An Aside About Everything

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<<timedinsert 0.7s>>//"How mysterious is the Lord,//<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 2.8s>>// that He amuses Himself with such strange creatures?"//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 5.6s t8n>>-János Valuska<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 8.4s>> [[Begin|Throw the ball]] <</timedinsert>>

<<if $MissingGirlViewed eq false>><<audio "missed" play>><</if>>He throws the ball. It bounces back and flies past His distracted hand. It rolls to a stop on the floor. His eyes land on a [[single page|Flyer for Missing Girl]] at the maze's center. <<if $MissingGirlViewed eq true>><<replacelink>>Take the flyer<<becomes>>He rips the <span id="add">missing girls' flyer</span> from the maze's center.<br \><<addToInv "Flyer for Missing Girl">><</replacelink>><br \>[[Pick up ball]]<</if>>

<span style="font-size:28px;"><b>Missing</b> <b>HAVE YOU SEEN HER?</b></span> Name: K████ ████ <b>Description</b> Age: ██ Height: █'█" Hair: ████ █████ Eyes: █████ Last seen: October 4, 2███ <<if $MissingGirlViewed eq false>> <<set $MissingGirlViewed = true>> <<return>> <<else>> <<back>> <</if>>

He heaves His body from the chair. He takes a deep breath, creasing His forehead with His fingers. After a moment's pause, He lumbers towards the ball and picks it up from the floor. [[Put ball in pocket]] [[Throw ball into trash]]

He haphazardly stuffs the <span id="add">ball</span> into his pants pocket. Despite it's small size, it sticks like an uncomfortable lump on the side of His leg. <<addToInv Ball>><<if $MissingGirlViewed eq true and $inventory.indexOf("Flyer for Missing Girl") == -1>> [[Take flyer]]<</if>> [[Check inventory|Inventory]] <<if $inventory.indexOf("Flyer for Missing Girl")!=-1>>[[Leave Void|gate1]]<</if>>

He brings the ball to eye level, examining its smooth texture. Somehow dissatisfied, He chucks the ball into a trash bin in the corner of the room. <<if $MissingGirlViewed eq true and $inventory.indexOf("Flyer for Missing Girl") == -1>> [[Take flyer]]<</if>> <<if $inventory.indexOf("Flyer for Missing Girl")!=-1>>[[Leave Void|gate1]]<</if>><<set $ballTrash = true>>

<<if $inventory.length == 0>>You are not carrying anything.<<else>>You are carrying: <<invWithLinks>> <<endif>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<a data-passage="Inventory"><img src='inventory.svg' style='height:21px;-webkit-filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 1px #000);filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 1px #000);'> Inventory</a> <area shape="rect" coords="25,25,75,75" data-passage="Inventory"> <img data-passage=Inventory>Inventory</button> <a data-passage="People of Interest"><img src='persons.svg' style='height:21px;-webkit-filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 1px #000);filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 1px #000);'> People of Interest</a> <area shape="rect" coords="25,25,75,75" data-passage="People of Interest"> <img data-passage=People of Interest>People of Interest</button> <<if $inVoid eq false>><a data-passage="To The Void"><img src='void.svg' style='height:21px;-webkit-filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 1px #000);filter: drop-shadow(1px 1px 1px #000);'> Return to the Void</a> <area shape="rect" coords="25,25,75,75" data-passage="To The Void"> <img data-passage=To The Void>To The Void</button><</if>>

<<initInv>> <<initPeople>> <<set $return = ''>> <<cacheaudio "bounce" "bounce and catch.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "missed" "missed bounce.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "addToInv" "add to inv.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "ring" "ring.mp3">> <<cacheaudio "void" "teleport_1.wav">> <<script>> Template.add('K', function () { return 'K'+Math.random().toString(36).replace(/[^a-z]+/g, '').substr(0, 4); }); Template.add('Alice', function () { return "Arisu"; }); Template.add('time', ['I only meant to stay a while...', 'Just on the border of your waking mind...','The visions dancing in my mind...','Am I awake or do I dream...','I wonder...is this the way life is meant to be...']); <</script>> <<if $ilizaSpoken == true>><<script>> Template.add('Iliza', function () { return "Iliza"; }); <</script>><<else>> <<script>> Template.add('Iliza', function () { return "The patron"; }); <</script>> <</if>>

<b>Ball</b> A dark-green rubber ball. It's smooth to the touch. <<back>>

<<if $people.length == 0>>You don't know anyone.<<else>><b>People of Interest:</b> <<peopleWithLinks>> <<endif>> <<link "Return" $return>><</link>>

<b>Luna</b> <<if $knownLuna1 == true>>A mysterious girl draped in black. She claims to have met Him at some point in the past. <</if>><<if $knownLuna2 == true>>He met her some time ago, though He has since forgotten the circumstances of their meeting. <</if>><<if $knownLuna4 == true>>Somehow, she survived the descent into the Inner Ring.<</if>> <<back>>

He opens His eyes and a cool breeze carresses His face. He stands on a desolate dock with an endless expanse of ocean in front of Him. The wooden planks beneath His feet creak under His weight. He turns around and sees a lone figure leaning against a concrete wall. [[Confront the figure]]

<<if $voidLevel eq 1>>The Void's only light illuminates the maze of red yarn. A pin with the tiniest bit of torn paper is at its center.<</if>><<if $voidLevel eq 2>>The Void's spotlights split their attention between the maze of red yarn and a vacant office desk.<</if>><<if $voidLevel eq 3>>The Void's spotlights shine brightly on the maze of red yarn, a vacant office desk, a kitchen, and a makeshift bedroom.<</if>> [[Examine web of yarn]]<<if $ballTrash == true>><br \>[[Examine trash]]<</if>><<if $voidLevel >= 2>><br \>[[Examine the vacant desk]]<</if>><<if $voidLevel >= 3>><br \>[[Examine the kitchen]] [[Examine the bedroom]]<</if>> [[Leave the Void]]

<<set $inVoid = true>><<audio "void" volume 0.1 play>>He closes his eyes. When He opens them, He is back in [[the Void|The Void]].

<<set $inVoid = false>>He approaches the figure. A bright pair of eyes peer out at Him from under a dark shawl. [["Who are you?"]]

The figure replies, "My name is <span id="add">Luna</span>. We've met before." [["I don't remember you."]] [["Ah yes, of course."]] <<addToPeople Luna>><<set $knownLuna1 = true>>

Luna clicks her tongue. "You should get going soon," she says. [["I was just on my way"]] [["Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl?]]

"The way you were standing there, I didn't think you'd ever start moving," says Luna. [["I was just resting my eyes"]] [[Head into town|Go to the city]]

"You've been thinking about her for a while now," says Luna. [["Have you seen her?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl?]]

Luna glances dismissively at the flyer in His hand. "I know what she looks like," Luna says. "And no, I haven't seen her. Head up into town. You're not going to find her loitering around a dock." [["Okay, thanks."]] [["You're loitering on a dock"]]

He puts the flyer away and heads up the stairs. Luna's eyes follow Him as He saunters away. [[Head into town|Go to the city]]

"And I'm not the girl you're looking for," Luna says. "So get going." [['"Alright, alright."'|"Okay, thanks."]]

At the top the stairs, He is met with a dark, circular landscape populated with a sparsity of dim lampposts. They provide just enough light for Him to see down the looping path ahead. The dull hum of distant conversation and constantly-running machinery fill the air with a tepid white noise. [[Go down Main Street]]

He walks the path away from the docks; they fall to darkness as a small town comes into view. He twists His head from side to side and observes the buildings surrounding Him. On the outer side of the looping road, a bar. Further down, a mountainous pile of electronic waste. On the inner side, a gigantic hole; colloquially called the Mine. [[Visit the bar|Enter the bar]] [[Visit the Trash Heap|Trash Heap Hub]] [[Visit Mine]] [[Return to the docks]]

He questions why He even bothered examining this; the paper once pinned here is the flyer now in His possession. [[Check flyer|Flyer for Missing Girl]] [[Return|The Void]]

Red yarn crisscrosses the entire wall. He has already been at this investigation for some time. [[Examine torn paper]] [[Examine photograph labeled "Her apartment"]] [[Examine photograph labeled "Her"]] [[Examine strange flashcard]] <<back>>

He leans closer to a photograph pinned to the wall. The photograph is labeled "Her apartment." His finger slides just beneath the photograph's edge, bringing it slightly closer to His eye. The apartment was so clean as to appear sterile to the untrained eye, save for the lone cat pictured on the living room couch. Plants and floral accoutrements littered the scene. For some reason, looking at the photograph made Him feel nostalgic. [[Return|The Void]]

He leans closer to a photograph pinned to the wall. The photograph is labeled "Her." She is smiling; a perfect row of white teeth stare back at Him. For some reason, He feels that her smile is insincere. [[Return|The Void]]

He leans closer to a flashcard pinned to the wall. The card is barren besides the phrase "Cat ≠ Cheese." He doesn't remember writing this. [[Return|The Void]]

<<audio "ring" play>>He pushes His way into the bar. There is only one patron; a lone woman. Across from her is the bartender, idly shaking a cocktail shaker. [[Talk to the bartender]] <<if $ilizaSpoken == false>>[[Talk to the patron]]<<elseif $ilizaSpoken == true>>[[Talk to Iliza]]<</if>> [[Return to Main Street|Go down Main Street]]

<<if $bartenderTalked eq true>>The bartender seems singularly focused on their continuous shaking.<br \>He wonders how the ice inside the shaker is still solid.<<else>>The bartender seems singularly focused on their continuous shaking.<<set $bartenderTalked = true>><</if>> [["Gin & Tonic"]] <<if $inventory.indexOf("Beer") == -1>>[["Beer"]]<br \><</if>> [[Return|At the bar]]

He takes a seat at the bar next to the lone patron. She ignores Him, preferring to sip on a bright blue cocktail. [['"What's your name?"'|Iliza introduction1]] [['"Fancy meeting you here."'|Iliza introduction2]] [["Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl? Iliza]]<<set $ilizaSpoken = true>>

The patron's pupil lingers in the corner of her eye, surveying Him thoroughly. "<span id="add">Iliza</span>. Why?" [[(Shrugs) "Thought I'd ask."]] [["Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl? Iliza]]<<addToPeople Iliza>><<set $knownIliza1 = true>>

With a raised eyebrow, the patron responds, "Have we met?" [[(Smile) "Not yet"]]

[["Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl? Iliza]]

He closes his eyes once again. When he opens them, he finds <<link "the Void is gone" $return>><</link>>. <<set $inVoid = false>>

"Did you know," the bartender says, "the gin & tonic is the most common cocktail chosen by men?" The bartender pulls a chilled glass from beneath the bar and pours the contents of the cocktail shaker inside. He takes gin & tonic. The bartender begins shaking again. <<if $ginDrunk <= 0>>[[Drink|Drink gin]]<</if>> [[Talk to gin]]

<b>Beer</b> A cold bottle of beer. The label is faded and indistinct. <<back>>

He grimaces as the sharp scent of juniper fills His nostrils and numbs His tongue. He stares down into the drink and sees the wood of the bar beneath; the drink is so clear as to be water to Him. Like water, He is compelled to drink. <<linkreplace 'Drink more' t8n>>He takes another drink. It feels smoother the second time over. He takes time to reminisce. A memory forces its way to the forefront of His mind: <i>her</i> soft hair pressed against His cheek, her breathing moving in steady tandem with His own. Something about the juniper reminds Him of her, but He is unsure as to why. <<linkreplace 'Drink more' t8n>>He takes yet another drink. He peers down at the glass. It seems as full as it was when it was first served. He closes His eyes as a sense of frustration washes over Him. It abates as He breathes. Another memory. <i>Her</i> again. The details are fuzzy. He refuses to clarify them.<<set $ginDrunk = 1>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>> [[Return|At the bar]]

<b>Iliza</b> <<if $knownIliza1 == true>>A woman He met at a bar.<</if>> <<back>>

"Did you know," the bartender says, "if you give a plant beer instead of water, it will grow stronger than it would otherwise?" The bartender sets the cocktail shaker down and pulls a cold bottle of beer from beneath the bar. The bartender slides the beer towards Him. <<replacelink>>Take the beer<<becomes>>He takes the <span id="add">beer</span> and the bartender returns to the cocktail shaker.<br \><<addToInv "Beer">><</replacelink>> <<return>>

He lumbers down the stairs back to the dock. Luna is leaning against a concrete wall. [[Talk to Luna|Luna docks]]

"You're back," Luna says. "No luck finding the girl?" [["What are you doing here?"|Luna docks why are you here]] [["Remind me who you are again."|Luna docks who are you]]

"I'm just making sure you don't do anything brash. You asked me to. Though I doubt you remember, all things considered." [[(Leave)|Return to the docks]] [[Head into town|Go to the city]]

"A source of trust, as far as you're concerned. A source of comfort. But not a source of answers. Are you going to get a move on or not?" [[(Leave)|Return to the docks]] [[Head into town|Go to the city]]<<set $knownLuna2 = true>>

Luna scoffs, "Of course you don't. Are you quite done staring out at the sea?" [["I was just resting my eyes"]] [["I was thinking about that girl"]]

The slighest smile creeps onto Luna's face. "Of course you were," she says. "You should get going soon." [["Okay, thanks."|Ok thanks no flyer]] [["Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl?]]

There is only one patron; a lone woman. Across from her is the bartender, idly shaking a cocktail shaker. [[Talk to the bartender]] <<if $ilizaSpoken == false>>[[Talk to the patron]]<<elseif $ilizaSpoken == true>>[[Talk to Iliza]]<</if>> [[Return to Main Street|Go down Main Street]]

?Iliza turns away in mild annoyance. His smile fades into a frown. [["Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl? Iliza]]

?Iliza eyes the flyer. "She looks vaguely familiar," ?Iliza says. She pokes at the flyer with her free hand. "How old is this thing? I haven't seen something like this in years." [["I've been searching for a while."]] [['"Vaguely familiar?"'|vaguely familiar]]

"Well you're not going to find her in this empty place." ?Iliza turns back to her drink. <<if $knownIliza1 == false>>[['"Please miss, I'd really appreciate some help."'|Please miss]]<<elseif $knownIliza1 == true>>[['"Please Iliza. Anything helps."'|Please iliza]]<</if>> [[Return|At the bar]]

"I feel like I saw her near that pile of junk some time ago." [['"So did you see her or do you just think you did?"'|Did you see her or not]] [['"What junk?"'|Trash Heap?]]

"Keep going down Main Street, you'll find it eventually. Can't miss that heap of broken screens." ?Iliza takes another sip of her drink. [["What's the deal with that place anyway?"|broken screens]] [['"Thank you."'|Thanks Iliza]]

"I'm not going to help you if you're going to be rude." ?Iliza returns to her drink. [[Return|At the bar]]

"You ask a lot of questions you know," ?Iliza mumbles. He isn't sure if she intended for Him to hear that. "The Heap is a big pile of old, broken monitors. Been there for as long as I can remember. I don't even know where the damn things came from; this place isn't exactly tech-savvy." [['"Thank you."'|Thanks Iliza]]

"Don't mention it," she says. [[Return|At the bar]]

A look of shock crosses His face. ?K stands before Him, illuminated like an angel by the Void's spotlight. Her gentle voice rings out; "Hey." [['"I\'ve been looking for you."'|K convHub 1]]

"I've heard," ?K says. "You shouldn't have wasted your time. I've been doing fine." [['"It wasn\'t a waste of time"'|K convoBranch 1]] [['"Doing fine? I couldn\'t find you for so long."'|K convoBranch 2]]<<if $drugJoy == true>> [['"You have no idea how happy I am to see you."'|K convoBranch Joy]]<</if>><<if $drugIsolation == true>> [['"Things have been so...quiet. Without you, I mean."'|K convoBranch I]]<</if>><<if $drugMadness == true>> [['"What's with the doll?"'|K convoBranch M]]<</if>> <<if $drugJealousy == true>><</if>>

"Are you sure? You really think all that time you spent was worth it?" [['"Of course. I had to find you. I had to see you again."'|K convoBranch 1-1]] [['"Anything would have been worth finding you."'|K convoBranch 1-2]] [['"It may be a stretch to say "worth it" but I won\'t say I regret it."'|K convoBranch 3-1]]

"I know that. But you didn't need to search for me. Like I said, I'm fine." The gentleness in her voice begins to strain. [['"I\'m not. I mean, I haven\'t been. Fine, I mean."'|K convoBranch 2-1-1]]

"You had to?" ?K asks. "Why?" [['"It felt so weird not being able to talk to you."'|K convoBranch 1-2]]

?K breaks eye contact, turning her head to stare into the expanse of the Void. "I don't know what it is that you're chasing after." [['"You."'|K convoBranch 1-2-1]] [['"I\'m not sure myself."'|K convoBranch 1-2-2]]

"Love the honesty," ?K says. "So, do you feel fulfilled? Have you gotten what you wanted out of all of this?" [['"Not really."'|K convoBranch 3-2]] [['"Can you forgive me?"'|K convoBranch 3-3]]

<b>Vera</b> <<if $knownVera1 == true>>Some kind of merchant. She sells Him emotions in exchange for various goods. She's made her home among the refuse of broken screens. <</if>><<if $knownVera2 == true>>Miraculously, she has reappeared in the Inner Ring. How she survived is unknown, though she is clearly hurt by the loss of her home. <</if>><<if $knownVera7 == true>>She claims to have dated an amorphous fog some time in the past.<</if>> <<back>>

<<if $knownCiara0 == false>><b>Mysterious twin</b><</if>><<if $knownCiara0 == true>><b>Ciara</b><</if>> <<if $knownCiara0 == false>>Whispers around town tell of a "twin." He knows for a fact that <i>she</i> doesn't have a twin. Nonetheless, the rumors of this girl's existence have piqued His interest. <</if>><<if $knownCiara0 == true>>The so-called twin. He admits the physical resemblance is uncanny. However, Ciara is nothing like <i>her</i>. <</if>> <<back>>

He stares at the empty workstation. The unvarnished wooden desktop reflects nothing back at Him. [[Open drawer|Open desk drawer]] [[Return|The Void]]

He walks into the cramped kitchen space, its counters littered with various cooking tools. <<if $spoonTaken == false>>[[Examine cookware]]<</if>> [[Return|The Void]]

<<if $inventory.indexOf("Cigarettes")==-1>>He opens the desk drawer. He finds a pack of cigarettes inside. The box is slightly crumpled; the faded logo reads "Jamie Lee." [[Take cigarettes]]<</if>><<if $inventory.indexOf("Cigarettes")!=-1>>He opens the desk drawer. It's empty.<</if>> [[Return|The Void]]

He takes the <span id="add">cigarettes</span>. [[Return|Open desk drawer]]<<addToInv Cigarettes>><<set $cigTaken = true>>

He stares at the insurmountably high pile of broken screens. The withered structure of ancient computer monitors litter the sprawling mass, dotted intermittently with the remains of broken keyboards and similar accessories. [[Lie down on screens]] <<if $knownVera1 == false>>[[Examine protruding mass of screens|Meeting Vera]]<</if>><<if $knownVera1 == true>>[[Talk to Vera]]<</if>> [[Return to Main Street|Go down Main Street]]

<<if $haveJoy == true and $haveMadness == true and $haveIsolation == true and $haveJealousy == true>>"I already gave you everything I got. Sorry bud," Vera says. [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]<<else>><<if $veraOpen == true>>"Hello," Vera says. "Got something for me?" <<if $haveJoy == false>> [['"I need some Joy."'|I need some Joy]]<</if>><<if $haveMadness == false>> [['"I need some Madness."'|I need some Madness]]<</if>><<if $haveIsolation == false>> [['"I need some Isolation."'|I need some Isolation]]<</if>><<if $haveJealousy == false>> [['"I need some Jealousy."'|I need some Jealousy]]<</if>> [[Back|Trash Heap Hub]]<<elseif $veraOpen == false>>Vera emerges from her hideaway as He approaches. "I've got some things you might find interesting. If you've got something I find interesting, maybe we can make some kind of trade." [['"What are you getting at?"'|Vera what]] [[(Leave) "I don't think so."|Trash Heap Hub]]<</if>><</if>>

"Ain't that a rarity," Vera says. "My cat's been needing a new toy. Chewed the last one to bits and now she won't play with me. If you've got something that can help with that, I'll get you some Joy." <<if $inventory.indexOf("Ball") != -1>>[[Give Vera the ball]]<br \><</if>>[[Back|Talk to Vera]]

"If you ask me, you've got a little bit of that swimming in your head already," Vera says. "Anyway, I'm a bit of a screens type of girl. You mighta gleamed that. But all the screens I've seen recently are pretty big and I'm hunting for something small. Pocket-sized you know? Got something like that?" <<if $inventory.indexOf("Phone") != -1>>[[Give Vera the phone]]<br \><</if>>[[Return|Talk to Vera]]

"We all do from time to time," Vera says. "I think I get too much of it out here. Not that I can complain. I'm what they call an introvert; I thrive off of being alone. Being around y'all for too long tires me out. That's why I can't go to bars, ya know. And I've really been craving a drink. Think you can get me one?" <<if $inventory.indexOf("Beer") != -1>>[[Give Vera the bottle of beer]]<br \><</if>>[[Return|Talk to Vera]]

The rubber ball lies alone at the bottom of the trash can. [[Take ball]] <<back>>

He haphazardly stuffs the <span id="add">ball</span> into his pants pocket. Despite it's small size, it sticks like an uncomfortable lump in the side of His leg. [[Back|The Void]]<<addToInv Ball>><<set $ballTrash = false>>

"Thanks," Vera says. She takes the ball from Him and lightly tosses it in the air. Satisfied with its quality, Vera tucks the ball away in her bag. "Some <span id="add">Joy</span> for ya." [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]<<addToInv Joy>><<removeFromInv Ball>><<set $haveJoy = true>>

<b>Joy</b> A bifurcated white pill. Vera describes it as "elation incarnate." <<if $drugTaken == false>>[[Take Joy]]<</if>> <<back>>

He throws His head back and downs the pill. It feels smooth going down His throat. A faint smile creeps onto His face. [[Back|Inventory]] <<removeFromInv Joy>> <<set $drugTaken = true>> <<set $drugJoy = true>>

<b>Isolation</b> A small blue pill. Vera describes it as a "hug from a close friend." <<if $drugTaken == false>>[[Take Isolation]]<</if>> <<back>>

<b>Madness</b> A large red pill. Vera says it makes one feel "wonky." <<if $drugTaken == false>>[[Take Madness]]<</if>> <<back>>

He throws His head back and downs the pill. He barely notices it sliding down His throat. He begins to feel as if the Void is present. In truth, it isn't. [[Back|Inventory]] <<removeFromInv Isolation>> <<set $drugTaken = true>> <<set $drugIsolation = true>>

He throws His head back and downs the pill. It nearly lodges itself in His throat as it goes down. A feeling takes root in the back of His mind. He can't tell if it's rage or insanity. [[Back|Inventory]] <<removeFromInv Madness>> <<set $drugTaken = true>> <<set $drugMadness = true>>

<b>Jealousy</b> A elliptical green pill. Vera says the high is "like nothing else." <<if $drugTaken == false>>[[Take Jealousy]]<</if>> <<back>>

He throws His head back and downs the pill. It falls down His throat with familiar ease. A faint sense of irritation takes root in the back of His mind. [[Back|Inventory]] <<removeFromInv Jealousy>> <<set $drugTaken = true>> <<set $drugJealousy = true>>

"<i>Need</i> is an interesting word to use," Vera says. "Let me tell ya a story. A long time ago, I was dating someone. They could shift into this amorphous smog and they'd fill my lungs. I loved the feeling of sucking them down, feeling their overwhelming presence dry out my throat. Weird, huh? Anyway, I don't talk to them anymore. But I'd love it if I could feel that sensation again. Think you could help me with that?" <<if $inventory.indexOf("Cigarettes") != -1>>[[Give Vera cigarettes]]<br \><</if>>[[Back|Talk to Vera]] <<set $knownVera7 = true>>

"Thanks," Vera says. She takes the beer from Him and pulls a bar key from her bag. She pops open the bottle and downs the beer in a single swig. "Refreshing. Anyway, here's some <span id="add">Isolation</span> for ya." [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]<<addToInv Isolation>><<removeFromInv Beer>><<set $haveIsolation = true>>

He stumbles upon a makeshift hideout tucked into the back of the Trash Heap. A startled yelp rings out. A young woman dressed in rags presses herself against the back of the hideout. "What are you doing here?" she asks. [['"Who are you?"'|Vera who]]

The woman hesitates before answering. "Name's <span id="add">Vera</span>. How did you find me?" [['"I was just poking around."'|VeraBranch1]] [['"Have you seen this girl?" (Present flyer)'|VeraFlyer]] <<addToPeople Vera>> <<set $knownVera1 = true>>

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't poke around any further. I live here ya see. And I don't take kindly to people barging into my home. You following me?" [[(Nod and leave)]]

Vera tuts at His rudeness. Nonetheless, she peers at the flyer in His hand. A noise of familiarity emnantes from her closed mouth. "I think I've seen her before. Recently too." [['"Where?!"'|Vera where]]

"Wait," Vera calls out. He pauses. "I've got some things you might find interesting. If you've got something I find interesting, maybe we can make some kind of trade." [['"What are you getting at?"'|Vera what]] [[(Leave) "I don't think so."|Trash Heap Hub]]

"I've got pills. Pretty popular with the folks around here. Interested?" [['"I am."'|Vera pills]] [[(Leave) "Not really."|Trash Heap Hub]]

"I was digging around town and I ran into her. Can't recall how long ago that was though." Her unclear answer proves annoying. [['"I see. Thanks anyway."'|(Nod and leave)]]

"This is what I've got," she says. She pulls a bag from the depths of her hideout and withdraws a number of pills. "I'll warn ya, these things are potent. I'll sell ya however many you want, but <span id="important">your body can't handle more than one</span>. So be careful when you take one." [[Ask about the white pill]] [[Ask about the red pill]] [[Ask about the blue pill]] [[Ask about the green pill]] [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]<<set $veraOpen = true>>

"That there's Joy," she says. "Elation incarnate. Highly recommend it if you're ailing." <<return>>

"Ah, that's Madness," she says. "It activates a lotta neurotrasmitters. Makes ya feel all wonky. It can be fun in the right doses. And you'll have to trust I'm giving you the right dose." <<return>>

"I call that one Isolation," she says. "The high on that one is warm and cuddly. Like a hug from a close friend." <<return>>

"Classic Jealousy," she says. "The high is like nothing else. Almost overwhelming if I'm being honest with you." <<return>>

<b>Cigarettes</b> A pack of cigarettes. The label reads "Jamie Lee." <<back>>

"Holy cow, I never would've guessed," Vera says. She pops open the box of cigarettes and pulls one out. She takes a lighter from her bag and lights the cigarette. She takes a deep pull, letting the smoke slowly waft out from her mouth. "That takes me back. Big time. Anyway, thank you. Here's some <span id="add">Jealousy</span> for ya." [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]<<addToInv Jealousy>><<removeFromInv Cigarettes>><<set $haveJealousy = true>>

"Well, it's good to know you haven't wasted any of your time," ?K says. "Let me guess. You know what you wanted out of all of this. And it's within grasp right now. But you just can't reach it." "You're not going to. This is it. You have to move on. All your power fantasies, your illusions of primacy. You have to let that all go. Please." [['"I can\'t without you."'|K convoFinal]]

He carefully lowers Himself onto the broken mass. The edges of various electronics jab into His back. He finds the discomfort quiets His disquiet. [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]

"I have some idea," ?K says. "Again, you shouldn't have bothered." [['"Don't say something like that. This has all been for you."'|K convoBranch Joy1]]

"Not for me. If anything, I think life has picked up recently." [['"I'm happy to hear that you've been doing well at least."'|K convoBranch I-1]]

She was holding a doll, one more lifelike than any He had seen before. More than that, it resembled Him. No. It was exactly Him. ?K strokes a gentle hand over the doll's head. "Do you like it?" she asks. "It's been keeping me company." [["It's...unsettling"|K convoBranch M-1]]

A stern look suddenly comes across ?K's face. "Are you?" [['"Not quite."'|K convoBranch 2-1-1]]

?K takes a deep breath. "Don't say things like that. For your own good. Don't say that." <<linkappend '"I mean it."' t8n>> "I know you do." The tension in ?K's voice rises. "And I'm saying you need to stop." <<linkappend '"Why?"' t8n>> "Because this isn't healthy. At all." <<linkappend '"I can\'t help it."' t8n>> "You have to get over yourself," ?K says, looking away. A mixture of anger and sadness echoes through her words. "Just forget about this okay?" She hesitates to continue. "Please." [['"I can\'t."'|K convoBranch 1-2-3]] <</linkappend>><</linkappend>><</linkappend>>

"But it involves me?" she asks. [['"For better or for worse."'|K convoBranch 1-2-2-1]] [['"Maybe it doesn\'t have to."'|K convoBranch 1-2-2-2]]

"For worse I'd say. For both you and me," ?K says. "This whole endless pursuit of yours has gone far enough. You may not know what you're chasing and neither do I. But you're the only one who has to know. I have no part of this anymore. Understand?" [[(Nod)|K convoFinal]]

?K smiles. "That's the first heartening thing I've heard you say. There's a bright future ahead of you. Really, there is. You've got more to live for than me. So recognize that and chase it. Because chasing this isn't going to net you anymore fruit." [[(Nod)|K convoFinal]]

"And why do you think that is?" [['"I couldn\'t say."'|K convoBranch 2-1-1-1]]

"Think. You must have some idea," ?K says. [['"I really don\'t"'|K convoBranch 2-1-1-2]]

<h1>THE<br \>OUTER RING</h1> <h2>[[Continue|Leave Void]]</h2>

<<timedinsert 1.4s>><h1>THE<br \>INNER RING</h1><</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 3.5s>><h2>[[Continue|Waking on Airship]]</h2><</timedinsert>><<set $progress = 2>>

He stirs. <<linkreplace "Wake up" t8n>>He turns over. A warmth swaddles Him. In the back of His mind, He realizes that He's in a bed. <<linkreplace "Wake up" t8n>>He turns again. He is reluctant to open His eyes. Why leave the warmth? <<linkreplace "Wake up" t8n>>He pushes Himself up from the bed. A deep groan escapes His body as He rubs the sleep from His eyes. A familiar voice surprises Him. "Hello." [[Find source of voice|React to Luna]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>>

<h1>THE<br \>LOWEST POINT</h1> <h2>[[Continue|First Meeting with Girl]]</h2><<set $progress = 3>>

Warm light envelops Him and solely Him. A spotlight. A second spotlight appears opposite Him. Beneath the light's gentle glow is the visage of a wide-eyed girl. "<<reviselink who 'Who are you?'>><<revision who>>" she asks.<<becomes>>May I introduce myself?" she asks.<<timedinsert 2.1s>> She stares at Him, taken aback.<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 4.2s>>"<<reviselink how 'How did you do that?'>><<revision how>>" she asks.<<becomes>>May I introduce myself?" she asks. <<timedinsert 2.1s>>She touches her hand to her throat. A look of fear spreads across her face.<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 4.2s>>"<<shake>><<reviselink stop 'Please stop!'>><</shake>><<revision stop>>" her voice trembles.<<becomes>>May I introduce myself?" she asks. <<timedinsert 2.1s>>"<<reviselink please 'Please.'>><<revision please>>" she begs.<<becomes>>May I introduce myself?" she asks. <<timedinsert 2.1s>>"<<shake>><<reviselink please2 'Please.'>><</shake>><<revision please2>>" she begs.<<becomes>>May I introduce myself?" she asks. <<timedinsert 3.5s>>[["Yes, you may."]]<</timedinsert>><</revision>><</timedinsert>><</revision>><</timedinsert>><</revision>><</timedinsert>><</revision>><</timedinsert>><</revision>>

He struggles to see through blurry eyes. He rubs them further and realizes Luna is sitting at the foot of His bed. [['"You\'re alive?"'|Luna's alive]] <<set $knownLuna4 = true>>

<h1>THE<br \>VOID</h1> <h2>[[Continue|Finding K]]</h2> <<audio "void" volume 0.1 play>><<set $inVoid = true>>

"<<reviselink no 'I\'m not telling you anything!'>><<revision no>>" she screams.<<becomes>>My name is <span id="add">Alice</span>" she says.<<addToPeople Alice>><<set $knownAlice1 = true>> <<timedinsert 2.1s>>"<<reviselink not 'No, it\'s not.'>><<revision not>>" she corrects. A firmness creeps into the edges of her voice.<<becomes>>It's a pleasure to meet you," she says. <<timedinsert 2.1s>>He stares intensely at her. The fear on her face begins to fade. In its place, a smile is forced upon her. An angered voice explodes from behind Him. "What are you doing?!" [[Turn around|React to Luna2]] <</timedinsert>><</revision>><</timedinsert>><</revision>>

Luna stands before Him, swathed in shadow. For the first time, He finds a furious expression across her face. "What were you doing to her?" she repeats. He hears the quick thuds of Alice's footsteps as she flees into the darkness from behind Him. [['"Nothing."'|I did nothing]]

"<<reviselink dont 'Don\'t lie to me'>><<revision dont>>," Luna says through clenched teeth.<<becomes>>Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that," she says.<</revision>> [[Close eyes|Banish Luna]]

<<if $knownGirl == true>><b>Girl</b><<else>><b>Alice</b><</if>> <<if $knownAlice1 == true>>A somewhat annoying girl. <</if>><<if $knownAlice2 == true>>She's a part of the audience, according to Iliza. It's only natual that the Actor controls her perception. <</if>><<if $knownAlice3 == true>>Vera compares her to Alice Liddell. If that's the case, where the White Rabbit? <</if>><<if $knownAlice4 == true>>Ciara's words haven't been helpful. Perhaps <i>she</i> doesn't want to be found after all. <</if>> <<back>>

He closes His eyes. Luna's voice grows distant. The emotion of her words becomes lost on Him. He opens His eyes. Luna and Alice are gone. He is surrounded only by darkness. [[Go to the Stage|The Stage]]

He approaches the lip of a colossal abyss. Jagged ridges spiral dowards into the eternal darkness. A vague sense inside of Him fantasizes about jumping in. <<if $knownCiara0 == true>>Ciara sits in her wooden chair. She's slouched to one side, her eyes gazing into the middle distance. [[Talk to Ciara]]<<else>>A girl sits in a wooden chair with her hand pressed into her cheek. Her expression spells boredom. She looks a lot like <i>her</i>. He takes a step forward and His brief notion of hope is dashed. Upon closer inspection, this girl isn't the one He is looking for. [[Talk to mysterious girl]] [[Return|Go down Main Street]]<</if>>

"Hello again," Ciara says. "You eye me with such suspicion. It hurts sometimes you know?" [['"I think I should take the plunge."'|Leaving the Outer Ring]] [[Return|Visit Mine]]

<<if $knownLuna1 == true and $knownVera1 == true and $knownIliza1 == true and $knownCiara0 == true>>Ciara's lips curve into a slight smile. "We all have to take the plunge eventually. Maybe you're ready," she says. Ciara takes a deep breath and gazes up at the sky. "This town is somewhat fragile you know," she begins. "A house of cards, tipping in the faintest of winds. Does that make you Sir Occo? Go ahead, jump. When you do, <span id="important">the cards will all fall down</span>." [[Jump|He Can't Jump]] <<return>><<else>>Ciara chuckles to herself. "We all have to take the plunge eventually. But don't be morbid. It isn't your time yet," she claims. <<return>><</if>>

<table style="width:100%;"> <tr> <td>Inventory</td> <td>People of Interest</td> <td>Drugs</td> </tr> <tr><td> Ball<<button "Add">><<addToInv Ball>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Ball>><</button>> Beer<<button "Add">><<addToInv Beer>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Beer>><</button>> Flyer<<button "Add">><<addToInv "Flyer for Missing Girl">><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv "Flyer for Missing Girl">><</button>> Cigarettes<<button "Add">><<addToInv Cigarettes>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Cigarettes>><</button>></td> <td> Vera<<button "Add">><<addToPeople Vera>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromPeople Vera>><</button>> Luna<<button "Add">><<addToPeople Luna>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromPeople Luna>><</button>> Iliza<<button "Add">><<addToPeople Iliza>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromPeople Iliza>><</button>> Ciara<<button "Add">><<addToPeople Ciara>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromPeople Ciara>><</button>> Alice<<button "Add">><<addToPeople Alice>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromPeople Alice>><</button>></td> <td> Joy<<button "Add">><<addToInv Joy>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Joy>><</button>> Isolation<<button "Add">><<addToInv Isolation>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Isolation>><</button>> Madness<<button "Add">><<addToInv Madness>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Madness>><</button>> Jealousy<<button "Add">><<addToInv Jealousy>><</button>><<button "Remove">><<removeFromInv Jealousy>><</button>> </td> </tr> </table> <table style="width:100%;"> <tr> <td>Vera</td> <td>Luna</td> <td>Iliza</td> <td>Ciara</td> <td>Alice</td> </tr><tr> <td> <<checkbox "$knownVera1" false true autocheck>> 1 <<checkbox "$knownVera2" false true autocheck>> 2 <<checkbox "$knownVera3" false true autocheck>> 3 <<checkbox "$knownVera4" false true autocheck>> 4 </td> <td> <<checkbox "$knownLuna1" false true autocheck>> 1 <<checkbox "$knownLuna2" false true autocheck>> 2 <<checkbox "$knownLuna3" false true autocheck>> 3 <<checkbox "$knownLuna4" false true autocheck>> 4 </td> <td> <<checkbox "$knownIliza1" false true autocheck>> 1 <<checkbox "$knownIliza2" false true autocheck>> 2 <<checkbox "$knownIliza3" false true autocheck>> 3 <<checkbox "$knownIliza4" false true autocheck>> 4 </td> <td> <<checkbox "$knownCiara0" false true autocheck>> 0 <<checkbox "$knownCiara1" false true autocheck>> 1 <<checkbox "$knownCiara2" false true autocheck>> 2 <<checkbox "$knownCiara3" false true autocheck>> 3 <<checkbox "$knownCiara4" false true autocheck>> 4 </td> <td> <<checkbox "$knownAlice1" false true autocheck>> 1 <<checkbox "$knownAlice2" false true autocheck>> 2 </td></tr></table> <<return>>

He closes His eyes and aligns Himself along the precipice. The feeling of wind blows over His body, though He is unable to determine where the wind is coming from. Nonetheless, He streches His arms outwards and prepares for the fall. But He can't. Something tethers His feet to the ground. Indecision rages inside of Him; His will lacks. Ciara's smile persists, cruelly in His eyes. "I thought as much," she exclaims. She approaches Him in measured steps and wraps one arm around His waist. "Follow me," her voice drawls like honey to His ears. She guides Him around the precipice, towards a rusted metal ladder that extends into the depths of the Mine. "Perhaps the slower way down is what you need," she says. He lowers Himself onto the ladder with Ciara's gentle help. The cold metal sears into His hands. He looks up at her face one last time; Despite her actions, Ciara's expression is singularly of baleful spite. He looks down and begins His decent into the darkness. [[Descend]]

Metallic clangs ring out each time one of His feet descend another rung of the ladder. The clangs stop. His foot falls <i>just</i> too far. He realizes, all too late, that the ladder has run out of rungs. His other foot slips, a hand soon follows. His other hand, the silent, melancholy resistance, struggles to keep a grip. He proves too heavy. He falls into the darkness. Over time, He loses the ability to even sense the fall at all. He questions whether He is still surrounded in darkness or perhaps had gone blind along the way. Nonetheless, He is certainly falling. [[-- end Act I --|gate2]]

At the bottom of the Airship is a small room with otherwordly decorations. A large, pulsating machine sits in its center. Beside it, Ciara sits in a wooden chair. Outside of the room is Luna, still lost in thought. [[Talk to Ciara|Ciara realization]] [[Talk to Luna|Luna realization]] [[Back|Airship Deck]]

Ciara eyes Him with a bored expression. [['"I\'m ready to use the machine."'|Using the Realization Engine]] [[Back|Place of Realization]]

"Of course I am," Luna says, waving dismissively. [['"Ciara said the town would..."'|Ciara said]] [['"Where am I?"'|where airship]]

Cool wind blows steadily across His cheeks. He stands at the top of the Airship, a gigantic wooden structure flying through a bright blue sky. [[Visit the Stern]] [[Visit the Exhaust]]<<if $realizationUnlocked == false>> [[Visit the Door of Realization|Door of Realization]]<<elseif $realizationUnlocked == true>> [[Visit the Place of Realization|Place of Realization]]<</if>>

<<if $inventory.indexOf("Vera's Essence") != -1 or $inventory.indexOf("Luna's Essence") != -1 or $inventory.indexOf("Iliza's Essence") != -1>>Ciara heaves herself from her chair, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She leans close to Him, inspecting His person. Primarily His face. "Maybe it's time. I'll warn you though; this machine uses a lot of energy. As soon as you step inside, <span id="important">the Airship will briefly stop functioning</span>. You sure about this?" [['"Yes."'|choose essence]] <<return>><<elseif $haveEssence == false>>"No you're not you dork," Ciara says. "I told you, this machine needs an essence. Find one and then I can help you." [[Back|Place of Realization]]<</if>>

He situates Himself inside the Engine. Mechanical whirrs assault His ears, reverberating throughout the Engine with violent noise. His presses His hands to His head, staving off the auditory migraine. His eyes squeeze shut; He struggles to open one and finds that Ciara has vanished. True to her word, the Engine overloads the Airship. Nearby explosions rock the Engine and throw Him off-balance. He falls and bashes His head against the Engine's glass surface. <<linkappend "He struggles to stay awake. " t8n>>He fails. His consciousness fades as the floor gives way beneath Him. [[-- end of Act II --|gate3-1]]<</linkappend>>

He finds Himself on a stage, but the darkness prevents Him from seeing an audience in the stands. Nonetheless, He feels their presence. [[Go stage left|Stage Left]] [[Go stage right|Stage right]] <<if $knownAlice2 == true and $knownAlice3 == true and $knownAlice4 == true>>[[Go to the understage|Understage2]]<<else>>[[Go to the understage|Understage]]<</if>>

Ciara lays across two adjacent wooden chairs. She briefly turns to look at Him before returning her gaze to the limitless ceiling. [[Talk to Ciara|ciara stage]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

He finds Vera sitting in an uncomfortable-looking metal chair. Her face is buried in her hands. [[Talk to Vera|vera stage]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

He finds Alice and Luna, huddled in close conversation. Alice recoils upon seeing Him. Luna eyes Him warily as He approaches. [['"I\'m sorry Alice"'|Help Alice]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

Luna and Alice exchange concerned looks. Luna rests her hand on Alice's shoulder before stepping towards Him. "Are you quite done? With your whole power trip I mean." [['"Yes."'|help alice2]]

Ever so carefully, Luna touches her forehead to His. She takes a step back and smiles. Luna beckons to <<reviselink girl "Alice">><<revision girl>><<becomes>>the Girl<</revision>>. Luna mouths the words, "thank you," before ascending the stairs. Strength fades from His body. His sense of touch fades first. Finally, His sight. Light fades from His eyes. He can no longer percieve the Girl. <<revision girl>><<becomes>> [[-- end of Act III --|gate4]]<</revision>>

He gently swirls the contents of His drink around in the glass. He mumbles beneath His breath, with the lifeless gin serving as his only audience. <<set $voidLevel += 1>> [[Return|At the bar]]

A twisted smile emerges on Ciara's face. She tilts her head to the side and stares deeply into His eyes. "Besides...well...<<timed 4.2s t8n>> <<set $voidCut = true>> <span style="font-size:280%; font-family:omori"><<timed 0.1s t8n>><<shake>>W<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.2s t8n>><<shake>>e<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.3s t8n>><<shake>>r<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.4s t8n>><<shake>>e<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.5s t8n>><<shake>>n<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.6s t8n>><<shake>>'<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.7s t8n>><<shake>>t<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 0.8s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 0.9s t8n>><<shake>>y<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1s t8n>><<shake>>o<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.1s t8n>><<shake>>u<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.2s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 1.3s t8n>><<shake>>t<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.4s t8n>><<shake>>h<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.5s t8n>><<shake>>e<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.6s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 1.7s t8n>><<shake>>l<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.8s t8n>><<shake>>a<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 1.9s t8n>><<shake>>s<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2s t8n>><<shake>>t<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.1s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 2.2s t8n>><<shake>>o<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.3s t8n>><<shake>>n<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.4s t8n>><<shake>>e<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.5s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 2.6s t8n>><<shake>>w<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.7s t8n>><<shake>>h<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.8s t8n>><<shake>>o<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 2.9s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 3s t8n>><<shake>>s<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 3.1s t8n>><<shake>>a<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 3.2s t8n>><<shake>>w<</shake>><</timed>><<timed 3.3s t8n>> <</timed>><<timed 3.4s t8n>><<shake>>K<</shake>><<next 0.2s t8n>><<goto "The Void">><</timed>></span><</timed>><<set $besidesGlitch = true>>

The girl's eyes follow Him as He moves towards her. It doesn't seem as though His presence is bringing her any excitement. "Yes?" she asks. [['"You look very similar to this girl I'm looking for."'|You look similar]] <<if $besidesGlitch == false>>"Besides..." She trails off, much to His annoyance. [['"Besides what?"'|Last person]]<</if>>

He sits, draped across a chair, staring at a wall crisscrossed with yarn. He tightens His grip on the dark green ball in His hand. <<linkreplace "Throw the ball" t8n>><<audio "bounce" play>>He throws the ball at the maze of yarn. It bounces off the wall and glides back into His hand. Some of the papers pinned to the wall flutter. <br \><br \><<linkreplace "Throw the ball" t8n>><<audio "bounce" play>>He throws the ball. It bounces back. His eyes follow the red yarn as it snakes from one paper to the next. A classic wall of clues.<br \><br \>[[Throw the ball|Throw the ball3]]<</linkreplace>><</linkreplace>><<set $MissingGirlViewed = false>><<set $ginDrunk = 0>><<set $inVoid = true>><<set $voidLevel = 1>> <<set $drugTaken = false>><<set $drugJoy = false>><<set $drugIsolation = false>><<set $drugMadness = false>><<set $drugJealousy = false>><<set $knownVera1 = false>><<set $spoonTaken = false>><<set $ilizaSpoken = false>><<set $knownIliza1 = false>><<set $besidesGlitch = false>><<set $realizationUnlocked = false>><<set $veraOpen = false>><<set $haveJoy = false>><<set $haveIsolation = false>><<set $haveMadness = false>><<set $haveJealousy = false>><<set $doorStuck = false>><<set $haveEssence = false>><<set $progress = 1>><<set $redemption = false>>

<<timedinsert 1.4s>>//"The bird fights its way out of the egg.//<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 4.2s>>// The egg is the world.//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 7s>>// Who would be born must first destroy a world."//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9.8s t8n>>-Hermann Hesse<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 12.6s>> [[Begin|gate3-2]] <</timedinsert>>

The doll vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Your fantasies have been growing. I can already tell. The more you live in this world you've made up in your head, believing whatever it is you want to believe, the worse of you'll be. I'll be no worse for wear. Trust me. But you...I don't know where you'll end up if you continue down this path." [['"I know what I\'m doing"'|K convoBranch M-2]]

He picks up a wooden cooking spoon. Something about it gives Him a feeling of faint warmth. The smallest smile spreads across His face. Moments later, the spoon falls apart, becoming a cloud of bright dust. He grimaces, taking a deep breathe as the dust fades to nothingness. "One less sparkle to follow in my light," He mutters. <<set $spoonTaken = true>>[[Return|The Void]]

At the bottom of the Airship is a strange door surrounded by golden markings. He can hear a faint humming sound from beyond the door. Luna is leaning against the wall, lost in thought. [[Talk to Luna|Luna at the Door]] [[Examine door|Examine door of realization]] [[Return|Airship Deck]]

<<if $doorStuck == false>>"Hello again," Luna says without facing Him. [['"Can you open this door?"'|Luna at the Door2]]<<elseif $doorStuck == true>>"Oh, hello," Luna says. "Figure something out?" [['"I think so."'|fixingDoor]] [[Back|Door of Realization]] <</if>>

"I'm afraid I can't. There's a rather curmudgeonly doorkeeper on the other side and they won't let anyone in without a certain password." "Curmudgeonly?!" a voice shouted from beyond the door. "Maybe you can guess the password," Luna says. "It's a puzzle for you, not for me." [[Approach the door]]

He approaches the door. "You have the password?" the voice beyond the door asks. [['"Yes."'|Door Password Entry]] [['"No."'|Door of Realization]]

"Well, let's hear it," the voice says. He takes a deep breath and shuts His eyes. Words come to mind before He can recognize where they are from. [['"Nameless cats running across a field..."'|password2]] [['"A flower blooms in the dark of night..."'|password2]] [['"The beckoning void can easily attest..."'|password2]]<<if $drugMadness == true>> [['"Pain echoes through my body..."'|password2]]<</if>>

At the stern of the ship are a line of men with long, complicated metal tools in their hands. Something like metal detectors with drills attached. A thin tube snakes from the tool into metallilc backpacks strapped to each of the men. Past the men, leaning over the side of the ship, is Vera. A lone computer screen lays at her feet, shattered. [[Ask the men what they're doing|mining dreams]] <<if $knownVera2 == true>>[[Talk to Vera|Vera airship2]]<<else>>[[Talk to Vera|Vera airship]]<</if>> [[Return|Airship Deck]]

Deep inside the Airship, He finds the Exhaust Room. It's a small space, isolated far away from the rest of the ship. A man is crumpled against the wall, mumbling to himself. Beyond the man is a thick smog, seemingly hovering in place. The smog undulates in a way He finds mesmerizing. [[Enter the smog]] [[Talk to the man|Man in the Engine Room]] [[Return|Airship Deck]]

He pushes His way into the smog. Surprisingly, it doesn't affect His breathing. As He wades further in, He finds a small clearing in the smog's center. Iliza stands there with an intoxicated expression on her face. [[Talk to Iliza|Iliza in the mist]] [[Return|Airship Deck]]

He kneels by the slouched man. He tries to make out the man's words but finds them unintelligible. [['"What's wrong?"'|whats wrong man]] [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

He approaches the dazed Iliza. Her eyes flit towards Him, though they can't seem to bring Him into focus. "?time" Iliza mumbles. [['"Are you okay?"'|Iliza okay]] [['"What are you talking about?"'|Iliza what are you talking]]

<<timedinsert 1.4s>>//"I thought to invent a game of knowledge,//<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 4.2s>>// I considered how it should be done.//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 7s>>//Next I defined it, making it as you see."//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9.8s t8n>>-Nicolaus Cusanus<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 12.6s>> [[Begin|gate4-1]] <</timedinsert>>

He heads up the stairs, still seemingly lost in His own world. Luna's eyes follow Him as He saunters away. [[Head into town|Go to the city]]

"You again," ?Iliza mumbles between sips. [['"Have you seen this girl?"' (Present flyer)|Have you seen this girl? Iliza]] [[Return|At the bar]]

?Iliza grunts. "<span id="add">Iliza</span>. Not miss. Look, I'm sorry but I don't think I can help you much. Only place where you might find something is that pile of junk at the edge of town; Vera's there and she has her finger on the pulse of any oddity you can think of." [['"Junk?"'|Trash Heap?]] [['"Thank you."|Thanks Iliza]] <<addToPeople Iliza>> <<set $knownIliza1 = true>>

"Look, I'm sorry but I don't think I can help you much. Only place where you might find something is that pile of junk at the edge of town; Vera's there and she has her finger on the pulse of any oddity you can think of." [['"Junk?"'|Trash Heap?]] [['"Thank you."|Thanks Iliza]]

"Oh?" she replies, "and who's the girl?" [[(Present flyer)|Show Ciara flyer]]

He shows her the flyer of the missing girl. She holds the flyer at arm's length, studying the picture with an intense expression. "You're right, this girl looks almost exactly like me," she marvels. "It's in the jawline really." She continues to stare at the flyer, touching her own face as if touching <i>hers</i>. "Sorry bud, she's cute and all but she isn't me. And I'm pretty one of a kind. Don't know where you'd find someone else who looks this marvelous." [[(Take flyer)|groaning to Ciara]]

Groaning, He takes the flyer back. [['"Who are you then?"'|Ciara who]]

The girl lets out a strange laugh. "My name's <span id="add">Ciara</span>." <<addToPeople Ciara>><<set $knownCiara0 = true>> She looks out at the gaping maw of the Mine. Her gaze seems distant. [[Leave|Ciara wait]]

Suddenly, Ciara's gaze snaps to Him. "Hold on." He pauses. Ciara leaps to her feet and takes His head into her hands. She presses their foreheads together, applying an uncomfortable amount of pressure. [['"Can you not?"'|Ciara stop]] [['"What are you doing?"'|Ciara stop]]

Ciara releases Him. "I just got a feeling from you." Her gaze returns to the Mine. "I think I might be able to help you find your little friend. Your next step is at the bottom of the Mine, isn't it? You thought about jumping in, didn't you?" [[(Nod)|Ciara stop2]]

Ciara smiles. "When you're ready, the Mine will be waiting." Ciara returns to her chair with a quiet, self-assured laugh. [[Return|Visit Mine]]

"Oh, her," Luna says with some displeasure. "The less stock you put into that woman's vague words the better off you'll be." [['"Where am I?"'|where airship]]

"It's...a ship. Transporting us across the skies of indecision. Though I don't know how long it'll take for us to reach our destination." [[Ask Luna to elaborate|airship elaborate]] [[To Airship Deck]]

"You know what a ship is," Luna says in an annoyed tone. "This is the next step on your staircase, so to speak. I can't tell you much more than that." [[To Airship Deck]]

He heaves Himself from the bed. Leaving Luna behind, He ventures up towards the Airship's deck. [[Continue|Airship Deck]]

He approaches the men, inquiring about the devices in their hands. "This airship don't run on nothing," one of the men grunts. "Someone's gotta mine the fuel. And this here's the fuel," another says, pointing at the end of his implement. The drill's quiet whirr barely reaches His ears. He leans forward and watches as the drill penetrates the clouds surrounding the airship, pistoning in and out, siphoning some liquid into the mens' backpacks. "These here are dreams," the largest of the men says. "Ship won't run without dreams." <<if $inventory.indexOf("Dreams") == -1>>[[Steal dreams]]<</if>> [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

The golden markings appear to be the characters of some foreign language. They are engraved deep into the door's frame, their golden color dimmed by the erosion of time. [[Return|Door of Realization]]

"Go on," the voice says. [['"Rubber boundaries strechted thin..."'|password3]] [['"The drip drip of a cavernous maw..."'|password3]] [['"The buffer of time can only heal..."'|password3]]<<if $drugMadness == true>> [['"Or maybe my mind fragments..."'|password3]]<</if>>

"Almost there," the voice says, a gentle pleasure tempering their cadence. [['"The ends of a smile prove that it's finite."'|passwordSolved]] [['"My joy abounds; would you care to share it?"'|passwordSolved]] [['"And now the warmth radiates. It's my fault."'|passwordSolved]]<<if $drugMadness == true>> [['"But it doesn't matter, does it?"'|passwordSolved]]<</if>>

"Well that really sums it up," the voice says. "Hold on." Heavy clanking noises echo from beyond the door. [[Wait.|doorReal2]]

A loud crank sends a vibration through the floor. [[Wait.|doorReal3]]

Something heavy falls to the ground with a deafening thud. "Hold on," the voice says. [[Wait.|doorReal4]]

Silence. "I can't get it open," the voice mutters. "Never seen it this stuck before. Look, there's some friction on this side, I need something to slicken this thing up."<<set $doorStuck = true>> <<if $inventory.indexOf("Beer") != -1>> [[Use bottle of beer]]<br \><</if>><<if $inventory.indexOf("Dreams") != -1>> [[Use siphoned dreams]]<br \><</if>>[[Back|Door of Realization]]

He takes the bottle of beer and pours it along the seam of the door. The moisture from the beer provides just enough lubrication to free it from the doorframe.<<set $realizationUnlocked = true>><<removeFromInv Beer>> [[Open the Door of Realization]]

"You find a way to get this thing loose?" the voice asks. <<if $inventory.indexOf("Beer") != -1>>[[Use bottle of beer]]<br \><</if>><<if $inventory.indexOf("Dreams") != -1>> [[Use siphoned dreams]]<br \><</if>>[[Back|Door of Realization]]

He takes the strand of dreams and presses it against the seam of the door. The dreams seem to melt into the frame. He presses His palm against the door as a test; the door gives to the gentlest push.<<set $realizationUnlocked = true>><<removeFromInv Dreams>> [[Open the Door of Realization]]

The Door of Realization creaks open, inch by inch. Inside is a pulsating yellow machine with various tubes snaking across the room, extending into the ceililng. Ciara is sitting next to the strange machine, her face twisted into a grimace. "Curmedgeonly she says," Ciara whispers. [['"What is this place?"'|what is the realization]]

Ciara starts, "This is the Place of Realization. And this here machine is the Realization Engine. Everything that passes through the Airship is processed through this Engine. Pretty to look at, no?" The Engine sparks, causing Ciara to jump. [['"Is there something wrong with it?"'|whats wrong with the engine]]

"It's missing something," Ciara says. "An essence of sorts. Human energy. It's been sparking for who knows how long now." [['"Can it be fixed?"'|can i fix it]] [['"Human energy?"'|human energy]]

"It can be fixed, yes. If you manage to find some human essence somewhere on the ship then I could funnel that into the machine and top it off," Ciara says. [['"What is this human essence?"'|human energy]]

"Well every human being has an essence in them. This machine just needs one more. A special one," Ciara says with an air of wonder. [['"Would my essence work?"']]

Ciara laughs. "Strictly speaking no. Your essence is a bit...lacking. You won't get anywhere giving it up like that. No, this machine needs something with more of a...feminine touch. If you're feeling lazy you could use <i>my</i> essence but I think you should at least try to find some elsewhere." [['"Why can't I just use yours?"'|using ciaras]] [[Back|Place of Realization]]

"Like I said, you can," Ciara says. "But the results wouldn't exactly be optimal. If you find other essences unsatisfying then by all means, I'll offer myself." [[Return|Place of Realization]]

<b>Luna's Essence</b> A pale orange light. It is the human essence of Luna. <<back>>

<b>Vera's Essence</b> A bright green light. It is the human essence of Vera. <<back>>

<b>Iliza's Essence</b> A vibrant purple light. It is the human essence of Iliza. <<back>>

He approaches one of the men. Their backs remain turned to Him all the while. He presses His hand against one of their backpacks. His hand phases through it, allowing Him to touch the milky essence in the backpack. He yanks His hand backwards, pulling a strand of <span id="add">dreams</span> with Him.<<addToInv Dreams>> [[Return|Visit the Stern]]<<set $voidLevel += 1>>

<b>Dreams</b> A thin, white strand of ethereal energy. It is slick to the touch. <<back>>

"Okay..? A weird question to ask I think," Iliza says, still in a daze. [[Try to pull Iliza out of smog]] [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

Iliza's head turns towards His direction but she is eminently incapable of bringing making direct eye contact. "You again," she whispers. Her voice is as faint as the flap of a butterfly's wings. [[Attempt to help her|help Iliza]] [[Try to pull Iliza out of smog]] [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

The man eyes glaze over. Strangely, this seems to give the man a sense of lucidity. "It's all that smog. It's...addicting," the man says, gasping for breath between words. "I could lay here all day. In fact, I want to. I never want to leave the comfort of this floor. This wall. This ship. Why leave? It's warm. Like a hug from someone you love. Know the feelng? It's just—" The man's head rolls back and he returns to mumbling. [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

"You want something?" Iliza asks. Her words are stunted, coming out in a staccato. [['"You need to get out of this place."'|get out of smog]]<<if $realizationUnlocked == true>> [['"I need your essence."'|iliza essence]]<</if>> [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

He rests His hands on her shoulders and gently pulls. She resists. He pulls harder, tightening His grip. Finally, He attempts to yank her from the smog. "NO!" Iliza screams as she beats away at His arms. He releases His hold on her and she steadies herself and takes another inhale of the surrounding smog. [[Try to help Iliza|help Iliza]] [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

"Need, maybe, no, maybe not, should I, no," Iliza stutters. "I can't leave." [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

"Oh," Iliza says with a lurid smile. "That's what you came here for." She steps towards Him on unsteady feet. He stays perfectly still as her hand draws close to His face. "My essence?" [['"Yes. I need it."'|iliza essence2]] [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

"You think a man like yourself deserves my essence?" she asks. Her voice is clear, unlike her initial mumblings. Her face nears His, her hand caressing His cheek. [['"Of course. I need you to give it to me."'|iliza essence2-1]] [['"Maybe not deserve. But I do need it."'|iliza essence2-2]]

"Such a strange man you are. Well if it's my essence you're after..." Iliza's face is an inch from His. Her eyes are clearer than ever before, seeming to peer at His soul. He feels Iliza's <span id="add">essence</span> draining from her.<<addToInv "Iliza's Essence">> Her hand falls from His face. [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

"Oh? Honesty? Are are you only pretending to be honest? If you're not honest with yourself, you'll never trust a single person you meet." Iliza's hand migrates from His cheek to His forehead. She presses hard; He feels Iliza's <span id="add">essence</span> draining from her.<<addToInv "Iliza's Essence">> Her hand falls from His face. [[Return|Visit the Exhaust]]

"Oh, it's you," Vera says as He approaches.<<set $knownVera2 = true>> [['"How did you get here?"'|Vera what are u doing here]] [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

"You again," Vera says. [['"I need your pills."'|Vera storeopen]]<<if $realizationUnlocked == true and $inventory.indexOf("Vera's Essence") == -1>> [['"I need your essence."'|vera essence]]<</if>> [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

Vera stares out past the ship and answers, "Everythin' went boom. Whole town I guess. My old space is all gone. Just got this thing now." She kicks at the monitor by her feet. [['"I\'m sorry to hear that."'|Vera sorry]]<<if $realizationUnlocked == true and $inventory.indexOf("Vera's Essence") == -1>> [['"I need your essence."'|vera essence]]<</if>> [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

"Ah, don't be sorry. Wasn't your fault was it? Things just happen sometimes." Despite her words, a look of despondent melancholy is clear on Vera's face. [['"Still got those pills?"'|Vera storeopen]] [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

"Essence? What are you on about?" Vera asks. [['"There\'s an Engine below deck and it needs essence to run."'|vera essence2-1]] [['"I just need it."'|vera essence2-2]] [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

<<if $haveJoy == true and $haveMadness == true and $haveIsolation == true and $haveJealousy == true>>"I already gave you everything I got. Sorry bud," Vera says. <<if $progress == 2>>[[Return|Visit the Stern]]<<elseif $progress == 3>>[[Return|Stage right]]<</if>><<else>>"Hello," Vera says. "Got something for me?" <<if $haveJoy == false>> [['"I need some Joy."'|I need some Joy2]]<</if>><<if $haveMadness == false>> [['"I need some Madness."'|I need some Madness2]]<</if>><<if $haveIsolation == false>> [['"I need some Isolation."'|I need some Isolation2]]<</if>><<if $haveJealousy == false>> [['"I need some Jealousy."'|I need some Jealousy2]]<</if>> <<if $progress == 2>>[[Return|Visit the Stern]]<<elseif $progress == 3>>[[Return|Stage right]]<</if>><</if>>

"Ha...of course," Vera says, disappointment clear in her words. "I got your pills." [[Look at pills|Vera store]] [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

"That's the ticket," Vera says, taking the phone with glee. She slides her finger all across the screen, feelings its cracks and contours. "This will do nicely. And here's your <span id="add">Madness</span>." [[Return|Vera store]]<<addToInv Madness>><<removeFromInv Phone>><<set $haveMadness = true>>

"<i>Need</i> is an interesting word to use," Vera says. "Let me tell ya a story. A long time ago, I was dating someone. They could shift into this amorphous smog and they'd fill my lungs. I loved the feeling of sucking them down, feeling their overwhelming presence dry out my throat. Weird, huh? Anyway, I don't talk to them anymore. But I'd love it if I could feel that sensation again. Think you could help me with that?" <<if $inventory.indexOf("Cigarettes") != -1>>[[Give Vera cigarettes2]]<br \><</if>>[[Return|Vera store]] <<set $knownVera7 = true>>

"Holy cow, I never would've guessed," Vera says. She pops open the box of cigarettes and pulls one out. She takes a lighter from her bag and lights the cigarette. She takes a deep pull, letting the smoke slowly waft out from her mouth. "That takes me back. Big time. Anyway, thank you. Here's some <span id="add">Jealousy</span> for ya." [[Return|Vera store]]<<addToInv Jealousy>><<removeFromInv Cigarettes>><<set $haveJealousy = true>>

"Thanks," Vera says. She takes the beer from Him and pulls a bar key from her bag. She pops open the bottle and downs the beer in a single swig. "Refreshing. Anyway, here's some <span id="add">Isolation</span> for ya." [[Return|Vera store]]<<addToInv Isolation>><<removeFromInv Beer>><<set $haveIsolation = true>>

"Thanks," Vera says. She takes the ball from Him and lightly tosses it in the air. Satisfied with its quality, Vera tucks the ball away in her bag. "Some <span id="add">Joy</span> for ya." [[Return|Vera store]]<<addToInv Joy>><<removeFromInv Ball>><<set $haveJoy = true>>

"Engine huh?" Vera asks wistfully. "Well, it's not like I have anything to lose. Got nothing up here any how. Do what you need to do." [['"Thank you."'|vera essenceAcquire]] [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

"You've gotta explain a least a little of what you're talking about. Cuz right now you're talking nonsense to me." [['"There\'s an Engine below deck and it needs essence to run."'|vera essence2-1]] [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

He presses His hand against Vera's cheek. She yelps in response but doesn't protest. He can feel her <span id="add">essence</span> draining from her.<<addToInv "Vera's Essence">> [[Return|Visit the Stern]]

"That's the ticket," Vera says, taking the phone with glee. She slides her finger all across the screen, feelings its cracks and contours. "This will do nicely. And here's your <span id="add">Madness</span>." [[Return|Trash Heap Hub]]<<addToInv Madness>><<removeFromInv Phone>><<set $haveMadness = true>>

<b>Phone</b> A broken smartphone. A spiderweb of cracks cover its screen. <<back>>

He enters the bedroom. It's sparse, save for some "questionable" tools strapped to the side of a queen-sized bed. <<if $inventory.indexOf("Phone")==-1>> [[Check beneath bed]]<</if>> [[Return|The Void]]

His crouches down and reaches His hand beneath the bed. He fumbles around for several seconds before His fingers find a sleek yet broken <span id="add">smartphone</span>. <<addToInv Phone>> [[Return|The Void]]

"Man of the hour. Human of detestable crimes. How are things going?" [['"What's with this Airship?"'|Luna airship explanation]] [['"Detestable crimes?"'|detestable crimes]]<<if $realizationUnlocked == true and $inventory.indexOf("Luna's Essence") == -1>> [['"I need your essence."'|luna essence]]<</if>> [[Return|Place of Realization]]

He can make out Luna rolling her eyes beneath her shawl. "I told you. This is a ship flying through the skies of indecision. The air of possibility. A blue landscape awash with clouds formed from the dreams of men. It runs on those dreams. An oneiric paysage, to use those <i>words</i> you're so proud of. The sails billow on the whims of the individual and the many." [[Return|Place of Realization]]

"Would you disagree? Perhaps if you're used to the unnatural, a natural action feels without consequence. But believe me, even if the consequence isn't understood, it <i>is</i> realized." [[Return|Place of Realization]]

"Ah yes," Luna says. "I was wondering when you'd ask me about that. If you need it, I'll give it to you." [['"Thank you."|luna essence2]] [[Return|Place of Realization]]

"Hold up," Luna says. "You're not passing through this that easily. Given your nature, it's only right I be given something in exchange. If you want my essence, I'll need something from you. I hope you have it. That little toy you had before." <<if $inventory.indexOf("Ball")!=-1>>[[Give Luna the ball]]<<else>>[['"I don\'t have it."'|luna noball]]<</if>> [[Return|Place of Realization]]

Luna takes the ball and gives it a once over. "That'll do. Hold still." Luna steps forward and gently lifts her shawl, revealing a small mark on her forehead. She presses her forehead against His. He feels her <span id="add">essence</span> draining. [[Return|Place of Realization]]<<addToInv "Luna's Essence">><<removeFromInv Ball>>

"No? That's a shame." Luna looks away, no longer interested in Him. [[Return|Place of Realization]]

"Well, which essence do you want to use to power this thing?" Ciara asks. <<if $inventory.indexOf("Luna's Essence") != -1>>[[Use Luna's Essence]]<</if>><<if $inventory.indexOf("Vera's Essence") != -1>> [[Use Vera's Essence]]<</if>><<if $inventory.indexOf("Iliza's Essence") != -1>> [[Use Iliza's Essence]]<</if>> [[Use Ciara's Essence]] [[Return|Place of Realization]]

"Very well," Ciara says. She stands as He hands over Luna's essence. Ciara funnels the essence into the Realization Engine and indicates for Him to sit in her wooden chair. He realizes that the chair itself is attached to the Engine. The Engine's energy shifts to a pale orange color. "Ready when you are," Ciara says. [[Enter the Realization Engine]]<<removeFromInv "Luna's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Vera's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Iliza's Essence">>

"Very well," Ciara says. She stands as He hands over Vera's essence. Ciara funnels the essence into the Realization Engine and indicates for Him to sit in her wooden chair. He realizes that the chair itself is attached to the Engine. The Engine's energy shifts to a bright green color. "Ready when you are," Ciara says. [[Enter the Realization Engine]]<<removeFromInv "Luna's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Vera's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Iliza's Essence">>

"Very well," Ciara says. She stands as He hands over Iliza's essence. Ciara funnels the essence into the Realization Engine and indicates for Him to sit in her wooden chair. He realizes that the chair itself is attached to the Engine. The Engine's energy shifts to a vibrant purple color. "Ready when you are," Ciara says. [[Enter the Realization Engine]]<<removeFromInv "Luna's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Vera's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Iliza's Essence">>

"Very well," Ciara says. She stands and indicates for Him to sit in her wooden chair. He realizes that the chair itself is attached to the Engine. Ciara moves towards the Engine and presses her palms against it. Color drains from her skin and the Engine absorbs her essence. The Engine's bright yellow energy intensifies. "Ready when you are," Ciara pants. [[Enter the Realization Engine]]<<removeFromInv "Luna's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Vera's Essence">><<removeFromInv "Iliza's Essence">>

"You..." Vera mutters. <<reviselink vera '"What is it"?'>><br \><<revision vera>><<becomes>>'"Do you want to know more about Alice?"' [['"Yes."'|vera alice]]<</revision>> [['"Where are we?"'|vera stage where]] [['"I need your pills."'|vera stage pills]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

"<<reviselink veraStage 'I don\'t know. A stage.'>><<revision veraStage>>" Vera stares, forlorn, at a small shard of glass at her feet; the last remnants of the pile of refuse and monitors she once called home. [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]<<becomes>>This is the point of separation between actor and audience. There are four walls to the stage you know?" Vera claims. [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]<</revision>>

"Always with the pills," Vera says. "I'm starting to regret telling you about those. But hey, you've got things I want, I've got things you want. You want ot take a look?" [['"Yes."'|Vera store]] [['"Nevermind."'|Stage right]]

Beneath the stage, He finds Iliza locked in a holding cell. One of her legs is chained to the wall; there's just enough give in the chain for her to move around but not enough for her to leave. [['"Iliza?"'|iliza stage]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

Iliza's face lights up. "You! Come here!" [[Step forward|iliza stage2]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

"I'm happy to see you. It's so empty down here. It's lacking. That smog from before, that intoxcating feeling it gave me; It's all gone." Iliza nears the bars of her cell in tandem with Him. Her face approaches His. "I can smell it on you. It's on your breath. That same intoxicating smell. Come, come closer." [['"Okay."'|iliza closer]] [['"No."'|iliza further]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

Iliza's chin tremlbes as He nears, her mouth taking in whatever fading remnant of the Airship's fog remains on His breath. <<reviselink please '"P–Perfect...please..."'>><<revision please>> Iliza stutters as she stretches the chain attaching her to the wall as far as she can. Even with her restraits, her mouth almost presses against His. <<becomes>>She backs away from Him, a feeling of absolute contentment evident on her face. She licks her lips and asks, "Do you want to know about that girl from earlier? Alice?" [['"Yes."'|i want alice]]<</revision>> [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

A sharp gasp escapes Iliza's lips as He backs away from her. "Suit yourself," she says in an exagerrated drawl. [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

"She's a fantasy isn't she? Or a demon. One of the two. Either way, there's something extremely potent about her. We are all actors upon this stage but she is the audience. If I were you I'd ensure she sees the show." [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]<<set $knownAlice2 = true>>

"<i>Alice</i>," Vera starts. "That's what you're thinking about isn't it? <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>? She does remind me of that. I get the feeling she's been on this stage for a long time now. As to why, I couldn't tell you." [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]<<set $knownAlice3 = true>>

All sources of light seem to out simultaneously. He finds himself on the Stage again, with Luna and Alice in front of Him. He tries to find it in Himself to move but fails. Between the cracks of the Stage's floor rises a solitary daffodil. A moment passes and another daffodil follows. A moment passes. A bed of yellow pushes its way upwards, rising ever-higher until each flower is eye-level. Luna smiles. He smiles back. Luna nears Him and whispers in His ear, "I'm proud of you." A small shudder spreads throughout His body. She continues, "And I'm worried. Helping this girl is the <span id="important">last thing you'll ever really do</span>. Can you accept that?" [['"Yes."'|Help the Girl]]

Luna's lips tighten. "If you mean that then I have a request for you. You have to relinquish whatever it is that you've been using to impose your will upon us. Whatever it is, you have to give it up. You're not getting any closer to her if you don't." [[Acquiesce|Alice to the End]]

"My favorite soul has come again. I shouldn't be surprised that you wound up here. Well, perhaps there was nowhere else you could have arrived regardless. You and me. You and her. Well, it's all come to a head on the world stage and though this isn't so lacking in authenticity. You're putting on the airs we breathe now, aren't you? <<reviselink ahead 'Go ahead. I wont stop you.'>><<revision ahead>><<becomes>>There's nothing I can tell you that you don't already know, she's a puppet on your own string after all.<</revision>>" <<revision ahead>><<becomes>> [['"That\'s all you have to say?"'|ciara stage2]]<</revision>> [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

"Such a tone you have now," Ciara says. "Tell you what. Come over here and I can help you." [[Step forward|ciara stage3]] [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]

As soon as He approaches, Ciara presses an idle hand against His chest. "Do you feel that? My hand? I'm sure you think you do. But do you feel my hand? Or do you feel the cloth separating my hand from your skin? If you had to pick one or the other, which do you feel?" [['"Your hand."'|ciara stage4]] [['"The cloth."'|ciara stage4-2]]

Ciara withdraws her hand passes it through her hair. "So you feel me. I don't know whether to call that honesty or naivete. Well regardless, that girl is the culmination of your understanding. Go back beneath the stage and reflection will make itself known. Though, in a way, I'm a reflection of what you're looking for, aren't I? To your "Frau Eva." Oh I know that's not her name. But she serves the role well, wouldn't you say?" [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]<<set $knownAlice4 = true>>

Ciara withdraws her hand and holds it up in front of her. "So you feel the thing that separates us. I wonder what that reflects about you. We're never really touching each other are we? On an anatomical level. Yet that's where I feel your influence the most. Head beneath the stage and you may find that what separates you from the wider audience is less tangible than it first seems." [[Return to the Stage|The Stage]]<<set $knownAlice4 = true>>

"I didn't ask you to do this. Put up those flyers, take up this search. I know where I've been. And you didn't need to know." [["Of course I needed to know. I don\'t do as well without you."'|K convoBranch 2-1-1]]

?K lets out an exasperated sigh. "Then what was it all for? Because it wasn't for me. Your faux-redemption arc is more self-serving than anything else. There's a point where a release has to be made and you've been steadfast in refusing that." [[(Silence)|K convoBranch 2-1-1-3]]

?K continues. "I'm happy now? Understand? In a better place. You need to get there too. Not to where I am. But to your next step. Your own next stage. There's a bright future somewhere out there for you. But this isn't where you're going to find it. I'm begging you. Please, get out of your head." [[(Silence)|K convoFinal]]

"Forgive you? Jesus," ?K says. "And what? Forget everything? Forgive and forget? You don't udnerstand. You don't understand at all." [['"I understand enough to know the need of forgiveness."'|K convoBranch 4]]

"More of your pretensions," ?K mutters. She pauses before continuing. "I thought you had grown. I had hoped you had. But whatever it is you're trying now, it's far, far too late." [['"Wait!"'|K convoFinal]]

"This was always how it was going to turn out," ?K says. "I'm sorry. But this is for my own good. What's best for you, I can't tell you. But you won't find it in me." With that line, ?K's figure began to fade into the surrounding Void. The maze of yarn faded alongside her. He felt His eyes widen, though He couldn't percieve it through sight. For Him, everything that finally gone black. [[...|Fin]]

"For your sake, I really, really hope you're right about that." [['"All I need is your help."'|K convoFinal]]

"Then I'm sorry. For wasting your time. For making you look all over for nothing. I've always been right here. But the time now is far too late." [[(Silence)|K convoFinal]]

<<timedinsert 1.4s>>//"Detesting both, I choose neither;//<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 4.2s>>// but since I must on occasion either dream or act,//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 7s>>// I mix the two things together."//<</timedinsert>> <<timedinsert 9.8s t8n>>-Fernando Pessoa<</timedinsert>><<timedinsert 12.6s>> [[Begin|gate2-1]] <</timedinsert>>

He rips the <span id="add">flyer</span> from the maze's center.<<addToInv "Flyer for Missing Girl">> [[Leave Void|gate1]]