How long have you been here? You don't quite know. Days? Weeks? Months? Whether you can call it a contentness with your situation or an inability to change it, you've grown...accustomed to this place. [[Have you, though?|Start 2]] (set: $fade_in to (macro: str-type _p, [ (output: )[(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[_p](stop:)]] ])) <!--($fade_in: "Yer mum")--> (set: $cust_key to False) (set: $warden_key to False) (set: $work_key to False) (set: $inmate_key to False) (set: $safety_key to False) (set: $box_key to False) (set: $comic_key to False) (set: $keys to (a:$cust_key, $warden_key, $work_key, $inmate_key, $safety_key, $box_ke, $comic_key))(set: $custodian to "custodian") (set: $others to "inmates") (set: $planner to "Almighty Preacher^^TM^^") (set: $work to "work") (set: $canteen to "canteen") (set: $outdoor to "outdoor area") (set: $mood to 0) (set: $incident to "REDACTED") (set: $num_ditches to 0) No. (click: ?page)[(show:?a)] |a)[You shouldn't be here] (click: ?page)[(show:?b)] |b)[You don't belong in this prison.] (click: ?page)[(show:?c)] (set: $state to 1) |c)[(link-goto: "You need to leave.", "The Visit")] (if: visit is 1)[(set: $bag to (a:))] (set: $day_start to $mood) (if: visit is 1)[(set: $library = "prison library")] (if: visit is 1)[(set: $comic = "distraction")] (if: visit is 1)[(set: $work = "work")] (if: visit is 1)[(set: $safety = "safety device")] (if:visit is 1)[(set:$days to 1)(set: $manual = "manual")] (set: (p-either:"the black box", "the console")-type $funbox to "the black box") (set: (p-either: "the black key", "the fun key", "the controller")-type $funkey to "the black key") Day (print: $days). You find yourself in a room. Your room. Nominally, at least. Would you call it a room? Perhaps simply a [[cube?|Cube]]. Perhaps a [[cell?|Cell]] Does the distinction matter? Is there one? Outside you hear a vaguely familiar shout. It's time to begin the day. You stand in front of the [[door|Door]]. Looking back, your [[bed|bed]] is in one corner, a [[headboard|The Headboard]] attached to it. At the foot of the bed is a backpack. A [[desk|The Desk]] sits opposite to the bed, as does a bookshelf. At the front of the room sits [[$funbox|The Funbox, Morning]]. You have (print: (6-$days)) days to prepare for the Warden's visit. (if: $state is 2)[You take a deep breath as you look at the door.] (else-if: $state is 3)[You take a deep breath. You clap for reassurance, then look at the door. Is that confidence on your face? Right by the acne?] Warmth. Your eyes grow heavy. You'd much rather sleep in. "Why bother working? Just sleeeeeeeeeep." (if: $state is 4)[(seq-link: "Warm Blanket", "Warm Bed", "Yelling", "Angry Mother", "No Bed", "Productive Member of Society")] (if: $days is not 4)[[[Get in|Sleep]] | [[Get on with your day|Room]]] (else: )[You're not sleeping today. [[Get on with your day|Room]]](if: $state is 1)[Faded out walls. No real color to this place, is there? If there is, you stopped seeing it a long time ago.] (else-if: $state is 2)[Faded out walls. You ever feel like painting this place? (click: ?page)[(show:?2-i)] |2-i)[(align:"==>")+(box:"X=")[(text-style:"blurrier")[Too much work]] Understandable. It seems a little brighter than normal.]] (else-if: $state is 3)[Faded out walls. You could decorate this place you know. (click: ?page)[(show:?3-i)] |3-i)[(align:"==>")+(box:"X=")[//Forms a square with fingers.// Poster here, poster there.] Yeah...posters of (link-replace: "anime")[no], sports, or (link-replace: "that one show you saw late at night one day that your parents told you to never speak of again")[We don't speak of it.]]] Shutters over the bed. (if: $state is 1)[Do they serve a purpose? A light seems to trickle in here. That's what everyone tells you, right? (click: ?page)[(show:?a)] |a)[But they must be wrong.](click: ?page)[(show:?b)] |b)[You haven't seen the sun in some time.]] (else-if: $state is 2)[A flick of light comes through them. Light...it feels...foreign. But you can see it. It's there.] (else-if: $state is 3)[Sunlight peaks through the blinds. Feels like seeing an old friend after summer break, no?] No point in [[dwelling on this for too long|Room]]. (if: $state <= 2)[The day starts here. You float along time. You are not aware of where you float. Just that you are floating. But you always float from here. You always come back here. You wish you knew where you where this daily float was taking you. Has this routine any meaning to you, youth? Trapped in the endless cycle.] (else-if: $state is 3)[The day starts here. You float along time. You are not aware of where you float. Just that you are floating. But you always float from here. You always come back here. You wish you knew where you where this daily float was taking you. Perhaps not knowing is part of the adventure, huh? (event: when time >5s) If you're gonna float, you may as well float out that door and be a productive member of society.] No point in [[dwelling on this for too long|Room]].(if: $days is 2)[(go-to: "Door, Day 2")] (if: $days is 3)[(go-to: "Door, Day 3")] (if: $days is 4)[(go-to: "Door, Day 4")] (if: $days is 5)[(go-to: "Door, Day 5")] You move towards the call, backpack in tow.. It's work time. [[Do you have everything?|Room]] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[The backpack feels a little light]. (if: $state is not 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Do you really want to leave without protection?] The door opens. In front of you lies the [[$canteen|Food?]]. To your left is the [[exit|To Work or Not to Work]]. To your right is a [[passageway|Custodian's Room]] A bedhead with space to hold old books of yours. So much $work history. (if: $safety is not in $bag and $funkey is not in $bag)[On that bedrest, you see the $safety and $funkey. A slight glimmer surrounds them.] (else:)[(cond: $safety is in $bag, "You've already picked up the $safety.", "On the bedrest you see the $safety.") (cond: $funkey is in $bag, "You've already picked up $funkey.", "On the right sits $funkey.")] (if: $safety is not in $bag)[(click: $safety)[You pick up the $safety. (set: $bag to $bag + (a: $safety))]] (if: $funkey is not in $bag)[(click: $funkey)[You pick up $funkey. (set: $bag to $bag + (a: $funkey))]] (if: $state is 1)[The glimmer is faint, but you can't help but notice it. It seems to defy logic; there's no sun to give it light. You smirk at the absurdity.] (else-if: $state is 2)[To your slight surprise, you crack a slight smile at the sight of these items. The glimmer seems to have a trail, leading towards the shutters.] (else-if: $state is 3)[The keys to a good day, they are. Fitting that the sun shines on them today.] (link-goto: "Get on with your day", (history:)'s last)(if: visit is 1)[(set: $clean_desk to False) (set: $comic_picked to False)] (if: $clean_desk is False)[It hasn't been dusted in some time, despite $custodian telling you to clean it repeatedly. (click: "clean")[(if: $state is not 3)[You just can't be bothered to, can you?] (else: )[You brush off some of the dust.]]] (else: )[Recently cleaned. Take some pride in that] On top of the desk sit a few books. (cond: $manual is in $bag, "You've already picked up the $manual.", "On the left sits a book required for work.") (cond: $comic is in $bag, "You've already picked up the $comic.", "On the right sits a $comic.") (if: $manual is not in $bag)[(click: "a book")[You pick up the book, some sort of work manual. (set: $bag to $bag + (a: $manual))]] (if: $comic is not in $bag)[(click: $comic)[You pick up the $comic. (set: $bag to $bag + (a: $comic)) (if: $comic_picked is False)[It's been a while since you've touched this. ($fade_in: "They're coming back to you. Thoughts. Memories.") ($fade_in: "It's not been touched since the prison appeared.") (set: $comic_picked to True)]]] (link-goto: "No point dwelling on the desk", (history:)'s last)(if: $state is 1)[The apex of your existence. A break from the monotony. You gaze at the black box, almost single handedly responsible for your continuing sanity.] (else-if: $state is 2)[The best part of the week. You look at the black box, wondering if you've got some time to brighten the day a little.] (else-if: $state is 3)[You wonder if you've got time to fire up your console. You need to leave soon, but what better way to start the day?] (if: $funkey is not in $bag)[You can't use $funbox without the $funkey. [[*|Room]]] (else: )[You take out the $funkey. (if: $state is 1)[You distract yourself from the looming day. Was it fun? You don't really know. It wasn't bad, though..] (else-if: $state is 2)[You engage with $funbox for a little. The day's responsibilities come first though. How unfortunate.] (else-if: $state is 3)[Solid gaming session. Hell, you even pissed off some old guy after you won. It'll be a good story.] [[Get on with your day|Room]] ]You had no energy to begin with. It only seems natural you hit the hay. (set: $days to $days + 1) [[Maybe tomorrow will be better.|Room]] (if: $state is not 3)[You leave this section of the prison.] (else: )[You leave home]. The bus arrives to take you to $work. A few other $others enter the bus. (set: $went_to_work to False) Enter the bus. (click: "Enter the bus")[...or you could not. (if: $state is 1)[A choice? You have a choice? Not a normal thought for you is it?] [[To work|Bus Ride]] or [[not to work|Ditch]]? ](if: $state is 1)[You walk into the $canteen. Was there a reason you entered the room? You ponder for a bit. After some pondering, $custodian reminds you to collect your food for the day. What's today's food? You don't really care. You probably won't like it anyway.] (else-if: $state is 2)[You walk into the $canteen. It is recently refurbished. You gaze at the food left out for you. Eggs. You aren't a fan of eggs. Oh well. ] (else-if: $state is 3)[You walk into the $canteen. It looks new. You'd hope so, given the recent refurbushing. Today's lunch is eggs. Not your favorite, but it's //made with love//. You thank $custodian.] It's time to [[get going|Door]].You enter a well-kept room, expected of $custodian. (if: $state is 1)[The $custodian's voice calls out to you. Much of what they say goes over your head, but the gist of it is that you need to get going. You detect warmth in the voice. A distant warmth though. It used to be warmer.] (else-if: $state is 2)[The $custodian's voice calls out to you, reminding you that you'll be late. It's a warm voice. It's always been warm. A rare beacon of support. One that you don't want to burden. ] (else-if: $state is 3)[The $custodian's voice calls out to you, reminding you that you'll be late. They tell you that today's lunch is eggs. Not your favorite, but dinner will be much better (as long as you take the meat out of the freezer). The two of you share a smile.] They ask you about $work today. (click: $work)[(if: $state is 1)[Of course, $work. All I'm good for, you nearly let slip. You give a laconic response. They don't need to know much more than that.] (else-if: $state is 2)[There's not much to say about $work. You don't really care, do you? It's fine, you say. It isn't, of course, but you'd rather not worry them. ] (else-if: $state is 3)[You say that $work is fine. You tell them about a recent task that was mildly enjoyable. They don't understand it, but are glad that you are doing alright.]] [[Time to get going|Door]] (set: $went_to_work to True) (set: $bumps to 0) The bus hits a bump on the road. (set: $bumps to $bumps + 1) {(live: 1.5s)[ (either: "Bump", "Another Bump", "Bumpy road innit", "Big Bump") (set: $bumps to $bumps + 1) ]} The same bus you take every day. The same place awaits. (event: when time > 3s)[You woke up with such determination. To end this cycle.] (event: when time > 5s)[5 days till the visit. You don't feel ready. You haven't been ready since the day it happened.] (event: when time > 10s)[Better brace myself for the $work day.] (event: when $bumps > 8 and $state is 1)[Every bump is a dagger to your existence.] (event: when time > 15s)[The bus stops. [[Time to go|Workday]]] (set: $num_ditches to it + 1)(if: $state is 1)[You've not gone to work. Just like that. Why bother? Will they even miss you? Who cares? Do you? Do they?] (else-if: $state is 2)[You've not gone to work. You couldn't be bothered to, could you? You wonder what your punishment will be? What will the warden do? It's not like $work meant anything to you. Just a destination on your drift through time.] (else: )[Yeah, that may not have been a good decision. But it was your decision. You've decided to try something new.] You meander around the $outside. You find a patch of grass on a hill. Alone. (if:$state is not 3)[You don't really mind the solitude. It's nice out here. For once, your mind is...clear. Observing the clouds. Life feels...alright.] (else: )[You think of $work. The $others that you'd be talking to. The telling off you are about to get. This wasn't a wise decision. At least the clouds look pretty.] All you can do now is wait for the $work period to end. [[*|End of Day]](if: $went_to_work is False)[You return to your "room". (if: $state is not 3)[You'll be punished of course, but the break was worth it. Something...fulfilling, no?] (else: )[You keep wondering why you chose to ditch work? Is it that bad? It's as if the choice just...happened. Like some other force moved you to do it. Oh well.] Shortly after arriving back to the room, (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") berates you for your foolishness. (if: $state is 1)[You barely notice their anger. In your head, you made the right choice. They wouldn't understand if you told them why, anyway.] (else-if: $state is 2)[It's one hell of an earful. You apologize, trying to hide your sense of satisfaction. You were wrong to skip $work. You get that. Or do you. It doesn't feel like you made a mistake. Oh well. The berating is over.] (else: )[The yelling goes on and on. An unnecessary risk was taken. This won't help you escape, now will it?] (set: $mood = $mood + (2-$num_ditches)*(2.5-$state)) ] (else: )[You return to your "room". (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") asks how $work was. (if: $state is 1)["Meh." That's all you can muster. (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") is disappointed. They wish you a better day tomorrow.] (else-if: $state is 2)["It was fine", you answer. (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") is satisfied. You eat dinner.. After, they wish you a better day tomorrow. You thank them.] (else: )["It was...fine. Same as usual.", you answer. (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") is satisfied. You eat dinner together and talk about how your days went. They warmly wish you a better day tomorrow. You return the sentiment.] ] (if: $mood > $day_start)[A good day it was. Good for you.] (else-if: $mood is $day)[The same old same old. A day no better or worse than usual] (else: )[A day to forget. Escape seems farther away.] (if: $state is 1)[It is late. The clock says so, as does your exhausted body. You prepare for sleep. Another day awaits. Another day adrift in that cursed stream of time.] (else-if: $state is 2)[It's dark outside. Time to sleep. You prepare for sleep, then collapse into the bed. Another day awaits. How exciting.] (else: )[It's time for bed. You prepare for sleep and wrap yourself around the blankets. Warmth fills your body.] (set: $bag to (a:)) [[*|Sleep - Night]] It's noisy in the $work area. As usual. (if: $safety is in $bag)[Good thing you brought that protection.] (else-if: $state is 3)[May as well engage with your fellow $others. The noise isn't going away. You may as well contribute.] (else: )[Better hope that the noise doesn't worsen your day. You know it will, though. It always does.] [[Start Work|Working]](if: $state is 3)[As always, $work is work.] (else: )[Do this. Do that. You've forgotten why you do this. About as fulfilling as the Pope is Protestant.] How long have you been doing this? Since you got to this prison. Perhaps...before. You did this before you got trapped here. At least, you did something similar. But... (if: $state is 1)[It was brighter. The sun was above you. It felt...purposeful. Did that purpose leave with the sun? Will that sun ever come back?] (else-if: $state is 2)[It was...better. Not always great, but it never felt this...empty. If you leave this place, and you will, maybe you'll feel connected to it again.] (else: )[It was...fresher. You've gotten used to the routine. You wish there was some magic to it. Perhaps you can find the magic. You just have to escape the prison.] The watchman tells the $others to get the necessary materials. (if: $manual is in $bag)[At the very least, you didn't forget that. (set: $mood = $mood+($state))] (else: )[You forgot it. Typical. (set: $mood = $mood - (4-$state))] Some other $others have congregated near you. Perhaps you should [[talk to them|Conversation]]...or [[not|After Work]] (set: $times_talked to visit)(set: $convo_topic to "nothing")Your fellow $others are talking about something vaguely familiar to you. (if: $state is 1)[All that enters your head is their inevitable rejection of you. You aren't exactly a fun person to talk to.] (if: $state is 2)[The thought of talking to them is nerve-wracking, but you'd like to take the step anyway. You notice one of the people pointing at something on their head.] (if: $state is 3)[You generally keep to yourself at work, but you aren't averse to a good chat. They are listening to music, with one of them raving about a popular comic]. What will you talk about? The $safety, $comic, work book, or the weather? (if: $safety is not in $bag)[(click: $safety)[You did not bring this item.]] (else: )[(click-goto: $safety, "Conversation - Safety")] (if: $comic is not in $bag)[(click: $comic)[You did not bring this item.]] (else: )[(click-goto: $comic, "Conversation - Comic")] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[(click: "work book")[You did not bring this item.]] (else: )[(click-goto: "work book", "Conversation - Work Book")] (click-goto: "weather" , "Conversation - Weather")You show them $safety, and talk about the importance of protection during work. (set: $convo_topic to "$safety") They are somewhat bemused, but are interested by the model of $safety. They invite you to their little vibe session. (text-colour:green)[Successful Social Interaction.] (set: $mood = $mood + 3) The work day [[ends|After Work]].You show them the comic. One of the group nerdgasms, noticing that you have the newest version of their favorite comic. You spend the rest of the work session with this group, constantly talking about the $comic. (set: $convo_topic to "$comic") (text-colour:lime)[Successful Social Interaction.] (set: $mood = $mood + 2*(4-$state)) The work day [[ends|After Work]].You show them the work book. They aren't particularly interested. Nobody likes work, you know. Still, you are able to talk to them about your mutual dislike of $work. A quick conversation. (set: $convo_topic to "work book") (if: $state is 1)[(text-colour:red)[Not like you'd be able to hold a meaningful one, anyway.]] (set: $mood = $mood + 1*($state-2)) The work day [[ends|After Work]]."Hi, how are ya? Wonderful weather we're having." That's what comes out of your mouth. To no one's surprise, your fellow $others respond quickly and move on with their lives. One person got the reference and chuckled. (set: $convo_topic to "weather") (if: $state is 3)[(text-colour:lime)[That chuckle's all you really needed, isn't it. A nice distraction.]] (else-if: $state is 1)[(text-colour:red)[You wonder how you came up with such a dumb introduction.]] (set: $mood = $mood + 3*($state - 2)) The work day [[ends|After Work]].Time to bid the day adieu. (set: _change to ($mood-$day_start)/3) (if: _change <= -1)[(set: $state to $state - 1)] (else-if: _change >= 1)[(set: $state to $state + 1)] (if: $state <= 1)[(set: $state to 1)] (else-if: $state >= 3)[(set: $state to 3)] (set: $days to $days + 1) (if: $days is not 3)[[[Maybe tomorrow will be better.|Room]]] (else: )[[[Maybe tomorrow will be better.|Memories]]] <!--Jank method of resetting variables-->The [[Warden|On the Warden]] holds the key to this place. Whether you manage to leave will come down to what you do on their visit. You have 6 days, my friend, to prepare yourself. On that sixth day, you must stand tall over the warden. (if: visit is 1)[(set: $food to False) (set: $attire to False) (set: $show to False)] Are you [[ready?|Room]] (if: ($food is True and $attire is True) and $show is True)[(text-style:"blur")[You've dug up some...memories. As long as you haven't forgotten his face...]] Hmm? The Warden? It's a warden. Like a prison warden. Head honcho, you get me? For as long as the prison has existed, the [[warden|Why?]] has existed. This shouldn't be news to you. (if: visit > 1)[(go-to: "Why???")] [[*|The Visit]]Remember how your parents used to get really pissed at you for constantly asking STUPID questions? What else do you want to know about the Warden? [[Attire?|Attire]] [[Favorite Food?|Favorite Food]] [[Favorite show?|Favorite Show]]. (event: when time > 5s)[(text-style:"blur","expand","fade-in-out")[You should already know these, though. [[Is there any point in dwelling on this?|The Visit]]]]... (event: when time >3s)[[[Don't you have a more pressing matter to attend to?|The Visit]]] (event: when time > 5s)[(text-style:"blur","expand","fade-in-out")[Looked good in a suit, no? Always made you want to wear one.]] (event: when time > 7s)[(text-style:"blur","expand","fade-in-out")[I look good in a suit at least.]] (set: $attire to True)... (event: when time >3s)[[[Don't you have a more pressing matter to attend to?|The Visit]]] (event: when time > 5s)[(text-style:"blur","expand","fade-in-out")[Hamburgers, right? Wasn't particularly great on a grill, though.]] (event: when time > 7s)[(text-style:"blur","expand","fade-in-out")[Not as bad as you that one day? The smoke you let out belonged in 19^^th^^ century London.]] (set: $food to True)... (event: when time >3s)[[[Don't you have a more pressing matter to attend to?|The Visit]]] (event: when time > 5s)[James Bond Movies.] (set: _quote to "No Mister Bond, I expect you to die.") (event: when time > 7s)[(text-style:"blur","fade-in-out")[//(Thick German Accent)// _quote]] (click: _quote)[(text-style:"blur","fade-in-out")[Is that a smile on your face? That never failed to make you laugh when you heard it.]] [[Don't you have a more pressing matter to attend to?|The Visit]] (set: $show to True)... (if: visit > 1)[(go-to: "Why???")] (event: when time > 2s)[Always floods the mind when the name is mentioned? [[Warden|Why??]] this, warden that.] That being said, I believe we have [[more pressing matters to attend to.|The Visit]]I... (event: when time > 2s)[I'm not sure what else to tell you that you shouldn't already know about the [[Warden|Why???]] I believe we have [[more pressing matters to attend to.|The Visit]]]A journal. Intermittently filled out whenever you feel like it. There are 8 entries: 0. [[The Custodian|Diary, The Custodian]] 0. [[The Warden|Diary, The Warden]] 0. [[Work|Diary, Work]] 0. [[The Others|Diary, Inmates]] 0. [[Protection|Diary, Protection]] 0. [[The Funbox|Diary, What used to be Fun]] 0. [[The Distraction|Diary, My Hero]] 0. [[$incident|Diary, What Happened]]You move towards the call, backpack in tow.. It's work time. [[Do you have everything?|Room]] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[The backpack feels a little light]. (if: $state is not 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Do you really want to leave without protection?] (else-if: $state is 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Don't forget the $safety] The door opens. In front of you lies the [[$canteen|Food?, Day 2]]. To your left is the [[exit|To Work or Not to Work, Day 2]]. To your right is a [[passageway|Custodian's Room, Day 2]] (if: $state is 1)[You walk into the $canteen. $custodian reminds you to collect your food for the day. What's today's food? You don't really care. You probably won't like it anyway.] (else-if: $state is 2)[Today's lunch is a ham sandwich. Quite basic, but food is food.] (else-if: $state is 3)[You walk into the $canteen. You see a ham sandwich on the counter. Not your favorite, but it's //made with love//. You thank $custodian.] It's time to [[get going|Door, Day 2]].(if: $state is not 3)[Out you go yet again. Another day of life. Another day of work.] (else: )[Out you go again. You hum a little tune as you wait for transportation.] The bus arrives to take you to $work. A few other $others enter the bus. (set: $went_to_work to False) Enter the bus. (click: "Enter the bus")[...or you could not. (if: $state < 2)[A choice? You have a choice? A fork in the road of time. Potential for deliberate action. Going against the grain? A revolutionary are you? (if: $state is 2)[($fade_in:"...you aren't. Obviously. Nor is this necessarily a good idea.")]] [[To work|Bus Ride, Day 2]] or [[not to work|Ditch, Day 2]]? ]As always, a well-kept room, expected of $custodian. (if: $state is 1)[The $custodian's voice calls out to you. Much of what they say goes over your head, but the gist of it is that you need to get going. You detect warmth in the voice. A distant warmth though. It used to be warmer.] (else-if: $state is 2)[The $custodian's voice calls out to you, reminding you that you'll be late. It's a warm voice. It's always been warm. A rare beacon of support. One that you don't want to burden. ] (else-if: $state is 3)[The $custodian's voice calls out to you, reminding you that you'll be late. They tell you that today's lunch is a ham sandwich. Not your favorite, but dinner will be much better (as long as you take the meat out of the freezer). The two of you share a smile.] They ask you about $work today. (click: $work)[(if: $state is 1)[Of course, $work. All I'm good for, you nearly let slip. You give a laconic response. They don't need to know much more than that.] (else-if: $state is 2)[There's not much to say about $work. You don't really care, do you? (text-style:"blurrier")[(align:"==>")+(box:"X=")["$work is fine."]] That's all it really is, no? Nothing more, nothing less. Just...fine. You wonder if it that's all it will ever be. They wish you the best for your day ahead. ] (else-if: $state is 3)[You say that $work is fine. You tell them about a recent task that was mildly enjoyable. They don't understand it, but are glad that you are doing alright.]] [[Time to get going|Door, Day 2]] <!--(set: $fade_in to (macro: str-type _p, [ (output: )[(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[_p](stop:)]] ])) --> (if: $state is 1)[(go-to: "Ditch")] (else:)[You know, you've made a little progress. You've gotten a little stronger. At least compared to the start of the week. You might get stronger by taking this choice. (set: _return_string = "To Work or Not to Work, Day " + (str: $days)) (event: when time > 4s)[($fade_in: "But is every choice worth taking?")] (event: when time > 8s)[[[This one is|Ditch]]|[[Let me rethink this|_return_string]]]](set: $went_to_work to True) (set: $bumps to 0) The bus hits a bump on the road. (set: $bumps to $bumps + 1) {(live: 1.5s)[ (either: "Bump", "Another Bump", "Bumpy road innit", "Big Bump") (set: $bumps to it + 1) ]} (event: when time > 3s)[You woke up with such determination. To end this cycle.] (event: when time > 5s)[4 days until you've got to face the Warden. You've got to find the strength to do this. But how?] (event: when time > 10s)[(if: $state is 1)[You let out a resigned sigh as you approach $work.](else: )[You can't help but feel like you are forgetting something.]] (event: when $bumps > 8)[(if: $state is 1)[Every bump is a dagger to your existence.] (else-if: $state is 2)[The bumps do give this ride some flavor.] (else-if: $state is 3)[The taxpayer's dollar at work. When are they paving this road?]] (event: when time > 15s)[The bus stops. [[Time to go|Counselor, Day 2]]]On your way into the $work building, a man calls out to you. You feel a tap on your shoulder. (if: $state is 1)[Oh...it's the[[ $planner|On the Planner]]. That's right. You have a meeting with him today. You [[follow him into his office|Counselor's Office]], knees weak and head spinning. When have these ever been enjoyable for you?] (else: )[Oh...it's the [[$planner|On the Planner]]. That's right, you have a meeting with him tod- (text-style:"bold","condense","rumble")[CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP](align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"bold","blurrier","condense","rumble")[CRAAAAAAAAAAAP]]] (seq-link: bind _word, "!", "Grand", "Fantastic", "RIVETING", "FUUUUUUUUUUUU") (event: when _word is "FUUUUUUUUUUUU")[($fade_in: "At least, that's what I imagine is going through your brain right now. I of course remain perfectly calm............") AnYwAy, [[Time to Talk|Counselor's Office]]]As per usual, $planner greets you. He asks how you've been since your last meeting, which was (if: $state is 1)[...something barely worth remembering.] (else: )[God knows how long its been] He of course, asks about ''[REDACTED]''. (if: $state is 2)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"blurrier")[We're fine, thank you for asking]]] "This is a difficult point in your life, made all the harder by ''[REDACTED]''. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. I'm sure [[others are too|The Keys]]"(if: $state is 1)[A sentiment you're no stranger to. It got annoying after a while. You don't want to talk about ''[REDACTED]''. Not to him. Not to her. (event: when time > 4s)[Not to anyone. (text-style:"blur")[Not to yourself, either.]])] (else:)[Other people to talk to? You're not one for sharing ''[REDACTED]'', are you? (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"blurrier")[Talking won't help. They won't let me out of this prison]] Others won't free you... (click: "Others won't free you...")[but perhaps they can help you gain strength. (text-colour:yellow)[Perhaps you'll gain strength by talking to the people around you?]] ] The $planner calls your attention. "Now, the main reason I wanted to talk with you is that you haven't filled out your planning sheet." [[*|The Winged Beast]](enchant:?passage,(bg:(hsl:0,0.8039,0.5,0.95)))How could you forget? Time waits for no one, and it's your time to move to the next floor of the Great Prison. You pull out the planning sheet. The $planner talks about the importance of deciding yadayadayadayadayadayadayada You can't really process what he's saying anymore. All you see is some piece of paper mocking you. The Future. What to do after. Just feels like a prison transfer. The future seems bleak (text-style:"blurrier")[without him in it.]. The meeting ends. [[It's time to move on with the day|Alone Time]](enchant:?passage,(bg:(hsl:0,0.8039,0.5,0.95))) The future is always looming above you. It never seemed so bad before. Then you were reminded of the importance of time. What it gives...and what it takes. (if:$state is 1)[You won't beat the Warden with the shadow of time over you. I know you barely think you can beat them anyway. Perhaps if you defeat the gloom of the future, you'll be strong enough for the final challenge. Perhaps.] (else: )[You won't beat the Warden with the shadow of time over you. Then let this be a stepping stone on the way to the final battle. You must skewer this beast.] The monotony of the day ends with some alone time prior to the transport home. A good worker always strives to better their abilities to carry out their glorious activities. True or not, that's what you get told every day, so this alone time is best spent improving yourself. (set: _not_here to 0) (if: visit > 1)[Time's up. $work day's over. [[Back to the room|After Work]]] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[Unfortuately, you didn't bring the book you needed.] (if: $comic is in $bag)[Of course, you could always partake in the $comic. Screw "bettering yourself", eh?] What will it be: improvement or distraction? (if: $manual is not in $bag)[(click: "improvement")[...can...can you not read? It ain't here. You ain't got it. You aren't a magician. (set: _not_here to it + 1)]](else:)[(click-goto: "improvement", "Improvement")] (if: $comic is not in $bag)[(click: "distraction")[It ain't here. You ain't got it. No fun for you. (set: _not_here to it + 1)]](else:)[(click-goto: "distraction", "Comic Reading")] (event: when _not_here is 2)[You've got nothing. That's tough. Time to [[sit alone with your thoughts|After Work]], I guess. ]You move towards the call, backpack in tow.. It's work time. [[Do you have everything?|Room]] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[The backpack feels a little light]. (if: $state is not 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Do you really want to leave without protection?] (else-if: $state is 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Don't forget the $safety] The door opens. In front of you lies the [[$canteen|Food?, Day 3]]. To your left is the [[exit|To Work or Not to Work, Day 3]]. To your right is a [[passageway|Custodian's Room, Day 3]] <!--Testing purposes (set: $state to 1) (set: $fade_in to (macro: str-type _p, [ (output: )[(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[_p](stop:)]] ])) Testing purposes--> (enchant:?page,(bg:(hsl:0,0,0.5333,0.95)))(text-style:"fidget")[= It's warm. Summer? //Look around// (click-replace: "Look around")[Home, I think. (show: ?1)] |1)[($fade_in:"A man and a woman are in front of me. The man beckons me over.")] (click: "over")[I know this man. He (text-style:"italic","blurrier","mirror","shudder","double-strike")[is my Father]. I run over to him.] (click: "him")[I get closer...he gets farther.] (click: "farther")[I get closer...he gets even farther.] (click: "farther")[He's gone. Vanished.] (click: "Vanished")[Rain starts pouring. (if: $state is 1)[He took the sun with him](else: )[The sun left with him.] (show: ?2)] |2)[(live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[(if: $state is 1)[[[*|Bed, Day 3]]](else: )[[[//Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrring//|Room]]]](stop:)]] <!--Testing Purposes (if: visit is 1)[(set: $custodian to "custodian") (set: $cust_key to False)] Testing Purposes--> You wake up around the crack of dawn. A bit before the alarm. (set: $special_day to False) (if:$cust_key is False)[[[The $custodian|A better name]]](else:)[$custodian] asks you what's wrong. A quiet voice, less befitting the time and more befitting relief that you seem to be fine. (if: $cust_key is False)[You confirm that you are okay (well, moreso that you don't need immediate attention), and return to [[sleep|Room]].] (else: )[You inform her of the dream. She hugs you, and tells you to sleep as long as you need to for today. (text-colour:lime)[For a moment, life feels good. You were seen. You let yourself be seen.] [[I'll wake up normally|Room]], or [[I'll take up her offer|After Work, Special]] ] Worry. They're worried about you. Doesn't it make sense for them to worry about you? (set: $cust_key to True) (set: $custodian to "Mom") After all, (link-goto: "they are...", (history:)'s last)You missed $work. You find yourself in your room. Not much to do. You could brush up on the (if: $manual is in $bag)[[[$manual|Improvement]]](else: )[$manual] for the big job tomorrow. (set: $special_day to True) You could partake in the enjoyment of (if: $comic is not in $bag)[$comic](else:)[[[$comic|Comic Reading]]]. Both are on the desk on the [[desk|The Desk]] Or, you could utilize [[$funbox|The Funbox, Morning]]. Do keep in mind you'll need the $funkey. That's on the [[Headboard|The Headboard]]. You could also look at the diary(set: $study_time to 0) You've got an massive job in (cond: $days is not 3, (str:(4-$days))+ "days", "tomorrow"), so it makes sense to prepare for it. (if: $state is 1)[The aura of exasperation exuding from you is palpable. Like the body odor of a dumpster diver. "What's the point?", you think. Job's too hard and too boring anyway. (set:$mood to $mood - 1)] (if: $state is 2)[It feels tedious to you, but not so tedious that your boredom turns to rage. Just get on with it, right? (text-style:"blurrier")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[They could at least make this interesting. Just go until the bell]]] (if: $state is 3)[No amount of good vibes is gonna make "improvement" fun. Just means you won't want to gauge your eyes out with every page.(text-style:"blur")[(align:"<==")+(box:"=X")[They could at least make this interesting. Feels like I'm reading a book written by a thesaurus. Not too hard to grasp, though.]](set:$mood to $mood + 1)](if: visit is 1)[(set: $study_time to 0)] You've got an massive job in (cond: $days is not 3, (str:(4-$days))+ "days", "tomorrow"), so it makes sense to prepare for it. (if: $state is 1)[The aura of exasperation exuding from you is palpable. Like the body odor of a dumpster diver. "What's the point?", you think. Job's too hard and too boring anyway. (set:$mood to $mood - 1)] (if: $state is 2)[It feels tedious to you, but not so tedious that your boredom turns to rage. Just get on with it, right? (text-style:"blurrier")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[They could at least make this interesting. Just go until the bell]]] (if: $state is 3)[No amount of good vibes is gonna make "improvement" fun. Just means you won't want to gauge your eyes out with every page.(text-style:"blur")[(align:"<==")+(box:"=X")[They could at least make this interesting. Feels like I'm reading a book written by a thesaurus. Not too hard to grasp, though.]](set:$mood to $mood + 1)] (set: $study_time to it + 1) (if: (history:)'s last is "Alone Time")[(link-goto: "Put down manual", "After Work")](else:)[(link-goto: "Put down manual", "End of Day")]Day's done. Back in your favorite room. What can you do? (set: $manual_read_after to False) (set: $comic_read_after to False) (set: $play_after to False) You could brush up on the (if: $manual is in $bag)[[[$manual|Improvement]]](else: )[$manual]. You've got a big job in (print: 4-$days) days. You could partake in the enjoyment of (if: $comic is not in $bag)[$comic](else:)[[[$comic|Comic Reading]]]. Both are on the [[desk|The Desk]] Or, you could utilize [[$funbox|The Funbox, After Work]]. Do keep in mind you'll need the $funkey. That's on the [[Headboard|The Headboard]]. (if: $state is 1)[The apex of your existence. A break from the monotony. You gaze at $funbox, almost single handedly responsible for your continuing sanity.] (else-if: $state is 2)[The best part of the week. You look at the $funbox, wondering if you've got some time to brighten the day a little.] (else-if: $state is 3)[You're feeling a bit confident right now. Fire up this bad boy and piss off some people you'll never see for the rest of your life. Good times ahead.] (if: $funkey is not in $bag)[You can't use $funbox without the $funkey. [[*|After Work]]] (else: )[You take out the $funkey. (if: $state is 1)[It's good to unwind. Detach yourself from the misery. Doesn't really matter what you play. Just that you play it. (set: $mood to it + 2)] (else-if: $state is 2)[You use $funbox. You enjoy $funbox. You use it some more. You enjoy it some more. (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"blurrier")[Maybe I should have studied? Oh well.] (set: $mood to it + 1) ]] (else-if: $state is 3)[You use $funbox. You enjoy $funbox. You win. A lot. Feels great. You're a winner. A champion. (set: $mood to it + 1) (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"blur")[The kids will never know the perils of forced game chat. Warriors were made in those lobbies.] ]] (if: $box_key is False)[Do you remember? Where the $funbox came from? Do you [[want to?|Memories of the Console]]] [[The day comes to an end|End of Day]]](if: visit is 1)[(set: $comic_readings to 0)] (if: $comic_readings is 0)[You haven't opened this since ''$incident''. A simple story about a simpleton hero protecting the people around him. Inspirationally violent content. What's not to love? You take a breath, and open the book. ... You read about a third of the way in. (text-colour:lime)[As stated before, Inspirationally Violent content. Never fails to put some drive into you] (set: $mood = it + 1) (set: $comic_readings to it + 1) //Put down the $comic// (if: (history:)'s last is "Alone Time")[(link-goto: "Put down", "After Work")](else:)[(link-goto: "Put down", "End of Day") ]] (else-if: $comic_readings is 1)[Time for some inspirationally violent content. This part of the $comic sets up the major battle for the. Perhaps you can take inspiration. ... You read another third of the way in. (text-colour:lime)[Good stuff. You'd follow the main character through hell and high water.] (set: $mood = it + 1) (set: $comic_readings to it + 1) (if: (history:)'s last is "Alone Time")[(link-goto: "Put down the $comic", "After Work")](else:)[(link-goto: "Put down the $comic", "End of Day")] ] (else-if: $comic_readings is 2)[... (if: $comic_key is False)[ (event: when time > 2s)[Time...to finish it. Shouldn't be too difficult. Just some pages to read. It's even got pictures.] (event: when time > 5s)[Pictures...that he [[loved|A painful Distraction]]].] (else:)[(set: $comic_readings to it + 1) You made it through. You did good. (if: (history:)'s last is "Alone Time")[(link-goto: "Put down the $comic", "After Work")](else:)[(link-goto: "Put down the $comic", "End of Day")]]] (else:)[You've already finished this. (if: (history:)'s last is "Alone Time")[(link-goto: "Put down", "After Work")](else:)[(link-goto: "Put down", "End of Day")]]He loved the series. And he was hell-bent on making sure you loved it too. (event: when time > 2s)[He succeeded to be fair.] (event: when time > 4s)[It's just a few pages.] (event: when time > 5s)[(text-style:"blurrier","fidget")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[We could have read it again.]]] (event: when time > 6s)[It's just a few pages.] (event: when time > 7s)[(text-style:"blurrier","fidget")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[We should be reading it together]]] (event: when time > 8s)[It's just a few pages.] (event: when time > 9s)[(text-style:"blur","fidget")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[We should be together]]] (event: when time >10s)[(if: $state is 1)[Perhaps we read it another time.(set: $mood to it - 1)](else:)[But you want to read it, don't you? Maybe for the memories. Maybe for the gloriously and inspirationally violent content. ... (click: "violent content")[You finish it. Not a masterpiece, but all that matters is that you enjoyed the ''comic''. (set: $comic = "comic") (set: $mood to it + 3) (set: $comic_readings to it + 1)(set: $comic_key to True)]] [[Put down the $comic|Comic Reading]]] (if: $state is 1)[You walk into the $canteen. $custodian reminds you to collect your food for the day. What's today's food? You don't really care. You probably won't like it anyway.] (else-if: $state is 2)[Today's lunch is a leftover chicken leg (with some leftover rice). (text-colour:lime)[Nice]. (if:visit is 1)[(set: $mood to it + 1)]] (else-if: $state is 3)[You walk into the $canteen. You see aleftover chicken leg (with some leftover rice) on the counter. (text-colour:lime)[//Made with love//] (if:visit is 1)[(set: $mood = it + 1)]. You thank $custodian.] It's time to [[get going|Door, Day 3]].(if: $state is not 3)[Out you go yet again. Another day of life. Another day of work.] (else: )[Out you go again. You hum a little tune as you wait for transportation.] The bus arrives to take you to $work. A few other $others enter the bus. (set: $went_to_work to False) Enter the bus. (click: "Enter the bus")[...or you could not. (if: $state < 2)[A choice? You have a choice? A fork in the road of time. Potential for deliberate action. Going against the grain? A revolutionary are you? (if: $state is 2)[($fade_in:"...you aren't. Obviously. Nor is this necessarily a good idea.")]] [[To work|Bus Ride, Day 3]] or [[not to work|Ditch, Day 2]]? ](if: visit > 1)[There's no need to go back there. [[Back|Door, Day 3]]] (else: )[ As always, a well-kept room, expected of the $custodian. The dream is fresh in your mind. (if: $state is 1)[the $custodian's voice calls out to you. Much of what they say goes over your head, but the gist of it is that you need to get going. You detect warmth in the voice. A distant warmth though. It used to be warmer.] (else-if: $state is 2)[the $custodian's voice calls out to you, reminding you that you'll be late. It's a warm voice. It's always been warm. A rare beacon of support. One that you don't want to burden. ] (else-if: $state is 3)[the $custodian's voice calls out to you, reminding you that you'll be late. They tell you that today's lunch is a leftover chicken leg. You're actually quite a fan of that. The two of you share a smile.] The dream is fresh in your mind. Too fresh it seems, as (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") has noticed your distress. [[Tell of the Dream|Telling the Dream]]|[["I'm fine"|Keep to Self]] ] It doesn't really matter if you want to remember. You'll always remember. Every day, your eyes were glued to this work of art. Both he and (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") had a fondness for it, so your addiction was inevitable. //Hmm? Is that a chuckle I heard from you?// (if: $state is not 3)[You don't look like you want to dig up those memories. That's fine. Whenever you're in a better mood, you can try again. [[The day's coming to an end|End of Day]]] (else: )[Right at the front of your room sits the last ''console'' that they ever bought for you, before ''REDACTED''. His favorite games are right next to it. You haven't touched one since ''REDACTED''. You decide to play one. Just for a short while. It'll help with the visit. (set:$mood to $mood + 1) (set: $box_key to True)] You used to play this together, no? You'll never be able to do that again. But...it was fun. It's still fun. That's not going to change, is it. [[Get on with the day|End of Day]]You tell the dream. (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") gives you a warm embrace, reassuring you through falling tears. The [[embrace|A better name]] of a worried (cond: $cust_key is False, "custodian", "mother"). (if: $cust_key is True)[After that, $custodian reminds you to get going. Wishing you well. [[Leave|Door, Day 3]]] You elect keep it to yourself. (if: $state > 1)[Do you really want to do that? Keeping it in...does that give you strength? Is that the kind of strength that will set you free? [[Yes|Keep to Self 2]]|[[No|Telling the Dream]]] (else: )[(set: $mood to $mood - 3)It's best if you don't worry anyone. That's what you're thinking, right? You say goodbye and [[leave|Door, Day 3]]]You firmly decide to keep it in. (set: $mood to $mood - 3) $Custodian wishes you a good day. [[Get on with the day|Door, Day 3]](set: $went_to_work to True) (set: $bumps to 0) The bus hits a bump on the road. (set: $bumps to $bumps + 1) {(live: 1.5s)[ (either: "Bump", "Another Bump", "Bumpy road innit", "Big Bump") (set: $bumps to it + 1) ]} (event: when time > 3s)[You woke up with such determination. To end this cycle.] (event: when time > 5s)[3 Days left until the visit.] (event: when time > 10s)[(if: $state is 1)[The shadow of the Warden looms over you.]] (event: when $bumps > 8)[The bumps are simply part of the experience now.] (event: when time > 15s)[The bus stops. [[Time to go|Inmates Again]]]During the workday, you come across the same group of $others as before. (set: $nerd to False) (if: $times_talked is 0)[You chose to ignore them the first time around. Something's imploring you to talk to them this time. [[Talk to them|Conversation]]...or [[don't|No chat]]] (else:)[You talked to them about the $convo_topic. They remember you from the other day and greet you. They are once again involved in some vibe session. (if: $safety is in $bag)[One of them points at the [[$safety|Protection...]]. ] (if: $comic is in $bag or $convo_topic is $comic)[Another one remembers the (if: not $nerd)[[[$comic|Nerd Bros]]](else: )[$comic] that you like, and wants to talk about the latest issue.] ] [[Join the Vibe Session|The others]](if: $state is 1)[You'd rather not read this. [[]]] (text-colour:grey)[(text-style:"smear","condense")[Date: March 10, 20xx: The last time he called her "custodian", she whacked him with a broom. Playfully, of course; they were laughing about it for a while after. I think it's a longstanding nickname or tease. This place would be an absolute pigsty without her; I don't think the two of us would last a day. ]] Again, you refuse to talk to them. (if: $safety is in $bag)[You can, at the very least, find comfort in the $safety while the day goes on.] (else: )[No $safety to help you, either. Not your best choice. (set: $mood to it -2)] [[*|After Work]](if: $convo_topic is $safety)[As before, you explain the purpose of the $safety as protection.](else: )[You explain the importance of $safety.] Bemused, the $others ask what you mean by protection. (click: "protection")[($fade_in: "What do you mean by protection?")] (click: "protection")[[[It...|Protection]]](if: $comic_readings is 0)[You haven't actually engaged with the $comic, so you won't have anything to say from memory. The person that approached you goes off on their love for the $comic. It's nice to hear someone have a nerdgasm over something you enjoy, but you'd have enjoyed it more if you...engaged with it. (set: $mood to $mood + 1) ] (else-if: $comic_readings < 3)[You haven't finished the $comic (a better question is, will you be able to?), but that's not gonna stop you from joining the fellow $comic enjoyer in glorifying the glorious and inspirationally violent content! (set: $mood to $mood + 2)] (else:)[You managed to finish the $comic that he left behind. You join the fellow $comic enjoyer in glorifying the glorious and inspirationally violent content! He tells you how his brothers all get together to read it when the newest issue comes out. (set: $mood to $mood + 3) It's a form of family bonding. (event: when time > 5s)[Just like it was for you.]] [[*|Inmates Again]](if: $state < 2)[It helps you calm down. Whenever life gets a little too overwhelming, you put it on, and it calms down. Ever since ''REDACTED'', they've been your pillar of support. (You only tell them the "calm dowm" part. They don't need to know the specifics.)] (else: )[(align:"<==")+(box:"=X")["It helps me calm down. Life gets overwhelming sometimes. I put these on, and I feel a little better"]] The $others are moved by your story, and invite you to join in their little vibe session. After all, what better way to enjoy the calming power of music than with some buddies, with or without ''headphones'' (set: $safety to "headphones") (set: $mood to it + 3) (set: $safety_key to True) [[*|Inmates Again]]I'm sure if you were older, this would be accompanied by *ahem* illicit substances. But since you are all good youth, you sat around at the end of the $work day and chilled out. One of them talks to you about $work. You express your dissatisfaction at the daily monotony. The other agrees that it's boring as hell, but tells you not to get bogged down by the work and the pressure. "Sometimes ya gotta vibe" (Profound statement, I know.) (event: when time > 5s)[They aren't prisoners are they? You've finally realized that. They're just vibing. Fellow ''students'' ignoring schoolwork as best they can. Enjoying life. Something ot learn from. (set: $others to "students") (set: $work to "school") (set: $inmate_key to True) (set: $inmate_key to True). Anyway, it's time to return to the [[room|After Work]] ]You move towards the call, backpack in tow.. It's work time. [[Do you have everything?|Room]] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[The backpack feels a little light]. (if: $state is not 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Do you really want to leave without protection?] (else-if: $state is 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Don't forget the $safety] The door opens. You notice that (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") has already left. You don't have time to wander. Today's the day of the big job. [[Leave|To Work or Not To Work, Day 4]] (if: $state is not 3)[Out you go yet again. Another day of life. Another day of work.] (else: )[Out you go again. You hum a little tune as you wait for transportation.] The bus arrives to take you to $work. A few other $others enter the bus. (set: $went_to_work to False) Enter the bus. (click: "Enter the bus")[...or you could not. [[To work|Bus Ride, Day 4]] or not to work? (click: "not to work?")[Yeah no, you're working today. ~~The devs have reached crunch time and can't be bothered to add more passages~~ This job is very important.] ](set: $went_to_work to True) (set: $fade_in to (macro: str-type _p, [ (output: )[(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[_p](stop:)]] ])) (if: $state is 1)[You don't even notice the bumps. Performance is everything, and you need to perform. Can you even face him if you fail here?] (else:)[You've made peace with the bumps. Local construction is a money laundering scheme anyway. That being said, your current nervousness isn't exactly reassuring. (click: "reassuring")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"blur", "rumble")[THE MITOCHONDRIA IS THE POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL THE MITOCHONDRIA IS THE POWERHOUSE OF THE CELL THE MITOCHONDRIA IS THE... FUCK IT'S A MATH EXAM]]] (click: "MATH")[Imagine if they make you do Riemann Sums...] (click: "Riemann Sums")[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[(text-style:"blur", "rumble")[*Breaths* ($fade_in:"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA")]] ]] (event: when time > 10s)[[[Oh, we're here|The Test]]]So. Let's go over your preparation. You've played hooky $num_ditches times! You've "improved yourself" $study_time times! You'll be scored out of 100. [[Good luck!|Test Aftermath]]~~In Patch 1.01, we'll be sure to add an actual test. As boring as the real-life ones!~~ (set: _lowerbound to 60-($num_ditches * 10)+($study_time * 10)) (set: _upperbound to 80 + ($num_ditches * 10)+($study_time * 10)) (if: _upperbound > 100)[(set: _upperbound to 100)] (if: _upperbound < _lowerbound)[(set: _lowerbound to _upperbound)] (set: _testscore to (random: _lowerbound, _upperbound)) You got a _testscore (if: _testscore < 60)[You failed. (if: $state is 1)[You wonder how you can face him now.](set: $mood to it - 10)] (else-if: _testscore < 70)[A D. (if: $state is 1)[For disappointment.](else: )[Crap.](set: $mood to it - 5)] (else-if: _testscore < 80)[A C. (if: $state is 1)[Meh...](else:)["Alright, I guess"]] (else-if: _testscore < 90)[A B.(if: $state is 1)["Not bad. Not bad. Not bad."](else:)["Solid."](set: $mood to it + 3)] (else-if: _testscore < 100)[An A. (if: $state is 1)["YES. YES. YES. "](else-if: $state is 2)["Wow. I didn't think I could fraud my way to an A."](else:)["Of course. I am simply brilliant"] (set: $mood to it + 6)] (else:)[Perfect. (if: $state is 1)[No words have come out of your gaping mouth for the past 10 minutes.](else-if: $state is 2)[No words have come out of your gaping mouth for the past 10 minutes.](else:)["My brilliance...is outstanding."] (set: $mood to it + 10)] Well, time to move on with [[the day.|Remember this?]]You move towards the call, backpack in tow.. It's work time. [[Do you have everything?|Room]] (if: $manual is not in $bag)[The backpack feels a little light]. (if: $state is not 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Do you really want to leave without protection?] (else-if: $state is 3 and $safety is not in $bag)[Don't forget the $safety] Tomorrow's the big day. You've got to be ready. The door opens. In front of you lies the [[$canteen|Food?, Day 5]]. To your left is the [[exit|To Work or Not to Work, Day 5]]. To your right is a [[passageway|Custodian's Room, Day 5]] I(if: $state is 1)[You walk into the $canteen. $custodian reminds you to collect your food for the day. What's today's food? You can't really think about that. All that's on your mind is tomorrow. Are you even prepared to face the Warden?] (else-if: $state is 2)[Today's lunch is tuna salad. (text-colour:lime)[Nice]. (if:visit is 1)[(set: $mood to it + 1)] ] (else-if: $state is 3)[You walk into the $canteen. You see tuna salad on the counter. (text-colour:lime)[//Made with love//] (if:visit is 1)[(set: $mood = it + 1)]. You thank $custodian.] It's time to [[get going|Door, Day 5]].(set:$fade_in to (macro:str-type _p,[(output: )[(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[_p](stop:)]]]),$cust_key to false,$warden_key to false,$work_key to false,$inmate_key to false,$safety_key to false,$box_key to false,$comic_key to false,$keys to (a:false,false,false,false,false,0,false),$custodian to "the custodian",$others to "inmates",$planner to "Almighty Planner^^TM^^",$work to "work",$canteen to "canteen",$outdoor to "outdoor area",$mood to 5,$incident to "REDACTED",$num_ditches to 0,$state to 2,$food to false,$attire to false,$show to false,$bag to (a:"manual","distraction","safety device","the black key"),$day_start to 5,$library to "prison library",$comic to "distraction",$safety to "safety device",$days to 2,$manual to "manual",$funbox to "the black box",$funkey to "the black key",$clean_desk to false,$comic_picked to true,$went_to_work to true,$bumps to 13,$times_talked to 1,$convo_topic to "$safety",$manual_read_after to false,$comic_read_after to false,$play_after to false,$comic_readings to 1)(if: $state is not 3)[Out you go yet again. Another day of life. Another day of work.] (else: )[Out you go again. You hum a little tune as you wait for transportation.] The bus arrives to take you to $work. A few other $others enter the bus. (set: $went_to_work to False) Enter the bus. (click: "Enter the bus")[...or you could not. (if: $state < 2)[A choice? You have a choice? A fork in the road of time. Potential for deliberate action. Going against the grain? A revolutionary are you? (if: $state is 2)[($fade_in:"...you aren't. Obviously. Nor is this necessarily a good idea.")]] One final choice. Before the visit. What do you think is best? [[To work|Bus Ride, Day 5]] or not to work|Ditch, Day 2? (click: "not to work?")[Yeah no, you're working today. ~~The devs have reached crunch time and can't be bothered to add more passages~~ Not worth risking anything today.] ] Well-kept. As always. Today, (cond: $cust_key is False, "the $custodian", "$custodian") is planning to take you to some special location. (if: $cust_key is False)[[[...hmm|Correction]]] She wishes you well for the day ahead. Of course, you've only been able to think about one thing since you woke up. [[Get on with the day|Door, Day 5]]All that's on your mind is tomorrow. [[To Work|Workday, Day 5]]All that's on your mind is tomorrow. The work isn't important. (It never was, but especially today). Normally you'd take the bus home, but today you get to be picked up by $custodian. [[Let's see where she takes us|The Ice Cream Shop]]At least, that's what you thought. That would have been nice. But, while rummaging through your backpack, you find the planning sheet from the meeting with the $planner a few days ago. The future? It's never looked particularly appealing. More like something that just happens rather than something to be excited for. You'd rather just shove it back into the bag and hope it's never mentioned again. [["What do you want to do?"|Old Dreams]]An average man of average build. Gives off a "How do you do, fellow kids" vibe, but you don't quite know why. He preaches the glory of moving on up to the next stage of $work...at every moment you see him. "It will change your life", he'll say. "The best 4 years of your life", he'll say. "Gotta start planning now.", he'll say. ~~$85 is a perfectly justifiable price for a test that helps determine the direction of your early adulthood~~ (He does not say this...but you've gotta take like 5 of those things and is it that costly to make a booklet?) Anyway, nice guy. [[Now to hear what he has to say|Counselor, Day 2]]You've never particularly thought about that too deeply. I believe your past answers to that question have included: 0. A superhero 0. Professional Tree Climber 0. Professional Star-Hugger (That made the two of them laugh for a solid 5 minutes. You were 6, so I'm not sure what sort of sophistication they were expecting) 0. I don't know 0. Stop Asking 0. Professional Gamer (Please do not say that to anyone) (click: "They")[They never put much pressure on you. They thought you'd find your own way. Now people are asking about what you (haven't) found...and there's one less arm around your shoulder.] (if: $state is 1)[Too much to think about, huh? That's fine. The $work day's over. Time to [[return|After Work]]] (else-if: $state is 2)[At some point, you have to seriously consider these questions. Finding that path...your path...oh well. Don't have to find it NOW. The $work day's over. Time to [[return|After Work]]] (else:)[At some point, you have to seriously consider these questions. Finding that path...your path...oh well. Don't have to find it NOW. Maybe you never find it. Maybe wandering around isn't so bad. No one expects a kid to know anything. "I don't know" should be the least surprising thing that comes out of your mouth. Anyway, the $work day's over. Time to [[return|After Work]]]Right. I don't know how we've gone five days without you making meaningful enough interaction with people to realize that the $custodian name is a bit stupid. I'm putting a stop to this. The custodian is: [[Mom|Correction, part 2]], [[Mama|Correction, part 2]], [[Ma|Correction, part 2]], [[Mum|Correction, part 2]], [[Mummy|Correction, part 2]], [[Muma|Correction, part 2]]. I'm not giving you an alternative choice.Good. Now that that's done with, we can return to the interaction. (event: when time > 4s)[(go-to:"Custodian's Room, Day 5")]An Ice Cream Shop. Who doesn't love ice cream? The two of you order: Cookies and Cream for yourself and Strawberry for her. She figured that it had been a hard week for you, and that you deserved a treat. (if: $cust_key is True)[It has been a hard week, but she's made it better. (if: $state is 1)[You express Gratitude.](else:)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")["Thanks for the support, Mom"]]] (if: $work_key is True)[You tell her about the students you met this week, and their peculiar vibe sessions.] (if: $safety_key is True)[Going to $work wasn't as bad as before thanks to the $safety.] She's glad that $work was a bit better than usual. (if: $box_key is True)[You tell her about playing some of the old games you had. Her expression tenses up somewhat.] (if: $comic_key is True)[You tell her about the comic you read. She remarks that it must of been hard. What with all the memories attached.] "So...", she begins. "Do you...want to talk about ''REDACTED'' "? (if: all of (a: $box_key, $comic_key) is True)[You've engaged with the items that seem to hold the strongest memories of what you lost. Time to take the leap of faith. (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[[["Mmhmm"|Time to Talk]]]] (else:)[Your head goes down. You aren't quite ready. You can't read his comics or play his games. How could you talk about that? (if: $state is 3)[(set: $state to 2)] She understands. It's not as if she's any more comfortable than you. You finish your ice cream, and head back home. [[Tomorrow's|The Visit, At Last]] the big day. ](set:_blur to "blurrier") (if: $state is 3)[(set:_blur to "blur")] "You ready for tomorrow?" (click: "tomorrow")[(unless: $state is 1)[(text-style:_blur)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[I don't know.]]]] (click: "know")["Me neither, to be honest. It's only been a few weeks. Yet it feels like it's been ages. It's been so...quiet around the house. Knowing him, tomorrow would have been absolute chaos if he- (text-style:"blurrier")[ was still here with us]"] (click: "chaos")[Of course. That's why it's tomorrow. The most chaotic day of the year. Almost always. Burnt food, freak accidents. It was never a dull day. Topped off by whatever we could salvage of the cake. (click: "cake")[($fade_in:"Tomorrow would have been his birthday.")] (if: $state is 1)[The memories are flooding back in. Happy memories...that have grown painful with time. You slouch on the chair, head down. She gets the message. You finish your ice cream, and head back home. [[Tomorrow's|The Visit, At Last]] the big day.] (else: )[(click: "birthday")[(unless: $state is 1)[(text-style:_blur)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")["Maybe we make him a cake that isn't burnt this time"]]]]] (click: "isn't burnt")[(Laugh) "Maybe we make it extra burnt for old time's sake." That gets a laugh out of you. The laughter soon dies down.] (click: "laughter soon dies down")[Tears begin to form in her eyes. "You just never know when the good times end. One minute, your father and I are eating breakfast together. The next, he's being laid to rest. I just don't know how I'll react when I see that grave again."] (click: "your father")[Somewhat unruly. Always unpredictable. Always supportive. He made sure the house was full of laughter. And he always knew what to say when you were down (because he plagarized it from some comic he read). Now you face a future without that arm around your back. (if: $state is 2)[You console your mother. You fight back your own tears. You finish your ice cream, and head back home. [[Tomorrow's|The Visit, At Last]] the big day.] (else:)[[[...but you have to face that future.|Past and Future]]]] ](if: $warden_key is True)[(set: $incident to "your father's death")] Today, you head out. The day of the (seq-link: bind _wardenvisit, "warden's visit", "your visit to the warden."). (event: when _wardenvisit is "your visit to the warden.")[The warden...was never a person. It was more a shadow, cast upon your world after $incident.] Now you must face the shadow. (if: $state is 1)[[[A shadow that still looms large over the sky.|Ending, Low]]] (else-if: $state is 2)[[[A shadow that looms large over the future, but not without its holes.|Ending, Mood 2]]] (else: )[[[An unavoidable shadow. But where there is shadow, there is light|Ending, Good]] ($fade_in: "DAMN I'M A POET")] (set:_blur to "blur") [You were never fond of school, were you? (text-style:_blur)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")["I've never enjoyed school. I'm not sure if this is a surprise."]]](click: ?page)[(show:?1)] |1)[It always felt like a cycle. A procession. Something you just had to do. (text-style:_blur)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")["It always felt like a cycle. A procession. Something I just had to do."]]](click: ?page)[(show:?2)] |2)[But home was always fine. (text-style:_blur)[(align:"==>")+(box:"=X")["But you guys made it worth it. School sucked, but home was fun."]]] (click: ?page)[(show:?3)] |3)[Now you're at that point... (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")["...where I've got to start thinking about my future. What I want to do. Where I want to go. And I have to do it in a world without him."]] (click: ?page)[(show:?4)] |4)[It doesn't feel fair. (align:"==>")+(box:"=X")[It didn't feel fair. I wondered what's the point of my...routine. There was no fun to distract me from the monotony.] Everything felt cold and distant.] (click: ?page)[(show:?5)] |5)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XX=")[But...]] (click: ?page)[(show:?6)] |6)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XX=")[I read his favorite comic.]] (click: ?page)[(show:?7)] |7)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XX=")[I played his old treasures.]] (if: $work_key is True)[(click: ?page)[(show:?8)]] |8)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XX=")[I vibed with my fellow youth.]] (click: ?page)[(show:?9)] |9)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XX=")[I saw the sun again.]] (click: ?page)[(show:?10)] |10)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"=XX=")[It still hurts, but...that just means he's still with us, right?]] (click: ?page)[(show:?11)] |11)[Mom smirks and wipes a few tears away. Your anime moment appears to have brightened the mood "Maybe you should stop reading your father's stuff. Real anime moment there, kid." ] (click: ?page)[(show:?12)] |12)[You both laugh. You finish your ice cream, and head back home. [[Tomorrow's|The Visit, At Last]] the big day.] (set:$warden_key to True)] You weren't prepared. All you can do is cry. The shadow looms large, and you still feel stuck in a prison. But there's always tomorrow. Always a next time. And so long as I exist (text-style:"blurrier")[In your mind], you'll have a chance to escape. FINYou weren't quite prepared. The tears flow through. For both you and (cond: $cust_key is False, "the custodian", "your mother"). You eat the birthday cake. Unburnt, unfortunately. You still feel trapped, living in a world without that second arm around your back. But I believe there is hope in tomorrow, youth. And so long as I live (text-style:"blurrier")[In your mind], I know you believe the same. (if: $comic_readings > 0)[Buoyed by the Inspirationally violent content, we move forward.] FIN//I'll let you take this one// I walk up to the grave. Mom lays down a bouquet of flowers. We eat the birthday cake with him. I miss you. Mom misses you. I'm sure many others do. I don't know what to do. What comes next. Where I go. I wish I had your advice. But I do have your games. I have your comics. I have memories of your support. Wherever I go, I know you'll be there. For the healthy addicition. For the inspirationally violent content. Thank you. It's a cloudy day today. But the sun's just starting to peak through. FIN