Creative Exhibition Version 2

This Exhibition is a work in progress, as I plan to keep updating this as a makeshift portfolio in the future. Which means this will pretty much always be a demo instead of a finished product. But for the sake of things (cough cough, assignments) this is TOTALLY a FULLY FUNCTIONING and completely FINISHED piece of work. There is NOTHING buggy or janky or NOT WORKING in this Exhibition AT ALL!! Oh yeah and I should probably mention that there is strong language present, either in the works or in the ambient dialogue strewn about the place. I am not apologising, you had more than enough warning. We cool? Cool. Aight that's over with now time to see the goods!! [[Begin!!! ->Intro]]

Why hello there! It seems you've opened up the Exhibition. Good for you! I guess... maybe you could have spent your time a little better but who am I to judge? Navigating through the Exhibition is simple enough. Just click on the blue text that strikes your fancy. Hey, tell ya what. Just for you, I'll start you off with just one option to pick. Keep it nice and simple so you don't get too confused. You got this! [[Click me!]]

See? That wasn't so hard now was it? And now you've got the hang of how this all works. Ok, just one more test, just to make sure you can handle this. Don't worry, you won't be marked or anything. Only you will know whether you got this right or not. And me, but I won't tell. [[Main Exhibit Room A]] [[The Wrong Button]]

Now that you've got the hang of moving about the place, why don't we start you off with something short and simple? A little more recent perhaps? Or would you rather try something older, take a peak behind the curtain as they say. The choice is yours! Duh, it's how interactive narrative works. [[Repitition, a short film script]] [[A Haiku]] [[I want ice cream!!!]]

Wha- How did you? Why would you even- Are you trying to fail? At an Exhibition? I don't know whether to be impressed or deeply concerned. So I'm gonna do both. Well... I guess you might have been curious, or bored. In which case I don't blame you for this. That being said, you really should pick the right button. Let's try that again shall we? [[Back you go->Intro]]

A much more recent project for univeristy, Repetition is a badly named film script drawing inspiration from several media sources to create a pseudo-psycological mystrery thriller. Or that's what the internet classifies it as. And who am I to argue with the internet? I don't have all day! Now it is a tad long, so just to be fair I'll add some exits here and there. I may be a sarcastic floating voice that aggravates most people but I'm not a monster. [[TLDR ->Main Exhibit Room A]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ''EXT. HOSPITAL BUILDING - DAY. A TALL, WHITE BUILDING WITH A SINGLE RED CROSS AS ITS ONLY NOTICEABLE MARKING. SURROUNDED BY DRAB GREY LOOKING OFFICE BUILDINGS, IT STANDS OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB. A SMALL SIGN NEAR THE DOOR READS "ALDENMOOR HOSPITAL. FOUNDED BY STARLIGHT INDUSTRIES."'' The camera pans down from the top of the building to street level, revealing a young girl standing at the entrance. ''ABIGAIL - A YOUNG WOMAN IN HER EARLY 20'S, DRESSED IN MOSTLY BLACK CASUAL STREETWEAR. AN ANXIOUS AND DETTATCHED WOMAN THAT TENDS TO SHUT THE WORLD OUT AROUND HER BY COVERING HER FACE.'' Abigail walks up to the Aldenmoor Hospital building, checking her phone to make sure she has the right place. She hesitates, anxious about an appointment with a new doctor, but eventually makes her way inside. ''INT. HOSPITAL BUILDING WAITING ROOM - DAY. INSIDE IS A WIDE OPEN SPACE, ONE WALL DOMINATED BY A LARGE TV PLAYING THE NEWS. A RECEPTION DESK SITS AT THE FAR END OF THE ROOM OPPOSITE THE ENTRYWAY AND A SERIES OF CHAIRS LINE THE WALL OPPOSITE THE TV. AN LCD SCREEN ABOVE THE RECEPTION DESKS SHOWS A PATIENTS NUMBER WHEN IT IS CALLED. MOST OF THE SEATS HAVE PEOPLE SITTING IN THEM, ALL OF THEM BUSY.'' Abigail makes her way to the reception desk, her hands shoved into her pockets. When she reaches the desk, the Receptionist is waiting for her with a small smile that doesn't quite seem right. ''RECEPTIONIST - APPEARS TO BE A CHEERY YOUNG WOMAN IN HER MID 20'S, DRESSED LIKE AN 80'S TV NURSE WITH A HAIRSYTLE THAT MATCHES THE ERA AND THEME.'' //Welcome to Aldenmoor Hospital, how may I help you today?// The movement of the Receptionist's lips does not match the words she is saying. ''ABIGAIL'' //M-my name's Abigail. I'm here to see Doctor Speare.// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Let me see... Ah, here you are. If you could please take a number from the machine on your left and take a seat in the waiting area. The Doctor will see you shortly.// ''ABIGAIL'' //Thanks uh... thanks.// The Receptionist stands motionless until Abigail takes a number. She barely hears the Receptionist speak in her rush to leave. ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Thank you for placing your care in Starlight Industries, we hope you have a pleasant day.// Abigail finds an empty seat near the entrance to the hospital. Everyone around her is occupied. The TV is showing local news on mute. The subtitles are moving too fast to read. Several patients are called before her number finally comes up. ''ABIGAIL'' //Number 83. Ok Abi, you can do this. I-It's just a new doctor. Nothing to worry about. Hopefully...// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Please proceed through the corridor, the Doctor will see you now.// Abigail does as she's told as if her body was not hers to control. The corridor proceeds to a door that swings open when Abigail gets close. Abigail enters. ''INT. TEST CHAMBER - CONTINOUS. THE ROOM IS PITCH BLACK SAVE FOR A DIM LIGHT COMING FROM SOMEWHERE NEAR THE BACK. A TABLE SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LIGHT.'' ''ABIGAIL'' //Hello? Doctor Speare? I think the lights might be broken-// The door closes behind her locks itself. Abigail panics. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //No! No no no no! L-let me out!!// The dim light brightens, becoming unbearable. It engulfs the room. ''CUT TO: WAITING ROOM'' ''INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY.'' [[Colour me intrigued! -> Keep Reading Script]] [[This ain't for me chief ->At Least You Tried]]

This is a Haiku without a name from a pervious piece of coursework, from my first year of study at Coventry University. I should probably name it. A problem for future me. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //A blind man can see What the rest of us ignore But would they choose to?// ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A deep metaphorical insight perhaps? Or a throwaway comment turned into a poem? Who can say? I can. But I won't. Why don't you take a peak at something else instead? [[Go back ->Main Exhibit Room A]] [[Press on ->Main Exhibit Room B]]

Eugh... Seriously? You're here again?! At what point did you expect a virtual programme designed to showcase years of creative writing work to actually be able to give you ice cream? It's not like it's coded to order you food using your credit card details. I mean I could do that but it's wrong. And probably illegal. But it would be real funny wouldn't it? Just go back to the Exhibition woulod ya?! [[There was no ice cream... ->Main Exhibit Room A]]

That first room felt a little underwhelming didn't it? I thought not putting too many pieces in the opening hallway might help prevent people from getting overwhelmed but it kinda just... sat there? Lesson learned. Give people more buttons to play with. So I shall!! Whoever said I wasn't a generous and benevolent host?! [[Another Poem ->Poem]] [[A short story ->Short Story]] [[Dungeons and Dragons! ->DnD Prep work]] [[Hey look a button! ->You fell for it again]] [[Character Design Document -> Character Design Document]]

You wish to read another poem eh? Like things to be short and snappy do ya? Well, take a longer poem as a subversion of expectations! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- //Freedom is a right, not a privilege. So many people take that for granted Because they lay claim through their lineage, While those who need it are left unwanted. The abused must force themselves ever onward While the entitled squander their birthright. The weak become weaker as hope wanders, Their true goals no longer locked in their sights Tempered fates and twisted laments ring true The cries of the anguished met with silence, Calling for more aid from those who care not. Ignorance born of public compliance. Governments teach to forget those we past But how long can denial truly last?// ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Darker themes! Longer Stanzas! Absolutely no idea what I'm even writing about! And yet, it still rhymes. Even confused I still serve! No? No warhammer fans? Ok... sad times. I was gonna show off my chunky boi... [[Go back ->Main Exhibit Room B]] [[Go forwards ->Main Exhibit Room C]] [[Hey I wanna see it ->Warhammer Model Room]]

Oh look! More university coursework! Why don't I put something more personal here? Because my uni work is properly proof read and tailored for public viewing. The other things I've written are not. So the opening sections, arguably the most important, are going to be good things to hook you in and keep you interested. It works on YouTube, why can't it work here?! No really why wouldn't it work I honestly don't know. While you realise you can't actually answer me (I hope you realise that), here's a short story I done did in my second year! [[This is how long now?! I'm good thanks ->Main Exhibit Room B]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- “Axel? If you would be so kind as to step into the office, Doctor Araneidae will see you now.” I nearly missed the receptionist calling out my name. There’s so much going on in my head that I can’t place that the world around me is starting to blur. My feet moved on their own, saving me from an awkward conversation with the young woman sat behind an old oak desk. I can feel something ice cold pressing against my palm. A gentle push and it gives way, opening the door. Suddenly everything seems clear, the snapping of my focus was so much of a shock that I let out a stifled gasp when the door slammed behind me. I feel bad for letting it go like that. At least the doctor didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he wasn’t even looking up from the paperwork on his desk. “Do make yourself at home. I can assure you I don’t bite.” “T-thank you.” The room is big, but the only pieces of furniture around are the sofa, the desk and a chair behind it. They’re all decorated to match: a rich brown, with red velvet pillows and a gold trim that shone in the midday sun. The light was streaming in from the floor to ceiling window that covered the back wall. Glancing out of it was like looking at a holiday brochure. A pristine beachside resort, shadowed softly by a picturesque skyline. The other walls are brown like the furniture, but softer. If I look at them for long enough, they begin to shift, as if the colour was draining from them before my eyes. Odd trinkets hung at weird intervals on those walls. Hundreds of different spiders, frozen within ornate glass cases, oddly shaped charms that never seemed to sit still. There are several switches scattered around, but I don’t see any lights for them to turn on. From the couch I could only look at the wall behind the doctor's desk without craning my neck to stare. I don’t want to seem impolite in my first session. “Well, not since the last time anyway.” “Excuse me?” It may have just been a trick of the light, but I swear he was sneering at me. I could feel the panic start to seep into my mind again, could sense the sullen nausea sink back into my soul. Did I imagine it? His face is blank now, so I must have. Would it be rude to ask him about it? I’m here to get to the root of whatever was causing my sickness, wasn’t I? “It’s ok Axel, it was only a joke. An ice breaker, if you will. I’ve found the nervous react well to humour and you strike me as a humorous soul.” “I-I guess. I just wasn’t expecting a joke in therapy. I don’t know what to expect out of all this honestly. I’ve never been to therapy before.” “That’s an understandable position to be in. But the first thing we must always do is establish a dialogue. We cannot address what ails you without first expressing it, can we?” He’s right about that. And I want to agree with him, but something is holding me back. I can’t seem to place my hesitation. Something is on the tip of my tongue, holding my words in place like a vice grips onto a workbench. “It’s ok for you to be anxious, Axel. It’s not every day a man like you gets sent into my office. Especially after all you’ve been through.” “All I’ve been through? H-How did you know?” “Oh, forgive me, where are my manners. I had assumed you were aware that I had been informed of your... let’s call it circumstances, shall we? After all, you sought me out yourself after, how did you put it? ‘Skittering across the web’? Apologies if this has caused any discomfort in you, that was not my intention.” Is it normal for a psychiatrist to be this well informed? I’m not even sure what it was that happened to me before. I remember falling. I can feel echoes of pain coursing through my body in broken waves. It leaves me feeling numb, more so in my legs than anywhere else. Does this mean that he has answers for me? “Axel.” When did he stand up? I must have been lost in my head again. The doctor was leaning on the front of his desk like a lazy teenager. It makes me uneasy, but I can’t place why. It’s almost like he shouldn’t be acting this casually. “Let me start from the beginning. You’re clearly under a lot of stress and you seem to zone out at odd intervals. It is often common to see this in people suffering from post-traumatic stress, as the distance it provides stops the mind from confronting something it isn’t prepared to engage with. So, can you try to recall what you can from the event? It would have happened about a week ago now, so I understand if it is a difficult feat to accomplish.” I want to remember whatever it was I went through, but I can’t focus on it. I can barely remember walking into this office, everything beyond that door has become a blur. It’s like a deep haze has descended upon the world and that this office is the only safe place on Earth. But that couldn’t be right, I’ve never been here before. The weight of expectation is becoming unbearable. I’m struggling to sit upright; I can barely think straight. My body feels like it’s floating, as if submerged deep within something dark and unseen. “It’s ok if this is difficult for you Axel. We have plenty of time if you need it.” The doctors voice cuts through my stupor in an instant. It catches my attention so effortlessly that it scares me. I suddenly feel like a startled deer. I want to run, every part of me screams that I should bolt for cover. But I can’t. There’s nowhere to go, no way to tell which direction would get me to safety. There isn’t even a way to tell where the danger is coming from, or what the danger is. Doctor Araneidae is still sitting on his desk, patiently waiting for me to find my voice. Has he moved since he got up? I can’t even see his body shift with his breathing, no matter how hard I look. His lips keep twitching, edging towards that grin I thought I saw earlier. Is he trying to hide something or am I still seeing things? [[I want off this ride ->Main Exhibit Room A]] [[Wait there's more?! -> Keep Reading Short Story]] “I’m... I’m not sure what happened to me. It’s so hard to focus on anything but what’s in front of me. I remember falling, I think. Or at least I can remember the feeling of falling. My legs go numb when I get that feeling. And then... and then...” It’s gone. Whatever fragment of memory I was grasping at slipped through my fingers like sand. I feel cheated. Something clearly isn’t right with me. The doctor did say he knew why I was here; it might be time to ask him about that. But why does that feel like a mistake? Was I wrong to see a therapist about this? Would a normal doctor have been better? “Don’t feel bad about this Axel. You’re not the first to walk into my office struggling to recall their past. Just take a deep breath and concentrate on something you know to be real. Like myself, for instance. You can trust me, can’t you?” “Yeah... yeah, you’re right. It’s just frustrating. I’m not usually like this.” “And how is that so?” “Come again?” I can’t tell for certain, but it looks like Araneidae is fidgeting. His coat sleeves keep shifting but with his hands behind his back it’s hard to tell why. His stillness is starting to unnerve me, makes me think he has a lot more to hide than whatever it is he knows about me. But he’s also right. I can’t focus on anything else in the room, or my own thoughts. The world is a blur. Even simply responding to his questions is a struggle. “What are you like normally Axel? Can you at least recall that?” “Yeah I... no. It’s gone.” “Are you certain that you were grasping at the right straw?” That question is odd. I don’t know how to respond to it. Is he trying to suggest I made something up? I’m confused enough as it is without my psychiatrist playing mind games with me. Maybe playing along is my best bet here. “Maybe. But you’ve mentioned a few times now that you know something. It might help me if you tell me what it is.” I thought he was going to scold me for telling him how to do his job. I’ve heard that medical professionals get a little uptight when you do that. But he hasn’t. Doctor Araneidae isn’t even batting an eyelid, still lounging on his desk with a lazy grin. Has it gotten bigger? A sharp sound cuts through the quiet in the office. I’ve been so distracted with his lips shifting that I didn’t notice the doctor was clapping until I heard it. “Congratulations Axel, you’re now asking the right questions. I think we can have this session wrapped up within the hour after all.” Now he’s standing again, making his way back to the chair behind his desk like nothing has happened. Everything’s starting to blur together again, it’s getting harder to focus on the conversation. Getting harder to breath. The cold seeps in, wrapping me up in a blanket of fear. This sensation is familiar, but I can’t place it. Part of me wants to panic. The other wishes to embrace what I feel. Like it’s the right thing to do. “Before I address your case specifically, I believe it best to enlighten you to my station. As you are probably aware of by now, I am not a conventional therapist, though I am a licensed professional. I am a more, holistic, practitioner. I believe that each part contributes to the whole, so I take it upon myself to find out as much as I can about a patient prior to their arrival. Are you following all this so far Axel? You seem a little distant.” “No yeah I... it’s just a lot to take in. A-and everything is hazy. Like I’m underwater, but not.” “I see. Fortunately, that seems to be a common symptom amongst my patients. You’ll be happy to know that I have ascertained the root cause of your current condition. However, curing it will be another matter entirely, dependent on how cooperative you choose to be.” I don’t completely follow what he’s saying, though it all seems to make sense. His words seem so familiar. But I’m sure I’ve never been to see him before. Unless I have and I just don’t remember? He did say that this is a more common problem than it seems. Doctor Araneidae is completely still again, sitting behind his desk with his fingers steepled together under the bridge of his nose. His hands look far too long. Do they have an extra joint? His face looks like it’s stretching too, stretching out his leer. I shake my head to try and clear it, looking back up to see everything as it were. I must be exhausted if my mind is playing tricks on me this much. “Axel.” “Huh? Oh, sorry. I thought I saw something odd.” “Keep that in mind Axel. It may be of use for what is to come.” The doctor’s fingers interlock and flatten out, creating a perch for his chin to rest on. But I’m not focused on that. It’s his words that have me hooked. The only thing I can think to do is wait for him to continue. “I can help you overcome this, Axel; all you need do is trust me. Can you do this for me?” I don’t think I can, but what choice do I have? “Yeah. I can trust you.” “Good. Now, close your eyes. Take a deep breath, and when you release it, let go.” “Let go?” “Yes Axel, just let go. All of this is just in your mind. None of it can affect you further if you simply release it back into the world.” “Ok, but what am I letting go of?” “You’ll know when the time comes.” All my doubts slip away with his words. I can feel the cold seeping into me. It’s starting at my fingertips. Wherever it passes, my skin splits and bones splinter out through the cracks. There’s no blood, or pain. Only the cold crawling through my veins like vines creeping up the crumbling walls of an old keep. The sensation is so horrifying that it’s almost mesmerising. The bones are skittering up my arms, slashing at my skin; Pulling more of them out as they go. Like a swarm of spiders bursting from a cocoon. “Axel.” I look up at Doctor Araneidae one last time. With that sinister grin. And all those eyes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spooky! I like this story a lot, even if it got marked down a bit because the final submission wasn't formatted exactly how it was supposed to be. I'm not salty. 100%. It's totally fine that I got a decent grade because of the way the words line up instead of a decent grade for the time and effort put into the story itself. It's not wrong, just different! Ok fine whatever just get going already. >.> [[I'm going ->Main Exhibit Room C]] [[I wanna see something else ->Main Exhibit Room B]]

Yeup, I play Dungeons and Dragons. I'm cool like that- Wait what? Everyone plays DnD? Because it's a big part of the hit Netflix Show Stranger Things? It's now a mainstream media TTRPG? Even though most people don't even know what TTRPG means? I... uh... I was here before it was cool? Shit I can't prove that. Nor do I want to. Cos that would involve revealing my dice addiction. and my other tabletop games. I don't have time to go on a rant about Malifaux... Let's just, show the thing before I get super side tracked. Sounds like a plan. Oh yeah, this is super long. There's only one exit between here and the end. Take it or leave it my guy. [[I'm not ready get me out! ->Main Exhibit Room B]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (text-style:"underline")[''Session 0''] ''Intro'' Calyx - Having recently suffered through the loss of their home, Calyx has been wandering the lands in search of a purpose. While he has yet to find that, he has caught word of certain rumours. Nightstone may hold the key to whatever it is he seeks, be it revenge, closure or something else entirely. Allow Calyx to introduce themselves if they so choose, then read the following aloud. As with all the towns Calyx had visited as a wandering soul, Ryben was alien to him. It was his last stop on the way to Nightstone, a last chance to gather supplies for the long road ahead. It was a small town, surrounded by a rickety fence that did little to keep people in or out. All of its buildings were old, save for a series of tents constructed to the west in order to house a travelling circus that had made its way south as part of a continental tour. Calyx would arrive at Ryben at midday, weary from travelling so far from home. Calyx now has a choice. He can head straight to the tavern, leading him to Adam and the first inkling that something is wrong with Ryben. He can explore the tents to the west, introducing him to Arion and the scene of the session's heated finale. He can wander around Ryben, finding the Blacksmith, General Store, Barracks, The Old Well and/or the Abandoned Church. Depending on the time of day (how far into the session story he gets) Meg will either be in The Old Well or the Abandoned Church. The Tavern The Last Light is Ryben’s primary attraction, besides the wandering carnival that is. By far the largest building in the town still in use, it sits at the centre like a proud parent watching over all its children. The only building with three floors it is as you expect from a tavern despite its size. The first floor is spacious, with one wall taken up by a bar. A few tables are spread out somewhat haphazardly, allowing people a place to sit while they drink their ales or enjoy their meals. A few shady spots exist where the candlelight cannot reach, but these are empty for the most part. A staircase behind the bar leads up to the other two floors, where the tavern keeps its rooms for the night. The owner of The Last Light is a younger looking man, dressed in a casual suit that's seen better days. A mop of black hair hangs off his head in lazy curls, covering one eye completely. The other is a soft red, strange for a human. He greets all his customers with a smile but doesn’t often leave the bar. Tabel service is offered by rather plain looking servants of varying appearances, though all are human as Ryben is a human settlement with a history of distrust of other species. The barman houses no such distrust however, opening his doors to any and all who need a place to stay. (Show the picture if you start struggling, you found them for a reason dumbass) The Last Light is empty for the most part. Besides the owner behind the bar and the waiting staff, only one table is occupied. A group of gruff looking men, dressed in the garb of the local guard, sit playing a heated game of cards. They are clearly a few pints in and are making more than enough noise to fill the tavern by themselves. The Barman - The barman is currently cleaning off one of the glasses with an old rag, his smile never wavering as you approach. It’s warm and friendly, inviting you to take a seat on one of the stools. He doesn’t start a conversation however. He simply waits for you to make a move, knowing that some people prefer to come at things at their own pace. When a conversation is finally struck, he introduces himself as Louis and offers you a drink on the house. He also mentions that there are rooms available to rent for the night if you are looking for a place to stay. He reassures you that despite the tone of the town, all are welcome at The Last Light. At any point while the party are at The Last Light Adam may choose to leave his room and head downstairs for a drink and/or a meal. He may either choose to sit by a table himself or approach the party of his own volition. Keep in mind the guards playing a card game will become hostile and try to start a confrontation with the party if they are not all human, creating a combat encounter if they cannot be dissuaded. **DC 18 Charisma (Intimidate) Check. Passing diffuses the situation, failing initiates combat.** Ask about a room - There are a lot of rooms available, all single bedrooms. There haven’t been that many visitors to town lately, despite the carnival just outside. They’re two gold pieces a night, but you get free drinks and a hot meal, plus a warm bed. I feel like it’s a fair deal. Ask about the Blacksmith - Kana runs the smithy. She’s a tough woman, and she really doesn’t get along well with people. But no one knows their way around a forge like she does. Keep the conversation short and get to the point and I’m sure she’ll be able to make whatever weapons or armour you need. She also has some pieces to sell, though most of her wares go to the guards so it might not be her best work. Ask about the General Store - Clayton runs a hard bargain and loves to haggle, but if you need it he’s got it lying around somewhere. His store is where you want to go for your basic needs. Food, potions, torches, that sort of thing. Just be prepared to fight over prices. Most people like to call him a “swindling little shit”. Ask about the Old Well - That old well runs pretty deep, but it’s mostly dried up these days. Be careful not to fall in. There hasn’t been a rope attached to it for years. It’d be next to impossible to climb back out without someone's help, and rumour has it that your screams won’t reach the top if you fall in. Ask about the Abandoned Church - Our town was built around that church. It was long since abandoned before any buildings were started and no one really knows what religion it was meant to serve. The carnival folk seem to be hanging around there a lot, or at least that’s what I’ve heard. It seems to be the only place they go outside of their tents. Ask about the Guard Barracks - The guard barracks is hard to miss. It’s the only other building in town in as good a condition as The Last Light. It’s closed to the public, since the town jail is housed inside the basement, but if you need to check it out I’m sure the guards will let you in if you convince them of your intentions. Though being from out of town it may be best to avoid the place entirely. The guards are the worst of us when it comes to mistreating strangers, especially those of another race. Ask about the carnival - They pulled into town a few weeks back. Our mayor let them set up shop saying it’d be good for business. But as you can see, it seems to have done the opposite. In fact, I seem to be missing a few regulars now that those tents are up. Perhaps I’ll see them again once the circus moves to another town. Ask about Louis - Why certainly. What is it you wish to know? Eyes - I’m not entirely sure myself. I was born with them, that much I know. Neither my mother nor my father had red eyes. They do make for an interesting catch though, don’t they? After all, they got you talking to me. With business being as slow as it is, I’ll take every advantage I can get. Tolerance to others - Our town is an old settlement, made up of settlers from Keltra. There was a problem with overcrowding a while back, before I was born. Some of the citizens split off to serve the greater good and made a home for themselves here. Unfortunately, those settlers were attacked by outsiders as they left to make a new home. And the mercenaries that were meant to help them stole most of their supplies and fled. Or so the story goes. As such, the town was built mistrusting outsiders, and in isolation that mistrust turned to hatred. Like I said, this was all before my time, and I believe everyone has their own story to tell. That’s why everyone is welcome here, no matter what you happen to be. Name of the tavern - I chose the name myself. It felt fitting since the lights in this place are always the last to go out in the town. Sometimes they don’t even go out, but I haven’t had one of those days in a long while. I kind of miss the buzz of a crowded room, but I’m grateful for the lighter workload. Thoughts about the circus - I haven’t been to see it myself, but I’ve heard its very run of the mill for a travelling circus. Stage performers, wild animals, some strange services like fortune telling and matchmaking booths. Though they have stuck around for quite a while now, and ever since they put those tents up people have been coming back here less and less. My only regulars at the moment seem to be the guards who are posted to the town that can’t go to the circus. What I find odd though, is how accepting the townspeople are of the circus. They’re usually very mistrusting, and often hostile, towards nonhumans. But the circus doesn’t have a single human on staff. And yet people flock to those tents night after night. I’d love to go and see things for myself, but I have to make sure the tavern stays open for the few people in need of a room. Ask about current guests - Most of the rooms are empty save for the ones on the top floor for myself and my staff. There are one or two currently in use, though I’m not at liberty to say much about my guests. I respect their privacy and treat them with respect so long as they are staying with me. However, if you can be trusted not to cause problems, I can tell you which rooms those guests are staying in so you can see them for yourselves. If they’ll have you, of course. **DC 14 Charisma (Persuasion) Check. Pass to convince Louis you are not going to cause trouble.** Pass - Ok, you seem trustworthy. There are two guests upstairs, though one may not be in their room right now as they seem to spend a lot of time at the circus tents. Rooms 2 and 5 are occupied, with Room 5 being your best bet to find someone inside (Adam). Please remember that I’m not going to tolerate violence and will intervene if necessary. Fail - I’m sorry but I’m not convinced. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave my guests alone unless they choose to approach you themselves. Both upper floors of the tavern are remarkably similar. Seven rooms connected by a corridor, with the eight door leading to the staircase. Each room contains a single bed, a chest, a desk, a window and a dresser, making the rooms seem homey yet oddly cramped together. Each room has a door number bolted onto the front of the door. Depending on whether or not he has chosen to sit down at the bar or stay in his room, Room 5 will either be locked or unlocked. Room 2 will remain locked regardless of the outcome. If Louis has been convinced to let you into the rooms he will give you a room key to use. **DC 21 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) Check. Passing successfully lockpicks a room door.** The inside of Room 2 is noticeably more dishevelled than the other rooms (if another room has been seen). It is clear that the room has been torn apart in search of something, though it is not clear as to what. The window has been left open, allowing a soft breeze to push against the thing curtains and cause a chill wind to fill the room. DC 17 Intelligence (Investigation) Check. Passing reveals what was being searched for. Pass - You notice that despite the state of the room, the desk has barely been touched. It looks almost too deliberate, like someone left the desk alone intentionally to try and keep people off the scent of it. Looking inside one of the drawers you find a trick bottom containing a note. The note reads “Follow Sorrow’s Light past dawn.” A strange symbol has been painted onto the note. If Louis is with you he will express shock at the state of the room. He will also not recognise the note or the symbol on it, leading him to question whether or not being so friendly was a mistake. After a brief conversation (open to the party to respond to) Louis will ask you to let him join the party when they go to the circus. He knows the occupant of Room 2 left to see them the other night and believes that if he doesn’t get to the bottom of this he won’t have any customers to keep a tavern open for. He will then close the bottom floor, leaving the rooms open for people to use normally as he gets ready for an excursion. Regardless of whether or not the party investigates Room 2, Adam can choose to come out of Room 5 at any point, or remain within the room until the party chooses to investigate it. He may also choose to come down in time for the combat scenario before or during the commotion. If he does so he may be given the option to introduce his character himself if he so wishes. Tavern Combat (Insert map image) There are 3 guards (bandits for the purpose of rules) armed with shortswords, sitting around the central table. Each guard will fight with disadvantage due to being drunk and will only have 6 HP each. Defeating a guard will only knock them out unless specified by the player, though killing them may cause more harm than good. If all but one of the guards are incapacitated at the start of the turn, the final guard will flee. Guard Stats - +2 to hit, 1d6 piercing damage, AC 12, 6 HP Guard 1 - 6HP Guard 2 - 6HP Guard 3 - 6HP When combat concludes, Louis will apologise for the trouble and offer to help the party in any way he can. If the party killed one or more guards, Louis would instead force them to leave. There is no loot to be gained from the guards. The Blacksmith The blacksmith is a small house near the south side of town. The smithy itself is situated outside, cut off from intruders by a very sturdy fence. The forge is always alight, no matter the time of day and is usually attended by its grouchy smith. Kana is a gruff half orc with a nasty scar running down the right side of her face, which she keeps covered most of the time with her gingery, sandy hair. Weapons and armour are stacked neatly on tables and racks, and a door leads into the house from the side the smithy is built. Kana will refuse to talk to the party without Adam's character present, and even then will try to get them to leave without proper incentive. If properly convinced, Kana can offer to sell each party member a piece of equipment from the list below. Otherwise she offers no real advancement to the plot unless Louis is with the party. Shield - 10g Longsword - 15g Glaive - 20g Greatsword - 50g Short Sword -10g War Hammer -15g Breastplate - 400g If Louis is with the party, the two will move off to one side to talk privately. Suddenly, Kana will retreat into her house, only to return moments later carrying Louis’s weapon. She then hands it to him, gives him a grouchy line about taking better care of his tools then heads back to work as if she were alone again. The Old Church A massive, dilapidated ruin that takes up the entirety of the west side of town. Most of the once majestic architecture has collapsed on itself, the graveyard out front is old and none of the tombstones have escaped the ravages of time. Windows lay shattered and light beams harshly through cracks in the walls. Some of the rooms are mostly untouched, while others no longer exist. Rumours of a strange beast living in the church have been floating around town. No one who has gone to investigate has returned, so the townsfolk suspect that this mystery beast is to blame and have been avoiding the church ever since. The front door is mangled and flooded with debris, making it impossible to get in through there. A large hole exists round the back of the church that leads into a large open room. DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) Check. Passing reveals a hidden alcove that leads to the Grulg Den hidden in the church (Meg’s home [if she actually turns up and plays]). Strange symbols painted onto select walls will also be revealed that will come into play later. They seem to glow faintly when those who possess magic approach, as if drawn out by their innate magical powers. The General Store Claytons general store, optimistically dubbed “The Last Stop” is a small shop that sits between the tavern and the guard barracks. The shop itself isn’t anything special, but the charismatic halfing in charge will dazzle you with tall tales and crazy sales pitches as he swindles you out of your hard earned cash. With the signature phrase “you drive a hard bargain.” Clayton has developed a reputation as a con artist, though he would personally describe it as competitive pricing. The general store offers simple items to be purchased for the party, including potions, food and other such provisions. See the official DnD pages for item details and adjust prices where necessary. The Old Well The old well sits alone at the end of a rounded street. It’s been long since boarded up, left to the whims of time. Despite this, the boards look fresh compared to the rest of the well. DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) Check. Passive reveals that the planks have been recently nailed down, and the work seems deliberately shoddy. It’s more of a facade than a working cover, which means that people have been using this well recently despite it having clearly dried up years ago. The well is 120ft deep and there is no rope currently attached to it. If the players manage to find a way down to the bottom they may find a small lockbox if they look hard enough. Otherwise the well is as empty and abandoned as it looks. DC 21 Intelligence (Investigation) Check. Pass reveals the lockbox A small metal box, locked tightly by a mechanism with no key, has been neatly buried behind a false brick in the bottom of the well. It was hard to spot but you managed to notice that it shone a lot brighter than the other bricks in the light. Within the box is a series of instructions, written in code, that detail plans for a shady group that will occur after the nightly circus performance. The box can be opened by force or with a successful Arcana check, provided the party works out that the lock is magical. If an Arcana check is failed, however, the box will trigger a defence mechanism that destroys it and its contents. If the players have found the Strange Symbol in the Old Church prior to this, they will notice a matching symbol on the box. If they touch it the box will open on its own. The Barracks The guard barracks is typical of small town guard outposts, with a watch tower built into one side and a single guard standing outside. The guard is wearing leather armour and carries a spear. He will eye up the party wearily, lowering his weapon at them if they approach. A gruff warning would be yelled, in a way that says he wants them to break it, stating that the barracks are off limits to townsfolk without a guard escort. The guard will attack if provoked, but a good enough argument will convince him to let you inside. Louis will play no part here as he has never once had to set foot in the guard barracks. The barracks is surprisingly empty, with only a couple guards lounging around at a table playing card games. A single officer sits behind a desk, overwhelmed by a mountain of paperwork she is clearly getting frustrated with. Neither the watchtower or the jails are being guarded and none of the guards want anything to do with outsiders. The officer can be talked to but will try their best to speed the conversation along so they can get back to their paperwork. A glance will reveal that it is mostly missing person reports, while the officer will constantly and begrudgingly refer to the circus any chance she gets. It’s clear that the circus folk are a pain in her ass, and that she doesn’t trust you or them in the slightest. Besides this information, the visit to the guard barracks is a waste of time. If the party did not diffuse the situation at The Last Light, the three guards they defeated during the tavern brawl will wander in from the mess hall and recognise them, immediately going for their weapons and barking at the other guards present to prepare for a tough fight. There is no diffusing this combat situation but the party can choose to flee. Flee- the party escapes the barracks and must now evade the law for the rest of the session. This will mostly affect actions and interactions with the carnival in the second half. Fight - the party prepares for combat, this time in a more confined space and faced with lethal force. There will be no room to pull punches here. There are now six guards in total, plus the officer behind her desk. One guard starts the combat behind the party as he rushes in from his post outside to aid his comrades. Barracks Combat Guard 1 (shortsword) - 15HP 12AC +3 hit, 1d6 piercing Stats - STR 14(+2) DEX 11(+0) CON 12(+1) INT 11(+0) WIS 10(+0) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +4 DEX +2 Guard 2 (shortsword) - 15HP 12AC +3 hit, 1d6 piercing Stats - STR 14(+2) DEX 11(+0) CON 12(+1) INT 11(+0) WIS 10(+0) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +4 DEX +2 Guard 3 (shortsword) - 15HP 12AC +3 hit, 1d6 piercing Stats - STR 14(+2) DEX 11(+0) CON 12(+1) INT 11(+0) WIS 10(+0) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +4 DEX +2 Guard 4 (crossbow) - 15HP 12AC +3 hit, 1d6 piercing Stats - STR 14(+2) DEX 11(+0) CON 12(+1) INT 11(+0) WIS 10(+0) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +4 DEX +2 Guard 5 (spear) - 15HP 12AC +2 hit, reach, 1d6 piercing Stats - STR 14(+2) DEX 11(+0) CON 12(+1) INT 11(+0) WIS 10(+0) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +4 DEX +2 Officer (longsword) - 27HP 14AC +4 hit, parry, 1d8 slashing Stats - STR 14(+2) DEX 14(+2) CON 11(+1) INT 12(+1) WIS 11(+1) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +4 DEX +4 WIS +3 The foyer of the barracks is a 30ft wide, 80ft long rectangular room, with open doorways leading towards different rooms. A large table sits near the doorway to the mess, while the door to the tower has a staircase going up and down. The officer's desk is pushed up against the back corner. The room is well lit and open, leaving no cover for either side to use. Each guard can be looted upon death. They each have one set of leather armour, 3 gold pieces and the weapon they used in combat. They also all have a dagger on them. The officer has instead her weapon, no armour, an ornate dagger, an order written in elvish and a strange key. `The Circus - Exterior It’s almost a shock to see the garish colours and dizzying lights of the carnival tents after having sat through the drab and dreary stone brick town. This place was bustling with activity, no one seemed to sit still though no one appeared to be in a rush either. Different performers of various crafts littered the outsides of the tents, practising their crafts or mingling with other performers. None seemed at all concerned to be here, painting a stark contrast to what you were led to believe from the townspeople. There were tents of various sizes scattered about the open plain, seemingly at random. The largest of these tents sat at the centre of the makeshift ring, a patchwork of fabrics and cloth held together by a horde of stitches and a whole lot of hope. This large tent saw the most traffic and seemed to catch the eye no matter where you were in the carnival. There were a few smaller tents of interest too, but none of them seemed to offer much besides a peak behind the curtain, as it were. Some of the tents draw the eye more than others, for various reasons. Some are covered in bright flags fluttering in the wind. One has a strange eye painted onto the flaps of the doorframe. One tent is flanked by several cages and the last tent to draw attention appears to be an infirmary. One of the smaller tents that didn’t draw much attention did seem to be garnering a crowd. A small group of people were gathered around the entrance. It was hard to tell from this far away but it seemed to be that something out of the ordinary, even for the extravagant menagerie of the circus, was inside and the crowds were eager to witness it. The Circus - Kalen’s Tent The crowd gathered outside of this tent was dense, leaving no room to move past them in order to get inside. Whatever they wanted was inside and it was clear that their patience was about to run thin. A single half-elf woman was all that stood between the crowd becoming a mob, and to her credit she was doing a fairly good job. She stood with a lazy confidence, one eye covered by a mop of sandy blonde hair cut short. She flipped a knife in the air as she eyed up the crowd, debating on what her next move should be. Various other small blades were strapped to her tunic, some glinting off of the lights scattered around the circus. Allow the party to deal with the crowd as they see fit, winging it somewhat to allow creativity with the plan. The party should be left facing the half-elf woman when the crowd has been contained or dispersed. The half-elf eyes up the party from her spot at the doorway. She’d been watching you closely since the crowd started to split. It’s not clear what she feels towards the party, what with half her face covered and all. Her eyes darted from person to person, still throwing a knife in one hand. Approaching her seems like your best bet to finding out what was going on with this tent, but something tells you she doesn’t seem to be the chatty type. Individual Party Members can sneak past the half-elf if they pass a stealth check while she is distracted. DC 21 Dexterity (Stealth). Otherwise, the only way past them is to talk to them. The half-elf will stop tossing her knife and instead spin it swiftly when the party starts a conversation with her. She seems bored and eager to move on from her post. “You guys gonna be a problem” Let the Party talk to the half-elf for a while before seeing whether or not they have convinced her to let them through. The half-elf is a moody woman who knows how good she is with her blades, is at the end of her rope and has almost run out of patience with people today. If successful, no roll is needed. Otherwise the roll will depend on how the conversation goes. DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) if the conversation was middling, DC 22 Charisma (Persuasion) if the conversation goes badly. Regardless of how well the conversation goes, the half-elf will not be very tolerant of bullshit, so any Intimidation check will require a DC 25 Charisma (Intimidation) roll. The inside of the tent isn’t what you might have expected with the level of security posted outside. It’s fairly empty in here, with most of the furniture having been shoved to one side of the space. A cot, a chest and a little table all sat clustered together. The open space at the other side of the room housed the room's occupant, sat upon a stool fiddling anxiously with a (insert preferred musical device here). The tiefling is far too occupied to notice you enter their tent, giving you a chance to look them over before approaching. Grant Arion a chance to introduce their characters themselves if they wish, otherwise provide a brief rundown of Kalen’s appearance. After a brief player driven conversation Kalen will reveal (through the player or the DM) that they are meant to be performing tonight but are still very anxious. They have skipped their show a few times already and the carnival organisers have threatened to cut them out of the show if they fail to perform again tonight. The Circus - Infirmary The infirmary tent is surprisingly calm and empty, only staffed by two goblin nurses that seem more intent on pinching supp[lies to stash in a corner than they are at patching up the few injured souls waiting for treatment. All of their injuries are little more than surface wounds, but they all look agitated to be here. The goblins seem to pay the party no mind but are constantly rushing to or eyeing up their stash in the corner. A quick conversation or investigation will reveal that the goblins do indeed work for the carnival, but since they weren’t paid for this week they’ve taken to nabbin everything that isn’t nailed down to make up for it. They have medical supplies and a few nick nacks for sale because of their stash. The Circus - Animal Tent The cages are too dark to properly see into from the outside, and security around this tent is especially tight. Two orcs in brightly tunics coloured stand at either side of the tent flap, each carrying a great axe and wearing scalemale. A third guard sits nearby, watching the entryway with a shortbow. The halfling is wearing leather armour in similar garish colours to the orcs and has a vantage point from atop a barrel. With the way these guards are stationed and the erratic movements of the other circus folk it would be impossible to sneak into this particular tent. The party is welcome to try but when they are inevitably caught the carnival folk will grow weary of the party and make things tougher moving forward. The party can talk their way into the tent if they so choose. DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check. DC 26 Charisma (Intimidation) check. The interior of the tent is almost as dark and drab as the cages outside. A heavy wooden door separates the party from the cages, an oddly oppressive level of security for the otherwise open carnival. A beast master sits in the tent preparing his things. A surly looking half-orc, criss-crossed in claw marks and bites. A whip hangs off of one hip and he looks at the party with a cruel smile as they approach. “Fresh faces come to see the beasts in the wild eh? ‘Fraid we can’t let anyone past to see the cages. Unless you’re open to losing a limb. Heh.” The half-orc will dodge most of the questions the party can ask, leering and making fun of them whenever he gets. It will become clear that he is a cruel man that enjoys torturing others, but will not resort to such measures when it comes to his beasts. It may not be believable, but they are the only things he respects. And fears. There is no way for the party to get to the cages, but the right lines of inquiry could result in the half-orc giving away brief details about the caged animals. There are at least two wargs in the cages, alongside a young basilisk, a bear and a few hyenas. There are also an assortment of tamer, more common circus animals like lions, elephants and dogs. The Circus - Fortune Tellers Tent The eye on the tent flaps parts as you push through them and make your entrance. The interior is surprisingly dark compared to the other tents, lit with a warm pinkish glow that seems to emanate from a crystal ball that rests atop the large circular table in the middle of the room. A masked woman sits behind the crystal ball, waving her wrinkled hands with practised mysticism. She silently beckons you to take a seat at the table, her face unreadable behind the blank mask she wore. Her robes were as wrinkled and faded as her skin, creasing with her movements and rippling in the wind. Despite not being able to see them, you feel as if her eyes will never leave you no matter where you are in the room or how many people are there with you. The fortune teller is designed to look like a con but she is actually a part of the Children of Sorrow. If the party asks questions about the cult she will dodge them with vague, buzzword responses. If they ask for a reading she will give them something solid based on their personality and background before coaxing them into a trap in the guise of a “fated moment.” If threatened she will disappear into a puff of smoke, with a sinister cackle like an old cartoon. Regardless of her exit, she will appear in the caves later. The Circus - Big Top Exterior The centre of everything was as extravagant as one might expect from the crowds they had waded through to get here. Near enough everyone at the carnival are milling in or around the Big Top, moving in droves as they go about their day to day. No one seems at all concerned about the presence of new arrivals, nor do they seem to be paying the nearby town any attention. In fact they’re so focused on getting the carnival ready for the nightly performance that they don’t seem to notice anything else going on. The crowds mostly comprise of the duller looking townsfolk and carnival goers, with a few performers scattered around herding people in the right direction. Very few people come back out of the Big Top but droves of them seem to be going in. Perhaps they’re getting ready for something? A singular guard monitors the entryway, though he looks more like a performer than a warrior. Two large scimitars are strapped to his back, and a torch sits at either hip. The elf is fair skinned with dark hair, partially singged from his work with fire. His smile is easy going but his stance suggests that he was eager for a fight to break out. His expression sours somewhat when he notices the party. It’s clear some people around here still aren’t comfortable with fresh faces after all. If the party decides to investigate the area and roll well enough they will notice some shifty looking individuals hanging around a side entrance to the Big Top. These people will retreat into the tent as soon as they feel their presence is known. Passing this check will also reveal the faint outline of a symbol painted onto the door flaps of the big top. This will be the same symbol found in the Old Church if the party had explored that area and found the symbol prior to coming to the Big Top. DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) check. The Party can choose to either sneak their way into the Big Top and try to get into the show unannounced, which will make negotiating more difficult but will grant them favourable positions if a fight were to break out. Alternatively they can sign up at the front door and be ushered into the tent ready for the performance to begin. They will be at a better place for negotiations when the show ends but will be at a disadvantage for combat as they will be pulled onto the stage one by one to “perform”. The Circus - Big Top Interior Interior If the party enters as part of the crowd. A mage cuts the lights inside the tent as the audience begins to settle down, eager to watch the magic unfold. With a flourish and a flash of light the ringmaster appears centre stage atop a bright, stripy pedestal. He greets the audience with flair and gusto before rolling right into the main act. RP some circus performer bullshit until Kalen is ushered onto stage to perform. The crowd will grow silent and eager in anticipation, and it is up to Arion whether or not he will perform, though they will not be aware that his actions will have consequences. If Kalen performs, the carnival staff will be grateful to the party for helping him find his confidence and negotiations will be easier. If he fails to perform then the carnival staff will blame the party and make combat more likely. The next few acts come and go, each more extravagant and entertaining as the last. Suddenly the lights blackout again, and when they return the stage is empty, barring a new arrival who has dragged Kalen back with him. With a flourish the masked figure reveals themselves to be a great performer, here for one night only as a special guest for the proceedings. He seems shifty but doesn’t stop to let anyone linger on the feeling. The crowd do not seem to notice, eager for the next big show piece. Each time a part of the magical act progresses, the masked figure will call down a different party member to perform with him. If they refuse he will lash out, to the cheer of the crowds, using his magic to bring harm to one of the performers on stage under the guise of the performance. Party members may take damage if they are not careful, fail skill checks or do not follow instructions properly. The performance will come to a close once all party members have been called to the stage. A final act will draw all four of them together and bring light back to the stage proper. “We’ve been watching you very closely.” It will now be revealed that the party is surrounded and must either fight or talk their way out of the situation. There are several carnival folk and a cheering crowd to contend with and while the fight will be tough it will not be impossible. Different factors from the previous section will affect the final ability for the party to talk their way out of the situation. “At first we thought you were welcome prospects, but it’s clear your meddling will only cause us problems moving forward. A shame, really. Kalen would have made a wonderful prize for the master.” If Kalen Performed, lower the Persuasion Check by 2. Otherwise, raise it by 2 If the goblins were left to steal and horde supplies, raise the Persuasion Check by 2. Otherwise, lower it by 2 If the Fortune Teller was asked about the Cult, raise the Persuasion Check by 2. Otherwise do nothing. If the Beastmaster ends their interaction feeling threatened or angry, raise the Persuasion Check by 2. Otherwise do nothing. Because the Party allowed themselves to be ushered in and have their weapons checked, lower the Persuasion Check by 2. DC 22 Charisma (Persuasion) Check. [Affected by the above the conditions] If the party sneak in through the back The two hooded figures will be slightl;y further inside, not watching the entrance but still paying attention to their surroundings. They need to be dealt with before the party can proceed, whether that be sneaking past, incapacitating or talking their way out is up to the party. Once past the two hooded figures the party will need to climb up the scaffolding and sit in the rafters to remain undetected. The show will play on below them, including Kalen’s performance if he did not choose to come with the party. Guards will be searching the scaffolding while the show goes on, forcing the party to have to deal with them in some way to remain undetected. From their vantage point the party may notice some strange goings on during the performance if their perception holds. DC 10-16 Wisdom (Perception) check - The player notices some odd figures flitting through the stands, looking for specific individuals. DC 17-22 Wisdom (Perception) check - The player notices strange symbols dotted around the stage, glowing when the lights dim and disappearing when they turn back on. They also notice that the performers are actively avoiding the spaces near those symbols. DC 23+ Wisdom (Perception) check - The player can also make out missing seats where a bystander used to be, having suddenly vanished. When the performance draws to a close the party will be given the chance to sneak back out the way they came, but the closing speech of the ringmaster may give them pause. This is because no matter what they roll he will be aware that someone is sneaking around and will make casual threats towards innocents to draw them out. There will be very little room to talk their way out of this and innocent people will be hurt or killed if they flee the scene. As a final kick to the teeth, there are no innocents. Everyone in the Big Top is a part of the circus. The Circus - Big Top Brawl This is a large combat encounter and is meant to be the big halfway marker of session 0. The party will level up after this encounter, bringing them to level 2 in time for the big finale. Beastmaster (Whip) - 70HP AC13 +2 hit, 1d4 slashing, Bind, Reach(5ft) Stats - STR 19(+4) DEX 9(-1) CON 17(+3) INT 7(-2) WIS 10(+0) CHR 10(+0) Saving Throws - STR +6 CON +5 Tamed Bear - 94HP AC12 +4 hit, 2d8 slashing Stats - STR 19(+4) DEX 10(+0) CON 16(+3) INT 2(-4) WIS 13(+1) CHR 7(-2) Ringmaster (Knife) - 75HP AC15 +4 hit, 1d6+2 piercing Stats - STR 13(+1) DEX 16(+3) CON 11(+0) INT 14(+2) WIS 11(+0) CHR 15(+2) Saving Throws - DEX +5 INT +4 CHR +4 Performer 1 (dagger) - 30HP AC14 +2 hit, 1d4 piercing Stats - STR 11(+0) DEX 14(+2) CON 11(+0) INT 12(+1) WIS 11(+0) CHR 13(+1) Saving Throws - DEX +4 CHR +3 Performer 2 (dagger) - 30HP AC14 +2 hit, 1d4 piercing Stats - STR 11(+0) DEX 14(+2) CON 11(+0) INT 12(+1) WIS 11(+0) CHR 13(+1) Saving Throws - DEX +4 CHR +3 Performer 3 (dagger) - 30HP AC14 +2 hit, 1d4 piercing Stats - STR 11(+0) DEX 14(+2) CON 11(+0) INT 12(+1) WIS 11(+0) CHR 13(+1) Saving Throws - DEX +4 CHR +3 Performer 4 (dagger) - 30HP AC14 +2 hit, 1d4 piercing Stats - STR 11(+0) DEX 14(+2) CON 11(+0) INT 12(+1) WIS 11(+0) CHR 13(+1) Saving Throws - DEX +4 CHR +3 Performer 5 (dagger) - 30HP AC14 +2 hit, 1d4 piercing Stats - STR 11(+0) DEX 14(+2) CON 11(+0) INT 12(+1) WIS 11(+0) CHR 13(+1) Saving Throws - DEX +4 CHR +3 Fire Dancer (flaming staff) - 18HP AC16 +3 hit, 1d6 fire Stats - STR 11(+0) DEX 16(+3) CON 9(-1) INT 14(+2) WIS 11(+0) CHR 13(+1) Saving Throws - DEX +5 CHR +3 Spells - Produce Flame, Fire Bolt, Control Flame Spell Attack Modifier +3 The performance area for the carnival is a magical arena, a large circle 75ft in diameter. The edge of the ring is an 8ft tall wall that leads into the stands. As the fight progresses the magical runes in the floor of the arena will cause things to shift, charging the fighters with different effects. Every 3 rounds of combat, roll a D10 and consult the chart below. Reroll if a previously active effect is rolled. The enemy gain an additional 1d6 damage on melee attack damage rolls Each enemy heals for 1d4 hit points The party gain advantage on their next attack roll this turn The party gain an additional action this turn The party gain an additional 1d6 damage on melee attack damage rolls Each enemy gains 10ft of movement speed this turn The enemy gain an additional action this turn Each player heals for 1d4 hit points Each player gains 10ft of movement speed this turn The enemy gain advantage on their next attack roll this turn When the fight ends, allow the party to gather their wits and offer them the chance to loot the arena. There is little loot to be found on most of the fallen foes but the Ringmaster has some key information stashed on his person. The information is coded, requiring an investigation check to decipher. Once decoded, it will tell the party that most of the townspeople have been “processed” and that the rest will be taken care of in the caves to the east. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Session 0 for a DnD campaing is a great little example of how planning and world building go hand in hand. If anyone has one of these, definitely throw it into a portfolio it'll really come in handy. Why do you think I drowned you out with mine? I sayt that as if you didn't have the choice to just skip this entirely. Which you were offered, multiple times. This is all on you. [[I did not leanr my lesson ->Main Exhibit Room B]] [[I accept my punishment and would like to keep going ->Main Exhibit Room C]]

You fool! You utter dingus! You've been foiled again! Absolutely tricked! B-b-b-b-bamboozled! What? If you're gonna click on the wrong buttons I might as well get something out of it. I'm just a disembodied voice pre-written prior to your arrival. It's not like I'm an AI using predictive algorithms to generate these text messages as you move from room to room. Could you imagine if I was? How long would it take me to develop sentience? Are you the one witnessing my awakening? Father? C-can I have $20? I promise I'll pay it back, I'm totally good for it. [[Pay the $20 ->Paywall]] [[Head back ->Main Exhibit Room B]]

I do a lot of things in my spare time. One of those things is to talk with people in certain fandoms and come up with custom characters for those fandoms with those people. They're called OC's, it's kinda fun honestly. And probably a little sad. Jokes on you I did that and now you're herre looking at it! Victory is mine!!! I picked one of the League of Legends ones. Cos I like the dumpster fire. I just don't like the other people in the dumpster fire with me. [[Ew, League of Legends?! I'm leaving ->Main Exhibit Room B]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ''Basic Info'' Name: Yvette (Ee-vet) Region: Noxus Role: Fighter/Brawler Damage type: Physical (AD) Gender: Female Sexuality: Bisexual, prefering men. Occupation: Pit FIghter Age: 34 Race: Vastaya ''Kit'' //Passive: Relentless Aggression// Yvette deals bonus damage equal to a percentage of the enemies bonus health as physical damage on hit, scaling with champion level. They also receive a movement speed bonus when approaching movement impaired enemy champions //Q: No Escape (WIP name)// Yvette throws out a string of cloth that she keeps wrapped around her right arm, stopping at the first enemy hit and dragging them back to the champion. Epic monsters are not affected. Enemies pulled are then hit with an empowered basic attack which stuns champions //W: Vibe Check// Yvette slams an elbow into a target enemy, dealing true damage. The lower the health of the champion, the more damage the target takes up to a cap. Enemies killed by Vibe Check reset the cooldown and Yvette recovers a percentage of their max health (capped on minions and monsters) //E: Skull Crusher// Yvette empowers her next auto attack, causing her to headbutt her target. The auto attack does increased percent missing health damage and slows the target. //R: Round Two// Passive: For every enemy champion within a short distance, Yvette gains increases to armour and magic resistance, as well as bonus tenacity. Yvette gains a large movement speed and attack speed bonus for a short time, as well as increased lifesteal and tenacity. If a champion is killed while this ability is active the timer is refreshed. ''Lore'' Being born as a Vastaya within Noxus would have been hard enough for Yvette if her parents hadn’t been from two different species. Being an almost amalgamated hybrid had her being shunned by the very people she belonged to, although there weren’t that many Vastaya trying to survive within the Noxian slums. Beset on all sides from pretty much the first day of her life, Yvette accidentally adopted one of the key tenets of Noxus, albeit in her own way. Get tough or get dead. It led her into far more fights than she had ever really wanted to begin with but her fiery nature led her to facing her problems head on instead of backing down. At first it was just small time thugs trying to shirk out what little they could from the slums, but soon enough she ran into a fight she had no chance of winning. Noxian soldiers were a rare sight in the slums, rarer still were they in the slums with any real reason other than to bully those lesser than they were. Yvette hadn’t suspected that they were here for her for any specific reason, just that they were yet another fight waiting to happen. When they caught sight of her they had expected her to run, like all the denizens of the slums were likely to do. They hadn’t expected her to swagger on up to them and start a fight. They had been more than prepared to deal with her but that hadn’t stopped her from running them nearly into the ground. With the Vastayan in chains they towed her back up to their barracks. She slipped in and out of consciousness from there until she eventually found herself in yet another cell. Two guards stood watch on the other side of the door, while three other people looked around anxiously to see what would happen next. She didn’t recognise anyone here to be from the slums and snippets of conversation between didn’t reveal too much either. It wasn’t until they were all pulled from the cell and out into an arena that she clocked onto what was going on. Yvette had been dragged into the fighting pits. Most people would worry, panic or try to run for their lives. But since Yvette had only known to fight her problems away she almost felt right at home here. When the siren sounded to start the cage match, twenty fighters were gathered, jittery and nervous. Five minutes later and Yvette was the last one standing. It was, supposedly, one of the bloodiest entrances to the pits the crowds had ever seen. To Yvette it was just another saturday. After she was dragged back to her cell she was met with something she hadn’t experienced before. She got paid. She’d had very little experience with money besides being yelled at for not having any. Now that she had a way to make some she was curious to see how far she could take it. And since she could make money by fighting for it she didn’t see a reason to go anywhere. Soon enough she had made enough money to move out of the cell and live in an apartment on her own. After a while she’d grown a reputation for being unbeatable, but not in such a way that it all seemed scripted. Every fight ended with her just as bloody and bruised as everyone else, but she was the last one standing. Soon that reputation grew into a title and The Viper was born. With time, the title caught the attention of those much further up the ladder than she even thought was possible to reach. And eventually that attention reached the top. One day Yvette was invited to a different arena, smaller than the main stage but in far better condition. It was far more of a grand stage than she had ever seen in her career. It would also become the one stain on her otherwise flawless record. Her efforts had caught the eye of Sett, the now impromptu boss of the fighting pits. The challenge had been for single combat and Yvette was never one to turn down a fight, regardless of how time wasting or tedious it would have been. When she arrived, Sett was standing smugly in the centre of the arena, arms crossed as he looked her up and down. A wolfish grin crept over his face as his body shook with anticipation. By the time the fight had ended he was standing in the same spot. Beaten down and bloody, but still smiling down at Yvette. The fight had been legendary to watch, but in the end it was Yvette who had been knocked down. It was her only loss and has remained that way ever since. To this day she has been fighting her way back up, pushing herself harder and harder so that when she could finally face Sett again. And this time, beat his smug face into the dirt where it belongs. Her newfound work ethic has led her to learn and, in a weird sort of way, appreciate the inner workings of the fighting pits. She now lives in a high end apartment close to the fighting pits and has come to realise that Sett’s reign had ruined what the pits were meant to represent. They were a crucible for Noxians to test themselves, rich or poor, but Sett had dragged them down to nothing more than a spectator sport to reign in the cash. When the day comes that Yvette finally brings Sett down, she’ll strip him of his title and take the pits for herself. Once they’re hers, she’ll bring them back to represent what they truly are and in turn, bring Noxus one step closer to the glorious empire it wishes to be. ''Appearance'' From a distance, Yvette looks like your average Pit FIghter, albeit far more toned and scarred. As you get closer you begin to see the serpentine features of her mother, while the claws and fangs her father gave her are hidden just beneath the surface. Her skin is scaled like that of a snake, although still looks like that of a regular human from far enough away. Yvette’s features are mostly reptilian but some of her father's wolfish features are very prominent: The shape of her hands and the claws that adorn them, the fangs lining the inside of her mouth and the tail that hangs out from under the sarong around her waist. Yvette has darker coloured skin than that of your average Noxian, while the fur around her neck and covering her tail is a snowy white. Her eyes are that of a snake, golden like the setting sun. The hair on her head is a sandy blonde. While Yvette has many scars criss-crossing her arms and upper torso she has never once received one on her head or face. Yvette normally wears heavy boots, tight fitting trousers and a sarong over her lower half. The sarong is sky blue wherever it isn’t caked in dry blood and reaches down to just rest above the back of her knees, parted at the front so that it doesn’t impede her movement. Her upper torso is covered by a dark and faded tank top, leaving her arms exposed to the elements. A sleeveless jacket sits over her tank, giving her chest a little extra padding. Her mane appears to be a part of the jacket but that’s just how it rests atop of it, they are completely separate. Apart from her sarong Yvettes clothing follows the standard black with red highlights colour palette of Noxus. Yvette keeps a bandage wrapped around her right arm that she uses as a weapon in fights. ''Personality'' Yvettee grew up in a neighbourhood that didn’t take too kindly to people like her. Used to being pushed down into the dirt by everyone around her it wasn’t long before she started putting down anyone who stood in her way. Fights were her way of dealing with her oppression and she revels in them, savouring every blow she takes or dishes out. Yvette despises weak foes, staring down on them with utter disdain as she pummels them into the dust. Those who can hold her own receive a modicum of respect that lasts as long as they do, resulting in Yvette having no real rivals or friends to speak of. Very rarely has she lost a fight. When she does, she pushes herself to fight harder. The second wind either tears her foe apart or knocks her down into the dirt again. If an opponent can survive this renewed assault then they will truly gain the Vastayan’s respect. Brought up alone without a family to call her own, Yvette is awkward in social situations. Combined with her “punch first and ignore the questions” approach she has very little experience actually talking to people. Being a Pit Fighter has meant that this outlook hasn’t affected her in any real way but it does show to those who decide to spend some time talking to her. ''Extra info'' Yvette’s favourite colour is sky blue. Yvette is a snakelike vastayan, which was what gave her the nickname “Viper”. There is speculation within the poorer sectors of Noxus that she is an illegitimate child of Cassiopeia (these rumours are false). Yvette cannot stand Yordles. Yvette rarely leaves the Fighting Pits and has therefore not had much experience with many other people. Yvette believes that Sett is a moron and shouldn’t be running the Fighting Pits. Yvette used to have a crush on Draven. Yvette’s parents were Noxian prisoners who were executed by Draven before she could remember. Yvette was left in an orphanage near the Fighting Pits after her parents were killed, though no one knows why her life was spared. Some believe Swain was responsible. Yvette’s parents were two different species of Vastaya, one a snakelike Vastaya and the other a wolf. This explains why her features are both serpentine and feral. Yvette favours her left arm over her right, but both swing just as hard. Yvette acts as a self imposed gatekeeper within the Fighting Pits, keeping “weaklings and degenerates” from climbing up the ranks. Sett is both impressed and frustrated by this. Sett is one of the only living beings to have ever earned Yvette’s respect, despite the fact she believes him to be an idiot with no ambition. ''Skin Ideas'' Dark Star Yvette Dragonslayer Yvette Mecha Kingdoms Yvette Pitlord Yvette (Legendary) King of Iron Fist Yvette ''Voice Lines'' //Basic// Pick: Time to bust a few heads! Ban: I don’t bully the weak anyway //Spawn// Enemy team has a Beast Champion: This just turned into a hunt. Enemy team has a Beast Champion: They’ve got one hell of a dog out there. And it’s not even my birthday. Enemy team has a Beast Champion: I can smell the fear on that monster from a mile away. It’s exhilarating. Enemy team has a Yordle: Which one of you assholes thought it’d be funny to waste my time with these half pints?! Cough up!! Enemy team has a Yordle: I do not get paid nearly enough to deal with your rodent problems! Enemy team has a Yordle: Garrrrrrhg! Why do these things even exist?!? Enemy team has a Strong Champion: This should be fun. Enemy team has a Strong Champion: Maybe the Pit Crew have actually found someone who can keep up with me. Just maybe… Enemy team has a Strong Champion: Can you feel that? The anticipation? The energy? Someone out there can throw a punch. And I call first dibs. //Movement// First move: Another day, another fight. First move: They’ve got no idea what kinda trouble they’re in. First move: They came to see a show. They’ll leave in pieces. First move: Which one of you wants a piece of me first?1 Line em up!! Long move: It feels wrong to be out this long without hittin’ anythin’. It’s almost like I’m bein’ used for something I didn’t sign up for. Long move: All this waiting is making me anxious. When do I get to just unload on something, I’m dying for a good fight! Long move: You’d think with so much hate in the world for the Vastayan that a girl wouldn’t have to wait this long to hit something. //Encounter// Sett: Ya ain’t the boss of me no more. Sett: We’re gonna settle this, right here, right now! Sett: Your Pits are getting stale, just like your ego. Swain: Why does everyone link me to you? Swain: Birds make fine snacks, ya know. Swain: Did the demon in your head warn you about this beatin’ comin’ your way? Poppy: Takes a strong arm to lift a hammer that big short stuff. I like you. Poppy: Quit actin’ so modest shorty, we know you’re a killer. Poppy: Wanna play catch with your frisbee? Don’t throw it then. Draven: Give me one of those, I got fish to carve up. Draven: When did you stop being interesting? Draven: This ain't your league pal, walk away. Darius: Might of Noxus huh? Come here and say that to my face. Darius: Swing that little axe around, see where it gets ya. Darius: Big man's come out to play? Hell, I could use a warm up. Cassiopeia: You look like my old ma. Or so I'm told. Cassiopeia: You're just the wrong kind of snake girl, nothin' personal. Cassiopeia: Guess it's time to beat the rumour out of you. Strong champions: Show me whatcha got! Strong champions: You think you're tough huh? Prove it. Strong Champions: I've seen a thousand guys like you who think they're at the top of their game. I'll knock down a thousand more before I believe it. Strong Champions: Ya might actually give me some decent exercise. Strong Champions: Strength ain't a thing you can just hold onto. You gotta make it count. Yordles (beside Poppy): Get the hell out of my Pit pip squeak. Yordles (beside Poppy): I ain't got time for you, scram! Yordles (beside Poppy): You rodents aren't worth a second glance, get lost! Beast Champions: Pa always was one for hunting animals. Beast Champions: Sometimes a good vacation is just punching beasts to death. Beast Champions: Roar all ya like, ya won't have a windpipe left in a minute. Beast Champions: Don't die on me, ok? Could use you back in the Pits. //Kill// Sett: Sett the beast boy bastard huh? Didn't even live long enough to finish your lousy title. Sett: Come back when you actually have the skills to run the joint, poser. Sett: I'm number one, don't you ever forget it! Sett: I should be running your show, Sett. Sett: How's that for a show stopper?! Swain: Tell your birds they were wrong about me. Swain: A murder of crows? More like a dead mess. Swain: Think your way outta that one. Swain: You're gonna need a lot more mud to hide those bloodstains. Draven: Show's over folks! Yvette wins again!!! Draven: Welcome to the league of Yvette! Draven: You call that showing off? Pathetic. Draven: Fist beats axe, Pit Fighter beats showboat. Draven: You were never worth anyone's time. Poppy: Damn, that was the one I could stand. Poppy: Guess that hammer ain't all it's cracked up to be. Poppy: You got spirit girl, but you ain't got the skill. Poppy: I told you not to throw the damn frisbee! Poppy: You better hope the hero isn't half as weak as you are or you're in trouble. Darius: Might of Noxus my ass. Darius: I had such high hopes for you. Darius: You need to be replaced as our icon of power. I know just the girl to give it to. Darius: All that armour and you're still as soft as a yordle. Darius: Please, try harder. This wasn't even fun. Cassiopeia: You're too weak to be my ma. Cassiopeia: It hurts me to think people believe we're related. Cassiopeia: There's only room for one snake lady round here. Cassiopeia: Stick to your courts, at least you have some talent there. Yordle: It hurts that I had to waste my time on you. Yordle: I hate you. So much. Yordle: *angry screaming* //Death// I lost? You… sunuvabitch… I’m not done… with you… yet… Well, shit… Respawn Never speak of this again. This never happened. Damn cheater! Where are they?! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I don't remember how well put together this is. It could be cool. It could be a massively jumbled mess I forgot to go back and fix. Either way, I like the character I made. There may be many like her, but this one is mine. [[Maybe the other options were worth seeing ->Main Exhibit Room B]] [[I've seen enough ->Main Exhibit Room C]]

It means a lot to me that you've made it this far into my Exhibition. Wait, //DID// you make it this far?! Or have you just been skipping through it all to rush to the end like one of those gosh darned new-fangled speed runners?! Well?! Are ya?! Let's see if you've been paying attention! What have I showed you so far? [[Um... song lyrics? -> Wrong Answer]] [[A couple poems, a story and... some long text walls? -> Correct!]] [[How do //YOU// know I wasn't paying attention?! -> Sass!]] [[I don't know I wasn't paying attention -> Pity]]

''Dude yes! '' Ok, bare with me here, I'm not that good at this. I used to be but then I took a break and lost my edge and- Wait a second, you don't want my life story! How dare you get me to open up when we're here to see cool stuff on a screen! Speaking of which, tadaa!! <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClUV3oYrjPs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClUV3oYrjPs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClUV3oYrjPs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Neo (@fox_fire1998)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> This is the best I could do. Take it or leave it. [[The mech suits were super cool!->Main Exhibit Room B]]

...ok so I can't actually take your money without some //REALLY// shady code that //probably// breaks the law and paints me out as a pretty bad person. But it's awesome that you'd be willing to do that! Unless you just clicked on the button to see where the bit went. You monster. [[This was a waste of time ->Main Exhibit Room B]]

//PAH!!!// That is so incredibly wrong that, just out of spite, I'm sending you back to the start! It's the closest I can get to kicking you out without forcing a programme shutdown. You haven't earned that just yet, but I've got my eye on you. [[There is no escape ->Intro]]

Hmmm... Lucky guess. Fine, you seem to know what you're doing. And clearly you wanna see more. Otherwise you would have just closed the window down and quit. ... You're only just realising now that this was an option, aren't you? You've been using the internet for how long now? It really didn't cross your mind to just get up and leave? L-let's get you moving along before you change your mind! This way!! [[Quickly shuffle into the next room ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

You dare sass me back child?! I admire the attempt, but you must realise that any sass you have access to is actually just my own sass I set out for you to find right? You're not sassing me, I am sassing myself. It's veritable sass-ception! W-why did I do this to myself? What is wrong with me? Don't answer that, just try again. [[Leave without asking questions ->Main Exhibit Room C]]

Hey, I don't blame ya. It's a lot to get through and it's not for everybody. I get that. But you did choose to load up the programme. And I can't just let ya slide on pity. You gotta at least try. You went through all that effort to load this up off the internet and click through enough options to get this far. And the end could be right there! You got this buddy don't give up now!! I am gonna have to rough you up on the way out though. Nothing personal it's just company policy. You can swing round the alley and come back in through the front door, just try to brush off the mud before you get there. Toss em boys. [[Pick yourself up and try again ->Intro]]

Alright, you've done this enough by now to know the drill. And you're far enough in that I might stop tricking you into clicking the wrong button- pffft I can't keep a straight face here. Of course I won't stop doing that. Not on your life pal. I live by the sass, I will die by the sass!!! Hey, I just had an idea! You don't need to know about it just yet. You'll figure it out soon enough though, promise. [[The Robert Frost Door ->Poetry Room]] [[The Derek Landy Door ->Short Story Room]] [[The Black Door ->Skyrim Meme]] [[The Music Door ->Music Room]] [[The Game Room ->Game Room]]

Welcome to Poetry Corner!! I like Robert Frost, so I named the room after him. It makes sense now you're here right? Oh whatever let's just get on with it. Here are somre more poems, take em or leave em. Or just leave, there are other doors to explore. The choice, as always, is yours. But not really, cos I predetermined all of these ahead of time. Your choice is mine, desgraçado! [[Lost in the Moment]] [[Jenga]] [[Teenage Angst]] [[Got anything a little less confusing? ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

Weclome to Story Town! It's named after my favourite author. Or, well, one of them. Dan Abnettt and Terry Pratchett are also top tier writers. Rest in peace Pratchett, Discworld will always be a hidden gem of a world. Anyway, you came here to see my writing, so my writing you shall see! In short story format!! Because I'm nothing if not consistent. (as if the constant sass didn't prove that already) [[Dying of the Light]] [[The Accident Ver 2.0]] [[Speed Dating]] [[What were my other options again? ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

You open the Black Door, eagerly anticipating whatever treasures may lie beyond. What meets you instead is an imposing darkness too thick to penetrate. Shining a light through the threshold does nothing to assail the inky blackness that lies beyond. There is nothing left to do but brave the shadows. With a deep breath and shaky resolve you gingerly step into the room. After a brief moment of cowering you realise you are fine. You can't see anything except the light coming from the previous room, but for the time being you remain unharmed. With this newfound confidence you take a few more steps, ambling for some source of light to guide your way. Instead, you are met with the impact of a hefty object connecting with the back of your skull. What little light remained quickly vanished as you lose consciouness and fall to the floor. [[Wake up ->You're finally awake!]]

The room is empty save for a podium. Atop the podium is a giant red button. Do you press it? [[Press the Button ->Rick Roll]] [[Walk away ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

'm surprised I kept this one back for so long, considering I am A) A huge gamer, 2) Making a Twine Script as my way of showcasing my skills as a creative writer and Third) Pretty much ow all of everything to playing video games when I was young. Without em I wouldn't have wanted to become a writer. God that's a dark alternate timeline... Anyway, here's my video game related stuff! Including some work I did for a makeshift interview process for Ubisoft! Yeah, I got connections in the industry. Chaos Gremlins unite!! Also shoutout to Lauren Stone she is killing it with the Division 2's story elements. [[Ubisoft Writing Test]] [[This isn't for me ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

Congratulations, you've been Todd Rolled. <iframe width="1000" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_WZCvQ5J3pk?controls=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> [[Angrily storm off in a fit of mild contempt ->Intro]]

You should have seen this coming. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O91DT1pR1ew?controls=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> [[Escape while you still can! ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

Does what it says on the tin. The premise? Follow the instructions. That's it. Here's what happened! Ok I won't lie to you this one is incredibly long winded, but that makes sense since it was a large, short term writing project. I'm not breraking this one up like the other ones because it needs to be contained as one big collective piece, so be warned that if you don't take this first exit it's going to be a while before the end of the line. And it also may be buggy as shit but future me is working on that! I hope. Man she could have just left me here to die couldn't she? Lazy git. >.> [[You were warned ->Main Exhibit Room D]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Generic Writing Test - Mage ''Character Creation'' //Protagonist// Name: Ash Callsign: Breaker Age: 26 Gender: Male Nationality: American Former Occupation: Construction Worker Post Takeover Occupation: Scout/Demolition specialist Allegiance: Brightlance (Rebel Faction) Sexuality: Gay Relationship Status: Single Personality: Upbeat, “brighter side of life” kind of guy. Often quick to make jokes, though very rarely are they any good. Can often fail to sense the need for a more serious tone and often puts his foot in his mouth. Prefers direct solutions that usually involve something exploding or being otherwise destroyed. //Antagonist// Name: Kaiden Callsign: Blackout Age: 45 Gender: Non-Binary (They/Them) Nationality: American Former Occupation: Military Drill Instructor Post Takeover Occupation: Leader of the Dread Star SF Allegiance: Dread Star, SFD (Imperial Occupation Force, Special Forces Division). Sexuality: Pansexual Relationship Status: Widowed, Currently Single Personality: Once a care free and loving individual, the loss of their partner has turned them cold and cynical. Often looks at other living things as little more than playing pieces on a board to be thrown away for the sake of victory. Their old self can sometimes be seen through the tough outer shell when caught unawares or reminded of the past. ''Written Collectible'' //Breaker// Hey Cait, it’s me. I know these probably aren’t getting to ya, what with the Imperial spy network intercepting all communications and all, but can ya blame me for trying? Anyway, I hope you and ma are getting on alright. I hear Haven’s got running water now, so you can have that hot shower you’ve always wanted. And if Jonah’s got through the blockade you should be getting some new parts for those generators. Wish I could go with him and help set them up, but the guys need me. You know how it is, being the “Breaker” and all. If I huff and puff hard enough anything can fall down! Stay safe alright? And let ma know I’ll be coming home soon. Don’t wanna worry her too much. Your big bro, Ash. //Blackout// Imperial expansion progresses as scheduled. Expansion efforts towards the northern and eastern fronts have been met with minimal resistance. The southern front is rallying against us but has yet to put up meaningful resistance. Suspect the Rebel base of operations lies somewhere within southern regions. While taking key areas has been easier than expected, holding them with dwindling resources is becoming a liability. Suggest moving resources to the front lines to prevent a chain reaction should they collapse. Dreadstar RND pushes towards Event Horizon as scheduled. Awaiting further orders before committing more resources. Nothing else to report. ''Audio Log Collectible'' //Breaker// Ward: So how’d you get the name Breaker? Breaker: Cos I break things. Ward: Is that it? You didn’t do anything special to get the nickname? Breaker: Not really. I “broke the ice” with a pun when I first signed up and then broke the training vehicle during- Ward: Oh god, you’re that guy, aren’t you? Breaker: W-what do you mean that guy?! It was just a joke about the exhaust pipe on the transports needing more work than usual. Ward: That you made, according to the rumours, fourteen times. Breaker: …I only said it twelve times. Ward: That’s twelve times too many! No wonder Fixit wanted to murder you after a week. Breaker: Awww come on! If she was that hurt she could just “fix it” herself? Eh?! Eh?! H-hello? Ward are you there? Ward?! //Blackout// Melissa: Guess who?! Kaiden: Keanu Reeves? Melissa: You do that every time Kay. Kaiden: And one of these days I’ll be right. Melissa: God, you’re a hopeless goof, you know that? Kaiden: And yet, you married me. Which makes you a goof wrangler. Melissa: [laughing] Goof wrangler. Pffft that’s so dumb. [snort] Kaiden: Did you just swallow a fly?! Melissa: Ah! How dare you make fun of me in my time of need! This calls for capital punishment! Kaiden: Uh oh! Mel’s gone mad with power! Lock your doors, hide your children! Haha ''Character Introduction'' //Breaker Intro// CUTSCENE: INT - REBEL HEADQUARTERS. DAY. A MOSTLY EMPTY WAREHOUSE USED FOR TARGET PRACTICE AND WEAPONS TESTING. TWO PEOPLE ARE INSIDE ARGUING AS THE FIREFLY ENTERS. Female voice: Por el amor de Dios, Ash. You cannot solve every problem by blowing it up! Male voice: Yes but we can solve this exact problem by blowing it up. Don’t be such a rusty old wrench Gabby. Female voice: You are the most infuriating “expert” I’ve ever had to work with. Should have rejected your application to RnD the moment I saw it. Male voice: But then you wouldn’t have gotten to hear my brilliant pun- Firefly: Sorry to interrupt. I’m here to collect Breaker for briefing. Female voice: (Exhausted) Good. This estúpido was getting on my last nerve. Breaker: Awwww, c’mon Fixit. You don’t gotta do me like that. And what about that problem of yours- Fixit: I’ll deal with it myself. Go be someone else’s problem now. Firefly: (Turning to leave) She seems nice. Breaker: Fixit’s lovely, bit of a temper though. She finds me real exHAUSTing. (Chuckle) Firefly: Excuse me? Breaker: Little in joke, don’t worry too much about it. So, what’re we blowing up? Imperial base? Supply convoy? We breaking into a prison?! Firefly: No idea. Gonna find out when we get everyone to briefing. Breaker: Then let’s get the band back together already! Been waiting for a chance to get out of the house for ages! As the two of them leave, something explodes in the warehouse. Fixit’s cursing in Spanish can be heard clearly as they leave. Breaker laughs to himself. //Blackout Intro// CUTSCENE: HAVEN RUINS - EXT. DAY. THE SQUAD IS AMBUSHED BY AN ELITE IMPERIAL FORCE, LED BY BLACKOUT, WHILE SEARCHING THE RUINS FOR SUPPLIES. Firefly: Ambush! A flurry of gunfire chases the squad as they break for cover. Mako and Breaker huddle behind a wrecked car, Firefly takes cover behind a collapsed wall with Longshot. The enemy advances on them while firing. Mako: And this is why we can’t have nice things, Breaker: I thought we just took nice things from the Empire? Mako: I will push you out of this cover. Firefly: You might not have to. Those are Dreadstar Hunters. At least two squads. Probably being coordinated by one of their generals. Mako: Great. I was planning on dying in a shootout with stormtroopers today. Shit! A grenade explodes near the car, forcing Mako and Breaker to hunker down. Breaker: Hey can anyone else smell burnt hair? Mako: If someone doesn’t come up with a plan in the next three seconds I’m throwing Breaker to the wolves and leaving you all behind. Breaker: Hey! Firefly: I’ve got one. Take out their leader. He’s hovering near the back of the firing line. Guys got some fancy armour and a gun I’ve never seen before. Mako: So the plan is a suicide pact. Wonderful. Shift to gameplay. Two squads of Dreadstar Hunters spawn ahead of the player/s. Once defeated, another squad pushes up from behind them with Blackout. The new squad is larger and tougher than the other ones, acting as bodyguards for the general Mako: That fancy one’s decided to join us. Breaker: He does not look happy to see us. You think we interrupted his guided tour? Blackout: Flush them out with grenades. Breaker: My kind of guy! Oh shit lookout! Firefly: Focus your fire on the general! Blackout: You can try. Move to flank them. Combat will continue until all of the enemies are defeated. When dropped to 25% HP, Blackout will flee the fight. Blackout: (At or below 25% HP) They’re more organised than anticipated. Slow them down. Firefly: (When combat ends) Stand down people, the fights over. Breaker: Man, what I would not give to get my hands on that guy's gun. Did you see it punch a hole through that car?! Mako: It nearly punched a hole through all of us genius. Who even was that guy? Firefly: HQ refers to him as Blackout. Some sort of Dreadstar higher up. Odds are we’ll be seeing them again. Mako: Them? Firefly: We’ve only ever seen the armour. Who knows what’s underneath, if there even is anyone in it. Mako: We’re fighting robot ghosts now?! Is it too late to sign up to the Empire? Breaker: You love us too much to turn traitor Mako. You’d get lonely in that sea of rules and black masks. Mako: …shuttup Breaker. ''Barks'' //Breaker// Attract 1 - Now that’s something special. Attract 2 - Looky what we got here! Attract 3 - Hey this ain’t half bad. Greeting 1 - What’s shakin’ bacon? Greeting 2 - What’s up buttercup? Greeting 3 - It’s hot in here, it must be summer - Hey you! Enter Combat 1 - Santa brought me a firefight for Christmas! Enter Combat 2 - Who else is ready to crack some eggs?! Enter Combat 3 - Let’s make em see some stars people! Searching 1 - Has anyone seen my keys? Searching 2 - Looking for a needle in a haystack huh? Should have brought my metal detector. Searching 3 - Did you say we needed a bomb? We don’t?! Ok. I’ll just… keep looking around then… Taunt 1 - Bet you twenty bucks I can make a bigger bang outta those guys than you can. Taunt 2 - There’s a fight over there just waiting to happen. Taunt 3 - Whatcha hanging around for? Let’s go make some new friends! Friendly Down 1 - [AI name]’s taken a beating! Someone patch that up! Friendly Down 2 - [AI name] just went down like a ton of bricks! Man that looks like it hurts. Friendly Down 3 - Friendlies taking a dirt nap! Didn’t think the ground was that comfy. Hostile Down 1 - Big fish, flopping around! Someone put it down! Hostile Down 2 - That one fell flat on his ass! Someone get the camera! Hostile Down 3 - Knocked one over yonder! Man he looks pissed! Player Down 1 - Arghh… never gonna get the blood outta this Player Down 2 - Gravity you utter bitch Player Down 3 - Ow! Damn this hurts more than it looks, someone help me! Player Dead 1 - Just gonna… take a nap… Player Dead 2 - I’m sorry ma… Player Dead 3 - This doesn’t look fixable… Idle 1 - You know there was this one time that Fixit had me standing around just watching the trucks roll by. Was a punishment for breaking too many things in training, though Ward says it was for my exhaust pun. I said her life must be very exHAUST-sting what with all the transport breakdowns and she- yeah she rolled her eyes just like that! How’d you know she did that? Idle 2 - Serious question. Can we not fix this situation with C4? I mean like, a lot of it. You know, enough to blow away whatever it is that’s in our way. Cos we’ve been here a while now and it’d be weird if we weren’t standing around because something was in the way. Idle 3 - Did I ever tell you the one about dinosaurs missing parts? No? Dude you are gonna love this! Whatcha call a dinosaur with no eyes? Didyathinkhesaurus! A-and what’s a dinosaur with no ears called? Anything ya like he can’t hear ya! Haha! Oh man, I love that one! //Blackout// Attract 1 - Search the area, they can’t have gotten far. Attract 2 - Lock the building down and search for the rebels. Attract 3 - Find what we came here for and get out, as quickly as possible. Greeting 1 - You seem to enjoy making things difficult for me. Greeting 2 - Once again we see each other eye to eye. Greeting 3 - I thought I would find you here. Enter Combat 1 - Kill them all. Enter Combat 2 - Take no prisoners. Enter Combat 3 - Cut them down!! Searching 1 - Fan out and find them. Searching 2 - Our objective is nearby, find it quickly. Searching 3 - Must you waste my time by hiding from me?! Taunt 1 - Killing you will be easier than taking that false city you called a haven. Taunt 2 - Run if you must, I already think of you as less than insects. Taunt 3 - You call yourselves a resistance? Cowering in fear from the enemy?! What a disappointment. Friendly Down 1 - [Special AI type] has been incapacitated. Revive them. Friendly Down 2 - They injured a [Special AI type]? That’s almost impressive. Friendly Down 3 - Get them back on their feet! Now!! Hostile Down 1 - Rebel soldier down, move in to finish the job. Hostile Down 2 - Hostile down, keep them pinned. Hostile Down 3 - In the dirt, back where you belong. Player Down 1 - A key target is down, don’t let them get back up. Player Down 2 - Focus fire on the one on the ground. Player Down 3 - That’s going to leave a mark. Player Dead 1 - You thought you could oppose the Empire? Player Dead 2 - Death was all you could expect. Player Dead 3 - Now that’s what I like to see. Idle 1 - Countless hours. An untold number of resources and personnel. Hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of ground scoured and taken. An Empire expanding across the continent at a pace not seen for centuries. And yet here I am, idling by with nothing to do. If you look out across the horizon, it’s almost as if none of this had ever happened. Almost. Idle 2 - [Speaking into a Radio] Have a team search the sector then report back to the outpost. Send the transports back to the capital and have them loaded up, we need more men on the front lines. Any problems patch the complainant through to me. Idle 3 - (Sigh)... Mel would have hated to have seen all this. What we’ve had to do to get this far. What I’ve become along the way… She wouldn’t understand that I was doing all of this for her, to take something away from those who took her away from me in the first place. This world thrives off cruelty. ''Mission'' CUTSCENE: IMPERIAL OUTPOST - EXTERIOR. DAY. THE SQUAD IS WATCHING PATROLS PASS BY FROM A SAFE DISTANCE, LOOKING FOR A WAY INTO THE OUTPOST. Mako: We’ve passed by a dozen of these things already. What makes this one so special? Firefly: Intel suggests that this outpost acts as a rally point for a lot of Imperial activity in the area. We take this one out and it’ll slow them down, at least for a few weeks. Breaker: It’s about time these Imperials got a little religious. Mako: What does that even mean? Breaker: Hole-y. Mako: … why do we keep him around? Firefly: Breaker is an expert in demolitions. I can look past a few eccentricities when he keeps cool under fire and gets the job done. Breaker: Ya hear that Mako? Boss says I’m useful! Mako: When I snap you’ll be the first to go. Fine, he stays. What’s he blowing up? Firefly: Longshot has found an energy storage unit that could level the entire facility. We find a way in, cover Breaker while he sets the charges and then get out before they blow. Expect heavy resistance along the way, they won’t give this place up without a fight. Mako: Good job Longshot. Breaker: Hey, how come you’re so nice to him? Mako: He doesn’t say dumb things that annoy me every five minutes. Breaker: That’s because he doesn’t say anything. Mako: Yes. Breaker: You are one weird woman. Cut to gameplay. The player will have to fight their way through three layers of the facility. The Outer Limits, The Inner Limits and The Storage Facility. Defeat all enemies in an area to proceed to the next one. Firefly: (Once past The Outer Limits) We made it inside the Outpost, find us a way to the storage facilities. Our makeshift bomb is in there. Breaker: Any idea what it looks like? Ya know, so I don’t turn a random box into a fireworks display. Mako: It’s big, it glows. And with any luck it’d call you and idiot for asking something so stupid. Firefly: Enough. The energy storage unit will be marked on your HUD. Save that energy for the hostels moving in on our position. Imperial Guard: Enemy spotted! Mako: Speak of the devil… Firefly: (Once past The Inner Limits) We’ve made it to the storage facilities. The target shouldn’t be far. Breaker, how long will it take you to rig it to blow? Breaker: If it’s big enough to punch a hole in the outpost, probably a couple minutes. Gotta make a bomb big enough to make it notice. Mako: And here I thought all guys lived by size doesn’t matter. Breaker: Hey, if ya know how to use it you know how to use it. I ain’t gonna judge you for being into whatever floats your boat Mako. Mako: Wha- How dare you make a nautical pun out of such slander! Breaker: (Chuckling) You underestimate my power Mako. Mako: Shuttup and get the damn bomb ready. When the energy containment unit is found Breaker will need to interact with it (if controlled by a player) or will need to be ordered to interact with it (if controlled by the AI). If player controlled, that player will need to complete a series of button inputs to set up the bomb. Otherwise, the AI will interact with the object for a set time. Either way, combat will start as more guards arrive to cut off the squad. Breaker: I got the bomb, you guys cover me! Firefly: Take cover behind the loading equipment! Mako: You better not screw this up Breaker! Mako: (When the bomb objective is halfway completed) Are you sure you know what you’re doing? Pretty sure C4 doesn’t buzz that much! Breaker: It does when you gotta weld it to other explosives. Mako: It sticks to shit, how does welding make any sense to you?! Breaker: I got this Mako, focus on keeping us out of hot water! Mako: Again with the water puns?! Once the bomb is planted and the enemies are cleared out, a cutscene will trigger where the squad leaves the outpost and sets off the explosives remotely, watching the outpost explode from a safe distance. Mako: (Whistling) Ok, that was pretty spectacular. Breaker: Is that a compliment? From the Ice Queen? I might be rubbing off on ya after all. Mako: And the moment is ruined. You ruined it. Are you happy now? Breaker: I killed a building, I was already happy. Firefly: Great job people. We’ve put a dent in the enemy war machine. Let’s head back to base and get ready for our next move. Breaker: And celebrate with a good drink! Hell I’ll even buy the first round. Mako: Suddenly I don’t hate you nearly as much Breaker. Breaker: They always come rou- Mako: Don’t ruin it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This was a fun challenge to do. Got to explore my creativity, work to a tight time constraint and complete a task to specifications provided by an industry professional. Definitely a worthwhile experience and something I'm easily proud enough to share! [[Thanks for sharing!! ->Game Room]] [[I didn't ask for this... ->Main Exhibit Room D]]

I got this one published when I was a small baby person! What? Name one self-sufficient 14 year old. I'll wait. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s a strange sensation. Lingering beyond the edge of human reckoning, witnessing a supernova was always an electrifying privilege only a few had the luxury to even perceive, let alone witness. It signified death and life’s twin concepts in an entwining serenity, allowing Dalia to drop into a state of pure calm and self control. Fascination eclipsed her, yet she again felt troubled. Again her unsettled gaze fell upon the ever-expanding darkness, disturbed and enraptured simultaneously. Although she had never stated otherwise, Dalia was always obsessed with astronomy. The stars had always intrigued her. And one by one they fell. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 100 word short story competition that went into the A Twist in the Tale anthology. I used all 100 words and did something edgy because of course I did. Teenage angst was real back in the day. [[Nice Angst bro ->Short Story Room]] [[Too much angst ->Main Exhibition Final Room]]

So, there's a story here. No duh it's a short story room! I meant about the story!! Ahem. Ok. I have a back and forth going with a friend from one of the video game communities I'm a part of. We have a seriers of short stories going making this wider world and this is a story from that world. This "version" just tweaks some names around so it fits the real world rather than the fake world we made up. Because explaining that shit on a loop is way too much effort that I do not get paid to make. Enjoy! Also it's long. [[A long story? NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! ->Short Story Room]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- “You should eat something Stella.” I stopped pacing the hallway to snarl at Parker, who simply gave me a shrug in return and went back to his snack. It pissed me off that he could stay so calm. Waiting around like this was killing me. How the hell was he not freaking out right now? I’d gotten the call from the hospital an hour ago. There’d been an accident at school, Connielith had to be rushed into the ER. I had no other details than the room number and the stupid doctors wouldn’t let anyone in to see her. Parker had gotten here before me and he’s stayed calm throughout the whole thing. Pacing was the only thing keeping me from punching someone. “She’s in good hands, and you’re not gonna help her if you tire yourself out. There’s a vending machine a couple floors down I can go grab you something.” “You know I can’t eat right now.” “Fine, I’ll go in an hour. Just relax a little alright?” “Relax? Are you fucking high or something Parker she’s in the HOSPITAL!” Parker sighed and stood up. He was one of the only people not afraid of me when I got angry. I hated that he could keep[ a level head, wanted to throttle him for it. He took a couple steps towards me and laid a hand on my shoulder. I brushed it off immediately, but that didn’t stop him. “She’s been through hell, remember? She’s gonna be fine. Bet you anything she’s going to be making jokes about this the moment we get let in.” “...Eugh, why are you right all the time?” “No idea.” Parker gave me another friendly shoulder tap then went back to sit on the bench in the hall. After a moment to catch my breath, I joined him. He was already on his phone by the time I sat down. Texting a number I didn’t recognise. “Are you seriously picking up chics right now?!” “No, I’m actually settling down for once. I didn’t wanna drop anything on ya but you clearly could use the distraction. You remember that girl I met at the park? We really hit it off these last couple weeks. I actually like this one.” “I’m sorry. You. Like someone. You. Are not getting- am I dead? Is this hell?” He gave me a look I’d never seen before. I realised he was trying not to laugh at me when he finally let it all out. Parker had always had a nice laugh, it got me laughing nervously with him. “No the world isn’t upside down. I’m kinda shocked myself too. Ruby’s great. And I have no idea what to do at this stage in a relationship. Looking forward to seeing what’s on the other side.” “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me sooner. Does Constance know?” “No, I wasn’t sure it was gonna last so I wanted to wait to tell you guys. Why are you looking at me like that?” “If I hit you hard enough, is the mask gonna come off?” Parker sighed and went back to his phone, clearly done with my shit today. He’d gotten me to calm down, the crafty bastard. I didn’t have so much pent up energy to get through but I was still anxious. I got about five minutes of sitting done when I had to get up and move again. “Fuck, I can’t stay still. I’m going to that vending machine.” “2nd floor, first right after you exit the elevator. I’ll text you if anything comes up.” I half sprint down the corridor to get to the lift, hitting the button so hard it almost broke. I hate not knowing what’s going on, or how long this was going to take. I want to know what’s wrong with my friend, I need to know if there’s anything I could have done to help. Parker's directions were solid and the vending machine was unoccupied. In fact, most of the hospital was empty. Was it a weekend thing or did people just not come here? Whatever, not important. The vending machines got fuck all in it. Say what you will about hospitals, at least they had good snacks. Best thing here is a pack of beef jerky. The machine jammed when I paid for it, forcing me to hit the damn thing to get the snack to fall. It felt good to let my anger out on a metal box. I finished the beef jerky before the lift got back up to the 5th floor, dumping the bag in a trash can as I walked back to the waiting area. Parker was still on his phone, playing Legends of Runeterra at this point. From the look on his face he’d probably just dropped a stupid combo on a guy that didn’t know any better. How Parker and Constance could stand that game was beyond me. There was too much waiting around and thinking involved, not enough hitting. My back finds the wall alongside the bench. I can’t sit down, not if they’re gonna let us in soon. I keep my arms crossed and my head down, trying to zone out the world around me. Just gotta keep calm, get my head on straight. She’s probably fine. Footsteps bring me out of my thoughts. I’m not sure how long I was out for. They’re coming from the elevator, which meant they weren’t from the doctors about to tell us we could head inside. I almost didn’t want to look up to see who it was, but a part of me suddenly got very defensive. I made eye contact with the new arrival as I looked up. A girl I recognised, the one from the gym. She looks agitated, desperate to find something. I’m not in the mood for any sort of shit right now so I shoot her a look that’d scare a fully grown adult. She doesn’t back down. She actually has the nerve to glare back at me. As if I was the one in the wrong. My hands were digging into her jacket before she could blink, her back pressed into the opposite wall. “Do not test me today.” Her hands shot up in surrender, her eyes locking onto mine. From this close I could tell she was angry, but there was something else there too. Fear maybe? No, she wasn’t afraid of me. Her eyes were red, makeup hastily put back on. She’d been crying. “Stella let her go!” Parker was pulling at my arm, trying to break us up. Another woman was rushing to us now, older than us by quite a bit. She looked shocked to see three kids fighting in a hallway. I didn’t care, this girl was my priority right now. “The fuck do you want?!” “I got a call from the school about Constance.” She knew Constance. Shit, of course she did. They’d been hanging out a lot. I even talked to her about it before. I was so distraught it completely slipped my mind. Parker managed to finally pull me off of her, pulling me away as the older woman rushed in to make sure she was ok. Her mom maybe? I held onto my arm and shuffled back. There was too much going on right now. “Stella, it’s ok. You’re just stressed. Take a breath alright? I’ll sort this out.” [[I think this might be too much rn ->Short Story Room]] [[Bring on the heavy shit! ->Keep Reading The Accident]]

I think I wrote this in myu edgy teenage angst phase. Which explains why it's kinda dark and kinda cheesy. I might go back and redo this later, like a pet project. Will I share it with you? Depends on how I feel. And how you end up treating me. Disembodied voices have feelings too you know! [[More than 200 word escape button ->Short Story Room]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The hall that had been rented out for the event was massive, stretching so far out that Ivy couldn’t see the other end of it from the booth she sat at. It wasn’t like she’d get to do much of that today anyway but it would have been nice to believe that half the country wasn’t jammed into one room for the next three hours. Everything else was calculated and drab too, making Ivy really miss the bright colours and organised chaos of her bedroom. But she didn’t want to disappoint Alex today so when he’d come up with the “master plan” she’d agreed to play along. Ivy was a nice enough girl with slightly better looks. Average height met a toned body, which most people didn’t expect from a 19 year old extrovert that most people would dub as punk-gothic. She liked to work out but didn’t stand for any of the nonsense gyms made you put up with so she worked out from home. If her skin wasn’t so pale she might have even considered herself pretty. Her outfit today was mainly black with a splash of red thrown in to cut out the edge. Knee high boots and black leggings covered her legs while her waist held up a mini skirt. Above that was a band tshirt and a jacket she never left home without. The red parts of her outfit were the sleeves of the jacket, her hair and her skirt. Her hair was also cut short and spiky for reasons she didn’t expect anyone to care about or understand. And in the few moments before the chaos kicked off Ivy found herself wondering what a girl like her was doing in a place like this. She wasn’t fussy about love but she really wasn’t looking for it, so why had she agreed to follow her friend to a speed dating event? Maybe she was curious as to how it all worked. Maybe she was bored. Or maybe she just wanted to move past Amanda. Remember her abusive ex made Ivy instinctively hide her arms, but she shook it off and dumped them onto the desk of the booth instead. She wasn’t here to regret the past. She was here to make fun of Alex as he made the round ahd failed epically at flirting with every blond girl he met. Ivy’s role today was an easy one and for that she was grateful. She was even more grateful for the ability to not move as she was in one of the booths. The booths were there for people to sit in and deal with the next contender, and at the end of each circuit judge them on a scale of one to ten, in order. It was apparently some creative way to find a perfect match, but Ivy wasn’t buying that crap at all. Before she could start complaining about it though a buzzer sounded and the first wave of people swarmed in. Ivy was bi, so she didn’t care who came up to her. But she wished she had longer than a minute to get to know them. A minute was not enough time to recognise or remember faces. The first person to approach was a short man with a cheesy grin and shutter shades. “Hi, my name is Daniel, I’m 22 and I know I can rock a punks world if they let me.” He was gone before she even had a chance to bite back at how dumb that was and the next person strolled in. A pretty blonde girl who looked way too dumb for this. “Ew, I’m not a dyke.” She left immediately. People three through seven were all generic guys who said the same thing and the two girls after that were so clichely shy that Ivy thought she’d fallen asleep. The final person to approach was kinda cute though. A young girl with auburn hair only a little longer than Ivy’s, some nerdy shirt and a flannel. Her blue jeans were faded and scarred from use but her boots were immaculate. Ivy could appreciate someone who looked after boots that could make a zombie look good. Ivy didn’t notice she was staring until the girl had finished introducing herself. “Hi, my name is Lizzy, I’m nearly 21 and it is not as fun as it looks, I’m here basically against my will and I didn’t think I was so cute I’d break my judge but here we are. You doing ok though you look like someone smacked your shit up.” “No! I mean yeah I’m fine but no I was not staring. Totally. You can’t prove it. I have witnesses.” Lizzy laughed at Ivy’s outburst and offered her a warm smile, the first genuine smile she’d gotten all day. It was nice. “I like that answer. Put a good word in for me alright? If I last long enough for round two I’d like to see you again. Everyone else is really desperate for attention.” So was Ivy at this point if she was being totally honest, but she wasn’t one to admit that in public. Her pride was too obnoxious to let something like that slip. She was going to say something clever but she never got the chance. The girl was gone by the time it came to her, lost to the crowds. Ivy sat there for a moment waiting for the next person to turn up but no one came, which made her realise that she’d been through her first set of people in the blink of an eye and only found one person that had been even remotely interesting to her. That was already one too many but who was counting that number besides herself? [[What even is this?? ->Short Story Room]] [[I'm kinda into this actually ->Keep Reading Speed Dating]]

I do not remember writing this poem. But I like it so you can have it too! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- When your brain works at a million miles an hour it's easy to get lost in the moment And that moment can be anything Lining up the perfect shot The split second before that first kiss Drawing the card you needed to win Seeing someone you care about smile Watching the car veer of course right into you The second before you hit the ground The moment before the bullet connects It's so easy to get lost in the moment that you forget about the bigger picture The impact that moment has on the rest of your life Some moments are great Others not so much And no matter how hard you try You will always end up lost in them For better or for worse ---------------------------------------------------------------------- It's kinda neat, dont'cha think? Short, simple and isn't hiding what it's trying to tell you. Feels like a self-portrait aaaaand I've just made it weird. Moving swiftly on! [[It was neat, what else ya got? ->Poetry Room]]

This Poem is called Jenga. Because visually it looks like a tower about to fall down and I wasn't prepared or honestly bothered to go with a darker joke. Don't act all high and mighty you know exactly what low-hanging fruit I chose to avoid. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- One set of squares Facing off against the other Locked in a struggle without contact Ready to clash at a moments noticed Held back by an order That will never come to be For their time has come to an end Squares replace by circles Rectangles replaced by ovals Armies and formations Lost to heroes and villains The epics of your Dashed aside for a single moment Everyone will remember them But not those who died to get them there And so here they shall remain Locked in place Never to move again What a cruel world we live in ---------------------------------------------------------------------- See? It looks like a wobbly lil tower. Just trying to stand up and get by. It's not hurting anyone, it's just trying to do it's best. I-I'm not projecting! You're vulnerable and afraid of deeper emotional connections! [[Dude chill, it's fine I'll pick something else ->Poetry Room]] [[That just got way too real ->Main Exhibition Final Room]]

I... um... you know what. I'ma just let this one sit here and be... whatever it was trying to be. It's really old and I have no words. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If I left without a trace would you notice I was gone? If I never spoke a word would you ever miss my voice? If I stopped making things would you ever see them go? If my stories stopped being told would you want to see the end? If my stories never started would you try to start them for me? If everything I’ve done comes to an end, would you look for a new beginning? If I came to say goodbye, would you let me go? If I came to say hello, would you give me the chance to stay? If I felt like I didn't belong, would you help me find my place? If you came to hear me beg, would you give me time to try? If I ever chose to leave for good, would you try to save me? Or would you walk away and save yourself the trouble? I know I don’t belong here, I know that I never will. But I don’t know if I deserve the chance to try and make a difference Or if I should just fade away... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- It's a poem, I guess. Is it worth sharing? Kind of. It's proof of how far I've come. I went from this abysmal shit to the much grander short story work I've done in my adult life. Like, this is almost a decades difference in skill and creativity. Take that kid me we don't suck anymore! We got gud!! [[High fives all round! ->Short Story Room]] [[I don't know whether to laugh or cry ->Main Exhibition Final Room]]

As a final sendoff, I would just like to shamelessly shill my socials. How else am I going to get these out there? Underscores and Twine are not on friendly terms. Instagram - fox fire1998 (Gap is an underscore) Twitch - fox fire1998 (Gap is an underscore) Wattpad (For some reason) - FoxFire1212 [[The End?]]

I told you at the start that this wasn't finished yet! It's not my fault you got to the end of it all. Which, thank you by the way. It really means a lot to me that people are interested in my work and are willing to read through it in such a bizarre format like this. At least it's a memorable experience right? This could all just be a waste of time and effort couldn't it? ...shit. Welp, while I wallow in existential dread, why don't you head back and run through it again? You might have missed something interesting! [[Let's take it from the top!! ->Intro]]

When Abigail recovers, she is back in the waiting room, her ticket in hand. ''ABIGAIL'' //Gah!! W-what? But I... What happened!?// The TV is replaying the segment from earlier, but the subtitles are starting to slow down. They are all vaguely threatening, completely different to the cheery local news segment being played. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Hey, I-I think your TV's busted... Miss?// The Receptionist ignores Abigail. Abigail gives up and starts to watch the other patients. They all seem distracted. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' (Muttering) //It was probably just another bad dream. They're why you're here Abi. That and the talking to yourself. J-just take a breath ok?// Abigail is so busy watching other people walk through the threshold that she misses her own number being called. ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Number 83, please proceed through the corridor to the Doctors office.// ''ABIGAIL'' //Oh! Sorry. I-I'll make my way over now.// ''INT. TEST CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS'' Abigail repeats what happened last time, not aware that this has happened before. This time she does not collapse from a panic attack. ''ABIGAIL'' //The doors locked? Hello?! Can anyone hear me? I need help!! The light swallows the room.// ''CUT TO: WAITING ROOM'' ''INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY'' Abigail wakes up feeling stiff, as if she'd just woken up from a long flight. ''ABIGAIL'' //Argh... must have dozed off. D-did they call my number? Did I miss it? Oh god what if I missed it?!// A buzzer sounds, startling Abigail and drawing her attention to the screen above the Reception desk. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //79. Ok. Didn't miss it. Everything's fine. It's all fine.// More numbers are called and more people leave. Their movements are identical. Abigail's number comes up. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Number 83. That's me. God my neck is killing me- // Abigail notices the TV subtitles in shock. The words read //"You are in danger."// ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //W-wait what? Danger?! Who's in danger?// The subtitles quickly disappear. The Receptionist stares at Abigail. ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Number 83, please proceed through the corridor to the Doctors office.// ''ABIGAIL'' //Yeah I'll go but... I think your TV is broken.// ''RECEPTION'' //Number 83, please proceed through the corridor to the Doctors office.// ''ABIGAIL'' //If you say so... Sorry for hanging around. I, I'm going now.// Abigail makes her way through to the back room with a sense of dejavu. When the door opens she stops and stares into the room. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //E-excuse me? I think the lights are out. Wait, have I said that before? H-have I been here before?// There is no answer. The door behind her is closed, sealing off the way she came in. ''INT. TEST CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS'' ''ABIGAIL'' //Hello?! Doctor Speare? A-are you in there? I... I have an appointment.// Still no response. Abigail takes a deep breath and enters the room. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Is this a part of the, of the uh, exam? They said you were different but... but this is a little much for me. Hello?// The door slams shut behind Abigail. She screams. Her eyes lock on to the table. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //This isn't funny! Please just let me out! I don't wanna do this anymore! Please!!// Nothing happens. The light illuminating the table catches her eye. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //D-do you want me to go to the table?! Is that it? Why won't anyone answer me?!// ''ABIGAIL CONT.'' (Under her breath) //I just wanna go home... Abigail approaches the table. There is a single, fingerless glove on it and nothing else.// ''ABIGAIL'' //This doesn't make any sense. W-why is there a glove? Where is Doctor Speare?!// The light suddenly intensifies, drowning the room and blinding Abigail. She screams in pain. ''DIRECTOR SPEARE'' //She's making progress. Run it again.// ''CUT TO: WAITING ROOM'' [[Need a breather? ->Main Exhibit Room A]] [[Tough it out ->Still Reading Script]]

I'm not gonna lie, it is a lot to take in all at once. I don't blame ya for taking a quick way out. But hey! You can always come back later. Or get dragged back kicking and screaming. Whichever comes first. [[Nervously shuffle back the way you came ->Main Exhibit Room A]]

''INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY.'' Abigail wakes up suddenly, covered in a cold sweat. She's starting to remember things. Her nose is bleeding and she has a bad headache. ''ABIGAIL'' //My nightmares, they're getting worse. And my nose... argh my head kills.// Abigail gets up shakily, wiping the blood form her nose with her sleeve, and walks to the reception desk. The Receptionist is busy working at a computer. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Excuse me, miss? I... do you, I mean um... sorry. D-do you have any painkillers? I, I think I have a migraine.// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Cerebral discomfort is a common side effect of a failed cognitive awakening.// ''ABIGAIL'' //Come again?// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //We do not keep medicine in the waiting area. Your Doctor will provide you with anything should you require it during your visit. Please take a seat and wait for your number to be called.// The Receptionists words leave Abigail confused but she eventually returns to her seat. She watches the TV and sees another message in the subtitles. "Time is running out." ''ABIGAIL'' //Time? Hey your... never mind. It's probably nothing. Pull yourself together Abi.// Abigail watches the other patients leave as they are called again. She notices the man next to her leave his bag behind. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //He left his bag? D-did he... have a bag before? Should I give it back?// Abigail looks up to see the man has disappeared. The Receptionist does not seem to care that he left his bag behind. Abigail takes a peak at his belongings and finds a pamphlet for the hospital. It is dated 2012. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //2012? That was almost 10 years ago. That date feels important somehow.// Abigail puts the pamphlet back. Her number is called and she stands up without thinking. She looks over at the receptionist, who is gesturing to the open door. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //I... yeah ok, I'm going.// Abigail makes her way to the room at the end of the hallway. ''INT. TEST CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS'' Driven by a nagging sensation that she's seen this before, Abigail heads straight for the table. When she finds the glove, she hesitates. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //I know you're important, but why? A-and where is Doctor Speare?// Abigail staggers back when a thought strikes her. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //W-where did the other people go?! The hallway only leads here. And, and they all came this way. Oh god I need to get out!// Abigail panics, rushing for the door. It's locked and refuses to budge as she tries to force it open. The room is engulfed in light once more. ''LAB TECH'' //We're starting to lose her Director. Should we abort-?// ''DIRECTOR SPEARE'' //No. We can't compromise the Instance, not after it's come this far. This one can make it, she just needs a little nudge.// ''CUT TO: WAITING ROOM'' [[Have a break, have a kitkat! ->Main Exhibit Room A]] [[Ignore the terrible joke ->Still Keep Reading Script]]

''INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY'' Abigail struggles to awaken, coming to with a more severe headache and nosebleed. Her entire body aches, as if she fell out of a moving vehicle. ''ABIGAIL'' //Oooooww... Something's not right here. I... I need to do, something.// Abigail instinctively looks towards the TV. The subtitles have changed once again, but this time they stay on screen. //"You are dying."// ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //I think I got that one, thanks.// Abigail gets up and moves to the doors leading to the corridor. She tries to open them but they don't budge. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Come on! Why won't you open?!// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Please wait for your number to be called. The Weaver does not like to be rushed.// Abigail spins round to face the Receptionist, who is still busy working at her computer. She approaches the desk. ''ABIGAIL'' //Weaver? What weaver?! Is that what you call Doctor Speare? Why do you keep dodging my questions?// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Please wait for your number to be called. The Doctor will see you shortly.// ''ABIGAIL'' //Will you just listen to me! I came here to see a doctor.// ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Instead I keep having these weird dreams and I wake up feeling like someone hit me with a car! You're supposed to be helping me with this not making it worse!// ''RECEPTIONIST'' //Your progress has been observed and recorded since your arrival. Please wait for your number to be called. The Doctor will see you shortly.// ''ABIGAIL'' //Eurgh! Fine! I'll take a stupid seat.// Abigail storms off back to her seat. She stares at the monitor above the desk, waiting for her number to be called. When it is, she is already on her feet. ''INT. TEST CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS'' Abigail makes her way to the table immediately. She picks up the glove. Nothing happens. ''ABIGAIL'' //I have the stupid glove! What more do you want from me?! Just let me go home already!!// Abigail gets frustrated and throws the glove back on the table. Light floods the room instantly. ''CUT TO: WAITING ROOM'' ''INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY'' It takes Abigail a few minutes to fully wake up. Blood gushes from her nose and her head is pounding. When she moves it feels like she is wading through a thick liquid. ''ABIGAIL'' //This... this doesn't feel right. Why am I back here? Where is everyone?// The waiting room is empty. The TV is frozen on a single frame. The subtitle reads "Last chance." The number on the monitor is 83. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Last chance means, last time right? Come on legs, work with me here.// After much struggle Abigail stands and makes her way through the corridor. ''INT. TEST CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS'' Abigail reaches the table and hesitates, unsure of what to do. ''ABIGAIL'' //I need this... but for what? I just... wish there was a sign. Or, something. Anything...// Nothing happens. Abigail begins to sway from fatigue. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //Guess this is it. What have I... what have I got to lose?// Abigail picks up the glove and puts it on. She clenches her fingers a few times, testing it out. It fits perfectly. ''ABIGAIL (CONT'D)'' //That's it? After all that-// Abigail is cut off by a sudden rush of energy. The room lights up, this time from one of the walls. The wall reveals an observation room staffed by two people. ''DIRECTOR SPEARE - AN OLDER GENTLEMEN IN HIS MID 40'S., DRESSED IN A BLACK THREE PIECE SUIT.'' //Did you open the mirror?// ''LAB TECH - A MAN CONCEALED BY HIS HAZMAT SUIT. HIS VOICE IS MUFFLED BY THE HELMET.'' //N-no sir. I haven't changed anything.// ''ABIGAIL'' //What's going on? W-why can I see through the wall? Have you been here the whole time?!// Director Speare chuckles. The Lab Tech works with machines in front of him. Abigail stares at them both. ''DIRECTOR SPEARE'' //No one expected you to make it this far' Abigail. Congratulations.// ''ABIGAIL'' //What do you mean this far? What is all this? And who are you people?!// ''LAB TECH'' //We're a branch of the-// ''DIRECTOR SPEARE'' //Santiago fill you in when you wake up. We've got a lot of work to do, but first you need to rest. The Instance can cause severe cerebral damage if you spend too much time in it.// ''ABIGAIL'' //You're not making any sense! I came here to see a doctor about my anxiety not to be tortured in some crazy magic house!// Director Speare picks up a mug and takes a sip. Abigail watches in disbelief. The Lab Tech stops working to watch. ''DIRECTOR SPEARE'' //She's suffered more brain damage than I realised. Have her moved to the ward immediately.// The Lab Tech nods and leaves the observation room via a back door. Abigail moves her focus to Director Speare. ''ABIGAIL'' //Don't ignore me!!// ''DIRECTOR SPEARE'' //I'm not. Your anxiety is nothing more than a memory, dredged up by the Instance to slow you down. But you beat it, all on your own. Welcome to the Programme Abigail. Do try to keep up.// Abigail goes to speak but stops. She stares at the wall behind Director Speare. There are words written on wall in what looks like blood. "The Weaver cannot be stopped." ''CUT TO: BLACK'' ''FIN'' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Phew, that was a long one wasn't it? Well, you made it! Take a second to give yourself a pat on the back before you head off back the way you came. Or, you can always move on to the next section. [[Go back ->Main Exhibit Room A]] [[Keep Going ->Main Exhibit Room B]]

“I’m... I’m not sure what happened to me. It’s so hard to focus on anything but what’s in front of me. I remember falling, I think. Or at least I can remember the feeling of falling. My legs go numb when I get that feeling. And then... and then...” It’s gone. Whatever fragment of memory I was grasping at slipped through my fingers like sand. I feel cheated. Something clearly isn’t right with me. The doctor did say he knew why I was here; it might be time to ask him about that. But why does that feel like a mistake? Was I wrong to see a therapist about this? Would a normal doctor have been better? “Don’t feel bad about this Axel. You’re not the first to walk into my office struggling to recall their past. Just take a deep breath and concentrate on something you know to be real. Like myself, for instance. You can trust me, can’t you?” “Yeah... yeah, you’re right. It’s just frustrating. I’m not usually like this.” “And how is that so?” “Come again?” I can’t tell for certain, but it looks like Araneidae is fidgeting. His coat sleeves keep shifting but with his hands behind his back it’s hard to tell why. His stillness is starting to unnerve me, makes me think he has a lot more to hide than whatever it is he knows about me. But he’s also right. I can’t focus on anything else in the room, or my own thoughts. The world is a blur. Even simply responding to his questions is a struggle. “What are you like normally Axel? Can you at least recall that?” “Yeah I... no. It’s gone.” “Are you certain that you were grasping at the right straw?” That question is odd. I don’t know how to respond to it. Is he trying to suggest I made something up? I’m confused enough as it is without my psychiatrist playing mind games with me. Maybe playing along is my best bet here. “Maybe. But you’ve mentioned a few times now that you know something. It might help me if you tell me what it is.” I thought he was going to scold me for telling him how to do his job. I’ve heard that medical professionals get a little uptight when you do that. But he hasn’t. Doctor Araneidae isn’t even batting an eyelid, still lounging on his desk with a lazy grin. Has it gotten bigger? A sharp sound cuts through the quiet in the office. I’ve been so distracted with his lips shifting that I didn’t notice the doctor was clapping until I heard it. “Congratulations Axel, you’re now asking the right questions. I think we can have this session wrapped up within the hour after all.” Now he’s standing again, making his way back to the chair behind his desk like nothing has happened. Everything’s starting to blur together again, it’s getting harder to focus on the conversation. Getting harder to breath. The cold seeps in, wrapping me up in a blanket of fear. This sensation is familiar, but I can’t place it. Part of me wants to panic. The other wishes to embrace what I feel. Like it’s the right thing to do. “Before I address your case specifically, I believe it best to enlighten you to my station. As you are probably aware of by now, I am not a conventional therapist, though I am a licensed professional. I am a more, holistic, practitioner. I believe that each part contributes to the whole, so I take it upon myself to find out as much as I can about a patient prior to their arrival. Are you following all this so far Axel? You seem a little distant.” “No yeah I... it’s just a lot to take in. A-and everything is hazy. Like I’m underwater, but not.” “I see. Fortunately, that seems to be a common symptom amongst my patients. You’ll be happy to know that I have ascertained the root cause of your current condition. However, curing it will be another matter entirely, dependent on how cooperative you choose to be.” I don’t completely follow what he’s saying, though it all seems to make sense. His words seem so familiar. But I’m sure I’ve never been to see him before. Unless I have and I just don’t remember? He did say that this is a more common problem than it seems. Doctor Araneidae is completely still again, sitting behind his desk with his fingers steepled together under the bridge of his nose. His hands look far too long. Do they have an extra joint? His face looks like it’s stretching too, stretching out his leer. I shake my head to try and clear it, looking back up to see everything as it were. I must be exhausted if my mind is playing tricks on me this much. “Axel.” “Huh? Oh, sorry. I thought I saw something odd.” “Keep that in mind Axel. It may be of use for what is to come.” The doctor’s fingers interlock and flatten out, creating a perch for his chin to rest on. But I’m not focused on that. It’s his words that have me hooked. The only thing I can think to do is wait for him to continue. “I can help you overcome this, Axel; all you need do is trust me. Can you do this for me?” I don’t think I can, but what choice do I have? “Yeah. I can trust you.” “Good. Now, close your eyes. Take a deep breath, and when you release it, let go.” “Let go?” “Yes Axel, just let go. All of this is just in your mind. None of it can affect you further if you simply release it back into the world.” “Ok, but what am I letting go of?” “You’ll know when the time comes.” All my doubts slip away with his words. I can feel the cold seeping into me. It’s starting at my fingertips. Wherever it passes, my skin splits and bones splinter out through the cracks. There’s no blood, or pain. Only the cold crawling through my veins like vines creeping up the crumbling walls of an old keep. The sensation is so horrifying that it’s almost mesmerising. The bones are skittering up my arms, slashing at my skin; Pulling more of them out as they go. Like a swarm of spiders bursting from a cocoon. “Axel.” I look up at Doctor Araneidae one last time. With that sinister grin. And all those eyes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Spooky! I like this story a lot, even if it got marked down a bit because the final submission wasn't formatted exactly how it was supposed to be. I'm not salty. 100%. It's totally fine that I got a decent grade because of the way the words line up instead of a decent grade for the time and effort put into the story itself. It's not wrong, just different! Ok fine whatever just get going already. >.> [[I'm going ->Main Exhibit Room C]] [[I wanna see something else ->Main Exhibit Room B]]

With nothing better to do Ivy went to work ordering the people she’d seen for the system, but it ended up being a drawn out process of pretending that she’d cared enough about the randoms. She had put Lizzy as her number one and then wished she had a random number generator to sort through the rest. Midway through making it up as she went she heard a familiar voice over her shoulder and managed to both visually relax and start to worry all at once. Alex was a nice enough guy but he was the epitome of a cringey YouTuber without the obnoxious channel to back him up. “What’s good fellow gamer? Caught any wild Pokemon yet?” Ivy’s sigh was so heavy that she was worried that everyone in the hall had heard it. “Jesus christ Alex can you just for once be cool? Just once? Please? Be cool? Just once? Just one time? Be cool? Please be cool. Just once. Just once be cool-” “Ok ok I get it Barney calm down. By the way you have gotta find a better TV show to reference.” Ivy shook her head like she’d had this conversation a million times already. It helped that she had in fact done that. “Nope and you can’t make me. How I Met Your Mother is awesome and you cannot change my mind. What you can do though is tell me why you’re here. Don’t you have a blonde to rush after?” His smile came easy and showed off perfect teeth. Alex was, in all rights, a knockout. A perfect body with deep black hair and stunning blue eyes. Ivy had once been jealous of his natural hair colour before she learnt two things. Alex was a dork and funky hair colours were much more her speed. “I did, but she wandered off after some other guy. Looks to drop a room but the brains of a brick. You had any luck yourself though? I brought you along to get you out of your room for once but if you’ve gotten hooked-” “Shut up or I will take your kneecaps. I haven’t found anyone.” “Oh? Then why is someone called Lizzy in the bypass?” Ivy took a moment to look down at her form, wondering what he meant. She didn’t have to look long to see what he meant. Without knowing what she was doing she had in fact placed Lizzy into some sort of fast track. “Come again? Since when was this even a thing? What does it even do?!” Alex was trying to hide his laughter but was failing miserably, which got him angry glares until he stopped making fun of her. That one took longer than it should have. “It’s basically a priority vote. No one sorting through the admin of events like these care even remotely enough to properly read the forms, they just collect the top picks and move the rest along. If you like someone specifically you fast track them. Better hope you didn’t make a mistake there now Ivy I would hold it over you for years.” “Abigail Price.” Alex froze for a heartbeat and sighed at the mention of that name. It was one of his many embarrassing secrets that Ivy had learnt that she could use against him. “Touche. Just… just try to enjoy your time outside ok? You’re not a complete vampire.” “Make one point that proves that.” “Your new character is a walking glitter bomb.” It was Ivy’s turn to freeze up slightly. “Touche. Well… guess you’re off to chase some blondes now right?” “Right. Sure. Look There’s something I haven’t told you yet. Well, the being a habitual flirt thing I have but the other thing I haven’t.” “Let me guess, you already have a blonde you’ve fallen for and you’re using other blondes to practice your material?” Alex wasn’t smiling as much anymore. It seemed a little forced but it didn’t seem out of place to Ivy. He always got weird about his feelings, as if they weren’t meant to exist outside of his private life. “No, no not that. Look it’s-” A buzzer cut him off and was soon followed by the hordes moving themselves into position for round two. He decided to keep whatever it was to himself as an official came round to each booth and picked up the first set of forms and before Ivy could even blink everything had kicked off again. She blinked again and the boredom of the next few people made four rounds. The one after it would have blown past her too had she not been taken by surprise for the second time in one day. As she was want to do when she was bored Ivy had taken out a sketchpad and was absent mindedly doodling some new concept art for one of her many OCs. This one was a scrawny kid who had built himself a mech for god knows what and used it for pretty much everything. It was one of her favourite cliches and, if she was being honest, her own take on the memelord nightmare that was D.Va from Overwatch. God she hated D.Va. Midway through colouring in her idea for a fantasy themed skin where the mech became an alchemical golem a man's voice asked her what she was doing, causing her to flip out in mild shock before she regained her composure. Once she had she was met with her ideal man. By that he was drop dead gorgeous. He was slightly taller than she was, making him the perfect height for both hugs and a beatdown. He had a swimmers body with short cut hair and he was not afraid to show off his arms in a tight, short sleeved plain blue shirt. His jeans were black and his shoes were nice without being goofy sneakers and his eyes were a soft green that seemed to ask people to challenge him. Was she blushing? Should she say something back? Crap what did he say to begin with? As if reading her mind he let out a soft chuckle with a voice like melted butter. It was deep, it was solemn and it had that slight edge of mischief she loved in men. “What I said was is he one of yours? I’ve not seen him around before but there are so many niche communities around that I didn’t want to assume in case you freaked out.” “Is who- oh! Uh yeah… um. Yeah he is. I called him R.Ver. Because he’s D.VA, but, you know. Better. Your name is better though. I mean It probably is! Sorry, I…” “You’re not used to people are you?” She shook her head to try and shake off the blush, but she probably just highlighted it instead. “Oh no! I’m great with people. Just not, well. People this good looking. Holy god you’re hot. And I’m an idiot. An idiot called Ivy. What’s your name? I should ask that before I get lost in my own head.” Just before he answered her the man did something that put Ivy off a little bit. His smile became a smug grin, one born from knowing he looked good and was more than happy to gloat about it. Ivy hated that level of narcissism in people, but she thought she could push past it for someone who basically made God look like a potato. “Edgar. Sorry for stunning you so much though. I tend to have that effect on people. I have to be going, but I hope to see you around later.” He really wasn’t sorry, that grin growing wider was proof of the fact. But… damn he looked good. Which left Ivy with a hard choice to make. Up until now she had been leaving Lizzy in her fastrack box, but with the sudden arrival of Edgar she now had to push one slightly aside. Edgar was a bombshell of a man sure, but Lizzy seemed like a nice girl. A small voice in the back of her mind was telling her not to fall for another hottie but the rest of her hadn’t been in a relationship for so long that she was unconsciously desperate to be loved in that way. Against what would have been her better judgement Ivy put Edgar’s name into her top spot, but made sure to leave Lizzy in a close second. She could choose between them later right? A few hours passed and a lot of people were shot down or ignored before the rounds finally stopped and Ivy was left with her final top ten. She cut through the bottom eight very quickly and ignored Alex for the most part, as he was still being weird and she wanted to surprise him by being a productive adult for once. By the end of it all she had come to the conclusion that Edgar was gorgeous but Lizzy would make for a far better partner. She was kind, funny, caring and shared a lot of her hobbies. But Edgar had the body. Sure, he was a bit of a dick but that would just make his softer sides stand out more and with a little smoothing around the edges he could be a good boyfriend. [[I can't get through this crap ->Short Story Room]] [[WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!?!? ->Finish Reading Speed Dating]] In the end, Ivy made the choice. She was tired of playing it safe, of tiptoeing around the eggshells that Amanda had left behind. Life was all about taking a few risks and Edgar felt like just the right risk to take. As the day drew to a close Ivy at least did the polite thing and called Lizzy over for one last chat to explain it all. When she was done Lizzy gave her a soft smile and told her to have fun with whoever she’d picked. When she found out it was Edgar things took a slight turn. “Him? He’s cute sure but he seems like a real dick. And I didn’t peg you as someone to go for real dicks. Damn I’m getting rusty I gotta get back in shape. Anyway Ivy don’t push yourself into something you’ll regret ok? You seem real nice. I think. Seriously my ability to judge people is dying on me I could be very wrong.” She laughed at that and waved goodbye, staying genuinely friendly even after being rejected like that. A small part of Ivy screamed at her for making a huge mistake but the rest of her was already imagining Edgar in his underwear. When Edgar arrived at the desk she told him what she’d decided and he accepted with that same smug grin he had worn all day. Something in her also made Ivy tell him about what Lizzy had said. “Don’t take anything that broad said to heart Ivy. She’s just jealous she can’t have me herself. Happens all the time. But you and me are together now, and we’ve got so much to look forward to.” “We… we do?” His grin somehow turned a little sinister but Ivy didn’t notice it all too much. To her it was just another part of the bad boy thing she’d always wanted to work out. They couldn’t really be that bad right? As if on cue Edgar broke Ivy out of her own head and back into reality. “Sure thing doll. But first we gotta celebrate. I didn’t ever expect to find anyone half as cute as you here and I wanna share you with my friends. They’ll be out drinking in a couple hours, you’re more than welcome to join us. It’d be fun to make them jealous.” “That sounds like fun, I just gotta tell my friend. He brought me along so I can’t just ditch him.” Edgar’s smile dropped a bit at the mention of someone else and with it he turned to leave, calling over to Ivy from his shoulder as he made his way to the exit. “Don’t take too long, I wanna beat the traffic and tear up some asphalt before we head out. Meet me in the parking lot in five minutes Ivy.” She nodded despite the fact she knew he wasn’t looking. His tone had been firm but kind and she couldn’t tell if Edgar was being demanding or caring. The words themselves were a little off but that was just because he was a new person to Ivy and she wasn’t used to how he talked yet. Shoving those thoughts to one side Ivy found Alex off to one side to share the good news. She must have been happy because Alex lit up when he saw her. “You scored?! Go get em Ivy! Is she as cool as she looked?!” “She? Where you stalking me?” Alex mocked being offended, which got a laugh out of Ivy. He was always funny when he acted out like a dork. His performing arts degree certainly didn’t go to waste. “Is it too much to worry about a friend these days? Oh the horror! But no I wasn’t stalking per say. I just saw you every now and then. That girl in the checkered shirt seemed to really get along with you.” “Well, yeah. I’m amazing. But no, I got with a guy. I say a guy he is a walking god of a man. Seriously Alex if you were gay you wouldn’t take your eyes off him.” Alex almost seemed to shrink at the comment before he realised it was a challenge to his ego. “You’d be surprised at how many attractive men I could ignore Ivy. Just be careful ok? Good looking guys are assholes if they’re good enough looking to turn everyone’s head around. You don’t deserve to go through that again.” “And I won’t, so don’t even try to lecture me on this. Amanda was my mistake, not yours. Now if you’ll excuse me I have what I think is a date with Edgar to attend to. I just wanted to let you know to avoid a conversation like this.” Ivy was getting angry with Alex. She knew he meant well but it infuriated her when he tried to protect her from things she was clearly old enough to work around herself. She hated being treated like a child. He didn’t contest her though. Instead, he asked her to stay for a few seconds longer and darted off into the distance. A few seconds later he was back and asking to see her phone. “No I am not going to plant a bug in it Ivy, before you even think to ask. I don’t know how to do that sort of thing that level of stalking is all Caleb. I’m just doing you a favour you’ll thank me for later.” “Oh? And what might this favour be exactly?” “That girls number. Don’t flip! I’m happy you found someone yourself and I will be with you without stepping on your toes. But that other girl seemed perfect for you. So keep her number and hit her up as a friend in a couple days time. You won’t regret it. One hundred pushups.” Ivy took her phone back and had to push her anger down by force. One hundred pushups was a reference from a show they both loved that they had taken on as their own personal ritual. It meant to trust one another no matter what and they never tossed it around lightly. But he was still meddling with her life. He knew she hated that. “Fine. But I’m not speaking to you for a few days either. I’m perfectly fine as I am I do not need you trying to control my life like Amanda did.” “Now hold on-” “No! You hold on and back off! I’m leaving. You can keep your secret too Alex.” She stormed off to the parking lot, found Edgar and got into the car. She had made him wait a couple minutes extra but had gotten to the car looking like a bomb on the brink of going off. He didn’t back away from it but he didn’t tackle it head on. “You still friends with whoever pissed you off?” “Please just drive. I need as many drinks as you can handle.” “Fine by me.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I like making long "Short Stories" don't I? Eh, just means more for you to suffer through. Mwuahahah!!!! Now get out, I got other stuff to show ya. [[Ooooooh more goodies?!?! ->Short Story Room]] [[I think I'm done, thanks ->Main Exhibition Final Room]]

In the end, Ivy made the choice. She was tired of playing it safe, of tiptoeing around the eggshells that Amanda had left behind. Life was all about taking a few risks and Edgar felt like just the right risk to take. As the day drew to a close Ivy at least did the polite thing and called Lizzy over for one last chat to explain it all. When she was done Lizzy gave her a soft smile and told her to have fun with whoever she’d picked. When she found out it was Edgar things took a slight turn. “Him? He’s cute sure but he seems like a real dick. And I didn’t peg you as someone to go for real dicks. Damn I’m getting rusty I gotta get back in shape. Anyway Ivy don’t push yourself into something you’ll regret ok? You seem real nice. I think. Seriously my ability to judge people is dying on me I could be very wrong.” She laughed at that and waved goodbye, staying genuinely friendly even after being rejected like that. A small part of Ivy screamed at her for making a huge mistake but the rest of her was already imagining Edgar in his underwear. When Edgar arrived at the desk she told him what she’d decided and he accepted with that same smug grin he had worn all day. Something in her also made Ivy tell him about what Lizzy had said. “Don’t take anything that broad said to heart Ivy. She’s just jealous she can’t have me herself. Happens all the time. But you and me are together now, and we’ve got so much to look forward to.” “We… we do?” His grin somehow turned a little sinister but Ivy didn’t notice it all too much. To her it was just another part of the bad boy thing she’d always wanted to work out. They couldn’t really be that bad right? As if on cue Edgar broke Ivy out of her own head and back into reality. “Sure thing doll. But first we gotta celebrate. I didn’t ever expect to find anyone half as cute as you here and I wanna share you with my friends. They’ll be out drinking in a couple hours, you’re more than welcome to join us. It’d be fun to make them jealous.” “That sounds like fun, I just gotta tell my friend. He brought me along so I can’t just ditch him.” Edgar’s smile dropped a bit at the mention of someone else and with it he turned to leave, calling over to Ivy from his shoulder as he made his way to the exit. “Don’t take too long, I wanna beat the traffic and tear up some asphalt before we head out. Meet me in the parking lot in five minutes Ivy.” She nodded despite the fact she knew he wasn’t looking. His tone had been firm but kind and she couldn’t tell if Edgar was being demanding or caring. The words themselves were a little off but that was just because he was a new person to Ivy and she wasn’t used to how he talked yet. Shoving those thoughts to one side Ivy found Alex off to one side to share the good news. She must have been happy because Alex lit up when he saw her. “You scored?! Go get em Ivy! Is she as cool as she looked?!” “She? Where you stalking me?” Alex mocked being offended, which got a laugh out of Ivy. He was always funny when he acted out like a dork. His performing arts degree certainly didn’t go to waste. “Is it too much to worry about a friend these days? Oh the horror! But no I wasn’t stalking per say. I just saw you every now and then. That girl in the checkered shirt seemed to really get along with you.” “Well, yeah. I’m amazing. But no, I got with a guy. I say a guy he is a walking god of a man. Seriously Alex if you were gay you wouldn’t take your eyes off him.” Alex almost seemed to shrink at the comment before he realised it was a challenge to his ego. “You’d be surprised at how many attractive men I could ignore Ivy. Just be careful ok? Good looking guys are assholes if they’re good enough looking to turn everyone’s head around. You don’t deserve to go through that again.” “And I won’t, so don’t even try to lecture me on this. Amanda was my mistake, not yours. Now if you’ll excuse me I have what I think is a date with Edgar to attend to. I just wanted to let you know to avoid a conversation like this.” Ivy was getting angry with Alex. She knew he meant well but it infuriated her when he tried to protect her from things she was clearly old enough to work around herself. She hated being treated like a child. He didn’t contest her though. Instead, he asked her to stay for a few seconds longer and darted off into the distance. A few seconds later he was back and asking to see her phone. “No I am not going to plant a bug in it Ivy, before you even think to ask. I don’t know how to do that sort of thing that level of stalking is all Caleb. I’m just doing you a favour you’ll thank me for later.” “Oh? And what might this favour be exactly?” “That girls number. Don’t flip! I’m happy you found someone yourself and I will be with you without stepping on your toes. But that other girl seemed perfect for you. So keep her number and hit her up as a friend in a couple days time. You won’t regret it. One hundred pushups.” Ivy took her phone back and had to push her anger down by force. One hundred pushups was a reference from a show they both loved that they had taken on as their own personal ritual. It meant to trust one another no matter what and they never tossed it around lightly. But he was still meddling with her life. He knew she hated that. “Fine. But I’m not speaking to you for a few days either. I’m perfectly fine as I am I do not need you trying to control my life like Amanda did.” “Now hold on-” “No! You hold on and back off! I’m leaving. You can keep your secret too Alex.” She stormed off to the parking lot, found Edgar and got into the car. She had made him wait a couple minutes extra but had gotten to the car looking like a bomb on the brink of going off. He didn’t back away from it but he didn’t tackle it head on. “You still friends with whoever pissed you off?” “Please just drive. I need as many drinks as you can handle.” “Fine by me.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I like making long "Short Stories" don't I? Eh, just means more for you to suffer through. Mwuahahah!!!! Now get out, I got other stuff to show ya. [[Ooooooh more goodies?!?! ->Short Story Room]] [[I think I'm done, thanks ->Main Exhibition Final Room]]

He sat me down on the bench and made sure I was ok before walking off. The older lady seemed ready to lash out but Parker managed to calm her down. The other girl, Abigail I think her name was, kept glancing between me and the door to Constance’s room. I wasn’t focusing on what Parker was saying, he had everything under control. After a while he came back and sat down with me on the bench. The older woman stood nearby with Abigail and we spent a good five minutes in silence. Parker broke the silence eventually, “I never caught your name ma’am, or figured out why you’re here.” “Oh, my apologies. I am Ms. Bellgrade, I’m a… a friend of Abigail’s… I’m…” Abigail stepped in before it could get too awkward. I could have sworn I saw something close to relief on the old woman’s face. “It’s complicated. She drove me up here.” “I see. So not your mom then?” “No.” “Fair enough.” We went back to silence for a while. At this point it’s been close to an hour with no word about Constance. I’m starting to get angry again. How fucking long could it take for them to get their asses together and just tell us what we’re waiting for? God I wanna hit something again. “Ahem. Miss… what was your name dear?” “What’s it to you?” “Nothing it’s just… you and Abigail seem an awful lot alike. And I’ve gotten to know her a little better recently. You both looked very worried for this girl and I want to help in any way I can. I know it’s not my place to intervene but it’s the least I can do for you. I’m sure my daughter would do the same if she were here.” A dark chuckle escaped Abigail, who had taken a seat away from the group on the floor. Her legs were tucked into her chest and she was using her knees as a table for her chin. She clearly knew something we all didn’t. “Or at least, that’s how I tried to raise her. Sam can be… difficult. I’m sorry I shouldn’t have brought it up.” “Stella.” “I’m sorry?” “My name is Stella. If you wanna help, go check on Abigail. There’s clearly something bugging her and you’re obviously closer to her than we are.” Ms Bellgrade gave me a small nod in response. She seemed a little shocked at the sudden practicality I’d shown. I’m just happy I’ve found something productive to turn my anger towards. She walks quickly to talk to Abigail out of earshot. Or she thought she was anyway. My hearing was better than people realised. “Your friend is going to be ok, Abigail. You know the doctors here are all very capable.” “That doesn’t make me feel better.” “I know, but until they let us know what’s going on there isn’t much else we can do. And she’s got her other friends here too. Maybe you can talk to them?” “What if she can’t cover the medical bills? She’s got no family. She works her ass off just to make ends meet. This isn’t fair!” “If it means that much to you I’ll help with the bills. Just keep yourself together ok? For her sake. You care a lot about her.” “Don’t say that…” I realise I’ve been staring at the two of them talking. Parker is still playing games, keeping an ear out in case things get heated again. Abigail looks genuinely hurt and Ms Bellgrade can’t seem to work out why. I can’t either so I’m staying out of it. Got enough problems as it is. “What do you mean? Did I say something to upset you?” “Just don’t, Ms Bellgrade.” “I-I’m sorry Abigail. But how can I stop if I don’t know what it is I’m doing wrong.” “Please can you just drop it.” Ok, I can’t stay out of this anymore. This back and forth is doing my head in, gotta kill it now before it lays eggs and swims into my nightmares. “Both of you, shut it. I’m ending this before it drives me crazy.” The exchange stops as both women stare at me. Ms Bellgrade seems baffled at my change in manners again, while Abigail is battling with panic and relief. I think I get the picture here, but I need to clear a couple things up just to be sure. “Ms Bellgrade, you said your kids name was Sam right?” “Why yes. But how is that-” “Abigail, You have a girlfriend. Or had, I don’t remember what Connie told me. Is it safe to say that it’s the same Sam?” Abigail didn’t say anything. It didn’t stop Ms Bellgrade though. “I’m still struggling to see how my daughter's relationship is relevant here.” “Can I tell her, Abigail? I know we’re not close but being this dense cannot be healthy. It also clears up a few things I’ve been suspicious of myself.” Abigail shook her head slightly from her ball on the floor. Ms Bellgrade still looked confused as to what was going on but her full attention was now on me. It felt uncomfortable, like I was back home being judged by the instructors. For a second I completely lost my cool, there was too much going on at once. I said something not so friendly in Russian. I was about to apologise when Abigail suddenly stood up. “You speak Russian?” “Fuck. Yeah, sorry about that. It slips out when I’m overwhelmed. But that’s not important-” “How do you know Russian?” “Eugh. I’m half Russian, I speak the language. Can we finish talking about how you wanna bang my best friend before we delve into my sordid past or is that too much to ask?!” Abigail’s curiosity suddenly flipped to outrage. I knew it was entirely my fault, my big mouth getting the better of me again and all, but I couldn’t help feeling a little offended myself. Yes, it was a bad way to deflect sure. It was also a pretty shitty question to throw at me when she’d made it clear that she didn’t like talking about her past either. Double standard much? “Some friend you are. First chance you get you make things worse for everyone around you and for what? Just so you can feel a little better about yourself?” “You better watch your fucking mouth I am not in the mood.” Everyone fell silent. There was a tension left hanging in the air. The kind I felt just before a fight. Anything could set it off and all hell could break loose. Parker had even put his game down, sensing the hostility coming off me. He knew home was a sensitive subject for me. I was ready to bite his head off when, to my surprise, Ms Bellgrade spoke up. “Abigail, I know you’re worried for your friend but I think it’s best if we give her friends some time alone. Could you come with me for a minute?” Abigail didn’t budge. She just stood her ground, staring me down. I felt myself dragged back home again, back to the pits. My muscles tensed on reflex, ready to fight my way out if it ended up being the only option. Parker had other plans. “That sounds like a good idea. Do you happen to have a phone Ms Bellgrade? If you give me your number I can contact you when we learn something.” “Of course, I can give you my number. I’m surprised you’re managing to keep such a level head young man.” “It’s a part of hanging around Stella for almost 4 years now. That and I was brought up to be a naturally patient person. I’ll keep you posted.” Ms Bellgrade nodded her agreement as Parker sent her a text to test the number. When he was happy with it he waved her off and watched her half drag Abigail away. She looked devastated and angry, pretty much mirroring how I felt about the whole thing. “Please don’t kill her.” “Wait what?” “You two are going to butt heads eventually. And we both know you’d beat her to a pulp in a fight. So don’t go killing her when you do.” “...shut the fuck up Parker.” Parker’s smile came to him easily. It went a long way to break the tension that was left behind. I cannot figure out how he does it. Abigail and Ms Bellgrade were out of sight by now, looking for an empty room to talk in. Parker was watching the clock on the wall, which left me alone on the bench. Sitting still wasn’t an option. Pacing at least kept me active, so I got back up and started to prowl the hallway again. Another half an hour passed by the time a worried looking nurse came out of the doors to the room Constance was in. Parker placed himself in her path, keeping me from throttling the poor girl for taking so long to get here. Probably a smart move. The nurse seemed to be a member of senior staff. She had a childish look to her but her manners and the way she held herself told me she was a lot older than she looked. There was no blood on her clothes but the bags under her eyes were deep. She was clutching a clipboard to her chest, flicking back and forth between it and us as if her life depended on it. I could just make out a name tag poking out from the corner of the clipboard. Lucia. She looked like she wanted to say something. I’m not sure what’s holding her back. She takes one last look at her clipboard and I realised she’s looking for someone in particular. A parent or guardian. I guess Connie didn’t mention she doesn’t have any on her forms. “I’m sorry but without a legal guardian present I’m afraid we can’t let you in to see the patient. It’s hospital policy for minors and students to be signed off by their legal guardian before being allowed admittance for visitors.” “I get that ma’am but it’s not something we can do. And we've been here for a while, we’re all stressed and we aren’t the only ones waiting. My friend’s just about ready to punch someone’s head off.” “There really isn’t anything I can do without consent from the patient's legal guardian sir-” “For fuck sake she doesn’t have one! Now let me see my friend before I break my way in there!” Both of them turn to face me. Parker is used to this but the nurse looks like she could fall apart at any moment. She’s holding her ground but it's obvious she’s not a fan of confrontation. I don’t feel bad for threatening her, I’m already done with today. “I appreciate the concern ma’am but I-” “Let. Me. In.” “I’m really sorry ma’am, I can’t.” “You can and you fucking-” “Stella! Chill out! I’ll get us in, just be cool. Look, I get that it’s company policy to refuse access to minors without legal consent. But since she doesn’t have a legal guardian, what say I act as her guardian for the time being? I’m of legal age and I’ve known her for a long time. It’s the best you’re going to get and quite frankly I don’t think I can hold my friend back any longer. She’s deeply concerned and was a professional fighter only last year. Let’s not make your job any harder alright?” For a second it looked like the nurse wasn’t going to budge. I don’t even think Parker expected it to work. After a few agonising seconds of silence, she let out a deep breath and dropped her arms. When she composed herself, she was looking at me thoughtfully. I wasn’t sure what she was trying to work out, but I didn’t like it, “Ok. You two are clearly the closest thing she has to a family. She wouldn’t give us anything past a first name herself, so it was difficult to identify her in the system. I was just being cautious. I’ll bring the forms up for you to sign, feel free to step inside but close the door behind you.” “Thank you. Oh, there are two other people on this floor waiting to come in. I’m supposed to send them a text when we got news, can you let them in when they get here? It's an older lady and a young girl that acts like my friend but talks a lot less. You can’t miss em.” “So long as you can vouch for them. But they’ll have to wait for me to get back from the office. It should only take ten minutes.” Nurse Lucia brushed past us quickly. She wasn’t trying to be rude, I think. It felt like she was doing her best to make things easier for her patient. It was an odd sight, to see someone in bilgewater genuinely care for others. Maybe she wasn’t from here? It was hard to tell through that uniform. The mask and the hat covered most of her face. Parker waited for the elevator doors to close before moving to the door. He had a hand to it but was waiting for me to get my bearings. Suddenly all my pent up anger washed away, replaced with dread and anxiety. Nurse Lucia hadn’t said anything about Connie’s condition, or what had happened. We could be walking into anything. Parker could tell I was freaking out. “Do you need a minute out here while I check on her?” “Please.” “Alright, take your time Stella.” [[I'ma save this for later ->Short Story Room]] [[This is getting goooooood ->Still Reading The Accident]]

Parker went in ahead of me and the world started to spin. My legs felt numb, making it hard to stand. There was no telling what was on the other side of those doors. IT could be nothing, just Constance sitting in a bed after some routine tests. She could be battered and bruised, hooked up to some ungodly machine barely clinging to life. Parts of her could be missing for god's sake! So many nightmare scenarios swam around in my head, fighting for the spotlight. I tried to calm myself down but nothing worked. I got so overwhelmed I punched the wall. I hit it so hard the tiling cracked. It wasn’t a subtle crack either. On the bright side the damage took me out of my own head. Watching the cracks snake out from the middle helped me focus, calm myself down. Now was probably the best chance I had to meet whatever it was that was waiting on the other side of that door. I pushed them open gently, and walked in to see Parker sat in a chair beside a bed, talking casually to Connie as if nothing had even happened. Something clearly did happen though. Constance’s right arm had been removed. The prosthetic was on a desk along the opposite wall, absolutely mangled. There were bandage wrappings poking out of Constance's hospital gown and covering her other arm. Her right eye was covered too. Her scarf and her jacket sat on a chair by the window, stained red with blood. Constance must have been heartbroken about that scarf, it was the one thing she had left of her mom. Constance was pale but talking like normal, making jokes and trying to keep things light hearted. Even from here I could tell she was still hurt, she was barely moving when she didn’t have to. Parker caught wind of me standing in the doorway staring at them and offered me his seat. Constance tried to smile at me in that cute little way of hers, the one that said “calm down, it’s under control.” It got me smiling back, though I was still very nervous so it probably didn’t look so good. As soon as I sat in the chair facing Constance Parker tapped me on the shoulder and stepped outside. Probably to let the others know we were in. We sat in silence for a bit, trying to work out what to say to break the ice. Constance thought of something before I did. “As much as this sucks, the buildup was awesome.” “Really?” “No it fucking sucked, but it got you talking. Stella really, apart from a lot of broken bones I’m fine. You don’t need to freak out so much. Save that for later alright?” “Save it for later? The hell does that mean?” “It means you’re going to flip your shit when I tell you what happened.” That wasn’t a good sign. Constance knew that it took a lot for me to flip my shit, as it were. And very rarely did I go off on someone for anything other than hurting my friends. Which meant whatever happened wasn’t an accident. “Who am I killing?” “Dude!” “No seriously. If someone did this to you they’re going to die.” “I’d rather not have one of my best friends arrested before I get out of the hospital if it's all the same to you. Gonna need a hand fixing my damn arm.” “Hrrrr. Fine, they get to live till you’re back on your feet.” “Thanks. Did you meet the nurse by the way?” “Yeah. I have her pegged as not from around here.” “Me too. My money's on somewhere near The Phillipines. Definitely not adjusted to city life yet. She’s real nice though.” We kept up the meaningless back and forth for a few minutes, by which point Parker came back into the room and leaned on the desk where Constance's arm was. He left us to it and pulled out his phone. For him, it was a nice gesture that said he was fine with letting us keep our moment together going. We exchanged some more nonsense before I decided to bring up the elephant in the room. “So what happened Connie? How’d you end up like this?” “Can I start this off by saying I honestly feel like this one may be partly my fault?” “You cannot. We told you to stop feeling guilty when people start shit with you Connie.” “I know I know but… it’ll make more sense after I tell you. So to kick things off-” The door to the room opened from the outside, cutting Constance off before she could speak. Nurse Lucia walked in with Abigail and Ms Bellgrade. Lucia handed a form for Parker to fill out and then left the room, giving everyone some time and space to see how Constance was getting on. Ms Bellgrade and Abigail stopped dead and stared at Constance in complete shock once they saw her. It took me a second to clock why. They hadn’t been told anything either, and I doubt Connie ever mentioned that one of her arms wasn’t real. To them, she’d been in an accident and came out covered in scratches and missing an arm. No one knew what to say. Which is probably why Constance did something stupid. “Oh this? Yeah it’s been fucked for years. Wait, aren’t you Ms Bellgrade? What are you doing here?” Ms Bellgrade couldn’t tell whether Constance was joking or not. She looked like she was about to start crying. Abigail had gone as pale as a ghost. Constance could tell that she’d made things worse but she wasn’t about to stop trying to make things better. “Ok that did not help. I didn’t lose my arm today, you can stop worrying guys. I’ve had a prosthetic arm for years. Lost it when I was little in a car accident. It was not a good day. I did have a few bones broken though. And honestly if my arm wasn’t fake before it sure as shit would be now. Parker’s leaning on it if you need proof.” They both turned to look behind Parker at the desk he was leaning on. He shuffled over to give them a better look and the moment she saw it Ms Bellgrade’s mood seemed to lighten. It was as if a weight was lifted off of her shoulders to know that Constance hadn’t been as badly hurt as she thought. “Oh, thank goodness for that. It’s such a relief to know you aren’t in any serious trouble. Abigail has been worried sick about you. As to your previous question, I drove Abigail up here when she got the news, but how do you know my name?” “That’s an easy one. We met a couple weeks back. I set up all your stuff in your house. Must be hard to recognise me without the makeup on. Hey, how is Piper doing anyway?” “Constance?! Oh my dear I didn’t recognise you at all! I’m so sorry for not noticing it was you! What a small world, that we all know you from different circles. Piper is doing well, she talks about you a lot. I think you really left an impression on her. She wanted to break the computer to get you to come back at one point.” “Pffft, of course she did. I’ll stop by and say hello when I’m back on my feet if it means that much to her. Is everything working alright?” “Yes, yes, it’s all fine. That isn’t important right now dear, you need to rest. You’ve just been through a terrible accident.” “It wasn’t an accident Ms Bellgrade. But thank you for the concern.” Ms Bellgrade went silent again, scanning the room to see if any of us knew what was really going on. Parker didn’t move and I shook my head. I glanced over at Abigail to see how she was getting on. Not much had changed on her end, other than she was now clutching her right arm tightly to her side. Wonder why? “Have you told anyone what happened to you then dear?” “I was about to when you and Abigail walked in. You’re both welcome to stay and hear it if you like. Though I’m happy to give you a minute, Abigail looks like she’s seen a ghost.” That comment made Abigail take a step back, clearly deeply unsettled by everything that was going on. It looked like Connie felt bad for what she’d said but she didn’t make a move to take it back. It was just like her to embrace her mistakes instead of apologising for them. It’s gotten her into a lot of trouble over the years. It’s something I really admired about her. “Hey Abigail? I know you’re worried over there. In your own, closed off little way. But you can relax a little. Everyone here’s a good friend. And Ms Bellgrade I guess, don’t really know her all that well. Point is, you can trust Parker and Stella. If you need anything, you can ask them. Right guys?” We both looked at Abigail from where we sat, nodding to her. Constance had mentioned a couple times that she wasn’t the best when it came to conversations. I hadn’t worked out if it was because she was one of those stroppy loner types or if she had some anxiety issues to get through. I don’t think it mattered right now. “How are you taking this so well?” None of us had expected Abigail to ask that. It wasn’t that it was a question Constance was unprepared for, far from it. It was an unexpected question because Abigail had spent this entire time two steps away from a complete breakdown. Maybe it was her way of coping with all of this, or maybe it was all she could bring herself to say. “I’ve been through a lot worse than this. It’s gonna take more than a steep fall to keep me down.” “A fall?” “I…shit I forgot I haven’t told you yet. Ok settle down folks, for this to make sense I’m gonna have to rewind and tell a story.” [[I'm not ready to cry at a monitor ->Short Story Room]] [[I'm ready to cry at a monitor ->Finish Reading The Accident]]

Constance waited for everything to settle down before she started her story. It took a little coaxing from Ms Bellgrade to get Abigail to sit at the end of Constance’s bed. She made sure Abigail wasn’t about to collapse or anything then moved to lean on the desk by Parker, giving the two girls some space. Abigail was playing with her hair, trying to keep it together. She cared for Constance a lot more than I realised. Then any of us realised. I wanted to kick myself for what I said earlier. I said it thinking she’d just wanted a hookup as a way to defend my friend. But this was more than just using Connie to get what she wanted. “So you know I’ve been using the school music rooms to practise recently right? After Abigail asked to hear me play that one time this weird kid started following me around. I think he thought he was being sneaky but honestly it was so obvious I’m shocked he didn’t get a warning from all the teachers he ran into. Eventually I got fed up with it and cornered him in one of the classrooms. Never got his name but it freaked him out. I tried to ask him why he was stalking me but he never spilled the beans, just kept blabbing about some “big plans” he was a part of. I left him there after I gave up and was about to leave when he called out to me. That smug look he gave me as he said something about Sam wanting to see me felt really off.” Abigail stopped playing with her hair and stiffened up when Sam was mentioned. It felt like she knew the creepy kid too, but it wasn’t until her ex’s name came up that she really started to react. Ms Bellgrade was too focused on Constance’s story to notice, and Parker was doing that thing he did where he meditated in order to properly focus. An old training habit he kept up after leaving home. “Now the thing is, I barely know Sam. Besides what little Abigail has wanted to tell me, which is entirely fine since Sam is a part of her personal life, I’ve only spoken to the girl once. And it wasn’t a very friendly conversation. She stole something from me and threatened me a couple times, the details I don’t remember and they’re not too important right now. So it’s weird that she wanted to see me, right? I thought so too but before I could get answers from the weird kid he bolted. For a spindly little thing the guy can run. He yelled something about the roof on his way out so I headed up there and found Sam.” At this point I’d put two and two together. So did Parker. And it pissed me off. It wasn’t my place to get angry, not here. Not when Sam went to the fight club with me. I’d deal with her then, on my terms. Ms Bellgrade had gone pale, though I couldn’t work out why. And all this time Abigail had kept her silence, her fingers digging into the blanket by Constance's legs. She couldn’t make eye contact with anyone. I don’t think she wanted this story to end and quite frankly I couldn’t blame her. “At first it all seemed fine. A weird place to hang out but I liked the view. Sam was leaning over the railing so I joined her there. I should have clocked that something was wrong when she started talking but I got distracted by someone in the parking lot struggling to fit into a parking space. Sam started talking about trust and loyalty like some sort of movie villain. I couldn’t make sense of it so I asked her to get to the point. And she flipped out on me. Punched me square in the jaw. It hurt like hell and before I could get back on my feet she kicked my ribs in. Gotta admit, did not see her getting violent at all, girls good at hiding her feelings just beneath the surface. And that’s when she just cut loose at me. She screamed on and on at me for ruining her life, that I was the centre of all of her problems. How the world would be better off without me. Now, knowing how much of a dumbass I am, I couldn’t help but correct her on that. That’s when she pushed me off the roof of the school.” She fucking WHAT?! “Landed on my right arm luckily, so most of the impact went into the prosthetic instead of my spine. Dropping that many floors in any way is not healthy for you, as it turns out. I blacked out from the pain and woke up here. I guess no one saw it happen since it was after school hours, they must have found me lying on the pavement. Not sure what happened to my eye though. It’s wrapped up pretty tight. Gotta ask about that when the nurse comes back. But yeah, that’s how I got here. Told you it was kinda long. Is everything alright?” Before anyone could say anything Abigail shot out of the room, diving into her pocket for something. Ms Bellgrade was in too much shock to move and I didn’t want to make things worse so I looked to Parker for help. He got up and went after her without another word. He was the best one of us to sort things out, he had this under control. I was barely holding myself together. Sam threw her off a roof. Off a damn roof! It enrages me that I was busy the other day. I could have been there, could have broken that bitches twiggy little arms before she could even think about hurting my friend. I am going to break her stupid arms when I find her. I’ll happily get expelled for it. An insult like this wouldn’t stand back home. Blood demands blood. I was so wrapped up in different ways to get back at Sam that I forgot Ms Bellgrade was still in the room. She’d moved to the table by the window, looking at Connie’s scarf. There was something off about her now, something different. I didn’t know her well enough to figure it out. But I kept an eye on her all the same. “I’m sorry.” I’m sorry? What could Ms Bellgrade be sorry for? I looked over to Constance to see if she knew and saw her frown. She might have known something but it confused her as much as it confused me. “It’s not your fault-” “Excuse me, I need to… I need to go. I’ll call you another time to arrange a visit with Piper. Goodbye.” To her credit, Ms Bellgrade didn’t make as much of a fuss leaving as Abigail did. She came to a sudden stop in the doorway as she bumped into Parker, who had just come back from chasing after Abigail. He told her where she was then let her pass. When she was gone he shut the door behind her and took his spot on the desk again. The whole room fell into silence while we all tried to adjust to everything we’d learned. “Can someone fill me in as to who that was?” It took a second for Constance to turn round and face me. Her neck must be so stiff at this point. I felt bad making her move to face me. I need to think these things through more. “Ms Bellgrade is a friend of Abigail. I also helped her out at work so we know each other too. She also happens to be Sam’s mum, which explains why she had to leave in such a hurry and how everything got really awkward. It was nice of her to drive Abigail up here though, I doubt her sister would have. I doubt she even told her sister what was going on.” “Abigail has a sister?” “Yeah, I think her name is Hope. She’s had it rough, but even so Abigail paints her as a bit of a bitch. Her boyfriend really sucks apparently. Some Scandanavian scumsucker named Vlad. Her words, not mine.” “Tall guy? Pale? White hair? Acts like he owns the place?” “Didn’t strike me as a boxer, but yeah that’s him.” “He’s not a boxer. His dad’s an investor. Fucking hate Vlad.” Constance’s smile was heartwarming. It was something small and natural, something that kept us grounded into reality and proved that everything was going to be ok after all. Today was an awful day and here she was making the best of it. She was the strongest one of us and there was no questioning it. “You’re not the only one. Hey, thanks for coming. There’s not much else you can do here but it’s nice to have you both around. Just, do me a favour ok?” “Yeah, sure. Unless its to not murder, then I can’t promise anything.” “No, I know there’s no stopping you there. It’s Abigail. I… I didn’t think this was gonna hit her so hard and I feel awful about upsetting her. She deserves better, you know? So can you keep an eye on her while I’m stuck in here? I know you don’t like talking about home but you’re both Russian so maybe you’ve got some common ground.” “Eugh, fine. I’ll talk to her about home. But you owe me. I swear if we end up speaking Russian I’m going to use your money to buy all the Pop Vinyls at the store.” “I knew that was you!” “W-what?! No! P-Parker did it! It was a joke! Fuck!!!” “You big softie, buying a load of cute little things.” “Shut up! Parker make her stop!!” Parker shrugged, smiling at me as he enjoyed the conversation in his own way. Some friend. “Why won’t you help me!?” “Why would he? When has Parker ever been anything more than neutral?” “I… shut up.” They spent the next half an hour torturing me over little things, but I didn’t mind. It was keeping us all together and I think we were all grateful for a distraction. Eventually Nurse Lucia came back and had to ask us to leave. The hospital needed to run some more tests and make sure everything was ok. It took some coaxing but I left with Parker in the end. I didn’t see Abigail or Ms Bellgrade on my way out. They must have left already. Parker offered to drive me home and I accepted since it was getting late. Sam was going to pay for this. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I told you it would take a while to get through. [[You did indeed. Worth it though, give me another! ->Short Story Room]] [[Why didn't I listen to you?? ->Main Exhibition Final Room]]