are correct and tomorrow is the assembly, then I was supposed to die. But I didn't fall in love so...I think I'm safe.)] You close your eyes and let your exhaustion overtake you. (text-style:"rumble")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''BOOM!'']] You jump awake to the sound of the door slamming open. Through your delirious state, you manage to look around. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "F-Faye? Is that you?"] You look over to Faye's bed, but it's as empty as she left it. Suddenly you feel something covering your nose and mouth. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!"] (text-style:"blurrier")[You grab ahold of their hand but it's no use, their strength is enough to blur your vision turning everything black. ] [[Wake up]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Well, you seem to have a strong opinion about Alpha. You joined us even though you could have laid low."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Did anyone tell you that you're //very// persuasive."] Faye laughs while looking up towards the ceiling. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "All the time and yet, you never argued."] Faye moved closer to you, your thighs brush up against hers, slightly revealled by the mini skirt she's sporting. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Just so you know, I would never stop you from what you want to do from here on out. As long as Alpha is gone, I will continue to support you all the way from this campus to yours."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Even if I left before Alpha could be stopped?"] Faye's cocks her head to the side, trying to find an answer to your projection. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Even if one of us died, would you still go forward with your plans?"] You feel sweat heating up your face. You want to know how far Faye will go to save everyone on campus. You want to know if you did a good job persuading her to be a little selfish. You just want her to //live//. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Is that what you're afraid of?"] She looks you in the eye, but suddenly you feel a surge of emotions overcoming you, threatening to hurl out of your stomach and tightening chest. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "//Talk to me, $name.//"] The tears that I tried so hard to surpress, fall one by one down each side of my face and over your hands that clutch your denim jeans. You desperately want to hard to leave campus and forget everything especially these thoughts that your heart doesn't want to leave behind. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (How much longer can I live like this? Why...why did I fall in love with her //again//?)] Your breathing quickens. Whimpered sounds escape your throat that you can't hide any more. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I-I don't know if you'll believe me."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I'm listening."] You never talked to anyone about this for obvious reasons. But you can't find the strength to say those many words outloud, especially to your ghost. [[Take a deep breath]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I used to be here, on this very campus a year ago. And I somehow went back in time when..."] Tears pool in your eyes again. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I watched you die, Faye. I held you in my arms and watched the fire leave you. Alpha...she took you away because I was too late to stop them."] You sniffle, looking up and Faye, hoping that she won't believe you. You want her to call you a liar and get rid of you or report you to Alpha so you can leave or die and have a chance to forget all of this. Instead, the virus pulls you into her embrace, stroking your back in soothing circles. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "That must have been so hard for you to carry."] In this moment in time, you realize that Faye is far from a nightmare and nothing like the people you dated before. [[Don't let go]]

You close your eyes and remain in her grasp, holding onto the fibres of her sweater, afraid that if you let go she will be gone with it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I didn't want to see you again because it was all my fault that you...that you..." (//That Alpha cut you down right in front of me//.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "It's okay, this is a new time. It won't happen again."] You finally look up at her with you blurry vision. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "It might...if my memories of Alpha were still intact, I'd be able to prevent this. But it's all a haze and...//I'm scared//."] She holds your cheek in her hand, stroking your delicate skin and the stray tears that fall out, as if you are the most precious thing to her. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I want to help you feel comfortable. Which is why I promise and will continue to promise..."] She strays off, tilting your chin up. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "Alpha will not kill any of us."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "How can you be so certain? I watched it happen and I don't want to see it again."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "We'll compromise something because I refuse to leave you."] You close your eyes and sink more into her embrace. Faye kisses the top of your head reminding you that the first timeline is no longer existent. You live in a new time, Faye will not die on you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "What can I do to reassure you? Anything at all."] You think, disregarding the red alarms flashing in your head. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "If this is our last night...can we stay like this?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "It won't be, and yes, of course."] You lace your fingers with hers, she then takes your hand, turns it to face her and kisses each knuckle with tenderness, you feel like you do not deserve. You close your eyes, savouring each moment to the best of your ability. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I hope this is okay."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Yes..."] You're confident that Faye will never leave you. All you feel in your past slowing down, being replaced and morphed into a new path that you're currently forging as her lips collide with yours. [[22 hours later]]

You and Faye are positioned in your places in DB, close to Alpha's office and far enough away that you won't look suspicious. Charli and Zahir are at the theatre, waiting for Alpha to appear and say their speech. You continously check the groupchat, waiting for your cue to inflitrate Alpha's office. (link-reveal: "(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye:''] <q>How is everything down there?</q>")[ (link-reveal: "(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli:''] <q>The curtains just opened.</q>")[ (link-reveal: "(text-colour:grey)[''$name:''] <q>So, should we head in?</q>")[ (link-reveal: "(text-colour:#8ce99a)[''Zahir:''] <q>Yes, but be careful.</q>")[ (link-reveal: "(text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye:''] <q>Okay!</q>")[ (link-reveal: "(text-colour:grey)[''$name:''] <q>Going in now...</q>")[ (text-colour:#faa2c1)[''Faye: '']<q>lmk if anything changes!</q> ]]]]]] You put away your phone just as Faye pulls you in for a side hug. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "For good luck!"] You nod, inching towards the door, keeping your posture opened in case someone shows up behind you. Faye peaks out from the corner, signalling you to enter. [[Pick the lock]]

Last night, Faye taught you how to pick locks, a skill she picked up out of boredom. You still find it weird but it's wonderful nonetheless. (text-style:"fidget")[Creaaak. ]The door unlocks with a short creak. You look around the halls, wondering if any of the security guards will appear but it's empty all thanks to a certain rumour. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Thank you Zahir!)] [[Enter, then close the door]]

Before you can close the door it closes itself! (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Shit! I think the door is made with some sort of automatic system. That means...)] You've been (text-style:"fade-in-out")[''caught'']. Wrapping your hand around the doorknob and twisting doesn't do anything. It won't budge. An alarm could go off at any second, and in that case everyone will be in a hold and secure and you'll be in complete risk of being found! Click click click. A sound of heels clicking against the tiles sends shivers down your spine. Your eyes widen, listening almost too closely for the mysterious figure who is seemingly approaching you from behind. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝''] "Reveal yourself, child."] Your hands become sweaty, letting go of the knob. Their voice...//you don't recognize it at all//. According to everyone on campus, Alpha's voice is a distortion edited live on the rare occasion they speak. But they hide behind a mask as well, meaning that... Feeling like your knees are going to buckle, you suck up your fears and turn around, facing the killer virus who took everything from you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!"] [[There's no way]]

A woman is standing in front of you with a curious but terrifying expression. Your heart pounds out of your chest. The missing pieces of your memories of Alpha seem to pick itself up and merge together. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Alpha's a woman?)] One of her eyes is covered with an eyepatch, while long strands of straight hair, as dark as the feathers of a raven cascade down that side of her face. Even her clothes are elite, an ebony suit and stilleto heels. You gulp, afraid to say anything that will kill you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Ah, so you're the human on my campus."] She steps closer and I instintively move back, hitting the door. She tilts me chin up, inspecting me in the dark glow of the lights. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You do understand that you have no place here, right?"] You keep completely still, even trying to slow down your breathing. She lifts her hand away from where it lays on her side and touches the veins pulsating on your neck. You want to scream and run away, remembering your dream a few nights ago but you can't. Moving quicker than you expect, she snaps on a pair of handcuffs around your wrists! (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''???''] "Alpha!"] You feel relief as a preppy young blonde girl appears from behind Alpha, saddling up to her with a bright smile, illuminating the dimly lit room. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''???''] "That's no way to treat a guest!"] The young girl, maybe slightly younger than you, turns to face you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Hii, I'm Halo, Alpha's assistant!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "//Silence//. She is merely an intern. And a foolish one."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "I'm learning so much!"] You find the dynamic between the two of them ironic but you don't comment on it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Silence, Grey. She is merely an intern. A foolish one."] You tug on the metal bands around your wrist, annoyed by the blue marks it's leaving behind. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Alphaaa, you know you can't abuse strangers like this! And a human too, that's rude."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Vacate my office, Halo. I have business to attend."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Okay okay! I'll leave! Don't torture her too much though!] Halo pats the glaring Alpha on the shoulder and leaves, closing the door behind her. [[Ask about Halo]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, so is she..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Yes //human//, she is a human. No you may not speak to her. She owes me something."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Okay."] You're almost frightened to know what such a sweet, sunshiney girl like Halo owes a killer virus of another campus. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Enough chatting, let us look at your file."] Your leg bounces as the virus projects your student file onto the big screen. Her expression is unwavering as she scrolls through a detailed description of your activities on campus. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Pathetic. Did you really believe I wouldn't know your extistence? I have been watching you, //$name//."] The way she says your name gives you goosebumps. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Since you came all this way, do tell me what your plans were."] [[Tell her how you arrived but leave out some details]]

You make sure not to tell her anything about your partner and friends, spinning the story of how you arrived. In a way, you aren't lying; you're just leaving out a few facts that Alpha doesn't need to know about. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You want to go back to campus, no?"] You nod. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "What about your partner. Faye Amari?"] Of course she knows about, Faye! You should have known. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "I'd forget about that too, humans musn't stray from their roots. That is where us two are the same."] Before you know it, you're words of defamation leave your tongue. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "We are not the same."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Foolish."] Alpha takes out a knife, hidden within a drawer of her desk and slashes her palm. Not one muscle in her face moves or tenses. Crimson blood, like yours, drips down her hand and falls onto the pristine white tiles. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "You...you're a human?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Only a human could complete what I did. It flows through our blood."] She uses her other hand, to tilt up your chin to meet her piercing gaze of that deepset red eye of hers, which you admit is breathtaking. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "If you join me, we will do as we are destined."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'll never join."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "//Pathetic//. You would rather be infected by a virus than keep your humanity?"] You came a long way, you cannot risk hurting Faye. She's everything to you and she's showing you how to love and how to //feel// again. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Do you not want internal peace?"] [["Peace?"]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You are someone who wants the easy way of life. And for that I reward you."] It's true that you want to take a shortcut, you want to live quietly in your own wicked thoughts, even as the pandemic continues to take over. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "If I disagree, what will you do?" //(Will you cut me down where I stand?)//)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "I haven't decided. All I know is the both of you will not be welcomed here."] [["I'll take that chance."]] [["I'll join you"]] (text-colour:#66d9e8)[(text-style:"italic","smear")[(Please keep in mind that the last option will (text-style:"underline")[end] your relationship with Faye)]]

(set: $faye to it + 12) Alpha scoffs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You must be too dense to understand what you just said. Very well..."] Alpha snaps her fingers. Halo appears with a clipboard in her hand as well as Alpha's laptop. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Uncuff the human, Halo. It is your time to return the favour."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Alright, I'm sorry, $name."] She opens it, typing away and suddenly everything begins to fade. You feel like something is leaving you, you reach trying to grab onto it but not before your vision turns black. [[...]]

//Wake up. Wake up, $name. // You groan, opening one eye and then the other. It takes you a few moments to regain consciousness but once you do, you realize that something is //off//. You’re back at York University. But how? Not only that but you’re currently sitting at a table in Stong College’s ''Orange Snail''. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Wait? Did I go back in time?)] Tears pool into your eyes, as you realize that everything returned to the way you tried to stop. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Faye...where is she? Is she alive?)] You grab your phone and check the time, but it's moving as it should be. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (There's still time. I can find her. I know where she'll be.)] [[Go to the courtyard]]

You run as far as your legs can handle, until you reach the back of Scott's library. Colour return to your face once you notice the confused young woman sitting under the giant oak tree. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Faye!"] You call out to her, the virus looks up and drops everything she's holding. You run towards her, not caring about the amount of people watching. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "$name?"] You fall onto the grass just as Faye pulls you towards her, hugging your firmly with no intention of letting go. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#faa2c1) [''Faye''] "I thought I failed to protect you from Alpha. I'm so glad I found you."] Both of your tears seem to mix together as you bring your foreheads together. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "No, I found you." //(And I am never letting go, no matter how bad this pandemic gets.)//] [[Go to final checkpoint]]

(text-colour:#66d9e8)[(text-style:"smear")[Thank you for playing my first text-based game. This wouldn't be possible without these very talented artists for providing me with such valuable assets. (text-style:"fade-in-out")[Writing & coding by Seraphina Monasar Beautiful cover art by @gulaabi.art Cameo of Halo Grey, a character by Emma Laporte] ]] </style> <img src=https://64.media.tumblr.com/54ec35f3fbb5831f1c9609bf37fb86b2/3bea3c60787bf24b-ee/s1280x1920/1e4531f925c9588fc94b1ab4ee3895d42be8aac4.pnj> </div> (text-colour:#66d9e8)[(text-style:"smear") [If you are interested in the other endings, feel free to replay!]]

(set: $faye to it - 8) (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Forgive me, Faye. I don't want to die a second time, nor do I want you to.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Is that your final choice? I do not appreciate others wasting my time."] You know that this is the wrong choice but as long as Faye is safe, that is all that matters. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Yes, I'll join you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Very well, you're a very //obediant// human. Halo, come uncuff the human."] Alpha snaps her fingers, almost immediately after, Halo appears again. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "You agreed?! Thank you thank you, I promise you'll love it here!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Halo will be showing you where you will be staying."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] ["Follow me, $name!"]] [[Follow after Halo]]

You don't remember all the details about Zahir's private life. It's something rare that you didn't become a part of until the end of the timeline when everything blew apart. And then it was too late. Now you're back in Zahir's house, small and quaint, situated beside a small lake and forest. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'll be right back. Make yourself comfortable."] You hang up your coat and walk around the main living room. They have a nice off-white coloured sofa and a strange looking coffee table in the middle covered with magazines and succulents. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Zahir loves plants, it's cute that they still do.)] Once you sit down, Zahir returns wearing a sage green apron on top of their buttondown shirt. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I learned a new recipe, and I'd like your help to perfect it. $name."] Their sheer unreal beauty almost takes you out from the conversation. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I- uh, sure. What are we baking?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "A red velvet cake."] [[Go to the kitchen]]

You walk into Zahir's kitchen, modern and filled with baking equipment. But what puzzles you is why he knows about human food? (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'm sure you're wondering why I know about human food."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Yeah, I am."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Well, I'm not a virus, more a type of microbe, different but similar. I learned a lot about humans through my research, it was even a part of thesis."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I should have guessed as much.)] You like listening to the professor talk about their interests. It's like they light up while speaking about it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "You'll have to show me the ropes; I haven't baked in a while."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Alright, let's start with the ingredients."] Zahir takes out a bag of powdered sugar, flour and salt along with a few other things. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Can you open the fridge and grab some eggs, buttermilk and cream cheese?"] While you find the three ingredients, you analyze their neatly organized shelves. Everything has a place and meaning. Nothing is out of sorts. Zahir walks you through the order of each item. It feels familiar, like you've watched them bake before. Later, after the dry ingredients are sifted together, you move onto the next steps. They turn away to wash out the measuring cup while you mix the red colouring and buttermilk together. You visiously beat the red colouring into the milk just as Zahir's body presses up from behind you, followed by their big hands over your right hand that's holding the whisk. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Nice job, $name. But be gentle, so we don't lose the milk."] You feel embarassment wash over you as they take your hand and carefully stir the mixture. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' //"Just like this..."//] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "..."] When they move away from you, their sweet scent slowly fades away. You collect yourself and help them combine everything into the stand mixer. When everything looks smooth and the colour is no longer marbled, Zahir turns off the mixer. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I heard something interesting about the origin of red velvet cake. Apparently, it orginated during the great depression. It seemed to have been a sweet escape from that dark decade."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "That sounds true. Even now red velvet is a guilty pleasure."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Good, I think we need a distraction more than anything."] You hold the pan while Zahir piles in the red batter. They place it in the already preheated oven and turn to you with a warm smile. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "We'll be waiting about a half an hour. In the meanwhile, what do you want to-"] (text-style:"fade-in-out")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[[Ring ring.]]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'm so sorry, I should take this."] You briefly glance at his phone screen noticing the caller ID's name. Someone by the name of ''Halo Grey''. They leave the room and paces around the living room. All the peace created in the kitchen disappears and is replaced by a tense atmosphere. You feel like stress radiating off them as they talk. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I wonder what's happening.)] You feel bad easedropping on the professor (again) but your curiousity is a strong force incapable of being aphrehended. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Halo, I don't mean to be rude but Alpha is doing a bit too much now."] You hear a few words from the other side but not enough to understand. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "It's...just...temporary..."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Fine by me, I'm just concerned about the students. Again, I'm not mad just disappointed."] Zahir hangs up so you quickly move in the direction of the stove appearing like you've been watching the cake the entire time. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "What was that about?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Nothing much, just about my program. I should really talk to Alpha about it."] Your stomach drops. Everything is coming back just like the original timeline. You know that once Zahir makes up their mind and goes to confront Alpha...they will... (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "$name?"] You don't even notice the few tears that stream down your face, but they do and continue to. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Dammit.)] You wipe them away with the sleeve of your sweater. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Did something happen?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "No, it's just..." (Why am I crying so much and why won't it stop?)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "You can tell me //anything//."] [[Tell them the truth]]

Zahir helps you sit down on one of their barstools and offers you a box of tissues. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Take your time, $name."] You look away from them, afraid to watch their expression eventually change completely once you confess everything. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I was on this campus a year ago but I somehow went back in time and it's all a repeat..."] You clench the tissue in your hand. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "The same thing happening to you now happened last time and when you confronted Alpha..."] You feel your chest tighten and your esophogus closing up but you keep going. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I-I watched Alpha kill you right in front me. A-And I tried to save you as the campus burned to the ground...but there was no point; you were already //gone//."] You slowly look at them beside you expecting them to be in shambles but they appear unbothered. They reach towards you and pull you into a hug supporting your head and stroking it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'm sorry you went through that. You're very brave, $name."] You cry into their chest, afraid that if you let go their ashes will fall through your fingers again. Just like that fire. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "P-Please don't talk to A-Alpha."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I won't. I promise I won't."] You look up at them through your eyelashes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Really? I thought you wanted to fight."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I did. But, sometimes the universe will send signs that it is your time to go. When it happens, I'll be ready."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I don't want to face Alpha but there is no other way for me to go home."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "And you won't have to. I'll protect you, $name. Alpha will not find you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Maybe I'll finally be able to find peace at this campus...with Zahir.)] (text-colour:#c92a2a)[(text-style:"blink")[Beep beep!]] The cake is ready to be taken out. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Do you want to return to your campus? We'll figure out something if"-] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I just want to live peacefully with //you//."] The both of you sit in silence until Zahir breaks it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "Then that is what we will do."] Their fingers find your lips then slowly move lower, tilting up your chin. [[Kiss them]]

You lean forward before their lips have a chance to initiate and taste everything you missed, everything you want to experience for a second time. You whisper through your heated state, (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I don't want to die, Zahir."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "You won't, I promise."] You shiver as Zahir's hands slide up your back. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[''(text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir]'' "I'll protect you every step of the way."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'd...like that."] No matter how quickly Alpha destroys both campuses or whenever Zahir's program is shut down, you know that the present is all that matters. As long as you both have each other, you will be able to find the peace you craved all along. (set: $zahir to it + 12) [[Go to final checkpoint]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Aaaand here we are!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, this is a hallway?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Alpha says you have access to this entire wing of the floor! I'll leave you to explore now-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Wait! What does Alpha have on you?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "$name...Alpha is a generous person, she just wants to build a perfect world. You'll see what I mean eventually, kay?"] Halo pats me on the shoulder and leaves, going back to Alpha's office. You open each closed door, looking for which one is your new room, after reaching the very last door at the end of the hall, you find it. It looks like an executive suite in Schulich, it's very clean like they expected I'd be here. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I need to get used to this. This is what I wanted and I got it.)] Somehow, you aren't sure if you'll grow used to this new atmosphere. (text-style:"fade-in-out")[Click.] The door opens to Halo bringing in your overstuffed backpack you left in Faye's room. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Oh, I forgot about that."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "It was sooo heavy! But here you are, just know that if you ever run out of anything, Alpha will give it to you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Okay, thanks." (That honestly sounds kinda nice.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "I almost forgot!"] Halo pulls a package out from under her arm and hands it to you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "It's a little something Alpha bought for you, try it on and meet her in her office!"] (text-style:"fade-in-out")[Click. ] The door closes leaving you alone with the package in your hands. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (She didn't have to.)] You unwrap the box and take off the lid, revealling a silk button-down shirt with gold jewelry as a side piece. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This reminds me of when I dressed up everyday at the start of uni; I miss it.)] [[Meet Alpha]]

You wake up in some place that isn't Faye's dorm. It's a modern white office, as boring as the Schulich interior. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Wait, this room feels //familiar//.)] You get up feeling a dull aching pain in your forehead. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Ah, I was right. This is ''Alpha's'' place.)] Alpha owns the very top floor of DB, this happens to be their office but you've heard rumours that they live here, on this floor in a far off room as tight with security as the floor as a whole. A set of quick footsteps precedes. You jerk your head, seeing a person you've never met before. Not in this life and not in your past. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''???''] "Oh good! You're awake! Listen, I'm so so so sorry for knocking you out like that! But I had to"-] The young woman, maybe slightly younger than you, holds a tray of breakfast foods in one hand and a clipboard in the other. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Who are you?"] The girl cut herself off. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''???''] "Oh right! Yeah, I work for Alpha!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Shit! I'm going to die again.)] The girl places down the tray on the coffee table in front of me. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''???''] "Don't panic! I promise Alpha isn't as bad as you think!"-] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''?̴̞̻͉͍̣͍͓̊̈́̍̊́̃͑͒͌̂̋́͘̕͜͜͜ͅ?̶͕̟͔͍͇̝̳͚͈̱̈́̑̅̒̎̉̀̑̈̉͋͒̀̃͘?̴̨̧̭̰̗̹̻̳̘̼̱͇̮̓͒̉̈́̆̑̌̃͂͋͐̂͝''] "That would be enough, ''Halo''."] A silvery voice interrupts the blonde. You search the room for the source of it, landing on a female figure, slender and beautiful. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (There's no way.)] Her heels click as she walks towards you with an analyzing expression. An eyepatch covers her left eye, while the other one is sharp and feline-like as it watches you. Her style is how you expected a businesswoman to dress, each layer designed to fit perfectly. You have to admit: she's stunning. You wish she wasn't Alpha. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Alphaaa! Did you see how I brought the human! Wasn't it smooth? I've never done something like this"-] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Hm, you have more work to do. Leave us to speak."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Okay! Have fun!"] Halo skips off. You wonder what leverage Alpha might have over such a lively student like her. When she leaves, Alpha focuses on you, glaring at you like she's calculating your next move. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Despite what you may believe, I'm not here to kill you."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I- What?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You're pathetic to believe I would kill one of my people."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (One of her people?) "Wait, are you human?"] (if:(history: where its name contains "\"Alpha is human!\"")'s length is 1)[You remember Faye's theory that you deemed was impossible. But it turns out...it's possible.]The corner of her red lips twist into a condescending smirk. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You aren't as naive as I expected. Congratulations on figuring that out."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] [["Then what do you want from me?"]]]

You bring your knees to your chest, making full eye contact with Alpha. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "I would like you to join me, help us spread the misinformation, you and your little rebellion seemed to be good at that."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "But-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "No, I won't touch Faye or Charli or Zahir."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (How did she know I'd ask that?)] Alpha sighs and reaches for the teacup, scoops a small amount of sugar into it and stirs it with the spin of her wrist. She sets it down in front of you, but you ignore it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I shouldn't even be here. I should be back on Keele campus."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "But, I thought you wanted [[peace]]?"]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You are a student who wants the easy way of life. And for that I reward you."] It's true that you want to take the shortcut, you want to live quietly in your own wicked thoughts, even as the pandemic continues to take over. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "If I disagree, what will you do?" //(Will you cut me down where I stand?)//)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "I don't know, Darling. You may become my pet."] She grabs your chin forcing your head to look up at her, as if she is a queen at a court and you are her follower. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You would live in luxury, it's everything you want."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "How do you know what I want?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "You're very easy to read."] You take a deep breath and rationalize this situation. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (This is the only option I have.)] [[Accept her offer]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Good choice. Halo, come here."] The blonde girl returns. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Yay, you said yes! I'm so happy!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Yes, you know what to do."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Perfect! Let me show you to your rooms, $name!"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Rooms?"] [[Follow after Halo]]

Wearing a nicely fitting, very expensive, silk shirt, you knock on the door to Alpha's office. After hearing a response, you enter and awkwardly stand at the front as her eyes trail over you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Did she just want a doll to dress up? I hate to say that I like it but I do.)] You pinch the fabric around your arms, pulling it down self-conciously. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "And so the human can clean up //well//."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I can live peacefully and be spoiled too? This cannot be real.) "Alpha...I can't possibly wear something like this. Come on-"] Alpha walks over to you and presses her finger to your lips. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Silence. I will do as I see fit."] You clear your throat. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Anyhow, I need your help with something."] She gestures for you to come closer. You shuffle on, standing behind her as she scrolls through her laptop. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "What do you think is the most contracted COVID variant?"] [["Omicron?" |alpha types]] [["Delta?" |alpha types]] [["I'm not sure." |alpha types]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Interesting..."] She starts typing faster, scaring you a little. Why did she ask that? (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Soon you will be able to make bigger choices. Just like Halo."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, okay."] A few days pass before you notice. You help Alpha with your knowledge of the human world even bonding with her over your shared experiences. There weren't many but Alpha seemed to like hearing you talk about it. She was surprisingly gentle with you, silently taking in everything you said. [[Sleep]]

(text-style:"shudder")[Thump. ]You jolt awake after feeling something touch your neck. Someone peers over you with a needle in their hand! Before you can scream, a slicing sound interrupts you and blood covers your white bedsheets. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (What the hell?)] It's Alpha now standing over the area the other used to stand. The body rolls onto the floor, Alpha calmly walks over it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Pathetic. What a failure of an assassin."] She puts a katana back in its hilt, you wonder why she has it on her in the middle of the night, let alone strapped to her nightgown, an odd weapon choice. Halo rushes in. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "Oh my god! I can't believe someone tried to kill you! Are you okay. $name?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Vacate this room. We shall find you a better one."] Alpha leaves the room. (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "I think you're being targetted because everyone thinks you're Alpha's //plaything//."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Plaything?" (But how would they even know that I'm here?)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"=XXX=")[(text-colour:#ffec99)[''Halo''] "I don't know all the details but Alpha will keep you safe. Just rely on her, kay?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh, alright." (You're not opposed to that idea. It's not everyday that someone tries to kill you on campus.)] You change off your bloodstained clothes and join Alpha in her office. She's cleaning off her blade with a microfiber cloth. When she meets your gaze, you feel an odd pull. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I know she has some ulterior motive but she did just save me.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Humans bring too much attention to themselves. You are free to sleep in my room."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "But what about you?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Alpha does not need sleep."] You nod slowly. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Uh okay. Thanks."] She directs you to her room at the end of the hall. If the floor was smaller, her room would be opposite of yours. But you still feel uneased. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Can you stay with me?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Ask Halo. She loves company."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "But I want it to be with you."] Very briefly, her typical stoic expression shifts into surprise. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "...Fine."] [[Settle into Alpha's room]]

You walk into her room and get comfortable in her bed. Everything looks untouched like she never used anything. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Why do you want to be in my presence?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I don't know. You're less scary than I imagined." (Even though she entered my dreams, turning everything into nightmares, there seems to be a reason.)] You want to uncover the reason. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Hmph. You really are a fool."] Now that you can see her, you notice that she isn't wearing an eyepatch; her eye is covered by her pinstraight ebony hair that falls past her shoulders and waist. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I have the urge to...)] You touch her silky black hair and push it behind her ears. You catch a glimpse of that eye, murky and grey in appearance. Alpha grabs your wrist, aprehending your movement. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Very bold of you to touch me like that."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'm sorry." (I really shouldn't have done that.)] There was just an instinct within you that you couldn't turn deny pleasing. Something about Alpha interests you. She's not a virus, but a human who found her way onto this campus and controls viruses into spreading misinformation and illness. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Are you not afraid of me?"] She grabs your chin just like she did the first time, searching your reaction for something. Both of your faces are close together, too close. Again, you can't fight off your curiosity. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I want to....)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Demonstrate."] Feeling blood rushing through yoir fingertips, you bring your lips together with hers. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Why am I doing this? What am I feeling?) "Alpha..."] She pulls away then whispers, her breath tickles you. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Alpha''] "Akira. Call me Akira."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (That must be her human name.) "Akira..."] You mutter her name feeling her long nails sink into your skin. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[''Akira''] "Are you positive you want to stay?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Yes...I am."] In the arms of the virus that killed you in the past, you feel safe. You know that you changed this new world and Alpha...Akira...is here to protect you. (set: $alpha to it + 20) [[Go to final checkpoint]]

Here are the final (text-style:"underline")[points] you collected with each love interest. (text-colour:#faa2c1)[Faye:] $faye of 50 (text-colour:#a5d8ff)[Charli:] $charli of 50 (text-colour:#8ce99a)[Zahir:] $zahir of 50 (text-colour:#c92a2a)[Alpha:] $alpha of 50 [[Credits]]

When you get to his place, you're both soaked from from head to toe. Neither of you had an umbrella, carelessly running through the rain until you reached his apartment complex. You awkwardly sit on Charli's sofa feeling like a wet cat out of a shower. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I should have came prepared.)] Charli grabs a towel and tosses it at you. He dries his hair with his own. It's now out of its ponytail, falling past his shoulders. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You can take a shower if you want."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I'd benefit from that right about now.) "Sounds good."] [[Take a shower]]

After washing the rain off your skin, you feel much better but feel bad for using so much water. You put back on your clothes and meet Charli back in the living room, who seems to be changed off too. You sit down beside him and sink into the pillows, looking around at his very lived-in space. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (If something were to happen to him, what would happen to this place?)] You shudder feeling nauseous as you remember what tomorrow brings. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You're shivering."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Oh. I didn't notice."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "...Idiot."] He takes off his hoodie, this time's it's a grey one, and drapes it over you. The warmth from it just being worn by him brings heat to your body. [[It fits perfectly]] [[It's a little big]]

You like the way it fits you, it's not too big yet not too small. Charli returns his attention onto his TV remote, aimlessly flipping through the channels. You glance at him, admiring his relaxed form in his tight white shirt. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It's a good look on him.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "What are you looking at?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Nothing...you just look so peaceful."] Suddenly he leans over the pillow that seperated your closeness. You try to move back. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Hold still."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!"] He extends his hand and presses it to your forehead. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You're burning up, go to sleep."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Do I really have a fever just by being out in the rain for a few minutes?)] You touch your forehead; it really is hot to the touch. Your thoughts begin to drift. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Sleep."] Charli's quiet words are like a lullaby that lulls you to [[sleep.]]

The sheer size of it is much bigger than you are. It makes it more warm, like a weighted blanket over your chest. Charli returns his attention onto his TV remote, aimlessly flipping through the channels. You glance at him, admiring his relaxed form in his tight white shirt. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (It's a good look on him.)] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "What are you looking at?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Nothing...you just look so peaceful."] Suddenly he leans over the pillow that seperated your closeness. You try to move back. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Hold still."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "!!!"] He extends his hand and presses it against your forehead. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I knew it, you're burning up. Go to sleep."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Do I really have a fever just by being out in the rain for a few minutes?"] You touch your forehead; it really is hot to the touch. Your thoughts begin to drift. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Sleep."] Charli's quiet words are like a lullaby that lulls you to [[sleep.]]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "..."] You wake up to the feeling of a hand raking through your hair. You want to reach out and hold it there forever. So you don't open your eyes just yet, letting the feeling overwhelm you. Finally you do, stirring out of your sleep. In your blurry field of vision, lies Charli who retracts his hand. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Oh, you're awake."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "How long was I asleep for?"] Charli shrugs. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "About six hours."] You glance over at his clock. (text-style:"blink")[(text-colour:#c92a2a)[11:24 PM]] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (I never take naps, was I really out for that long?)] Charli touches your forehead, probably to check your temperature again but this time maybe out of the vulnurable state of your mind, a tear forms in your eyes. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] (Shit.)] You wipe it away before it can drop, but Charli has already taken notice of it. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "..."] You remember when you fell asleep at Charli's place in the previous life and he disappeared. You went searching for him but... (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "$name?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I haven't been completely honest with you and it isn't fair."] He focuses his attention onto you, there's no other motive. He's just waiting for you to continue. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] [["It's time I confess."]]]

Fearing the high amount of emotions that come with it, you brace yourself to share something you've never talked about with anyone. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I was on this campus before, in another life. And ended back here but a year before."] Tears stream down your face, falling onto Charli's hoodie, you're still holding onto. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "Alpha killed you. And I wasn't there to stop them."] Every detailed memory, each step you took on campus and each friend you made all filled you with nothing but grief. (set: $charli to it + 12) You vividly remember when you found Charli's body, bruised and bloodied, everything standing out against his pale skin and platinum hair. You thought you could help but you failed and you might fail again. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I'm sorry. This is pathetic of me, you probably don't"-] Charli reaches out, wrapping his arms around your torso, laying his head against your stomach. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I know, I remember it too."] Your eyes widen but you're too mortified to say anything. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I have memories from both lives and I was waiting for you this entire time."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "I-"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "I'm looking for a way to stop them too, but you already changed so much. There's no way we can die."] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "But how?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "Your choices influenced everything.] You lace your hands with his, initiating in pressing your lips on his. You begin to piece everything together. He knew you were human, he (if:(history: where its name contains "Tea")'s length is 1)[knew your favourite blend of tea, you can't believe you didn't figure it out sooner.] (if:(history: where its name contains "Coffee")'s length is 1)[knew your regular coffee order, you can't believe you never realized sooner.] It's true. Every move you made, each decision that you continue to build on is creating a new timeline where you don't //have// to worry about the past. (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:grey)[''$name''] "But what do we do now? Will we still go forward with the plans tomorrow?"] (align:"=><=")+(box:"===XXXXXXXXXXXXXX===")[(text-colour:#a5d8ff)[''Charli''] "You did enough...it was perfect. I'll deal with Alpha. It's my turn to protect you, my //rogue//."] [[Go to final checkpoint]]