The Mars Experiment

On the surface of Mars, there lies 10 terraforming domes. And within these domes lies humanity's greatest accomplishments, built on the graves of their greatest failures. Two teenage boys race their way through an underground tunnel. You exert yourself to stay ahead of the other boy, while the other boy stays at a steady speed, content with lagging behind the first. After a few minutes, however, both of you slow down to catch your breath. "Alright (text-colour:cyan)[Koe], we got toothbrushes and toothpaste last week. I'm thinking this week we get some food from that Italian restaurant on Marlo Street!" you state with excitement. Koe reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet, then opens it to show that it is empty. You laugh, [["Who said anything about paying?"]]

As you both continue to run down the tunnel, you notice how much it's degrading. Toxic soil is beginning to seep through the rusty metal that lines the walls. This tunnel's days are numbered. After about 10 minutes, you run into an old, African man sitting to the side of the tunnel. You recognize his rugged brown jacket and fedora immediately. "(text-colour:red)[Blaze], you dragging that mute boy into your antics again?" The old man asks without raising his head. [["And if I am?"]] [["I'm surprised you remembered my name."]]

"Then I won't stop you. But when the Great Dust Storms and the true Martians take back their home, I won't be the one judging you." A large, youth-filled grin formed on the old man's face, as if he'd just seen the most exhilerating dream. Hearing these words, Koe breaks into a cold sweat, but he immediately wipes his face. [["Why would I trust the worlds of a conspiracy theorist who lost his mind before I was even born?"]] [["Whatever you say old man." (Leave)]] (set: $Conspiracy to 1)

"Well of course. Why wouldn't I?" "Because everyone forgot yours over 20 years ago. Or at least that's what my dad says. Seems like the respect you give others isn't reciprocated." The old man couldn't think of a reply. Koe tilted his head and gave a confused look. "Oh right you haven't met this guy before. He's just some old conspiracy theorist who got exiled from Lincoln Colony a couple weeks ago. Ignore him." "Conspiracy theorist? Why I'm nothing so preposterous. When the Great Dust Storm comes and the true Martians take back their home, you'll wish you listened." A large, youth-filled grin formed on the old man's face, as if he'd just seen the most exhilerating dream. Hearing these words, Koe breaks into a cold sweat, but he immediately wipes his face. [["Whatever you say old man." (Leave)]]

"Conspiracy theorist? Why I'm nothing so preposterous." "Then what are you?" "Just a man who wants what's best for the next generation. Your dad and I aren't too different in that regard." "Don't you ''dare'' compare yourself to my dad, you ''damn sewer rat''!" You pin the old man against the wall, but before you can go any further, Koe puts his hand on your shoulder, causing you to let the old man go. The old man adjusted his fedora "I didn't know that'd make you so upset. I'm sorry." [["Whatever you say old man." (Leave) -> "Whatever you say old man." (Leave) 2]]

"I swear, did your parents teach you even an ounce of manners?" "They tried. I didn't listen." You turn away and prepare to leave with Koe following suit, but the old man stops you, "Wait, before you leave. Take this Washington Town newspaper." "Isn't it illegal for us to read these? What makes this worth the risk?" "(text-colour:#a61e4d)[General Arthur Manson] and the military are trying to turn the people against us." The old man opens the newspaper and points to the title of the second article, "'Twelve Lincoln Colony Residents Executed on Charges of Treason'. It says right here that the government suspected they were planning a rebellion, but you know damn well we're packed like sardines in Lincoln Colony. We wouldn't miss whispers of a rebellion in our sleep! We don't have many sympathizers left in Washington Town, they're trying to convert the remaining ones!" [[Take newspaper]] [[Refuse newspaper]]

You turn away and prepare to leave with Koe following suit, but the old man stops you, "Wait, before you leave. Take this Washington Town newspaper." "Isn't it illegal for us to read these? What makes this worth the risk?" "(text-colour:#a61e4d)[General Arthur Manson] and the military are trying to turn the people against us." The old man opens the newspaper and points to the title of the second article, "'Twelve Lincoln Colony Residents Executed on Charges of Treason'. It says right here that the government suspected they were planning a rebellion, but you know damn well we're packed like sardines in Lincoln Colony. We wouldn't miss whispers of a rebellion in our sleep! We don't have many sympathizers left in Washington Town, they're trying to convert the remaining ones!" [[Take newspaper]] [[Refuse newspaper]]

"I'll look into it, but just this once. These people come from the same place as me. They share the same skin color. I can't just look the other way that easily. But don't think this means I'll start looking into your theories regularly." "Glad you could trust me. I won't pretend that I'm always right, but if 1/10 of this old man's rants can make a difference, I can die happy." [[Continue down the tunnel]] (set: $Newspaper to 1)

You swat the newspaper out of his hands, "I'm not getting involved in your dumb theories. We may have the same home and the same skin color, but we aren't concerned about the same things." Koe grabs the newspaper, but your glance quickly makes him drop it. "Keep ignoring the problem then. Just you wait, it'll be you on the chopping block one day." The old man walks away into the darkness of the tunnel. [[Continue down the tunnel]]

(if: $Conspiracy is 1)[Koe taps Blaze's shoulder and mouths the word "Who?". You answer, "Oh right you haven't met that guy before. He's just some old conspiracy theorist who got exiled from Lincoln Colony a couple weeks ago. Nobody really listened to him(if: $Newspaper is 1)[, but he never meant any harm.](else:)[.]" ]"Alright, we should be coming up on Washington Town. Evangeline is already there, but she probably won't help unless we get caught." You turn to Koe and smile, "Don't worry, we won't need her." [[Exit the tunnel]]

You and Koe emerge on a hill in the outskirts of Washington Town. "And here we are, Washington Town, where Mars' red skies are replaced with clear, blue skies using Dome 8's state of the art technology!" you exclaim, imitating a tour guide while Koe covers his mouth, trying not to laugh. "Churches on every street, a robust military base around the perimeter, and far more housing than we need are just a couple of the features of this dream town." "Can you please shut up?" Evangeline emerges from behind a tree with a scowl. You turn to face her while Koe hides behind you. "Sheesh, you never let us have any fun." "After 13 years of being your twin sister, I've come to realize that your definition of 'fun' usually ends with me having to bail your ass out. So yeah, I don't think it's smart to let you have fun. Now can you guys please get this over with?" [[Without questioning further, you head into town while Evangeline remains on the hill.]]

Location: Washington Town Time: 4:00 PM You and Koe arrive at the Italian restaurant on Marlo Street, Non Ti Pago, in sight. "An employee should be taking out the trash right about now. Since it's family-run, it shouldn't have many employees to avoid. How about one of us sneaks through the back entrance and the other goes through the front to make a diversion? Just do the opposite of what I do." Koe nods as you get ready to execute the plan. <img src=https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/tu7XgvKfOwHUCc5DTD4Yuvn6OmJJ-YTjZ7txlTf8YRzRbThYXNaDFOnTUBwjvVGh-aEFKe8vwQppgLwQLmKmFMssy4tGwrjYV4icIuUAsDA-TqamXbMn7MWrNAUO4wUscj83FUEo> [[Go through the front]] [[Go through the back]]

As soon as an employee opens the back door, Koe into the restaurant behind their back. You go through the front, but there's nobody there. You walk around, checking under tables, behind counters, and finally, you arrive at the bar. [[Make sure nobody is around]] [[Pour yourself a drink->Pour yourself a drink 2]]

As soon as an employee opens the back door, you dart into the restaurant behind their back. You don't see any other employees in the kitchen, but you do see Koe standing there, grabbing whatever food he can get. You lower your voice to a whisper, "What the hell, man! I thought I told you to make a distraction!" Koe grabs a notepad and pen off of the counter and writes "Distract them with what? Charades?" "Good point. My bad." [[Start grabbing food]] [[Make sure no employees are around]]

You and Koe grab as much food as you can. All kinds of pasta, meat, pizza, even some pastries. Right as you're about to leave, you hear the door open behind you. A large man with a name tag that says "Owner: Alonzo Romano" enters. "Hey kid... Hey kid!" [["Yes sir?"]] [[Don't reply]]

You look around outside the kitchen and initially see nobody. You creep up the hallway slowly, making your way to the bar. Peering over the counter, you still see nobody. Had there not been an employee taking out the trash, you could swear that the restaurant was completely vacant. [[Continue looking around]] [[Pour yourself a drink]]

As you continue to move under the tables, just in case somebody is still there, it hits you. You don't doubt that Koe could sneak into the restaurant through the front door, but Koe didn't write that the restaurant was empty. Before you can continue to think, you feel a tap on your shoulder. "My son saw you come in through the back. Care to explain why you're sneaking around my restaurant, young man?" You turn around and see a large man with a name tag that says "Owner: Alonzo Romano" [["I was just looking around sir, nice place you got here."]] [["I was hungry and hoping you'd be able to spare a poor, starving boy some scraps."]]

"No idea what any of this stuff is, but there's nobody here to stop me, so why not." "I wouldn't be so sure about that." You turn around and see a large man with a name tag that says "Owner: Alonzo Romano" "C'mon sir, I'm only 13, let me make a couple mistakes here. I'm just trying to enjoy my youth." "Unfortunately, 13 years old is too young for UNDERAGE DRINKING!" Alonzo began to raise his voice, "My son saw you come in through the back. Now would you care to tell me why the Hell you snuck in through the back door of my restaurant?!" [["I was just looking around sir, nice place you got here."]] [["I was hungry and hoping you'd be able to spare a poor, starving boy some scraps."]]

"Why, thank you! It is quite nice, I think the bar really brings some much needed color to it though, don't you think." "Oh yeah, and the chandelier is a nice touch as well. It's a bold move for such a small place, but you really pulled it off!" "Oh you're too kind! I'm sure the police will love it when they get here!" "The po-what now?" [[Call Koe]]

"Well we don't feed the poor here, young man. I've already called the police." "The po? The popo? The poo-lice? Never heard of 'em." [[Call Koe]]

"Koe we gotta go! Cops are on the way!" Koe emerged from the kitchen with all sorts of food in his arms and some combination of pasta, steak, pizza, and chicken in his mouth. You slip by Alonzo as he runs after you yelling, "Wait, there was a second kid?! I didn't even notice!" [[Continue running]]

You and Koe attempt to run down the street, but are swiftly cut off by a police officer. Your eyes meet Koe's as he runs to the left with the food while you run to the right, but the officer quickly tackles and handcuffs you before turning to chase Koe. After about 20 minutes, the officer returns carrying a handcuffed Koe, but the food is nowhere to be seen. Alonzo, who has been waiting for the officer's return, approaches him, "Uhh, Officer Federico, where's my food?" "He hid it somewhere. I'll figure it out after I take them in." Officer Federico said without turning to look at Alonzo. (if: $Newspaper is 1)[The officer turns to you and kneels down to reach into your pocket. "Well what do we have here? A Lincoln Colony resident with a Washington Town newspaper. You could go away for a long time for this. Though, you were probably going to anyway." ][[Officer Federico then shoves both you and Koe into his car and drives away.]]

"What do you think you're doing?" [["Borrowing some food, sir"]] [["Stealing your food. That should be obvious."]]

"Hey kid! Get your grubby hands off of my food!" You stay silent and continue to collect food. "Answer me dammit!" [[Start eating the food]] [["Yes sir?"]]

Alonzo, on his last nerve, starts grabbing food out of your hands and mouth. "Hey, that's rude! You aren't supposed to take food from someone while they're eating. I'm giving you a 1 star rating!" "What the Hell do you think you're doing back here?" [["Stealing your food. That should be obvious."]] [["Borrowing some food, sir"]]

"Don't you dare lie to m- wait, you said you're stealing?" "Yeah, I'm gonna take your food and leave without paying. Pretty sure that's stealing." you reply sarcastically, "Might be illegal, I don't really know the laws here." "My son saw you come in through the back! He's already called the cops!" [["Koe, we gotta go!"]] [["You're bluffing"]]

"Oh. Well, I'll leave you to i- BORROWING SOME FOOD?! Are you gonna give it back?!" "If you give me 24 to 72 hours, I'm sure I can, sir! Might not look the same though... or smell the same." "You little- my son saw you coming in through the back, He's already called the cops!" [["Koe, we gotta go!"]] [["You're bluffing"]]

Koe stands up halfway through eating some combination of pastries and pizza, much to Alonzo's surprise. "Wha- I didn't even notice the second kid!" You quickly give Koe all the food you grabbed, slip past Alonzo and begin running as he chases you with his son. [[Continue running]]

"Feel free to call my bluff, you'll end up in handcuffs at the end of the day." "I will... not call your bluff. Let's go Koe!" Koe stands up with some combination of rice and pizza in his mouth and starts to run alongside you. "Wha- I didn't even notice the second kid!" You quickly give Koe all the food you grabbed, slip past Alonzo and begin running as he chases you with his son. [[Continue running]]

You make your way past the bar and towards the back of the restaurant. You creep your way down a massive hallway and go by the bathroom. However, as soon as you pass it, you hear the toilet flush. [[Continue to the kitchen]] [[Check the bathroom]]

"No idea what any of this stuff is, but there's nobody here to stop me, so why not." You reach for a couple bottles, but are quickly stopped when you hear a voice behind you. "I wouldn't be so sure about that." You turn around and see a large man with a name tag that says "Owner: Alonzo Romano" "C'mon sir, I'm only 13, let me make a couple mistakes here. I'm just trying to enjoy my youth." "Unfortunately, 13 years old is too young for ''underage drinking''!" Alonzo began to raise his voice. [["Where were you hiding?"]] [["Is there a right age for underage drinking?"]] [["I was hungry and hoping you'd be able to spare a poor, starving boy some scraps."->Starving boy 1]] [["I was just looking around sir, nice place you got here."->Nice place 1]]

"I went to the bathroom. Now may I ask, what are you doing here?" [["I was hungry and hoping you'd be able to spare a poor, starving boy some scraps."->Starving boy 1]] [["I was just looking around sir, nice place you got here."->Nice place 1]]

"Of course not, but there isn't a right age to go to jail either." You raise an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that?" "You'll find out soon, when the police arrive." "The police? Like the guys who drive those cars with the flashing lights?" "Yup" "The guys with the batons?" "Yes..." "The guys with the handcuffs?" "You know who I'm talking about." "You're really not cutting me any slack here, huh?" [[Call Koe]]

"Well we don't feed the poor here, young man. I've already called the police." "The po? The popo? The poo-lice? Never heard of 'em." [[Call Koe]]

"Well, whatever that was, it's none of my business." You walk down to the end of the hallway and enter the kitchen, where Koe has already grabbed as much food as he can hold in addition to some combination of foods in his mouth that you dare not describe. "That should be enough, let's get going." You walk towards the back door, but hear a voice from behind you, "Where the Hell do you think you're going with my food?!" You turn around and see a large man with a name tag that says "Owner: Alonzo Romano" [["Stealing it, obviously->"Stealing food 1"]] [["Borrowing some food, sir->Borrowing 1"]]

You open the door to the bathroom slowly, trying to just get a peak through. You can't quite see the stalls, so you open it slightly further as it creaks. You push it open a little more again. And again. And again until it's completely open, but you see nothing besides empty stalls. [[Walk into the bathroom]] [[Go to the kitchen->Continue to the kitchen]]

You walk further into the bathroom and hear the door close behind you. You turn around and see a large man with a name tag that says "Owner: Alonzo Romano" "You sneak up on people like this all the time, or is this a special occasion?" Alonzo crosses his arms and leans against the door, "Oh, I only sneak up on thieves, especially ones that are stupid enough to come through the front door." [["What makes you think I'm a thief?"]] [[Try to escape]]

"You look the part." Alonzo replies in a condescending tone. "Sheesh, if I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I wouldn't have to steal anything." "Well, unfortunately I'm not feeling ''that'' generous today. I already called the police." Alonzo steps away from the door, "Though I am willing to give you a head start since you haven't stolen anything yet." [[Leave the restaurant]]

You attempt to slide between Alonzo's legs and kick the door, but you're not nearly strong enough to make it open outwards. Alonzo grabs you and throws you back into one of the stalls. "C'mon, you can't cut a kid a little slack?" Alonzo walks towards you, his face red with anger. "I've already called the police. You're not leaving." [[Call Koe->Call Koe 1]] [["You're bluffing."->Bluffing]]

You walk out the door and go to the kitchen to get Koe. Koe has as much food as he can carry in his hands in addition to some combination of foods in his mouth that you dare not describe. "Koe, he called the cops. We gotta go." You head towards the back door, hoping Alonzo won't see Koe with the food he stole, but he intercepts you as soon as you open the door. "Huh? There was another kid?! And he's eating my food?!" "So, I'm assuming we don't get that head start anymore?" You prepare to run. Alonzo blocks the door, "Absolutely not!" You slip between Alonzo's legs with Koe and begin running as he turns around and chases you. [[Continue running]]

"Koe, we gotta go! Cops are on the way!" Koe bursts through the door that Alonzo was no longer leaning on with his hands full of food and some combination of pastries and pasta in his mouth. "Wha- there was another kid here?!" You slip past Alonzo and begin running with Koe as he turns around and chases you. [[Continue running]]

"Feel free to call my bluff, you'll end up in handcuffs at the end of the day." "I will... not call your bluff. Let's go Koe!" Koe bursts through the door with some combination of rice and pizza in his mouth and starts to run alongside you. "Wha- there was another kid here?!" You slip past Alonzo and begin running with Koe as he turns around and chases you. [[Continue running]]

"Don't you dare lie to m- wait, you said you're stealing?" "Yeah, I'm gonna take your food and leave without paying. Pretty sure that's stealing." you reply sarcastically, "Might be illegal, I don't really know the laws here." "I called the cops as soon as I heard you come in! You're not leaving!" [["Koe, we gotta go!"->Bounce 1]] [["You're bluffing"->Bluffing 1]]

"Oh. Well, I'll leave you to i- BORROWING SOME FOOD?! Are you gonna give it back?!" "If you give me 24 to 72 hours, I'm sure I can, sir! Might not look the same though... or smell the same." "You little- I called the cops as soon as I heard you come in!" [["Koe, we gotta go!"->Bounce 1]] [["You're bluffing"->Bluffing 1]]

Koe stands up and starts running, much to Alonzo's surprise. "Wha- I didn't even notice the second kid!" You sprint ahead of Koe and leave the restaurant as Alonzo chases you. [[Continue running]]

"Feel free to call my bluff, you'll end up in handcuffs at the end of the day." "I will... not call your bluff. Let's go Koe!" Koe stands up and starts to run alongside you. "Wha- I didn't even notice the second kid!" You begin running as Alonzo chases you out of the store. [[Continue running]]

Location: Washington Town Police Station Time: 4:30 PM "Alright you two, get out of the car, we're here." You and Koe exit the car and follow Officer Federico into the police station. It's nearly empty, despite how large it is. The only other officer in the building approaches Officer Federico, "Ryan, kids again? What is wrong with you?" "In a year I'll be 40, Nick. You'll be 30 around then. When the Hell are you gonna grow up and realize that all these sewer rats do is make excuses for their actions. 'I'm too young to go to jail', 'My family is starving, it's not my fault', 'You don't know what it's like for us'. We're exterminators, and exterminators don't save any sympathy for the rats eating away at the drywall." Officer Federico passed by Nick as you and Koe followed him. "By the way, Ryan, the updated military base map is on your desk. Make sure you look over it." Nick said sheepishly. "Of course I will Nick, never know when General Manson is gonna call us up there." [["Why do you guys have a military base map?"]] [[Continue following Officer Federico]]

As soon as you ask that question, you feel the impact of a fist on your cheek "I don't remember giving you permission to speak." [[Continue following Officer Federico]]

You arrive in Officer Federico's office. The military base map is on his desk, as Nick stated, but besides that there are papers scattered everywhere, even on the floor. More importantly, there's a loaded revolver on his desk. Officer Federico picks up his gun, "Ahh the beauty of a gun. Every moment that passes is an opportunity for me to take both of your lives." He puts his finger on the trigger, "But, every moment that you live is an opportunity that I pass up." He puts the gun down. "It's funny isn't it?" You stare at the floor without making a sound. "You're supposed to laugh!" the officer puts his hand on the gun again. [[Laugh]] [[Remain silent]]

Your voice trembles with anger as Officer Federico picks his nose and grins. "Well, what a surprise! Seems like they're this generation of sewer rats smartened up a bit. Anyway, time for some formalities. I need both of your names. Let's start with the Chinese boy." "..." Koe continues to stare at the ground. "Oh the silent treatment, I love it wh-" "His name is Koe Nashide." You interrupt. "I appreciate the answer, but I asked him, not you." "He can't talk." "Alright then," the officer takes out a notepad and pen and starts writing, "One mute Chinese kid with his original name-" [["Japanese."]] [[Stay silent]]

"The silent treatment, huh? You're no fun." The officer begins to pick his nose, ""Anyway, time for some formalities. I need both of your names. Let's start with the Chinese boy." "..." Koe continues to stare at the ground. "Ohhhh the double silent treatment." The officer reaches for his gun, "You guys are really asking for it hu-" "His name is Koe Nashide." You interrupt. "I appreciate the answer, but I asked him, not you." "He can't talk." "Alright then," the officer takes out a notepad and pen and starts writing, "One mute Chinese kid with his original name-" [["Japanese."]] [[Stay silent]]

"I'm just gonna assume that wasn't sarcasm and take the compliment." The officer begins to pick his nose, "Anyway, time for some formalities. I need both of your names. Let's start with the Chinese boy." "..." Koe continues to stare at the ground. "Oh the silent treatment, I love it wh-" "His name is Koe Nashide." You interrupt. "I appreciate the answer, but I asked him, not you." "He can't talk." "Alright then," the officer takes out a notepad and pen and starts writing, "One mute Chinese kid with his original name-" [["Japanese."]] [[Stay silent]]

"Huh?" "He's Japanese, not Chinese." "What's the difference? They look the same, don't they?" Officer Federico replies in a tone that dances right on the line between legitimate curiosity and sarcasm, "Alright, and what about your name?" [["They're not the same."]] [[Tell him your name.]]

"And what's your name, kid?" [[Tell him your name.-> Tell 2]]

The officer picks up his gun once again, "Son, if I were you, I'd stop right there, cuz it sounds like you're about to say something in violation of the law in front of an officer." "What law am I violating?" "One that General Manson will gladly make up after I put you six feet under. Now if you're smart," the officer puts his gun back down, picks his notepad and pen back up, and smiles, "You'll tell me your name." [[Tell him your name.]] [[Don't tell him your name]]

"Blaze Sanders." "Ah, a name I can pronounce. Where's your family from?" "I'm surprised you didn't make an assumption based off of my skin color." "Well, I don't know my African countries, so I don't have anything to base a guess off of. Anyway, where is your family from?" [["Lincoln Colony."]] [["I-I don't know."]]

"Blaze Sanders." "Ah, a name I can pronounce. Alright, so that's one Afff-uhhh, I don't know my African countries, where's your family from kid?" [["Lincoln Colony."]] [["I-I don't know."]]

"Oh please kid, that's not any more descriptive than Africa. The skin color makes it obvious. What country is your family from?" [["I-I don't know."]]

"What do you mean you don't know? How do you not know where your family's from?" "Because we're not allowed to talk about it, so my parents never told me. I have no idea if they even remember." "That's real tragic kid." Officer Federico paused, then began to laugh, "Who am I kidding? That's great. That's hilarious! The only thing you can identify as is a Lincoln Colony sewer rat!" As the officer continues to laugh, you hear a tap on the window. You look over and see Evangeline with all of the food from the restaurant. Officer Federico turns as well. "Wha- there's all the food! Stay put you two, I'll definitely get a promotion if I return the food too!" The officer sprints out of the door and locks it as Evangeline runs away. You and Koe both stand up and approach the desk. "A map of the military base, huh? There's bound to be some useful info in here Koe." [[Look at the map]]

"I'm kidding!" He moves his hand away from the gun, "You know, after almost 20 years of being an officer, I never get sick of taking in colony residents. Best part of the job. Anyway, I'm waiting, what excuses do you have for me?" [["I don't have any."]] [[Don't reply->Don't reply 2]] [["I wanted to meet one of the great officers of Washington Town!"]]

"Sheesh, tough crowd!" He moves his hand away from the gun, "You know, after almost 20 years of being an officer, I never get sick of taking in colony residents. Best part of the job. Anyway, I'm waiting, what excuses do you have for me?" [["I don't have any."]] [[Don't reply->Don't reply 2]] [["I wanted to meet one of the great officers of Washington Town!"]]

Before you can even react you hear a gunshot. You look at yourself, then Koe to check for wounds, but there isn't any. Instead, there is a hole in the floor, mere centimeters away from your foot. "You don't want to tell me your name. That's fine, super fine, perfectly fine. But I'll give you a little piece of advice. Washington Town police officers only fire one warning shot. Don't. Push. Your. Luck." [[Tell him your name.]]

"Let's see, barracks, armor, arsenal- all this stuff is boring!" You continue to observe the map, "Airbase- wait. Escape pods?" Before you can continue to observe the map, you hear the door open behind you. "Ryan was really in a rush, huh?" Nick asks as he enters, "You guys okay?" [["We're fine..."]] [[Keep observing the map]]

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt you or anything. In fact, let me get those handcuffs off of you." Nick gets a key from his pocket and unlocks both of your handcuffs, "My name is Nick Ellis. You can call me Officer Ellis. You can probably tell, but I'm that asshole, Officer Federico's subordinate." "Alright Nick, why're you helping us?" "Why wouldn't I?" "We got caught stealing food and we're colony residents." "Neither of those are reasons for me not to help you, especially when I know nothing about you. So let me get to know you a bit. If I heard correctly, you're Blaze, and your quiet friend over there is Koe, right?" [["Correct"]] [["You got the names mixed up"]]

"You seem really interested in that map." "Yeah." You reply without taking your eyes off of the map. "I could tell you a bit about it if you want." "You'd probably just tell us some lies." "I would never! Here, let me get those handcuffs off of you guys." Nick gets a key from his pocket and unlocks both of your handcuffs, "My name is (text-colour:#4dabf7)[Nick Ellis]. You can call me Officer Ellis. You can probably tell, but I'm that asshole, Officer Federico's subordinate." [["Is that so?"]] [["I didn't ask"]]

"Great! I'm not good with names, it's pretty rare I get them right on my first try!" You crack a smile "You sure you're an adult?" Nick begins to smile as hard as he can, "Well I have to do taxes, worry about my parents calling at awkward times, worry about disappointing my parents, worry about not being able to financially support my parents, and worry about my parents dying before I get married. I'd say all of that makes me an adult!" "Wow. That sounds really depressing." "No, it's not..." Nick's smile begins to fade, "Really, it isn't. Anyway, Anyway, how about you tell me a bit about yourselves? Surely you had a reason for stealing from that restaurant." [[Tell him about yourself]] [["I can't say I've ever met an officer like you."]]

"Wait, really? Sorry, I really am an idiot sometimes, sorry." "I'm kidding," you crack a smile, "you got the names right." "Sorry, I really am gullible sometimes, sorry." "Stop apologizing, dude. You're an adult." "Sorry. Anyway, how about you tell me a bit about yourselves? Surely you had a reason for stealing from that restaurant." [[Tell him about yourself]] [["I can't say I've ever met an officer like you."]]

"Well, I'm from Lincoln Colony and Koe is from Truman Colony. Koe's family is generally doing fine financially, but mine can barely eat two meals a day. I can't cook and nobody has time to teach me, so I thought I could help out by bringing home some food. I also steal clothes, toys, coats, anything my family needs." Nick was rapidly taking notes on his notepad. "But Koe doesn't need to steal anything, does he? Why does he help?" "Well, yeah he doesn't really need much. His dad makes lots of money. Not really sure how, but it's more than enough. He never really shares it though." Koe nods as you continue, "As far as why Koe helps, I'm not really sure. He's never told me and I never ask. I'm assuming it's 'cause he just wants to help me out." "Hm, interesting. Well, you guys better get going." [["Huh?"]]

"That's probably because I've only been a police officer for a year and only moved to Mars six months ago. And I guess I like to believe I'm a little bit unique!" [[Tell him about yourself]]

"Yeah, get going before Ryan comes back." "We're criminals. You're just gonna let us go?" "There's no law that says you're not allowed to survive. That's what you're doing, isn't it?" "I guess so." You start to head out the door, but Nick stops you. "By the way, those escape pods you saw on the map go straight to Earth." Your eyes widen as he continues, "As far as I know, there's only three of them. They're meant for General Manson, his son, and Lieutenant Nelson. But you just press one button and you're off the planet." [["Why would they need those?"]] [[Leave the police station]]

You and Koe exit the police station and sprint towards the entrance of the underground tunnel, where Evangeline is waiting for you, holding the food you stole in a large bag. "How'd you lose that guy so fast?" you ask while panting. "He's a 30 something police officer who barely has to leave his office. How did you guys ''not'' lose him? You're lucky I bumped into Koe so he could pass the food off to me." "To be fair, we didn't want to go too fast and drop any of the food. He cut us off too." "Doesn't matter. You're slower than some donut demolishing deputy, Blaze. That's pretty embarrassing." Evangeline and Koe both start laughing. [["Whatever, let's head home."]] [["Deputy? That's not even what he is, you just said that to sound clever!"]]

"I get the sense that you don't trust me. What do I have to do for you to change your mind?" "Tell us why you're helping us, Nick." You finally turn around to face him. "Why wouldn't I?" "We got caught stealing food and we're colony residents." "Neither of those are reasons for me not to help you, especially when I know nothing about you. So let me get to know you a bit. If I heard correctly, you're Blaze, and your quiet friend over there is Koe, right?" [["Correct"]] [["You got the names mixed up"]]

"Why're you kids so harsh nowadays?" Nick frowned and sat down with his head in his hands. "It's not us, it's you." Nick looks up to reply, "Something tells me that you don't trust me. What do I have to do for you to change your mind?" "Tell us why you're helping us, Nick." You finally turn around to face him. "Why wouldn't I?" "We got caught stealing food and we're colony residents." "Neither of those are reasons for me not to help you, especially when I know nothing about you. So let me get to know you a bit. If I heard correctly, you're Blaze, and your quiet friend over there is Koe, right?" [["Correct"]] [["You got the names mixed up"]]

You enter the tunnel and Evangeline runs ahead of you. "You're really in a rush to get home, huh?" Evangeline turns around while continuing to run, "You know, you're lucky I'm even willing to help you guys." [["We sure are."]] [["You always say that and complain, but you never stop doing it."]]

"Does it matter?" [["Of course it does!"]] [["You know what, I don't even care anymore. Let's head home."->"Whatever, let's head home."]]

Evangeline pouts and turns away from you, "My God you're annoying. Let's just go home." "Fine, I'll be the mature one today, [[let's go home."->"Whatever, let's head home."]]

At first glance, all of Truman Colony looked to be abandoned. There was more plant life than human life. It was both empty and full of life at the same time, vines coiling rundown buildings that otherwise had no purpose. Destroyed billboards for brands long defunct, supply trucks that never made it to their destinations, and restaurants that would never feed another customer all lay scattered across the colony. Of course, it was tragic, but there was also beauty in that tragedy. <img src= https://i.imgur.com/w8Av06h.jpeg> [["Can't believe only 200 people live here."]] [["If I remember correctly, your house should be coming up soon, Koe."]]

Koe nodded in agreement. "What attracts such a small number of Asians to Mars, yet so many Africans? If everyone in Lincoln Colony lived here, we'd at least have more space. Probably wouldn't have any jobs, though." Koe once again nods in agreement. Unusually cold wind blows dead flowers across the street as you continue to explore the colony. "Huh, it's supposed to be hot here normally. At least, hot by Mars standards. Wonder why it's getting colder all of a sudden." [["If I remember correctly, your house should be coming up soon, Koe."]]

Koe turns around and points. You passed his house a couple minutes ago. "Koe, you gotta stop doing that, man. You never tell me when we pass by your house." Koe made a fist and rubbed it in a circle on his chest. "Sign language. Don't see you using that very often. I do know this one for once though. It means 'sorry'." Koe nodded. "Well I accept your apology. I know how easy it is to lose track of where you are here. [[Enter Koe's home]]

As you open the door, a thick fog flows out and a single snowflake falls. "The Hell is with the weather today?" You enter Koe's house, which seems like another vine-infested building on the outside, but on the inside it's a standard, two story suburban house, almost like something out of Washington Town. "H-h-hello! My name is (text-colour:#087f5b)[Yuki Nashide]! Yuki means happiness and snow! It's nice to meet you Koe's friend!" A woman in her mid-40s greets you at the door timidly. She was about six feet tall and very skinny, but most notably her skin was unbelievably pale, with the exception of her hands, which were tinted green. [["Mrs. Nashide... we've met before..."]] [["Mrs. Nashide, did you forget again?"]]

"Well I wish you'd show some appreciation more often." You raise an eyebrow, "What do you mean?" "Blaze, you're the kind of person who goes around and makes a mess without turning around to clean it up." Evangeline glances at Koe, "The things right behind you need appreciation more than anything else, remember that." [["Well I don't ever have to turn around because you're always there when I mess up."]] [["I see what you mean"]]

"What would've happened if I wasn't here today?" You shrug, "I dunno, we could've been put in jail or something. I would've figured out how to get away." "And what if you didn't." "Then I guess I'd be in jail." Evangeline stops running and you bump into her. "What's up? Why'd you stop." "If you went to jail, somebody would have to tell mom and dad." "I guess so." "And that'd be me. I'd have to be the bearer of bad news. I just can't do that. They sacrifice so much for us, but I'd have to tell them that when I could've helped. So that's why I don't stop." Evangeline turned around and started running again, but twice as fast. [[Continue down the tunnel->Continue down the tunnel 2]]

Location: Truman Colony Time: 5:50 PM After traveling through the tunnel for 5 miles, you come to the first exit at Truman Colony. "Koe, you should sleep over at our house tonight." Koe nods and heads towards the exit. As you get ready to follow him, Evangeline punches your back. "Blaze, you're supposed to ask him that, not tell him to do it." "He said yes, does it matter?" Evangeline lets out a large sigh. "It does, you should know that by now. I'll see you at home." Evangeline hands you the food and runs farther down the tunnel. [[Exit the tunnel->Exit the tunnel 2]]

"Then show me that. If I didn't help you out today, you would've gone to jail." Evangeline stops running as if she's in a trance, "And if you went to jail, I'd have to tell mom and dad. I can't do that, not after all they've done for us. Their hearts wouldn't be able to take it." You bump into Evangeline and flick her forehead, "Snap out of it, sis. That's never gonna happen, trust me." [[Continue down the tunnel->Continue down the tunnel 2]]

"Wait, we have?" "Mrs. Nashide, I'm Blaze, Koe's friend? We've known each other for 3 years? Ringing any bells?" "Blaze!" After remembering who you are, Yuki's frantic tone is replaced with a far more melancholic one. Her speech slows, her smile fades, and she can barely raise her eyes from the ground. "Oh I forgot again. Why're you visiting at this time? Are you here for dinner?" "No, Koe is sleeping over at my place, so we're grabbing his toothbrush, a sleeping bag, and some clothes." "Oh, I see, he's sleeping over because of what's happening tomorrow." Yuki let out a quiet sigh. [["What's happening tomorrow?"]]

"Huh? Oh, I did. Sorry, Blaze." After remembering who you are, Yuki's frantic tone is replaced with a far more melancholic one. Her speech slows, her smile fades, and she can barely raise her eyes from the ground. "Why're you visiting at this time? Are you here for dinner?" "No, Koe is sleeping over at my place, so we're grabbing his toothbrush, a sleeping bag, and some clothes." "That makes sense, considering what's happening tomorrow." Yuki let out a quiet sigh. [["What's happening tomorrow?"]]

"You two are going to s-" Yuki paused, "Wait, I'm not supposed to tell you that yet." "What do you mean?" You reply with a confused look. "Your mom will tell you about it later." Yuki turned towards the kitchen, where a plethora of large plants leaned into the windows from outside. "You know, these plants are special to me, Blaze. Sometimes, I feel like they talk to me." You turn around and see that Koe is already gone, it's just you and his mother. [[Let Yuki continue]] [[Interrupt her]]

"I spend all my time in this house, making sure that these plants are healthy. It's the one thing that I'll never forget." Yuki caresses the plants slowly, "Sometimes, they even make me remember things. Isn't that funny? They say you're not supposed to touch plants like this," she begins to caress them faster, "They say that they don't... like it. But how can I not?" [[Let Yuki continue->Cont 1]] [[Interrupt her]]

"Excuse me, Mrs. Nashide..." "Oh, I'm sorry. Forget what I said, please." Yuki steps away from the plants. "Feel free to make yourself at home. General Manson just had this couch delivered to us. It's really comfortable, please have a seat." Yuki begins to grip the couch, digging her nails into the leather. [["I'm fine. I think I'll head upstairs and check on Koe."]] [["Mrs. Nashide, you're damaging the couch..."]]

"They remind me of home, for some reason. It's been so long since I've been home. I don't even know if I can still speak Japanese. I'm honestly too scared to try." Yuki continues to rub the plants more aggressively, as if you aren't there. "Excuse me, Mrs. Nashide..." "Oh, I'm sorry. Forget what I said, please." Yuki steps away from the plants. "Feel free to make yourself at home. General Manson just had this couch delivered to us. It's really comfortable, please have a seat." Yuki's began to grip the couch, digging her nails into the leather. [["I'm fine. I think I'll head upstairs and check on Koe."]] [["Mrs. Nashide, you're damaging the couch..."]]

"Oh, make sure not to open the door on the left. The lock broke last week." [["If you don't mind me asking, why shouldn't I open that door?"]] [[Go upstairs]]

"Oh, I am. How foolish of me. Did I scare you?" [["Yes!"]] [["Not at all."]]

"That's Koe's father's private room. He doesn't like being disturbed while he's in there." "What does he do in there?" "I'm not sure, he tells me it's work related." [[Stay downstairs]] [[Go upstairs]]

You begin to walk up the stairs and notice how sturdy they are. They don't creak even the slightest bit. If you tiptoed, nobody would hear you coming. You reach the top of the stairs and see four doors. One going to Koe's room straight ahead, one going to Koe's parent's room on the right, one going to the bathroom on the right, and one on the left. [[Open the door straight ahead.]] [[Open the door to Koe's parent's room.]] [[Open the door to the bathroom.]] [[Open the door on the left.]]

"I can't possibly apologize enough-" "Trust me, I know." "Well, please do make yourself comfortable, whether that be here, or upstairs. But if you go upstairs, make sure not to open the door on the left. The lock broke last week." [["If you don't mind me asking, why shouldn't I open that door?"]] [[Go upstairs]]

"Oh thank goodness." Yuki sat down on the couch, "Well, please do make yourself comfortable, whether that be here, or upstairs. But if you go upstairs, make sure not to open the door on the left. The lock broke last week." [["If you don't mind me asking, why shouldn't I open that door?"]] [[Go upstairs]]

"Actually, I think I'll just wait for Koe down here. This couch does look pretty comfortable." You stay downstairs and sit next to Yuki on the couch. She says nothing for what seems like forever, but she continues to grip the couch, as if something is bothering her. [["Is something wrong Mrs. Nashide?"]] [[Say nothing]]

You open the door to Koe's room to see Koe wearing a backpack and grabbing a sleeping bag. "Looks like you're ready to go." Koe nods. [[Go downstairs.]] [[Open the door on the left.]]

You try to open the door, but it's locked. [[Open the door on the left.]] [[Open the door to the bathroom.]] [[Open the door straight ahead.]]

You open the door to the bathroom to see Koe putting a toothbrush in his backpack with one hand, with a sleeping bag in the other. "Oh I didn't know you were in here. Looks like you're ready to go." Koe nods. [[Go downstairs.]] [[Open the door on the left.]]

You turn the knob for the door and it almost opens on its own, releasing a thick fog into the hallways. You look into the room. There's cherry blossoms everywhere, tatami mats all across the floor, multiple buddha statues, both small and large, and three katanas, one on each wall. The size of the room is illogical. A room this big can't possibly fit in this house. As you continue to look around, you see a man in his late-40s meditating. He quickly opens his eyes and sprints towards you before you even notice that he's stood up. He reaches behind you and closes the door, stopping the fog from spreading. "You're not supposed to be here. You're not supposed to be here. You're not supposed to be here!" "''LEAVE!!!''" "Mr. Nashide, what is thi-" "''LEAVE NOW!!!''" Koe's father, (text-colour:#862e9c)[Yoshinori's] eyes dart back and forth rapidly as he begins to sweat profusely. "''LEAVE NOW!!!''" [[Leave the room]] [["Cultural artifacts are illegal. How do you have this stuff?"]] (set: $DoorOpened to 1)

"I've been here for 20 years, and I still don't know what Yoshinori does for a living." Yuki begins to tremble as her grip tightens. "You haven't asked him?" "Even though he's my husband I can't make myself do it. The last time I asked was about 10 years ago." Yuki grabs your arm and begins to grip it. "Koe was so young back then, just three years old. He had just said his first words a few days ago at the time." "First ''words''?" "Oh, yes, it was that day." Yuki's grip on both your arm and the couch tightened further. "That day, I asked him what he did for a living and he left with Koe. He was gone for over a week! I had no idea where he was. I didn't dare search for him, but suddenly he came back with Koe and more than enough money for us to have this house built. After that day, Koe never spoke again." [[Stay with Yuki]] [[Go upstairs]]

The silence continues for 10 more minutes until Koe comes downstairs with a backpack and a sleeping bag. "Well, looks like Koe is ready to go, see ya later Mrs. Nashide!" You wave goodbye as you head for the door. "Be safe you two!" [[Go to Lincoln Colony]]

Location: Lincoln Colony Time: 7:00 PM After traveling through the tunnel for another 5 miles, you arrive in Lincoln Colony. The tunnel exit is right in the center of town, surrounded by abandoned gas stations with pools of oil not far from them. Some pools are small with children playing in them. Some pools are large with adults drowning in them. "Home sweet home." You mumble. <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f2/81/7a/f2817a5f874fde7cf7df3df3338602a1.jpg" height="400px" width="600px"> [[Explore the colony.]] [[Go home.]]

"Mrs. Nashide, do you still not know what happened that day?" "No, I haven't the slightest idea. It eats away at my heart. Every. Single. Day." Before your conversation could continue, Koe comes down the stairs with a backpack and a sleeping bag. "Well, looks like Koe is ready to go, you two should leave." Yuki releases your arm from her grasp. "But Mrs. Nashide we weren-" "You. Two. Should. Leave." You head for the door, your hands trembling as you grip the handle. "Alright, Koe, let's go. Goodbye Mrs. Nashide!" "Yes, be safe you two!" Mrs. Nashide waves as you shut the door. [[Go to Lincoln Colony]]

(if: $DoorOpened is 1)[Yuki is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "You opened the door, didn't you?" Koe turns to you, confused. [["Yes, I did.]] [["No, I didn't."]]](else:)["Koe's ready to go, so we're heading out." "Alright, be safe." Mrs. Nashide mumbles from the couch. [[Go to Lincoln Colony]]]

You open and close the door quickly and stand back up in the now fog-free hallway. [[Open the door straight ahead.]] [[Open the door to Koe's parent's room.]] [[Open the door to the bathroom.]]

Mr. Nashide's eyes roll into the back of his head. "''LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!!!''" "I can't do that Mr. Nashide. I need to know what all of this i-" [[Before you can finish your sentence, a gust of wind pushes you out of the room and closes the door.]]

You stand back up and look around the now fog-free hallway again. [[Open the door straight ahead.]] [[Open the door to Koe's parent's room.]] [[Open the door to the bathroom.]] [[Open the door on the left.->Left 2]]

You attempt to open the door again, and it opens just as easily as the first time, but the room is completely different. It's just a basic work room, with a desk, office chair, lamp, notebook, and computer. [[Look inside of the notebook.]] [[Open the door straight ahead.]] [[Open the door to Koe's parent's room.]] [[Open the door to the bathroom.]]

The notebook is full of symbols that you can't read. They don't look like any human language. [[Open the door straight ahead.]] [[Open the door to Koe's parent's room.]] [[Open the door to the bathroom.]]

"I told you not to open it." "I know, I was just- "I told you not to ''open'' it!" Koe clings to you and looks away from his mother nervously, "Mrs. Nashide, I-" "It's fine. Just leave." She smiles and points to the door. You head for the door with Koe following closely, you hand shaking as you twist the knob and hurry out of the house. [[Go to Lincoln Colony]]

"Don't lie to me. I told you not to open it." "I know, I was just- "I told you not to ''open'' it!" Koe clings to you and looks away from his mother nervously, "Mrs. Nashide, I-" "It's fine. Just leave." She smiles and points to the door. You head for the door with Koe following closely, your hand shaking as you twist the knob and hurry out of the house. [[Go to Lincoln Colony]]

"You've probably heard the rumors. It's been 100 years since we drove the Wendigos off of this planet. They need those pods in case they come back." [["Wendigos?"]] [["Doesn't that concern you?"]]

"Wendigos, true Martians, whatever you wanna call them. They're the species that lived here before us." [["And their return doesn't concern you?"->"Doesn't that concern you?"]]

"I mean, I can't be that upset. We're living on stolen land. When you steal from somebody, you can't be angry when they take it back." Nick opens the door for you, "Anyway, you two should really get going. Ryan's gonna be back soon." [[Leave the police station]]

You walk around a bit, passing by the local mine. "Look at 'em Koe, hammering away as if they'll find something that'll save them from this Hell. Even if they did, General Manson and his gang would just take it." [[Go home.]]

After walking for about a minute, you arrive at a torn up 2 story house at the outermost part of town. There's nothing else near the house for about 50 feet besides a toxic soil infested garden. "Alright, here we are. The best house in all of Lincoln Colony!" "Blaze!" Your mother swings the door off of its hinges right as you reach for it, "Where have you been all day? I was worried sick!" [[Show her the food you got.]]

"I was grabbing some stuff from Washington Town. This'll feed us for almost a week!" You reply with a big smile. But your smile quickly fades as your mother's palm meets your face, "What was that for?" "Your father and I came to this planet 20 years ago because we were foolish enough to think there were better opportunities here than on Earth. We worked in the mine until our arms damn near fell off for this house. We earned the respect of every person in this damn colony, all 5,000 of them, so that they wouldn't even think about building anything within 50 feet of us, for some privacy. Even though we live at the edge of this entire dome, even though we don't even have good soil because of this damn atmosphere, even though we wake up every morning and wonder if we'll open this door to a dust storm, we still do everything we can for this family." your mother pauses, "we did ''not'' do all of this so you could steal from Washington Town! We raised you better than that!" As you struggle to think of a response, a man about a foot taller than your mother emerges from the house, "(text-colour:#74c0fc)[Martha], go easy on him will ya?" [["Hi dad."]]

"Well what do you have there? You got this all for us?" Your father pats your head and takes the bag of food from you. Your mother swiftly takes the bag from him "Frederick, I already made dinner, don't patronize him." "But he did it for us, Martha. You gotta praise our kids more often, otherwise they'll grow up to be some no fun sourpuss like Yoshinori." Your mother sighs, "Just come inside. I'm not in the mood to argue about this." Your mother heads inside. Your father turns back to you, "You heard her, let's head in." [["Oh, is it okay if Koe sleeps over?"]] [[Head inside]]

Koe, who had been observing the plants in the garden up until now, turns and waves. Your father runs to Koe and embraces him, "Koe! My pal! My buddy! My third son! How are you?! Wait, don't answer that question." Koe stares at you and mouths the word "help". "Dad, you know how Koe feels about people invading his personal space." "You're right," your father drops Koe, "Sorry." [[Head inside->Head inside 1]]

You go inside and see Evangeline and your mother waiting at the dinner table. Your mother stands up quickly, "Koe! My-" "Don't even try it." You interrupt your mother before she can even approach him. As you walk towards the kitchen, you feel a tug on the back of your shirt, "Blaze, could you get me a new shirt next time?" You turn around to see a 5 year old boy in a torn up shirt, your younger brother, (text-colour:#ffa94d)[Cedric]. [["Sure, Ced. I'll get you the best shit I can find."]] [["There probably won't be a next time, Ced."]]

Cedric giggles as you pick him up to bring him to the dinner table. "Language!" Your mother yells from the kitchen. You lower your voice to a whisper, "I'll get you the best shit I can find." Cedric whispers back, "Language!" [[Sit at the dinner table]]

Koe, who had been observing the plants in the garden up until now, gets up to follow you, but before he can even reach the door, both of your parents approach him without you realizing. "Why didn't you tell us Koe was here!" Your mother says crying tears of joy as she hugs him. "My pal, my buddy, my third son!" Your father joins in and embraces Koe. "Guys," You interrupt their joy-filled reunion, "you know how Koe feels about people invading his personal space." "You're right," your father drops Koe and tears your mother away from him, "Sorry." You go inside and see Evangeline waiting at the dinner table. As you walk towards the kitchen, you feel a tug on the back of your shirt, "Blaze, could you get me a new shirt next time?" You turn around to see a 5 year old boy in a torn up shirt, your younger brother, (text-colour:#ffa94d)[Cedric]. [["Sure, Ced. I'll get you the best shit I can find."]] [["There probably won't be a next time, Ced."]]

Cedric frowns and stares at the floor, "Why not?" "Because mom doesn't want me to steal stuff anymore. We'll get you all sorts of new clothes when we can, okay?" "Okay." [[You pick Cedric up and go to the dinner table->Sit at the dinner table]]

"What's for dinner today?" you ask. "Potato soup. Eat it before it gets cold." Evangeline replies as she takes her first spoonful, "Wow, Mom! This tastes great!" Your mother is overjoyed, "Really? I got the potatoes from Yuki, she said they were the best batch she's had in a while!" Everyone continues to eat and they all express how much they enjoy the soup, except for Koe. He eats it slowly, shaking his head to sloth it around in his mouth to get whatever flavor he can out of it to no avail. He sighs, showing the inside of his tongueless mouth and tries again. "Blaze," your father bumps your arm with his elbow, "This soup is great, isn't it? Your mom hasn't made anything this good in a while!" Your mother glares at him, seeing that comment as more of an insult than a compliment. [["It's not that special." (Lie)]] [["Yeah, it tastes amazing!"]]

(set: $KoeHappy to 1)Koe smiles and starts eating more quickly. As everybody finishes up dinner, your mother makes an announcement, "You guys should go to sleep right away. I got all the paperwork done, you're going to school in Washington Town tomorrow." "What?! Why?! I stopped going for a reason? And I thought you couldn't afford to send both me and Evangeline to school anyway?" "Yuki is helping me pay for it, Koe's going too." Your father puts his hand on your shoulder, "Don't argue with your mom on this. Meet me outside, we'll talk a bit." [[Go outside.]]

(set: $KoeSad to 1)Koe frowns and stops eating. As everybody finishes up dinner, your mother makes an announcement, "You guys should go to sleep right away. I got all the paperwork done, you're going to school in Washington Town tomorrow." "What?! Why?! I stopped going for a reason? And I thought you couldn't afford to send both me and Evangeline to school anyway?" "Yuki is helping me pay for it, Koe's going too." Your father puts his hand on your shoulder, "Don't argue with your mom on this. Meet me outside, we'll talk a bit." [[Go outside.]]

You both sit on the front porch and look at the stars. "Blaze, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?" "You think I'm thinking that far ahead?" "You should. If you really wanna help us out, you gotta get an education. Times are changing, they're letting kids from the colonies get jobs in Washington if they get good enough grades." "So you want me to study?" "Ideally, yes. I'm not asking for much, just give it a shot, alright?" "Alright." "Anything else you wanna talk about?" [["Why did we have to change out last name?"]] [["I saw that conspiracy theorist today. He said some stuff about the true Martians taking their home back."]]

"You've asked me that so many times." "I want you to tell me again." "It wasn't just our last name, Osei, your mom and I had to change our full names too. My name used to be Kwame and your mom's name used to be Ekua. We had to change our names to European ones for the same reason we had to leave behind all other aspects of our culture. They think that stuff makes it harder to gather reliable data for improving life in the domes, or at least, that's what they like to say." "Then why is Koe's family different?" "Well they're... a special case." "Special how?" "That's a question for Koe to answer when he's ready, not me. Goodnight son." [[Go to bed]] (set: $Name to 1)

"Well, it's not impossible, but we probably don't have to worry about that." "Why not?" "Well, all this bad stuff happens to us all the time, but there has to be something to balance it out. Certainly, we can't be that unlucky. So if the original inhabitants of this planet came back, I don't think they'd hurt us. Maybe they'd even let us go back to Earth, surely they'd empathize with our desire to go back home." "That's a weird way to think about it, dad." "Yeah, but it helps me sleep at night, and I hope it'll help you too. Goodnight, son." [[Go to bed]]

"Blaze." "Blaze!" "Wake up dumbass!" You jolt awake to see Evangeline ready to slap you and Koe peeking through the door, "Sheesh, what time is it?" you look at your clock, "They say a broken clock is right twice, but there's no way it's already noon, right?" "It's noon, probably third period right about now, so let's get going!" Evangeline tugs you out of bed, grabs your backpack, and drags you out of your room. She turns to the right and grabs your coat from the closet, "Make sure to wear this, it's supposed to snow today." [["Wait, I have to brush my teeth and stuff!"]] [[Leave Lincoln Colony]]

Evangeline doesn't reply and continues to drag you down the stairs, filling you with splinters as Koe watches in horror. "But my breath is gonna smell! And I'm still in yesterday's clothes!" "We tried to wake you up for hours, we need to get on the bullet train, now!" [[Leave Lincoln Colony]]

Location: Washington Town, Kennedy Middle School Time: 12:08 PM You arrive at the train station between Lincoln and Truman Colony. Evangeline flashes three tickets and you all get on the bullet train. Evangeline pulls out a notebook, "Okay you two, mom and dad gave us a list of things to do on the first day, so pay attention," she begins to read the list, "Let's see here. Don't leave without Blaze. Unfortunately we can check that one off. Arrive on time... let's cross that one out. Be nice to the teacher-" You interject, "No promises." "Learn as much as you can- Koe and I can do that, not sure about Blaze. And lastly, make some friends. Seems pretty simple, for me at least." The train comes to a stop. "Huh, we were only on for a few minutes?" "That's why they call it a bullet train, Blaze. The school is the first stop, let's get off." [[Get off of the train]]

You sprint into school with Koe and Evangeline, but before you can get to your first class, your head is slammed into a locker. You get a glimpse of the girl pinning you to the locker and realize that she looks familiar."Blaze Sanders!" Her yell echoes throughout the hallway. "Thats... my name. While I certainly love having my face squeezed, I'll have to ask you to get off of me." "Not happening! Not until you give back what you took from my father!" Other students start to gather around and mumble among themselves. Koe tries to intervene, but Evangeline holds him back before he can even take a step forward. [["Give back what I took from your father? You're gonna have to be more specific."]] [["I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this kind of drama until highschool."]]

"Alonzo Romano! The owner of Non Ti Pago!" "Ohhh, that guy! I don't have anything that I took from him on me, but you're not getting that stuff back." "Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea how hard life is for us?! My dad barely gets any customers and you decide to steal from his restaurant? How heartless can you be?!" "You wanna talk about how hard life is for ''you''?! What about us? You should be grateful, you probably have an undamaged roof over your head, doors that don't break off the hinge when you open them, and stairs that don't give your feet splinters!" The crowd that was previously mumbling among themselves is now silent. You look over and realize that among this crowd, there's a single black boy who they've cleared a path for. "Giovanna, let's calm down a little," the boy laughs, "You're gonna make all these people late to class." Giovanna lets you go as her body stiffens, "Of course (text-colour:#6741d9)[Cameron]! I'm sorry for causing a disturbance!" "You okay new kid? Need help with anything?" Cameron has already reached into your backpack and is looking at your schedule, "Ahhh, Mars history class with Thorton, love that guy. Just take a left at the end of the hallway and it'll be the first class on the right." He hands you your schedule back and walks away, "Th-thanks." [[Head to class]]

"Drama? Do you have any idea how hard life is for us?! My dad barely gets any customers and you decide to steal from his restaurant? How heartless can you be?!" "You wanna talk about how hard life is for you? What about us? You should be grateful, you probably have an undamaged roof over your head, doors that don't break off the hinge when you open them, and stairs that don't give your feet splinters!" The crowd that was previously mumbling among themselves is now silent. You look over and realize that among this crowd, there's a single black boy who they've cleared a path for. "Giovanna, let's calm down a little," the boy laughs, "You're gonna make all these people late to class." Giovanna lets you go as her body stiffens, "O-of course (text-colour:#6741d9)[Cameron]! I'm sorry for causing a disturbance!" "You okay new kid? Need help with anything?" Cameron has already reached into your backpack and is looking at your schedule, "Ahhh, Mars history class with Thorton Miller, love that guy! Just take a left at the end of the hallway and it'll be the first class on the right." He hands you your schedule back and walks away, "Th-thanks." [[Head to class]]

You walk into the classroom and immediately the heads of every single person in the room turn to you, including the teacher's, "Ah, we have some new students today, isn't that exciting?! Can you three please write your names on the board and introduce yourselves?" Koe goes first, writing his name beautifully, no stroke of the marker being wasted. The teacher walks up to the board "Very impressive! Koe Nashide, I'm not quite sure what that name means. It's certainly unusual..." Koe writes the words "Without a voice" under his name. You turn to Evangeline, "I didn't know his name meant that..." Evangeline flicks your forehead, "Well maybe if you asked him he would've let you know." "Whatever." [[Write your name on the board]]

"Hmmm." The teacher observes your handwriting closely, "Yup, I can't read a single letter. Can you write it again?" The whole class laughs. "Wha- it obviously says-" "Blaze Sanders." a voice from the back of the class interrupts, "We all heard Giovanna yelling it in the hallways." "Alright then," the teacher hands a marker to Evangeline, "Would you care to write your name down, young lady?" Evangeline writes her name on the board. Her handwriting is definitely above average. The teacher is able to read it with ease, "Evangeline Sanders, so you and Blaze are sib-" "Wait," Evangeline begins to erase her name, "I can do better, let me rewrite it." Evangeline rewrites her name. Then she erases it and rewrites it again. And again. And again. She keeps repeating this until the teacher takes the marker away. "You don't have to try so hard. Your handwriting is just fine, there's no need to erase it." The teacher turns back to the class, "Alright, how about you three take those three seats in the back with Mark. Is that alright with you Mark?" [[Before Mark replies, you head for your seat]]

"Wait a minute, (text-colour:#ffd43b)[Thorton]!" Mark stands up, clenching his fist and his jaw, "Hell no, I'm not sitting next to any of them, especially not Evangeline or Blaze!" "And why is that, Mr. Manson?" Thorton replies with a raised eyebrow. "Because if I get too close, all that dirt on their skin is gonna get on me." Mark snaps back with confidence. None of the students stood against him, it would even seem that they all agreed. [[Leave the classroom]] [[Continue walking to your seat]]

"Stop, Blaze." Thorton gently grabs your arm, "You're not the one who should leave. Mark, get out of my classroom." "Huh?" All of the smugness on Mark's face had now been erased. "Did I stutter? Get out of my classroom. Right now. I accept anyone who's willing to learn here, and if you're not going to do the same, then you can leave." "This is bullshit! I don't even need school, I'll just inherit this whole damn dome from my dad, then I'll boss every single one of you around for the rest of your lives!" Thorton opened the door, "Then what's the issue? Leave. Now!" Without saying another word, Mark sat back down in his seat. "Now you three can take your seats." [[Take your seat]] [["Thank you"]]

"Get out." You turn towards Thorton, "Huh?" "Not you. I was talking to Mark." "Huh?" All of the smugness on Mark's face had now been erased. "Did I stutter? Get out of my classroom. Right now. I accept anyone who's willing to learn here, and if you're not going to do the same, then you can leave." "This is bullshit! I don't even need school, I'll just inherit this whole damn dome from my dad, then I'll boss every single one of you around for the rest of your lives!" Thorton opened the door, "Then what's the issue? Leave. Now!" Without saying another word, Mark sat back down in his seat. "Now you three can take your seats." [[Take your seat]] [["Thank you"]]

Thorton begins his lecture, "Alright class, for those of you who don't know me, I've been teaching here ever since I moved to Mars 5 years ago, and I used to be a journalist. Oh and my name is Thorton Miller. You can call me Mr. Miller." "Alright, Thorton." The entire class says in unison. "Gimme a break. Anyway, we were going to talk about the process of building the domes that we live in today, but since Mark was kind enough to mention his father, we're gonna talk about how the Mars experiment started for a minute. That ruckus in the hallway took up more time than I expected, as well as the little dispute we just had, so I'll be brief before the lunch bell rings." Thorton begins to doodle on the board, "So about 100 years ago, in 2040, America feared they were falling behind in space travel, so the government and NASA dumped their resources into inhabiting Mars. However, after scouting the planet, they discovered a hyper intelligent alien species, that they referred to as Wendigos." [[Raise your hand]] [[Let Thorton continue]]

"What're you thanking me for?" "I've never had somebody stand up for me like that. That's why I'm thanking you." Thorton smiled, "Well, you're very welcome. Though I wish I could pay rent with a thank you." "How much do you get paid?" "You don't wanna know." [[Take your seat]]

"Yes, Blaze! What's your question?!" [["Nevermind, please continue." (Let Thorton continue)->Let Thorton continue]] [["Why did they call them Wendigos?"]] [["How do we know they're so smart? Do they speak English?"]] (set: $Raise to 1)

"They initially thought that there weren't many of them, so they collaborated with the US military to exterminate them. However, they underestimated their numbers and the war lasted over 7 years. After winning the war against these 'true Martians', General Martin Manson demanded that he and the military have a larger role in inhabiting Mars as compensation for their efforts." [[Raise your hand->Raise your hand 2]] [[Let Thorton continue->Let Thorton continue 2]]

"Great question. They called them Wendigos because of their resemblance to the mythological creature. Here's a picture for reference!" <img src=https://www.legendsofamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Wendigo1.jpg> "Why do you keep that picture with you?" [[Let Thorton continue]] [["How do we know they're so smart? Do they speak English?"]]

"Yes, Blaze! What's your question?!" (if: $Raise is 1)["I get the feeling that you don't get asked many questions. Anyway, [[How did we win the war?"->"How did we win the war?"]]](else:)[["How did we win the war?"]]

Before Thorton could continue lecturing, the bell rang. "Oh, it's time for lunch. You should all get going." You, Koe, and Evangeline head for the door, but before you can leave, Thorton calls you, "Oh, Blaze, Evangeline, and Koe, since you guys get about 30 minutes for lunch, could you guys come back after about 15 minutes? There's something I wanna talk to you about." [["Okay" (Go to the cafeteria)]] [["Sounds kinda creepy"]]

"How'd we win, you ask? A logical question, giant monsters with large claws and brains to match them would prove quite a challenge. The answer is quite simple, Wendigos had one thing that kept them from winning the war. Something that humanity threw away long ago. Does anyone know what that is?" The class was completely silent. "Morals. Nobody can get upset about the kinds of weapons we use because they're not being used against humans. We threw every WMD, every toxic gas, every experimental tool of death we had at the Wendigos. The survivors had to retreat to another planet." [[Let Thorton continue->Let Thorton continue 2]]

You enter the cafeteria and get your food, but realize you've got a problem. There aren't any empty tables. "We have to sit with someone? Come onnnnnnnnnn." You whine. Evangeline points to the back right corner of the cafeteria, "Well, there's that table with one girl sitting at it over there. Then Cameron's sitting over there on the left. Mom and dad did say we should make friends, so maybe this isn't that bad." "Hmm, we could sit with Cameron, but that other kid is writing down lots of stuff in her notebook, I'm kinda curious." "Well, I'm gonna sit wherever you guys choose not to sit, so hurry up and decide." [[Sit with Cameron]] [[Sit with the girl]]

"Wow. That... really hurts actually." "Well, I'm just being honest." "Yeah, brutally honest. Did your parents ever teach you any manners?" "They tried, but I didn't listen." Evangeline chimes in, "I can attest to that. But we'll come, don't worry." [[Go to the cafeteria->"Okay" (Go to the cafeteria)]]

You walk over to Cameron's table, but hesitate to sit down, as his eyes are darting around the room rapidly. "You guys can sit, relax." Cameron taps the two chairs next to him. Koe sits down on Cameron's right while you sit down on his left. "Uhhh, Cameron-" "That's my name, don't wear it out. I only get one of those." "Riiiiight. Anyway, why're you looking around so much?" "I'm just observing everyone. Everybody's predictable if you watch them enough. If you can predict what everybody in the room is gonna do, then you can control what everybody in the room is gonna do. Simple as that.” [["I guess you're right."]] [["Why don't you just talk to people instead?"]]

You and Koe sit down, but the girl seems to not notice you and keeps writing in her notebook. The girl begins mumbling a poem to herself (text-colour:#4dabf7)["'//Dust overtakes all. In the final hour, there's nobody to call. You hold your loved ones tight. The Wendigos come at night.//'] Wait, maybe instead of 'you hold your loved ones tight', I should say, 'you try to hold back your fright'-" [["That's a pretty crappy poem."]] [["Why're you writing such a grim poem?"]]

"Right? It's way too edgy, there's no substance to i- wait, when did you get here?" "Like 30 seconds ago. Listen, my parents and my sister say I've gotta make some friends so can we just shake hands and act friendly for a bit." "Well, I don't see why not. You're Blaze right?" [["No"]] [["Yes"]]

"Because we're living in grim times- wait, when did you get here?!" "Like 30 seconds ago. Listen, my parents and my sister say I've gotta make some friends so can we just shake hands and act friendly for a bit." "Well, I don't see why not. You're Blaze right?" [["No"]] [["Yes"]]

"If I was any dumber I might actually fall for that. My name's Patricia Ellis." She shakes your hand "Ellis? You related to Nick Ellis by any chance?" "That would be my lame uncle." [["He's not lame."]] [["Yeah, he is kinda lame."]]

"Well I'm Patricia Ellis." She shakes your hand. "Ellis? You related to Nick Ellis by any chance?" "That would be my lame uncle." [["He's not lame."]] [["Yeah, he is kinda lame."]]

"What makes you think that?" "Well, he helped me out, I owe him." "My uncle helped you? He's a police officer, I'm sure you're thinking of the wrong guy." "It's the truth, he helped me and Koe." Koe waves. "When did he- you know what. Let me put on my glasses, that's two times I haven't noticed somebody showing up at this table." "Why don't you wear your glasses all the time?" "Because I think they make me look unapproachable. That's what my dad says, but ever since I stopped wearing them, you're the only person who's approached me. Thanks for that by the way." "It's definitely not the glasses that make you unapproachable." you mumble. "Hm?" "Oh, would you look at the time, I have to meet my teacher back in class, see ya later!" [[Return to the classroom]]

"Right? He's so timid and lets everyone walk all over him. He doesn't act like a man at all." You look up at the clock in the cafeteria and see that 15 minutes have passed. "Crap, sorry Patricia, I have to get going." You grab Koe and get ready to head back to the classroom. "When did he- you know what. Let me put on my glasses, that's two times I haven't noticed somebody showing up at this table." "Why don't you wear your glasses all the time?" "Because I think they make me look unapproachable. That's what my dad says, but ever since I stopped wearing them, you're the only person who's approached me. Thanks for that by the way." "It's definitely not the glasses that make you unapproachable." you mumble. "Hm?" "Oh, I said your glasses don't make you look unapproachable, bye!" [[Return to the classroom]]

Evangeline catches up to you outside the classroom door, with Thorton following her. "I hope you guys enjoyed your lunch. I didn't enjoy mine at all, thanks for asking." You turn to face Thorton, "Um, none of us asked you that. Don't you teachers just all eat in the teacher's lounge and talk about how miserable you are or something." "No. Or at least, I don't. The other teachers don't let me in there anymore." "Why not?" "None of them like me." [["Wow. That's really sad."]] [["So what'd you want to talk to us about?"]]

Thorton sat on the floor and curled up into a ball, "5 years. I've been here for 5 years and they still don't like me. Am I really that bad? Do I seem unlikeable to you guys?" [["Yes"->Yes1]] [["No"->No1]]

"I asked you guys to come here because I wanted to talk about Koe, specifically his name." "What do you mean?" "Well there's only been one recorded case of a Truman or Lincoln Colony family being allowed to keep their original names. And that case was 10 years ago, At the same time General Manson was conducting experiments on Wendigos." Koe begins to sweat as Thorton continues, "He was trying to figure out how to weaponize them and their abilities." [["What does that have to do with Koe?"]] [["I don't think Koe is comfortable with you talking about this."]]

"You see, Blaze, guys like us, and guys like Koe, only have two options when they come here. The first option is to fight everybody who crosses you. That worked for a while in my case, but recently I realized that everybody was afraid of me because of it. So now, I've switched to the second option, just quietly observing and letting the people who aren't scared of me come to me. Sure some of 'em are just racist dickheads who haven't had their ass kicked by me yet. If that's the case, I'll gladly introduce their butts to the ground, but some of them are cool people, like you and Koe." "You really think we're cool pe-" "But make no mistake Blaze! There are ''only'' two options if you want to survive. You can't let a single person push you around. At that point, you're not surviving, you're just living." [["What's the difference?"]] [["You really think we're cool people?"]]

"You think people that look like us can ever really just talk to somebody? You've probably realized it, they'll look down on us like we're not even human beings before they even listen to a single word we have to say." "But there's good people out there, right?" "Blaze, for us- for guys like you, me, and even Koe, there's only two options. The first option is to fight everybody who crosses you. I did that for a long time. Maybe too long. You saw how people acted when I showed up earlier, right?" "Hell yeah! They really respected you!" "That wasn't because they respected me, it was because they feared me. Never mistake fear for respect. Anyway, now I've switched to the second option. I just quietly observe and let the people who aren't scared of me come to me. But here's the important part, some of 'em only come to me to look down on me. I will ''never'' allow that to happen.If some racist shitbrain wants to mess with me, I'll gladly introduce their butts to the ground. However, some of the people that approach me are pretty cool, like you and Koe." [["You really think we're cool people?"]]

"I'm glad you asked. Surviving is to continue living to spite the assholes who try to keep you down, to spite the world that put you at a disadvantage from the start, to keep moving forward after you've been dealt a bad hand! Just living, well just living is giving up, accepting that you've lost. My dad taught me that." "Your dad seems like a smart guy." "He was, sometimes I wish he was still here." [["What happened to him?"]]

"Yup. You're just like me. You're survivors. You continue to live to spite the assholes who try to keep you down, to spite the world that put you at a disadvantage from the start, to keep moving forward after you've been dealt a bad hand! To hell with just living!" "Sounds like you've been holding that in for a while." "I have. My dad told me that a long time ago. I still miss him sometimes." [["What happened to him?"]]

"Well, about a year ago my dad stole from a clothing store. No big deal right? Everybody in Lincoln Colony does it. The problem was, the owner was General Manson's cousin. So General Manson shows up to Lincoln Colony and demands the head of whoever stole from his cousin's store." "Wait, when did this happen? Like the exact date and time?" "February 3rd, around 7:00 PM." "Damn, my family was having dinner at Koe's house that night, we weren't there." "But anyway, I immediately told them my dad was the one who did it." [["You what?"]] [[Let Cameron continue]]

"Listen, you can't get mad at me at selling out my dad." "I sure as Hell can!" "Then tell me this: If you were in my position and they came after your dad, you'd stand by his side and defend him, right?" "Of course!" "And you'd get arrested with him, right?" "Well... yeah." "And you'd ''die'' with him, right?" "..." "You wouldn't, and neither would I. That's why I did it. Problem is, just selling out a thief isn't good enough. I don't get anything out of it, I just lose my dad. So I told them he was planning a rebellion too." [["Why would you do that?"]]

"Problem is, that's not enough. They'd probably arrest me too if they found out I was his son, so I told them he was planning a rebellion too." [["Why would you do that?"]]

"Because now I can make a demand. I'm selling out my beloved father. My mother died when I was young, I'd be all alone. Even the most cold-hearted man would hear me out, but I couldn't ask for anything too drastic. I simply asked that they let me go to school here. It's what my father would've wanted. Everyone was too scared to talk about what happened that night, but the people who did were arrested and killed 3 months later, along with my dad. There were about 12 of them including my dad, I think." "Wait, one thing isn't adding up." "And what would that be." "I saw an article about this from this week. These can't be the same people." "Well, they delayed the news a little. The military let us keep hoping that maybe they were still alive, until they can break the news at the perfect time, both making us fear them more, and making everyone else hate us more." [["That's horrible."]] [["So that's what it means to 'survive', huh?"]]

"Yes, yes it is. But I'm still here. I survived." Before you could continue your conversation, you check the clock and realize 15 minutes have passed. "Crap, sorry Cameron, we have to go." You grab Koe and get going. "See ya later, Blaze (if: $Name is 1)[Osei](else:)[Sanders]." [[Return to the classroom]]

"That's right. You might be in the same position someday." Before you could continue your conversation, you check the clock and realize 15 minutes have passed. "Crap, sorry Cameron, we have to go." You grab Koe and get going. "See ya later, Blaze (if: $Name is 1)[Osei](else:)[Sanders]." [[Return to the classroom]]

"Maybe I need to stop working with kids." Thorton stood back up, "Alright, no time to be sad! I wanted to talk to you guys about Koe, specifically his name." "What do you mean?" "Well there's only been one recorded case of a Truman or Lincoln Colony family being allowed to keep their original names. And that case was 10 years ago, At the same time General Manson was conducting experiments on Wendigos." Koe begins to sweat as Thorton continues, "He was trying to figure out how to weaponize them and their abilities." [["What does that have to do with Koe?"]] [["I don't think Koe is comfortable with you talking about this."]]

"See, this is why I work with kids. I always know that you're not lying!" Evangeline quickly interjected, "No, he lies a lot." "Anyway, I asked you guys to come here because I wanted to talk about Koe, specifically his name." "What do you mean?" "Well there's only been one recorded case of a Truman or Lincoln Colony family being allowed to keep their original names. And that case was 10 years ago, At the same time General Manson was conducting experiments on Wendigos." Koe begins to sweat as Thorton continues, "He was trying to figure out how to weaponize them and their abilities." [["What does that have to do with Koe?"]] [["I don't think Koe is comfortable with you talking about this."]]

"Well before I get into that, allow me to explain what Wendigos can actually do." Thorton starts doodling on the board, "See they're sort of like chameleons in the sense that they can make themselves more difficult to see, but Wendigos do not merely blend in with their environment, they actually alter the way that others see them. It has a direct effect on your perception of reality, rendering them completely unnoticeable. They're still there, and they aren't necessarily 'invisible' but you simply do not perceive their presence." "So you're telling me that there could be a Wendigo anywhere, at any time, and we simply wouldn't know?" You just now notice that Koe is hiding behind you. "If they choose to use this ability, that is correct. They can also release a thick fog from their mouths that alters the space around them. This affects all 5 of our senses, not just our sight. They could make it snow, or even make this room appear to be a large, grassy field. We could even 'walk' through it, though we would only feel like we are, and in reality we're not moving at all once we get too close to a wall or a door. Keep in mind, ''this is just what we know about''. There's still so much that needs to be researched." [["This is interesting and all, but please get to the point."]] [["I don't know what you're worried about, but just deal with it for a bit longer, Koe."]]

"I understand that and I'm sorry, but I need to confirm my suspicions. Not just as a teacher, but a journalist as well." [["Alright, continue."]]

"So first, allow me to explain what Wendigos can actually do." Thorton starts doodling on the board, "See they're sort of like chameleons in the sense that they can make themselves more difficult to see, but Wendigos do not merely blend in with their environment, they actually alter the way that others see them. It has a direct effect on your perception of reality, rendering them completely unnoticeable. They're still there, and they aren't necessarily 'invisible' but you simply do not perceive their presence." "So you're telling me that there could be a Wendigo anywhere, at any time, and we simply wouldn't know?" You just now notice that Koe is hiding behind you. "If they choose to use this ability, that is correct. They can also release a thick fog from their mouths that alters the space around them. They could make this room appear to be a large, grassy field. We could even 'walk' through it, though we would only feel like we are, and in reality we're not moving at all once we get too close to a wall or a door. Keep in mind, ''this is just what we know about''. There's still so much that needs to be researched." [["This is interesting and all, but please get to the point."]] [["I don't know what you're worried about, but just deal with it for a bit longer, Koe."]]

"Of course. This family that got to keep their original names helped with this experiment. The father and son to be exact. The father offered his son as a test subject, and in exchange, General Manson gave him enough money to support his family for a lifetime and allowed them to keep their original names." "So you think that this man and his son are Koe and his father? How do you know that they're not just some unrecorded case?" "I know this because of the last thing they did with the test subject. Koe can't talk, right? That's why he's so quiet all the time? Well, they made the Wendigo breathe fog into the test subject's mouth. It completely destroyed the boy's tongue and severely damaged his vocal cords and taste buds. He couldn't talk or taste. But, there were reports that the boy would randomly disappear. Perhaps he has the same abilities as a-" [["Stop for a sec. Koe are-"]] [["How do you know all of this?"]]

Koe nods nervously without leaving your side. "So now to my point. This family that got to keep their original names helped with this experiment. The father and son to be exact. The father offered his son as a test subject, and in exchange, General Manson gave him enough money to support his family for a lifetime and allowed them to keep their original names." "So you think that this man and his son are Koe and his father? How do you know that they're not just some unrecorded case?" "I know this because of the last thing they did with the test subject. They made the Wendigo breathe fog into his mouth. It completely destroyed the boy's tongue and severely damaged his vocal cords and taste buds. He couldn't talk or taste. But, there were reports that the boy would randomly disappear. Perhaps he has the same abilities as a-" [["Stop for a sec. Koe are-"]] [["How do you know all of this?"]]

You turn to face Koe, but he's gone. "Shit." "I'm sorry, I got too caught up in being a journalist and forgot that Koe's just a child. I-" Evangeline turns towards and pushes you, "You should've stopped him earlier. You knew he didn't wanna hear about this." "I thought he would've let me know when he'd heard enough or something!" "Oh yeah, because obviously he can speak up for himself!" [["Oh please Evangeline, get off your high horse. You didn't do anything either."]] [[Look for Koe]]

"My sources are confidential. I don't even know if they're still alive anyway." [["Whatever. Koe are you o-"->"Stop for a sec. Koe are-"]]

"Don't make this about me, ''you're'' his only friend, not me. You know why that is? It's because you keep him from making any other friends! All you ever let him do is hide behind you. ‘Koe, you should sleep over at our house tonight’, ‘Koe, we’re gonna steal some food today’, ‘Koe, we should stop going to school’, and I’m sure when we go talk to him it’s gonna be ‘Koe, don’t listen to Evangeline’. You spend so much time telling him what to do and never ask him what he wants, or even anything about himself. Do you even know him?” [["Don't make this about rhetoric, I don't need to ask him questions."]] [[Look for Koe]] (set: $Questions to 1)

"Alright, I get it. I'll go look for him." You search through the cafeteria and the hallways near the classroom, but Koe is nowhere to be found. Before going through areas that you aren't familiar with and getting lost, you decide to check one more place, the roof of the school. [[Go to the roof]] (set: $Asshole to 1)

"Fine. He's your friend. Figure it out on your own." Evangeline leaves the room. Thorton sits down at his desk, "Um, I can't really leave like her, so if you're gonna go and fine Koe, can you do that now? This feels a little awkward. Good luck, though. And again, sorry." "You know, Thorton, when Koe eats, he tries really hard to taste his food. You'd swear that that's the only thing he ever wanted. (If: $Koehappy is 1)[I thought by just lying and always saying that the food we're eating together tastes bad, he'd be happy. Maybe he was in the moment, but it's not that simple. I understand that now.] (else:)[I never thought that, maybe if I convinced him that the food didn't taste good anyway, he'd be just a little bit happier. But I think I understand now, those little moments with him matter more than I could possibly imagine.] [[Look for Koe->Look for Koe 2]]

You search through the cafeteria and the hallways near the classroom, but Koe is nowhere to be found. Before going through areas that you aren't familiar with and getting lost, you decide to check one more place, the roof of the school. [[Go to the roof]]

After putting on your coat, you open the door to the rooftop. It's snowing. The dome's are built to let in precipitation, but you never quite got used to the snow. Wrapped in a flurry of snowflakes, you see Koe sitting on the edge of the rooftop. [["Do you want me to sit with you?"]] (if: $Asshole is 1)[["C'mon, Koe. We have to get back to class"]]

(if: $Questions is 1)[You remember what Evangeline told you. Make sure to ask him questions. ]Koe nods. [[Hand Koe a piece of notebook paper and a pen]]

You try to grab Koe by the arm, but he doesn't budge. "C'mon man, I actually wanna give this school thing a try again, and I can't do it without you." [["Do you want me to sit with you?"]] [[Return to class without Koe]]

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Koe shakes his head and rejects the paper and pen. "Well, it would've gotten wet from the snow anyway." You breathe into your hands to keep them warm, "Man, it sure is cold. Should've brought some gloves... by the way Koe, your dad is a total dick." Koe shakes his head and takes the pen and paper. He writes, "But he's still my dad." "That's true." You sigh deeply, "That is very true." The damp paper slips out of Koe's hands and falls three stories down to the ground. He laughs briefly. "You know, I should've said this a while ago, maybe even years ago, but until you wanna talk, I'll be here. When you wanna talk about it, I'll be here. And after you're done talking about it, I'll still be here, until you don't want me to be here anymore." Koe smiled and stood up. "Alright, let's head back." [[As you open the door, an alarm sounds and a voice blares over an intercom.]]

//"Attention Washington Town residents. There is currently a magnitude 8 dust storm set to arrive in Lincoln Colony in 60 minutes. I repeat, there is a magnitude 8 dust storm set to arrive in Lincoln Colony in 60 minutes. It will not reach Washington Town, but if you have any loved ones in Lincoln or Truman Colony for any reason, we advise you to warn them. This message is not being relayed to Lincoln or Truman Colony."// "Are you serious, they're not warning them?! Koe we have to make sure our families are safe! Let's grab Evangeline and take the bullet train!" [[Leave School]]

"Fine, I'll just leave without you then. Stay here as long as you want." As you open the door, an alarm sounds and a voice blares over an intercom. //"Attention Washington Town residents. There is currently a magnitude 8 dust storm set to arrive in Lincoln Colony in 60 minutes. I repeat, there is a magnitude 8 dust storm set to arrive in Lincoln Colony in 60 minutes. It will not reach Washington Town, but if you have any loved ones in Lincoln or Truman Colony for any reason, we advise you to warn them. This message is not being relayed to Lincoln or Truman Colony."// "Are you serious, they're not warning them?! Koe we have to make sure our families are safe! Let's grab Evangeline and take the bullet train!" [[Leave School]] (Set: $BadEnding to 1)

Location: Lincoln Colony Time: 1:00 PM Time until Dust Storm arrives in Lincoln Colony: 53 minutes After meeting back up with Evangeline and taking the bullet train you all sprint to the mine and find your parents there with Cedric. "Mom, Dad, Cedric! There's a dust storm coming, we've gotta go!" Your mom looks up towards you and stares into your soul, "Boy, first of all, you should be in school. Second of all, I swear to God if you're lying-" "He's not!" Evangeline exclaims, "We heard it over the intercoms in Washington Town, it's a big one!" All of the other workers at the mine leave in a hurry. Your dad picks up Cedric, [["Well Martha, we better get going then."]]

After gathering what little you have to take with you from your house, you head for the underground tunnel. "We need to stop by Truman Colony to pick up Koe's parents, we have to be quick though. We don't have much time to waste." [[Along with your family and Koe, you head through the tunnels until you reach Truman Colony and head to Koe's house.]]

Location: Truman Colony Time: 1:23 Time until Dust Storm arrives in Truman Colony: 30 minutes. You and Koe enter his home alone. It's similar to when you last saw it, but Yuki's plants have grown even further into the house. Koe's parents are both sitting on their couch. Yoshinori sits with a couple of suitcases by his side, while Yuki sits with a couple of her plants by her side. Upon seeing Koe, Yuki gets up to hug him. "Thank God you're safe!" "Mr and Mrs. Nashide, we have to get going. There's only about 30 minutes left until-" Yoshinori interrupts you, "We know." He gets up and exits through the front door with his suitcases. "Mrs. Nashide, aren't you going with him?" "No." Yuki states plainly as she sits back down, caresses her plants and grips the couch, "I'm staying here." [["That's idiotic, please come with us!"]] [["Why?"]]

"Blaze, you were always so blunt. That's what I liked about you. You make statements instead of asking questions. I'll miss that." "What are you talking about?" "Blaze, I've lived in this home for 10 years. It's not as long as some other people have lived in a home, but I'm still attached to it. I don't want to leave." [[Leave her]] [["But you'll die here!"]]

"Because I can't leave my plants. They're the only ones who understand me, who I can truly be myself around." [["But what about your son? Your husband?"]]

"Fine, then. Goodbye Mrs. Nashide. I'm sorry I couldn't help you." You leave Koe's house, and his mother behind, entering the tunnel with your family, Koe, and Koe's father.(if: $KoeTears is 1)[ As Koe looks back at his home, he finally sheds a single tear. His first, and his last.] [[Enter Washington Town]]

"Yes. Yes I will. But there's nowhere else I'd rather die. I have my plants, that's all I need. Without these plants, I'm nobody." [["Don't you need Koe?"]] [[Leave her]]

"They don't need me, they never have. Neither of them have ever shed a tear for me. They never have and they never will." Koe whimpers and struggles, but he simply can't make himself cry. "Son, it's okay. Just because there's no tears doesn't mean there's no attachment, but you have your life and I have mine." Yoshinori opens the door and yells, "If none of you are coming, then I'm leaving on my own!" [[Leave her]] (Set: $KoeTears to 1)

"No, I don't. He's my son, but he isn't me. I don't need Yoshinori either, and that's fine. All I need is myself and these plants, an extension of myself. If I just have those two things, I can die with a smile on my face." Koe whimpers and struggles, but he simply can't make himself cry at the thought of leaving his mother. "Son, it's okay. Just because there's no tears doesn't mean there's no attachment, but you have your life and I have mine." "Mrs. Nashide, I-But-but he-but I-" Evangeline opens the front door, "Blaze, I'm sorry but we have to go!" [[Leave her]] (Set: $KoeTears to 1)

Location: Washington Town Time: 2:00 PM As you exit the tunnel, Yoshinori sighs with relief between heavy pants, "We made it! I made it! I'm safe!" [["Excuse me?"]] [[Ignore him]]

"What do you want, boy?" "You sick bastard!" you punch Yoshinori right in the face, "Your wife is dead! Your son- I don't even know where to begin with what you've done to your son! How can you have even a shred of happiness left?" "My family is none of your business.(if: $DoorOpened is 1)[ You seemed to have a problem minding your business yesterday too]" "None of my business? Like Hell it is!" As you wind up for another punch, Evangeline and your mother stop you, "Please calm down!" they both command simultaneously. "Calm down?! Why the Hell would I calm dow-" Before you can finish your sentence, your father drops Cedric and punches Yoshinori himself. "Yoshinori! You're a husband and a father goddammit!" As Yoshinori falls to the ground, your father pounces on him and continues to beat him, "What happened to you? Ten years ago you wouldn't stop talking about how much you loved Koe! You'd hold him and your wife like nothing else was more important, like there wasn't a single thing you could ask for besides their safety!" [[Your father beat him until his face was unrecognizable]]

You turn to your family and Koe to make sure they're all okay, but you don't see your father. He had been carrying Cedric this whole time, but suddenly he's gone... that is, until you hear a loud thud accompanied by his yell behind you. ""Yoshinori! You're a husband and a father goddammit!" As Yoshinori falls to the ground, your father pounces on him and continues to beat him, "What happened to you? Ten years ago you wouldn't stop talking about how much you loved Koe! You'd hold him and your wife like nothing else was more important, like there wasn't a single thing you could ask for besides their safety!" [[Your father beat him until his face was unrecognizable]]

"Yoshinori... what happened to you?" Your father pants and slows down his strikes before falling beside Yoshinori. "Apparently, I happened." You hear an unfamiliar voice creep into your ears. You turn around to see who it is and your entire body freezes. Behind you is the man who you never thought you'd see even in your nightmares, the man you've heard of in history books, Dome 8's head of operations, the embodiment of fear himself, General Arthur Manson. "Blaze Sanders. Lets chat, shall we?" General Manson should be well over 100 years old, but he looked like he was in his 40s and in peak condition. "Y-y-y-y-you know m-my name?" (if: $Newspaper is 1)["Well, of course I do! Officer Federico told me all about you! The boy who read the newspaper!](else:)["Of course, I know the name of all the students who go to Kennedy Middle School.] Also, my son texted me talking about you. Seems like I'm gonna have to teach him a lesson later. He just doesn't know how to talk about people." As General Manson spoke, his overly cheerful expression never wavered. [["What're you gonna do to me?"]] [["What're you gonna do to my family?"]]

"Oh I won't do a thing to you! Of course I'll need to handcuff you and make you take a little nap, but I won't hurt you! Your family, on the other hand... well I can't guarantee their safety. Lieutenant Nelson!" A tall and slim man materializes out of thin air with a large sum of handcuffs strapped to his hip and an assault rifle in his hand, "Please take care of this boy and his family! Don't rough up the Japanese man and the boy. I need them in prime condition." "Wai-" [[The butt of the Lieutenant's assault rifle hits the back of your head and you black out]]

"Your family?!" General Manson wiped tears from his eyes, "How noble of you! You think of your family before yourself! We're gonna get along just fine! Unfortunately, I can't quiiiiite guarantee your family's safety. I won't put a scratch on you, though. Lieutenant Nelson!" A tall and slim man materializes out of thin air with a large sum of handcuffs strapped to his hip and an assault rifle in his hand, "You heard what I said, please take care of this boy and his family! Don't rough up the Japanese man and the boy. I need them in prime condition." The Lieutenant salutes "Wai-" [[The butt of the Lieutenant's assault rifle hits the back of your head and you black out]]

Location: Dome 8 Military Base Time: ???? You, your family, Koe, and Yoshinori all wake up at the same time in a room with no window and a single door. Your arms and legs are both handcuffed along with the rest of your family as well as Koe and Yoshinori. They both remain on their knees with their hands behind their back. "Lieutenant Nelson, it really scares me how precise you are sometimes. How did you hit all of them just hard enough that they all wake up at the same time?!" General Manson laughs and Lieutenant Nelson soon joins him, but Lieutenant Nelson's laugh is slightly more strained. As his mouth opens, you can clearly see that he has no tongue. You attempt to talk but there's duct tape over your mouth, as well as your entire family's. "Sorry about this, I'll take that off in a minute, I just need some time with Mr. Nashide here." Mr. Nashide struggles to get out of his handcuffs, "Arthur! There has to be some sort of mistake, I thought we were friends!" "Oh, we are friends! Of course we're friends, Yoshinori. In fact, let me take care of your face. Astaroth! Heal his face for me." General Manson claps and the space next to him distorts. The shape of a Wendigo appears, but there's no color to it and it's merely outlined with a series of chains and locks. However, Astaroth does not move. General Manson takes a revolver out of his pocket and points it at the distortion, "Astaroth. I won't ask again." "(text-rotate-y:20)+(text-rotate-z:359)[(text-style:"shudder")[(text-style:"smear","condense")[//⋔⊬ ⏚⍀⍜⏁⊑⟒⍀⌇ ⏃⍀⟒ ''⍜⋏ ⏁⊑⟒ ⍙''⏃⊬ ⎎⌰⟒⌇⊑ ⏚⏃☌!//]]]" Astaroth moves towards Yoshinori and touches his face. Yoshinori screams in agony as his battered face contorts and takes different forms repeatedly until it's as good as new. General Manson walked towards Yoshinori with his revolver in hand. "Now, Yoshinori, if you want to keep being friends, I need you to do something for me. Shoot one somebody in this room. Besides me, of course. [[You begin to violently chew the duct tape on your mouth.]]

You know exactly who he's going to shoot. As Yoshinori raises the gun, you continue to chew on the duct tape, hoping you can cry out in time. Yoshinori finally points the gun at his target. Koe. The tape finally scrunches up and you spit it out just in time to yell one word. [["Stop!"]] [["Koe!"]]

Yoshinori turns to you for a second then looks back towards Koe, "Never have, never will." [[Yoshinori pulls the trigger]]

Koe turns to face you and smiles before mouthing the word "Sorry". [[Yoshinori pulls the trigger]]

"Fantastic question. They actually do not speak English. However, we know that they're hyper intelligent because they had all the technology we have, save a few weapons of mass destruction, yet they created the technology that we use for these domes. They can go up to 10 years without oxygen, but just like us, when they need it, they ''reeeally'' need it. This technology would've taken us hundreds of years to make and they made it during a war to remedy their otherwise short life expectancy. Also keep in mind, this technology was created by 10 year olds!" [["Why did they call them Wendigos?"]] [[Let Thorton continue]]

You close your eyes and hear a click, but you don't hear the sound of a shot being fired. "Oh, Yoshinori. I thought you were a ''good man'', someone worthy of my ''admiration'', but I was so, so wrong." Yoshinori began to shake as his eyes darted around the room, "When you offered your son as a test subject-oh sorry, I'm tearing up a little- ehem, when you offered your son as a test subject, I thought 'How noble! This man would sacrifice his own son for the betterment of humanity? How can I ever repay him?' I gave you money, I gave you a new house, I gave you Naamah," Another small distortion appears next to Yoshinori, "and I even let you keep your name, but you spat in my face. You're nothing more than a coward, using your own son as a bargaining chip." Yoshinori dropped the gun and got on his knees, clasping his hands, "P-p-please Arthur! Give me a second chance! I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!" General Manson picked up the gun, "Yoshinori, when I was young, my father told me this. 'Nobody appreciates life more than a man who has knocked on death's door.' And that's true. I've done it hundreds of times. I'm a soldier, after all. But unfortunately for you, Yoshinori, you're not gonna be knocking on death's door. I'm throwing you straight into Hell." General Manson raised the revolver to Yoshinori's head and pulled the trigger. [[This time, there was more than a click.]]

As Yoshinori's body falls to the ground, General Manson takes out a quarter "George Washington. Now that's a great man. You know, my dad used to make me flip a coin for everything. 'The right fist or the left fist?' Flip a coin! 'Physical torture or psychological torture?' Flip a coin! 'Shoot mom or shoot dad?' Flip a coin! I used to really believe that my life was simply determined by chance. I feared chance, and I feared my father." [["Your father sounds like a great guy."]] [["You wanted to chat, but it seems like you just like hearing yourself talk."]]

"Yes he was! He was strong, strict, and- ohhhhh, that was sarcasm, wasn't it? I knew we would get along, I used to be just like you as a kid. Disobedient, hardheaded, quick-thinking. But the difference between you and me is that your probably think we met by chance, right?" "That'd be correct. If we were a little bit quicker, we wouldn't have run into you." "And tell me, where would you have gone had you not run into me at the tunnel exit?" [["To Kennedy Middle School."]] [["We would've just hid in town."]]

"Yes! I love hearing myself talk, how did you know? I knew it, we're gonna be great friends. Now tell me, son, do you fear me?" [["Yes"->Yes3]] [["No"->No3]]

"Oh, that's interesting, because that's where I would've gone next. Hiding at the school that my son goes to doesn't sound very smart. So tell me, where would you go after that?" [["I would've just gone into town."]] [["I don't know."]]

"Into town, huh? Maybe you could've hid for a bit, but eventually, Officer Federico would find you again. Or one of my soldiers would, you're a wanted boy, you know. Lincoln Colony and Truman Colony are both destroyed. There's nowhere besides Washington Town. So tell me, where would you have gone before getting caught?" [["I would've gone to Kennedy Middle School."]] [["I don't know."]]

"So you see, wherever you went, we would've met. Every single one of the infinite paths in this universe would have led you to me. There's no chance here. Only fate. But those who believe in chance believe their fate is controlled by it. However, I refuse to let anything besides myself control my fate." General Manson tosses his quarter to you, "Heads or tails?" [["Heads"]] [["Tails"]]

"Oh, that's interesting, because that's where I would've gone next. Hiding at the school that my son goes to doesn't sound very smart. So tell me, where would you go after that?" [["I don't know."]]

"Perfect. I used to ask myself whether I'd rather be feared or loved, but I came to understand that being feared is far better. You see, running this dome is like parenting. I'm sure some your parents understand." Your parents both shake their heads. "I'm sure Yoshinori under-eww do you see his head? That's not even blood anymore, what is that? Anyway, my point is that parenting doesn't work without fear. As those intellecutal types like to say, 'Every action warrants an equal reaction,' and the reaction to fear is respect. Simple." "You're wrong, I don't respect either of my parents because I fear them. I respect them because I love them." "Well then, let's test the limits of that love." General Manson takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks the handcuffs on your legs. [[Kick him]] [[Wait to see what he's planning]]

"No? Well that just won't do. If you don't fear me, you don't respect me, simple as that. So-" "You don't need to fear somebody to respect them. Respect can exist on its own, respect can exist as a product of love, it's not that simple!" "So," General Manson continues, slightly irritated, "let's put that to the test. You 'love' you're parents, right?" "Of course I do." General Manson takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks the handcuffs on your legs. "Well then, let's test the limits of that love." [[Kick him]] [[Wait to see what he's planning]] (set: $NoFear to 1)

You wind up quickly and kick General Manson in the face with as much strength as you can muster without him noticing. General Manson barely reacts. "(if: $NoFear is 1)[, "I guess you really don't fear me.] Looks like Namaah and Astaroth are in position." He raises his gun and aims it at you, "So here's the thing about fear when a revolver is involved. I loaded 3 bullets into this gun. As you saw with Yoshinori, he wasn't fortunate- or perhaps unfortunate enough to fire one of those bullets. But the fear you felt was the same as if there were 6 bullets. Even knowing now that there are 2 bullets, you're all still terrified." He looks at your family and smiles as they all tremble, "There's a 1 in 2 chance that a bullet comes out when you pull this trigger, but you're not half as scared as you would be if the gun was fully loaded, right? Maybe you're even a little less scared, but not even close to half. It's quite beautiful. Anyway, you're gonna shoot one of your parents. If you pull the trigger and a bullet doesn't come out, Namaah and Astaroth will snap the neck of the parent you weren't going to shoot." "What happens if I don't shoot at all?" "Then the two Wendigos kill your whole family. Slowly. Now take the gun and shoot whoever you love less." [[Accept the gun->Accept the gun 2]]

"Looks like Namaah and Astaroth are in position." He raises his gun and aims it at you, "So here's the thing about fear when a revolver is involved. I loaded 3 bullets into this gun. As you saw with Yoshinori, he wasn't fortunate- or perhaps unfortunate enough to fire one of those bullets. But the fear you felt was the same as if there were 6 bullets. Even knowing now that there are 2 bullets, you're all still terrified." He looks at your family and smiles as they all tremble, "There's a 1 in 2 chance that a bullet comes out when you pull this trigger, but you're not half as scared as you would be if the gun was fully loaded, right? Maybe you're even a little less scared, but not even close to half. It's quite beautiful. Anyway, you're gonna shoot one of your parents. If you pull the trigger and a bullet doesn't come out, Namaah and Astaroth will snap the neck of the parent you weren't going to shoot." "What happens if I don't shoot at all?" "Then the two Wendigos kill your whole family. Slowly. Now take the gun and shoot whoever you love less." [[Accept the gun->Accept the gun 2]]

"Alright, for each time it lands on tails, I'll make you kill one of your relatives. If it lands on heads, I'll let you all go. After each time it lands on tails, we'll flip again and you'll have another chance to earn your freedom. Even if it doesn't land on tails until the last flip, you'll all be allowed to leave. Even if it doesn't land on heads until the last flip, you'll all be allowed to leave." "That sounds like it's pretty heavily in my favor. It'd have to land on tails 4 times for everyone in my family to die-" "Five times. You're included, but you'd be the last one." "Right, it'd have to land on tails 5 times for everyone in my family to die, so that's like a 3% chance." General Manson put his hands up, "I dunno, I'm no good at math. However, what I do know is that it'll land on tails. Every. Single. Time." [[Flip the coin]]

"Alright, for each time it lands on heads, I'll make you kill one of your relatives. If it lands on tails, I'll let you all go. After each time it lands on heads, we'll flip again and you'll have another chance to earn your freedom. Even if it doesn't land on tails until the last flip, you'll all be allowed to leave." "That sounds like it's pretty heavily in my favor. It'd have to land on heads 4 times for everyone in my family to die-" "Five times. You're included, but you'd be the last one." "Right, it'd have to land on heads 5 times for everyone in my family to die, so that's like a 3% chance." General Manson put his hands up, "I dunno, I'm no good at math. However, what I do know is that it'll land on heads. Every. Single. Time." [[Flip the coin->Flip 1]]

It lands on tails. "Flip it again. Go ahead." "Alright, here it goes." [[Flip again]]

It lands on heads. "Flip it again. Go ahead." "Alright, here it goes." [[Flip again->Fl1]]

It lands on tails. You begin to sweat a little, "That's kinda unlucky. Okay, lets do this again." [[Flip again->F]]

It lands on tails. You start sweating a little more, "Wow that is-that is really unlucky." General Manson smirks, "Flip it again." [[Flip again->F1]]

It lands on tails. You start to sweat a lot, "What's that, like a 6% chance? I guess I saved myself some money by not buying a lottery ticket, huh?" General Manson taps your shoulder, "You can stop, you know. I'll let you go if you kill your entire family and don't flip the coin again." [[Flip one last time->F2]] [[Stop flipping]]

"I'm feeling confident. C'mon, give me heads!" It lands on tails. "There's no way. That can't be possible. Is this a real coin?" You look at the other side of the coin and it is, in fact, heads. General Manson takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks the handcuffs on your legs, "Alright, here's my gun, all reloaded just for you. There's 6 shots and 5 people to shoot, so you can afford to miss one." You whole body begins to shake, "By the way, don't feel bad. This isn't about you not being good enough or anything like that. You're just living in my world and playing by my rules, there's nothing you could've done." [[Accept the gun]]

"Sorry mom, dad, Evangeline, Ced. I-I can't risk it." General Manson takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks the handcuffs on your legs, "There's nothing wrong with self-preservation, kid. You did your best." Your whole body begins to shake, "The gun is all loaded, just for you. You get 6 shots, so you can afford to miss 2. [[Accept the gun]] (if: $BadEnding is 1)[(set: $BadEnding to 2)]

You raise the gun slowly, hesitating frequently. You look back at General Manson and he nods. "If you kill all of us, won't this make the news? Won't it upset people?" "Doesn't matter. You're all ''rebels''." "What happens if I don't shoot?" "You'll shoot. You don't wanna know what happens if you don't." [[Shoot]]

It lands on heads. You begin to sweat a little, "That's kinda unlucky. Okay, lets do this again." [[Flip again->Fl2]]

It lands on heads. You start sweating a little more, "Wow that is-that is really unlucky." General Manson smirks, "Flip it again." [[Flip again->Fl3]]

"I'm feeling confident. C'mon, give me heads!" It lands on heads. "There's no way. That can't be possible. Is this a real coin?" You look at the other side of the coin and it is, in fact, tails. General Manson takes a key out of his pocket and unlocks the handcuffs on your legs, "Alright, here's my gun, all reloaded just for you. There's 6 shots and 5 people to shoot, so you can afford to miss one." You whole body begins to shake, "By the way, don't feel bad. This isn't about you not being good enough or anything like that. You're just living in my world and playing by my rules, there's nothing you could've done." [[Accept the gun]]

Without aiming at anyone in particular, you shoot. The shot misses. "You know bullets cost money, right?" "Yeah, of course. Everything costs money, why not bullets too, haha." As you prepare to shoot once again, the door swings open. You hear both Astaroth and Namaah speak, and this time you can understand them, (text-rotate-y:348)+(text-rotate-z:12)[["Lillith!"]]

"Lillith! How nice of you to come back to me! It's been what, 100 years? Don't worry, friends here have been helping me maintain this youthful glow." Clanking echoes through the vents of the military base. Manson turns to Lieutenant Nelson, "Sounds like she brought friends. Put Blaze in his own room, keep everyone else in here. Also, prepare the escape pods and get my son. This probably won't end well." [[Lieutenant Nelson wraps a black cloth around your eyes and takes you down the hallway as General Manson fights the 3 Wendigos.]]

You raise the gun slowly, hesitating frequently. You look back at General Manson and he nods."If you kill all of us, won't this make the news? Won't it upset people?" "Doesn't matter. You're all ''rebels''." Before you can even aim, the door swings open. You hear both Astaroth and Namaah speak, and this time you can understand them, (text-rotate-y:348)+(text-rotate-z:12)[["Lillith!"]]

After being taken to a separate room and waiting for what felt like hours, you hear the door open. The thundering of a single man's boots approach you. He stops right in front of you and raises the black cloth. "Who the Hell are you?" You can't recognize this person with his helmet on, but after you stare in confusion for a few seconds, he takes it off. "Nick!" "You have no idea how hard it is to navigate this place, err, well you do because you saw the map, but holy shit this is an absolute maze! Only reason I knew where you were is because Officer Federico was talking about how he helped General Manson capture you or something." "Yeah... that sounds like him." "Alright, let me get those handcuffs off of you, most of these things use the same key." Nick unlocks the handcuffs on your handcuffs, finally freeing your hands, "Now I need you to keep your hands behind your back and keep this cloth over your eyes. If anyone comes in to check on you, they won't be suspicious." [["Alright."]] [["I really can't take this thing off?"]]

"Okay, I'm gonna see if I can help anybody out here." "Help anybody? What's going on?" "You haven't heard? There's a full scale Wendigo invasion going on right now! I barely dodged them on the way here! It's nothing the military can't handle, but there's gonna be casualties. Just wait patiently, I'll come back for you later." [[Wait.]]

"Absolutely not. No matter what you hear, no matter what you smell, no matter what you feel, Hell no matter what you taste, Keep. This. Cloth. Over. Your. Eyes." [["Alright."]]

As you wait for Nick to return, you hear all sorts of noises. Thuds, the gnashing of teeth, the chewing of flesh, the clacking of something running through the vents. You smell the most horrid scents, mostly some combination of rotting flesh and feces. You don't taste anything, thankfully, but what really bothers you, is what you feel. As you sit and wait, there's this constant feeling on the back of your head, like water is dripping on it, "Alright, guys I've seen this in movies. You drip water on a prisoner's head and it makes them go insane or something. I get it. Now please stop!" the dripping doesn't stop. But that's fine, you can deal with it. However, another problem arises. This dripping substance, it's far too thick to be water. The way it flows down your back feels wrong. If you didn't know any better, you'd think it's drool. [[Take off the cloth]] [[Leave the cloth on]]

You take the cloth off and quickly look up, but don't see anything. However, you do here something skittering away in the vents. [[Look into the vent]] [[Put the cloth back on]]

You ignore the dripping, but next you hear this heavy breathing. Whoever's breathing seems to be in some sort of pain, as there are wheezes mixed in with every breath. You can't recognize who it is from the breathing on its own. [[Take off the cloth]] [[Leave the cloth on->Leave the cloth on 2]]

You look into the vent, but there's nothing in there. You look a little deeper into the vent and it begins to fill up with thick fog. You quickly cover your mouth. The room turns into a large desert. It wasn't nearly red enough to be Mars, but these weird creatures with manes and tails roam the area, hunting these striped quadripedal beasts with funny ears. There's these gigantic, awe-inspiring creatures with large ears, long noses, and bones sticking out of their faces. "Where am I?" Before you can ponder it further, Nick arrives once again. "Dude, I told you not to take off the cl-" before Nick can finish his sentence, something that you can't quite percieve pierces his stomach, "Shit." Nick is swiftly dragged away, screaming as he's taken father and farther away from you. [[Go after him]] [[Return to your family]]

You put the cloth back on, certain that you were just imagining things. The dripping has stopped, but now you're hearing heavy breathing in front of you and behind you. [[Take off the cloth->Cloth]] [[Keep the cloth on]]

You keep the cloth on, certain that you were just imagining things. The dripping has stopped, but now you're hearing heavy breathing in front of you and behind you. [[Take off the cloth->Cloth]] [[Keep the cloth on]]

You run down the hallway looking for Nick, but can't find any trace of him. You take one final turn before giving up and you finally find him! Or... at least, most of him. Certainly, this mass scattered on the wall is Nick, it has his clothes. The issue is, everything is in the wrong place. His legs are where his arms should be. His head is inside of the gaping hole in his stomach. One of his arms is where his head used to be. You cover your mouth, trying your hardest not to puke. "I'm sorry, Nick." [[You grit your teeth and return to your family->Return to your family]] (set: $Dead to 1)

You enter the room that General Manson had taken you to once again, only to see that General Manson, Mark Manson, and Lieutenant Nielson are all dead, along with a horde of Wendigos. General Manson had stabbed a Wendigo's arm through the chest of two other Wendigos, but they had both returned the favor, piercing him and his son, who he was holding in his arms at the time of his death. Lieutenant Nelson's body is contorted, with his arms, legs, and even his head all in the wrong place. However, your family and Koe are all completely untouched. You take the keys out of General Manson's pocket and take the tape off of your family and Koe's mouths (except Evangeline, who had already chewed her tape off), then unlock their handcuffs. Your entire family rushes to hug you. (if: $Dead is 1)[Your defeated frown quickly turns to a half smile.]"Man, I know I'm like, the coolest guy since Keanu Reeves, but you guys are squeezing a little too hard." Evangeline points to the back wall of the room, which has transformed since you left and revealed the escape pods, "There's only 3 of them..." Your father puts down Cedric, "Blaze, I can't make this decision, your mom can't, Cedric can't-" Evangeline interjected, "And I'm most definitely not choosing either." "Right, so you gotta choose. Who's taking the pods?" (if: $BadEnding is 2)[[[Choose->Choosebad1]]] (else:)[[Choose]]

You take the cloth off and initially see nothing, but the room quickly fills with thick fog. You quickly cover your mouth. The room turns into a large desert. It wasn't nearly red enough to be Mars, but these weird creatures with manes and tails roam the area, hunting these striped quadripedal beasts with funny ears. There's these gigantic, awe-inspiring creatures with large ears, long noses, and bones sticking out of their faces. "Where am I?" Before you can ponder it further, Nick arrives once again. "Dude, I told you not to take off the cl-" before Nick can finish his sentence, something that you can't quite percieve pierces his stomach, "Shit." Nick is swiftly dragged away, screaming as he's taken father and farther away from you. [[Go after him]] [[Return to your family]]

You decide to perservere and keep the cloth on, but you're challenged once again almost immediately. You feel something around you're neck. It isn't squeezing it necessarily, in fact whatever it is seems to be ''caressing'' your neck. [[Take off the cloth->Cloth1]] [[Leave the cloth on->LeaveFinal]]

You take off the cloth and see a Wendigo starting you directly in the eyes with its hand around your neck. "[(text-style:"smear","rumble")[//⎎⟟⋏⏃⌰⌰⊬, ⟟'⌰⌰ ⎎⟟⋏⏃⌰⌰⊬ ⏚⟒ ⏃⏚⌰⟒ ⏁⍜ ⏁⏃⌇⏁⟒!//]]" <img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NmbIaDgSnQo/maxresdefault.jpg" height="550px" width="650px"> You open your mouth to scream, but the Wendigo tightens its grip on your throat, positioning its face above yours and beginning to breathe thick fog. [[Shut your mouth.]]

After what feels like an eternity, you no longer feel, hear, or smell anything. You hear the door open once again, "Alright, Blaze, you can take off the cloth now. I'm impressed you kept it on the whole time! I definitely would've looked at least once or twice!" [[Return to your family with Nick.]]

You attempt to shut your mouth, but the Wendigo pries it back open with immense force just using two fingers. "(text-style:"smear","rumble")[''//⌿⌰⟒⏃⌇⟒, ⎅⍜⋏'⏁ ⍀⟒⌇⟟⌇⏁. ⏁⊑⟟⌇ ⎅⍜⟒⌇⋏'⏁ ⋏⟒⟒⎅ ⏁⍜ ⏚⟒ ⌿⏃⟟⋏⎎⎍⌰.//'']" ''[[SHUT YOUR MOUTH!]]''

Using both of your hands, you force your mouth shut, biting off two of the Wendigo's fingers. It lets out a distorted scream and retreats into the vents, taking the thick fog with it. As you're still trying to comprehend what just happened, Nick arrives once again. "Dude, I told you not to take off the cl-" before Nick can finish his sentence, something that you can't quite percieve pierces his stomach, "Shit." Nick is swiftly dragged away, screaming as he's taken father and farther away from you. [[Go after him]] [[Return to your family]]

You enter the room that General Manson had taken you to once again, only to see that General Manson, Mark Manson, and Lieutenant Nielson are all dead, along with a horde of Wendigos. General Manson had stabbed a Wendigo's arm through the chest of two Wendigos, but they had both returned the favor, piercing him and his son, who he was holding in his arms at the time of his death. Lieutenant Nelson's body is contorted, with his arms, legs, and even his head all in the wrong place. However, your family and Koe are all completely untouched. Nick runs over to them, takes the tape off of their mouths (except Evangeline, who had already chewed her tape off), and unlocks their handcuffs. Your entire family rushes to hug you. "Man, I know I'm like, the coolest guy since Keanu Reeves, but you guys are squeezing a little too hard." Evangeline points to the back wall of the room, which has transformed since you left and revealed the escape pods, "There's only 3 of them..." Your father puts down Cedric, "Blaze, I can't make this decision, your mom can't, Cedric can't-" Evangeline interjected, "And I'm most definitely not choosing either." "Right, so you gotta choose. Who's taking the pods?" (if: $BadEnding is 2)[[Choose->Choosebad1]](else:)[[Choose]]

"Before you get too carried away," Evangeline stood besides Koe, "Koe and I aren't going." "What?" "I overheard what you said to Koe. I don't want to go to Earth with you, and neither does he. So that narrows it down to who you don't want coming with you, Mom, Dad, or Cedric." [[Leave your mother behind.]] [[Leave your father behind.]] [[Leave Cedric behind.]]

"Blaze," your father walks up to you, "You don't have to think about it that hard. Obviously you're gonna take Koe, that narrows it down to one of us." "Honestly, Dad, I think you just made it harder." [[Choose Evangeline]] [[Choose your dad]] [[Choose your mom]] [[Choose Cedric]]

"Mom, I-" "I understand. Evangeline and Koe need me anyway. Oh, I would've liked to see Africa again. I would've really liked that. But you and Cedric haven't even been there before, and your dad has more family there anyway. Please," Your mother hugs you one last time, "Live a good life without me." "Thanks, Mom." And so, you, Cedric, and (if: $Name is 1)[Kwame](else:)[Frederick] left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you abandoned that day. [[The End]]

"Dad, I-" "Shhhhh," your dad put his whole hand over your mouth, "Koe and Evangeline need someone to look after them, right? But obviously you need your mother. It's no big deal." Your father hugs you one last time. "Just don't forget about me, okay, buddy?" "Okay, Dad." And so, you, Cedric, and (if: $Name is 1)[Ekua](else:)[Martha] left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you abandoned that day. [[The End]]

"Hey, Ced." "Are you gonna leave me?" "I- yeah. Yeah I am." "But what about my new shirt?" "Well-well I guess I won't be able to get you that new shirt, will I." "But I really wanted it." Cedric frowned and looked at the ground. [[Let Cedric go instead of you]] [[Leave]]

Thank you for playing //The Mars Experiment//! I hope you enjoyed it! -James Ofori

"Ced, take my pod." "But, we still won't be together then. I want my shirt." "You really don't stop talking about that shirt, huh?" You bid your mother and father farwell as their pods take off. Evangeline punches you in the chest, "You know, we don't really wanna be on Mars with you either, you're kind of a jerk." "Well then, how about you teach me how to not be a jerk. We've got plenty of time." And so, Cedric, (if: $Name is 1)[Ekua](else:)[Martha], and (if: $Name is 1)[Kwame](else:)[Frederick] left without looking back, as whatever awaited them over 100 million miles away was greater than what they abandoned that day. It had to be. [[The End]]

You can't bring yourself to talk to Cedric any longer. You turn away from him and get into the escape pod as your parents bid him farewell, their eyes full of tears. And so, you, (if: $Name is 1)[Ekua](else:)[Martha], and (if: $Name is 1)[Kwame](else:)[Frederick] left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you abandoned that day. It had to be. [[The End]]

"Evangeline, you take the last pod." "Didn't expect you to choose me, not gonna lie." Evangeline started to tear up, "Look what you did, your sisters crying now, my brother's all grown uuuuuuppp." "Please just get in the pod before I change my mind." You bid farewell to your parents and Cedric and get in your pod. And so, you, Koe, and Evangeline left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you all abandoned that day. [[The End]]

"Dad, take the last pod." "You sure? You don't wanna take Ced or anybody else." "Dad, what the Hell are Koe and I gonna do with Ced? We don't know how to raise a child." "I mean you guys do act like a married couple most of the ti-" "Get in the pod, Dad." "Alright, alright." You bid your family farwell and get into your pod. And so, you, Koe, and (if: $Name is 1)[Kwame](else:)[Frederick] left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you all abandoned that day. [[The End]]

"Mom, take the last pod." "Are you sure, Blaze? I'm sure your dad wants to see Africa again. Oh and Evangeline and Cedric haven't even been there before, I'm sure that they-" "Mom. You wanna go back there too, right. Think of yourself every once in a while." "Okay. I'll go." You bid your family farwell and get into your pod. And so, you, Koe, and (if: $Name is 1)[Ekua](else:)[Martha] left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you abandoned that day. [[The End]]

"Hey, Ced. You wanna take the last pod, buddy?" "But what about Mom, Dad, and Evangeline?" "They'll be just fine. C'mon, I promised to get you a new shirt, didn't I?" You bid your family farwell, only to be interrupted by Evangeline, "Would you look at that, you guys even have a kid now! You really are a married coup-" "Please shut up." You cover Evangeline's mouth and get into your pod. And so, you, Koe, and Cedric left without looking back, as whatever awaited you over 100 million miles away was greater than what you abandoned that day. [[The End]]